by Kathleen Costa
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of all three of these Christmas mysteries by Kathi Daley, and links to purchase them from Amazon.
Jingle bells! Jingle bells! Jingle all the way! Fans of Kathi Daley are treated to three new wonderful Christmas time stories. In the Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series, Zoe searches for the killer of bakeshop owner Candy Kane. In the Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Clarence, another magical cat, leads Cait to a mysterious victim. In the Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery, Kailani finds a dead Santa in the alley. We enjoy holiday festivities, family gatherings, snow flurries, swaying palms, a little romance, and of course…mayhem.
Candy Cane Caper earns 5/5 Snowball Cookies with a Cup of Cocoa!
A Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” and everyone in Ashton Falls is looking forward to the Hometown Christmas. Zoe heads over to Candy Kane’s Bakeshop to pick up a large order of cupcakes for the end-of-term party at Zimmerman Academy. She had spoken to Candy and knew she’d be in the shop until eight o’clock. However, when she arrives the shop is closed, lights off, and going around into the alley, she discovers the back door unlocked, sugar cookies abandoned on the counter, and Candy in the pantry…dead.
Zoe and Zak are busy with the holiday celebrations and dealing with some unexpected family issues. Scooter’s dad has returned wanting to settle down and be a family. Scooter, a young boy for whom Zak has been temporary guardian, hasn’t seen his father for two years. So, with a murder investigation and Sheriff Salinger asking for Zoe’s particular assistance (she’s always thought herself a kind of ‘side kick’), the holiday season is going to be very full. But, despite Zoe’s full schedule, she always finds time to squeeze in an ‘interrogation’ or two, sneak a peek at the evidence, and uncover several suspects including a rival bakery owner and her ‘wise guy’ partner/cousin, a secret past, hidden identities, and way too many alibis.
This delightful story is Kathi Daley’s twenty-second book in the Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series, and the fourth book for Christmas. Long-time fans and newbies will all be thrilled as we join the Donovan/Zimmerman family at Christmas enjoying Santa’s village focusing on the wonderful relationships and family interactions, but adding suspense with a little thing called murder. As a special treat, Kathi has added to the e-book the first part of her novella originally published as “Zimmerman Academy New Beginnings” to reintroduce the series. This special novella is separated into two parts allowing you to relive previous stories and enjoy a new one. She has also included several wonderful holiday recipes including the Snowball Cookies, White Fudge, soups, and breads!
Be a Zoe ‘Christmas’ Fan!
Christmas Crazy (2013)
Christmas Cozy (2014)
Santa Sleuth (2015)
Candy Cane Caper (2016)
The Cat of Christmas Present earns 5/5 Heartwarming Holiday Memories!
Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery series
Caitlin Hart thought waiting out a winter storm in front of a roaring fire was the perfect plan. However, all this changes with a phone call from Tara O’Brian, BFF and partner in Coffee Cat Books, and the appearance of Clarence, another one of Tansy’s magical cats. Tara is really upset about a ‘due on demand’ demand for the balance of their business loan fearing the loss of their bookshop/coffee bar/cat lounge is imminent. Clarence shows up leading Cait out into the storm to discover a seriously injured man suffering from amnesia…just another day on Madrona Island!
Along with tree hunting and reflecting on the importance of memories, Cait heads off to uncover the identity of the mysterious John Doe dubbed ‘Prince Charming.’ Like participating in a scavenger hunt, each shop or restaurant or seedy bar provides another avenue of inquiry. However, having paid cash for all of his purchases, and although friendly and generous, no names were ever exchanged. Cait also struggles with the real possibility her business is in jeopardy, and although family and friends again step up to help, it seems hopeless. And when another body shows up—this one dead, the integrity of the mysterious man comes into question.
