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Writer's Retreat Mystery #5
Fifth Night
The Mystery Mastermind Group who live and write at the Gull Island Writer's Retreat are tasked with proving that the husband of a young mother with four adopted children and another on the way, was murdered and had not committed suicide as the insurance company is claiming. Jack, Jill, and the other writers know their task will be difficult since all the evidence found at the scene leads to a verdict they simply cannot accept.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2018
524 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
475 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 51 reviews
February 5, 2018
Kathi Daley is back with her fifth book in the Writer’s Retreat Mystery series. If you haven’t read any books in this series, the cover should be enough to make you stop and check out the book. One thing I enjoy about Kathi’s books is at the beginning of the book she provides a brief bio about each of the constant characters in her series plus the inclusion of the townsfolk. Just as any police detective would do, Kathi also lays out who the victim is and who may be considered to be a suspect and/or witness. With this information, the reader can use it to try and solve who did it by keeping track next to their name. The common bond of being writers allows each resident to have their own specialty for research helping the investigation dig deeper. A little romance thrown in is enticing as we wait to see how the relationship between Jill Hanford and Jack Jones is developing. In this book, will the romance survive a visit from Jack’s mother? I love this series and can’t wait to find out what the group will investigate next.
February 4, 2018
The newest cold case.
In this book we find the mystery masterminds helping to prove that a firefighter didn't take his own life and leave his pregnant wife with nothing.
While Rick, the deputy sheriff of Gull Island, felt something was off, he had a suicide note and was pressured into closing the case.
Now with the group investigating Rick helps to find the truth. Which I have to admit I missed all the clues. Probably because I was enjoying the story so much.
We also got a brief look into Jack's other life. The life of popular fiction writer and seeing a glimpse into the relationship with his mother, as his agent.
I do love cold cases of any kind and now the newest and most standoffish of the writer's group has asked Jill for help. When is the next book coming? I can't wait.
In this book we find the mystery masterminds helping to prove that a firefighter didn't take his own life and leave his pregnant wife with nothing.
While Rick, the deputy sheriff of Gull Island, felt something was off, he had a suicide note and was pressured into closing the case.
Now with the group investigating Rick helps to find the truth. Which I have to admit I missed all the clues. Probably because I was enjoying the story so much.
We also got a brief look into Jack's other life. The life of popular fiction writer and seeing a glimpse into the relationship with his mother, as his agent.
I do love cold cases of any kind and now the newest and most standoffish of the writer's group has asked Jill for help. When is the next book coming? I can't wait.
February 3, 2018
“Fifth Night” earns 5/5 Fiery Fun…A Signature Engaging Mystery by Kathi Daley!
Once again, in the fifth book of her Writers Retreat Mystery series, Kathi Daley has penned an intriguing mystery for her bunch of amateur sleuths to unravel. Jillian Hanford, who manages a writer's retreat, and the eight writers, of various ages and genres, have band together as the Mystery Mastermind Group. Any one of them can bring up for consideration a cold case of personal or professional interest. From murder to accidents, and now, it is Brit Baxter, the youngest of the group, who introduces Abby Boston, a pregnant and recently widowed mother of four, whose husband she does not believe committed suicide. Bobby Boston had been found asphyxiated in his car, a typed note next to him taking responsibility for a series of arsons and a fatality. The insurance company will not pay out for suicide, her house payments are in the rears, and her family’s future is bleak. She asks the group to prove it was murder, and the group answers her plea.
A clever case of “appearances can be deceiving” sends Jillian and the group around the island to revisit five recent cases of arson that left one dead and one suicide. Using meticulous techniques including research through official reports and newspaper archives along with informal interviews with key witnesses and suspect, it seems not to have been as open and shut as law enforcement had determined. Definitely something is amiss, but the fires seem unrelated, each handsomely reimbursed by different insurance companies, the property owners were out of town when their boat, barn, or businesses were destroyed, and Bobby was a firefighter with the requisite skills to do the job. The “arson and suicide” seems a clear cut focus, one that includes several revelations the original investigation should have seen, but as safe as this may seem, someone always ends up in jeopardy when their “snooping” gets too close.
