The Valentine Mystery By Kathi Daley: Review/Giveaway

Feb 10, 2018 | 2018 Articles, Kathleen Costa, Mysteryrat's Maze

This week we have a review of The Valentine Mystery by Kathi Daley, perfect for your Valentine’s Day reading. We also have a fun little Valentine’s Day thought by Kathi. Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win either print or kindle copy of The Valentine Mystery, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

The Valentine Mystery: Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery By Kathi Daley
Review by Kathleen Costa

Tess and Tilly Are a Big Favorite!

Kathi Daley first published her Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery in December 2017 with The Christmas Letter introducing Tess Thomas, postal carrier and amateur sleuth in White Eagle, Montana. She makes the rounds with her golden retriever Tilly delivering cards, letters, packages, and polite, sometimes gossipy, conversation. Joining Tess and Tilly we have a plethora of two-legged and four-legged friends: BFF/Book Boutique owner Bree Price, Mom and Aunt Ruthie who own a popular café Sisters, deputy/brother Mike, childhood friend/computer wiz Tony Marconi with his rescue dog Titan, cats Tangletoe and Tinder, and a whole Main Street full of delightful, if not quirky, friends. Everyone seems to have had their own valuable role in uncovering the motive for a local resident’s murder and the engaging connections to secrets many find worth keeping secret, and now, another engaging mystery has all the residents of White Eagle waiting to see what arrives in the mail.

The Valentine Mystery earns 5/5 Valentine Surprises…Mystery Extraordinaire!

“It looks like a two-bagger today.” Tess grimaces a bit, but it isn’t unexpected since Valentine’s Day is only a week away. But, along with cards and packages, a few mysteries are delivered. First, BFF Bree Price, owner of the Book Boutique, is receiving Valentine’s gifts anonymously “From a Friend.” It’s always a delight to be on the receiving end of surprises, but it’s also a bit creepy when the sender is totally unknown. Next, the photo Tess and Tony are researching may be a clue to what happened to her father fourteen years ago. Her father was a cross-country hauler and killed when his truck exploded…so why is he looking alive and well in the photo? And that photo? And that photo? The internet is a miraculous tool. Last, and Tess’s main focus, revolves around the victim of a car crash. Tess was first-on-scene to help extract Coby Walters from his car. Tess discovers he has his own mysterious photo. Several residents hold clues to the identity of woman in his photo who happened to have been a temporary resident in White Eagle over thirty years ago. And, the visitor in the black sedan and the threatening late night phone call attempting to scare Tess and Tony off their search, may herald some serious danger…

Another entertaining book from favorite author Kathi Daley! She always provides an engaging mystery or murder investigation to challenge your inner Sherlock. Each purposeful interview, informal chat, computer search, or visit to an abandoned house adds another piece to the puzzle about the mysterious photo(s), and the nail-biting end is an excellent twist I didn’t see coming! However, it’s the stories surrounding her characters that keep me invested. Tess is delightful, an animal lover who will stop to rescue any injured animal and often bring it home. Her relationship, or lack of, with her father has left her with some insecurities, but she is dedicated to discover the truth whatever that might be. And Tony, her childhood friend, is providing all the support she needs, but is love in the air? Of course, what about the handsome vet Doc Baker? We have her mother’s across-the-ocean pen pal, Hattie and Hap’s post divorce dating, BFF Bree’s secret admirer, and little Bruiser, a terrier mix labeled a ‘grouch,’ may have found his ‘fur’ever home. Fans will long it, and newbies will become fans!

Kathi Daley always provides wonderful easy-to-follow recipes submitted by her fans who have joined her Recipe Exchange Group. In this book you can enjoy the perfect remedy for the cold temperatures…soup! We have Tortellini Chicken Soup, Grannie’s Potlicker Soup, and Turkey Cheese Soup, then a great side to any meal we have Mexican Potatoes. Yum!

