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Resort at Castaway Bay #1
Truth or Dare
Sydney Whitmore, a forensic psychologist living in San Francisco, moves home to Shipwreck Island, and the resort owned and operated by her family, after tragedy strikes leaving her struggling for a way to make sense of things. After finding out about the assault of an old friend, which has left him comatose, she renews her relationship with Ezra Reinhold, a reclusive billionaire who enjoys poking around in cold cases and has the means to hire the best people to find the answers no one else has been able to.
In book 1 in the series a group of ten high school students go camping but only eight return. The statements those who've made their way back have told to Sheriff Sam Stone are so different as to be completely useless. Syd has experience getting the truth out of people so she agrees to help Sam weed though the witness statements to find the truth both are certain exists beneath the lies. Meanwhile Syd's middle sister Emily has started a new lifestyle blog, her youngest sister Rory is fostering kittens, and Syd renews her relationship with Kelly Green, an FBI analyst she first met while working for the FBI on the East Coast.
In book 1 in the series a group of ten high school students go camping but only eight return. The statements those who've made their way back have told to Sheriff Sam Stone are so different as to be completely useless. Syd has experience getting the truth out of people so she agrees to help Sam weed though the witness statements to find the truth both are certain exists beneath the lies. Meanwhile Syd's middle sister Emily has started a new lifestyle blog, her youngest sister Rory is fostering kittens, and Syd renews her relationship with Kelly Green, an FBI analyst she first met while working for the FBI on the East Coast.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2021
500 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
357 books1,788 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 112 reviews
June 3, 2021
Ms. Daley introduces a new cozy series set on an island off of the west coast of the USA. A complex mystery, likable characters and a beautiful setting made this a great afternoon read. I look forward to more of this series.
June 12, 2021
Truth or Dare Earns 4/5 Island Intrigue...Familiar, yet Enjoyable!
Introducing Sydney Whitmore! Sydney is a forensic psychologist for the San Francisco branch of the FBI who recently had an up close and personal experience with a serial killer that left a close friend dead and Sydney avoiding a rookie psychologist wanting to address any PTSD symptoms. As a veteran professional, she feels any trauma she may be experiencing can be worked out on her own. One way might be through reconnecting with family and friends at Castaway Bay and enjoying some peace and tranquility, yet another way might be getting back on the horse with a new case needing her expertise. Sheriff Sam Stone of Shipwreck Island has some missing teens and Sydney’s expertise might be of use. Ten teenagers ranging from fifteen to seventeen started out wanting to enjoy a bit weekend fun, however, when the morning came, two teenagers can’t be found. Is it just teens lost in the woods, a prank gone bad, a criminal kidnapping, or something more sinister? When one teen is found dead, the situation becomes more dire to find the remaining one. Syd’s experiences have provided her with excellent instincts, and she is certain the eight remaining teens are hiding something. Also Syd uses her downtime to look more closely into an incident that put a close friend into a coma. The SFPD determined the case a random mugging, but the details don’t sit well with Sydney who is determine to take a closer look.
Crossover Premier! In Kathi Daley’s new series, The Resort at Castaway Bay, we join Sydney Whitmore, however us regular fans were introduced to Sydney in Daley’s The Inn at Holiday Bay Clue in the Clam. It was a surprise to learn this story isn’t a continuation from when she was called away from Holiday Bay on another case. The setting along with several characters and their backstories originated in Daley’s Summerhouse Reunion trilogy giving the book an air of familiarity. Yet, the drama of missing teenagers has been used in other Daley books so I wasn’t sure I would find this book engaging. But, as is true in real-life, Sydney’s story turned out to be compelling along with her family and friends having quite a tale to tell, too. The story did, however, turn out to be entertaining, but some of the loose ends are destined to be in the next book, Lost and Found, due out at the end of July. A bonus is included with Syd’s sister’s blog, Emily by the Sea. Enjoy her personal insights and “Steps to creating an event with heart” along with a mouthwatering recipe for Pear, Strawberry, and Pistachio Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing.
