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When Jack receives a disturbing email from a man claiming to have killed eight people, he sets off on a road trip with Jill and Kizzy in search of the answers he will need to stop this madman before he is able to kill victim number nine. With the help of the gang from the Mystery Mastermind group, Jack and Jill not only find the remains of the previous victims, but they begin to form a theory of why the killer did what he did and who his next victim might be.

Meanwhile the Mystery Mastermind group welcomes four new members, Jack's mom is seriously dating a man in his twenties, Rick and Vikki are talking marriage, and Clara starts having strange dreams that no one can explain.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2019

478 people are currently reading
97 people want to read

About the author

Kathi Daley

330 books1,785 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
402 (67%)
4 stars
134 (22%)
3 stars
52 (8%)
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8 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,470 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2019
Ninth Grave by Kathi Daley was an excellent cozy mystery for an afternoon read. I couldn't put the book down as Jack and Jill were following the clues emailed to jack from a supposed serial killer. Jack, Jill and the other residents on Gull Island are all likable characters and have slowly developed into people that I enjoy spending time with throughout each book. The plot moved swiftly and the clues that Jack and Jill followed kept me turning the pages.
Profile Image for Taryn.
1,114 reviews32 followers
June 17, 2019
In this next book of the series it is Jack's turn to present a case before the group. He has received an upsetting letter from someone who claims to be a serial killer. They want Jack to follow some instructions and find his victims buried in marked spots. He will get the marked spots after investigating the disappearance of each victim and coming to a conclusion on who he think the killer is. Jill goes along to help figure out the clues given and to help ask questions of the people who were around when the girls went missing. Jack is told that if he can't find the answers that the killer wants that there will be a ninth victim. Jill and Jack hope that they can come up with the answers they need to keep someone else from being killed. This was a wonderfully exciting read, I loved the concept and followed the clues in hopes of coming up with my own conclusion before reaching the end. I will say that my mind changed several times before I reached the end and I was partially right before I found the answer at the end. Follow along and find out what turned this person into a killer and why they decided it was time for things to come to a conclusion.
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,061 reviews43 followers
June 11, 2019
An Odd and Troubling Quest

Ninth Grave is the ninth book in Kathi Daley’s Writers’ Retreat Mystery series. Ms. Daley’s writing style flows smoothly at a steady pace. This is a clean read, the characters are well rounded and likable, and the mystery is well plotted and intriguing. The pages of this book are filled with caring and compassionate characters, a unique and complex mystery, plus a touch of sweet romance. There are enough twists and red herrings to keep the reader engaged and guessing until the startling and unexpected reveal. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery.

Jack Jones, one of the residents at Gull Island Writer’s Retreat, asks the members the Mystery Mastermind Group to consider looking into an unusual case. Jack, the owner of the local newspaper and a published author, received an email that he first thought was fan mail, but after saying how much he enjoyed Jack’s books, especially the last novel, the writer, Sam, went on to say that he could identify with the main character since he, too, had killed multiple people. Sam’s killing spree lasted four years, and five of his victims have never been found. Sam went on to say he was ready for it to end and wanted Jack to locate the unmarked graves before there was a ninth victim. Everyone was leery, fearing it was a trap set by a serial killer, but with the hope of saving someone’s life, Jack, Jill, and their dog, Kizzy, set out on an emotional journey. Jill’s worried about Clara who’s having horrible nightmares, and wonders if they might somehow be related to Sam’s killing spree. As Sam feeds them information, their friend, Deputy Rick Savage, helps them follow the clues provided by Sam, identify the victims, and smooth the way with local authorities when necessary. Jack is surprised when his mother announces that she’s met a man who she plans to marry. While Jack wants her to be happy, but he becomes quite concerned when he learns that the man is thirty-four years younger than his mother is.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
363 reviews8 followers
November 15, 2020
Who is Sam?

This is the 9th book in the writers retreat series by Kathi Daley and this one is takes a different turn.
Jackson Jones, a world famous mystery writer has been contacted by a serial killer who challenged him to find the 8 graves of his victims and prevent the murder of a 9th.
So his girlfriend and manager of the writer's retreat on Gull Island decides to join him on this bizarre scavenger hunt.
What ensues is a mystery like never seen before.

What doesn't help matters is the fact that Jack will be meeting his mother's future husband, 34 yrs her junior.

This is a quick read mainly because once started you want to find out exactly why and who.
Profile Image for Sandy Bartles.
1,395 reviews37 followers
June 13, 2019
Wow! So, as I am reading this book, I am thinking of a treasure hunt, but instead of hidden treasure you are looking for buried bodies. I couldn’t put this book down, as I read as fast as I could to the end. I had to see if I had guessed right as to who the murderer was. Even though I had guessed correctly, I was still shocked. That is the sign of an excellent book.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews61 followers
June 27, 2019
"Ninth Grave" earns 5/5 Cat and Mouse Games...Engaging with an Edge!

