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Zoe Donovan Mystery #3

Christmas Crazy

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Every year between the dates of December 1 and December 24, a strange and wonderful insanity hits Ashton Falls. Most refer to this phenomenon as Christmas Spirit, but Zoe has been around long enough to know that spirit usually translates to insanity, which brings on a phenomenon she likes to refer to as Christmas Crazy. After Hometown Christmas is threatened when Santa is killed four days prior to the annual event, Zoe is pulled into a murder investigation with more twists and turns than the narrow road leading to the valley below.

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 8, 2013

409 people are currently reading
551 people want to read

About the author

Kathi Daley

327 books1,784 followers
Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home.
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.

Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).



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5 stars
636 (49%)
4 stars
401 (31%)
3 stars
202 (15%)
2 stars
35 (2%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
Profile Image for Sabine.
602 reviews91 followers
October 12, 2018
I wish I'd live in Ashton Falls!
I loved Christmas Crazy! It was such wonderful, cozy read. The mystery was set in the little mountain town Ashton Falls which I missed so much in the last installment. The residents are a great bunch and all the Christmas festival events that are going on making it a wonderful festive read - if you ignore one little detail....Santa is being killed.
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,172 reviews108 followers
August 1, 2020
I loved listening to this Christmas cozy mystery during July. It really lifted my spirits. I love Zoe Donovan and the town of Ashton Falls. Being there for Christmas was wonderful. I love how the store windows each tell a part of a story when you walk Main Street. I could picture the sleigh rides. Both of these are special to me as they are reminders of when I was a child with my nose pressed to store windows taking in the delights. Zoe is in charge of the town’s Christmas this year. Will she be able to pull it off or will a dead Santa get in the way?
Zoe needs to find a venue for animal adoptions. Until Zoe’s Zoo has all its permits no animals can be kept there. This has become a problem as more animals are up for termination. With a hundred animals needing a home will Zoe be able to save them all?
I really love Zoe, Zak and their friends. The fact that animals play a big part in this series keeps it a beloved one. I also liked in this one Jeremy’s story of being a single dad continues. I know a few single dads and it is amazing to have this storyline included.
I listened to this story on Audible. I had read this book back in 2018, I think. I loved it on my Kindle. Hearing it read by Angel Clark was awesome. She did a good job. I enjoyed her voices. I think I will be listening to it again this winter because I can picture being cuddled up with my dog, drinking hot chocolate and having Christmas lights on to listen.
This book is third in a long series. I came late to this series and have read the books in a mixed up order. I haven’t had a problem with it.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,687 reviews103 followers
October 17, 2019
This was a such a fun and sweet Christmas mystery. I could just picture the town of Ashton Falls during their Hometown Christmas. Zoe was basically in charge and despite having the murder of the replacement Santa happen as well as possibly losing the venue for the big pet adoption event during the Christmas event, she managed to pull it off and even found a solution for having lost a major food vendor. I liked the side story of Earl and Betty taking care of a boy named Toby.

I wouldn't have guessed the killer, but it completely made sense, and the perp was brought in without anyone getting hurt, which was great due to it being Christmas. Zak got home from his business trip, and he and Zoe had a great Christmas together. I'll be curious to see what the friends' next adventure gets them involved in.
Profile Image for Meg.
612 reviews
September 14, 2018
This was a quick and easy read, which was what I needed. I got a bit confused about a couple of situations, but just made a note of them and moved on. The MC and her friends and family are fun and easy people to spend time with. I've had the next ones on the Kindle for awhile and hope to get to them soon. I'd say this one hovers b/w 3.5* and 4.
Profile Image for Christina/ The Blog for Teachers, Readers, & Life!.
193 reviews48 followers
May 26, 2019
I love this series!💖Kathi Daley’s books are delightful! I enjoy reading about the kinship and the love of all animals in this series! There is also the backdrop of Zoe’s wealthy estranged mother. I did not figure out the killer until the very end! Great read for any time of the year!
Profile Image for Jenn G.
1,351 reviews62 followers
November 30, 2019
I don't know if it's because i'm in the Christmas spirit but it was my favorite in the series so far. I love how funny Zoe is !
Profile Image for Cathy.
431 reviews23 followers
December 28, 2025
Did not care for this book at all. Dull and anticlimactic. Couldn’t connect to the characters. No chemistry between the characters. Moving on…
Profile Image for Brian Frauenknecht.
91 reviews18 followers
October 5, 2016
I loved this book

