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Zoe Donovan Mystery #28

Hippity Hoppity Homicide

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Join Zoe and friends as they work together to solve a murder mystery and plan a festive celebration for Catherine's first Easter.

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2018

496 people are currently reading
177 people want to read

About the author

Kathi Daley

474 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
487 (64%)
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193 (25%)
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71 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Robin Leslie Coxon.
171 reviews51 followers
April 3, 2018
It is almost the season of Easter and the first season for Zoe and Zak with their new baby girl, Catherine. Family life was filled with making plans for an Easter celebration and taking care of Catherine and watching her grow. Sheriff Salinger summons Zoe to a hotel room where Zak was supposed to be working with his friend and employee, Will Danner, on a project. Entering the room, Zoe is unsettled when seeing the outline of a covered body. Will Danner was dead and had been shot in the head. This was disturbing enough but to find out your husband has been kidnapped has set Zoe in a rage and now it is up to Zoe to rescue him from whatever evils Zak must be facing. As always Zoe draws on her strength and love for Zak as well as her many friends to assist her in this challenge.
I found once I picked up this book and read the first chapter, I wanted to read more and more until I was finished and had all the answers. Kathi Daley doesn’t disappoint her readers once again with book number 28.

Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews62 followers
March 26, 2018
“Hippity Hoppity Homicide” earns 5/5 Puzzling Clues…Murderously Fun!

Thirty minutes ago doesn't seem like a lot of time passed, but in that amount of time one friend is dead and one husband is missing. Zoe has been brought to the crime scene relieved that her husband appears to be alive, but kidnapped. Only she is directed to make a call to the number using the burner phone found lodged in the dead man’s bloody hand. She holds her breath, checks her emotions, and dials. “Welcome to the Sleuthing Game…,” said a deep computer-generated voice. Zoe learns from the cryptic message that she is required to complete eight puzzles in an allotted amount of time, “No cops!” Fail, and it would mean the death of her husband. Zoe has taken the challenge although the killer is in charge tauntingly, and revealing an intricately prepared contest of wits and physical endurance…but is that all it is?

Wow! Finished in one sitting…I am drained! Kathi Daley outdid herself with this roller coaster race in the twenty-eighth book. Although the first message said “No cops,” Zoe enlisted friends and family in her efforts to decipher the puzzles, so fans of many of the supporting characters will be pleased. Zoe’s teenage charge Alex and schoolmates play an active role due to their computer skills, Phyllis and Harriet join in with key information, and Shredder (from Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery series) uses experience and contacts best left undefined; this all facilitates the nail-biting drama… Hurry, time is running out! The twisty and turny drama is softened a bit as we follow the plans and preparations for their Easter celebration, everyday responsibilities of managing teenagers and dogs, and Zoe reminiscing about her life with Zak. This series is marvelous, providing a very realistic adventure, and this book is one of Kathi Daley’s best! Daley loves to include in several of her books easy-to-follow recipes submitted by her long-time fans In Hippity Hoppity Homicide, we have four marvelous recipes best for anyone’s final Easter course, bridal and baby showers, potlucks, book clubs, or afternoon teas: Baked Fruit Pie, a tasty way to use Ritz crackers; Peanut Butter Chess Pie, can't go wrong with peanut butter; No Name Cake, the name is delicious; Lemon Tea Cookies, serve up with a pot of Earl Gray.
Profile Image for Mary Brown.
1,299 reviews75 followers
March 30, 2018
Hippity Hoppity Homicide
Zoe Donovan Mystery, Book #28
Kathi Daley
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Join Zoe and friends as they work together to solve a murder mystery and plan a festive celebration for Catherine's first Easter.

Review:

When I was reading the first half of this book, I felt like I was watching a movie, such as Saw. There was so much action contained within the pages and you could have cut the tension with a knife. Zoe and her friends were under so much pressure to solve a variety of puzzles, clues and tasks, all the while being timed, to save Zak. I could not stop reading, I had to keep swiping the pages to see what would happen next.

