Haunting or Homicide

Resort at Castaway Bay #11

by Kathi Daley

Sydney Whitmore is already up to her ears in wedding plans, wine tastings, and wendigos when her best friend, Kelly Green, scores them invites to an exclusive Halloween bash at a long-abandoned monastery. Perched above a vineyard and steeped in ghost stories since Syd and Kelly were children, the crumbling estate is the perfect backdrop for a night of high-dollar scares. But when “Dracula” turns up dead and the suspects include a mummy, a ghost, and a wolfman—none of whom ever removed their masks—Officer Sam Stone enlists Syd and Kelly to help unmask a killer hiding behind a monster’s face.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2025

About the author

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).

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 11th book in the Resort of Castaway Bay series featuring Syd; part-time FBI agent and part-time Private Investigator Agent for Ezra, a billionaire crime fighter Syd lives at the resort her family runs with her fiancee, soon to be husband, Logan.

Syd and Logan, as well as 2 of their friends, are at a Halloween event in an abandoned monsatery when the body of the attendees is found. As the local Sheriff, Sam, is busy interviewing some of the other witnesses, Syd helps out by interviewing some of the others and works with Sam to find the murderer.

Syd is also trying to organise her very small wedding, but is coming across people who are very upset at not being invited.

I really enjoy all the books Kathi Daley writes, all cosy mysteries, and some series are spin-offs from other series of hers.

Eventhough thebooks in this series are standalone stories, they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

Of course, it goes without saying I can't wait for the next book in this series to be released. As Kathi Daley is such a prolific writer, she has usually got a new book releasing in one of her current series, at least monthly.

If you liked this book, try other series by the same writer, Tess and Tilly; The Inn at Holiday Bay; The Bookstore at Holiday Bay; The Cottage On Gooseberry Bay; and Rescue Alaska are just a few you may enjoy.

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney's wedding is in two weeks. Just a small affair for family. No stress. While Syd, her fiancé, Logan, their friends Ryder and Kelley are at a costume gathering, they find a dead body. So, they agree to help the sheriff, Sam, look into it. Then Syd's part time boss at the FBI asks for help with a case, and the doctor who was going to cover for Logan at the hospital has an accident, so he can't cover for the honeymoon. Lots of people start asking when the wedding is and hinting at an invitation. They don't get the small family wedding. Too much stress...Will everything work out for the pair, and will the murder be solved...

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series

Syd works for both Ezra and the FBI. She and Logan are getting married in a couple weeks. They attend a masquerade party where the come across a dead body. Solving that murder, helping interview someone for the FBI, helping her sister with a Halloween project, and planning a wedding keep Syd busy. The destination for their honeymoon sets up for another book.

[Marilyn Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathi does it again

Once again Kathi doesn't disappoint, Sydney and Logan are preparing for a small wedding and end up helping solve a murder just days before. Everything works out and they have the wedding that they want with the friends and family they chose to attend. Kathi is always one of the first authors I recommend when asked.

[Lauren Heiy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resort at Castaway Bay: Haunting or Homicide

This is a mystery with many moving parts, but it is also about love, friendship, and family. a Halloween party elaborate costumes, and finding a body in a coffin with a knife in their heart.

[Alan Eilers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!

I loved the multiple, but interesting storylines. I like learning about the psychology involved when solving a murder. Happy Syd is married and love having Sawyer added into the family.

[MargeGordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially liked this one, besides the good mystery, there was a wedding, finally!

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆

[Kerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed earlier books in this series, but I thought the pacing felt off here. There was also more telling than showing, which prevented me from really connecting with the story

[Penny Perse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting and Homicide

Finally they are married and the story that it took to get it all to happen was wonderful. Great story great ending.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

You just can't go wrong with a Kathi Daley book or series. I thoroughly enjoyed this aand look forward to more.

[JANE VAN HORN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This is a great series with great characters. Sydney and Logan finally get married but the honeymoon is not what they planned.