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Zoe Donovan Mystery #33
Celtic Christmas
Over the Christmas holiday, Zoe and family along with the entire gang head to Ireland to visit the haunted castle where Zak and Zoe first met the ghost of Zoe's long lost relative Catherine.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2019
404 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
326 books1,782 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 46 reviews
December 19, 2019
Zoe and family head to Ireland to attend the wedding of a distant Irish cousin. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the castle and the tunnels throughout. The solving of another murder was just a sidebar to me. The ending was different and sets up what could be another interesting book in the hopefully far future.
I borrowed a copy of this book from Kindle Unlimited.
I borrowed a copy of this book from Kindle Unlimited.
December 15, 2019
Celtic Christmas earns 5/5 Irish Ancestors...Engaging Fun!
Kathi Daley’s Zoe Donovan series was her first cozy mystery, and thirty-three books later...I’m still an eager fan! Zoe first visited Ireland four years ago (Shamrock Shenanigans), and the experience had a profound effect on her. Zoe was led to fascinating details about her long ago ancestors by a...ghost? and after additional searching, she located and connected with a distant cousin, Adam Donovan. Being invited to his nuptials is the perfect opportunity to meet all everyone face-to-face, so off to the Emerald Isle and Dunphy Castle. However, she discovers she’ll have to tread lightly with her new found family. Many family members hold serious animosity toward each other, and the most infamous conflict seems to be with Adam’s brother Tyson Donovan, dubbed the black sheep. Great set up! Then Zoe discovers a dark hallway, hears arguing voices, and finds a body! Ding! Dong! The black sheep is dead! Written from Zoe’s perspective including descriptive language and dialogue, Ireland comes to life, and the ins and outs of the castle depict the perfect romantic venue for a wedding and the darkest scene for a crime. This mystery is engaging, characters well-developed, and the final solution was a delightful surprise. It may be a shorter story, but not short on entertainment! Yeah, a bonus! Recipes are my favorite bonus, and Kathi Daley always finds some easy-to-follow treats, perfect for any holiday: Apple Pie Biscuits, Pilgrim Pie, Mini Cherry Cheesecakes...Yum, of course, but Zoe was in Ireland. I would have enjoyed more traditional Irish Christmas recipes.
Kathi Daley’s Zoe Donovan series was her first cozy mystery, and thirty-three books later...I’m still an eager fan! Zoe first visited Ireland four years ago (Shamrock Shenanigans), and the experience had a profound effect on her. Zoe was led to fascinating details about her long ago ancestors by a...ghost? and after additional searching, she located and connected with a distant cousin, Adam Donovan. Being invited to his nuptials is the perfect opportunity to meet all everyone face-to-face, so off to the Emerald Isle and Dunphy Castle. However, she discovers she’ll have to tread lightly with her new found family. Many family members hold serious animosity toward each other, and the most infamous conflict seems to be with Adam’s brother Tyson Donovan, dubbed the black sheep. Great set up! Then Zoe discovers a dark hallway, hears arguing voices, and finds a body! Ding! Dong! The black sheep is dead! Written from Zoe’s perspective including descriptive language and dialogue, Ireland comes to life, and the ins and outs of the castle depict the perfect romantic venue for a wedding and the darkest scene for a crime. This mystery is engaging, characters well-developed, and the final solution was a delightful surprise. It may be a shorter story, but not short on entertainment! Yeah, a bonus! Recipes are my favorite bonus, and Kathi Daley always finds some easy-to-follow treats, perfect for any holiday: Apple Pie Biscuits, Pilgrim Pie, Mini Cherry Cheesecakes...Yum, of course, but Zoe was in Ireland. I would have enjoyed more traditional Irish Christmas recipes.
December 17, 2019
Celtic Christmas is the thirty-third installment in Kathi Daley’s Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series. The storyline in this two-hour mystery is well-plotted, and the well-rounded characters are delightful. The mystery in this quick and easy read is intriguing, with twists, turns, and red herrings to keep the reader engaged. The setting is described in a manner that made me feel like I was actually there, and I found myself immersed and totally involved in the story. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy well-crafted cozy mysteries.
It’s Christmastime and Zoe, Zak (her husband), Catherine (their almost two-year-old daughter), Alex Bremmerton (one of two teenagers living with them), Nona (Zak’s honorary grandmother), and Charlie (Zoe’s furry sidekick) have traveled to Ireland to attend the wedding of one of her Irish cousins, Adam Donovan, at Dunphy Castle. Alex is quite taken with the castle and all the planned events and is especially looking forward to attending the Christmas Ball. Given Zoe’s history, it’s not surprising when she and Charlie discover a body on their first night at the castle. Zoe doesn’t intend on getting involved in the actual investigation, but Zak, Alex, and she find the mystery intriguing and can’t resist brainstorming and trying to figure out who murdered Adam’s brother, Tyson Donovan.
It’s Christmastime and Zoe, Zak (her husband), Catherine (their almost two-year-old daughter), Alex Bremmerton (one of two teenagers living with them), Nona (Zak’s honorary grandmother), and Charlie (Zoe’s furry sidekick) have traveled to Ireland to attend the wedding of one of her Irish cousins, Adam Donovan, at Dunphy Castle. Alex is quite taken with the castle and all the planned events and is especially looking forward to attending the Christmas Ball. Given Zoe’s history, it’s not surprising when she and Charlie discover a body on their first night at the castle. Zoe doesn’t intend on getting involved in the actual investigation, but Zak, Alex, and she find the mystery intriguing and can’t resist brainstorming and trying to figure out who murdered Adam’s brother, Tyson Donovan.
December 22, 2019
Celtic Christmas is the latest in the Zoe Donovan Zimmerman series.
Zoe, Zak, Alex, Catherine, Nona and Charlie are in Ireland for the holidays meeting Zoe's very distant relatives for the first time, when Zoe and Charlie stumble across a murder and the family soon finds themselves enmeshed in a dangerous mystery involving an ancient prophecy.
Great Holiday read and highly recommended.
Zoe, Zak, Alex, Catherine, Nona and Charlie are in Ireland for the holidays meeting Zoe's very distant relatives for the first time, when Zoe and Charlie stumble across a murder and the family soon finds themselves enmeshed in a dangerous mystery involving an ancient prophecy.
Great Holiday read and highly recommended.
January 23, 2025
“Cow.” According to Zoe’s Irish ancestry prophecy, the Chosen One’s first born daughter will be able to read the text in that book, but Catherine is only 2 and doesn’t read yet. However, Catherine did look at the book and said, “Cow,” so I believe she can read a bit of it right now. I suppose when she is 4 or 5 years old, she will go to Ireland with her parents and read the text.
I liked this book due to the castle setting and of course Ireland. 💗
Next is Book 34 Deja Diva.
I liked this book due to the castle setting and of course Ireland. 💗
Next is Book 34 Deja Diva.
March 10, 2020
A wedding in Ireland at Christmas. What's not to love? A murder and a kidnapping. Welcome to Zoe's world. I enjoyed this book very much
December 20, 2019
Series out of steam
So often, a really enjoyable series winds down and runs out of steam. That’s rhe case with “Celtic Christmas”, the most recent installment in the Zoe Donovan series. Zoe is in Ireland to attend a wedding with her family and to meet ssome distant Irish telations. Before she’s even spent the first night in the castle where they’re staying, Zoe discovers a dead body and the story unfolds. Sadly, there is little real action just a lot of descriptive scene-setting . There are many characters that lack personality or reasons to care about them. Moving the series out of Ashton Falls and not including the familiar ‘supporting cast’ of friends & family that gave the previous stories their warmth and coziness is at the root of why I found this a tedious read. Probbably the end of the series, at least for me.
So often, a really enjoyable series winds down and runs out of steam. That’s rhe case with “Celtic Christmas”, the most recent installment in the Zoe Donovan series. Zoe is in Ireland to attend a wedding with her family and to meet ssome distant Irish telations. Before she’s even spent the first night in the castle where they’re staying, Zoe discovers a dead body and the story unfolds. Sadly, there is little real action just a lot of descriptive scene-setting . There are many characters that lack personality or reasons to care about them. Moving the series out of Ashton Falls and not including the familiar ‘supporting cast’ of friends & family that gave the previous stories their warmth and coziness is at the root of why I found this a tedious read. Probbably the end of the series, at least for me.
December 2, 2022
Celtics Christmas
Is rather mistitled & also disappointing. I gave it 3 stars b/c I was entertained by the basic storyline, however I believe it could have been put together much better. 1st, there was nothing Celtic except the Castle & even IT wasn't written in a Celtic light! I really was looking forward to a Celtic themed story but was disappointed. 2nd, there was almost nothing about Christmas in the story. Christmas trees, a Christmas market, a ball, & poinsettias are all there is in the Irish part of the story, & shopping back in the States. 3rd, the mystery reveal was quite abrupt, w/ no real hints or clues. A couple of off the cuff pieces of dialog which weren't put together until the end, is all. 4th, the reveal is the end, & giving it to the police happened behind the scenes. Zoe & family are instantly home in the States & she's shopping w/ a friend. Nothing about the culprit/s being apprehended or what justice was given. No follow-up. 4th, there was a lot of repetitive lines & thoughts. It was as if one was writing a report for school that needed so many words & the student filled it in by repetition & anecdotes. 5th, I'm truly sorry, I don't enjoy writing a bad review! I really wanted to like this book, a lot, & to write a good review, but I didn't & I can't.
Is rather mistitled & also disappointing. I gave it 3 stars b/c I was entertained by the basic storyline, however I believe it could have been put together much better. 1st, there was nothing Celtic except the Castle & even IT wasn't written in a Celtic light! I really was looking forward to a Celtic themed story but was disappointed. 2nd, there was almost nothing about Christmas in the story. Christmas trees, a Christmas market, a ball, & poinsettias are all there is in the Irish part of the story, & shopping back in the States. 3rd, the mystery reveal was quite abrupt, w/ no real hints or clues. A couple of off the cuff pieces of dialog which weren't put together until the end, is all. 4th, the reveal is the end, & giving it to the police happened behind the scenes. Zoe & family are instantly home in the States & she's shopping w/ a friend. Nothing about the culprit/s being apprehended or what justice was given. No follow-up. 4th, there was a lot of repetitive lines & thoughts. It was as if one was writing a report for school that needed so many words & the student filled it in by repetition & anecdotes. 5th, I'm truly sorry, I don't enjoy writing a bad review! I really wanted to like this book, a lot, & to write a good review, but I didn't & I can't.
March 29, 2020
Zak, Zoe, daughters and Nona travel to Ireland to attend a wedding of a distant cousin. They bring along Zoe's assistance dog and best companion, Charlie as well. From the start, they are introduced to a complicated assortment of relatives and village people. You may need your own whiteboard to keep everyone straight. Tensions are high, but escalate after the groom's brother is murdered, except that no one seems overly surprised. Events and activities continue on, interrupted only by flood waters.
The Donovan~Zimmerman family leaves the castle to venture into town to attend a Christmas Market, and view scenery highlights. Although not involved in solving the murder, Alex and Zoe's brains continue to mull it over. They can not let the mystery go.
It isn't until the night of the grand ball, and Alex disappears, that Zak and Zoe go into full panic/crisis mode. This is where the book becomes truly tense!
Lots of brain work and problem solving regarding the murder. More family dynamics with only slight paranormal elements. A very brief addition to a beloved series.
The Donovan~Zimmerman family leaves the castle to venture into town to attend a Christmas Market, and view scenery highlights. Although not involved in solving the murder, Alex and Zoe's brains continue to mull it over. They can not let the mystery go.
It isn't until the night of the grand ball, and Alex disappears, that Zak and Zoe go into full panic/crisis mode. This is where the book becomes truly tense!
Lots of brain work and problem solving regarding the murder. More family dynamics with only slight paranormal elements. A very brief addition to a beloved series.
December 23, 2019
Kindle Copy for Review
It’s Christmastime for the Donovan-Zimmermann family as they decide to spend the holidays in Ireland. Staying at Zak’s ancestral home as they go back to their cultural roots and where they first encounter Zoe’s long lost relative ghost Catherine whom they named their daughter after.
But their trip soon turns to less than ideal as a body is found murdered which is nothing new for them after the welcoming reception for them. Once again Zoe will find away to solve the case while planning to stay out of harm.
Another fun read in this cozy series. Zoe, Christmas and murder go hand-to-hand.
It’s Christmastime for the Donovan-Zimmermann family as they decide to spend the holidays in Ireland. Staying at Zak’s ancestral home as they go back to their cultural roots and where they first encounter Zoe’s long lost relative ghost Catherine whom they named their daughter after.
But their trip soon turns to less than ideal as a body is found murdered which is nothing new for them after the welcoming reception for them. Once again Zoe will find away to solve the case while planning to stay out of harm.
Another fun read in this cozy series. Zoe, Christmas and murder go hand-to-hand.
December 26, 2020
I wanted a Christmas cozy mystery and I got one. To make it hard to guess the outcome, this book introduces what felt like far too many characters. We get to know very few of them, and there are huge passages about their interrelated histories. Fun setting, but I wish it had more of a sense of the place they were in and less passages that read like: “what was that random wedding guest doing talking to Ted’s cousin’s girlfriend, I wondered? She was one of his five cousins, and the only one with a fishing boat who went to high school with Douglas’s step mother the baker.” and that never pays off.
December 28, 2019
Kathi Daley wrote another fantastic episode in the Zoe Donovan cozy mystery series, filled with elements of a cozy mystery including suspense, danger, humor, love, and friendship. The combination of Christmas, Ireland, a castle, a ghost, a legend and a prophecy, a fancy ball, a suspicious death, and other mysterious circumstances made for an exciting story. True to form, Ms. Daley’s writing flows smoothly, and her setting and relatable characters make for an extremely enjoyable read. I could hardly put the book down. I look forward to the next book in this series.
January 14, 2020
This book finds Zoe Donovan and her immediate family in Ireland for the wedding of her cousin. I was not familiar with the characters but it did not matter. I was given enough background to thoroughly enjoy this book. Shortly after Zoe arrives in Ireland, she is taking her dog for a walk and discovers a body. It is Adam (the groom's) brother Tyson. Zoe had been around other murders, can't help trying to piece together facts and come up with a list of suspects. I will be using this for my cozy where there is travel.
December 23, 2019
Well this was a different mystery for Zoe and wow mamma bear showed her claws which I don’t blame her, I get traditions a prophecy’s but seriously kidnapping and threatening children is just wrong this was supposed to be a lovely Christmas in Ireland and a family wedding instead there was a dead body and a kidnapping not what Zoe and Zac expected at all but then by now they should a.ways expect the unexpected this is how Zoe’s life is.
December 27, 2019
The Irish Problem.
Another continuing story of the Zimmermans. The Irish castle they visited before is now the site of a distant cousin. Zoe found the hidden treasure last time,it saved the estate. A murder occurs in the first night .Zoe tries to not be drawn into the solving of the murder but family involvement makes that impossible. Lovely description of local scenery and village make a wonderful story. Read them all in order but read them.
Another continuing story of the Zimmermans. The Irish castle they visited before is now the site of a distant cousin. Zoe found the hidden treasure last time,it saved the estate. A murder occurs in the first night .Zoe tries to not be drawn into the solving of the murder but family involvement makes that impossible. Lovely description of local scenery and village make a wonderful story. Read them all in order but read them.
December 20, 2020
Christmas in Ireland
Four years ago, Zoe and Zak visited Dunfy Castle in Ireland as Zoe had traced her heritage to the Donovans who lived there. This time they were attending her distant cousin's wedding. They are not expecting the groom's brother to be murdered and then Alex to be kidnapped. No doubt there will be more about Irish lore in the future. Being of the Joyce clan I am interested in all things Irish.
Four years ago, Zoe and Zak visited Dunfy Castle in Ireland as Zoe had traced her heritage to the Donovans who lived there. This time they were attending her distant cousin's wedding. They are not expecting the groom's brother to be murdered and then Alex to be kidnapped. No doubt there will be more about Irish lore in the future. Being of the Joyce clan I am interested in all things Irish.
June 19, 2021
Excellent story!
It was exciting to read captivating my attention from the beginning to the end. I love how the family has become so bonded without being related by bloodlines. My family is similar and I have always believed being born in a family is not the only way to become a close family. It makes the world a better place to live in if you love and accept others and allow them to become like family!
It was exciting to read captivating my attention from the beginning to the end. I love how the family has become so bonded without being related by bloodlines. My family is similar and I have always believed being born in a family is not the only way to become a close family. It makes the world a better place to live in if you love and accept others and allow them to become like family!
February 20, 2022
Zoe and Zac return to Ireland to the Castle, and take Catherine, Alex and Nonna, with Charlie of course, with them. Of course, they can't go anywhere without Zoe finding a body and getting into hot water.
This is a great cozy mystery series written by Kathi Daley, who has written several other cozy mystery series, all as good. The books are all easily read in a few hours and are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
This is a great cozy mystery series written by Kathi Daley, who has written several other cozy mystery series, all as good. The books are all easily read in a few hours and are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
December 19, 2019
Celtic Christmas
Zoe! I’ve missed her and her family! They are going to Ireland for Christmas and attend a cousins wedding. Last time they were there all sorts of things happened. This time not much different. Except in addition to dead bodies Alex disappears!! Oh my gosh!! Twists galore!! Enjoy!!