Introducing Sydney Whitmore! Sydney is a forensic psychologist for the San Francisco branch of the FBI who recently had an up close and personal experience with a serial killer that left a close friend dead and Sydney avoiding a rookie psychologist wanting to address any PTSD symptoms. As a veteran professional, she feels any trauma she may be experiencing can be worked out on her own. One way might be through reconnecting with family and friends at Castaway Bay and enjoying some peace and tranquility, yet another way might be getting back on the horse with a new case needing her expertise. Sheriff Sam Stone of Shipwreck Island has some missing teens and Sydney’s expertise might be of use. Ten teenagers ranging from fifteen to seventeen started out wanting to enjoy a bit weekend fun, however, when the morning came, two teenagers can’t be found. Is it just teens lost in the woods, a prank gone bad, a criminal kidnapping, or something more sinister? When one teen is found dead, the situation becomes more dire to find the remaining one. Syd’s experiences have provided her with excellent instincts, and she is certain the eight remaining teens are hiding something. Also Syd uses her downtime to look more closely into an incident that put a close friend into a coma. The SFPD determined the case a random mugging, but the details don’t sit well with Sydney who is determine to take a closer look.
Crossover Premier! In Kathi Daley’s new series, The Resort at Castaway Bay, we join Sydney Whitmore, however us regular fans were introduced to Sydney in Daley’s The Inn at Holiday Bay Clue in the Clam. It was a surprise to learn this story isn’t a continuation from when she was called away from Holiday Bay on another case. The setting along with several characters and their backstories originated in Daley’s Summerhouse Reunion trilogy giving the book an air of familiarity. Yet, the drama of missing teenagers has been used in other Daley books so I wasn’t sure I would find this book engaging. But, as is true in real-life, Sydney’s story turned out to be compelling along with her family and friends having quite a tale to tell, too. The story did, however, turn out to be entertaining, but some of the loose ends are destined to be in the next book, Lost and Found, due out at the end of July. A bonus is included with Syd’s sister’s blog, Emily by the Sea. Enjoy her personal insights and “Steps to creating an event with heart” along with a mouthwatering recipe for Pear, Strawberry, and Pistachio Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing.
February 2, 2022
I wasn't looking for earth-shattering literature -- I think I picked this up because it was set near the SF Bay Area -- but I was still disappointed. The plot was okay, but the writing! Everything was dry and over-explained.
* Everyone the protagonist knew had their entire life history chronicled when they were first introduced.
* Details in the action -- the smell of a favorite food, someone glancing at a clock -- were immediately called out and explained, as though the reader couldn't be trusted to understand their significance.
* Characters said exactly what they were thinking -- if they didn't, the protagonist immediately knew because of specific body language, which was also explained in detail.
* Every character spoke and sounded exactly the same, from the 80 year old groundskeeper to the 5 year old niece.
* At the end of the book the protagonist reflects that she's so glad to be home with her sisters, who she loves more than anyone in the world -- and who she has hardly spoken with in the week she's been in town.
It was such a clear set-up for a series that you could practically hear the set pieces grinding as they slid into place. Really predictable, and full of drama but devoid of feeling.
* Everyone the protagonist knew had their entire life history chronicled when they were first introduced.
* Details in the action -- the smell of a favorite food, someone glancing at a clock -- were immediately called out and explained, as though the reader couldn't be trusted to understand their significance.
* Characters said exactly what they were thinking -- if they didn't, the protagonist immediately knew because of specific body language, which was also explained in detail.
* Every character spoke and sounded exactly the same, from the 80 year old groundskeeper to the 5 year old niece.
* At the end of the book the protagonist reflects that she's so glad to be home with her sisters, who she loves more than anyone in the world -- and who she has hardly spoken with in the week she's been in town.
It was such a clear set-up for a series that you could practically hear the set pieces grinding as they slid into place. Really predictable, and full of drama but devoid of feeling.
July 27, 2023
4 stelle e mezza
È da un po' che avevo adocchiato questa serie, ambientata nella stessa isola di una trilogia che mi era piaciuta molto, così ho comprato il primo bundle (3 libri in uno) e l'ho iniziata. Il libro mi è piaciuto, si rivedono anche alcuni personaggi della trilogia, ma ho trovato che c'è troppa carne al fuoco, per così dire. Forse serve per lanciare la serie, ma ci sono veramente troppe cose che succedono in contemporanea. Vado a leggere il secondo volume per vedere come evolve la situazione.
È da un po' che avevo adocchiato questa serie, ambientata nella stessa isola di una trilogia che mi era piaciuta molto, così ho comprato il primo bundle (3 libri in uno) e l'ho iniziata. Il libro mi è piaciuto, si rivedono anche alcuni personaggi della trilogia, ma ho trovato che c'è troppa carne al fuoco, per così dire. Forse serve per lanciare la serie, ma ci sono veramente troppe cose che succedono in contemporanea. Vado a leggere il secondo volume per vedere come evolve la situazione.
June 8, 2021
This book is a new series by Kathi Daley. The storyline had a lot of twist and turns , that had me reading till I was done. Loved all the crazy and interesting characters.
September 9, 2021
Really 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this story.
To me, not a typical cozy but not in a bad way.
To me, not a typical cozy but not in a bad way.
June 28, 2025
Not sure why, but this just didn't grab me. Plus, the editing left a lot to be desired, IMO. You do NOT need to name the person you're talking about in three successive paragraphs, when using he, her, him or his is clear after the first one in the context.
June 1, 2021
Truth or Dare is the first book in Kathi Daley’s Resort at Castaway Bay series. The West Coast setting is charming, and the well-developed characters are likable, compassionate, and caring. The intriguing mystery is well plotted and complex, with no shortage of twists and red herrings to keep the reader engaged and guessing. Ms. Daley is very talented in descriptive writing, and as I was reading, I felt like I was right in the midst of the activities taking place and sharing the characters’ tragedies and joys. A lifestyle blog with tips for throwing a memorable birthday party for someone special in your life written by Christy Turner is included. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading well-crafted cozies.
After suffering the consequences of an error in judgment in her job as an FBI forensic psychologist, Sydney Whitmore decides to extend her trip home for her aunt’s sixtieth birthday. When Sydney and her sisters, Emily and Rory, were young children, their parents were killed in an automobile accident, and Aunt Charlie opened her home, which is located on Shipwreck Island, to them. Emily, her two young daughters, and Rory live at Jack’s Hideaway with Aunt Charley and her father-in-law, Hank Hamilton. In addition to helping at the resort, Emily has just started writing a lifestyle blog. Rory is a veterinary technician who often brings home animals in need of extra attention. Sydney learns that her high school boyfriend, Riley Chesterfield, has been in a coma for months after being a victim of an apparent mugging. Sydney, whose skillset includes weeding out the truth, helps Sheriff Sam Stone and ex-FBI strategist, Kelly Green, investigate the disappearance of two teenagers from a camping trip.
After suffering the consequences of an error in judgment in her job as an FBI forensic psychologist, Sydney Whitmore decides to extend her trip home for her aunt’s sixtieth birthday. When Sydney and her sisters, Emily and Rory, were young children, their parents were killed in an automobile accident, and Aunt Charlie opened her home, which is located on Shipwreck Island, to them. Emily, her two young daughters, and Rory live at Jack’s Hideaway with Aunt Charley and her father-in-law, Hank Hamilton. In addition to helping at the resort, Emily has just started writing a lifestyle blog. Rory is a veterinary technician who often brings home animals in need of extra attention. Sydney learns that her high school boyfriend, Riley Chesterfield, has been in a coma for months after being a victim of an apparent mugging. Sydney, whose skillset includes weeding out the truth, helps Sheriff Sam Stone and ex-FBI strategist, Kelly Green, investigate the disappearance of two teenagers from a camping trip.
June 1, 2021
A new series by a favorite author is always exciting. I stayed up late waiting for this book to hit my kindle.
Who of us hasn't had a really bad time at work and thought about packing it all in and moving to an island? Fortunately for Sydney Whitmore, she has the option to actually do it.
Her family runs a resort and she is able to move home, back to where she has friends and family.
Unfortunately, her return home is not all warm and fuzzy.
One of her best friends is in a coma and there is a mystery involving missing teenagers.
Once again this new series is populated by fascinating characters, strong friendships and intriguing mystery. Ten people were at the same place but the stories they tell vary widely. Who knows the truth? Why don't they want this mystery solved?
Is Sydney arriving home at just the right time or is this another mistake on her part?
I was excited to find out and know you will be hooked too.
Who of us hasn't had a really bad time at work and thought about packing it all in and moving to an island? Fortunately for Sydney Whitmore, she has the option to actually do it.
Her family runs a resort and she is able to move home, back to where she has friends and family.
Unfortunately, her return home is not all warm and fuzzy.
One of her best friends is in a coma and there is a mystery involving missing teenagers.
Once again this new series is populated by fascinating characters, strong friendships and intriguing mystery. Ten people were at the same place but the stories they tell vary widely. Who knows the truth? Why don't they want this mystery solved?
