It comes down to a few critical seconds as Zoe is forced to either outsmart a genius or watch her husband die.With Easter only a week away, Zoe is pulled into a dangerous game after Zak is kidnapped, and the person who kidnapped him, challenges Zoe to The Sleuthing Game. Zoe is told that the only way to gain Zak’s freedom is to complete the challenges in the time allotted.If she fails, Zak will … she fails, Zak will die.
Zoe had promised she would retire from sleuthing now that she had an infant to care for, but the stakes are high, so she leaves the kids with Ellie, while she and Levi set out to beat a madman at their own game.
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Hippity Hoppity Homicide
Zoe Donovan Mystery, Book #28
Kathi Daley
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Join Zoe and friends as they work together to solve a murder mystery and plan a festive celebration for Catherine’s first Easter.
Review:
When I was reading the first half of this book, I felt like I was watching a movie, such as Saw. There was so much action contained within the pages and you could have cut the tension with a knife. Zoe and her friends were under so much pressure to solve a variety of puzzles, clues and tasks, all the while being timed, to save Zak. I could not stop reading, I had to keep swiping the pages to see what would happen next.
As usual, the characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. I love any time that I get to spend with Zoe and all of her friends. And add in Catherine and Eli, Zoe and Ellie’s babies, and the fun gets even better. There is so much love and caring within that group and it is so refreshing. I feel that this author’s speciality is character creation and development and I feel like Zoe and her friends are my friends.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. As in most of this author’s books, there are two mysteries to solve, which makes it twice as fun being an armchair detective.
I highly recommend this book (and series) to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Give this book a try, I know you will not be disappointed.
In this new book, Daley delivers a fast paced read that will have your emotions on high from the beginning. A friend is dead and Zoe’s husband has been taken, the culprit wants her to play a game to get Zak back alive. She knows that she has to do everything she can to get Zak back alive, the alternative is to scary to think about. Will she be able to pass all the tests? What will happen to Zak if she loses one? Why did her friend Will have to die? She was told not to involve the police but nothing was said about having her friends help out. Follow along as Zoe and her friends do their best to not only solve each test but also beat the time that has been given with each new clue. This was an exciting mystery that had me on my toes the whole way through and surprised me in the end.
Get ready for a roller coaster ride here. This book starts with the mystery of a dead friend and a missing husband which leads to a twisted game. Then in a loop of the roller coaster, there is a second mystery that you don’t see coming. Love these characters and their interactions. I will continue on with this series.
It is Zoe’s worst nightmare; a friend is found dead and her husband is missing. When Zak is kidnapped, Zoe must resolve timed challenges in a Sleuthing Game and things get pretty dicey.
The first half of the book really kept me on my toes and had me not wanting to put the book down. Zoe had to solve mathematical puzzles, a few riddles, and some really tough timed challenges to save her love. She didn’t know if she could ask for help at first, so a few things she tried to do on the sly with the knowledge that she might be under surveillance by the kidnappers. The second half of the book was trying to solve the mystery of why her friend was murdered and who wanted him dead.
I know that some did not like the book because it wasn’t your average cozy, but I have to say I really enjoyed it and thought the suspense was a nice change of pace for one of my favorite authors.
lovedthe story if you like mystery with romance and a baby and dogs you will like the book i was given a copy of the book but i am giving an honest review.
Really great author. Her books look simple on the outside and are so much more once you get into the story, without being overwhelming.
I have read every book in the series. They are all entertaining with some mystery, funny moments, great friendships and loving family interaction. Looking forward to the next book!!
This fantastic episode in the Zoe Donovan cozy mystery series starts out at a crime scene. A good friend and beloved character is murdered and Zak, her husband, is kidnapped. The dead victim is found with a note in his left hand and a burner phone in his right hand. Zoe is welcomed to the “Sleuthing Game” where she is required to solve eight puzzles. If she is successful, Zak will be returned home unharmed. If she is not successful, she will never see him alive again. With the help of her friends and family, Zoe embarks on a journey around town filled with puzzles, riddles, trivia questions, and tasks designed to challenge her emotionally, intellectually, and physically. She also works with Sheriff Salinger and other friends to uncover the murderer.
This fast-paced story is filled with adventure, suspense, romance, love, friendship, family, heart-warming moments, an Easter egg hunt, and much more. As always, Ms. Daley’s writing flows smoothly, and her setting and relatable characters make for an extremely enjoyable read.
Called to the scene of a murder, Zoe is horrified to discover the dead man is a friend of theirs, but even worse Zak has also been kidnapped. Now she is forced to play a twisted game, solving a variety of task oriented and timed clues in order to negotiate for his release. Any wrong answer could bring about Zak’s death! This story definitely keeps the reader at the edge of their seats throughout the mystery and just when you think you know the ending….guess again. If this series were to end, this would be a great stopping point because I can’t see how you could top this one! Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book.
