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Zoe Donovan Mystery #23

Holiday Hangover

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In this snowy cozy mystery, Zak's is asked to track down the source of the breech for the surveillance system at a remote ski resort in the Canadian Rockies. Scooter is away with his dad leaving Zoe feeling depressed and deflated so Zak asks Zoe to go along on the trip. With Levi and Ellie away as well, Zoe decides to join Zak only to find that the sleuthing couple has really been invited to the resort to solve a murder. Join Zak, Zoe, Alex, and Charlie as they juggle fun filled days on the slopes with theory building sessions as they attempt to track down a killer.

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2016

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783 people want to read

About the author

Kathi Daley

357 books1,787 followers
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).



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5 stars
485 (58%)
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240 (29%)
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83 (10%)
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14 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Doward Wilson.
752 reviews18 followers
February 7, 2017
This well written series continues to expand the horizons of all the characters in these fast moving adventures, while giving us some fantastically twisted murder mysteries to solve. Zoe is trying to balance her emotions after an emotionally challenging physical upset, so Zak has asked her to accompany him to his friend's ski resort in Canada. Chance Carrington needs them to help figure out who has murdered his father and tampered with the security camera footage in the computer's mainframe. The mountain the resort is built on is split into two halves. Each half has a ski resort owned by different branches of the feuding family. With the death of Chance's father, the balance of ownership has drastically changed on that side of the family, making it possible to combine the ownership of the resorts and mountain into one. The circumstances surrounding the murder point only to family members! Each book in this series continues to grow both the characters and the background of their home, family and friends. Even after 23 books there is nothing static about anything. I really enjoy that because it keeps each new adventure as fresh as the first one and keeps me coming back for more!
Profile Image for Penny Marks.
363 reviews13 followers
February 5, 2017
Holiday Hangover is another wonderful jam packed full of adventure continuation of Zak and Zoe.
All of Kathi Daley's books are incredible adventures especially this series.
This book takes place on one of Zak's old friends mountain resort. Zak is asked to come not only enjoy the resort but help him figure out who killed his friends father and why. This book is filled with different emotions some of which I will not get into it because of giving anything away. One I can say is the longing that Zoe is having to get Scooter back hoping he doesn't stay with his father. This is really weighing on Zoe's mind on top of trying to help Zak solve this mystery.
A lot is going on in this book and you will love it.
Will Zak and Zoe team be able to solve this before going back home to Zimmerman Academy? Or will a mystery finally stump them???
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,061 reviews43 followers
January 6, 2017
Holiday Hangover is the 23rd book in Kathi Daley’s Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series and is an awesome read. Ms. Daley’s writing style flows smoothly and this book is an easy and fun read. The mystery is well plotted and the characters are well developed. Ms. Daley writes clean cozy mysteries with a touch of romance that contain no gratuitous sex, violence, or foul language and there is always emphasis on friendships, family, community, and our furry friends. I found myself shedding both happy and sad tears on more than one occasion. I highly recommend all Ms. Daley’s books to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cozy mystery.

Scooter is visiting his biological father in California for winter break and both Zoe and Alex are in need of cheering up so Zak agrees to help Chance Carrington, a friend and client who owns a ski resort in the Canadian Rockies with a software/security system issue and give his girls a skiing and snowboarding adventure. Chance’s father, Daniel, was murdered a month ago during a private party in an area where surveillance cameras should have recorded what happened, but the video feed was interrupted which causes Chance to believe a trusted employee or family member may have been involved. Even with Zak working on the security system and brainstorming with Zoe to try to track down a killer, they find time to enjoy the slopes and spend time with Alex. Zoe helps Jeremy try to figure out why Ashton Falls is experiencing a rash of stolen dogs.
Profile Image for Mary Brown.
1,298 reviews74 followers
January 14, 2017
Holiday Hangover
Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery, Book # 23
Kathi Daley
5 Stars

Synopsis:

In this snowy cozy mystery, Zak's is asked to track down the source of the breech for the surveillance system at a remote ski resort in the Canadian Rockies. Scooter is away with his dad leaving Zoe feeling depressed and deflated so Zak asks Zoe to go along on the trip. With Levi and Ellie away as well, Zoe decides to join Zak only to find that the sleuthing couple has really been invited to the resort to solve a murder. Join Zak, Zoe, Alex, and Charlie as they juggle fun filled days on the slopes with theory building sessions as they attempt to track down a killer. (Goodreads)

Review:

The characters are well developed and well rounded. We got to catch up a little with what is going on with Zoe and Zak, and that is always a good thing. I will say I was a little sad because we did not get to spend time with Ellie and Levi, who were off on their honeymoon. I hope they had a great time and come back ready to solve more mysteries in the next book. But we got to meet some other characters, which I enjoyed. There is a list of the people we meet in this book, and it really helped me to keep them straight in my mind.