Is Sydney arriving home at just the right time or is this another mistake on her part?
I was excited to find out and know you will be hooked too.
June 1, 2021
This is the first book in a brand new series set on a quaint and lovely island off the west coast of the US.
Sydney Whitmore is a forensic psychologist who was working for the FBI until a tragic lapse in judgement turned her life inside out.
Seeking a way to find peace with herself and recover from the trauma, she moves home to the island resort owned by the aunt who raised her and her sisters after the death of their parents.
All is not as peaceful and relaxing as she hopes for though, as she realizes that bad things can happen even on an island paradise.
Sydney's knowledge and expertise are needed to help unravel two separate mysteries on the island, and she has to dig deep within herself to work with the local authorities to solve these cases.
Wonderful beginning to a new series and I can't wait for more.
Sydney Whitmore is a forensic psychologist who was working for the FBI until a tragic lapse in judgement turned her life inside out.
Seeking a way to find peace with herself and recover from the trauma, she moves home to the island resort owned by the aunt who raised her and her sisters after the death of their parents.
All is not as peaceful and relaxing as she hopes for though, as she realizes that bad things can happen even on an island paradise.
Sydney's knowledge and expertise are needed to help unravel two separate mysteries on the island, and she has to dig deep within herself to work with the local authorities to solve these cases.
Wonderful beginning to a new series and I can't wait for more.
August 28, 2021
I did enjoy this book even though this is the second series set by this author at a resort. The storyline is an extension from the summerhouse reunions trilogy. Also syd had made an appearance in the inn at holiday bay. So it would seem that a lot of the series connect with each other or are spin off. Either way it was a great story and I'm looking forward to reading more.
January 26, 2023
This cozy mystery seemed to be typical of other series I’ve read before. But instead I realize this one has a little more grit …. a little more intensity and psychological promise. This first book solves the mystery of the missing teenagers, but leads the way to the beginning of two more cases to look into. I’m looking forward to exploring more.
May 18, 2024
Really loved this book!
June 9, 2021
So-so. I was hoping for much more than a woman in her 30’s who keeps holding onto the thought of her teen boyfriend as the love of her life and who held a grudge against the girl who took him away. Really? She’s supposedly a top notch FBI agent and was a much better character in the Inn at Holiday Bay book that introduced her character. Also, repetitive phrases, the most boring and disgusting one being “get into her pants”. Over and over. This felt like a very superficial and formula book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2021
Not satisfied
I do not care for books that set up a plot and then end abruptly. Causing you to continue into another book. Series books should carry a label of some kind explaining "will be continued into another book(s) to reach a conclusion.
I do not care for books that set up a plot and then end abruptly. Causing you to continue into another book. Series books should carry a label of some kind explaining "will be continued into another book(s) to reach a conclusion.
October 8, 2021
Love the start of this series! I am really liking Syd and can't wait to continue on her journey. I liked the mystery, but I thought it kind of fizzled at the end. I guess I was just expecting more of a twist.
May 19, 2022
Resort at Castaway Bay
Wow, a cliff hanger in the middle of the book. That is not cool! But that is the way this book is written. Too bad. A very good book up to that point. Very entertaining. Well written.
Wow, a cliff hanger in the middle of the book. That is not cool! But that is the way this book is written. Too bad. A very good book up to that point. Very entertaining. Well written.
December 21, 2022
Unresolved Mysteries
I was enjoying reading this this story unfold without people missing and people injured and people killed. Too bad there was little resolution to most of them to get us to get the rest of the series. I don’t read these. They are incomplete for me.
I was enjoying reading this this story unfold without people missing and people injured and people killed. Too bad there was little resolution to most of them to get us to get the rest of the series. I don’t read these. They are incomplete for me.
June 8, 2021
Only a chapter
Not a complete book; merely a chapter in the life of....; lots of loose ends needing to be tied up
Not a complete book; merely a chapter in the life of....; lots of loose ends needing to be tied up
June 13, 2021
Not typical math I dailey
I have read all her books. The ending just dropped off and left so many unanswered questions. For the first time I was disappointed
I have read all her books. The ending just dropped off and left so many unanswered questions. For the first time I was disappointed
July 4, 2021
Resort Mystery
I would give this mystery a higher rating if the mystery had been safisfactorliy resolved. It felt like this was just part 1 of the mystery.
I would give this mystery a higher rating if the mystery had been safisfactorliy resolved. It felt like this was just part 1 of the mystery.
