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TJ Jensen Mystery #4
Christmas in Paradise
Christmas in Serenity is a magical time of year Tj has always looked forward to with happy anticipation. This year her holiday spirit is marred by the impending arrival of two new men in her life. When one of them ends up dead, Tj must juggle community plays, Christmas tree cuttings, sleigh rides, and holiday shopping with a complex murder investigation. As the facts begin to unravel, she realizes she may have to risk everything to save someone she loves.
Related subjects include: cozy mysteries, women sleuths, murder mystery series, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), humorous murder mysteries, book club recommendations, amateur sleuth books, small town.
Books in the Tj Jensen Mystery Series:
• PUMPKINS IN PARADISE (#1)
• SNOWMEN IN PARADISE (#2)
• BIKINIS IN PARADISE (#3)
• CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE (#4)
• PUPPIES IN PARADISE (#5)
• HALLOWEEN IN PARADISE (#6)
• TREASURE IN PARADISE (#7) April 2017
Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all…
Related subjects include: cozy mysteries, women sleuths, murder mystery series, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), humorous murder mysteries, book club recommendations, amateur sleuth books, small town.
Books in the Tj Jensen Mystery Series:
• PUMPKINS IN PARADISE (#1)
• SNOWMEN IN PARADISE (#2)
• BIKINIS IN PARADISE (#3)
• CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE (#4)
• PUPPIES IN PARADISE (#5)
• HALLOWEEN IN PARADISE (#6)
• TREASURE IN PARADISE (#7) April 2017
Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all…
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2014
587 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
479 books1,787 followersKathi 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).
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).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
March 12, 2018
The TJ Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery series is a wonderful series full of amazing characters that you wish would live in your town or were your friends and family. Even though in every book someone has to die each story is heartwarming and leaves me with a smile on my face and longing for more.
April 5, 2020
This book definitely provided the warm and fuzzy feeling that I was wanting right now, since I can always read about Christmas and really get into it. Another murder darkened the town of Serenity, and it was no surprise that TJ found the body. Since a borrowed deputy thought he had a quickly closed case when someone close to TJ confessed, she had to go against her promise and investigate anyway.
I love that this series isn't just about the murder, it's about the people that TJ loves and cares about. It was so sweet that her little sister Gracie's birth father came into her life but as a new uncle. The Christmas moments he had with the kids were adorable, and there were some sweet times with Hunter and TJ. She'd loved Hunter since high school but after a nasty break-up caused by his parents, she was a little reluctant to take back up with him. I was a little worried that there were no real suspects, but as always I was surprised by the reveal at the end. I hadn't even suspected that person and loved that since it was Christmas, TJ had been very careful and had Roy take care of her suspicions.
I know this series isn't being planned to continue, so I'll have to savor the rest of it.
I love that this series isn't just about the murder, it's about the people that TJ loves and cares about. It was so sweet that her little sister Gracie's birth father came into her life but as a new uncle. The Christmas moments he had with the kids were adorable, and there were some sweet times with Hunter and TJ. She'd loved Hunter since high school but after a nasty break-up caused by his parents, she was a little reluctant to take back up with him. I was a little worried that there were no real suspects, but as always I was surprised by the reveal at the end. I hadn't even suspected that person and loved that since it was Christmas, TJ had been very careful and had Roy take care of her suspicions.
I know this series isn't being planned to continue, so I'll have to savor the rest of it.
June 18, 2017
I really enjoy these short cozy mysteries and this one another good one!
TJ gets some news that makes her really nervous. She finds out that a man named Capt. Joseph Tanner is saying that he is Gracie's father. TJ has took over the responsibly of taking care of her two young sisters after her mother died. They are from a different marriage but her father and grandfather has opened up their home to them and made themselves a nice little family. Now this Capt. Tanner could mess it up and she doesn't know what she might do if that happened.
She doesn't have a lot of time to dwell on that because soon a dead body is found and one of the locals is accused. Dennis wasn't a fan of his mother wanting to marry Bob, so he seems like the likely suspect. Then Bonnie his mother confesses to the crime and TJ is sure she is just doing that to help out her son, so she takes it on to find out whodunit.
This series has some really great characters. I love TJ and her family and the rest of the side characters. They always have a really good mystery for being shorter listens and I find that a great quality. I must say that I didn't figure this one out before the sleuth.