Kathi Daley has a signature character-driven style to her writing. Along with the engaging gathering of clues, she entertains by weaving in several of the ongoing personal relationships: Gertie and Quentin, Vicki and Rick, Garrett and his parrot, and of course, Jillian and Jackson. Jillian seems to have found a way to dismiss the “Jack and Jill” references, but she is questioning the future of their relationship when Jack’s mother enters. We continue to enjoy the ins and outs of the small community visiting several businesses, enjoying a meal, and planning for the upcoming Spring Fling. Several pets get into the mix, to the delight of animal lovers, with Blackbeard the parrot, Agatha the cat, and the new golden retriever puppy, Kizmet.
There’s a lot to digest, but a lot to enjoy. I highly recommend the series, and newbies need not shy away from this fifth book. It is a good standalone revisiting background and connections including brief bios at the beginning of the book for the Writers Retreat Residents, Townsfolk, Victim, and Suspects and Witnesses. It all works well!
Once again, in the fifth book of her Writers Retreat Mystery series, Kathi Daley has penned an intriguing mystery for her bunch of amateur sleuths to unravel. Jillian Hanford, who manages a writer's retreat, and the eight writers, of various ages and genres, have band together as the Mystery Mastermind Group. Any one of them can bring up for consideration a cold case of personal or professional interest. From murder to accidents, and now, it is Brit Baxter, the youngest of the group, who introduces Abby Boston, a pregnant and recently widowed mother of four, whose husband she does not believe committed suicide. Bobby Boston had been found asphyxiated in his car, a typed note next to him taking responsibility for a series of arsons and a fatality. The insurance company will not pay out for suicide, her house payments are in the rears, and her family’s future is bleak. She asks the group to prove it was murder, and the group answers her plea.
A clever case of “appearances can be deceiving” sends Jillian and the group around the island to revisit five recent cases of arson that left one dead and one suicide. Using meticulous techniques including research through official reports and newspaper archives along with informal interviews with key witnesses and suspect, it seems not to have been as open and shut as law enforcement had determined. Definitely something is amiss, but the fires seem unrelated, each handsomely reimbursed by different insurance companies, the property owners were out of town when their boat, barn, or businesses were destroyed, and Bobby was a firefighter with the requisite skills to do the job. The “arson and suicide” seems a clear cut focus, one that includes several revelations the original investigation should have seen, but as safe as this may seem, someone always ends up in jeopardy when their “snooping” gets too close.
Kathi Daley has a signature character-driven style to her writing. Along with the engaging gathering of clues, she entertains by weaving in several of the ongoing personal relationships: Gertie and Quentin, Vicki and Rick, Garrett and his parrot, and of course, Jillian and Jackson. Jillian seems to have found a way to dismiss the “Jack and Jill” references, but she is questioning the future of their relationship when Jack’s mother enters. We continue to enjoy the ins and outs of the small community visiting several businesses, enjoying a meal, and planning for the upcoming Spring Fling. Several pets get into the mix, to the delight of animal lovers, with Blackbeard the parrot, Agatha the cat, and the new golden retriever puppy, Kizmet.
There’s a lot to digest, but a lot to enjoy. I highly recommend the series, and newbies need not shy away from this fifth book. It is a good standalone revisiting background and connections including brief bios at the beginning of the book for the Writers Retreat Residents, Townsfolk, Victim, and Suspects and Witnesses. It all works well!
January 29, 2018
In this fifth book of the series Brit asks the group to help out an expectant mother whose husband, a young fireman, committed suicide. Abby thinks that her husband was murdered and wants to prove it so that she can collect on his insurance. See not only does she have a baby on the way but her sister passed leaving her in charge of her four kids and the bank is getting ready to foreclose on their house. The young man in question left a suicide note saying he was responsible for some recent fires but also the death of a man in the last fire. Follow along as Jack, Jill and the writers group looks into this compelling mystery. Did he set the fires? Did he kill a man? Was there more at play that what's on the surface? I love this series because the mysteries are always different but each is challenging in it's own right. I look forward to trying to figure out who the culprit or culprits are and what caused them to do what they did. At the end of this book the author gave us a taste of the next mystery and I can't wait to see where it leads this unique and fun group of characters.