This series is my favorite of Kathi Daley's ten different series, and this "ninth" book has an engaging edge. With a clever premise the Mystery Mastermind group at the Gull Island writer's retreat gather regularly to discuss a cold case of personal or professional interest to one of them. Up for discussion comes after Jackson Jones, acclaimed crime thriller writer, received an email from a fan of his latest book, but it's not the usual "love it" review. The "fan" admits to closely identifying with the book's protagonist because he, too, has, for a good reason, committed multiple murders between 2014 to 2018. The "fan" wants to stop and, like that of a game, Jack to uncover the location of his victims. If not? There will be a ninth grave...

Kathi Daley uses a first-person narrative to share Jill's perspective as she and Jack follow the directions provided by the "fan," reviewing reports, conducting interviews, and making heart-wrenching discoveries that increases the intensity as they realize they are not rescuing someone, but locating remains. Daley describes the various settings well and includes dialogue that best illustrates the mood and emotions. She also adds a bit of a paranormal twist with one of the writers, a self-proclaimed psychic, experiencing some prophetic nightmares that add more drama. One element I like is that law enforcement is not circumvented, but used as a partner in their search. The ending? Just what I hoped...a bit of drama, a bit of peril, revelations, and a surprise! Daley's work always goes beyond the murder mystery, as life goes on with issues relating to the residents at the retreat and Jack's mother's May to her December romance. In all, a great read, and at the end a tease as to what the tenth book may entail...
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,966 reviews42 followers
July 7, 2019
Jillian e Jack sono spediti da una mail anonima alla ricerca delle sepolture di 8 vittime sconosciute. Per quanto questo sia, come al solito, più un racconto lungo che un vero e proprio libro, ho trovato che la suspense sia stata alta e la soluzione finale è stata una sorpresa. Tutta la storia, poi, mi ha lasciato un certo amaro in bocca, ma ho apprezzato la lettura, come mi accade quasi sempre con questa autrice.
Profile Image for Lynne Moody.
452 reviews153 followers
June 16, 2019
Really enjoyed ! This time around there is a whole lot of twists and interesting turns. The storyline had me thinking alot about all the different characters and their lives they lived. Totally worth reading !
72 reviews
June 16, 2019
Ninth Grave is the ninth book in the Writer’s Retreat Southern Seashore Mystery series. This fast-paced story is filled with the elements of a cozy mystery including suspense, adventure, love, friends and family, and a sense of community.

The main character is Jill Hanford, a newspaper reporter who also assists her older brother in running a writer’s retreat resort on Gull Island off the coast of South Carolina. The authors at the resort are comprised of authors from various genres, who formed a group called the Mystery Mastermind Group. Every Monday evening the group gathers for a meal and discusses a mystery, often a cold case from the past. In this story Jack Jones, the owner of the newspaper and an author of mysteries and thrillers, receives an e-mail from Sam, who claims to be a serial killer who killed eight people in a four year span. Sam said there was about to be a ninth victim if Jack doesn’t stop him. Jill and Jack set out to follow Sam’s clues to find and learn more about the victims to strive to save the life of the ninth victim. Secrets from the past are revealed and the killer’s identity is exposed.

As always, Mrs. Daley’s writing flows smoothly, and her setting and likable characters make for an extremely enjoyable and quick read. I really look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Jane Firebaugh.
Author 7 books99 followers
June 13, 2019
Ninth Grave is the ninth book in Kathi Daley's Writer's Retreat Mystery series.
I enjoyed it so much that I had to keep reading until I finished in one sitting.
The mystery was very well thought out, and as always, the characters were so real that you simply get lost in the story from the first page.
I'd give it more than five stars if it would let me.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
June 11, 2019
The Gull Island Writer’s Retreat has both permanent residents as well as temporary guests. The only requirement be that they be writers, at any stage of their career. While a few are in their twenties, and a few more under forty, the majority of these writers is closer to senior citizen status.
Jack Jones is one of the more veteran writers and regularly turns out best sellers. With his latest novel, told from the mindset of a killer, he seems to have attracted the attention of someone who wants him to believe he, too, is a serial killer. "Sam" admits to having buried eight victims and is willing to play a game with Jack to prevent there from being a ninth.
Jack, and girlfriend, Jill, also a writer and the person who manages the writers's retreat, decide that if they can save even one person, and provide closure to the families of the previous victims, chose to do as suggested and follow the clues to discover the graves and prevent a final murder.

