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Whales and Tails #11

A Winter's Tail

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Three secrets, first revealed in Grimm's Furry Tail, A Tale of Two Tabbies, and The Cat of Christmas Present, collide in a single horrific moment that leaves one person dead and one fighting for their life. This fast paced cozy mystery will have you glued to the page as Cait and Cody join forces with a cat named Moirai in a race against time to track down a killer.

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 2017

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About the author

Kathi Daley

435 books1,789 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
467 (62%)
4 stars
205 (27%)
3 stars
67 (8%)
2 stars
10 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Linda.
788 reviews15 followers
December 10, 2017
Cait is horrified as she watches a car containing her best friend forced off the road and down into a deep ravine. With the driver dead and Tara in the hospital, Cait and her "Scooby gang" are on the case to identify the deliberate driver. But they have to be discrete, since the sheriff has sent one of his deputies from the mainland to assist Finn in the investigation. They don't want to get Finn in trouble for accepting outside assistance in police cases. But as their investigation continues, they realize that sometimes what you think you know about a person is only the tip of the iceberg. This was one of the fastest moving story in the Whales and Tails series yet, keeping the reader on the edge as Caitlin moves forward in her detecting, all with the help of Tansy's latest mysterious kitties. The relationship between the main characters is, as always, endearing. I look forward to the next book in this series. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book, gifted by the author.
Profile Image for Taryn.
1,124 reviews31 followers
March 28, 2017
Fabulous Read

In this new installment Kathi starts with an intense beginning and it just keeps getting better. Caitlin and the gang are out to find the truth of what caused Tara's accident and killed Tanner. With secrets and lies at every corner Caitlin will need all the help she can get, luckily a cat named Moirai shows up to help. Kathi really knows how to grab your attention and keeps you searching for the answers the entire read. I love this series and it never disappoints.
595 reviews15 followers
September 26, 2017
When Cait watches a car with her best friend go over a hillside at the start, you know that you are in for a good read.
The gang joins again to try and help figure out what happened but have to be careful as a detective has been sent in to help and they don't want to get Finn in trouble.
This kept me guessing, especially as to what was uncovered on the victim that died. I didn't figure it out until Cait did, I love when I'm led along with the character.
I will definitely continue on with this series.
There is the addition of some yummy sounding recipes in the back.
Profile Image for Teresa Kander.
Author 1 book186 followers
February 21, 2017
As stated in the synopsis, this story involves secrets which were revealed in three prior stories, so I highly suggest you read those before jumping into this one.

I love this series and seeing some of these secrets being revealed to the right people at the right time was a great payoff for the characters as well as the readers. At least one of the secrets doesn't involve a happy ending, however, so be prepared for that as well.

The mystery in this story was a trickier one than usual, IMO. The things that seemed like clues turned out not to be, and the red herrings seemed to outweigh the real clues. I was totally surprised by the reveal of the killer, and saddened by the events which prompted that person's actions.

The end of this story seems to point toward some new characters for future stories, so I can't wait to see how that all works out. I hope it will bring some happiness to one of members of the "Scooby Gang," who truly deserves it.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews64 followers
February 21, 2017
“A Winter’s Tail” earns 5/5 White and Fluffy Soothsayers with a bowl of Hunter’s Stew!

Caitlyn Hart feels so helpless when she witnesses the car her best friend is in veer off the road to avoid an oncoming car and plunge down a ravine. EMTs arrive to rescue her from the car, but she’s lost a lot of blood, and the driver of the car is dead at the scene. Doctors say Tara needs a blood transfusion, but her rare blood type makes it difficult. Stepping outside of the hospital to call her boyfriend, a white fluffy cat curls around her legs. Another one of Tansy’s magical cats come to help? Caitlyn, relieved her friend is improving, takes the cat home wondering what insights the cat will provide.

