Costume Catastrophe

Zoe Donovan Mystery #21

by Kathi Daley

A Halloween cozy mystery that will warm your heart and keep you guessing. Buy now or read for free with Kindle Unlimited. It's Halloween in Ashton Falls and that means Haunted Hamlet and the annual haunted house. Zoe is determined not to have her plans for this annual event ruined this year especially since it is also the weekend of the big game and a lot of old friends are in town. Things look as if they are on track for a spooktacular good time, until Zoe receives a message from an anonymous source predicting a death. At first Zoe and the gang think the note is a prank until one of the friends Zoe went to high school with actually turns up dead. Once Zoe realizes the note might not be a prank, she sets out on a race against time before someone else dies.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Halloween, Holiday, Cozy, Romance

181 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 3, 2016

About the author

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home.
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.

Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).

Reviews

[Kylie D · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's Halloween in Ashton Falls, where Zoe Donovan is getting ready for the holiday with her family and friends. However, Joey, an old school buddy, soon winds up dead, and our amateur sleuth is on the case! Soon sinister letters start turning up, warning of another death, so Zoe finds herself in a race against time to stop a further tragedy.

A fun little cozy, I found this one a quick, lighthearted read. Being number 21 in the series it does assume the reader knows the characters. Being new to it I would have appreciated a bit of background, but I still enjoyed it.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted House Mystery

I love how well layered Kathi's mysteries are, you always start and end with a wonderful sense of all the characters, both good and bad. In this 21st installment Zoe does her best to me this years Haunted House go off without a hitch, but alas it is not to be. Zoe has to juggle solving murder, keeping a secret, and helping a friend while she goes about her day to day life. I can say I was guessing up until the end and had some important questions answered from her previous book that I couldn't wait to find out about!!!

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this Zoe Donovan Mystery, Ellie and Levis's relationship changes. Zoe finds herself immersed in a new murder mystery, and the family and friends celebrate at Halloween. Great, clean cozy mystery.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe-rrific!

Halloween in Ashton Falls brings about cooler weather, changing colors of the deciduous trees, and hopes that the past problems (OK, murders) with the annual haunted house are just that…in the past. But a mysterious note meant for Zoe indicates there may be trouble again in Ashton Falls, “One has died; others will follow unless you can stop it.” Is it a prank by an anxious high schooler who knows Zoe has a penchant for murder investigations? Or is there another ‘dead’ end to the annual Halloween Hamlet?

The note is more than a prank when a dead body shows up at the site of the haunted house…again. Zoe is once more compelled to take up the investigation; the note did say, “…YOU can stop it.” Many of the suspects, friends with the victim back in high school, are in town for the big football game, and with no real motives she sets out to talk to (OK, interrogate) those on her list. She discovers old time grudges with the ‘unstoppable trio,’ a witch across the river, additional cryptic notes, and a victim who several said recently had been agitated and paranoid about being followed. However, everyone seems to have a legitimate alibi, and Zoe’s Zodar is on overload.

This is the twenty-first installment in the Zoe Donovan Mystery series, and with so many adventures, this one still maintains the signature cleverness and engaging story for which Kathi Daley is known. I am a happy frequent visitor into Zoe’s and Zak’s world, but first timers will enjoy this Halloween adventure, as well.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunted house is jinxed

The electrician is found dead this time in what would have been the haunted house and he was a high school friend of Zoe and the gang so this takes a more personal note.
Zoe starts receiving mysterious notes warning her more deaths are to come.

There are some great twists to the storylines which I really liked.
The characters, as always are perfect, especially when I start talking to them like they are real people. I just wished Ellie would have told Levi sooner about her pregnancy, got a little tired of hand on belly and I would have liked to have found out which team won the big game. I know, picky but that's just me.

I also had trouble getting my book for some reason. Amazon said it was delivered at 12:01 but couldn't open till later in day then I had trouble posting my review. Review Paige didn't show up til 8/16/2016. Go figure.

