Candy Cane Caper

Zoe Donovan Mystery #22

by Kathi Daley

You will be drawn into this small town Christmas mystery when Levi finds the body of bakeshop owner Candy Kane dead in the pantry. Meanwhile things go from crazy to insane when Scooter's dad comes to town, Zoe tries to find the perfect gift for Zak, and everyone is pulled into the fun and magic of Hometown Christmas. It's funny, it's family, it's a Zak and Zoe Christmas mystery.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Christmas, Cozy, Holiday, Romance

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2017

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

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe, Zak, Ellie, Levi and all their family, friends and pets are back for another delightful adventure!

When Zoe discovers the bludgeoned body of local baker, Candy Kane, the sheriff asks for her help in discovering the motive and the murderer. With Christmas just days away and family upheavals going on, Zoe is reluctant to become too involved but circumstances force her hand.

This is a wonderful family oriented series that continues to grow and delight with each new book. The characters have become some of your best and most interesting friends, along with all their quirks. They make you laugh and cry along with them. The murder plots are always devious and twisted with an intriguing cast of suspects from a variety of backgrounds! You will keep turning the pages until the end!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I love the Christmas setting. The characters in this book are down to earth people that you would love to hang around with. When Ms. Daley writes not only do you get a mystery, you get a whole backstory of community, family and friends. The mystery kept me guessing, I thought I had a good guess but I was totally off track. The only thing that bothered me was Zoe telling Sallinger basically how to investigate, I know that they have always worked closely but this one seemed a little different to me, that may be just me and it was a minor bother that I easily overlooked. I had my heart strings pulled by the Scooter story, and laugh with Zak decorating for Christmas. I will definitely continue with this series.
There is the added bonus of Phyllis' diaries at the end.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is the 22nd book in the Zoe Donovan Mystery Series, this is the first one I have had the opportunity to read. I love the fact that it was a Christmas setting and the name is very catchy. Candy Cane is murdered in her bakeshop and Zoe is asked to assist the Sheriff with the investigation. With the investigation and the fact that Scooter's dad has come back to town and wants to spend some time with him. Between Zoe and Zak dealing with that, the investigation, and the Christmas holiday, this have gone from crazy to crazier. Great read along with the bonus Novellas.

[Lynne Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding read. So loved all the great characters which had me crying and laughing ! The storyline has so many great twists and turns that made me not want it to end. This is the best one so far for me in the series. Totally recommended this book to everyone who loves cozies.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Candy Cane Caperiffic!"

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” and everyone in Ashton Falls is looking forward to the Hometown Christmas. Zimmerman Academy is planning an end-of-term party, and Zoe heads over to Candy Kane’s Bakeshop to pick up her large order of cupcakes. However, when she arrives the shop was closed, lights off, and going around into the alley, she discovers the back door unlocked, sugar cookies abandoned on the counter, and Candy in the pantry…dead. How could cupcakes be a motive for murder?

Zoe and Zak are very busy with the holiday celebrations and dealing with some unexpected family issues. Scooter’s dad has returned with a new fiancé wanting to settle down and be a family. So, with a murder investigation and Sheriff Salinger asking for Zoe’s particular assistance, the holiday season is going to be very full. But, despite Zoe’s very full schedule, she always finds time to squeeze in an ‘interrogation’ or two or a sneak a peek at the evidence along with shopping for the perfect Christmas gift. She helps uncover several suspects including a rival bakery owner, a secret past, changed identities, a strange man seen with the victim, and too many alibis.

This delightful story is Kathi Daley’s twenty-second installment in the Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series, and long-time fans and newbies will all be thrilled. Kathi has us joining the Donovan/Zimmerman family at Christmas as they enjoy the snow flurries, nights by the fire, Santa’s village, and of course, a murder investigation. This story, and the series, focuses on the wonderful relationships and family interactions in Ashton Falls, but adds ‘page turning’ suspense with a little thing called murder. As a special treat, Kathi Daley has added a special novella originally published as “Zimmerman Academy New Beginnings” to reintroduce the series. This special novella helps to provide some insight into the complicated relationship between Phyllis, Will, and Ethan that may be revisited in the future. She also adds something new that occurs on Phyllis’s birthday. And of course, her wonderful recipes from herself and her readers are included.

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Heartwarming Series
Candy Cane Caper is the newest book in Kathi Daley’s wonderful Zoe Donovan series. I love Ms. Daley’s writing style; there is always such a strong message of friendship, family, and the value of community, all while incorporating intriguing mysteries which feature no gratuitous sex, violence, or foul language. The writing flows smoothly and the characters are well developed, well rounded, and relatable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a well-crafted cozy mystery with a touch of romance.