While the theme of this addition to the series is more tense and dark, (are they walking into a trap?) it is interesting to follow along as the writers review the cold cases and re-interview people who knew the girls who disappeared. Only because of this email set-up are Jack and Jill sure that the girls are dead. It is still a clean cozy, neither too graphic or explicit.

As we all know, even when on the trail of a story, life goes on. Jack's mother wants him to meet her new significant other, a man she has decided to travel with and marry and who happens to be decades younger than herself, young enough to be Jack's son. Several of the new residents at the retreat are rethinking their moving there and resident psychic Clara is once again experiencing repeated visions or nightmares.

The ending is an unexpected shock.
Profile Image for Meg.
229 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2019
I have been following this series from the beginning. From the first book to the current, they just keep getting better. Kathi Daley is an expert storyteller whose talent is shown throughout the story. This series makes me envy the characters that are all part of the retreat, wishing I could become one of them. I feel each book could be read as a stand-alone, as each resident of The Gull Island Writers’ Retreat it introduced at the very beginning. As always, starting with the first book in the series is the best, as it gives you a glimpse into the why and how the group came into being.

Each character brings something to the group that is useful in solving the mysteries and many times a cold case. Following along with the storyline brings a sense of realism to the book. As I became caught up within the chapters, I found myself immersed in the story. Ms. Daley’s writing is one that will enthrall as well as challenge your mind to figure out the plot. Wonderful job of building realistic characters, descriptive scenery, and a fight to see justice served!
Profile Image for Lisa Millett.
298 reviews10 followers
June 15, 2019
Cozy thriller

In the latest installment of the Writer's Retreat series, Jack and Jill go out on a travel mystery to solve a series of cold cases. A serial killer contacted Jack about 8 previous murders and tells Jack that he, Sam, wants to tell them where the bodies are buried. Each of the victims turn out to be young teenage girls who all have long blonde hair and are buried up a hill by a stream of riverbank. Jack and Jill begin to see a picture emerge of the killer and they fear that this contact with the killer could be dangerous. After finding the fourth victim the case takes a surprising turn and leads them straight into the killers sights. Will Jack and Jill survive to solve the case? Will the killer be caught it get away? You need to read to the very end to get to the surprising and exciting conclusion. Kudos for this series by Kathi Daley. By far an exceptional book and series.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
June 12, 2019
Ninth Grave ( A Writer’s Retreat Mystery Book #9 )
By: Kathi Daley
Ninth Grave is book nine in A writer’s Retreat Mystery Series. I love the story and the characters, both are well written and well developed. The author drew me in at the start and I was hooked. The story flows smoothly. It is a good, clean, cozy mystery. It is a fast paced mystery and suspense that keeps you turning the pages to see what is going tom happen next. Jack , Jill, and Kizzy set out on a mystery road trip in search of answers from a mad man. The man emails Jack about some murders that he committed. Are they going on a wild goose chase or are they putting themselves in danger. Can they find answers they are looking for? Can they prevent the ninth grave? The author keeps you guessing till the end.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,428 reviews12 followers
January 6, 2022
This was a great read, last of the published books in this series so far, set in a writers retreat on Gull Island.

A mix of cozy mystery and a touch of romance, a group of writers work together to solve cold cases, and more recent murders.

In this book, Jill and Jack go on a road trip to find 8 bodies, to hopefully prevent a 9th body being added! I was not expecting the ending!!!

The main characters stay the same throughout all the books, so they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.

I really hope there will be more in this delightful series. For now, I'll have to read some of the series I haven't read so far from this prolific cozy mystery writer.
Profile Image for Robin Leslie Coxon.
171 reviews51 followers
June 17, 2019
This is the ninth in the Writer's Retreat Mystery series. After Jack receives an e-mail from a person named Sam challenging him to find the bodies of missing woman before the next person dies. Jack, Jill and Kizzy decide to
attempt to find out who Sam is as well as to prevent another death. While their road trip could be a trap it is also
one in which they feel is necessary. On a different avenue, Jack receives notification that his mother is planning
to be married. I enjoyed the story but missed the town people and the little town of Gull Island. As always I am
looking forward to the next book to come in this series.
683 reviews10 followers
April 19, 2021
Very intriguing! Jack brings a situation to the group. His latest thriller involves a man who becomes a serial killer whose victims all abused their daughters. He gets a piece of fan mail from someone named Sam who states that they identify with the killer in Jack's book and asks for Jack's help in finding his eight victims or a ninth victim will be killed. Jack and Jill set out on a road trip to see what they can discover. An intriguing tale that comes with a shocking end. I have come to love these characters and the cases they solve. The stories have been very intriguing and I would love to see more!
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,594 reviews48 followers
June 11, 2019
Kindle Copy for Review

Jack Jones first thought the writer was just a fan of his new thriller until the writer admits to being a killer and that he relates with the killer of his new book. He asks the Writer’s Retreat group for their opinion on whether he should meet up with the supposedly killer. Could it be a trap either way as his life might be in danger from a killer or even worse a fanatic fan?