July 27, 2021
What happened?
It was just getting interesting about the guy who was in a coma and his family and boom, it's done.
It was just getting interesting about the guy who was in a coma and his family and boom, it's done.
June 9, 2021
Truth or Dare
Resort At Castaway Bay, Book 1
Kathi Daley
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Sydney Whitmore, a forensic psychologist living in San Francisco, moves home to Shipwreck Island, and the resort owned and operated by her family, after tragedy strikes leaving her struggling for a way to make sense of things. After finding out about the assault of an old friend, which has left him comatose, she renews her relationship with Ezra Reinhold, a reclusive billionaire who enjoys poking around in cold cases and has the means to hire the best people to find the answers no one else has been able to.
In book 1 in the series a group of ten high school students go camping but only eight return. The statements those who've made their way back have told to Sheriff Sam Stone are so different as to be completely useless. Syd has experience getting the truth out of people so she agrees to help Sam weed though the witness statements to find the truth both are certain exists beneath the lies. Meanwhile Syd's middle sister Emily has started a new lifestyle blog, her youngest sister Rory is fostering kittens, and Syd renews her relationship with Kelly Green, an FBI analyst she first met while working for the FBI on the East Coast.
Bonus Material: Text and photos for Emily by the Sea and Emily’s Kitchen contributed by Christy Turner
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Sydney and her sisters are all together for their Aunt Charlie’s birthday. Sydney also has to work through a tragic situation with her last job, where one of her best friends was killed. She is taking a break but her boss asks her to look into missing teenagers. What happened the night the teens disappeared is something that her and her friend, Kelly, will have to try and figure out. They also have to try and figure out what happened to one of Sydney’s friends who was attacked and is now in a coma. That is a lot to work on while she is on vacation. I enjoyed getting to meet all of the characters and see how they all interact with each other.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions helped pull me into the story from the very beginning. I could picture Castaway Bay in my mind’s eye and all of the action taking place. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through.
This is a good start to a new series and I am looking forward to finding out what other mysteries Sydney has to solve. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery.
Resort At Castaway Bay, Book 1
Kathi Daley
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Sydney Whitmore, a forensic psychologist living in San Francisco, moves home to Shipwreck Island, and the resort owned and operated by her family, after tragedy strikes leaving her struggling for a way to make sense of things. After finding out about the assault of an old friend, which has left him comatose, she renews her relationship with Ezra Reinhold, a reclusive billionaire who enjoys poking around in cold cases and has the means to hire the best people to find the answers no one else has been able to.
In book 1 in the series a group of ten high school students go camping but only eight return. The statements those who've made their way back have told to Sheriff Sam Stone are so different as to be completely useless. Syd has experience getting the truth out of people so she agrees to help Sam weed though the witness statements to find the truth both are certain exists beneath the lies. Meanwhile Syd's middle sister Emily has started a new lifestyle blog, her youngest sister Rory is fostering kittens, and Syd renews her relationship with Kelly Green, an FBI analyst she first met while working for the FBI on the East Coast.
Bonus Material: Text and photos for Emily by the Sea and Emily’s Kitchen contributed by Christy Turner
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Sydney and her sisters are all together for their Aunt Charlie’s birthday. Sydney also has to work through a tragic situation with her last job, where one of her best friends was killed. She is taking a break but her boss asks her to look into missing teenagers. What happened the night the teens disappeared is something that her and her friend, Kelly, will have to try and figure out. They also have to try and figure out what happened to one of Sydney’s friends who was attacked and is now in a coma. That is a lot to work on while she is on vacation. I enjoyed getting to meet all of the characters and see how they all interact with each other.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions helped pull me into the story from the very beginning. I could picture Castaway Bay in my mind’s eye and all of the action taking place. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through.
This is a good start to a new series and I am looking forward to finding out what other mysteries Sydney has to solve. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery.
September 9, 2021
The main character, Sydney Whitmore, has had one or more cameo mentions in another series by Kathi Daley. This is book 1 in a new series. Although the writing, characters, and scenes were well done the whole book felt like an episode of CSI. Relationships and interactions between family and friends took a backseat to the people Sydney (or other peers) were interrogating as they worked to solve the crimes. I won't read the next book in the series.
