Amongst the frenzy of Halloween decorating and Haunted Hamlet planning, Zoe's arch nemesis Claudia Lotherman is back intent on playing a game of cat and mouse with her favorite amateur sleuth.
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.
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Zak and Zoe are in for lots of trouble from a former foe. I enjoyed the cat and mouse games and wondered who would win in the end. It was fun seeing everyone again, especially the children. I hope there is another Zoe Donovan Mystery in the near future. I would enjoy following her through another pregnancy.
Deja Diva is the thirty-fourth book in Kathi Daley’s Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series. The storyline is well plotted and flows smoothly at a fast pace, and the well-developed characters are three dimensional and affable. The mystery is intriguing and complex, with twists, turns, and red herrings to keep the reader engaged. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy well-crafted cozy mysteries.
As Halloween approaches, Zoe Donovan Zimmerman is busy making sure everything is in place for Ashton Falls’ Haunted Hamlet. Now that their daughter, Catherine, is in preschool and approaching school age, Zoe and her husband, Zak, are looking into expanding Zimmerman Academy, the private school they created for gifted students in the seventh through twelfth grade, to include kindergarten through sixth grade. Zoe and Zak become concerned when they learn that there’s a woman in town who could be Zoe’s twin sister. As they learn of more sightings, mysterious envelopes are left for them to find, and the stakes increase, Zoe begins to wonder if it’s possible that her nemesis, Claudia Lotherman, is behind games that are wreaking havoc on their lives.
Deja Diva Zoe Donovan Mystery, Book #34 Kathi Daley 5 Stars
Synopsis:
Amongst the frenzy of Halloween decorating and Haunted Hamlet planning, Zoe's arch nemesis Claudia Lotherman is back intent on playing a game of cat and mouse with her favorite amateur sleuth.
Review:
It seems that it has been a long time since I have read a Zoe Donovan book. But as soon as I started reading it, I felt like I was catching up with an old friend. Getting to spend time with Zoe and her family and friends is a great way to spend an afternoon.
I thought that the mystery was really well plotted and I really liked the fact that Zoe was looking for not-Zoe. I thought that was a very clever twist and I really enjoyed it. The writing style flowed smoothly and the book was an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and her character development and I always enjoy finding out what they have been up to.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait to see what will happen next.
Halloween is coming up as Zoe has so much going on, not only.is she a part of the town committee that holds their yearly Haunted Hamlet but she also has to prepare for her own party, not to mention keeping up with two teens and one toddler. When some strange things start to happen Zoe begins to worry that Claudia Lotherman might be back in town. She has passed all of Claudia's challenges in the past and kept her family safe but now many times will she put Zoe's family in danger. What's even worse is she has someone who looks exactly like her going around town and everyone believes it is her. When the puzzles start coming in Zoe knows she must figure them out and quickly before something happens to all those she loves. Follow along as she sets herself up against a formidable opponent, will she win in the end or will she lose this time around?
Even though this is the 34th book in this series, its still fun to catch up with Zoe and Zak. I enjoyed the book but it didn't seem to have the pop of suspense that are usually found in this series. It seemed that Zoe spent most of the time shuffling kids around and visiting friends and family, where in the past, she was always racing against time to catch a murderer.
Deja Diva ( Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery #34 ) By: Kathi Daley Deja Diva is the thirty-fourth book in the series Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery. I really enjoyed this story and the characters were well written. It’s Halloween time and plans are going strong. Zoe’s Arch nemesis Claudia is back and has Zoe racing against the clock. it seems that Zoe is her favorite amateur sleuth. Can Zoe beat the clock while playing Claudia’s games or will she be to late to save the ones she loves? When I started reading this story I could not put it down, I was hooked.
The villain needs to be captured and perhaps tortured a bit. Someone brilliant needs to play psychological games with the villian. In so annoyed at the person! They are affecting hundreds of lives. Ugh! By the end of this story the person better be captured, thrown in solitary confinement and then throw the key away!
Deja Diva earns 5/5 Millie Braydon Cyphers...Engaging Page-Turner!