Zoe! I’ve missed her and her family! They are going to Ireland for Christmas and attend a cousins wedding. Last time they were there all sorts of things happened. This time not much different. Except in addition to dead bodies Alex disappears!! Oh my gosh!! Twists galore!! Enjoy!!
December 21, 2019
Very good 👍
Good story as usual. Characters likeable warm and fuzzy good. The only thing that bothers me was reading about the super rich that have more money than dirt and they still do their own grocery shopping and cooking and other things like blue collar workers. Story flowed well.Satisfying conclusion.
Good story as usual. Characters likeable warm and fuzzy good. The only thing that bothers me was reading about the super rich that have more money than dirt and they still do their own grocery shopping and cooking and other things like blue collar workers. Story flowed well.Satisfying conclusion.
December 25, 2019
Luck of the Irish?
The Donovan-Zimmerman clan travel to a castle in Ireland for the wedding of Zoe’s distant cousin, and find themselves involved in a murder investigation. There are many suspects and twists, one of which involves an ancient parchment, and an equally old prophecy.
The Donovan-Zimmerman clan travel to a castle in Ireland for the wedding of Zoe’s distant cousin, and find themselves involved in a murder investigation. There are many suspects and twists, one of which involves an ancient parchment, and an equally old prophecy.
December 29, 2019
Irish Christmas
My only complaint is that this book wasn't longer!! I absolutely lose myself in Kathi's books and this series is one of my favorites! !!! I truly feel like I'm hanging out with good friends. Can't wait for th3 next book!! Read this! It's a quick, cozy read! You'll throughly enjoy it!!!
My only complaint is that this book wasn't longer!! I absolutely lose myself in Kathi's books and this series is one of my favorites! !!! I truly feel like I'm hanging out with good friends. Can't wait for th3 next book!! Read this! It's a quick, cozy read! You'll throughly enjoy it!!!
December 18, 2019
Across the ocean for a wedding and Christmas fun
Zoe and family are invited to a distant cousins wedding in the castle Zoe saved four years ago. Can she solve the latest mystery there.
Zoe and family are invited to a distant cousins wedding in the castle Zoe saved four years ago. Can she solve the latest mystery there.
December 20, 2019
Countrylibrarian
Love this series. Things never seen to go as planned in Ireland but after the "cow" comment from baby Catherine, I have a feeling they'll be back and maybe with another baby coming soon. Hope you enjoy
Love this series. Things never seen to go as planned in Ireland but after the "cow" comment from baby Catherine, I have a feeling they'll be back and maybe with another baby coming soon. Hope you enjoy
Read
December 24, 2019A great cozy
I have loved Zoe from book one of this wonderful series by Kathi Daley and I can't wait till the next book. 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
I have loved Zoe from book one of this wonderful series by Kathi Daley and I can't wait till the next book. 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
December 29, 2019
A Zoe Donovan murder mystery that takes place in a castle in Ireland that will put your sleuthing skills to a test as you try to solve the mystery. Beautifully written and interesting characters will keep you turning those pages. Highly recommend
January 1, 2020
Really fun series of books
Dogs,cats, friends, family, food. The pleasures of life with a pinch of murder & mayhem to keep it spicy. Zoe is a fun heroine & it's nice to see her growth. Amazon should option these books as a series.
Dogs,cats, friends, family, food. The pleasures of life with a pinch of murder & mayhem to keep it spicy. Zoe is a fun heroine & it's nice to see her growth. Amazon should option these books as a series.
January 8, 2020
Irish Spirits
I enjoyed reading about Zoe and her family. I liked the characters and the descriptions of the castle. I want to read more about Zoe and her daughter, Catherine, who appears to be fated to follow in her mother's footsteps.
I enjoyed reading about Zoe and her family. I liked the characters and the descriptions of the castle. I want to read more about Zoe and her daughter, Catherine, who appears to be fated to follow in her mother's footsteps.
January 12, 2020
Celtic Christmas was a very enjoyable read. Zoe and family head back to the Ireland to the Dumphy Castle to attend the wedding of her cousin. Just when they thought it was going to be a wonderful time Zoe and Charlie find a dead body! So much for a murder free vacation.
October 15, 2020
When Zoe was planning the Irish trip at the end of Lunacy Lake, a great deal is changed with the final plans. Only Zak, Zoe, Catherine, Alex, and Nona end up on the trip which is moved up so they can attend a Donovan cousin's wedding at the castle. Zodor finds a different cousin's body.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews