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The gang from the Gull Island Writers Retreat take on the case of a man who is currently doing time for the murder of a woman he swears he did not kill. After speaking to the man Alex determines that he is most likely telling the truth so he enlists the help of the gang to prove it. As they work together to sort fact from fiction, they realize there may be a lot more going on than they originally thought.

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2019

509 people are currently reading
113 people want to read

About the author

Kathi Daley

476 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
373 (61%)
4 stars
176 (28%)
3 stars
52 (8%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,475 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2019
Eighth Witness Witness by Kathi Daley was another intriguing addition to this series. I've enjoyed every one of the books in this series. The plot was complicated with two murder mysteries but that never seems to deter these Gull Island Writers. Each of the characters are unique with their own strengths to add to each investigation. This was a compelling read for me and I am already looking forward to the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Taryn.
1,120 reviews32 followers
February 3, 2019
In this next book of the series Alex asks the group to look into the murder of a young mother. The child's father was convicted of the crime and Alex thinks the young man is innocent. The group is a bit unsure of guilt or innocence but are willing to look into the matter and help Alex find the truth. As they begin searching for answers new clues I to the woman's death keep popping up. Will the group be able to turn the clues into a motive and a new suspect or will it all lead back to the man already convicted? Follow along and see where it all leads. This was a great read that I truly enjoyed, the author had another mystery happening in the background of the original mystery. It was fun to work both and try to figure out what happened with both. I look forward to the gangs next mystery.
Profile Image for Lynne Moody.
452 reviews154 followers
February 4, 2019
This one has so many quirky and wonderful characters it keep me interested to to the very end of this book.The storyline pulled me in with each page I read. A must read for all cozie readers.
Profile Image for Sandy Bartles.
1,395 reviews37 followers
January 18, 2019
The Writers’ Retreat is the kind of place I would love to live if I were a writer. The friendship these authors share warms my heart. I didn’t want this book to end.
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,062 reviews43 followers
January 15, 2019
New Case, Closed Case, and Cold Case Investigations
Eighth Witness is the eighth book in Kathi Daley’s awesome Writer’s Retreat Southern Mystery series. Ms. Daley’s writing style flows smoothly at a steady pace, the characters are well rounded and affable, and the mysteries are well plotted. This is a clean read, filled with caring and compassionate characters, intriguing and complex mysteries to solve, plus a touch of sweet romance. There are enough twists and red herrings to keep the reader engaged and guessing.

In this installment, Alex Cole, one of the residents at Gull Island Writer’s Retreat, asks the members the Mystery Mastermind Group to consider looking into a closed case. Ryan Spalding is serving a life sentence for the murder of Gina Portland who was his girlfriend and the mother of their young daughter, Hannah. Alex admits he isn’t convinced that Ryan is innocent, but feels it’s worth looking into and the others agree. As the group researches Ryan’s case and interview people, Malcolm Carlton is murdered in his home, and the group wonders if it could somehow be related to the murder of Gina Portland. Meanwhile, Jill Hanford and Jack Jones are working on a series of human interest articles for the weekly newspaper he owns based on historical information they discovered in the basement of Gull Island Community Church. They’ve agreed that Pastor Branderman can approve each article before publication to ensure nothing too controversial or scandalous is included. They have chosen Jeremiah Groverson to be featured in the first article because of his bravery in rescuing sixty or so men, women, and children from a burning vessel in the nineteen forties. Jack and Jill uncovered the fact that Jeremiah was sent to prison for the murder of his ex-employer’s wife and they are drawn into trying to prove his innocence.
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,974 reviews42 followers
January 31, 2019
Stavolta la banda è alle prese con ben due cold cases, uno addirittura risalente a 70 anni prima! E, apparentemente, in entrambi i casi è stato condannato l'uomo sbagliato. devo dire che ho trovato entrambi i misteri ben congeniati, come anche l'evolversi della vita personale di molti dei membri del gruppo. Resto in attesa del libro successivo.
Profile Image for Jane Firebaugh.
Author 7 books99 followers
January 17, 2019
This series just keeps getting better and better. Eight Witness is another wonderful addition and I highly recommend it.

There are two mysteries happening in this one, one very old and one fairly new. A man's freedom, as well as his daughter's well-being hang in the balance.

Don't miss this one!
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews61 followers
January 29, 2019
“Eighth Witness” earns 5/5 Cold Case Conundrums…Clever X Two!

This is my favorite Kathi Daley series: clever plots, wonderful characters, intriguing solutions. And as a fan of “cold case” movies and television, Kathi’s book gives me a double dose. Two cases, decades apart, are eerily similar: murder, circumstantial evidence, conviction, innocence claims, a daughter left without a father. Ryan Spaulding, serving a life sentence for murder, consistently professed his innocence, but an apparent rush to judgement prosecution still precipitated an arrest and guilty verdict. The Mastermind Mystery group decides to find out more knowing whether guilty or innocence closure is needed. Another case is discovered, decades old, that also seems a guilty verdict may have been out of convenience not evidence. Kathi lays out the issues in both cases weaving in daily life of the characters. They revisit testimony, walk the dogs, ask questions, help with the island’s film festival, explore newspaper archives, manage the retreat, review church documents, and run the local newspaper. The characters are well-developed and act/react in a realistic fashion, and it is positive to present a more collaborative, not antagonistic, relationship with law enforcement. The only thing missing? George’s paella recipe!
72 reviews
January 24, 2019
Eighth Witness is the eighth book in the A Writer’s Retreat Mystery cozy mystery series. This book is filled with the elements of a cozy mystery including suspense, romance, humor, love, friends and family, and a sense of community.

In this series, a group of writers of different genres live together in a writer's retreat on Gull Island. On Monday nights, they get together for "Mystery Mastermind" night to discuss and investigate local old cases that may have gone cold or have some aspect to them which indicates maybe they were not solved correctly. In this story, the group discusses and investigates, along with the help of the local deputy sheriff, two different cases from different time periods each involving a father who is found guilty and imprisoned for murder who claims to be innocent.

Each series Ms. Daley writes portrays a setting and a set of relatable characters that I would love to visit/meet. Her writing flows smoothly, which makes for an extremely enjoyable and quick read.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
January 15, 2019
Even though murder is involved, and the failures of the justice system, this book reaches in and touches your tenderest emotions. A group of authors of various genres, and their friends from the island community, research historical events for a series of newspaper articles. An emotional plea from the sister of a wrongly convicted (or so she believes) man convinces the group to look into the murder of this man`s child`s mother. Along the way, they discover another case of justice moving quickly just to close a case without proper evidence.
This series very character driven but also makes you think. I enjoy unraveling the clues along with our sleuths. Kathi Daley keeps them clean and family friendly but throws in enough twists not to make even a short book too simple. After reading one of her mysteries I always wish I had a group to collaborate with and do research. Finding the truth proves satisfying.
I look forward to each installment to see what happens next.
683 reviews10 followers
April 19, 2021
Very good book!! I really like this series. Alex brings a case to the group of a man who was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his daughter. The man, Ryan, maintains that he is innocent and Alex asks the group to help find the truth. Also, Jill and Jack are working on the first article from all of the information they found in the church basement. The man, Jeremiah Groverson, had helped rescue many people from a burning boat back in the 1950s. Jill later finds out that Jeremiah had been convicted shortly thereafter of murdering his boss's wife and then died in prison less than a year later. An intriguing look into two men who both claimed innocence. I always enjoy seeing what cases the group is going to solve next and how well they seem to work together! Highly recommend reading this series!!
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,600 reviews48 followers
January 15, 2019
Kindle Copy for Review

The Writers Retreat gang themselves investigate a case involving a murder and child custody. Ex boy friend is in jail serving time for killing his ex girlfriend and mother of their baby daughter. She suddenly had a change of heart wanting to keep the baby despite wanting an abortion which he talked her out and promised to raise.

The evidence is sketchy but he looks guilty as he has been known to have a short temper and they been arguing about their baby custody. There is her new boyfriend who apparently pushing her to keep the baby and her abusive parents are other likely suspects.

Once again you will be kept guessing at the outcome.

Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
January 18, 2019
Eighth Witness ( A Writers Retreat Mystery Book 8 )
By: Kathi Daley
Eighth Witness is book eight of eight in A Writers Retreat Mystery series. The author did a grate job of weaving together Eighth Witness. Love the story and the characters are realistic. I did not want to put it down, I was not disappointed. Gull Island Writers Retreat gang all come together to take on a case where a man was convicted of murder. He says he did not do it. Is he telling the truth? There is mystery and suspense in this story and the author keeps you guessing till the end. Did this man really commit murder or is he innocent ? Can they find anything to help him out?
Profile Image for Celest.
734 reviews8 followers
July 28, 2021
A very entertaining series

I'll be sorry to see the end of this series it's not just a mystery, but a mystery within a mystery. And sometimes more, which is one thing that I love about Kathi Daley's books. The characters are very likeable and have well developed and different personalities. Jill is a strong character with very good sleuthing skills. In this story, Jill figured out what happened in one of the mysteries and helped Deputy Rick solve the case. With the help of all of the writers in the group facts came to light in the other cases. I love the way they all work together to find out who dun it. Great series.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
1,877 reviews102 followers
January 21, 2019
Several intriguing cases/mysteries capture the group's interest creating an truly interesting story with lots of twists and turns. Add finding out more about the characters and being updated in their life stories and you have a book that you truly don't want to miss reading. Love this series and truly enjoy trying to solve the mysteries along with the characters plus find it interesting how they take a cold case and work out the details to find out what really happen and try to make things right.
119 reviews
July 20, 2020
Love the list of Characters

I have read her series about an old house turned into a wonderful Inn by the sea
I loved it so much I started this series A Writers Retreat about a woman coming to help her half brother she barely knew ,after his stroke and turned his falling apart family resort into a resort for Writers each book holds a different problem to be solved this last one had twists and turns into the last pages I enjoy reading on the Kindle so I can't cheat can't wait to read what I guess is the last of the seies
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,433 reviews12 followers
January 5, 2022
A great cozy mystery series set in a Writers Retreat on Gull Island, the group of writers have formed a group which solve cold murder cases and current cases too!

This book looks at the murder of a local girl which saw her ex husband put in jail for it, but he protests his innocence and the group try to prove that he shouldn't be there.

These are easy to read and the characters recur from book to book, hence the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Profile Image for Neena Christianson Martin.
1,185 reviews11 followers
January 19, 2019
Cold cases apply here.

The writers group have not just the usual one cold case to investigate, but have two that occurred decades apart. Jack and Jill have their work cut out for them as they work on both cold cases and get the newspaper ready to print. Another good book in this series.
Profile Image for Christie Marks.
172 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2019
Another win

I really don't know how Kathi Daley does it - write so many series' and never fail to offer up fresh installments. In Eighth Witness, the Mystery Masterminds tackle not one but two cold cases - one nearly 80 years old. Justice does prevail, but there are some interesting twists.
Profile Image for Darcy Weber.
156 reviews11 followers
January 26, 2019
Framed or Guilty

When Alex is asked to look into a 2yr old murder, to prove the guys innocence, it starts out looking dubious. Then a story, that Jack wants to write in the paper, turns out to have a huge plot twist, it makes investigating very interesting. Another fabulous story in the series. Kathi knows how to draw you in and keep you there.
Profile Image for Raelene Cowley.
131 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2019
A three in one

The Mystery Writers have done it again. But this time solved not only two murder cases, but s cold case to. This was a great read. Way to go Kathi and gang!!
~Raelene~
Profile Image for Vivian.
769 reviews13 followers
January 21, 2019
Good as usual - I am just amazed that this author comes up with so many mysteries for us to solve! This one had two stories running parallel, an old murder and a new murder, so was very fun to toggle back and forth to try to solve both. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Lisa Millett.
298 reviews10 followers
January 24, 2019
Love this series

Another great cozy mystery by Kathi Daley. Filled with delightful characters and an intriguing plot, this eighth book in the Writer's Retreat series is awesome from beginning to the end.
380 reviews4 followers
January 26, 2019
Eighth witness. Kathi Daley.

The mystery club meeting has a new mystery provided by Alex. But one mystery turns into three! Wow. A LOT of investigating on this one!! But the right group is one the job. Love the way this authors mind works!
1,353 reviews
February 1, 2019
Eighth Witness is the eighth book in the Writers Retreat Mystery series. Every time I start reading one of this author's books, I am sucked into the story very quickly. This one was no exception. The story kept me hooked throughout, and I highly recommend it.
99 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2019
Great story

I really enjoyed this book and the two mysteries included in the story. I have read every book in the series, and enjoy keeping up with the characters. I highly recommend this book.
169 reviews30 followers
February 27, 2019
Eighth

I enjoyed this book and learning more about the people in it. A teaser about Rick and his partner for future was a twist. The discovering of the criminal was really a discovery of many .Recommended.
1,063 reviews4 followers
April 13, 2019
Great read

I love this series by Kathi Daley and can't wait to see what happens next if you love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that keeps you turning the page then this series is a must read
Profile Image for Suzanne Homeier-poe.
491 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2019
Love the series.

As usual Kathi writes a very beautiful well rounded story. The group really solves three intertwined stories. I love reading any of Kathi books 📚. Keep up the good work.
Profile Image for Pam Jackson-gorsline.
987 reviews3 followers
June 18, 2019
Eight

This was a good story with many twists and turns. The characters were complex, interesting and very busy. The story was woven together quite well and keeps you reading all afternoon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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