January 15, 2019
I enjoyed this book very much. When a young woman shows up before the group to ask them to check into her husband's death, the gang is drawn between this woman being pregnant plus having her adopted nieces and nephews and not being able to receive the insurance money, into helping her find answers.
This story keeps you guessing and wraps it all up to a satisfying conclusion. Between the mystery and the side story, this book kept me turning the pages. I will definitely continue on with this series.
This story keeps you guessing and wraps it all up to a satisfying conclusion. Between the mystery and the side story, this book kept me turning the pages. I will definitely continue on with this series.
January 25, 2018
full review soon
January 26, 2018
4 stelle e mezza
Altra bella storia, ma quella che mi incuriosisce di più è la prossima, lanciata come al solito nell'ultimo capitolo.
Altra bella storia, ma quella che mi incuriosisce di più è la prossima, lanciata come al solito nell'ultimo capitolo.
January 25, 2018
Fifth Night is the fifth book in Kathi Daley’s Writer’s Retreat Southern Mystery series and it’s an awesome and delightful book. Ms. Daley’s writing style flows smoothly, the characters are well rounded and affable, and the mystery is well plotted. Ms. Daley has provided readers with a clean read, filled with caring and compassionate characters and an intriguing mystery to solve. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a well-crafted cozy mystery.
Jill Hanford is thrilled that her brother, Garrett Hanford, has been released from the assisted living facility where he’d been staying while recovering from a stroke, is adjusting well, and settling in. Brit Baxter, one of the residents at Gull Island Writer's Retreat, invited Abby Boston to tell her story to the Mystery Mastermind Group and ask for their help. Abby starts by explaining that she was awarded custody of her four young nieces and nephews when her sister and brother-in-law were killed in an auto accident. She also explained that she gave up her job as a preschool teacher to stay home and take care of the children and her husband, Bobby, who was a fireman, took on a second job, working on a fishing boat on his days off. Seven months ago, she found out she was pregnant with their first biological child. Six months ago, Abby found Bobby in his car in their garage and his death was ruled a suicide. She doesn’t believe he killed himself and asks the group to look into it and prove he was murdered so she can collect his life insurance and stay in their home. The entire group agrees to look into Abby’s case. Jack Jones isn’t able to dedicate as much time as he would have liked to the case because his mother, who is also his literary agent, comes for a visit and is trying to convince him to continue one of his series. Jill and Jack ask Deputy Rick Savage, who conducted the original investigation, to look into it Jill works closely with him to find the truth about what happened to Bobby.
Jill Hanford is thrilled that her brother, Garrett Hanford, has been released from the assisted living facility where he’d been staying while recovering from a stroke, is adjusting well, and settling in. Brit Baxter, one of the residents at Gull Island Writer's Retreat, invited Abby Boston to tell her story to the Mystery Mastermind Group and ask for their help. Abby starts by explaining that she was awarded custody of her four young nieces and nephews when her sister and brother-in-law were killed in an auto accident. She also explained that she gave up her job as a preschool teacher to stay home and take care of the children and her husband, Bobby, who was a fireman, took on a second job, working on a fishing boat on his days off. Seven months ago, she found out she was pregnant with their first biological child. Six months ago, Abby found Bobby in his car in their garage and his death was ruled a suicide. She doesn’t believe he killed himself and asks the group to look into it and prove he was murdered so she can collect his life insurance and stay in their home. The entire group agrees to look into Abby’s case. Jack Jones isn’t able to dedicate as much time as he would have liked to the case because his mother, who is also his literary agent, comes for a visit and is trying to convince him to continue one of his series. Jill and Jack ask Deputy Rick Savage, who conducted the original investigation, to look into it Jill works closely with him to find the truth about what happened to Bobby.