Kathi Daley has brought back one of Zoe’s more enigmatic adversary for the thirty-fourth installment of the Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series with intrigue and danger. The Fall event’s committee, of which Zoe and Zak are members, is going all out for Halloween, an annual extravaganza in Ashton Falls, by finalizing a location for The Haunted Hamlet, arranging the haunted barn and food vendors, and with a full moon expected for Halloween night, extending the hours for the spooky maze. However, an odd statement from Zoe’s friend at the animal shelter, the family cat no where to be found, a call from the bank about Zoe’s peculiar behavior, and a couple of curious notes seem more than just innocent oddities. They are clues, challenges, and threats in a dangerous cat and mouse mystery that’s about to entangle Zoe and her family.
The mystery unfolds slowly at first with Zoe going about daily business preparing for the annual Halloween fun, but a few mysterious occurrences, seeming innocent, cause a niggling feeling. Then the hacking, the kidnapping, and the puzzling cypher, indicate this is more than innocent. With links to previous childhood experiences and investigations the intrigue is compounded. Kathi Daley continued with descriptive language and dialogue to set the mood, the danger, and another nail-biting race with the clock, but it’s her writing style using the first-person narrative that put me vicariously into the drama with Zoe’s “I” perspective. Along the way, readers are treated to life in Ashton Falls following a delightful community as they prepare for the Haunted Hamlet festivities, plans to expand Zoe’s Zoo, and several casual conversations about family dynamics, Zimmerman Academy, holiday preparations, and lots of intrigue...and yes, finally, a dead body makes a limited appearance. However, despite lives in jeopardy, motive is only a theory, direct contact is only thru texts, and closure is unavailable. Will Zoe’s Moriarty be back? It seems we’ll have to wait and see. Zoe better be checking behind her from now on!
Deja Diva is yet another fantastic episode in the Zoe Donovan cozy mystery series. This fast-paced story is filled with the elements of a cozy mystery including adventure, suspense, romance, love, friendship, and a sense of community.
In this story, Zoe is busy preparing for Ashton Falls’ annual Haunted Hamlet and numerous other Halloween festivities when her nemesis engages her in an extensive game of cat and mouse. With the help of her friends and family, Zoe embarks on a journey around town solving puzzles and completing tasks designed to challenge her emotionally, intellectually, and physically.
This book is filled with the sights of Halloween. Orange and white lights, jack -o’- lanterns, scarecrows, and other fabulous Halloween decorations make for a festive and spooky atmosphere. As always, Ms. Daley’s writing flows smoothly, and her setting and relatable characters make for an extremely enjoyable and quick read.
Kathi Daley is a master storyteller. She has created communities and characters you want to live in and with. I always enjoy going back to one of her first and longest running series. Zoe and Zak have raised a family and stayed loyal to friends and causes they have committed themselves to. As their own daughter is getting ready to begin school, they consider making their academy for advanced students available for a wider population. Halloween is also one of my (and their) favorite holidays to enjoy with friends. Someone is running around town passing herself off as Zoe. A very difficult and daring task. Zak and his computer genius progeny race against time to solve crimes and protect their own futures. A wonderful addition to this well loved series
It's Halloween and, amongst all the preparations, Zoe's arch nemesis is back to "play". Can Zoe manage to save everyone she loves.
Kathi Daley is a master of the cozy mystery and this book is a prime example of why. You'll love this book whether you've already read the rest of the series or not. I was drawn in from the beginning and kept hooked until the end. The book's well-written with well-rounded characters and great relationships on all levels. Once you start reading, you'll be transported to a whole new world and you'll devour the words so you can reach the end. However, upon reaching the end, you'll be left wanting more and will be eager for the next book.
Zoe Donavan Zimmerman and her husband Zak are getting ready for the big Halloween decorating and Haunted Hamlet planning for Ashton Falls. Zoe thinks that everything is finally coming together, Catherine their daughter is attending preschool, Alex and Scooter will be going to college in a couple of years, and there's talk of expanding Zimmerman Academy.
Claudia Lotherman is back intent on playing a game with Zoe! Looks like the happy family is going have some troubles again.
I love Kathi Daley storytelling and her wonderful characters! This was one of my first series that got me started on Cozy Mysteries!
Noooooo........ the last book for now, I know more will come but I've become so engrossed in Zoe and Zac's world, what am I going to do...!!! I'll have to start another of Kathi Daley's other cozy mystery series to keep me busy.