Amazon synopsis:
Sydney Whitmore, a forensic psychologist living in San Francisco, moves home to Shipwreck Island, and the resort owned and operated by her family after tragedy strikes leaving her struggling for a way to make sense of things. (Added to the middle of the book ) After finding out about the assault of an old friend, which has left him comatose, she renews her relationship with Ezra Reinhold, a reclusive billionaire who enjoys poking around in cold cases and has the means to hire the best people to find the answers no one else has been able to. This leads to the next book. (I hate this trick!)
In book 1 in the series a group of ten high school students go camping but only eight return. The statements those who've made their way back have told to Sheriff Sam Stone are so different as to be completely useless. Syd has experience getting the truth out of people so she agrees to help Sam weed though the witness statements to find the truth both are certain exists beneath the lies. Meanwhile Syd's middle sister Emily has started a new lifestyle blog, her youngest sister Rory is fostering kittens, and Syd renews her relationship with Kelly Green, an FBI analyst she first met while working for the FBI on the East Coast.
Amazon synopsis:
Sydney Whitmore, a forensic psychologist living in San Francisco, moves home to Shipwreck Island, and the resort owned and operated by her family after tragedy strikes leaving her struggling for a way to make sense of things. (Added to the middle of the book ) After finding out about the assault of an old friend, which has left him comatose, she renews her relationship with Ezra Reinhold, a reclusive billionaire who enjoys poking around in cold cases and has the means to hire the best people to find the answers no one else has been able to. This leads to the next book. (I hate this trick!)
In book 1 in the series a group of ten high school students go camping but only eight return. The statements those who've made their way back have told to Sheriff Sam Stone are so different as to be completely useless. Syd has experience getting the truth out of people so she agrees to help Sam weed though the witness statements to find the truth both are certain exists beneath the lies. Meanwhile Syd's middle sister Emily has started a new lifestyle blog, her youngest sister Rory is fostering kittens, and Syd renews her relationship with Kelly Green, an FBI analyst she first met while working for the FBI on the East Coast.
June 15, 2021
This was an introduction to a brand new Series by author Kathi Daley. It was also an introduction to audio books for me. The book is so very well written that in spite of the fact that the narrator paused as if sentences had ended when they hadn't and her delivery was, in my opinion, flat, I was mesmerized by the story and finished the book the day after I started it.
The plot centers around Syd, a forensic psychologist for the FBI who after suffering a personal tragedy returns to the island and resort where her Aunt Charlie raised her and her 2 sisters to celebrate Aunt Charlie's birthday. While there Syd gets a call from her boss, in spite of the fact she is on her vacation, requesting she help on a case the locals have requested assistance with. One thing leads to another and Syd finds herself not only working to solve the case of the missing teenagers, but one that hits closer to home. Syd finds out that unlike that old saying that says you can't go home, that maybe you can. I found myself hoping that now that Syd is home she'll figure out that's where she belongs and that there will be many more cases on this beautiful island at Castaway Bay.
I just think from now on, I'll read a written copy so I can follow the punctuation as Ms. Daley writes it and not be distracted by the narrator's interpretation.
The plot centers around Syd, a forensic psychologist for the FBI who after suffering a personal tragedy returns to the island and resort where her Aunt Charlie raised her and her 2 sisters to celebrate Aunt Charlie's birthday. While there Syd gets a call from her boss, in spite of the fact she is on her vacation, requesting she help on a case the locals have requested assistance with. One thing leads to another and Syd finds herself not only working to solve the case of the missing teenagers, but one that hits closer to home. Syd finds out that unlike that old saying that says you can't go home, that maybe you can. I found myself hoping that now that Syd is home she'll figure out that's where she belongs and that there will be many more cases on this beautiful island at Castaway Bay.
I just think from now on, I'll read a written copy so I can follow the punctuation as Ms. Daley writes it and not be distracted by the narrator's interpretation.
December 4, 2021
Sydney Whitmore is a forensic psychologist who works for the FBI. She was recently involved in a case where she and another agent mistakenly got too close to a wanted serial killer. Her friend and fellow agent was killed and Sydney had been taken hostage. Now she has returned to Shipwreck Island and the resort where she grew up in order to emotionally work through the deadly encounter she blames herself for. Syd realizes this is the place she needs to be - close to her two sisters, two young nieces, and the woman who raised the girls when they were orphaned. Syd's boss from the FBI asks her to work on a case of a missing person and a death which both took place while a group of teenagers were on an overnight camp out on the island. Syd also discovers that her boyfriend from high school days is in a coma, the result of a mugging that took place while he was attending a conference. She starts looking into that incident as well. Great beginning to a new series!
