A man dies during a dinner party Zak and Zoe are attending, Alex has a famous friend staying with her, a suspicious federal agent shows up creating more questions than answers, and what should be a fairly cut and dried murder investigation turns into a complicated mess which makes it difficult to tell the good guys from the bad guys. Meanwhile, Levi and Ellie are thrilled when Baby Denton makes … Denton makes an early appearance, and Zoe’s mom Madison is at the end of her rope after taking over as chairperson for Hometown Christmas, which for unknown reasons, seems to be fraught with problems.
It’s funny, it’s family, it’s a Zak and Zoe holiday mystery.
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Holiday Hostage
Zoe Donovan Mystery, Book #31
Kathi Daley
5 Stars
Synopsis:
A man dies during a dinner party Zak and Zoe are attending, Alex has a famous friend staying with her, a suspicious federal agent shows up creating more questions than answers, and what should be a fairly cut and dried murder investigation turns into a complicated mess which makes it difficult to tell the good guys from the bad guys.
Meanwhile, Levi and Ellie are thrilled when Baby Denton makes an early appearance, and Zoe’s mom Madison is at the end of her rope after taking over as chairperson for Hometown Christmas, which for unknown reasons, seems to be fraught with problems.
It’s funny, it’s family, it’s a Zak and Zoe holiday mystery. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and developed and they feel an awful lot like friends. Getting to spend time with them is like going to visit them in Ashton Falls. The author is very talented in her descriptive writings and Christmas time came to life in this book.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. I really like the way this book is so family oriented and I really enjoyed the time spent with the kids. Even without a mystery to solve this book would be very good. There is a mystery however, and it was well plotted.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you are looking for a book that will make you feel in the Christmas mood, look no further.
A Kathi Daley mystery is always on my MUST read list. A Kathi Daley holiday mystery is always even more tempting. This time, being the first Christmas for a couple of the kids, brings out the magic of the season as well as the warmth of a loving extended family.
However, where there is brightness and light, there will also be shadow. There are two main mysteries within this story. Alex has a friend from school who has become well known in the country music industry. Shawna is just looking for a little down time, away from the lights and frenzy of a nonstop schedule. Can she find it or will her celebrity keep her from a happy, family holiday?
Darker still, a murder happens at a holiday party Zak and Zoe attend, which also has political implications. Was it business or politics behind his death or was it a case of mistaken victim?
The fallout from the deadly confusion hits close to home and Zoe must take a careful and detailed look at her own habits.
A wonderful balance of enjoying the season, even if everything that can go wrong finds a way to go wrong, and trying to figure out mysteries and solve motives and means, and visiting with the ever expanding Donovan~Zimmerman (et al) family.
I absolutely loved this story, the characters were great! I love how it all turn out, the setting is brilliant! I loved the mystery in it I’m looking forward to the next one in this series. I highly recommend reading this series.
Wow that was a twisty turny mystery…
Zoe Donovan is always entertaining and wow 31 books in I still love this cozy mystery series it’s like visiting home whenever I dive into a new Zoe mystery and Holiday Hostage was no exception and Christmas mysteries are always some extra…
I have to say I love how Kathi Daley sets a scene, her descriptive writing always makes me feel like I am truly a part of the story and I can never put her books down, they are quaint and cozy and seriously enjoyable reads.
I enjoy the Zoe Donovan series always an interesting who done it plot
Love this series.
Holiday Hostage is book 31 in the Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series. Once again, I was quickly sucked into the story. Every book in this series is amazing,and this one was no exception. It’s definitely one not to be missed!
Holiday Hostage is the 31st book in Zoe Donovan Mystery Book Series by USA Today Bestselling Author Kathi Daley. If you are looking to find the magic of the holiday season this Christmas themed cozy mystery with a clean dash of romance this book sure won’t disappoint! I absolutely love visiting Ashton, Falls to spend time with Zoe, Zak, Ellie, Levi and their blossoming families. I loved the mystery filled with twists, turns and suspense. Combine multiple mysteries including the murder of the individual hosting a gathering for a of a Senatorial candidate. Enter an FBI agent and a bad situation gets worse. A fast-pasted book with a superbly crafted plot, and well developed characters (plus a new baby) the exemplify family, friends and community. A heart-warming story fills the pages alongside the whodunit, and holiday festivities as well. Perfect for a cozy winter evening by the fireplace!