Caitlyn and her friends have done well before uncovering motive and the killer, but their usual techniques need to be kept well under the radar when Finn, Cait’s soon-to-be brother-in-law and Madrona Island deputy, is concerned about the motives of the sheriff bringing in another deputy to head up the investigation. Heading off to Tanner’s home by the ‘meowings’ of Caitlyn’s new cat, she discovers a list of five names and a tackle box. They also discover Tanner’s story is riddled with inaccuracies, other similar accidents occur, and a secret AA meeting is discovered. A big storm on the horizon could hinder their abilities to uncover the truth and a killer could go free.

The eleventh book in the Whales and Tails Mystery series sure starts off with a “crash, boom, bang!” I was once again taken on a very entertaining journey beginning to end, and Kathi Daley’s signature clever mystery weaves in and out of suspects and scenarios leaving me on the edge of my comfy chair. This installment revisits some secrets first disclosed in three other books, but, newbies fear not, there is enough information to bring you up to speed and offer enjoyment just like long-time fans are used to. I enjoy their methodical investigation using the ‘murder board,’ interactions between family and friends, continued romance between Cait and Cody, and the appearance of another cat. The so-dubbed ‘magical’ cat is an odd occurrence, yes, but strangely, I like it, and it doesn’t seem out-of-place. I highly recommend this book, as well as the whole series.

Also once again Kathi and her Facebook Recipe Exchange Group have put together a delicious set of casserole recipes that anyone would find perfect for that Sunday family gathering or your contribution to the book club potluck lunch. Let’s eat!
Profile Image for Doward Wilson.
752 reviews18 followers
February 23, 2017
Caitlin watches in horror as the car carrying her best friend and business partner, Tara is forced off the road into a ravine. Who was driving the mystery car that caused the accident and why did they do it? With Tara safe but her friend dead, Caitlin is determined to find the person responsible. The more she investigates, the more confusing the leads become. Finding similar accidents gives her a list of victims and suspects but the only common factor is alcohol. As secrets are unraveled, Caitlin and Tara are forced to admit that they didn't know their friend at all. Who is behind the murders and why? Caitlin pursues her investigation quietly but the killer is watching and acting! This twisted tale of love and revenge ends with a horrifying confrontation that will leave you stunned. Old secrets come to light and new secrets will get you killed! A pulse pounding read that gives us wonderful characters, twisted plots and magical cats! What more do you want from an adventure!
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,063 reviews43 followers
February 14, 2017
A Winter’s Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 11) in Kathi Daley’s awesome Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery series. My attention was grabbed in the first sentence and held until the book ended. I was filled with emotions ran from deep sadness to overwhelming joy. The mystery is well plotted and the characters are relatable and well developed. Ms. Daley’s writing style flows smoothly and this book is an easy read. 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 highly recommend all Ms. Daley’s books to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cozy mystery.

Caitlin ‘Cait’ Hart is following her friends, Tara O’Brian and Tanner Woodson, after attending the weekly Sunday dinner at her mother’s home when she sees a car run her friends off the road and leave the scene. Tara is rushed to the hospital but, sadly, Tanner, doesn’t survive the crash into the ravine. A fluffy white cat that Cait later learns is named Moirai, appears at the hospital and she knows he has been sent by Tansy, a local intuit, to help solve the case. She thinks it was intentional and wants to ‘the ‘Scooby Gang’ to investigate but Deputy Ryan Finnegan, Madrona Island’s resident deputy, friend, and a soon-to-be brother-in-law, tells her that it must be low key and off radar because for some unknown reason, the sheriff has assigned an out-of-town deputy to investigate.
724 reviews20 followers
February 17, 2017
Wow! What a great story. Cait's best friend and her boyfriend are in a serious accident. We learn that the boyfriend is not who everyone thought he was. There are also other strange accidents eerily similar to the one that Tara is in. Are they accidents or is something else going on. Also, some secrets are revealed that have been hidden.