TJ gets some news that makes her really nervous. She finds out that a man named Capt. Joseph Tanner is saying that he is Gracie's father. TJ has took over the responsibly of taking care of her two young sisters after her mother died. They are from a different marriage but her father and grandfather has opened up their home to them and made themselves a nice little family. Now this Capt. Tanner could mess it up and she doesn't know what she might do if that happened.
She doesn't have a lot of time to dwell on that because soon a dead body is found and one of the locals is accused. Dennis wasn't a fan of his mother wanting to marry Bob, so he seems like the likely suspect. Then Bonnie his mother confesses to the crime and TJ is sure she is just doing that to help out her son, so she takes it on to find out whodunit.
This series has some really great characters. I love TJ and her family and the rest of the side characters. They always have a really good mystery for being shorter listens and I find that a great quality. I must say that I didn't figure this one out before the sleuth.
August 29, 2014
Christmas In Paradise
Kathi Daley
A Tj Jensen Cozy Mystery
Tj Jensen and her friends return in a new mystery from Kathi Daley. As with all of this series there are several mysteries to be unraveled the major being the murder but there are several minor plot threads as well. Set in Serenity on the edge of Paradise Lake these mysteries involve Tj Jenesen and her friends. Tj is a local high school teacher and native of Serenity. Her family owns and manages a resort and she is the guardian of two younger half-sisters.
I give you that background because Tj and her interaction with her friends and family is an important facet of this series. Kathi’s books are written with a light hand and you see a main character that is coming to terms with whom she is and who she wants to be. The heroine is a rational, thinking, caring individual who approaches the mystery the same way she approaches her life.
These are clean, feel good reads. While there is a murder to be solved there is no graphic gore or violence depicted. You are guided thorough the story by Tj and these are written in a journal format that is popular with many of the cozy authors. I call these slice of life cozies. For the too brief period you are reading the book you are in the world of Tj. Indeed my only problem with the series is having to wait for the next installment.
Each of these is a complete standalone story and you don’t need to read them in order. However, I think having read one of the series you will want to read them all. Kathi writes a second series that you will enjoy as well. That is the Zoe Donovan Series. She has two new series premiering in the near future as well. If you enjoy her writing be sure to visit her web site and sign up for her newsletter. She is prone to posting some really beautiful pictures of the Lake Tahoe area.
Full Disclosure: I was given a copy of the book for a fair and honest review.
Kathi Daley
A Tj Jensen Cozy Mystery
Tj Jensen and her friends return in a new mystery from Kathi Daley. As with all of this series there are several mysteries to be unraveled the major being the murder but there are several minor plot threads as well. Set in Serenity on the edge of Paradise Lake these mysteries involve Tj Jenesen and her friends. Tj is a local high school teacher and native of Serenity. Her family owns and manages a resort and she is the guardian of two younger half-sisters.
I give you that background because Tj and her interaction with her friends and family is an important facet of this series. Kathi’s books are written with a light hand and you see a main character that is coming to terms with whom she is and who she wants to be. The heroine is a rational, thinking, caring individual who approaches the mystery the same way she approaches her life.
These are clean, feel good reads. While there is a murder to be solved there is no graphic gore or violence depicted. You are guided thorough the story by Tj and these are written in a journal format that is popular with many of the cozy authors. I call these slice of life cozies. For the too brief period you are reading the book you are in the world of Tj. Indeed my only problem with the series is having to wait for the next installment.
Each of these is a complete standalone story and you don’t need to read them in order. However, I think having read one of the series you will want to read them all. Kathi writes a second series that you will enjoy as well. That is the Zoe Donovan Series. She has two new series premiering in the near future as well. If you enjoy her writing be sure to visit her web site and sign up for her newsletter. She is prone to posting some really beautiful pictures of the Lake Tahoe area.
Full Disclosure: I was given a copy of the book for a fair and honest review.
December 28, 2018
This was my first experience with a cozy mystery and right now, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about them.
Christmas in Paradise is the fourth novel in the TJ Jensen series. I thought I would be okay jumping into this without reading the others, but once I started I wondered if I was wrong. There were a lot of characters introduced that I had to place and figure out their backstory that I think would have been a lot easier if I would have read the previous ones first, but even with that confusion it wasn't too hard to follow along and figure things out.
Other than that, it really was a cute soft little mystery, so if that is your thing I think this could be enjoyable. I tend to like things a bit on the darker side, so when the ending wrapped up I wasn't entirely satisfied with it all.
Overall, it wasn't bad. I can see myself keeping this series in mind for when I do want something a little on the lighter side of things.
Christmas in Paradise is the fourth novel in the TJ Jensen series. I thought I would be okay jumping into this without reading the others, but once I started I wondered if I was wrong. There were a lot of characters introduced that I had to place and figure out their backstory that I think would have been a lot easier if I would have read the previous ones first, but even with that confusion it wasn't too hard to follow along and figure things out.
Other than that, it really was a cute soft little mystery, so if that is your thing I think this could be enjoyable. I tend to like things a bit on the darker side, so when the ending wrapped up I wasn't entirely satisfied with it all.
Overall, it wasn't bad. I can see myself keeping this series in mind for when I do want something a little on the lighter side of things.
September 5, 2014
it's the season to be killing
This book was totally awesome! the holiday season is the most stressful time of the year and then add an murder investigation on top of it. TJ does an excellent job of not letting her personal feelings to get in the investigation. This book will have you hooked until the vary end.
This book was totally awesome! the holiday season is the most stressful time of the year and then add an murder investigation on top of it. TJ does an excellent job of not letting her personal feelings to get in the investigation. This book will have you hooked until the vary end.
February 18, 2019
As always with this series, this was a fun book. The introduction of new guy Jordan was a new twist. TJ is trying to enjoy Christmas, but someone that NOBODY likes was found murdered at Maggie's Hideaway and her best friend's husband and mother-in-law are the prime suspects. TJ tries to balance finding out who really killed the jerk with making the holiday season enjoyable for herself and her family and friends.
I really enjoy how TJ and her extended family come together. The kids are adorable and everyone enjoys spending time with each other. Even the animals are a joy to read about.
This book seemed a bit more all over the place, but anyone who knows the craziness of the holidays can understand it, so it wasn't unexpected or jarring. I also enjoyed learning a bit more about TJ's late mother and could totally feel for the slight bitterness that TJ felt when thinking about her.
I'm already starting on the next book in the series.
I really enjoy how TJ and her extended family come together. The kids are adorable and everyone enjoys spending time with each other. Even the animals are a joy to read about.
This book seemed a bit more all over the place, but anyone who knows the craziness of the holidays can understand it, so it wasn't unexpected or jarring. I also enjoyed learning a bit more about TJ's late mother and could totally feel for the slight bitterness that TJ felt when thinking about her.
I'm already starting on the next book in the series.
November 7, 2020
Actually 3.5 stars
The story of teacher/coach Tj Jensen and her family continues in Christmas in Paradise. Tj is preoccupied by meeting a man who might be her younger sister's biological father, making guardian Tj worried about losing custody. But that takes the backseat when one of their holiday guests ends up murdered at their resort.
There's an interesting twist to this mystery that I'm not going to give away, but it adds to the story. The mellow pace of the novel sometimes drags, but overall it's quite good. The added dimension of potential family problems for Tj really makes her think about being a guardian/substitute mom, and that deepens her character. Overall, it's a good book.
The story of teacher/coach Tj Jensen and her family continues in Christmas in Paradise. Tj is preoccupied by meeting a man who might be her younger sister's biological father, making guardian Tj worried about losing custody. But that takes the backseat when one of their holiday guests ends up murdered at their resort.
There's an interesting twist to this mystery that I'm not going to give away, but it adds to the story. The mellow pace of the novel sometimes drags, but overall it's quite good. The added dimension of potential family problems for Tj really makes her think about being a guardian/substitute mom, and that deepens her character. Overall, it's a good book.
January 8, 2019
This was a really good one, maybe my favorite so far in the series.
August 30, 2014
Christmas In Paradise by Kathi Daley is another great cozy mystery written by a great cozy author. When I read a cozy I’m hoping for a few things: a great mystery, a hometown setting that is steeped in tradition and characters that I can relate to. All of these things are found in any Kathi Daley book, whichever series you are reading.