Another great book in this series. I absolutely loved it. I can't wait to see what Zak, Zoe, Ellie, Levi and everyone else gets themselves into next time.
Profile Image for DelAnne Frazee.
2,027 reviews25 followers
April 16, 2014
Title: Christmas Crazy - A Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 3
Author: Kathi Daley
Publisher: Kathi Daley
Published: 9-8-2013
ISBN: 10-1493720961
ISBN: 13-978-1493720965
E-Book ASIN: B00GKPXU3S
Pages: 168
Genre: Suspense
Tags: Cozy Mystery
Sensual Level: Mild
Overall Rating: Very Good
Reviewed For: A Prairie Girl Reads
Reviewer: DelAnne


Who could hate Santa so much that they would kill him? That is the question that confronts Zoe Donovan when Jolly Old Saint Nick aka fill-in Santa Tanner Brown is killed in the Community Center's storage room. Of course Zoe was the one to find the body. When the Sheriff closes the entire building until the investigation is completed Zoe's pet adoption event is in jeopardy so she is very invested in finding the killer and quickly. She also finds she also has more than one jealous bone in her body over Zak. It seems that more than a few of the residents are having trouble catching the Christmas Spirit this year.


"Christmas Crazy is the shortest of the Zoe Donovan Mysteries thus far, but in no way is it less enjoyable. I love learning more and more about Zoe and her friends their lives and families. I would love to be able to live in Ashton Falls and become a part of such a community. Zoe's love all animals is so infectious and my heart breaks for her over Maggie and I wish there were more people like her in the real world. Take time out of your busy day to stop and enjoy this installment in Kathi Daley's Zoe Donovan series. To make it even more tasty there are some delicious recipes to try at the end of the book. Might suggest treating your family to the Ellie's Ground Beef Stroganoff or Zoe's Snowball Cookies?


This is the third n the series and can be read as a stand alone story, but I recommend reading the stories in order to see how the characters grow with each new offering. Luckily for us, we still have "Cupid's Curse", "Big Bunny Bump Off" and "Beach Blanket Barbie" to enjoy. I hope Ms. Daley continues to add to this series. If you too enjoy Kathi Daley's style as much as I do you may want to check out her other series, TJ Jensen Paradise Lake Mysteries. It is just as great as Zoe Donovan's series. You can not go wrong with Kathi Daley and her fertile imagination.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
November 18, 2014
Ashton Falls does not celebrate anything in small ways. For Christmas they go all out - so many activities included in a short period of time, of course it is referred to as Christmas Crazy!
I love how each of the store windows has a scene which tells a story if viewed from west to east.
Zoe Donovan and her best friends are involved with all of it. And Zoe seems to always be where the action is - this time, a last minute scramble to find a location for a pet adoption for 100 animals. She is also on scene when Santa fails to show up and the children (and parents) are getting loud and riotous. The town pulls together to make magic and everything comes together but poor Santa (the substitute) end up dead.
The question is, was Santa the target or was he in the wrong place?

Kathi Daley keeps us guessing with her always interesting tale. When you think you have an idea who-dunnit, the story takes a twist. Another motive is added and not always for the same victim.

You can read this as a stand alone novel but I know you ill enjoy meeting and visiting with this community from the beginning.
Profile Image for Dharia Scarab.
3,255 reviews8 followers
November 4, 2014
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Profile Image for Melodie.
1,278 reviews84 followers
September 23, 2015
These mysteries are cute and very quick reads. This is probably a 3.5 star read, but I like the author so much I'm rounding up. Santa is killed 4 days before the Hometown Christmas celebration and Zoe and crew get pulled into the investigation. Kathi Daley, the gal who writes them is a sweetheart and a half, so that makes these books that much more enjoyable. If you're looking for a nice way to pass an afternoon this series might be just the thing!
Profile Image for Tracy.
181 reviews
September 28, 2014
Once again she has done it again. Kathi has found the recipe for the perfect cozy mystery. With every book I fall more in love with the mountain town and the local cast of characters , always available to help Zoe solve the mystery and place "her" homeless animals. I know I would love to move to Ashton Fallfs, and I'm sure I'd be fast friends with Zoe and her crew. Looking forward to the next book.
595 reviews15 followers
August 27, 2014
I enjoyed this book. I have to be honest in that the ending sort of seem rushed, the mystery made more sense to me the first way than second, I don't want to say much more to spoil anything. That being said I love the characters and their interactions in this series. I love the idea of Ashton Falls having festivals to draw tourists. This is a town that I would love to visit. An entertaining read and I will be continuing on with this series.
Profile Image for Nola Arganbright.
1,592 reviews32 followers
February 1, 2015
Zoe Donavan finds herself investigating a Christmas murder in order to save the community Christmas Holiday. I loved the returning characters and that references to events in earlier books did not hamper the stand alone quality of this book. The book is a quick fun read with the added bonus of yummy recipes.
I look forward to reading more of Zoe's adventures in the Ashton Falls Cozy Mystery series.
Profile Image for Ashley Lombardo.
83 reviews11 followers
December 4, 2013
Cute Christmas tale.

Light, easy, holiday reading. Just a bit of romance and suspense as a bonus, but not so much that it becomes too sappy or heavy. Likeable main character. Reminded me of a book I would take to the beach in the summer, only for winter, obviously. I will probably read more books in this series.
Profile Image for Diane ~Firefly~.
2,211 reviews86 followers
April 25, 2015
The series is improving. Most of the sleuthing this time seemed somewhat in the bounds of reality, unlike the last book. Finding the killer seemed anti-climatic though . It is nice to see relationships growing and the holiday themes of the books is fun.
Profile Image for Trisha.
296 reviews6 followers
November 17, 2013
2013-11-16. I really enjoyed this. Loved all the twists and how crazy the town got for Christmas. The series gets better and better. Can't wait for January so I can get the next book.
28 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2014
Lite cozy & enjoyable. Some twists in the end. The characters are fun & silly.
Profile Image for Niki.
273 reviews
November 27, 2015
Great cozy mystery to read to get into the Christmas spirit :)
802 reviews
July 16, 2015
I really enjoyed this mystery. Christmas stories are always a delight to read.
Profile Image for Kymm.
1,029 reviews51 followers
November 28, 2021
So, Zoe Donovan has survived her harrowing Thanksgiving, solved the turkey farm murder and is looking forward to a relaxing Christmas season in Ashton Falls. However, as Zoe knows, Christmas is anything but relaxing in her town, in fact in her words it's "Christmas Crazy" and author Kathi Daley knows just what her readers want to explain exactly what that means!

Zoe's in charge of the Hometown Christmas festival this year and that's no small feat! When the regular Santa is in an accident and can't make it to greet the kids Zoe's frantic search for a replacement finds a neighbor whose willing to pitch in to help, even though it goes against his normally crusty demeanor. The suit fits well enough and the kids are overjoyed. But when the night is done and Santa goes to change someone decides to kill him! Now Zoe's got another murder on her hands and if we all know Zoe, she's not letting this one rest!

The great part about this series is you don't have to have read the previous books to pick up this one and know what's going on. Daley does a great job of catching the reader up, but not boring those who have read the previous books. I found the series with book one about Halloween, so I've been lucky enough to read from the start, but believe me all three can be read independently. Love these characters! Zoe the unemployed animal control officer, who is now the owner of her own animal adoption center, but can't seem to get the city to authorize the permits she needs to open it up, is always up for anything to help her community! She's lived here all her life and cherishes her neighbors and friends. She's got a great group of friends and neighbors that are committed to helping her no matter what she needs. And when murder comes to town, as it always seems to do when Zoe's around, everyone pitches in to make sure the villain doesn't run free! Great quick read for some holiday happiness and humor. It's got all the Christmas charm and decorations to put you in the spirit, if your not, or if you're already there, then it's just a fun G-rated holiday cozy mystery that will introduce you to a cast of characters that really now how to welcome Santa! Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Frieda Thompson.
398 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2022
Christmas Crazy

A really cute story. An easy & quick holiday read. It has LOTS of snow for us Snow-deprived folk to vicariously enjoy! It also has lots of Christmas; lots of animals; lots of family & friends; & a little murder to boot!! When Zoe believes the Sheriff isn't doing enough to solve the murder, she & her friends help out. Unofficially, of course!! Christmas goes on as normal while Zoe looks for clues. As normal as is possible with Santa as the murder victim, that is!! I encourage you to read this book to find out if Zoe succeeds in finding the murderer before the Sheriff does, a replacement Santa, AND manages to keep the town's Christmas festivities on track, since she's the chairperson! On a personal level, does her multi-millionaire next-door neighbor crush feel the same, or will he choose his gorgeous business partner?? The only negatives I have are: 1) I think alcohol runs too freely in the story. I'm not a teetotaler, but it seems to me that alcohol (& gratuitous sex) have much too much emphasis in novels these days. For example, twice, at least, the characters have wine with pizza. To me, that would go better with Coke (or any soft drink) or tea. With today's abundance of alcoholics in our society, I would think authors could be a bit more sensitive to this issue which touches, & ruins, so many lives. 2) the solving of the murder, when it happens, was too abrupt, & had no follow-up. It was disappointing to say the least. However, I DID enjoy the book. I just wish the crime solving itself had more details & ended more smoothly.
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews58 followers
March 14, 2017
Kindle Unlimited liked it but didn't love it hence 4 stars. Wasn't anything stupid such as typos or anything like that, just didn't love this.

Halloween Hijinks Anniversary Edition (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 1) * - The Trouble with Turkeys (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 2) * - Christmas Crazy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 3) * - Cupids Curse (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 4) - Big Bunny Bump Off (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 5) * - Beach Blanket Barbie (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 6) * Maui Madness (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 7) - Derby Divas (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 8) - Haunted Hamlet (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 9) - Turkeys, Tuxes, and Tabbies (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 10) - Christmas Cozy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 11) - Alaskan Alliance (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 12) - Matrimony Meltdown (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 13) - Soul Surrender (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 14) - Heavenly Honeymoon (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 15) - Hopscotch Homicide (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 16) - Ghostly Graveyard (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 17) - Santa Sleuth (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 18) - Shamrock Shenanigans (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 19) - Kitten Kaboodle (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 20) - Costume Catastrophe (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 21) - Candy Cane Caper (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 22) - Holiday Hangover (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 23) - Easter Escapade (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery 24) {pre-order at this time}
Spin off from Zoe Donovan series Zimmerman Academy. *means NOT ku

Whales and Tails Mystery
Romeow and Juliet (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 1) - The Mad Catter (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 2) - Grimm's Furry Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 3) - Much Ado About Felines (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 4) - The Legend of Tabby Hollow (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 5) - The Cat of Christmas Past (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 6) - A Tale of Two Tabbies (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 7) - The Great Catsby (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 8) - Count Catula (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 9) - The Cat of Christmas Present (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 10) - A Winter's Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 11)

Murder at Dolphin Bay (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 1) - Murder at Sunrise (A Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 2) - Murder at the Witching Hour (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #3) - Murder at Christmas (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #4)

Zoe Donovan, Whales and Tails, Sand and Sea, others, check out amazon page
Profile Image for Natalie.
71 reviews5 followers
January 13, 2021
Perfect Christmas Cozy

I really enjoyed book three of the Zoe Donovan Mysteries! Even though Zoe is trying to help solve another murder, it was a lot of fun to learn how Ashton Falls celebrates Christmas. It's really magical, and it takes me back to when I was growing up, and we used have one street that was completely decorated. People would flock to see it, and we also had a Christmas village.
Anyway, even with a murderer on the loose, the town is still able to move forward with the Celebration, and Zoe is able to solve another mystery. I do want to say more, but I do not want to spoil it for anyone! There is a quote from the book that I would like to mention that made my heart skip a beat, "...but as Zak led me around the dance floor dressed in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, I understood for the first time how magical it could be to dress in a beautiful gown and dance the night away with your prince while he makes you feel like the most desirable woman in the world." It actually brought tears to my eyes because all women should be able to feel this same way once in their lives.
Profile Image for Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review).
882 reviews
June 20, 2018
Zoe has been roped in to help run the Hometown Christmas, and alongside it she would like to have a pet adoption (which the majority of people are in favour of - providing the space she would like to use isn't needed for anything else), just as everything seems to be going so well there are a few bumps in the road, the permit to re-open the animal shelter (which will be private and called Zoe's Zoo) has been help up, Earl (who plays Santa) is leaving before Christmas to go stay with family (well be was until he was run off the road!) and then the second Santa (Zoe's Grandpappy) is held up in traffic (caused by the accident involving Earl) and number three is killed!

Add in Levi going away with his girlfriend for Christmas, Zak having a stunning woman staying over, Zoe's dad dating again and finally the animals saved from the Puppy Mill starting to be reunited with their original owners (NOT the puppy mill owners - apparently they stole dogs for it) and Zoe has more that Christmas Dinner on her plate!
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,428 reviews12 followers
February 4, 2022
I'm really enjoying this series of cozy mysteries by Kathi Daley, set in Ashton Falls with Zoe, part owner of the Zoo, an animal shelter which cares for animals needing new homes; Chatlie, her dog; Zac, her boyfriend and a multi millionaire who she has known since childhood; Levi, local school coach and long time friend since school and Ellie, local cafe queen and also long time school friend.

It's nearing Christmas and Zoe is roped into organising the local Christmas event, but runs into trouble when the Santa she has lined up is murdered and her back up has an accident. There's a missing boy involved in the mix too. Zoe has a tendency to get involved so has to investigate the murder and accident, but all is not as it seems.

This is a great series, the books are short and easily read in a few hours. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.

If you like this series, try the other cozy mystery series by the same author. This is similar to another series by the same author, but different stories and characters.
Profile Image for Loretta TheMoodyRedhead.
1,069 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2025
Christmas magic

I do love Christmastime and this was a great representation of it. In really starting do like Zoe and I believe that has a lot to do with Zak's influence on her. She seems to have softened up quite a bit since she admitted her hatred toward Zak wasn't actually hatred, but love she previously wouldn't admit.

Ellie... Her crush in Levi is unrequited, so far. Hopefully they end up together or at least each of them with a great mate.

Zoe's Zoo is still closed and waiting permits. Maybe in book 4 it'll finally open.

So far this is my favorite Zoe book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews

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