January 26, 2018
Fifth Night ( Writer’s Retreat Southern Seashore Mystery -Book 5 )
By: Kathi Daley
Fifth Night is book five in Writer’s Retreat Southern Mystery series, and a very delightful cozy read. The story flows smoothly and the characters were well developed.The author provided information on the writers and characters in the front of the book, I really like this. A young firefighter is thought to have committed suicide . Was it suicide or was it murder? Jill and the team goes after this loser case. There was also several fires that happen on the island during the case. Can Jill and the team find anything new that will help them in this case?
By: Kathi Daley
Fifth Night is book five in Writer’s Retreat Southern Mystery series, and a very delightful cozy read. The story flows smoothly and the characters were well developed.The author provided information on the writers and characters in the front of the book, I really like this. A young firefighter is thought to have committed suicide . Was it suicide or was it murder? Jill and the team goes after this loser case. There was also several fires that happen on the island during the case. Can Jill and the team find anything new that will help them in this case?
February 24, 2018
Fifth Night by Kathi Daley is the latest release in her Writer's Retreat Southern Seashore mystery series and was a great addition to the series. I really enjoy this series and grab each book as soon as I can afford it.
Ms. Daley's writing is descriptive so that you feel that you are with the characters every step of the way as they investigate. All of the members of the Mastermind Group are developing now and I always enjoy seeing Clara, George, Brit, Garret,Vicky, Jill and Jack as I open each book. The mystery was complex but I did pick up on the clues so that I knew what Jill was going to say to Rick near the reveal. I was, however, totally surprised by how the "sting" was set up. There is some personal issues for Jill, Jack and Vicky that come up in this one, too; but they are handled in a realistic manner and never detract from the mystery.
Ms. Daley's writing is descriptive so that you feel that you are with the characters every step of the way as they investigate. All of the members of the Mastermind Group are developing now and I always enjoy seeing Clara, George, Brit, Garret,Vicky, Jill and Jack as I open each book. The mystery was complex but I did pick up on the clues so that I knew what Jill was going to say to Rick near the reveal. I was, however, totally surprised by how the "sting" was set up. There is some personal issues for Jill, Jack and Vicky that come up in this one, too; but they are handled in a realistic manner and never detract from the mystery.
January 30, 2018
Great fifth book in this fun series!
In attempting to help a pregnant young widow, who is already raising her dead sister's four children, Jill and the other "Masterminds", a group of authors who mostly live in a writers' retreat owned by Jill's brother, Garrett, find themselves embroiled in a challenging mystery.
Was the dead man a criminal whose guilty conscience forced him to commit suicide or was there something a lot more sinister at play, such as murder?
Highly recommended!
In attempting to help a pregnant young widow, who is already raising her dead sister's four children, Jill and the other "Masterminds", a group of authors who mostly live in a writers' retreat owned by Jill's brother, Garrett, find themselves embroiled in a challenging mystery.
Was the dead man a criminal whose guilty conscience forced him to commit suicide or was there something a lot more sinister at play, such as murder?
Highly recommended!
January 27, 2018
This is a great series that has me hooked and waiting for the next book! The stories flow and keep up a steady pace to the end. The characters make you care about them and their situations. I absolutely love Blackbeard the parrot and now the addition of Kizzy the puppy. Each mystery is well laid out and each clue has all the characters involved.
January 26, 2018
Another mystery solved
Once again, the writers tackle another closed case, and prove that things aren't always what they might at first seem. One of my favorite things about this series is the way the ending segues into the beginning of the next book. Of course, the characters are so well developed that you feel like they are in the room with you.
Once again, the writers tackle another closed case, and prove that things aren't always what they might at first seem. One of my favorite things about this series is the way the ending segues into the beginning of the next book. Of course, the characters are so well developed that you feel like they are in the room with you.