This book sees the return of Zoe and Zac's nemesis, Claudia Lotherman, who has appeared in several other books in this series. Reminiscent of a previous book, Claudia takes someone Zoe loves, to get them back they have to complete a few tasks. The plot thickens when someone, a lookalike Zoe, is found, then someone else is taken, this will rock their world!
A fabulous cozy mystery series set in Ashton Falls, well written with a lovely cast of characters. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
I love the Zoe Donovan Zimmerman series. Every book has a touch of mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. Also each book brings back a lovely set of familiar characters that make you feel like a part of the series. Small town feel with wonderful friends that make you feel at home. You can't wait to read each book so you know how each of your favorite characters are doing. I highly recommend all of Kathi Daley's books to cozy mystery readers.
I read all of Kathi Daley’s books and it all started with Zoe Donovan. So it’s hard for me to give a less than stellar review. It felt like a repeat. I know it’s the 34th book in the series and I would have totally been ok with the Claudia storyline -IF- there was a resolution. The book was great until the end. It was anticlimactic and disappointing. I won’t stop reading this series. I just hope it was a one-off.
A Zoe lookalike fools friends and family members to plant a virus on Zak's super computer and other acts of harm. Scooter, now 16, is kidnapped and held in a location where Zoe had found gold after solving a dying man's riddle. Lots of tension. Cannot wait for the next installment. Looking forward to Claudia's capture, and another trip to Ireland.
Kathi Daley has the gift of crafting intriguing cozy mysteries with characters the reader can relate to. I particularly enjoy this series and this Halloween installment. Though this is the thirty-fourth book in the Zoe Donavon series, it is as fresh as the first! Filled with suspense, twisted clues, danger, good friends, and small town pull-together 'feels". I recommend this to cozy mystery lovers and those who enjoy Halloween reads.
As Halloween approaches, Zoe’s nemesis is back again to continue their game of cat and mouse.
Watch Zoe as she is put to a test as she tries to find her foe before she can cause too much damage. Fans of Zoe will enjoy watching her in action like always. Always an enjoyable read.
An old foe of Zoe's drops into her life again and makes life miserable for her and puts her family in danger. Plot was interesting and exciting with enough surprises. Characters are like old friends after reading this many Zoe mysteries. Conclusion was kind of s draw, somewhat satisfying.
This intriguing mystery involves a cat and mouse game involving characters I have come to love so I was on the edge of my seat the whole time - a race that was so deadly, intense, and emotional. Definitely recommend you read this one - the author is a master at weaving a story that will lead you through twists and turns and will totally suck you into the story.
Deja Diva is book thirty-four in the Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series. Zoe's got a doppelganger? What's really going on? This story was great. I absolutely love stories revolving around Halloween, and when you get Zoe in the mix? You just can't go wrong. I think this might be one of my favorites of this series, although every story is excellent.
How to mess up the normal routine and not in a fun way. Trouble is back and Zoe is behind the eight ball again. Thank goodness for her great backup crew. She is going to need everyone to figure this out. Watching the kids and family change is the best.
I have loved Zoe from book one and now book 34 and I can't wait for 35. If you're like me and love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that keeps you turning the page then this series by Kathi Daley is a must read.
Wow! Zoe’s chameleon nemesis is back!! She’s targeting all of Zoe’s loved ones! She’s calculating, cold, and Zoe? Uh oh. There is a fake Zoe!?? But she’s fooling people who know Zoe really well. Oh dear!
Another fun Halloween season with Zoe and the gang. This book is shorter than usual but packs a lot of puzzles and thrills, so it seems longer. I did not read every single book in the series prior to this one, but the author did a good job of reviewing significant plot elements.
A fun Halloween story in the Zoe Donovan series. Zoe, Zak, and their adversarie Claudia are at it again. I just wish just because Ellie wants a big family she'd stop trying to talk Zoe into having more kids. She already seems overwhelmed and unrecognizable from the earlier Zoe books.
This series has met its end for me. The repetitive scenes and sentences made me angry. Boring and not written with a real plot of direction or care. The author is totally burnt out and so am I. So long Kathi Daley. It's over.
I think the Halloween Zoe mysteries are my favourites and this was an intriguing puzzle to unravel. It was also a wonderful group effort I just loved it