Will the gang be able to figure out the string of murders of females before another body is found? Jack, Jill and Kizzie will take a road trip to catch a killer.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
1,868 reviews101 followers
June 14, 2019
A cold case to solve with a different twist to it - a killer contacted them to find the victims before he/she kills again. Jack and Jill are given clues to investigate the murders and find the bodies. Definitely a well crafted mystery to read as you try to figure out who the killer is and solve the mystery and the end is certainly a shocker - one you won't see coming. Kathi Daley is an author who gives one an excellent story with intriguing characters - one I highly recommend to all who love cozy mysteries.
Profile Image for Christie Marks.
172 reviews4 followers
June 16, 2019
Wow!

Jack and Jill embark on a mission to locate remains of young women who mysteriously disappeared, before the alleged killer claims the ninth and final victim. Similarities between the victims and those they interacted with in the days before their disappearances and deaths keep them on their toes. In the end they meet the totally unexpected perpetrator of their mystery tour, and are completely surprised. An intriguing book that is well worth the read.
3 reviews
March 21, 2022
Really enjoyed the series, and this being the last in the series did not disappoint it had a very different twist, creepy but interesting. I really liked all the regular characters in the series. And I really appreciate how Kathi raps up the series with the epilogue. It’s so nice to see how the characters end up years down the road. She did something similar with her series Whales and Tails (Furever after) which gave a great ending to a wonderful series.
378 reviews4 followers
June 13, 2019
Ninth Grave

Kathi Daley never fails to deliver. The mystery group has another one, but this one is way different - a serial killer wants Jack to find his victims. But also wants them to understand his thinking process. Eight victims to find to save, hopefully, the ninth. Is the ninth one to be Jack? I’d give her 10 stars if I could!
Profile Image for Darcy Weber.
156 reviews11 followers
June 14, 2019
Murdered for revenge

What causes someone to become a serial killer? Sometimes it's something as simple as revenge. Or, at least, as simple as revenge can be. When a young girl is, 'accidentally ', murdered by a group of classmates, it sets off a chain of shocking events. The twist is shattering!
Profile Image for Gabi Eagon.
492 reviews6 followers
September 11, 2019
Ninth Grave a Writers Retreat Mystery

Jack receives an email from a serial killer that will supply 8 clues to the whereabouts of the bodies. By following his clues they will save the 9th person. He and Jill and Kizzie go on a road trip to follow clues in hopes of saving the 9th person. With the help of the Mystery Mastermind group they find the remains.
Profile Image for Celest.
727 reviews9 followers
August 5, 2021
Dark and Disturbing

I love Kathi Daley's books, but this one was not my favorite. It was a very dark and disturbing subject that I usually stay away from. I put it down many times and read a different book that I had already started. I always read a least two books at a time. So now I have to move on to finish another great mystery and try to get this story behind me.
Profile Image for Neena Christianson Martin.
1,185 reviews11 followers
June 13, 2019
A new mastermind mystery.

Jack,, Jill and the gang are out to solve a new cold case. Jack has been approached by an alleged serial killer about the locations of his buried victims. Unsure of what they will find Jack and Jill start out on the road trip of a lifetime.
258 reviews
June 14, 2019
Very enjoyable!

Very good 👍. Characters are strong, interesting warm and likeable. Plot well thought out but has a lot of twists and turns.. Ending satisfying but could be a little stronger.
Profile Image for Kathy.
357 reviews
June 26, 2019
Clever story line. Very different from the other books in the "A Writer's Retreat Mystery" series. The book moved quickly, but certainly packed a lot of information. While there was closure, it certainly ended sadly. I look forward to seeing what Kathi will come up with for number 10!
Profile Image for L Kate.
1,277 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2019
Mystery with a bit of Thriller

This was a really great mystery as Jack and Jillian investigate a serial killer’s victims with the help of the serial killer! One at a time he leads them to investigate the victims and when they have he gives them the location of of the grave.
31 reviews
December 5, 2019
Suspenseful!

Once started, couldn’t quit. Stayed awake until late to finish the story. Surprise ending, but understandable. I don’t understand why Clara’ s dreams were important to the conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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