Zoe and Zak, Ellie and Levi are now all happily settled with new babies and looking forward to spring, family time and new, happy experiences. It seem the past isn’t ready to let go of them quite yet.
As the book opens chaos reigns. One man is dead, another is missing and Zoe is at the dead center. Someone, who seems to know all about Zoe and her family and friends, has kidnapped Zak and set up an elaborate “game” to be played. Each clue correctly resolved only leads to the next one and time is running out.
The opening scenes are quite dark and desperate. Zoe must keep her wits about her and her emotions in check. There is no time to grieve or be hysterical. Although it helps to have a team of geniuses to solve these clues, it also takes common sense.
Why did a man have to die to start this game? What is the connection? Is it someone with a grudge against Zoe or is she just another pawn.
We really feel the clock ticking as Zoe is desperate to solve the riddles, unsure if she is being watched and if she is allowed to ask for help. All she knows is that she will do whatever it takes to save the man she loves.
Once the first part of the book is completed there is still a mystery to be solved. No matter how hard Zoe tries to stay on the sidelines, out of trouble, it seeks her out. When she fits all the puzzle pieces together, even keeping her mouth shut, danger focuses on her.
Another exciting adventure for this group of friends.
“Hippity Hoppity Homicide” earns 5/5 Puzzling Clues…Murderously Fun!
Thirty minutes ago doesn’t seem like a lot of time passed, but in that amount of time one friend is dead and one husband is missing. Zoe has been brought to the crime scene relieved that her husband appears to be alive, but kidnapped. Only she is directed to make a call to the number using the burner phone found lodged in the dead man’s bloody hand. She holds her breath, checks her emotions, and dials. “Welcome to the Sleuthing Game…,” said a deep computer-generated voice. Zoe learns from the cryptic message that she is required to complete eight puzzles in an allotted amount of time, “No cops!” Fail, and it would mean the death of her husband. Zoe has taken the challenge although the killer is in charge tauntingly, and revealing an intricately prepared contest of wits and physical endurance…but is that all it is?
Wow! Finished in one sitting…I am drained! Kathi Daley outdid herself with this roller coaster race in the twenty-eighth book. Although the first message said “No cops,” Zoe enlisted friends and family in her efforts to decipher the puzzles, so fans of many of the supporting characters will be pleased. Zoe’s teenage charge Alex and schoolmates play an active role due to their computer skills, Phyllis and Harriet join in with key information, and Shredder (from Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery series) uses experience and contacts best left undefined; this all facilitates the nail-biting drama… Hurry, time is running out! The twisty and turny drama is softened a bit as we follow the plans and preparations for their Easter celebration, everyday responsibilities of managing teenagers and dogs, and Zoe reminiscing about her life with Zak. This series is marvelous, providing a very realistic adventure, and this book is one of Kathi Daley’s best! Daley loves to include in several of her books easy-to-follow recipes submitted by her long-time fans In Hippity Hoppity Homicide, we have four marvelous recipes best for anyone’s final Easter course, bridal and baby showers, potlucks, book clubs, or afternoon teas: Baked Fruit Pie, a tasty way to use Ritz crackers; Peanut Butter Chess Pie, can’t go wrong with peanut butter; No Name Cake, the name is delicious; Lemon Tea Cookies, serve up with a pot of Earl Gray.
Hippity Hoppity Homicide is the 28th book in Kathi Daley’s awesome Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series. This book is so action packed and engaging that I found it difficult to put it down and was sorry when it ended. The story is well plotted, the characters well developed and affable, and the story flows at a fast pace. Ms. Daley has provided readers with an intriguing murder mystery, with twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. Ms. Daley perfectly blended the mystery with just the right touch of romance, family, and friends. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading a well-crafted cozy mystery.
Zoe Donovan Zimmerman is looking forward to her newborn daughter, Catherine’s, first Easter and planning a day of activities for family and friends. Her plans are turned upside down when she learns that Will Danner, a teacher at Zimmerman Academy, the private school she and, Zak her husband, own had been murdered in the motel room he was staying in while his home was being remodeled and Zak had been kidnapped. Sheriff Salinger tells her he found a phone and note at the scene with detailed instructions that Zoe must follow. She calls a specified number on the cell phone and a computerized voice provides instructions for the first of eight puzzles she must solve if she wants to save Zak’s life. She’s also told that no cops can be involved or Zak will die, but not that she must do this alone, so she enlists the help of family members and friends.