A heartwarming cozy mystery series about losing everything, taking a chance, and starting again. After suffering a personal tragedy Abby Sullivan buys a huge old seaside mansion she has never even seen, packs up her life in San Francisco, and moves to Holiday Bay Maine, where she is adopted, quite against her will, by a huge Maine Coon Cat named Rufus, a drifter with her own tragic past named … past named Georgia, and a giant dog with an inferiority complex named Ramos. What Abby thought she needed was alone time to heal. What she ended up with was, an inn she never knew she wanted, a cat she couldn’t seem to convince to leave, and a new family she’d never be able to live without.
In book 2 of the series, Abby finds a bundle of letters which had been written in 1954 in the wall of the library after Lonnie tears it down as part of the remodel. Intrigued by the secret revealed in the letters, Abby and Georgia set out to find the rest of the story.
Meanwhile, Chief Colt Wilder uncovers a new clue relating to the death of a local girl the previous summer. In spite of her vow to focus her time on her writing, Abby finds herself pulled into the tangled web of half truths that may tell a different story than was first believed true.
Join Abby, Georgia, Rufus, and Ramos, as they continue with the remodel on the old mansion, prepare for a busy summer season, and continue to find a new meaning for their lives in the charming small town of Holiday Bay.
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An intricately plotted mystery with lots of unpredictable twists and turns and a very satisfying ending!
I really enjoy the characters from Holiday Bay. We see more concentration on the murder since we have already been introduced to many of the residence of the lovely town. If you read the first book, you will remember the hiker who fell to her death. Now there are questions about whether that fall was accidental or murder.
The Inn at Holiday Bay: Letters in the Library
The Inn At Holiday Bay, Book #2
Kathi Daley
5 Stars
Synopsis:
A heartwarming cozy mystery series about losing everything, taking a chance, and starting again.
After suffering a personal tragedy Abby Sullivan buys a huge old seaside mansion she has never even seen, packs up her life in San Francisco, and moves to Holiday Bay Maine, where she is adopted, quite against her will, by a huge Maine Coon Cat named Rufus, a drifter with her own tragic past named Georgia, and a giant dog with an inferiority complex named Ramos. What Abby thought she needed was alone time to heal. What she ended up with was, an inn she never knew she wanted, a cat she couldn’t seem to convince to leave, and a new family she’d never be able to live without.
In book 2 of the series, Abby finds a bundle of letters which had been written in 1954 in the wall of the library after Lonnie tears it down as part of the remodel. Intrigued by the secret revealed in the letters, Abby and Georgia set out to find the rest of the story.
Meanwhile, Chief Colt Wilder uncovers a new clue relating to the death of a local girl the previous summer. In spite of her vow to focus her time on her writing, Abby finds herself pulled into the tangled web of half truths that may tell a different story than was first believed true.
Join Abby, Georgia, Rufus, and Ramos, as they continue with the remodel on the old mansion, prepare for a busy summer season, and continue to find a new meaning for their lives in the charming small town of Holiday Bay. (Goodreads)
Review:
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and no matter what setting she creates, it is a warm and inviting place. The characters are well developed and well rounded, and they are people that I would like to visit.
The author is also very talented in creating multiple storylines in her books and then weaving them together perfectly, which she did in this book. The mysteries are captivating and there are enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing throughout the book. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. You cannot go wrong picking up a book to read by this author.
At one point in this book it refers to Abby’s late husband working on cold cases as one might the challenging Sunday Crossword Puzzle. I think author Kathi Daley must have a similar mind. When there is a mystery to be solved, she can not make it run start to finish. There are always intersections and connections and possibly unintentional coincidences that make detours a must. That is part of the reason I love her books and always look forward to the next one.
She adds to our pleasure in this deep and twisty path with more mysteries than expected, new friendships and old family difficulties. There are romantic undertones, but it is the complicated yet intriguing mysteries that draw readers in. I also enjoy watching the renovations in progress as Abby and Georgia give new life to the old mansion and turn it back into an Inn. There are secrets between those walls yet to be discovered.
Each book in this series allows us to become more attached to the main characters and introduces us to new ones. I enjoy the layers being peeled back. When truth is revealed it is not always what you expect.
In this second book of the series Abby is settling into her new life in Holiday Bay and the construction on her recently purchased Inn is coming along. During the construction a bundle of letters is found in a wall and after reading them her roommate Georgia wants to see if she can locate anyone connected to them. Meanwhile Chief Colt is beginning to believe that a you g woman’s death the previous summer wasn’t an accident but murder. He asks Abby if she would like to help him look into the death and what seemed simple at first becomes mired in an ever twisting mystery. Can Abby and the Chief dog through the never ending clues and come out with the one piece that solves the puzzle or will it remain a mystery? Tag along as they work their way through each piece and find out if Georgia figures out who those letters belong to. This was a lovely read that wasn’t just a mystery but an emotional journey into the lives of its characters. I look forward to seeing where their future takes them.