January 27, 2018
Excellent mystery book
This is book 5 in the writers retreat series and it is excellent. Jill, who runs the retreat for her brother Garrett is heading another meeting of the writers group. One of the members, Britt presents her friend Abby who is in need of their help. Abby's husband, a firemen, apparently committed suicide because of his guilt from setting 5 structure fires. Abby now is unable to collect his life insurance and she is going to lose her home. Abby has custody of her dead sister's 4 children and she is expecting one of her own so she is frantic. She believes that her husband was murdered so she asks the readers group to help her investigate to prove that her husband was murdered. The gang starts to investigate but they are having some of their own personal issues as well. Jill isn't able to rely on Jack's help because his very demanding agent who also happens to be his mother is in town. Vicky seems very distracted and almost sickly which is also worrying Jill. Therefore Jill has her hands full trying to solve the mystery on her own with the help of just a few members of the group. Will Kill be able to solve the mystery of Abby's husband's death and save Abby and the kids from being evicted? Will Jill and Jack be able to salvage their relationship? Is Vicky going to be ok? This is another inspiring mystery by Kathi Daley and I couldn't out it down. It has a surprising conclusion that answers all of these questions and leaves you wanting more from the writer's retreat series.
This is book 5 in the writers retreat series and it is excellent. Jill, who runs the retreat for her brother Garrett is heading another meeting of the writers group. One of the members, Britt presents her friend Abby who is in need of their help. Abby's husband, a firemen, apparently committed suicide because of his guilt from setting 5 structure fires. Abby now is unable to collect his life insurance and she is going to lose her home. Abby has custody of her dead sister's 4 children and she is expecting one of her own so she is frantic. She believes that her husband was murdered so she asks the readers group to help her investigate to prove that her husband was murdered. The gang starts to investigate but they are having some of their own personal issues as well. Jill isn't able to rely on Jack's help because his very demanding agent who also happens to be his mother is in town. Vicky seems very distracted and almost sickly which is also worrying Jill. Therefore Jill has her hands full trying to solve the mystery on her own with the help of just a few members of the group. Will Kill be able to solve the mystery of Abby's husband's death and save Abby and the kids from being evicted? Will Jill and Jack be able to salvage their relationship? Is Vicky going to be ok? This is another inspiring mystery by Kathi Daley and I couldn't out it down. It has a surprising conclusion that answers all of these questions and leaves you wanting more from the writer's retreat series.
January 29, 2018
5.0 out of 5 starsAnother murder in Gull Island
By Kathi Detamore on January 28, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Fifth Night is the fifth book in Kathi Daley's Writers' Retreat Southern Seashore Mystery is as exciting as the first four books. Please read the other books in this series- you will not be sorry! The main character is Jill Hanford a newspaper reporter that has come to help her older brother run a resort on Gull Island. Garrett is her her older brother that owns the resort but is recovering from a stroke but now back living at the resort will Jill. Jill is helping her boyfriend Jack run the local newspaper. She runs the resort as a writer's retreat. Their are writers living in restored cabins as well as some that live in the main resort along with a cat and a Parrot.
Kathi does a short bio in the front of each book on all the writers, the local townsfolk, and the characters from the current mystery. So helpful since there are lots of characters in each book. The writers come together to solve murders from the past that were never solved.
In book 5, a young pregnant widow comes to tell her story to the group. She is expecting and is raising her sisters children . Her husband died of a rues suicide 6 months ago. His insurance will not pay up because it was a suicide. His death occurred after a run of arson fires in the town. And her husband was a fire man. Do I have your attention now? And I leave you now to solve the mystery. I did not guess this one.. Kathi Daley has over done herself again!
By Kathi Detamore on January 28, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Fifth Night is the fifth book in Kathi Daley's Writers' Retreat Southern Seashore Mystery is as exciting as the first four books. Please read the other books in this series- you will not be sorry! The main character is Jill Hanford a newspaper reporter that has come to help her older brother run a resort on Gull Island. Garrett is her her older brother that owns the resort but is recovering from a stroke but now back living at the resort will Jill. Jill is helping her boyfriend Jack run the local newspaper. She runs the resort as a writer's retreat. Their are writers living in restored cabins as well as some that live in the main resort along with a cat and a Parrot.