June 2, 2021
Sydney (Syd) Whitmore is a forensic psychologist who was living and working in San Francisco when tragedy strikes. She moves back to her family home on Shipwreck Island to come to grip with things. She's soon involved in a local case involving two missing teens, and she begins looking into a case involving an old friend who was assaulted.
I absolutely love Kathi Daley's books and Truth or Dare is a prime example of why. First in a new series, this well-written book is full of wonderful characters. I really enjoyed the book, and the interactions between the characters is great. I was drawn in from the beginning and kept hooked throughout. The mysteries will keep you on your toes. I'm very eager for the next book and highly recommend this one.
I absolutely love Kathi Daley's books and Truth or Dare is a prime example of why. First in a new series, this well-written book is full of wonderful characters. I really enjoyed the book, and the interactions between the characters is great. I was drawn in from the beginning and kept hooked throughout. The mysteries will keep you on your toes. I'm very eager for the next book and highly recommend this one.
July 8, 2025
This book surprised me, in a good way
I had picked this book up because of the word "resort" in the title. I had just finished Resort to Murder by Annie McEwen and this book stood out as a "you need to read this" selection next. It is not a story of just one case, but more a memoir and study of a gal who didn't know what she was looking for in life until she practically stumbled over it while on vacation back home. Sometimes home can be a murky place or sometimes it can be a turning point. I enjoyed the meandering adventure of it as much as her deep dive back into family and friends from the past and seeing how she still fit into their lives. Definitely a good book to see the beauty in life. And how your job can bend to meet you where you discover you need to be.
I had picked this book up because of the word "resort" in the title. I had just finished Resort to Murder by Annie McEwen and this book stood out as a "you need to read this" selection next. It is not a story of just one case, but more a memoir and study of a gal who didn't know what she was looking for in life until she practically stumbled over it while on vacation back home. Sometimes home can be a murky place or sometimes it can be a turning point. I enjoyed the meandering adventure of it as much as her deep dive back into family and friends from the past and seeing how she still fit into their lives. Definitely a good book to see the beauty in life. And how your job can bend to meet you where you discover you need to be.
June 4, 2021
Truth or Dare ( Resort At Castaway Bay #1 )
By: Kathi Daley
Truth or Dare is the first book in a brand new cosy mystery series by Kathi Daley. Loved the story and the characters both are well written and well developed. A Forensic Psychologist , Sydney Whitmore, with the FBI returns back to her home Shipwreck Island in the West Coast after a tragedy. Things start to pick up and keeps her busy. Mystery, suspense, family, friends, teenagers camping, missing teenagers, which will keep you turning the pages to see what will happen next. The author keeps you guessing till the end and then you want more. Cant wait for the next book.
By: Kathi Daley
Truth or Dare is the first book in a brand new cosy mystery series by Kathi Daley. Loved the story and the characters both are well written and well developed. A Forensic Psychologist , Sydney Whitmore, with the FBI returns back to her home Shipwreck Island in the West Coast after a tragedy. Things start to pick up and keeps her busy. Mystery, suspense, family, friends, teenagers camping, missing teenagers, which will keep you turning the pages to see what will happen next. The author keeps you guessing till the end and then you want more. Cant wait for the next book.
October 6, 2023
Life on the island
Syd is a FBI physiologist. After tracking down a serial killer and her partner being killed, She goes back home for a few weeks to rest and see her family. While on the island, a boy is killed and a girl goes missing. A friend was attacked in San Francisco and was in a coma, not expected to live. Now her boss called with a new assignment. A boy that went missing as a child, just showed up not knowing where he has been. Her boss extended her vacation by four weeks paid to look into it.
Boy, has Kathie packed a whallup into this book. I was really into this book when it ended. I can't wait to read the next one to see what happens next.
Syd is a FBI physiologist. After tracking down a serial killer and her partner being killed, She goes back home for a few weeks to rest and see her family. While on the island, a boy is killed and a girl goes missing. A friend was attacked in San Francisco and was in a coma, not expected to live. Now her boss called with a new assignment. A boy that went missing as a child, just showed up not knowing where he has been. Her boss extended her vacation by four weeks paid to look into it.
Boy, has Kathie packed a whallup into this book. I was really into this book when it ended. I can't wait to read the next one to see what happens next.
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