Letters In The Library is the second book in The Inn At Holiday Bay series. As Abby and Georgia continue to prepare for the opening of the Inn, some letters are found in the library wall during the renovations. These letters lead to questions about Karen and Mark’s deaths and if somehow Ben’s death was related and how he was involved. As Colt, Abby and Georgia put the clues together, will they find out what really happened?
I enjoyed catching up with these wonderful characters and can’t wait to see what happens with Georgia & Tanner and Abby & Colt. Until next time!
Totally enjoyed this book. A bundle of letters is found during renovations that catches the interest of Abby and Georgia to see if they can find out more. Chief Wilder finds a clue to a case a year old, which opens up a whole series of even more questions, some that tie to Abby’s past. I love how Ms. Daley ties a side story into the mystery, so the book never slows down. I also love that the mystery doesn’t have to include a recent dead body, I love the cold case feel to it. I will definitely continue on with this series.
I loved it! So much happens in this one! I hope the answers to the riddle are in the next book. This is an awesome book! Well done Kathi! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
An easy-to-read book that is just for fun.
This is definitely going to be my new favorite Kathi Daley series; I am as impressed with this novel as the first one, Boxes in the Basement. The folks of Holiday Bay are welcoming to newcomers, as evidenced by the two young widows who met there, Abby and Georgia. The mysteries are challenging, and it is interesting to see the steps that Abby, a mystery writer who is the widow of a big-city homicide detective, and her friend Georgia, take to look for information. The chief of police welcomes their input as long as they do not share information about the cases with anyone.
Abby moved to Holiday Bay, where every holiday is an opportunity to get together to celebrate, a couple short months earlier. She purchased the bluff house, a mansion, and is having it remodeled and brought to code to become a B&B. She bought it without seeing it from her former home in San Francisco; it seemed like the place and time to start over. Georgia came to the property one evening just looking to do some work to have a roof over her head, and is becoming the chef for when the Inn opens as well as the manager. She lives with Abby, Abby’s cat Rufus, and her dog Ramos in the guesthouse on the property.
When the contractor pulls down the library shelves to add to the plumbing system, he finds a bundle of letters that were sent to someone who stayed there in the 1940’s. A love story, a separated couple, a baby, and the war are part of the story. They are interested in finding the couple and/ or the child born to the mother.
There is a new association made for the death of a young woman thought to have died in a hiking accident last summer. One of the things learned is that her brother was the college roommate of Abby’s late husband. Not only was Abby’s husband and son killed in an accident before the young woman died, but her brother was murdered. That gives a whole new angle on her death.
I enjoy watching the interactions between Abby and Georgia and how Colt and Abby bounce theories around regarding the deaths. Each has a deductive process that enhances what the others discover or consider. I like that the mysteries are not too easy or too hard, but I admit, I did not get far when thinking about the primary mystery. I like that each of the ladies has a rescue pet, and that while they each faced different kinds of tragedies, they work together on their new starts. This is a thoughtful, yet fast-paced novel that isn’t afraid to show the positive emotions as well as the grief of each of the ladies. I highly recommend this novel and this new series!
The characters in this book are richly described and feel like old friends that you have known for many years. The twists and hints in the plot keep you guessing and wondering. Love the way Ms. Daley sets the scenes for the towns and its inhabitants. Really enjoyed both the story and the characters and look forward to seeing more of them in future books.
This is another great story in this series. I really enjoy reading as the mystery unfolds, adding layers to it that keep it going. I can’t wait until the next book! Definitely recommend!
Letters in the Library is the second book in the exciting new The Inn at Holiday Bay cozy mystery series. This book is filled with elements of a cozy mystery including suspense, romance, humor, love, friends and family, and a sense of community. The story takes place in the charming, festive, tourist town of Holiday Bay, Maine. Residents are planning the upcoming Valentine’s Ball.
The main character is Abby Sullivan, a writer from San Francisco who, after suffering a devastating personal tragedy, sold her condo, packed up all her belongings, bought a huge old house she had never seen in a town she had never been to, and moved to Holiday Bay. She works with her new friends, including the local police chief, Colt Wilder, to uncover the answers to the many questions they encounter in three or four different (but perhaps connected) mysterious circumstances, including old love letters that were found in the wall in the library.
This story contains heart-warming side stories within the mystery. There is a strong theme of second chances in this series and in all of Mrs. Daley’s stories. I love the way she writes in a continuing saga fashion with hints and clues to stories in the future (and red herrings). I love that not all questions are resolved in each book. I enjoyed the character development and the expansion of Abby’s friend set. As always, this author’s writing flows smoothly, and her setting and relatable characters make for an extremely enjoyable and quick read. I really look forward to reading the next book in this series.
“Letters in the Library” earns 5/5 Mysteries…Engaging with a Capital “E”!
Moving cross country was not without its opposition, including legal, from her sister Annie, and despite keeping in email contact, her sister has not responded. Until now… a short, but encouraging text on the her late husband’s birthday. Abby learns Velma has her own estranged sister story and decides reuniting sisters might be a great project since her writing has hit the proverbial “wall.” But letters, of a romantic nature and postmarked 1948, are found tucked behind the bookshelves. There are so many romantic links to the old house sparking Abby’s and Georgia’s curiosity. And chief of police/friend Colt Wilder’s interest into the death of Karen Stinson has renewed since revisiting evidence puts into question the original verdict of “accidental,” and when one of Karen’s friends finds a box of mementos, coincidences become downright spooky! Abby just wanted the quite life running her B&B, but it seems “Holiday” Bay might need renaming…“Mystery” Bay?
Brilliant! So much to unpack in this second book in Kathi Daley’s The Inn at Holiday Bay series, and although it isn’t necessary for newbies to have read the first book Boxes in the Basement, it makes for a complete experience reading how everyone was introduced. Once again Kathi has penned a page-turner with a handful of mysteries to interest any inner Sherlock including revisiting the tragic events that brought Abby to Maine. Her well-written, well-paced story is an engaging first-person narrative sharing Abby’s inner thoughts, fears, and feelings along with some vivid descriptions. She wove seemingly unrelated events into a “Wow!” of a read. Abby has found her inner strength opening up her heart to build close relationships, but her emotions are challenged when the death of her husband and son are linked to a cold case. Clever. Excellent. Engaging. Be prepared…although Kathi provides closure to some of the mysteries, others will continue into the next book, “Messages in the Mantle,” due out in April. Along with an sneak peek into “The Hathaway Sisters: Harper,” first book in her newest series Family Ties Mystery set to release on February 26, Kathi provides an easy-to-follow recipe for Apple Pie Biscuits. Sounds like something Georgia would bake.
The Inn at Holiday Bay: Letters in the Library is the second book in this series by Kathi Daley. Ms. Daley seamlessly connected the first book in this series to the second. Abby has decided to resume her career as an author while continuing the renovations on the conversion of her house to a B&B. In the process a parcel of old love letters was found in the library. Those letters led to numerous questions and mysteries. Who wrote the letters? When were they written? Who became pregnant? What happened to the baby? Is anyone still living who may have the answers to the questions that these letters brought to mind? How do all of the random pieces fit together? Throughout the book more questions arise leading Abby to assist Colt in solving a cold case that was initially ruled an accident. Information revealed has Abby delving into her deceased husband’s past to find answers. This book has more emotional depth than many cozy mysteries giving it a real feel type of character development. There are multiple storylines which fit together well. Some have answers, others do not. Readers who appreciate complex mysteries will enjoy the book. Readers who prefer a single mystery may be disappointed. The book concludes with a number of additional characters who are likely to have significant roles, multiple avenues to expand the series and opportunities to delve further into the history of the house and community. I’m looking forward to next book in this series!!! There is a cliffhanger, yet I am excited to see how everything resolves. This is a great whodunit with a hint of what is to come. Lots of emotion, suspense, and a budding romance. Can’t wait.
The Inn at Holiday Bay : Letters in The Library
By: Kathi Daley
Letters in The Library is book two in The Inn at Holiday Bay Series. This series is a little different from some of the author’s other cozy mysteries, but I love it. A clean cozy mystery that will have you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next. Abby is still having her old home she bought remodeled. During the remodel there is some old letters that is found in the library. This is just one of the mysteries to be solved in this story. Will they find answers to the letters and the other mysteries? There are twist and turns that will keep you guessing throughout the story.
Intriguing and Complex Mystery
Letters in the Library is the second book in Kathi Daley’s The Inn at Holiday Bay series. The writing style flows smoothly, and the book is a clean and easy read. The mystery is well-plotted and complex, with lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and guessing. The setting is charming, and the well-developed characters are affable, compassionate, and caring. I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy well-crafted cozy mysteries.
Abby Sullivan’s life changed forever because a distracted driver swerved into oncoming traffic, and her husband and their infant son didn’t survive the resulting accident. After receiving an email advertising a huge old house for sale in Holiday Bay, Maine, she purchased the house without even seeing it in person, packed up her belongings, and left San Francisco. Starting over isn’t easy and she still mourns the death of her family, but Abby, a published author, is finally writing again, settling in and making friends, and plans to open an inn offering theme weekends, wine tastings, destination weddings, special events, and outdoor concerts on the bluff once major renovations are completed. Georgia Carter, who’s a genius in the kitchen, and her large dog, Ramos, are living with Abby and Rufus, a large orange cat who adopted her, in an adorable cottage located on her property, and Georgia will be managing the inn once it’s open. Lucas Fitzgerald, the owner of Fitzgerald Plumbing, gives Georgia had a stack of envelopes he found in the wall of the library while replacing the water line. They were old letters I haven’t with postmarks from 1948 written by a named Victor to a woman named Ursula, and both Abby and Georgia are intrigued by a secret revealed in the letters and learn more. Abby had previously found boxes in the basement of the main house that contained possessions and photos of teenage girls, one of which was Karen Stinson, whose body was found in the river at the bottom of the falls the previous summer. Everyone assumed she’d been hiking, slipped and fell, but when Police Chief Colt Wilder discovered new information, he asked a friend to review the autopsy results. He believes foul play may have been involved and while he isn’t ready to reopen the case, he wants to do some unofficial digging. Abby and Colt look into cold cases and share information, and together they sort through the clues and brainstorm about possible scenarios.