[Penny Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Costume Catastrophe is another winner for Kathi Daley. I love this series and all of the characters. Zak and Zoe are so sweet to each other and how they love their blended family and school. They are dedicated to everything they do, especially at Halloween. This is Zak's favorite time of year and it always shows. I think he has ever Halloween decoration made. LOL
Haunted Hamlet and the haunted house are traditions in Ashton Falls but this year there is the big game happening. This means that a lot of people who haven't been to Ashton Falls in a while will be here. Everything is going great until Zoe gets a cryptic message that starts an investigation that could derail everything this year.
Again, Kathi has done it with mystery, adventure,murder, and of course a little romance. Can't wait for the next installment of Zak, Zoe and the gang.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great adventure in Ashton Falls. As the gang gets ready for Halloween, and the Haunted Hamlet, Zoe worries about Ellie and keeping her secret. Then there's a murder in town, and Zoe is once again thrust into the middle of the investigation.

I love the detail Kathi goes into about the preparations for the festival and the decorating that individual characters are doing at their homes and/or businesses. The level of excitement that builds around the big game is something that I can definitely relate to personally.

Once again, Kathi keeps us guessing with the murder mystery until the very end, and then wraps it all up in a very believable manner. There are several surprises throughout the book, and I can't wait for the next installment to see how things are going to go.

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, the latest book in the Zoe Donovan series is another winner and offers a little bit of everything you would want in a cozy mystery and then some -- such as murder, mystery, strange notes, secrets, grudges, Halloween traditions, romance, and adventure. Reading and finding more about the characters we have all come to love if you are Zoe Donovan fan is always a treat and something I look forward to in the next installment, and Kathi Daley didn't disappoint. Each of the books in the series can be read as a stand alone but I truly recommend you read them all -- they are great cozy mysteries and you will be able to get to really know the characters and the community in this awesome series. I highly recommend this series and author to all.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

COSTUME CATASTROPHE is a fun story with good Halloween ambiance, great characters, and some unexpected twists in the plot! If you haven’t read any of this series you’re in for a treat as this book is easily read as a standalone. The author provides just enough information so you can understand their background but not so much that it confuses the story. If you have followed Zoe and Zak through the series then you will appreciate what wonderful characters they are! One of the things that stands out to me is that Zoe and Zak are simply very nice people. They’re the kind of people you’d want to have as your friends…other than a murder always taking place around them

[Star ☔️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fun to revisit with Zoe, Zak, and their friends and family in Ashton Falls. The Halloween feel throughout the novel was fun and spooky. I was very intrigued by the mysterious notes Zoe was receiving. The relationship with Levi and Ellie is evolving. The creepy lady in the cabin was an interesting character. As usual Kathi Daley leaves you with a warm and cozy feeling at the end of this mystery. This is a great book to add to your Halloween library if you love cozy mysteries.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this family.

Always love Kathi Daley's books. This is a great series. I love the characters and how they fit together. The story flows well and there was a little twist I didn't see coming. You have animals, kids, love and some tension....what's not to love?

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't put them down!

I've hooked on this series today. I fell behind with some of the books so I'm catching up today.
Levi & Ellie are having a baby! This series is so easy to read, the characters feel so real and I love Zoe & Zak

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited liked it but didn't love it hence 4 stars. Wasn't anything stupid such as typos or anything like that, just didn't love this.

Halloween Hijinks Anniversary Edition (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 1) * - The Trouble with Turkeys (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 2) * - Christmas Crazy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 3) * - Cupids Curse (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 4) - Big Bunny Bump Off (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 5) * - Beach Blanket Barbie (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 6) * Maui Madness (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 7) - Derby Divas (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 8) - Haunted Hamlet (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 9) - Turkeys, Tuxes, and Tabbies (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 10) - Christmas Cozy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 11) - Alaskan Alliance (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 12) - Matrimony Meltdown (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 13) - Soul Surrender (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 14) - Heavenly Honeymoon (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 15) - Hopscotch Homicide (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 16) - Ghostly Graveyard (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 17) - Santa Sleuth (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 18) - Shamrock Shenanigans (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 19) - Kitten Kaboodle (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 20) - Costume Catastrophe (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 21) - Candy Cane Caper (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 22) - Holiday Hangover (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 23) - Easter Escapade (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery 24) {pre-order at this time}
Spin off from Zoe Donovan series Zimmerman Academy. *means NOT ku

Whales and Tails Mystery
Romeow and Juliet (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 1) - The Mad Catter (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 2) - Grimm's Furry Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 3) - Much Ado About Felines (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 4) - The Legend of Tabby Hollow (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 5) - The Cat of Christmas Past (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 6) - A Tale of Two Tabbies (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 7) - The Great Catsby (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 8) - Count Catula (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 9) - The Cat of Christmas Present (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 10) - A Winter's Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 11)

Murder at Dolphin Bay (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 1) - Murder at Sunrise (A Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 2) - Murder at the Witching Hour (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #3) - Murder at Christmas (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #4)

Zoe Donovan, Whales and Tails, Sand and Sea, others, check out amazon page

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back to Halloween again in Ashton Falls, will the town eventually have a Haunted House, the past 3 years a murder has been committed in the house cancelling that part of the event.