Tj, her family and friends are all getting together to celebrate Thanksgiving and then get ready for Christmas. This year at Thanksgiving there are a few more added guests at the dinner table. When one of those guests end up dead, Tj must once again help in the investigation to clear her friends’ name. I don’t want to give away anymore of the plot, but let me just say that I did not figure out the killer until it was revealed at the end of the book. Besides the identity of the killer, there are a few more mysteries that need to be resolved to restore order to Tj’s life. This adds an extra layer to the story, which I like alot.
The characters continue to be well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. Each character continues to grow with each book, so even though each book can be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading them in order. With the growth and development of the characters and their relationships, the reader cannot help but be drawn in and care about what happens to them. It’s like reading about friends and neighbors.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. Kathi is is a very descriptive writer and you feel like you are right there watching the snow storm hit, listening to the carolers or enjoying the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. You get a real feel for the holiday traditions that Tj and her family and friends participate in. Makes me want to be a part of their lives. I really like that aspect of her writing.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great cozy mystery read. If you like a mystery that you cannot easily solve and characters that you want to know more about, than this book is for you. You won’t be disappointed.
Tj, her family and friends are all getting together to celebrate Thanksgiving and then get ready for Christmas. This year at Thanksgiving there are a few more added guests at the dinner table. When one of those guests end up dead, Tj must once again help in the investigation to clear her friends’ name. I don’t want to give away anymore of the plot, but let me just say that I did not figure out the killer until it was revealed at the end of the book. Besides the identity of the killer, there are a few more mysteries that need to be resolved to restore order to Tj’s life. This adds an extra layer to the story, which I like alot.
The characters continue to be well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. Each character continues to grow with each book, so even though each book can be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading them in order. With the growth and development of the characters and their relationships, the reader cannot help but be drawn in and care about what happens to them. It’s like reading about friends and neighbors.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. Kathi is is a very descriptive writer and you feel like you are right there watching the snow storm hit, listening to the carolers or enjoying the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. You get a real feel for the holiday traditions that Tj and her family and friends participate in. Makes me want to be a part of their lives. I really like that aspect of her writing.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great cozy mystery read. If you like a mystery that you cannot easily solve and characters that you want to know more about, than this book is for you. You won’t be disappointed.
August 31, 2014
ARC for Review
As the holiday season is approaching Tj is getting ready for Thanksgiving festivities. One of the guests that is invited might be the father of her half youngest sister Gracie. It seems her mother had an one night stand while married with her third husband. He is in the Navy and was shipped out the next day and never saw her again.
He received an anonymous letter stating that Gracie might be his daughter since they looked alike and gets in contact with Tj. He just wants to meet her and see if there is possibility as he promises Tj that he will not take her away from her and after the holidays he would return to his ship in the Navy.
Meantime her best friend mother in law is seeing a guy. The guy meets her friend husband the might before Thanksgiving and gets into a fight. No one seems to like the guy and things are weary through the Thanksgiving gathering.
Later that evening Tj stumbles across the body of the guy in the snow. At first her friend’s husband is arrested for the murder and then her best friend for being an accomplice as they end up locked up in jail. Then the mother who was dating the guy confesses so that her son and daughter would be release from jail. Zoe knows that none of the three would kill anyone.
As Tj unravels the mysterious past of the victims and his alias, she finds out that he knows more than just her friend mother-in-law. In the meantime, Gracie’s father is getting closer to Gracie as she fears she might lose her to him.
Who really killed the guy and what part does Gracie father want down the line? Will she ever regain what she had with Hunter?
As the holiday season is approaching Tj is getting ready for Thanksgiving festivities. One of the guests that is invited might be the father of her half youngest sister Gracie. It seems her mother had an one night stand while married with her third husband. He is in the Navy and was shipped out the next day and never saw her again.
He received an anonymous letter stating that Gracie might be his daughter since they looked alike and gets in contact with Tj. He just wants to meet her and see if there is possibility as he promises Tj that he will not take her away from her and after the holidays he would return to his ship in the Navy.
Meantime her best friend mother in law is seeing a guy. The guy meets her friend husband the might before Thanksgiving and gets into a fight. No one seems to like the guy and things are weary through the Thanksgiving gathering.
Later that evening Tj stumbles across the body of the guy in the snow. At first her friend’s husband is arrested for the murder and then her best friend for being an accomplice as they end up locked up in jail. Then the mother who was dating the guy confesses so that her son and daughter would be release from jail. Zoe knows that none of the three would kill anyone.