As usual, the characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. I love any time that I get to spend with Zoe and all of her friends. And add in Catherine and Eli, Zoe and Ellie’s babies, and the fun gets even better. There is so much love and caring within that group and it is so refreshing. I feel that this author’s speciality is character creation and development and I feel like Zoe and her friends are my friends.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. As in most of this author’s books, there are two mysteries to solve, which makes it twice as fun being an armchair detective.

I highly recommend this book (and series) to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Give this book a try, I know you will not be disappointed.


Profile Image for Taryn.
1,120 reviews32 followers
March 28, 2018
In this new book, Daley delivers a fast paced read that will have your emotions on high from the beginning. A friend is dead and Zoe's husband has been taken, the culprit wants her to play a game to get Zak back alive. She knows that she has to do everything she can to get Zak back alive, the alternative is to scary to think about. Will she be able to pass all the tests? What will happen to Zak if she loses one? Why did her friend Will have to die? She was told not to involve the police but nothing was said about having her friends help out. Follow along as Zoe and her friends do their best to not only solve each test but also beat the time that has been given with each new clue. This was an exciting mystery that had me on my toes the whole way through and surprised me in the end.
Profile Image for Dawn Frazier.
453 reviews40 followers
April 16, 2018
Loved it! This one started out a little different, the first half of the story is nail biting suspense. I thought it was a nice twist though. The second half of the book takes us back to the Zak and Zoe we love. I look forward to the next book!
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,062 reviews43 followers
March 26, 2018
Hippity Hoppity Homicide is the 28th book in Kathi Daley’s awesome Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series. This book is so action packed and engaging that I found it difficult to put it down and was sorry when it ended. The story is well plotted, the characters well developed and affable, and the story flows at a fast pace. Ms. Daley has provided readers with an intriguing murder mystery, with twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. Ms. Daley perfectly blended the mystery with just the right touch of romance, family, and friends. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading a well-crafted cozy mystery.

Zoe Donovan Zimmerman is looking forward to her newborn daughter, Catherine’s, first Easter and planning a day of activities for family and friends. Her plans are turned upside down when she learns that Will Danner, a teacher at Zimmerman Academy, the private school she and, Zak her husband, own had been murdered in the motel room he was staying in while his home was being remodeled and Zak had been kidnapped. Sheriff Salinger tells her he found a phone and note at the scene with detailed instructions that Zoe must follow. She calls a specified number on the cell phone and a computerized voice provides instructions for the first of eight puzzles she must solve if she wants to save Zak’s life. She’s also told that no cops can be involved or Zak will die, but not that she must do this alone, so she enlists the help of family members and friends.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
363 reviews8 followers
April 2, 2018
A Double Mystery

A character from Zak and Zoe's past has returned and now Zak has been kidnapped and Zoe must solve puzzles to get him back or he dies.
And when Zak was kidnapped, Will, a teacher at the Zimmerman Academy was murdered. So if the kidnapper isn't the murderer, who is the killer.

The first part of the book was different and while solved has left some good future story lines.
The second part is pure Zoe and Zak. And all the clues were there from page one, if you pay attention.

I have to admit I did agree with Zoe about what Catherine should wear for Easter. It sounds so much cuter than a frilly dress like Ellie insisted on. Maybe Ellie should have her own little girl.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,237 reviews46 followers
March 31, 2018
28 books in and this series never, ever gets old every Zoe and Zac mystery is like coming home and even now that baby Catherine is here Ashton Falls is still the place to be.

Talk about an action packed start with a death and kidnapping, puzzles to solve and a race to save Zac all while Zoe keeps it together.

I kind of miss the early days of Zoe running the animal shelter and rushing head long into danger lol but wait she still finds danger at every turn.

Profile Image for Linda.
785 reviews15 followers
March 27, 2018
Called to the scene of a murder, Zoe is horrified to discover the dead man is a friend of theirs, but even worse Zak has also been kidnapped. Now she is forced to play a twisted game, solving a variety of task oriented and timed clues in order to negotiate for his release. Any wrong answer could bring about Zak’s death! This story definitely keeps the reader at the edge of their seats throughout the mystery and just when you think you know the ending....guess again. If this series were to end, this would be a great stopping point because I can’t see how you could top this one! Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book.
Profile Image for Lynne Moody.
452 reviews154 followers
April 2, 2018
Wow this time around there's a double mystery to solve. A friend is murdered and Zoe's husband is missing. She must get help from all in her life to save him , but wait there is a big twist included coming. Loved all the characters involved . Did not want to put this down, but didn't want it to end either. A must read !
595 reviews15 followers
March 12, 2019
Get ready for a roller coaster ride here. This book starts with the mystery of a dead friend and a missing husband which leads to a twisted game. Then in a loop of the roller coaster, there is a second mystery that you don't see coming. Love these characters and their interactions. I will continue on with this series.
Profile Image for Teresa Kander.
Author 1 book186 followers
April 4, 2018
This series takes a slightly darker turn in this book, at least in the first half. The tension runs high as Zoe and company try to solve a variety of tasks in time to save Zak's life. I found myself holding my breath at times, wondering how the tasks would play out.

The second half of the story is more of a typical Zoe mystery as they try to determine who kidnapped Zak and why. Zoe is learning to spend more time on the sidelines of investigations, letting others take the lead, and we get to witness how she struggles with that new role. And even without trying to investigate, she still manages to get herself in trouble.



With Eli and Catherine as part of the mix these days (as well as Ellie's surprise announcement in this book), there is no doubt these families will continue to have amazing adventures together for a long time to come.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
March 26, 2018
Zoe and Zak, Ellie and Levi are now all happily settled with new babies and looking forward to spring, family time and new, happy experiences. It seem the past isn't ready to let go of them quite yet.
As the book opens chaos reigns. One man is dead, another is missing and Zoe is at the dead center. Someone, who seems to know all about Zoe and her family and friends, has kidnapped Zak and set up an elaborate "game" to be played. Each clue correctly resolved only leads to the next one and time is running out.
The opening scenes are quite dark and desperate. Zoe must keep her wits about her and her emotions in check. There is no time to grieve or be hysterical. Although it helps to have a team of geniuses to solve these clues, it also takes common sense.
Why did a man have to die to start this game? What is the connection? Is it someone with a grudge against Zoe or is she just another pawn.

We really feel the clock ticking as Zoe is desperate to solve the riddles, unsure if she is being watched and if she is allowed to ask for help. All she knows is that she will do whatever it takes to save the man she loves.
Once the first part of the book is completed there is still a mystery to be solved. No matter how hard Zoe tries to stay on the sidelines, out of trouble, it seeks her out. When she fits all the puzzle pieces together, even keeping her mouth shut, danger focuses on her.
Another exciting adventure for this group of friends.
72 reviews
April 3, 2018
This fantastic episode in the Zoe Donovan cozy mystery series starts out at a crime scene. A good friend and beloved character is murdered and Zak, her husband, is kidnapped. The dead victim is found with a note in his left hand and a burner phone in his right hand. Zoe is welcomed to the “Sleuthing Game” where she is required to solve eight puzzles. If she is successful, Zak will be returned home unharmed. If she is not successful, she will never see him alive again. With the help of her friends and family, Zoe embarks on a journey around town filled with puzzles, riddles, trivia questions, and tasks designed to challenge her emotionally, intellectually, and physically. She also works with Sheriff Salinger and other friends to uncover the murderer.

This fast-paced story is filled with adventure, suspense, romance, love, friendship, family, heart-warming moments, an Easter egg hunt, and much more. As always, Ms. Daley’s writing flows smoothly, and her setting and relatable characters make for an extremely enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Sue.
596 reviews19 followers
July 3, 2018
It is Zoe's worst nightmare; a friend is found dead and her husband is missing. When Zak is kidnapped, Zoe must resolve timed challenges in a Sleuthing Game and things get pretty dicey.

The first half of the book really kept me on my toes and had me not wanting to put the book down. Zoe had to solve mathematical puzzles, a few riddles, and some really tough timed challenges to save her love. She didn't know if she could ask for help at first, so a few things she tried to do on the sly with the knowledge that she might be under surveillance by the kidnappers. The second half of the book was trying to solve the mystery of why her friend was murdered and who wanted him dead.

I know that some did not like the book because it wasn't your average cozy, but I have to say I really enjoyed it and thought the suspense was a nice change of pace for one of my favorite authors.
Profile Image for Vivian.
769 reviews13 followers
September 10, 2018
Well, this one was certainly different - it was like getting two books in one - a suspenseful one and then a crime-solving one! At the beginning, I wasn't sure I would be very interested in the storyline (despite being a die-hard fan of the author), but I was pleasantly surprised - and found myself not being able to turn the pages fast enough! The first portion dealt with the murder of a family friend and Zak's kidnapping in which Zoe had to perform several tasks to obtain his freedom. Once the crisis had passed, the book turned to the solving of the murder - I had no idea who the killer was so that is always a plus for me.

I am constantly amazed at the stories this author creates - I have never been disappointed in one yet. Her books are always well-written and interesting and I can't recommend them highly enough.
Profile Image for Celest.
737 reviews8 followers
November 14, 2018
Not a fan of Thrillers or the Villain that won't die.

I'm a big fan of Kathi Daley's, but not the first half of this book. As I read I kept thinking that I know this story. I described a little of what was happening and my daughter not only named the TV show, but the name of the episode that was similar. I guess that great mystery minds often have similar plot ideas. This was more of a Thriller in my mind than a Cozy Mystery and I'm not a fan. I had an anxiety attack watching Harry Potter, ended up in the ER My kids thought I was having a heart attack. Yes, I'm a sissy. The second half of the book was a great mystery, that I enjoyed. Of course Zoe got herself in over her head, again. I love that about her. I'm on to read the next book in this series. Here's hoping Zoe and Zak are out of Claudia's sites.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,434 reviews12 followers
February 19, 2022
Back in Ashton Falls, baby Catherine has arrived and Zoe and Zac are enjoying have their baby girl with them. When one of the teachers at the Zimmerman Academy is found dead, and Zac is kidnapped, Zoe faces a race against time, solving clues to spare his life.

This is one of the best books in this cozy mystery series, I find it hard to start any of these books and not to finish them in 1 sitting, but this one was unputdownable!

A really well written, series of short cozy mysteries set in Ashton Falls, written by Kathi Daley who has written several cozy mystery series, equally as good as this series. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,601 reviews48 followers
March 26, 2018
Kindle Copy For Review

It’s Easter time in the Donovan-Zimmerman household. But it is not all bunnies as Zoe finds things not so quiet after she takes a Sunday nap. She finds that Zak been kidnapped as he visited their friend Eill and school teacher at Zimmerman Academy and that he been murdered.

It is left to Zoe to figure out the pieces to get her husband back in one piece. But it is not as simple as it seems as she will need help from Alex and her friends to figure the clues out.

Once again we are thrown for a loop as things are not totally what it seems. Another exciting read in the series as things are not exactly black and white this time around.
Profile Image for Lisa Millett.
298 reviews10 followers
March 28, 2018
Best Zoe Book Yet

Every time I think that Kathi Daley can't too the last Zoe Donovan Book she surprised me and does. This by far was the most exciting, fast paced and mysterious book in the series to date. Zoe is called to a hotel room where her friend has been murdered and Zak has been kidnapped. She has to meet a series of challenging tasks or Zak will die. Along with her best friend Levi and the gang they take on these tasks as a group and family to try and save Zak. Filled with fast paced challenges, I couldn't out this book down. I was rapidly turning pages to see what happened next. Kudos to Kathi Daley and the Zoe Donovan series.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
March 29, 2018
Hippity Hoppity Homicide ( Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery-Book 28 )
By: Kathi Daley
Hippity Hoppity is book twenty-eight in Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Series. The author grabbed me right at the start and I was hooked. She did not disappoint. I did not want to put it down. The author out did herself in this cozy mystery. I would say that Hippity Hoppity Homicide is the best in this series. The story is well written and the characters are real like. The story is filled with murder, mystery, and packed with action from start to the finish. There is murdder and kidnapping involved in this mystery that runs close to Easter. Zoe and the gang is all helping out in this cozy mystery that is close to home.
Profile Image for Christie Marks.
172 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2018
Another winner

This is by far the most stressful Zoe undertaking. Zak has been kidnapped & it's up to Zoe to save him by solving a number of challenges. She's lucky to be surrounded by brave and brilliant friends to help her. The characters-old friends, new friends, and a couple of crossovers from other series, come together to not only rescue Zak, but solve a murder as well. As with the books before this one, the ending is just the beginning - giving us confidence that there is another story in the pipeline. Happy reading!
1,239 reviews11 followers
May 14, 2020
Games, games , games!!

Zoe Donovan mysteries are always enjoyable, and usually Zoe manages to get herself into plenty of scrapes and need rescuing! Well, this time the disaster finds Zoe and she never needed her friends more. A homicide, a kidnapping and a bunch of puzzles or tasks Zoe has to complete to get the person released. Then, when the kidnap victim is released, another mystery snags Zoe’s attention while she was minding her own business grocery shopping. Really!! Enjoy it, I sure did!
836 reviews10 followers
March 29, 2018
Chilling Whodunnit!

OMG! The suspense builds from page 1 & does not let go! Zoe & her friends literally race against the clock to save Zach’s life. At times the intensity was so strong I found myself actually feeling Zoe’s frustration, anger, & fear. This is absolutely the best Kathi Daley book yet! Make sure you have time to read it in full as I was unable to put it down till the very end.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
1,887 reviews103 followers
April 3, 2018
WOW! SUPER WOW!! talk about intense and suspenseful - you will definitely want to read this book when you have time to sit down and read the whole story. Full of twists and turns, you will be taken on a roller coaster ride as Zoe is force to play a sleuthing game to save her husband from being murdered. Chockfull of emotions as family and friends work together in race of the clock to save Zak. Also you are taken down memory lane as Zoe talks and thinks about Zak.
Profile Image for Linda.
428 reviews15 followers
April 18, 2019
This story started with a bang with Zoe brought to the scene of a murder of a good friend and the kidnapping of her husband. The story kept my interest all the way through. It never dragged on and became stale. The characters were still some of my favorite people in the world. It was fun watching the 2 teenagers interact. This story was well written with "on the edge of your seat" action that really kept the pace up. Definitely a winner.
1,063 reviews4 followers
March 27, 2018
Great read

I can't believe it 28 books and I still can't wait till the next one .I love Zoe and Zac and the whole gang if you love a cozy with characters you will love and a story that will keep you turning the page then this one by Kathi Daley is a must read Zoe really out does herself this time
Profile Image for Kathy Dunn.
1,330 reviews24 followers
March 28, 2018
Anxiously awaiting baby Catherine’s first Easter, when she learns that Zak has been kidnapped and a friend has been murdered. Zoe is Zak’s only hope of being released alive. With clues and twists around every corner, Zoe focuses on saving her husband and hopefully find out who murdered their friend.
Another great book by Kathi Daley and a must read for all of the Zoe Donovan fans.
380 reviews4 followers
March 29, 2018
Hippity hoppity homicide by Kathi Daley

Oh my goodness y’all!! I was crying the first half almost every chapter. Poor Zoe was beside herself with worry for Zak, the murder of a friend (who was different from what she thought) a mad woman... well actually oh no can’t tell But trust me. You gotta get this one!
Profile Image for Darcy Weber.
156 reviews11 followers
March 30, 2018
True friendship

What do you do when the love of your life is missing, and the psycho who kidnapped them sends you on a trail of puzzles? You ask your closest friends to help you solve the never-ending puzzles and hope you're both physically strong enough to endure. Then, you get your love back, and solve a murder, too, of course!
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