Kathi does a short bio in the front of each book on all the writers, the local townsfolk, and the characters from the current mystery. So helpful since there are lots of characters in each book. The writers come together to solve murders from the past that were never solved.
In book 5, a young pregnant widow comes to tell her story to the group. She is expecting and is raising her sisters children . Her husband died of a rues suicide 6 months ago. His insurance will not pay up because it was a suicide. His death occurred after a run of arson fires in the town. And her husband was a fire man. Do I have your attention now? And I leave you now to solve the mystery. I did not guess this one.. Kathi Daley has over done herself again!
January 28, 2018
The writers retreat on Gull Island is made up of a close knit yet varied group of writers who live at this renovated resort. While each works at their own projects, when something comes up that needs the power of a Mastermind, these folks all pitch in with individual talents to find a solution or uncover the truth. The mystery at the moment is an alleged suicide of a young firefighter who it seems has much to live for. Evidence also points to increased stress and financial difficulties because his wife is pregnant and they are alraedy responsible for four orphaned children.
Speaking of stress, no matter one's age, it is hard to go against a mother's wishes, and successful, wealthy, adult Jack seems to be caving to his mother's wishes when she arrives for a visit which adds to Jill's stress and uncertainty. Jill is also concerned about a friend's health and a guest's disappearance. She is being pulled in many directions this time and yet can not turn her back on the young widow. Can the group discover the truth before Abby and the kids are homeless?
This book touches on raw emotions and the dilemma of actions taken to achieve a desired result.
The animals add an element of comfort both to the kids in the story and to the readers.
And when this case seems to be wrapped up, another one arises with ties back to the resort.
Speaking of stress, no matter one's age, it is hard to go against a mother's wishes, and successful, wealthy, adult Jack seems to be caving to his mother's wishes when she arrives for a visit which adds to Jill's stress and uncertainty. Jill is also concerned about a friend's health and a guest's disappearance. She is being pulled in many directions this time and yet can not turn her back on the young widow. Can the group discover the truth before Abby and the kids are homeless?
This book touches on raw emotions and the dilemma of actions taken to achieve a desired result.
The animals add an element of comfort both to the kids in the story and to the readers.
And when this case seems to be wrapped up, another one arises with ties back to the resort.
March 21, 2018
“...I’ve found that in life as in writing, it’s the unexpected side trip that makes all the difference”
Jill Hanaford is now completely settled on Gull Island, helping run her brother’s resort. She has a good job at the Gull Island News, a budding romance with Jack Hanaford, and a small cadre of friends, neighbors and “clients” at The Writers’ Retreat. However...
Her Island was rocked with a series of arsons earlier and the widow has come to the group in hopes of setting the record straight before the bank forecloses on her house where she’s raising her 4 nephews and nieces and is close to delivering her baby. Although her husband’s death has been ruled a suicide, Abby Boston is sure someone killed him, and with the help of “The Mystery Mastermind Group, Jill will find out the real truth.
I am constantly amazed at the breadth and scope of Kathi Daley’s imagination. I can only assume it gets very crowded in there sometimes. As an avid fan of her Zoe Donovan series, I have come to expect fresh new takes on mysteries from this author, and Fifth Night is no exception. Recommended 4/5
[disclaimer: I won this book from a rafflecopter giveaway and voluntarily reviewed it. The way I received it in no way affected this honest review]
Jill Hanaford is now completely settled on Gull Island, helping run her brother’s resort. She has a good job at the Gull Island News, a budding romance with Jack Hanaford, and a small cadre of friends, neighbors and “clients” at The Writers’ Retreat. However...
Her Island was rocked with a series of arsons earlier and the widow has come to the group in hopes of setting the record straight before the bank forecloses on her house where she’s raising her 4 nephews and nieces and is close to delivering her baby. Although her husband’s death has been ruled a suicide, Abby Boston is sure someone killed him, and with the help of “The Mystery Mastermind Group, Jill will find out the real truth.
I am constantly amazed at the breadth and scope of Kathi Daley’s imagination. I can only assume it gets very crowded in there sometimes. As an avid fan of her Zoe Donovan series, I have come to expect fresh new takes on mysteries from this author, and Fifth Night is no exception. Recommended 4/5
[disclaimer: I won this book from a rafflecopter giveaway and voluntarily reviewed it. The way I received it in no way affected this honest review]
January 28, 2018
As I wrote in my review of the previous book, I had become addicted to this series - yep, still addicted after reading this one! As a normal reaction to a mystery, I do try to solve them as I am reading, but in every book in this series the author has challenged me to think outside the box - she presents things, I draw my own conclusion and then she has an explanation that makes me shake my head and think "why didn't I even consider that?" The mysteries are cold cases which I find very interesting to puzzle through - they are complex, yet the author has an style of presenting that makes them easy to read about. I binge read the entire series on Kindle Unlimited and now that I've caught up, I'm sorry I have to wait for the next one! I can't recommend this series highly enough...or any of the author's other books either - all good reads.
February 25, 2018
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.
March 29, 2021
The Mystery Mastermind writer’s group looks into the case of a young firefighter, Bobby Boston, who supposedly committed suicide and left behind a wife and four kids with another on the way. After a series of arson fires set at properties where no one was home, the last fire claimed a life and Bobby was thought to have set the fires and couldn’t live with his guilt over a man dying. Bobby’s widow, Abby, asks the group for help in proving her husband was murdered and didn’t commit suicide. An intriguing case for the group. Jack’s mother also comes to town and things get a little tense between Jack and Jill. I really enjoyed this book and trying to figure out the truth behind Bobby’s death. The characters are all interesting and I enjoy how well they
March 11, 2018
This series is excellent! It pulls you in from page 1 & I couldn't put it down! Jill is asked to help a young mother get life insurance money from her husband's death but because his death was ruled a suicide she has to prove he was murdered. This series has everything I like about cozy mysteries. Likeable interesting characters and an intriguing mystery that is not intense or graphic. There is a little romance but less in this one as Jack's mother is in town and they have a complicated relationship so Jill doesn't see much of him. The next book is set up at the end of this one and I can't wait!
January 31, 2018
Spoiler Free Review:
This is the fifth in Kathi's Writer's Retreat Series. Set on the coast in the south the series features a investigative reporter who is managing a retreat owned by her half brother. She has revamped the retreat to cater to writers. A group of these writers meet regularly and review interesting cold cases from the area.
Kathi's real talent is building characters. She populates her books with people that you want to get to know. The remind you of people you may already know. She crafts interesting plots which wind around subplots. In the end you look forward to each new book to catch up with the characters that you have come to know. My wife and I are both hooked and look forward to each new release.
These are clean reads that are well written, well plotted and well edited. The stories flow from beginning to end. Her books are always an entertaining read.
This is the fifth in Kathi's Writer's Retreat Series. Set on the coast in the south the series features a investigative reporter who is managing a retreat owned by her half brother. She has revamped the retreat to cater to writers. A group of these writers meet regularly and review interesting cold cases from the area.
Kathi's real talent is building characters. She populates her books with people that you want to get to know. The remind you of people you may already know. She crafts interesting plots which wind around subplots. In the end you look forward to each new book to catch up with the characters that you have come to know. My wife and I are both hooked and look forward to each new release.
These are clean reads that are well written, well plotted and well edited. The stories flow from beginning to end. Her books are always an entertaining read.
February 5, 2018
Fifth Night is the fifth book in the Writer's Retreat Southern Seashore Mystery series. Jill helps her brother run the resort he owns, and she is in charge of the writer's retreat. They have writers that live in some of the cabins, and they have started looking at cold cases and solving them. In this book Brit presents Abby’s case, her husband died and it was ruled a suicide. Because of this, she won't be getting his life insurance. Abby knows he didn’t do it and wants help proving he was murdered. This was another book that keeps you reading. I loved it, and I highly recommend it.