When a man dies during a holiday party that Zoe and Zak are attending they both wish they had never come. It looks like he was poisoned but by who and why is still a mystery. With the holidays in full swing Zoe really doesn’t have time to look into another murder but when an agent says that the poison was carried into the party in her purse she feels she must figure things out. Meanwhile her mom is having issues left and right with Hometown Christmas everyone is doing their best to help but as soon as one thing is fixed something else goes wrong. Then there is her best friend Ellie who is very pregnant and ready to pop, the baby ends up coming a little early and has everyone excited. Her charge Alex has an unexpected friend visit for the holidays. Zoe soon learns that Alex’s friend, a famous singer, has supposedly been kidnapped but how can that be when she is staying with them. With all this going on not to mention taking care of her daughter, decorating, and Christmas shopping life seems to busy to try and solve a mystery. Zoe is determined to find answers though so follow along as she searches for clues while juggling a very full and busy schedule. Will she be able to find the answers she is looking for or will the holidays be ruined by murder.
“Holiday Hostage” earns 5/5 Christmas Presents…Engaging Fun!
“Don’t lie to the FBI,” no matter how suspicious, when an agent feels the need to interrogate you, rummage through your purse, and not respond to your inquiries…well, do it now, contact your local sheriff later. Zoe and her husband Zak attended a cocktail party at the invitation of Zak’s friend. Just a polite “in and out” since they’re not fans of the politics of the guest of honor. But, it isn’t so easy when the dead body of the host is found poisoned, and security cameras show a suspicious figure retrieving a vial from Zoe’s purse. No clear picture of the perpetrator, and Zoe’s got some explaining to do. Her busy day provided ample opportunity for someone to hide the vial in her only bag, so, the suspect pool is filled with friends, family, and strangers. One mystery is not enough…kidnapping, too! There are more mysteries than gifts under the tree, and a few more grinches have arrived in Ashton Falls.
Kathi Daley has another hit for the holidays! Easily read in an afternoon she penned more than one clever mystery with several suspects, engaging motives, and an “Oh, no” ending that could derail everyone’s Christmas. I enjoy the “I” perspective sharing Zoe’s inner thoughts and vivid descriptions along with engaging banter. But it’s the wonderful characters, well-developed over the thirty-plus books, that make this series a favorite: evolving relationships, marriages, raising teens, and welcoming new little ones. Always a few “fur” friends in the mix, and Kathi incorporates the holidays in a realistic manner from decorating and feasting to gift-giving and festivals. Kathi’s extra touches make this a fun series for newbies and fans alike!
Don’t forget my favorite words…not “It’s murder,” although she makes those fun, but it’s “Recipes Included!” In this book she includes some holiday treats that aren’t just for the holidays. No fighting with these Snowball Cookies, or you won’t get a slice of Pilgrim Pie. She also includes my favorite Pumpkin Snickerdoodles along with an easy-to-follow recipe for Triple Chip Cookie Bars. Let’s start with dessert!
Holiday Hostage ( Zoe Donovan Mystery – Book 31 )
By: Kathi Daley
Holiday Hostage is book thirty-one by Kathi Daley in Zoe Donovan Mystery series. I love this series with Zoe , Zak , and friends. Holiday Hostage is about family, friends, friendship, and mysteries to be solved. The story is well written and the characters well developed. This is an easy and fast paced cozy mystery and I did not want to put it down. There are more than one mystery to be solved in Holiday Hostage. Zoe , Zak, and friends have their hands full in this one. There are several twist and turns that will have you trying to read fast to see what is going to happen next. Everyone is getting ready for Ashton Falls Hometown Christmas. Will they get to have it? The author keeps you guessing till the end . I highly recommend Holiday Hostage.
A Murder, A Birth, and Holiday Cheer
Holiday Hostage is the thirty-first in Kathi Daley’s awesome Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery series. As always, this book conveys a strong message of friendship, family, and the value of community while incorporating intriguing mysteries with a touch of romance. The well-developed characters are three dimensional and affable in this fast-paced book. There’s a lot happening in this book, and the intriguing murder mystery is complex, with lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a well-crafted cozy mystery.
Zoe and Zak attended a meet and greet cocktail party to introduce Senator Goodman, who plans on running for governor, to the community and hopefully gain support. Unfortunately, the host, Zarek Woodson, ingests a lethal toxin. A man who identified himself as Agent Stanwell individually subjects Zoe and Zak to odd and somewhat disturbing interviews/interrogations, and they decide to contact their friend, Sheriff Salinger. Even though they’re busy with family, their daughter, Catherine’s, upcoming birthday, and holiday preparations, Zoe and Zak help Salinger solve the complicated and complex murder. Alex invited a friend, country singer Shawna Jennings, to spend the holidays with them. They become alarmed when they see a news report that Shawna has been kidnapped from a Nashville club, but soon discover it’s her lookalike cousin, Amber Jennings. Salinger works with Nashville authorities to obtain the information Zak needs to track the kidnapper and find Amber. Zoe’s mom, Madison, got more than she bargained for when she volunteered to be the chairperson for Ashton Falls’ annual Hometown Christmas and feared the even was doomed as one thing after another when wrong. Zoe’s best friends, Ellie and Levi, are looking forward to the birth of their second child in a few weeks, but the baby decides to make an appearance a little early.