Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Sydney Whitmore, a forensic psychologist, moves to Shipwreck Island and 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 3 in the series, it's Halloween and Sydney joins Ezra and his group as they take on an old murder case where the suspected killer has been caught and convicted although Ezra has reason to believe he may be innocent as he has claimed from the beginning.

Meanwhile, Sam asks Syd and Kelly for input on a case, Syd's friend Riley comes home after months in the hospital with a tale of a coverup, Emily is faced with a nearly impossible decision, Rory has puppies to foster, and Logan settles into life on the island.

Bonus Material: Text and photos for Emily by the Sea and Emily’s Kitchen contributed by Christy Turner

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2021

241 people are currently reading
144 people want to read

About the author

Kathi Daley

327 books1,792 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).



Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
911 (64%)
4 stars
380 (26%)
3 stars
102 (7%)
2 stars
14 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,951 reviews43 followers
July 28, 2023
4 stelle e mezza
Altra veloce lettura. La storia mi è piaciuta e mi sto affezionando sempre di più ai vari personaggi. Credo proprio che continuerò questa serie, magari aspettando i vari bundle, così risparmio qualcosa.
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,462 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2021
Trick or Treat is the third book in the Castaway Bay series but was the best one yet. There is more than one mystery to be solved by Sydney and she's finally beginning to change her life to remain on Shipwreck Island. These characters are developing well and I can't wait to learn more about them as the series continues.
Profile Image for JANE VAN HORN.
2,101 reviews12 followers
October 29, 2021
Great book

This is another great book in the Resort at Castaway Bay series by Kathi Daley. I can't wait for the next book.
419 reviews7 followers
December 30, 2021
I did enjoy this book even though it did seem repetitive at the time. And at the end of the book is a couple pages called Emily by the sea. I have no idea why that's even there.
Profile Image for Lynn Hayward-Bisbee.
197 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2022
I love all of Kathi Daley's cozy mystery series, so when she started this one I was an avid fan. Unfortunately, I think this is my last read in the series. Frankly, I'm surprised by all the five star ratings for it and wonder how many of those people have read any of her other series. I read one review that even stated the plots in the books were "complex" and I felt they anything but complex.
Maybe I've just never connected with the characters in this series; I just don't know.

For one thing, I totally dislike that almost the whole book consists of dialogue. I guess it wouldn't bother me so much if the dialogue went somewhere, but a lot of it is repetitious and I found myself skimming over it. For example, Sydney will discuss something with Gen and then be in a scene with another character and that character will ask a question and they'll discuss the exact same thing she was discussing with Gen in the previous pages. It's so frustrating. I'm not an idiot! I can remember what happened from one chapter to the next. I wouldn't mind the dialogue so much if there was new information being provided, but there isn't. It's just the same thing being discussed, albeit in a different way with another character.

Also, I didn't like that it was so, so easy to figure out who the killer was. I had it figured out way in the beginning of the book and, again, it's because of all the dialogue. As Sydney is spelling out her clues and what she believes, I could feel myself in the scene, saying "Yes, well then it obviously has to be *****. Let's look at that person." I know that in a lot of cozy mysteries, the reader is able to figure out "who done it," but sometimes it isn't until the last few chapters. Perhaps one of the things I object to is that if she's supposed to be such a great forensic psychologist, it should be obvious after a couple interviews of whom she should be looking at as the suspect.

I don't like that there is usually one big murder that needs to be solved in the book and then perhaps a smaller crime or two. There's things going on within her circle of friends that has been repeated in each book. Again, maybe this is building the characters, but I find it really slow and tedious.

Honestly, by a couple of chapters in, I was skimming pages just to get it over with. I am obsessive about having to finish a book I've started. I've gotten the 4th in this series, but it's going to be a miss for me. I think Kathi Daley has totally missed the mark on this series.
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,061 reviews43 followers
December 28, 2021
Trick or Treat is the third book in Kathi Daley’s Resort at Castaway Bay series. The intriguing mystery is well plotted and complex, with no shortage of twists and red herrings to keep the reader engaged and guessing. The West Coast setting is charming, and the well-developed characters are three-dimensional, compassionate, and caring. Ms. Daley’s descriptive writing made me feel like I was right in the midst of the activities and sharing the characters’ tragedies and joys. Christy Turner provides a lifestyle blog with photographs of beautiful pumpkin displays. 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 came home to Shipwreck Island for an extended vacation. Having spent several months on the island with her family, Sydney has realized that she’d like to move back home. Sydney and her sisters, Emily and Rory, were taken in and raised by Aunt Charlie when their parents were killed in an automobile accident. Emily, her two young daughters, and Rory live at Jack’s Hideaway with Aunt Charley and Charley’s father-in-law, Hank Hamilton. Besides helping at the resort, Emily is writing a lifestyle blog. Rory is a veterinary technician who often brings animals in need of extra attention home with her. Logan Alexander, who grew up at the resort, is on the island to care for his ill father, Liam, and is contemplating a permanent move and taking over Henry Collins’ medical practice. Sydney’s friend, Riley Chesterfield, a mugging victim, who was in a coma for months, has finally come home.