As Tj unravels the mysterious past of the victims and his alias, she finds out that he knows more than just her friend mother-in-law. In the meantime, Gracie’s father is getting closer to Gracie as she fears she might lose her to him.
Who really killed the guy and what part does Gracie father want down the line? Will she ever regain what she had with Hunter?
September 3, 2014
FYI: The description on this book is misleading. The victim isn't a new man in TJ's life, but the fiancé of her friend's Mother in law.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2014
Kathi's formula succeeds once again. I found myself holding my breathe at times reading this one. Despite the murders, I still wish I could move to Paradise, become one of her friends, help her with her investigations.her family and extended family (friends) all seem so full of love and kindness. And I could really use Kyle right now, to save my G.S. Camp, just like he helped Kallie.
September 1, 2014
Charming holiday mystery. The Thanksgiving dinner guest list grows, but then one guest is eliminated...by whom? Delightful return to Paradise and the great cast of characters, including Echo, the hero dog. I look forward to the next one in this series.
September 6, 2014
2014-09-05. Very good storyline. The murder had some excellent twists. The characters were great. I enjoyed "uncle" Jordan and can't wait to see where that goes. The mystery surrounding the note to him that brought him here was good as well. Very enjoyable.
December 24, 2020
From the files of 'Oldies But Goodies,' Cozy author Kathy Daley presents Christmas in Paradise, a title that sort of represents its story.
Why, you ask, did I choose this one? Because it was available from the library.
But, it was still a good read, even if I didn't have any prerequisites to my choices.
Christmas in Paradise: A TJ Jensen Mystery, (Book 4) introduces a few new characters into the life of small-town Serenity's TJ Jensen.
Jensen, a high school teacher, and ski coach is the older sister and caretaker to her two younger half-siblings, abandoned after their promiscuous mother dies. She has a 'kinda' boyfriend, Hunter, and swears she won't get involved in sleuthing around in her small town's digs.
It's been a few years now that TJ and her extended family have raised the two younger girls, but life is about to change when a man, who claims to be her youngest sister's father arrives for the Christmas holiday. Add to that, a murder, and you get the makings for yet another cozy mystery holiday series entry.
Christmas in Paradise was a fun read full of romantic things like sleigh rides in the snow and holiday caroling - something I've never done.
Oh, wait. I did go caroling in Girl Scouts one year. But I stood at the back and lipped the words because my singing voice is like lying underneath a three-ton boulder and trying to stay on tune. See, I don't even know the right term to describe myself.
But murder is murder, and as all cozy mystery authors will agree, they are the main point of the story.
This 2014 release is certainly as entertaining six years later as it was when published and gave me a reason not to think about the things that bothered me at the time.
All in all, Christmas in Paradise gets a 5-star rating because I ALWAYS rate my reviews as 5-star. I'm not stupid. I understand how this industry works.
ml@michellelovato.com BoutiqueBooks@hotmail.com
Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2
Why, you ask, did I choose this one? Because it was available from the library.
But, it was still a good read, even if I didn't have any prerequisites to my choices.
Christmas in Paradise: A TJ Jensen Mystery, (Book 4) introduces a few new characters into the life of small-town Serenity's TJ Jensen.
Jensen, a high school teacher, and ski coach is the older sister and caretaker to her two younger half-siblings, abandoned after their promiscuous mother dies. She has a 'kinda' boyfriend, Hunter, and swears she won't get involved in sleuthing around in her small town's digs.
It's been a few years now that TJ and her extended family have raised the two younger girls, but life is about to change when a man, who claims to be her youngest sister's father arrives for the Christmas holiday. Add to that, a murder, and you get the makings for yet another cozy mystery holiday series entry.
Christmas in Paradise was a fun read full of romantic things like sleigh rides in the snow and holiday caroling - something I've never done.
Oh, wait. I did go caroling in Girl Scouts one year. But I stood at the back and lipped the words because my singing voice is like lying underneath a three-ton boulder and trying to stay on tune. See, I don't even know the right term to describe myself.
But murder is murder, and as all cozy mystery authors will agree, they are the main point of the story.
This 2014 release is certainly as entertaining six years later as it was when published and gave me a reason not to think about the things that bothered me at the time.