Be a Big Kathi Daley Fan!
“Come for the Murder, Stay for the Romance!” Kathi Daley has an eager set of fans who can’t wait for her next books to be released from any of her ten entertaining series, but along with her literary entertainment, fun contests and events, and social media presence, she has a wonderful blog. Random Thoughts and Meaningless Musings is sent out weekly with more delightful thoughts, memories, announcements, and just some life observations through Kathi Daley eyes. Check it out!

Like, Visit, Join, and Follow…Oh, my!
Facebook – Kathi Daley Books
Join the Club Kathi Daley Book Club
On the Web Kathi Daley Website
Join the Group Kathi Daley Books Recipe Exchange

Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

Valentine’s Day All Year Round
By Kathi Daley

Kathi and her husband

Valentine’s Day has never been any sort of a big deal for me; we really never do anything special. When you are in a fantastic relationship, married 40 years this summer, you don’t need a special day to remind you to tell the person you have chosen to spend your life with that you love and appreciate them. For us every day is Valentine’s Day, and we already go out to eat four or five times a week so if anything we eat in on February 14 because we know the restaurants will be crowded. I am also definitely NOT a flowers, card, candy sort of person. Ken sent me flowers once when we were young and newly married, and I was like “What are you doing? We can’t afford these!” I know. I’m not a romantic, but to me romance is the fact that, prior to the invention of the Keurig, Ken would get up early and make me coffee every morning even though he doesn’t drink coffee. And he does the dishes every night because he knows I hate doing the dishes. And if I am getting ready to go out and he is home, he goes out and warms up my car for me. If he notices that I am getting low on the bottled water I like to drink, he’ll make a stop during the day to pick up more without my even having to mention that I am getting low. And I don’t think I have ever pumped a tank of gas. He keeps an eye on my gas gage and takes it for a fill up when it is time. I’ll take that over flowers any day.

Evermine Occasions Love Potion Cocktail

Toast Your Love Anytime in the Year
Raise your glasses with this refreshing cocktail to toast your spouse, your bride, best friend, or special someone. Visit evermineOccasions for their twist on a Valentine’s Day “Love Potion” using sparkling Rosé and sweet Rose Lemonade and floating some edible flowers. Check out their highlighted product of customized coasters.

To enter to win either a print or kindle copy of The Valentine Mystery, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “valentine,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen February 17, 2018. U.S. residents only for the print copy. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address. PLEASE STATE IN ENTRY WHETHER YOU WANT PRINT OR KINDLE.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.

You can use this link to purchase this book from Amazon. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the link:

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.

34 Comments

Anne on February 10 at 8:25am

I don’t recall ever reading a mystery set around Valentine’s Day. Looking forward to it.

acm05atjuno.com
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Tammy on February 10 at 9:00am

Thanks for your review! I read my first Kathi Daley cozy mystery just this week. Since I enjoy reading a holiday-themed cozy, I’ll be sure to read The Valentine Mystery soon!
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sally on February 10 at 9:08am

Great review. I am looking forward to this read. I liked the fiKathi def does keep my attention. I love her ideas on Valentines Day as well. I rather someone do little things for me then get flowers- anyday! I would like Kindle if I win. Thank you!
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peggy clayton on February 10 at 10:03am

I would love to read and review this book on 2 sites. I love her books they are all so good. ptclayton2@aol.com
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Lynn on February 10 at 10:07am

Sounds like a good read!
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Betsy M Lewerenz on February 10 at 11:27am

I love this new series. Thanks.
bmlewerenz@gmail.com
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Faith Creech on February 10 at 1:01pm

I love your books and this Valentine mystery looks so good. I would love to read it. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!

Faithdcreech at gmail dot com
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Jacqueline Seewald on February 10 at 1:17pm

Romantic mysteries are my favorite. Valentine’s Day is special to me. Congrats!
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Paula Adams on February 10 at 2:12pm

I love Kathi’s books that have animals in them. Cute cover. I would love a print copy if I am lucky enough to win. Thank you for this chance.
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Dianne Bahn on February 10 at 2:12pm

What a great giveaway and just in time for Valentine’s Day! I’d prefer a print copy, if I am lucky enough to win.
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JoAn V on February 10 at 4:40pm

I’ve enjoyed reading most of Kathi Daley’s mystery series. They are such an easy read but yet the characters are well developed and the narrative makes me feel like I’m at home with the characters.
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Kara Vaughan Marks on February 10 at 8:44pm

I already have this on my wishlist and would love to win an ecopy. Thanks! legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
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Jennifer W on February 11 at 3:20am

I would love a print copy! Thank you!
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Sandy Giden on February 11 at 5:49am

I enjoy Kathi’s books and would love a print copy.
sgiden at verizon(.)net
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Jill Broussard on February 11 at 6:52am

I love the cover. My dog likes to visit my mailbox, just wish he’d bring the mail back with him! I’d like to read this on my kindle. Thankyou for the opportunity!
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Debra Woloson on February 11 at 7:45am

Great review. I have never cared for Valentine’s day, you need to let people know they are important every day. I am looking forward to this new book.
I would love a print copy. Thank you.
daw655@hotmail.com
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Kathleen Kendler on February 11 at 7:49am

Treat everyday like Valentines Day.
Thank-you for the opportunity. would love to win – I’ll take either.
kckendler at gmail dot com
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Robin Leslie Coxon on February 11 at 10:23am

It would be a real treat to win a copy of Kathi’s Valentine book to call my own. I thoroughly enjoy her books starting with the covers and including the story within. Thanks so much for including it on your blog. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Sharon Braswell on February 11 at 11:22am

Another great review and interview Kathleen Costa!! I don’t know how you do it but I still learn more about Kathi Daley in every interview you do. Wow!! Kathi is right she is in a fantastic relationship and it is Valentines Day every day every day for her with her husband Ken!! This second book, in this series The Valentine Mystery, sounds amazing with all the mysteries, the photos, the furbabies, romance and that “nail-biting end is an excellent twist I didn’t see coming!” you spoke of to boot!! Love to treat myself with this one on Valentine’s Day!! Thank you!! Kindle copy, please… oh_bother88@hotmail.com
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Annette on February 11 at 12:12pm

This does sound like a good one. But, sad to think of a bad thing happening on Valentine’s Day.
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Jeanie Dannheim on February 11 at 5:28pm

Great review! It makes me eager to begin reading this series, even if I begin with the second book. Thanks for the chance to win! Happy Valentine’s Day to Kathi and Kathleen, both writers extraordinaire!
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Carl on February 11 at 5:43pm

I hope everyone gets all the valentines they can handle. Thanks for the chance to win a print copy of this book. crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com
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johnna smith on February 12 at 1:00pm

love this author’s books! Thank you for the chance to win this one

johnnabooks(at)hotmail(dot)com
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marylouh on February 13 at 12:56pm

Love Kathi’s books.
Need this one to read for Valentine’s Day.
thanks for the offer
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Becky Richardson on February 14 at 9:14am

I love all Kathi’s books. Would love to read this one as well. brichardson0056(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Doward Wilson on February 14 at 10:24am

I would love to win a print copy copy of this.
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Carol on February 14 at 11:31am

Would love to win this book.
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Jane Geiger on February 14 at 12:37pm

Happy Valentine’s Day, love Kathi’s books! Can’t wait to read this one, and all her other series (pre-ordered everything!).

I’d love a print copy, please.

jgeiger1955@gmail.com
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Dianne Casey on February 14 at 2:33pm

Great series. Really like Kathi Daley’s books. Thanks for the chance.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
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Dianne Casey on February 14 at 3:24pm

I really enjoy reading Kathi’s books. Thanks for the chance.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
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Jess D on February 14 at 6:19pm

One of my favorite authors! maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Michele Hayes on February 14 at 7:04pm

Thanks for the chance to win. I would love a Kindle copy if I win.
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Betsy M Lewerenz on February 24 at 6:57pm

I loved the Christmas Letter and would love to win this to continue the series. Love Kathi!
bmlewerenz@gmail.com
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Lorie on February 26 at 11:16am

We have a winner!
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