When Zoe receives an anonymous note stating someone is going to die, and that she holds the power to prevent a second death, most of her friends and family think it's a hoax, but she's not so sure. When a body is found, she's in a race to find out what's happening and why. Ellie finds she's running out of time to share her secret with the town.

A must read cozy mystery series which is so hard to put down, easily read in a few hours, each book is a standalone story, with the whole story of the town emerging over all the books. Best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.

[Ilene G> · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery with a Hallowe'en theme.

I like the mystery. There are plenty of suspects and surprises. Parts of the story are whimsical. I like Zoe and Zak. They run a school academy. Zoe helps with the injured wildlife. They have two children living with them.. Since this is the first of these books I have read, I do not know if they are foster children. Zoe and Ask are in charge of the haunted house display in the town. I love Zak's enthusiasm for Hallowe'en decorating. Recipes for some of the food mentioned are included at the end of the book.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot believe this is the 21st book in the Zoe Donavon series! This mystery is set during the Halloween season ---spooky, but not scary. I love how well Kathi Daley fleshes out her characters, they honestly feel like real people.
Zoe is tied up in more secrets, and another murder, while trying to have a smooth start for this years haunted house off. That is not to be! Not only is there a good twisty mystery, excellent interactions with our character friends, and all the spooky vibes of the season---some threads from the previous book are tied! Don't miss this one.

[Celest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is she a witch or a psychic?

Halloween is always a time to solve a murder for Zoe. Is there going to be a haunted house this year? Zoe continues with the plans, Zak continues with his customary overkill Halloween decorating, and someone finds time for murder. I love the anonymous notes, they add an element of mystery beyond the who dun it. Some surprises to top it off makes a fun read.

[Patricia H. Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Murder and an Attempted Murder

Did the murder of Joey and the shooting of Tommy have to do with the football trio of Joey, Tommy, and Levi when they were in high school? When Sheriff Salinger tells Zoe that two different guns were used, everything thought until then was moot. Meanwhile, Levi has figured that Ellie is pregnant with his baby. Will things turn out well and with no further injuries?

[Sally Hannoush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that Zoe has a "zodar." It always makes me smile. I skipped this book and read the next serveral after this one. I'm glad I came back and read this one because the early Elli stages. This story was a great read. It had a few twists and turns to make anyone crazy- in a good way.

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Zoe is caught up in a mystery. A friend she went to school with was murdered. This after Zoe received a note warning of a death. Can she prevent any more deaths? This book was a great joy to read. Kept me hooked throughout. Always love Zoe's stories. Highly recommend.

[Jennifer LIndsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read

This is a nice, fun book with an interesting plot which can be read in one day,even if you are a sloow reader like me! Try it, you'll like it! Next book,please? Hope it's as good as this one turned out to be.................

[Robin Resch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy (not) Halloween

Zoe and the gang can never make it through Halloween without a murder. Add one huge secret and life moving at the speed of light. Can Zoe keep it together and keep the secret?

[Ruby Gay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun reading for Halloween

I enjoyed reading this book. I didn't get the title though, has nothing to do with the content of the story. Lots of twists and turns to make this mystery a good one. Thanks for a good read.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Halloween Hamlet's attempt to have a haunted house exhibit seems doomed. Once again, a murder victim is found within the haunted house property. A twisted mystery introduces many new characters to the series. Ellie and Levi have an announcement for all.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book in the series that I read. It was a little hard to get into because I didn't know the characters but I loved getting to know them.

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 21st book in the series. There's nothing else to say. :-)

[Cathy Inboden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this series. These keep you on your toes. I sure you all will love it to.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Nice Cozy.

I loved this latest story especially Ellie and Levi's announcement.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.

[Shariw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy, fun read but keeps you guessing

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good cozy mystery.