I really like Kathi Daley’s ‘magical cats’ in the eight Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery series books. In every one of the stories, a new ‘furry friend’ pops up and meows to provide the right amount of help to solve the mystery. For the second Christmas book “…Christmas Present,” ’Clarence?’ is a nice nod to It’s a Wonderful Life’s angel. It isn’t a complicated story. A couple of possible solutions and the “I hope he isn’t the bad guy” prayers make it a very fun read with a heartwarming conclusion for all. Once again, you enjoy Cait, the family, friends, and the little village in which they reside. We are also treated to a variety of recipes from Kathi and her fans perfect for any holiday gathering: Steak and Potato Soup, Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Bars, along with more soups, dips, salads, and fudge!
Be a Caitlin ‘Christmas’ Fan!
The Cat of Christmas Past (2015)
The Cat of Christmas Present (2016)
Murder at Christmas earns 5/5 Santa Hats and an Umbrella-ed Egg Nog!
Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery series
We start with warm tropical breezes, umbrella-ed drinks, festive vacationers, and…a dead Santa. Kailani Pope, the Water Safety Officer at the Dolphin Bay Resort, is filling in as a holiday elf, grass skirt and all, and on her way to the Step into Christmas party, stumbles upon Sam Riverton bludgeoned in the alley. She is not a novice to murder victims, they’ve popped up before, and most of her family are in law enforcement and she hopes one day to do the same, but Sam was a nice man. It was a disturbing sight: a red suit, a red hat, a pool of red blood.
The resort staff has been hit with bouts of the flu. Everyone is filling in where needed, and Sam Riverton agreed to be the substitute Santa Claus, the original person slated for the job also had come down with the ‘bug.’ The seniors—quirky sixty/seventy-somethings, close friends to the victim, and guests at the Step into Christmas party—decide they’d proven themselves useful in a previous case and therefore owe it to Sam to help solve his murder.
Lani, her boyfriend Luke, and the seniors join together to explore alibis for a suspect list covering squabbling neighbors, sibling rivalries, ex-wives, and lots of senior center ‘hook ups.’ Along with planning a Christmas Eve party fit for King Kamehameha, they find a rash of robberies, missing security footage, a secret the victim doesn’t want revealed, shadows on tape, and a seemingly good-natured prank.
Although this is the fourth book in the Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery series, it is the first for the Christmas season, and I promise, just as exciting. I loved the eccentric ‘seniors’ snipping at each other, the evolving romance between Lani and Luke, and the clever way Kathi engages all of our senses and emotions. She sends us around the island interrogating suspects and joining WSO Lani on a desperate search for a missing child. It’s not a long story, but engaging and fun, with the right amount of ‘Oh, my!’ We are also treated with more delectables to add to our personal Kathi Daley cookbook with recipes fit for a Christmas Day brunch: French Toast, Cranberry Mellow Salad, along with cookies and cakes!
Be a Kailani ‘Mele Kalikimaka’ Fan!
Murder at Christmas (2016)
Christmas Memories from Kathi Daley
KRL: What is one of your favorite Christmas memories? Have you ever found a ‘body’ under the tree?
Kathi: When my children were younger, my siblings and I, all our spouses, and kids would go to my parents’ house for three or four days over Christmas. The kids would all sled and snowmobile while the adults caught up and played games. All the bedrooms were upstairs and the living area was downstairs, and there was a staircase with an open railing between the first and second story. Every Christmas morning all eleven kids would lineup on the staircase peering through the railing until the adults told them it was okay to come down. The first stop for all the kids was to grab their stocking from the mantle of the fireplace in the seating area which was at the foot of the stairs, and then they’d all run into the family room to see what Santa brought. After the kids got married and had kids of their own, it was too hard to have everyone in one house, so the tradition faded, but I will always remember those magical mornings spent with my large and noisy family.
And, yes, I have found a body under a tree. When my son was three, he got up in the middle of the night and went into the living room to see if Santa had come. I found him sleeping under the tree later that night when I went to check on him.
Be an ‘All-Year-Round’ Kathi Daley Fan!
Kathi Daley – Amazon Profile
Facebook–Kathi Daley Books
Kathi Daley – Website
Facebook Group – Kathi Daley Books Recipe Exchange
Kathi Daley – Goodreads
To enter to win a copy of all 3 of these Christmas mysteries by Kathi Daley, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “kathi Christmas,” or comment on this article. If you live in the US, you can choose between e-book copies or print-please state your choice in your comment or email. A winner will be chosen December 17, 2016. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.