Sydney has renewed her relationship with Ezra Reinhold and is currently working with him and his top-of-the-line team of experts to clear the name of Eugene Hatfield, who was convicted of murdering Carl Rubio on Halloween night three years ago. Sydney also helps Shipwreck Island’s sheriff, Sam Stone, with a stabbing on the beach, and Collin asks for her help with a kidnapping near a school.
15 reviews
April 10, 2022
just ok

I found this not to be as captivating as prior books in series. It was wordy, and couldn’t keep my attention.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
October 27, 2021
In this third book of the Castaway Bay series, Kathi Daley does a masterful job of combining stark and chilling scenes within a cozy, heart warming family setting.

Syd Whitmore is a valued forensic psychologist for the FBI but the job has drained her, worn her down and she returned to her family for a break and emotional recharge. Now she has decisions to make about her future, including career and living arrangements.
Her childhood best friend is in a similar situation. He loves his job as a medical doctor but his father is getting older and Logan wants to be around for his dad. As a bonus he is reconnecting with Sydney.
This book also has some adorable puppies and a mother dog looking for a new home.

As a side investigation, Syd is working with an elite group of specialists trying to overturn a murder conviction. The murder took place on Halloween and a possible suspect was dressed head to toe as Darth Vader. We get to know more about the team as this series progresses.

As if that is not enough, the local Sheriff also asks for Syd's help on a case.
Plus another case that Syd was involved in when she first arrived has new information.
Lots going on and similarities exist between the cases. Syd works hard at balancing work and family.

This is an exciting and fascinating series.

Profile Image for Nikki.
1,423 reviews12 followers
November 3, 2021
The latest from Castaway Bay and Sydney, forensic psychologist. Syd has come home to take stock after a job went wrong, she's working on a few cases for her Boss, plus working with a private organisation which looks into cold cases, some thing she enjoys.

She has some decisions to make after realising she enjoys being back in Castaway Bay with her family and friends, can she have both, a role as a forensic psychologist and a happy home life?

She's working on a cold case involving a man convicted of murder but who professes his innocence, and early indications are there may be some truth in this.

She's enjoying spending time with her friends, especially one in particular who has come home temporarily to help his Father, but who is a Doctor and there may be a role for him there also, will this sway her mind and give her the push she needs to ask her boss for a compromise. She loves her job, but she lives her family too!

A spin off from another series of Kathi Daleys', The Inn at Holiday Bay (I highly recommend this series too, as well as her Cottage on Gooseberry Bay series). Best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters. I'm looking forward to the next book being released! Even better, they're on Kindle Unlimited at the moment.
1,015 reviews8 followers
November 23, 2021
Sydney Whitmore is working on a case with Ezra in which a man who is currently serving time in prison has always maintained his innocence of stabbing a man to death. Syd interviews Eugene Hatfield and believes his story. The team goes into action asking questions and searching for clues to discover who really committed the murder that took place on Halloween night many years ago.
Syd shares her idea with her boss in the FBI of moving back to the island allowing her to work remotely. It seems like a good idea especially since she already travels to locations where crimes take place to do her part in breaking cases. Now that Syd is "home" she realizes how much she's missed by living so far away from her family. It turns out that her best friend Logan is also considering taking over for the island's doctor who is ready to retire.
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,856 reviews
October 30, 2021
Sydney Whitmore is an FBI agent and forensic psychologist who has moved home to Shipwreck Island. There, she works with Ezra Reinhold who takes on cold cases. In this book, they're looking into a Halloween murder where the convicted killer may just be innocent.

I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. Well-written with wonderful characters, this book drew me in and kept me hooked. The mystery will keep you guessing in this engaging read. I'm very eager for the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order for the most enjoyment and benefit.
Profile Image for Sandra.
278 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2021
Twisted

The dishes still need to be done, but I finish the book. I took the book with me while I did the laundry; It is in my the phone so I could read while waiting in line for groceries as a result I finished the book in one day. It’s the first time I’ve gotten to see Ezra‘s group trying to solve a mystery or, in this novel, a cold case. It was a fascinating experience. I look forward to Sydney‘s next endeavor. I like the characters as well as the family relationships. The decades old friendships makes reading a pleasure. I look forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Cindy.
786 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2021
#3 in Castaway Bay series

Syd has decided to remain in her hometown near her 2 sisters and her Aunt Charley. She goes to work for Ezra, a recluse who takes on criminal cases with the help of several people who bring their own talents. Syd also makes a deal with her boss to work part-time for the FBI from her new location. Logan is filling in for the town doctor and considering staying permanently. This is a great series with conclusions but ongoing relationships, so I encourage you to start with book 1 in the series.
6 reviews
November 2, 2021
Trick or Treat is the third book in the wonderful Resort at Castaway Bay cozy mystery series. This is a fun, cozy Halloween read. As with each series written by Kathi Daley, the characters and setting make for an amazing escape from reality. Shipwreck Island sounds like a wonderful place to live or vacation. I love the way Ms. Daley writes in a continuing saga fashion with hints and clues to stories in the future. This book has suspense, love, friendship, and family. I really look forward to reading the next book in this series.
1,033 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2021
Guilty or Not?