The author continues to excel in her descriptive writing, and I felt like I was right there at the ski resort, watching all of the action taking place around me. The mystery is well plotted and there are plenty of suspects to consider. As is usual with this author, there are plenty of clues and red herrings spread throughout the book. The hard part is putting all the clues together to figure out the killer.

I would recommend this book (and series) to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you are looking for a good series, with excellent characters, superb settings and mysteries that are well plotted, look no further than the Zoe Donovan Cozy Mysteries.


Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews61 followers
January 16, 2017
"Holiday Hangover" Earns 5/5 Family Trees!

Zoe struggles to come out from under the covers in the wake of a personal disappointment. However, with Zak’s support and suggestion of a change of scenery, her outlook starts to improve. Zak’s close friend has offered a week’s stay at Bear Mountain Resort to enjoy some skiing and pampering. However, Zak confesses his friend recently encountered a breech in their security measures and the death of his father, he believes to not be an accident, has set the family to start lining up on sides between maintaining the property or selling it to a family member who wants to consolidate holdings into a single ownership. A mystery? An investigation? Yes, that just might be the diversion Zoe needs.

Zoe and Zak may be out of their usual surroundings, but a murder investigation is more than familiar to them, and with Zoe’s “Zodar” tingling, she knows there is much more to this mystery than meets the eye. She discovers several family members with a motive to want the patriarch out of the picture, and further investigation shows several also had opportunity and means. But, what if family is not the lead to follow? She expands her search beyond family feuds finding a mountain of suspects…and dangers, too. The Hatfields and the McCoys have nothing on the Carringtons.

WOW! It’s like an episode of “Dynasty” with all the family entanglements, business disputes, and vendettas, even the Carrington name is reminiscent of all the 80s drama I enjoyed. Kathi Daley has once again provided a very exciting mystery with several possible avenues to follow. She has also included a family tree to help keep all the familial connections straight. Her ability to provide a cut-to-the-chase style of writing puts the investigation at the forefront, but we also get to enjoy the loving relationship between Zoe and Zak and their family. And then there are the recipes…enough to delight everyone at your family gathering…just watch your back!
Profile Image for Linda.
781 reviews15 followers
January 10, 2017
Zoe has been facing a bout of depression after first finding out she was not pregnant despite a positive test result and second, having Scooter off on an extended visit with his absentee father...a visit that may turn permanent. Zak, looking to brighten her mood, suggests a ski vacation at his friend's resort. The catch is it is partially a working vacation, as Zak has been asked to look into the resort's security system for signs of tampering. The video feed recording was stopped during an annual family dinner, and during this time, his friend's father was found dead, presumed to be murdered. Zoe has had a lot of experience tracking down and solving murders, but now she has actually been asked to nose around and see if she can solve this crime...a crime that everyone is praying will not involve other family members. The story featured beautiful scenes of the ski resort and all the activities available. A list of all the family members is found in the front of the book, which helps to keep all their names and connections straight. My one complaint is I didn't see an explanation on the actual rescue at the end, although there were explanations on the who, what and how to the original mystery. All in all, this is a fun cozy series, and I look forward to more adventures with Zoe and Zak. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book.
595 reviews15 followers
February 1, 2017
Another winner for Ms. Daley. How she keeps the stories so fresh with all the books in this series, I don't know, maybe it's the change of scenery, introduction of new characters, development and growth of the regulars, I am never disappointed.
Zoe, Zak and Alex are off to a ski resort to help Zak's friend with the suspicious death of his father. I have to admit I figured the who but not exactly for the reasons I thought, but the clues were placed so well that I had a fun time putting it together. I love the relationship of the characters in this series and the interaction between them.
I will definitely continue on with this series, I can't wait to see what Ms. Daley comes up with next.
There is also the added bonus of some wonderful sounding recipes in the back.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
1,827 reviews97 followers
February 7, 2017
Another great story in the Zoe Donovan series -- I love this continuing series as I find out more about the characters lives and feelings and what they are dealing with. This story takes us to a mountain ski resort as Zak and Zoe try to help a friend and solve a murder but also enjoy a mini winter vacation. I highly recommend this story and all the books in the series if you are one who loves cozy mysteries that get you wrapped up in the characters' lives while also pursuing a murder and trying to figure it out. Kathi Daley has a way with words that will definitely keep you turning the pages and falling in love with her stories.
Profile Image for Sandy Bartles.
1,395 reviews37 followers
January 7, 2017
I have just finished reading Book 23 (or is it Book 22?) In the Zoe Donovan Cozy Mysteries and I don't think I will ever get tired of reading them. Zoe, Zak and their family, and friends who are like family, feel like they are MY family, too. Levi and Ellie are away on their honeymoon, Scooter is off in California with his dad and Zac, Zoe, Alex and Charlie are off to a ski resort in the Canadian Rockies to help out a friend of Zac's. I enjoyed the change of scenery and actually finally getting to "see" some snow. This is a wonderful book!
Profile Image for Jane Firebaugh.
Author 7 books99 followers
January 31, 2017
This may be my favorite book yet in this wonderful series. The Cnadian ski resort setting is wonderfully inviting and as always, the main characters' warm personallities shine through. The mystery is hard to solve and quite intriguing. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews58 followers
March 14, 2017
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
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,574 reviews47 followers
January 7, 2017
stars Kindle Copy for Review