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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.
They all sound like wonderful reads — the eggnog latte sounds just heavenly to read them by. Thanks!
Yeah…this is such a wonderful author. Kathi Daley provides enjoyable ‘cozy’ mysteries perfect for the holiday season. I hope you find your way to the ‘Daley Universes.’
Thank you for the chance to win these books. I love Kathi’s books. And would love to win print copies of these.
Kathi’s books are delightful easy reads, but do not skimp on the mystery.
When my boys were real little we would go upstate Pa to spend Christmas eve with friends. I would drop them off at daycare and they would think I was going to work. I would then head home and put out their presents. When it was time to pick them up we would head straight upstate. Then we would go home after breakfast Christmas morning and they would see that Santa had been to our house. They believed for a very long time…
Tricky…your boys must have enjoyed Christmas growing up.
I forgot to say I’d love books. mommatoodle at msn dot com and yes my boys loved Christmas. I loved seeing the look on their faces as we got in the door and Santa had really been there.
I sent an email. Thanks for the chance to win! All three books sound great. I’ve only read a few of Kathi’s books and have tons more to go.
These Christmas books were fun, and although Kathi’s writing style is the same, each story has unique differences. They are are enjoyable entertainment.
I can remember way back when we had bubble lights on our tree and I would lay under it just to watch them bubble up. This was back in the 80s/90s before we could no longer use them. I would like print copies of the books please.
Oh, I loved those ‘bubble’ lights! You’ll love these books.
Would love to win these three. kckendler at gmail dot com
Thankyou for sharing these 3 books by Kathi. Every book she writes is a winner! I would love to own these books in paperback. Thankyou for the opportunity! Jill Broussard; minishoes@msn.com
Forgot to share a memory… Every year my boys, adults, ask to open 1 gift at midnight. Somehow, it always turns into an all nighter. They get me every year! Jill Broussard, minishoes@msn.com
My kids sleeping under the tree! I’d love those books! Thanks
Dog chewed corner of wrapped present. It was a box of chocolate covered cherries.
What a great giveaway. I would love print copies please if I win. Kathi Daley writes great books.
marlene(dot)ezell(at)gmail(dot)com
Enjoyed your review and the question/answer by Kathi. 🙂
It was fun reading and writing the review, but also connecting with Kathi. She is a delightful and caring person. She loves her fans…
Ha ha, I think I was one of those bodies under the tree one year!
It was a funny story. Thanks you. The three Christmas have the same humor and delight. You’ll enjoy it.
I can’t believe that I haven’t read all of these books already.
Kathi has so many books…get to know her through her Facebook pages keeps you in the know…
Love all her Christmas theme stories! Zeta(at)iwon(dot)com
Great reviews! I would love to win copies of these. 🙂
I love these book series
A good holiday offer I would love to win these
I’d love to read these! I adore the cover of The Cat of Christmas Present. hannah03@bellsouth.net
They all sound wonderful, but I have to say, I love cats, so Clarence sounds adorable! If I won, I would love the e-book versions. DElholm@prodigy.net
These books are wonderful and I love reading them all.
I would love to read these Christmas stories.. Love to have print copies please…
i would love print copies! they all look great! love her books
aelinderman@sbcglobal.net
Would love win
Oh, how I love the Zoe books! I love everything you write…thanks for the awesome giveaway!!
These are the best books to read. Not only are they good but they have some of the best recipes I have ever tried.
love this series..chocolate anything…would love to win…
greeneyes2755(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love all of Kathi’s books! I would love print copies please 🙂 Thank you!
I love the covers of these books.
Love the few books by Kathi I have read so
far….looking forward to reading many more
I just ADORE Kathi Daley’s books! Great article and Q&A- Thank You. Print books are da Bomb Diggity 🙂
Cheers-
Kelly Braun
Gaelicark(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love Kathi Daley’s books. Thank you for the wonderful interview, and this fantastic chance to win! areewekidding@yahoo.com
You’re welcome. I was inspired to write these reviews by three wonderful and engaging books. Good luck!
Wonderful giveaway! I would enjoy print copies and they sound wonderful!
Love all of Kathi’s books. Send mine in mobi format for my Kindle if I win to: mjhopper (at) cox (dot) net
Love your books & I would be ecstatic to win these 3 mysteries, I would want it in print & Thanks as always for your generosity. Linda May lindamay4852@yahoo.com
Great post! I love Kathi’s books, and love the recipes. Thanks for the chance!
Kathy, I have yet to read one of your mysteries but I am impressed with your friendliness and connection with your fans on FB. i would be thrilled to win 3 of your books. I’m old-fashioned and prefer reading printed books if I should be so fortunate as to win. Merry Christmas!
Love her books
no never found a body under the tree but I really miss when my kids were little opening presents an seeing how happy they were now tgey have lives of their own an probably won’t be here so I’ll just be reading I would live to be reading these books they sound wonderful love you kathi an your books
It was fun watching my nieces at 3 and 2 seeing Santa at the Mall, opening their gifts, and playing with their gifts while we had dinner…
You’ll love these books.Kathi gives her readers a marvelous journey.
I am just getting started with Kathi’s books, and love them so far. Thanks for the wonderful contest.
Wow, how exciting!! Love your books!! Cbalevre(at)ptd(dot)net
Sent a email but not sure I sent it right. But I would love a print copy of Kathi Daley’s books. I have the e-book copies of her books. Thank you for a chance to win.
Print please
They all sound wonderful to read. and the Egg Nog Latte. yum
Great giveaway for good books. Iff to have some eggnog here!
Love her books. slclickner at juno dot com
Wonderful books to get someone into the Christmas spirit!!!
My husband and I love Kathi Daley’s books. I already own Candy Cape on E-Book but I would love to win the other two books.
Thank you for the chance. Would be happy if I won.
Would love to read these holiday books! parkeremma2003 at yahoo dot com
Would love to win. Love print books! Thanks
rhondajgothier@yahoo.com
My grandma had bubble lights on her tree….Sooo cool.
Would love to read Kathi’s Christmas books.
**print books
karin56381 (at) gmail.com
We had the bubbling lights, too, and the huge Christmas lights on a single circuit. Every year Dad sat trying to figure out which light was bad…testing each one individually. I’m surprised we ever had a tree with all the work to make it beautiful. Good Luck!
I am happy that through Facebook, I discovered Kathi! She is so generous with giveaways!! She rights god books too!
lindaherold999@gmail.com
Awesome reviews, would behappyto read them.
Thanks. I really enjoyed read this trio of books. It inspires me to do them justice with a nice review. Good Luck!
Thank you for the opportunity to win
What a wonderful article describing three books that I unfortunately have not had a chance to read yet. I love print copy books as I can take them with me to my many doctor visits and hospital trips, so would love paperbacks if I were ever lucky enough to win. Kathy is such a wonderful and prolific writer and I was delighted to read about her life as a child at Christmas, something I had not heard before. Thank you so much.
Cynthia.
Thank you. I greatly enjoyed the books which inspired my reviews. Kathi has so many wonderful reads that take fans and newbies on a great ride…Good luck!
Kathi has SO many wonderful series of books to choose from and they are all a cozy mystery lover’s delight! I love that she lets the story tell itself and that sometimes the endings surprise even her! I so enjoyed the interview with Kathi’s beautiful Christmas morning memory of her parents, siblings, and children and thanks so much for asking about that “body” under the tree. What a cute story for a mystery writer to be able to tell!! *LOL* oh_bother88@hotmail.com
I’d love to be spending the holidays in Hawaii. I’ll guess I’ll only have to be there in spirit by reading a story set there.
acm05atjuno.com
What lovely Christmas reads – thanks for chance to win!
Lovely Christmas reads and love the way Kathi writes stories are always so good. I would love to read all 3 and post reviews on several sites. ptclayton2@aol.com
They all sound good. I would love to win copies of them to read and share. Thanks
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