Sydney Whitmore works for the FBI. She also works with a group that works for a reclusive billionaire who helps people. Syd has decided it's time to return to the island resort where she and her sisters had grown up with their Aunt Charley, so she made a deal with her boss to work from the island when he needed her. Then the billionaire asked the group to take on a special case of a man convicted of a murder he said he didn't commit. There are many threads stories in this book. Very interesting. Can you solve the murders?
Profile Image for Neena Christianson Martin.
1,185 reviews11 followers
October 29, 2021
Halloween murders.

Ezra has the team looking into the possible innocence of a man convicted of murder. As they dig into the case they discover that a murder has taken place every Halloween for years. I really enjoy the mixing of characters from several different book series and how well the author blends them together. I also love the blog and craft ideas at the end of each Castaway book.
Profile Image for Celest.
716 reviews9 followers
December 11, 2021
Another great mystery by Kathi Daley

It took me awhile to get all of the characters straight in my mind after the last series, because I loved them. Once I got to know them I was really excited about this new series. Syd is a fascinating character and her way of solving mysteries is unique. I know I'm going to love this series just like the others. And as usual the ending was spectacular.
9 reviews
February 18, 2022
Kathi writes books with more than one problem needing a solution. Often some problems are solved while others carry over into the next book in the series. The cast of characters also carry over as they become familiar friends with the readers. Her books are enjoyable and I can't wait for the next one to come out. All of her series are similarly constructed. Once you start reading you will want to keep reading to see the outcome.
Profile Image for Lisa Millett.
298 reviews10 followers
April 3, 2022
Awesome mystery series

I love all of Kathi Daley's books as they are mostly set in small-town America with wonderful characters and relationships. This set has mystery but also such inspiring interactions between the main characters. I love that the author brings in characters from her other series and keeps the pace of the story moving along. Overall I feel that reading a Kathi Daley book is like coming home.
124 reviews
October 9, 2023
Serial killer on the lose!

Syd, Gen and Kelly are on the trail of a serial killer and it's all hands on deck to catch him before he kills again. Ezra's team is determined to get a innocent man released from prision. Emily's mother in law has had a stroke. Two it is family trying to help family. This book became more intense then the previous books. It will keep you reading.
Profile Image for Kate.
629 reviews5 followers
August 13, 2025
serial killer!

But all the murders are cold cases, just takes Ezra’s team to hook all the pieces together which they do. Logan still hasn’t decided if he is going to stay on the island. Riley is still not back to his old self. Emily’s MIL is still intensive care. So lots of ground to cover.
Profile Image for Toni.
1,571 reviews64 followers
October 4, 2025
Definitely loving this series

Some days you want a feel good book. And sometimes you want a book to challenge you. This book did both. I enjoyed the mystery of figuring out what was going on and at the same time dealing with more simple real life challenges. Definitely going to continue this series
1,659 reviews11 followers
October 27, 2021
Halloween intrigue

Interesting and intriguing hypothesis to the Halloween murders. I liked how Sydney dealt with the kidnap witness. Always interesting series and very enjoyable.
60 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2021
At last the Identity of deadly Darth is revealed

Had high expectations for this book of the series and it was better than I had anticipated. Glad to see it will continue with further mysteries.
169 reviews30 followers
October 31, 2021
Darth Vader,who is he really?

Loved the Halloween setting.The story is well planned with many elements coming together to solve the crime. Looking forward to next book. It is soooo long to wait.
Profile Image for Cheryl Mayo.
74 reviews
November 9, 2021
Halloween and murder

As with all of Kathy Daddy's books, this one keeps you interested and involved through to the end. This has a satisfactory ending as well. Look forward to the next Castaway Bay adventure.
Profile Image for D.
1,296 reviews16 followers
November 25, 2021
Ezra asks Sydney to interview Eugene Hatfield, a convict in Vacaville prison. She feels Eugene could be innocent. Ezra approves an investigation into Eugene's case. This book lets character development deepen as a reader is continuing learning about our characters lives.
974 reviews3 followers
December 15, 2021
Resort at Castaway Bay: Trick or Treat

This has been the best story in this series. I already liked the characters and storyline ideas but found the others dragged in several places. Not this one, logos to the author.
224 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2022
An action packed fun read.

This series includes many side stories to make for good reading. This is the third book in this series and I enjoy that it builds on stories and characters from the other books.
Profile Image for C.A. Coffey.
Author 1 book6 followers
October 19, 2022
Good story as always!

In this store there were a lot of characters and traveling about. Once you figured out whose who it was very good. I look forward to the next book from one of my favorite authors!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.