It’s almost Christmas and Zoe’s juggling even more things than usual. The flu has hit the area hard and many of the volunteers for Ashton Falls’ annual Hometown Christmas are unable to help, so Zoe and Zak are doing double duty. Scooter’s father is in town, which is emotionally disrupting their lives. Alex and her friends are continuing the Secret Santa project she and Eve started last year to help provide food and gifts to less fortunate families. Zoe and Levi are doing some last minute gift shopping and when they stop to pick up Zoe’s cupcake order at Candy Kane’s Bakeshop, Levi finds Candy’s body in her walk-in pantry. Sheriff Salinger is hoping Zoe can help with his investigation and even though she’s so busy and emotionally drained, she can’t resist helping to solve a mystery.

Included with this book is a reprint of Zimmerman Academy: New Beginnings, which is written from Phyllis King’s perspective, and takes place on her 63rd birthday. Phyllis has opened her home to three Zimmerman Academy students and is looking forward to having a birthday dinner with the three girls. She’s disappointed when she discovers the girls have other plans. While attending an orientation for a senior fitness group, Phyllis’ friends pull her into a mystery revolving around a manuscript written in 1956 and try to discover whom the unknown author is.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candy Cane Caper is the 22nd book in the Zoe Donovan series, and is better read in sequence as opposed to a stand-alone mystery. In this story, Zoe and her friend, Levi, are preparing for one of the town's holiday events, and head out to the new bakery to pick up their order of cupcakes. However, when they arrive, they find the back door open, lights on in the kitchen and the dead body of owner Candy Cane. Once again, Zoe finds herself involved in helping Sheriff Salinger unravel the clues to find the murderer. However, this time, Zoe finds herself too distracted to really think about this mystery. She is worried about the relationship between Ellie and Levy, as well as one of her unofficial foster children, Scooter...seems his dad has finally got his life back on track and is interested in taking Scooter back...which while this may seem the ethical thing, would break Zoe's heart. All of this, plus substituting for the townspeople in the holiday events, because the flu is hitting everyone hard. Maybe even Zoe, who has been feeling a bit wonky lately. All in all, a good mystery with plenty of clues and twists. I love following the relationships of these major characters, although in this case, I felt the story ran a little short. Please note that this book contains two parts: the first is about Zoe and Zak, and the second section are several short stories on the Zimmerman Academy. I look forward to the next Zoe story, to find out what happens next in the lives of these individuals. Disclosure: I was gifted a copy of this book and am voluntarily writing a review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another heart warming visit to Ashton Falls for the holidays.
Filled with family, decorations, food and fun, there is also a murder to solve, almost from the first page. This time Zoe really tries to stay on the sidelines. She has much more on her mind than helping Salenger.
Although Scooter is not actually her son, when faced with his leaving, Zoe feels everything a parent feels. She can't keep herself from offering relationship advice to her two best friends. And the flu takes a toll on the residents during the Hometown Christmas festival, so Zoe dresses for the part filling in as needed. It's no wonder she feels exhausted!

This is an emotionally charged addition to the Zoe Donovan series.
We see each of our favorite characters growing and maturing.
The relationships are perhaps more of interest and attention than the murder, which will keep you guessing.

I always appreciate the delicious extras Kathi Daley provides for us.
This time we were treated to Phyllis's diary entries including another mystery!

[Teresa Kander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I think I've found my favorite Kathi Daley mystery, she writes a new one that totally changes my mind! For now, at least, this is my favorite of the Zoe Donovan series!

It's just days away from Christmas, and there's been another murder in Ashton Falls, so, of course, Zoe and company have to step up and help solve it, even with everything else they have going on in their lives. I was totally caught off guard by the identity of the killer when it was revealed...which is just the way I like it.

There is a lot going on in the lives of the main characters in this book, and those plots are just as engrossing as the mystery. I loved the epilogue, and I can't wait for the next book, to find out the answer to a certain burning question--which I hope is yes!

This was a wonderful way to get an early start on my Christmas reading.

[Penny Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Kathi Daley's series. She writes from the heart and this series Zoe Donovan Mystery book number twenty two is no exception. She will make you laugh out loud as well as cry at times. I have grown to love all of these characters and how they have grown through every book. You need to pick this series up and read it if you haven't already.
Zoe is overwhelmed with Christmas a few days away and not only does everyone have the flu but there is a murder. Bakery shop owner Candy Kane is found dead and Zoe is right in the middle of it. Will she be able to pull everything off this Christmas and still help solve this murder?
So much is going on that even my head was spinning to whether Zoe can do it all. This is a wonderfully written cozy with lots of love and family values. A must read!

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book #22 of the Zoe Donovan series, Levi wants to marry Ellie, but Zoe isn't sure if it's the right time for him to ask her. Since they're Zoe's best friends since kindergarten, she's concerned for their future together. Zoe and Zac are happily married and thinking about starting a family themselves. The suspicious death of a local bakeshop owner leaves Zoe and the gang pondering this person's past and wondering who locally would want her dead. Meanwhile, one of their ward's dads returns and Zoe and Zac must deal with thoughts of a future without the young boy they've grown to love as if he were their own. Layers of hope, love, and mystery fill the pages between the covers of this Christmas time story.

[Jane Firebaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Stars! I adore Kathi Daley's writing style, and the Zoe Donovan series is one of my favorites. Candy Cane Caper is a wonderfully fun holiday mystery, taking place in the cozy town of Ashton Falls. Every book in the series leaves me full of warm fuzzy feelings and this one is no exception. The mystery was intriguing, the twists and surprises in the main characters lives were engrossing and all-in-all I simply couldn't put it down until I finished. Another smash hit just in time for the holidays! Don't miss it!

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Donovan is at it again and you are going to love reading her new adventures. Full of mystery and suspense, with twists and turns, along with some romance and a murder makes this book a definite page turner. I couldn't put it down and read it all in one sitting. Kathi Daley weaves a story that will keep you guessing. Her characters are ones you will come to love and I highly recommend you read the whole series to get to really know them plus its also a great collection of mystery stories you don't want to miss.

[Sandy Bartles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the author kept us wondering about several things in the book and how they would play out. This book held my attention from beginning to end, which came sooner than I expected as I wasn't prepared for the pleasant surprise of the bonus short stories of Phyllis's Diary at the end. This is an excellent Christmas Story with a wonderful ending. The next book in this series can't come fast enough for me!!!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful story with great characters. It's Christmas in Ashton Falls and Zoe is dealing with a lot of different thing. There is a murder, and Zoe is so busy, that she isn't sure that she can help to solve the murder. Zoe is worried about Levi and Ellie, plus Scooter's dad is back- and might take Scooter with him.

A well written story, with great character development. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to seeing what happens next!

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candy Cane Caper
Zoe Donvan Cozy Mystery, Book #22
Kathi Daley
5+ Stars

Synopsis:

Things go from crazy to insane in the Zimmerman household when Scooter's dad comes to town, Zoe tries to find the perfect gift for Zak while helping out with Hometown Christmas, and Levi finds the body of bakeshop owner Candy Kane dead in the pantry. It's funny, it's family, it's a Zak and Zoe Christmas mystery. (Goodreads)


Review:

I have to say that I have read and greatly enjoyed all of this author’s book. I have read them all and not of them have been a disappointment. But I must say that the Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series had always been my favorite series written by this author. I love the setting, I love the characters and I love spending time with them. And I have to say that I think Candy Cane Caper is my favorite one so far. There is a lot more drama and emotional challenges for the gang in this book and I, for one, got caught up in all of it. The characters are so life like that I always feel like I am getting to visit old friends when I am reading.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy quick read. The mystery is carried on well throughout the entire book. There were enough suspects and clues to consider and twists and turns to make finding the killer difficult. I did not figure it out until it was revealed at the end.

I would highly recommend this book (and series) to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery with top notch character development. There is a lot going on in Ashton Falls and I cannot wait for the next book to be published to see how things turn out.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candy Cane Caper is the 22nd book in the Zoe Donovan series by the prolific Kathi Daley. As I read this book I couldn’t help but think of my childhood Christmases and my family. Every year at Christmastime we’d decorate our tree with candy canes both large and small. It was such a sight to see. Then we’d hear a story and our mom would explain the legend of how it came to be the Christmas candy cane. Just a hint of peppermint and every single thing begins to feel like Christmas and just like the snowflakes, no two are ever the same.
The residents of Ashton Falls are looking forward to the annual Hometown Christmas celebration. Zimmerman Academy is planning an end-of-term party, Zoe and Levi are shopping for gifts, Scooter’s father is in town disrupting their lives and Alex and her friends are continuing the Secret Santa project started last year to help provide food and gifts to less fortunate. While picking up Zoe’s cupcake order at Candy Kane’s Bakeshop, Levi finds Candy’s body in her walk-in pantry. In an unusual twist, Sheriff Salinger is hopes Zoe can help with his investigation. Zoe helps uncover several suspects including a rival bakery owner, a secret past, changed identities, including a stranger seen with the victim. Zoe and Zak are very busy with the holiday celebrations and dealing with some unexpected family issues. Scooter’s dad has returned with a new fiancé wanting to settle down and be a family.

This superbly crafted story focuses on the relationships of family and friends in Ashton Falls. Emphasis on friendship, family, and the value of community incorporated within an intriguing mystery is perfectly blended for the Holiday season. As a bonus, Kathi Daley has added a novella originally published as “Zimmerman Academy New Beginnings” to reintroduce the series. For readers new to this series, it provide background information into the complicated relationship between Phyllis, Will, and Ethan that may be incorporated in future stories. She also adds something new that occurs on Phyllis’s birthday. Plus, there are delicious recipes at the end of the book.

The words Faith Hill sings truly describe this book! “My world is changing, I'm rearranging. Does that mean Christmas changes too? Where are you Christmas? Do you remember the one you used to know? If there is love in your heart and your mind you will feel like Christmas all the time. The joy of Christmas stays here inside us and fills each and every heart with love.”
An enjoyable, cozy holiday book perfect for filling everyone with the spirit of Christmas!! I look forward to the next Zoe story, to find out what happens next in the lives of these individuals.

Disclosure: I was gifted a copy of this book and am voluntarily writing a review

[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]

When the owner of a new bakery is found murdered, Zoe is thrown into another murder investigation, despite the fact it's best Christmas and she's got loads to do. Ellie and Levi are working on their relationship after finding out they're pregnant. Scooter's Dad arrives in the town with his new Fiancee, does this mean that Scooter is going to have to leave the safe home he's found with Zac and Zoe? There's lots of emotion and upset in this book, but fun and laughter too.

A wonderful cozy mystery series which is written by a great cozy mystery author, try one of her other series, they're all as good as this one.

The books are easily read in a few hours and are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.

[Lisa DeWaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 22nd book of the Zoe Donovan series, but it's the first one I've gotten to read. I received it in a giveaway and it also had a bonus story of a reprinted novella Zimmerman Academy New Beginnings which is no longer in print. I really enjoyed The Candy Cane Caper. I loved the characters and the setting and the writing style was compelling and kept my attention. It was an easy, enjoyable read and the author did a great job of keeping you on your toes until the very end. I definitely want to go back to the beginning and read the other 21 books. The novella was also very interesting and helped in providing some background that I didn't have. I'd recommend this book and this author.

[Yaritza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling mystery by Kathi. This had all my favorite things. Christmas, bake goods, love, wedding and mystery. There were a number of things happening with the characters. I was happy Zoe was able to find out who killed poor Candy Cane. I was excited the Ellie and Levi can move past there issues. Was also happy that Kathi used a holiday candy as the victims name. I always enjoy all the books in this series.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always like to read Christmas themed books this time of year, and I've read other books by this author, so I eagerly grabbed this up when I saw it on my Kindle Unlimited list. It's a cute little story, but not one of my favorites. I find the people in this somewhat unbelievable, and the mystery rather slight. Also, it's really short, with almost half of the digital download being a series of short stories set in the same town and almost comprising another book.

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Cozy Mystery and it had me guessing to almost the very end. I voluntarily chose to review this book. I've given it a 5* rating. And it went right along with all the Christmas in July I've been hearing lately. I like that it touched on some issues too but just in the everyday crazy of the heroine's life.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Christmas mystery set in snowy Ashton Falls. Things go from crazy to insane in the Zimmerman household when Scooters dad comes to town Zoe tries to find the perfect gift for Zak when helping out with hometown Christmas and Levi finds the body of a bakeshop owner Candy Cane dead in the pantry. It a great Christmas mystery its all about family. Enjoyed reading this one!!!!!

[Linda Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great review

What a great book. I was riveted from the first page until the last page. Once started, I couldn't put it down. All the characters are people I could see myself being friends with.

[DORET · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story itself was good. My biggest problem is that the story took only half the book. The rest is some other story that Ms. Daley is adding to that she started some books ago. I would prefer she put that other stuff in its own series.

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

Zoe, Zak, Scooter and Alex

Zoe and family are suffering are hurting when Scooter's dad comes back and wants to move him with them to Low Angeles. In the meantime the new baked in town is murdered. Ellie is pregnant and Luke is talking baby names.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

Zoe finds herself overwhelmed as Christmas is approaching Ashton Falls. Volunteering at the Christmas festivities where it seems majority of the help has caught the flu and trying to find the perfect gift for Zak. Throw in an unexpected visit from Scooter’s dad and his new fiancé who wants a second chance with his son has Zoe anxious of losing Scooter.

When Zoe and Levi heads to the new bakery and finds the dead owner, she is first reluctant to get involve but it does not last long. Who is this mysterious owner Candy Kane and who wants her dead despite her ability to make enemies? Could her past lead to her untimely death or was it just a
simple botch robbery?

It is Zoe and the gang and the usual wackiness during the holidays which makes it an enjoyable read.

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, as always.

[Cathy Inboden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very emotional. There were a lot of sad parts and some happy parts. But I still loved the book. Great series.