All in all, Christmas in Paradise gets a 5-star rating because I ALWAYS rate my reviews as 5-star. I'm not stupid. I understand how this industry works.
ml@michellelovato.com BoutiqueBooks@hotmail.com
Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2
March 18, 2024
I know it not Christmas time but as it was next in the series I thought I would listen to it. So glad I did because it carries on from the previous book, with TJ worried over her step sisters father coming in to her life, to be honest it was a while ago I listened to the previous book and I forgot she received the letter that had her so worried. It was nice to find out what it was all about. I love the way the author combines the mystery with all the town and family drama. There is always something going on to keep it entertaining and sweet. I just love this family and all the extended family. The mystery was unusual but cleverly done and although it did feel a bit rushed at the end I still enjoyed it. Off to start the next book.
With Christmas right around the corner the lodge has fewer guests but is kept just as busy. For Tj she has the worry of what her step sister wants from the young girl. Does he want to claim her? Her best
friend also has the worry of her husband's mother bringing her new fiancee to the celebrations. Who nobody seems to like on sight. Then he is found dead and the number one suspect is Tj best friends husband, until his mother confesses. Not wanting to see any of her friends going to jail, Tj looks into the dead man's last to find the killer. Will she be able to find the truth before Santa arrivies?
I like the narrator. She changed here voice to make each character sound different as well as makes it entertaining.
With Christmas right around the corner the lodge has fewer guests but is kept just as busy. For Tj she has the worry of what her step sister wants from the young girl. Does he want to claim her? Her best
friend also has the worry of her husband's mother bringing her new fiancee to the celebrations. Who nobody seems to like on sight. Then he is found dead and the number one suspect is Tj best friends husband, until his mother confesses. Not wanting to see any of her friends going to jail, Tj looks into the dead man's last to find the killer. Will she be able to find the truth before Santa arrivies?
I like the narrator. She changed here voice to make each character sound different as well as makes it entertaining.
August 16, 2025
I waited awhile to pick up the fourth book in the TJ Jensen Mystery series because the third book had a kinda sad cliffhanger ending (to do with TJ's personal life.) I had to brace myself to dive into this one and I'm relieved to say things are stabilizing so I'm hopeful going forward that we won't run into any nasty surprises. :-)
I'm really enjoying the cozy side of this series. I'd say it's maybe 60% cozy to 40% mystery. The mystery still plays a significant role but there are so many wonderful cozy aspects about the town and the Christmas activities and TJ's family, both found and otherwise. I honestly love all those details almost more than the mystery, which surprises me. But I feel like these are my people and we've been apart too long and have lots of catching up to do!
Well plotted mystery...my armchair sleuthing endeavours got it half right so I'm feeling chuffed!
I listened to the audio edition narrated by Coleen Marlo. She's the perfect voice for TJ and I so love when a narrator and a character are well matched. Makes the listening so enjoyable!
I'm really enjoying the cozy side of this series. I'd say it's maybe 60% cozy to 40% mystery. The mystery still plays a significant role but there are so many wonderful cozy aspects about the town and the Christmas activities and TJ's family, both found and otherwise. I honestly love all those details almost more than the mystery, which surprises me. But I feel like these are my people and we've been apart too long and have lots of catching up to do!
Well plotted mystery...my armchair sleuthing endeavours got it half right so I'm feeling chuffed!
I listened to the audio edition narrated by Coleen Marlo. She's the perfect voice for TJ and I so love when a narrator and a character are well matched. Makes the listening so enjoyable!
August 11, 2018
Christmas in Paradise is the fourth in the TJ Jensen series. This story dwells on one of her sister’s potential biological father showing up. Capt. Joseph Tanner may be the father- he isn’t sure and neither is the rest of the family.. A friend of TJ’s mother has told the captain that he is the father.
TJ is responsible for raising her sisters since her mother died. Capt Tanner could upset the security the girls have gained since their mother died. They are from a different marriage but TJ’s father and grandfather have opened up their homes to them.
TJ’s best friend’s husband is the prime suspect in the murder of a scammer after lonely women’s money. He romances, takes their money and disappears.
I like that Ms Daley’s stories have layers. She does an excellent job of dealing with tough issues and not killing it with too much romance.
The story is well thought out and the characters show growth. I like the sense of community and looking out for others.
July 16, 2017
Kathi Daley’s Christmas in Paradise takes up where the previous book, Bikinis in Paradise, left off. As the previous book concludes, TJ receives a letter that threatens to change everything without stating the contents of the letter. Now we learn that a naval captain has written to TJ claiming paternity of Gracie, TJ’s 6-year-old sister over whom TJ has had custody for the past year. With TJ’s heart breaking over the possibility of losing Gracie, she invites Jake to spend mid- November through early January with them in Serenity. “Uncle Jake” gets off to a terrific start with everyone from the beginning but especially with the children.
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Read the rest of this review, more reviews, and other wonderful, geeky articles on FangirlNation
December 7, 2019
GRM habe ich pausiert, da ich in der Weihnachtszeit wirklich keine Lust auf dieses Hörbuch habe. Deshalb habe ich nach etwas Passenderem gesucht und bin dabei auf diesen Titel gestossen.
Jedoch merke ich hier gleich an, dass man sich die Reihe besser von Anfang an anhört bzw. liest. Es wird kaum erklärt, wer wie verbandelt ist, und anfangs hatte ich keine Ahnung, wer wer ist. Auch gegen Ende hin hatte ich noch Mühe.
Deshalb fiel auch das Miträtseln etwas schwerer, was sehr schade ist. Solche Cozies leben doch davon. Meine wage Idee war dann aber doch nicht so abwägig.
Auch steht hier nicht die Ermittlung im Vordergrund, sondern die Entwicklung der Beziehungen der Figuren untereinander. Ein weiterer Grund, weshalb man in dieser Reihe nicht einfach hin und her springen kann.
Dennoch eine gemütliche Geschichte mit viel weihnachtlichem Flair.
Jedoch merke ich hier gleich an, dass man sich die Reihe besser von Anfang an anhört bzw. liest. Es wird kaum erklärt, wer wie verbandelt ist, und anfangs hatte ich keine Ahnung, wer wer ist. Auch gegen Ende hin hatte ich noch Mühe.
Deshalb fiel auch das Miträtseln etwas schwerer, was sehr schade ist. Solche Cozies leben doch davon. Meine wage Idee war dann aber doch nicht so abwägig.
Auch steht hier nicht die Ermittlung im Vordergrund, sondern die Entwicklung der Beziehungen der Figuren untereinander. Ein weiterer Grund, weshalb man in dieser Reihe nicht einfach hin und her springen kann.
Dennoch eine gemütliche Geschichte mit viel weihnachtlichem Flair.
December 24, 2017
Tj Jensen is a teacher and an amateur sleuth who lives with her father and two younger sisters at the resort founded by her grandfather. Christmas is coming but a murder occurs at the community Thanksgiving dinner before it gets here. Plans for the holiday continue but Tj is distracted by the arrival of Jordan Tanner and the unsolved mystery she can't ignore.
Interesting story but too many characters -- more than 25 in the first few chapters. This is the fourth in the series but it's not exactly a "stand alone" book. Either I'm a less than careful reader or Ms Daley assumes that the characters are well known (and remembered) from the previous books. I found it a bit confusing.
No sex
No violence
Interesting story but too many characters -- more than 25 in the first few chapters. This is the fourth in the series but it's not exactly a "stand alone" book. Either I'm a less than careful reader or Ms Daley assumes that the characters are well known (and remembered) from the previous books. I found it a bit confusing.
No sex
No violence
December 27, 2017
Confession: I only read one-third of this book.
And here is why...
I struggled to keep up with a plethora of characters.
Each one mentioned as if I was an outsider not knowing
the working of this inner circle. I was lost from the very
beginning but being optimistic thought I would somehow
catch up, or catch on. Nope, it wasn't to happen.
So I closed the book and investigated, finding that 'Christmas
in Paradise' is the FOURTH book in a series. No back story or
info left me frustrated. This is not a stand alone book.
Will I try to find the first three books in the series?
Probably not... too many other books in my TBR pile.
Please remember, this is just my experience. Yours may be better.
And here is why...
I struggled to keep up with a plethora of characters.
Each one mentioned as if I was an outsider not knowing
the working of this inner circle. I was lost from the very
beginning but being optimistic thought I would somehow
catch up, or catch on. Nope, it wasn't to happen.
So I closed the book and investigated, finding that 'Christmas
in Paradise' is the FOURTH book in a series. No back story or
info left me frustrated. This is not a stand alone book.
Will I try to find the first three books in the series?
Probably not... too many other books in my TBR pile.
Please remember, this is just my experience. Yours may be better.
December 23, 2021
Christmas in Paradise is the fourth book in Kathi Daley’s Tj Jensen series. The series is set at a resort on a lake in a town called Serenity. As you might suspect from the title, this one is set at Christmas and Tj is planning a big celebration but also waiting for the arrival of the man who says he is the real father of one of her sisters. Tj’s mother is dead – and she’s the guardian of her two younger sisters and is worried about what this might mean for their little family unit. When the new boyfriend of one of her neighbours is found dead in the grounds of the resort, Tj can’t help but try and find out who did it – to clear her friends’s husband of suspicion.
This is another Henery Press cozy crime from the period where they were really on good form. This isn’t too gory or thrillers – it’s a good mystery that runs nicely alongside the ongoing story strands for the main characters. I’ve read these wildly out of order, but this is the seventh in the series that I’ve read and they’re a very easy way to pass a few hours. And of course this has the added bonus of being set at Christmastime – and we’re just days away now.
This is another Henery Press cozy crime from the period where they were really on good form. This isn’t too gory or thrillers – it’s a good mystery that runs nicely alongside the ongoing story strands for the main characters. I’ve read these wildly out of order, but this is the seventh in the series that I’ve read and they’re a very easy way to pass a few hours. And of course this has the added bonus of being set at Christmastime – and we’re just days away now.
November 6, 2017
I love both Christmas and Mysteries so this was a good pick. I did not realize it was part of a series and for the most part it stands on its own. The characters were interesting and the town seemed like a great place to vacation, especially for Christmas. The story itself kind of fell flat. There was a lot of build up and then a sudden end (predictable but fast). It was almost as if the author realized there was only room for another 10 pages and wrapped it up. The end also was very convenient. It might have been better to focus on one or two stories not the old car accident, the employee with custody problems, a potential long last dad for the kids, old loves, and murder!
June 17, 2018
An interesting twist is afoot when a man pops up claiming to be one of TJ's younger sister's father which keeps the interpersonal relationships among the characters hopping. The romance between Hunter and TJ may be heating up or fizzling out now that Dylan is no longer in the picture. Oh and of course a murder during Thanksgiving dinner sets everyone on edge and has TJ on the hunt for the truth before her best friend's husband and/or mother-in-law go down for a crime they didn't commit. The layered plot lines keep the story interesting and intriguing. This series has become my weekend addiction as I binge my way through the books! Can't wait to get started on the next in the series!
December 22, 2018
TJ is celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with her sisters, her father and grandfather, friends and two men who are coming for different reasons. One man believes he is the father of her youngest sister and wants to come and meet the family. The other is engaged to her friend's mother-in-law. This man is not well liked and people are reacting badly to him. When he is found dead on Thanksgiving her friend's husband is believed to be the one who did it, but his mother confesses. TJ feels that she has to find out who really is to blame for the man's death and why.
The story was interesting and it was good to see the story progressing.
The story was interesting and it was good to see the story progressing.
October 9, 2017
Loved this book as much as the others in this series! I was a little confused when I started this one and thought I missed a book in the middle. Tj has a new friend in town, Jordan. He arrives out of the blue although there is obviously some recent history with the family. He is a good addition to the story along with the usual cast of people. Once his arrival was explained in the beginning, it was another awesome book in the series. The mystery was really good and not graphic or suspenseful. Romance is in the air. A perfect cozy mystery!
December 8, 2020
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, this series is worth checking out! I'd recommend starting from the first book, though. Diving into book 4 was a mistake because there wasn't much review on the background of the characters.
I tend to like my mysteries darker and more central to the story. There were a lot of side stories that felt like they took priority in this book, but it was still a pretty fun listen!
I tend to like my mysteries darker and more central to the story. There were a lot of side stories that felt like they took priority in this book, but it was still a pretty fun listen!
December 27, 2022
2.4 stars - rounding down. There were a lot of names to keep track of. I can't quite put my finger on what was off for me about this book, but it just wasn't painting clear pictures in my head the way I expect a book to. I did somewhat enjoy the mystery aspect while it was a little hard to follow at times. Some aspects of the story felt rushed. I craved more character development. It's a "meh" from me.
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