February 5, 2018
This series just keeps getting better and better -- one you don't want to miss reading. You will find some great book friends along with mystery, romance, drama, and friendships. The parrot in this series has stolen my heart along with the other animals. Writers who live together at a retreat put their heads and talents together to solve cold cases. This one was special as not only did they solve the mystery but help a family from losing their home.
May 9, 2022
It's been over a year since I read the last book in the series, and I really missed it. These are the kind of cozies I like: where the amateur sleuth actually does some sleuthing and asks questions.
In book five, the Mystery Masterminds must help a pregnant widow prove her husband's death was not a suicide so she can get the insurance to keep the house. But how? Local investigators have already ruled it a suicide and closed the case. Sub-plots involve Jack's mom coming to town, Vikki seeming unwell, and Nicole disappears.
The language felt a bit formal for a contemporary story, and it was a bit repetetive in parts (characters reiterating the theory of the crime or suicide immediately after the theory was explained), but over all, I was invested in the characters and in discovering how Bobby really died. I also enjoyed getting to know the characters better. Hopefuly another year won't pass by before I can read book six!
In book five, the Mystery Masterminds must help a pregnant widow prove her husband's death was not a suicide so she can get the insurance to keep the house. But how? Local investigators have already ruled it a suicide and closed the case. Sub-plots involve Jack's mom coming to town, Vikki seeming unwell, and Nicole disappears.
The language felt a bit formal for a contemporary story, and it was a bit repetetive in parts (characters reiterating the theory of the crime or suicide immediately after the theory was explained), but over all, I was invested in the characters and in discovering how Bobby really died. I also enjoyed getting to know the characters better. Hopefuly another year won't pass by before I can read book six!
January 27, 2018
Once again Ms Daley has outdone herself. A woman wants to prove that her husband didn't kill himself and asks the Mystery mastermnds to help. The group is on the case even as Jack and Jill traverse rough waters of their relationship. This was another fast-paced mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. 5 stars for sure
January 28, 2018
Trouble Amongst Writers
Jack and Jill have hit a snag in their developing relationship, hopefully they can get thru it. Then there's the mystery of a man's death during an arson spree to solve, along with a very pregnant widow to help. Luckily, the Mastermind Group are up for a challenge.
Jack and Jill have hit a snag in their developing relationship, hopefully they can get thru it. Then there's the mystery of a man's death during an arson spree to solve, along with a very pregnant widow to help. Luckily, the Mastermind Group are up for a challenge.
April 28, 2018
A Very Enjoyable Read
This Cozy Mystery was a pleasant diversion from the more in depth murder mysteries I read. A writer's group solving mysteries is a welcome change. The setting of a writer's group living on an island in a small community is a peaceful spot to write books as well as to live.
This Cozy Mystery was a pleasant diversion from the more in depth murder mysteries I read. A writer's group solving mysteries is a welcome change. The setting of a writer's group living on an island in a small community is a peaceful spot to write books as well as to live.
July 11, 2021
Fifth Night and Somebody's Dead
Another mystery for Jill and the Writers to help solve, but this one has a twist. An intriguing plot that kept me guessing throughout the story. The Mystery Mastermind Group worked hard on this one to help solve a case and save a family. A very entertaining book, Kathi Daley never disappoints.
Another mystery for Jill and the Writers to help solve, but this one has a twist. An intriguing plot that kept me guessing throughout the story. The Mystery Mastermind Group worked hard on this one to help solve a case and save a family. A very entertaining book, Kathi Daley never disappoints.
January 26, 2018
Amazed
I have always been a fan of the Zoe Donovan, Sand and Sea Hawaiian and Cutters Cove Cozy, but the Writers Retreat series is quickly becoming my absolute favorite, so keep up the great reads!!!
I have always been a fan of the Zoe Donovan, Sand and Sea Hawaiian and Cutters Cove Cozy, but the Writers Retreat series is quickly becoming my absolute favorite, so keep up the great reads!!!
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