It is after Christmas, Zoe finds herself with the blues. Her best friends are on their honeymoon, Scooter their ward is away getting reacquainted with his dad as she knows that she might be losing him and the realization that she was not pregnant. Zak offers her a skiing trip in the Canadian Rockies to get her mind off things as he is asked by a longtime friend to track a surveillance glitch.

All is not as it seems as the missing feed is the key to the death of whether or not murder was involved. Zoe is asked to solve things as she tries to spend family time with oth her husband and Alex who is also missing Scooter.

Who had the most to gain with the death? Lots of ssuspects but who really did it? Another action filled cozy mystery.
Profile Image for Dharia Scarab.
3,255 reviews8 followers
March 26, 2017

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 has 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.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,417 reviews12 followers
February 14, 2022
Zoe, Zac and Alex have travelled to Canada to help a friend of Zac's sort out who killed his father. They intend to make it a bit of a holiday too after the rush of Christmas and everything else which had happened. Of course, things never turn out as planned and once again Zoe is thrown into danger!

A series of cozy mysteries which are set in a small town called Ashton Falls , written by wonderful cozy mystery author Kathi Daley. If your like this series try one of her others, they're all as good! The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Profile Image for Kathy Dunn.
1,311 reviews24 followers
January 6, 2017
In Holiday Hangover we find Zoe and Zak at loose ends between Christmas and the New Year. Scooter is in California visiting his dad and Alex is feeling a little lost. When Zak gets a call from an old friend Chance about a possible computer security issue which turns out to also be a murder investigation, they all pack up for a trip across the border. Once in Canada, Zoe finds herself working hard to find the person who killed Chance’s father.
Kathi’s talent for writing a great mystery shines through.
660 reviews17 followers
February 5, 2017
Zoe is dealing with a little bit of the post holiday blues. Zoe isn't pregnant after all and Scooter is visiting with his previously absent father. Zak suggests a ski vacation at a friend's resort. But, while at the resort, Zak will be looking into the security system at the resort because there appears to have been some tampering. The friend's father is found dead and Zoe ends up investigating to see what has happened. I enjoyed this book and the different location in this story. I am looking forward to Zak and Zoe's continuing adventures!
Profile Image for Sally Hannoush.
1,882 reviews27 followers
February 17, 2017
This latest release in the Zoe Donovan series is a good one. Recipes included, as always- both Kathi's and readers. The book had lots of ups and downs. I guessed half the answer but didn't have a clue on the other half. I was at a loss about the black dogs going missing back home and found the answer to be very different than I would have thought of. Another great cozy mystery! Looking forward to the next one already.
Profile Image for Joanne.
189 reviews7 followers
March 10, 2017
Holiday Hangover is the 23rd book in Kathi Daley’s Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series. I enjoy when she takes the reader and the key characters on a vicarious vacation. The descriptions are so vivid it is as if you are on location with them. Zak is invited to a remote ski resort in the Canadians Rockies. Zoe decides to go with Zak in hopes a trip might help chase away a case of the “blues”. A week’s stay at Bear Mountain Resort enjoying skiing and pampering sounds wonderful to Zoe and Alex. Zak has been asked to come not only enjoy the resort but to help determine who killed his friend, Chance Carrington’s father, Daniel, and why. Before long, Zoe discovers multiple family members with a motive to eliminate Daniel, and several had the opportunity and means. As Zoe looks beyond potential family suspects she finds a mountain of suspects coupled with danger at every activity she wants to enjoy. On the home front in Ashton Falls, Jeremy tries to figure out why Ashton Falls is experiencing a rash of stolen dogs.

The characters are well- developed and continue to grow in this emotional, suspenseful, tightly woven plot with multiple twists and turns. The theme of family and what forms a “family” can take is expertly delivered. The plot leaves readers wanting more as we welcome the newlyweds, Ellie and Levi, back from their honeymoon, await the arrival of their baby and learn of the changes at Zimmerman Academy. I really enjoy that because it keeps each new adventure is engaging and fresh, captures the reader’s attention quickly and leaves the reader wanting to come back for more! I thoroughly enjoyed Holiday Hangover and can’t wait for the next book. There are recipes at the end of the book which sound delicious. I highly recommend all Ms. Daley’s books to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cozy mystery.

Disclosure: I was gifted a copy of this book and am voluntarily writing a review
954 reviews14 followers
January 31, 2022
A fun, entertaining mystery. Zak receives an invitation from his friend Chance to stay as his guest at his ski resort in exchange for looking at the resort's security system and the murder of a family member. Zoe and Zak find themselves slowly uncovering the events surrounding the complicated family dynamics possibly leading to the murder. Pour yourself a hot beverage and enjoy Zak and Zoe's adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
Profile Image for Darcy Weber.
156 reviews11 followers
January 8, 2017
Killer Holidays

Zak and Zoe take a tripnto a friends' resort to help find the murderer of the patriarch, and become friends with almost everyone involved. Snowstorms and kidnapping are involved, as is a late night escape, which leave Zoe questioning her unintentional career choice and starting a family. Great read, kept me involved through the entire story.
Profile Image for Celest.
714 reviews8 followers
December 23, 2017
Holiday Hangover or Deadly Holiday?

Another great book with an intriguing mystery to solve. I love the family being together, but having some issues to solve there too. As usual Zoe and Zak work together to resolve their family problems as well as the mysteries. And Zoe gets herself in a dangerous situation, so it's business as usual. I loved this book as much as the last ones.
Profile Image for Margaret Appel.
273 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2020
Snowboarding and Blizzards

Zoe and her husband Zak head to a ski resort for a combination of vacation and work. Zak is there to help an old friend figure out who killed the friend's father. This is a great cozy murder mystery and lots of fun to read. Can you figure out who did it before Zoe?
1,033 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2021
Murder in Canada

Zak and Zoe fly to a family-owned resort in Canada. Zak has known the family for years. The current CEO wants Zak to recover the security footage that is missing from the computer system covering the time his father was murdered. Twists and turns lead to an unexpected ending. Another great story by Kathi Daley.
Profile Image for Red.
501 reviews8 followers
December 19, 2017
It's number 23! If I thought anything below a 5 star rating...I wouldn't be here. Another win for Zoe and crew...although the thing about the black dogs...was kinda weird...maybe there will be more about that in a later book...otherwise it was just kind of random.
39 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2018
Good

I like all of her books but have a hard time remembering which ones I have read. Also wish could have access to a book list in kindle program of previously read books by authors
Profile Image for D.
1,296 reviews16 followers
October 15, 2020
A snow trip with an investigation included throws Zak, Zoe, & Alex into the middle of their hosts family drama. With Scooter in LA with his father, the other three are waiting to hear if he will return to them. Filling this story is many questions that are bothering our trio.
1,063 reviews4 followers
January 8, 2017
Great read

All of kathi Daley's books are great I read them as soon as they come out and can't wait till the next
2,221 reviews44 followers
March 25, 2017
If you are a fan of Kathi Daley's Zoe Donovan mystery series, you'll like Holiday Hangover. This book is loaded with suspects!
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
August 25, 2018
I Love A Good Cozy Mystery

I love a good cozy mystery and this one was no exception.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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