Once Upon a Spy Game

The Bookstore at Holiday Bay #7

by Kathi Daley

The Bookstore at Holiday Bay—where books, friends, and mysteries collide.

When Lou Prescott bought the bookstore in Holiday Bay, she dreamed of more than a charming seaside shop. She wanted a place that felt like home—a welcoming haven where friends could gather, share stories, and lean on one another through life’s challenges and triumphs.

But when Lou inherits a vast collection of books from Gia, a woman she barely knew, she discovers far more than dusty shelves and forgotten titles. Hidden among the volumes are photo albums and journals that hint at a secret life no one in town ever suspected. Gia wasn’t just an avid reader—she was a relentless snoop, and her carefully tucked-away notes may hold the key to solving not one, but four long-forgotten cases.

Now Lou and her friends must follow the trail Gia left behind, unraveling secrets that refuse to stay buried. The biggest mystery of all, however, may be the most personal—did Gia leave behind the one clue that could reveal her own killer?

Genres: Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2026

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]

I love these series of cosy mysteries from Kathi Daley. There are several, all based in Holiday Bay and all stem from the original book of The Inn at Holiday Bay. There's also The Bakeshop at Holiday Bay; The Bistro at Holiday Bay (not read this yet) and this series, The Bookstore at Holiday Bay.

I loved this book, with a smaller cast of regulars than normal so much, I read it in one sitting. A customer and fellow reader, Gia suddenly dies, and Lou and Velma from the Bookstore inherit a large volume of books. Once they have access they find out Gia was a bit of a busy bee, sitting in her bedroom with a set of binoculars and a journal. What was she up to! As the story progresses, we find out more about the lady and why she was sitting there.

Whilst all books are standalone stories, they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

If you liked this book, try one of Kathi Daleys many other cosy mystery series, they are all a really good read. Often times the books are a mix of cosy mystery and romance.

Some of the series from Kathi Daley I have read are all the ones mentioned above, and Cottage on Gooseberry Bay; Rescue on Gooseberry Bay; Rescue Alaska; Resort at Castaway Bay; Tess and Tilly and Zoe Donovan.

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book in this series. The owners of the local bookstore learn they inherit the items left in the apartment of a friend and member of one of their book clubs. While packing up the things, they learn some interesting things about their friend they never really knew much about, and end up solving several mysteries that have happened over the last few years based on the journals found in their friends' home.

[MargeGordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really disappointed in the ending of this book. There were so many unanswered questions and so many loose ends. I understand not all cases are solved but... how many rare books were there? Did they discover any more about Gia's early years? How did such a beautiful active woman become the old lady they knew? Certainly there were answers in all those journals and photos she left behind.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

always good to be back in Holiday Bay

I appreciate the older perspective of Lou and Velma as I myself am approaching 70. Dreams change and we make different choices in the circumstances we find ourselves. I am happy with where and with whom I have build my life. I hope others are also content.

[Marilyn Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

I really love this series because the main characters are my age and that draws me in. Stumbling on a mystery while collecting the items left to them in an inheritance by a person they barely knew is typical for Lou and Velma. They help Alex actually solve 2 mysteries. Always recommend Kathi to anyone who asks.

[Carola Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

I wonder if Gia knew there as something strange p just spied because she was curious. Anyway Lou and Velma took it to the next level. Love Al the friendships in the courtyard.

[Lauren Heiy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bookstore at Holiday bays : once Upon A SpyGame

Interesting mystery as Lou and Velma learn about an inheritance they are receiving from a past customer. Great amount of sleuthing into cold cases.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series

A book club member passes away and leaves the contents of her townhouse to Lou and Velma. Among a mountain of books and some journals, the happenings in a senior living complex come into review.

[joyce sterner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one

As always, I really enjoy Kathi Daley's series. This one was a little bit different and I really liked it. A little thought provoking too. I enjoy the characters in this series