This was an enjoyable, fast paced mystery. As always, this series and this author deliver great stories. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series!
Profile Image for Barbara Tobey.
3,084 reviews90 followers
February 14, 2017
Kathi Daley writes a concise mystery with characters with whom I enjoy spending time.
Profile Image for Jane Firebaugh.
Author 7 books99 followers
February 17, 2017
Another awesome book in this delightful series. I highly recommend it to all fans of cozy mystery. It's clean, fun , suspenseful and heartwarming. Don't miss it.
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews59 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.

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)

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

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 Debra Woloson.
58 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2017
Wow, what a curve in the tale!

Love Kathi's writing, doesn't matter which series, she pulls me into the story and I am right in the middle trying to help find the answer. I felt like I was sitting next to her waiting in the er and I caught myself reaching for the tackle box to see what else was in the darn thing. Lol. Again I thought it was one reason but wrong again. Let all my friends know about Kathi and her series.
2,409 reviews6 followers
January 8, 2022
A nice mystery.

I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Cait and her friends investigate some murders. The story kept me guessing . I never guessed who did the murders. Recipes are included in the book. I recommend this for readers who like cozy mysteries with cats who help in the investigation.
Profile Image for Celest.
737 reviews9 followers
January 28, 2022
A different kind of mystery

This mystery was a little different than most, but very intriguing. The characters are still great and helpful in investigating this really involved case. Lots of exciting moments and fun trying to figure out the who and why of it all. Wonderful storyline, I loved it.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,447 reviews12 followers
March 8, 2022
The next in the cosy mystery series by Kathi Daley, when Cait's best friend is injured in an accident, she has to find out what is going on, especially when other'accidents' occur.

Brilliant cozy mystery series, each book easily read in a couple of hours. Best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
77 reviews
April 27, 2022
Continuations

I took a little time off from reading the cat mysteries and am very glad to be back.
I have read many of the stories and enjoyed them but thought it would be reliable to re-read them as they came. It becomes a little more personal. Being with the people as they live their adventures.
Profile Image for Darcy Weber.
156 reviews11 followers
February 18, 2017
Friends, or Not?

This was another win for Kathi Daley! We learn answers to secrets long held, and find new friends. A sad accident turns a good man into a haunted man, when wreaks havic on our little town.
Profile Image for Sandy Bartles.
1,395 reviews37 followers
February 19, 2017
This book has some major lows and some major highs, but like all of this author's books, it has a wonderful HEA. As I read along, I kept thinking how much I wanted this book to go on and on. This has to be the best book, thus far, in this series. I can't wait to read the next one!
100 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2017
Love this series! Loved the story line in this one, definitely one of my favorites by Daley. I love that these books can be read in a day or two and I can share them with my children. Looking forward to reading the next one.
1,033 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2020
I've never met a Kathi Daley book I didn't like 👍

This book reveals some secrets about familiar characters. It also found the sleuthing group trying to solve the mystery of people who apparently are not connected being run off the road and killed. Excellent mystery.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews22 followers
August 4, 2018
Scooby Gang At Work

The Scooby Gang as work again giving us plenty of suspense and twists and turns.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
314 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2020
Continuing on with this series, I again enjoyed Kathi's story. A good series and will go on to the next.
983 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2020
Whales and Tails #11

Another great read from this author. I am reading all of this author series. Definitely worth reading her books and following the different series she writes.
303 reviews
May 23, 2020
Really goo

Wow this book in a series of books was Awesome, what a twist on this one . It was definitely worth reading , was having a hard time putting it down.
84 reviews
January 19, 2021
A Winter's Tale

I enjoy reading these cozy mysteries but it is such a fairy tale as everyone always ends up happily ever after.
4,417 reviews43 followers
December 12, 2021
Who is running the people off the road and why??? I liked Moirai!!! I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
298 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2022
Wonderful!

I still love this series...lots of action, wonderful characters and I am crazy about the cats. On to the next one...great writing! I highly recommend these Tails!!!!!!
179 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2022
MultipLe Murders

I like the characters in these books, they are beginning to be like friends. Recommended for readers who like mysteries cats and a touch of whimsy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews