by Kathleen Costa

At the end of this review we also have some fun 4th of July DIY project suggestions. Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win either a print or kindle copy of Firework Fiasco, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

It’s Number Twenty-nine!

First published in September 2013 with Halloween Hijinks, this series has garnered a huge fan base with an average of 4.4/5 stars. And having read a large number of the books and getting to know a bit about the author through her online presence, I’ve discovered Kathi Daley and her creation Zoe Donovan truly have much in common. They both live in a small mountain community near a large lake. They both enjoy outdoor activities, and sharing that with family and friends. They are both family-oriented and lovers of furry creatures. It is no wonder Zoe leaps off the page as realistic, admirable, and easily relatable to all ages of readers.

Firework Fiasco earns 5/5 Elvis Impersonators…Thank You, Thank You Very Much!

Ok…what do you say when your grandmother-in-law says Elvis died in the bed she shared with him? What?! Slow down start from the beginning… Though she warns “things are blurry after a certain point,” Zoe hopes it’s all a bad dream. Nona, Zak’s grandmother, is a “Harley-riding, free-loving, heavy-drinking grandma” who after a night of whiskey, fireworks, and a pack of Elvis impersonators winds up passed out next to Elvis #3 with a knife in his chest. Zoe’s gasp turns to a frown when she learns Nona skipped out immediately and hadn’t called 911. But with sheriff/good friend Salinger AWOL, they head back to the motel to check out her story. With a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door and a key in hand, they open the door to discover…nothing. No body. No blood. Room obviously cleaned. No evidence. How much did Nona really drink?

Wow! The story was totally engaging and easily finished in one sitting…well, ‘edge of your seat’ sitting. A missing body, Elvis impersonators running around town, the do you see what’s in the photo? revelation, and some perilous predicaments were all part of Kathi’s intricate mystery. Zoe made a promised not to go investigating now that the new baby is here, but with a new sheriff in town and her in-law questioning her sanity, Zoe can’t let it go. Her investigative journey, often with Nona in tow, revealed some intriguing motives and secrets with a few twists and turns to make it fun. Have you ever tried to interview an Elvis? Kathi also weaves everyday life with a husband and children, a business, and friends and family. Sure there’s a murder to solve, but her books are always like getting a letter from a dear friend….you know: “Hi! The family is doing well enjoying summer break. And…oh, yeah, we found a dead body!” We learn more about Zak’s grandmother Nona which has made her a favorite. Kathi’s solutions are always rewarding, and this time I had an inkling about what was happening…my inner Sherlock was satisfied. So much has happened in Zoe’s life over these twenty-nine books, but even a newbie can join the family and feel at home. I highly recommend the series, and “Firework Fiasco” is a great summer read!

Again my favorite words…Recipes included! Kathi never forgets to add several easy-to-follow recipes for her fans to enjoy. It’s Kathi’s Favorite Summer Recipes to make your Fourth of July or summer gathering a hit! Try her Easy Picnic Potato Salad, Strawberry Jell-O Salad, Hobo Packs for the Grill or Campfire, Fudge Sundae Pie, Mocha Ice Cream, Strawberry Angel Cake, and Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake. Come for the mystery, and get a cookbook, too!

Be a Big Kathi Daley Fan…Like, Visit, Join, and Follow!
Facebook – Kathi Daley Books
Join the Club Kathi Daley Book Club
On the Web Kathi Daley Website
Blog – Random Thoughts and Meaningless Musings

Happy Birthday, America!
Elvis might not be typical for your family’s Fourth of July celebration, but you can always make it one to remember with decorations, favors, and drink and food ideas. Check out these DIY ideas from evermineOccassions DIY blog for the 4th of July.

To enter to win either a print or kindle copy of Fireworks Fiasco, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “fiasco,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 7, 2018. U.S. residents only for the print copy. If entering via email please include your mailing address (which will only be used to ship the book to you if you win), and if via comment please include your email address. PLEASE STATE IN ENTRY WHETHER YOU WANT PRINT OR KINDLE. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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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.

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.