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TJ Jensen Mystery #5
Puppies in Paradise
When a friend of Tj's is injured in a car accident during a blizzard, Tj takes responsibility for the litter of puppies left behind. Meanwhile she works with Kyle, Jenna, and the gang to catch the killer responsible for the death of a close Jensen family friend. When it turns out that the main suspects are also close family friends, Tj must face one of the most difficult decisions she's ever had to make
204 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 2015
451 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
474 books1,787 followersKathi 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).
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 18, 2020
This was another awesome visit with TJ and her family and friends in Paradise Lake, Serenity. There seemed to be a lot going on in this one, but the main mystery was the murder of an old friend who had been looking at cold cases. With her usual case helpers of Grandpa, Kyle and her dad, TJ may have uncovered some cold case corruption. In the meantime, she was still trying to figure out her feelings for Hunter and maybe wanting to have an actual relationship with him again.
I honestly hadn't seen the killer coming until one clue toward the very end, a good twist. The puppy story was really adorable with TJ's little sister falling in love with the puppies while they were in TJ's care. A happy ending was enjoyed by most after a couple of conflicts both little sisters had were worked out.
I honestly hadn't seen the killer coming until one clue toward the very end, a good twist. The puppy story was really adorable with TJ's little sister falling in love with the puppies while they were in TJ's care. A happy ending was enjoyed by most after a couple of conflicts both little sisters had were worked out.
February 23, 2015
I loved it! This is the perfect cozy Winter book! It is book five in the TJ Jensen series. TJ is taking care of a friends dog and her litter of puppies when she gets involved in another murder mystery. This book has a mystery within a mystery, and it was a lot of fun to read. I really like TJ, and her sisters that live with her. Ashley and Gracie are two of my favorites characters in this series. I love the sense of family with them and TJ. This book also has a bit of a romance going on, and I will be very happy if it goes where I want it to!! I didn't stop reading until I finished the book, I was very surprised at who the killer turned out to be. Looking forward to the next in the series!
March 1, 2015
Entertaining cozy mystery! Cute pets! The murder of a good man at Paradise Lake opens up investigations into several old mysteries that need solving to find his killer. Romance is in the air for Tj and Hunter. Family bonding and compassion among Tj's family and friends is heartwarming. I loved this cozy!!
March 18, 2015
Kathi Daley out does herself book after book. And PUPPIES IN PARADISE is no different. This book is truly a wonderful installment in the Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery series. Not just wonderful, the best so far.
February 21, 2015
Puppies in Paradise by Kathi Daley is the fifth book in the Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mysteries series, and as usual, it is a great book. It was great to catch up with Tj and her family and friends.
A close family friend is murdered and Tj and her family and friends set out to find the killer. There are many suspects to consider but not very many clues. The best clue they have are cold cases that are being rechecked by the deceased. But the three cold cases do not seem to be related at all. Every lead they pursue leads to a dead end and Tj is getting very frustrated.
Adding to her frustration is the fact that Paradise Lake is experiencing a blizzard and everyone, including her sisters, are going stir crazy. And after one of her friends is involved in a car accident, she finds herself taking care of a litter of puppies and their mother. She is afraid that her sister is going to become too attached to the puppies and not want to let them leave. She also needs to sort out her feelings for Hunter, her old boyfriend that she still has feelings for. But she’s not sure that she wants to risk losing his friendship if things do not work out this time.
As with all of Kathi Daley’s books, this one is character driven and very well written. The cast of characters are all well developed and realistic and become people that you care about. I never feel like I am reading a book. I feel like I am catching up with old friends, finding out what has been going on in their lives. This is very appealing to me and is why I enjoy reading her books so much.
The mystery is well thought out and there are twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The actual killer surprised me, which is a plus in my opinion. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in writing descriptively and pulling you into the story so that you feel like you are part of the happenings.
I would recommend this book, as well as all her other books, to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cozy. This book is a clean read and could be read by any age. My eighty-nine year old mother enjoys reading them as much as I do and I would not hesitate to give it to a young adult to read. Treat yourself to any and all of Kathi Daley’s books, you will not be disappointed.
A close family friend is murdered and Tj and her family and friends set out to find the killer. There are many suspects to consider but not very many clues. The best clue they have are cold cases that are being rechecked by the deceased. But the three cold cases do not seem to be related at all. Every lead they pursue leads to a dead end and Tj is getting very frustrated.
Adding to her frustration is the fact that Paradise Lake is experiencing a blizzard and everyone, including her sisters, are going stir crazy. And after one of her friends is involved in a car accident, she finds herself taking care of a litter of puppies and their mother. She is afraid that her sister is going to become too attached to the puppies and not want to let them leave. She also needs to sort out her feelings for Hunter, her old boyfriend that she still has feelings for. But she’s not sure that she wants to risk losing his friendship if things do not work out this time.
As with all of Kathi Daley’s books, this one is character driven and very well written. The cast of characters are all well developed and realistic and become people that you care about. I never feel like I am reading a book. I feel like I am catching up with old friends, finding out what has been going on in their lives. This is very appealing to me and is why I enjoy reading her books so much.
The mystery is well thought out and there are twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The actual killer surprised me, which is a plus in my opinion. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in writing descriptively and pulling you into the story so that you feel like you are part of the happenings.
I would recommend this book, as well as all her other books, to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cozy. This book is a clean read and could be read by any age. My eighty-nine year old mother enjoys reading them as much as I do and I would not hesitate to give it to a young adult to read. Treat yourself to any and all of Kathi Daley’s books, you will not be disappointed.
August 3, 2015
The Paradise Lake series with TJ Jensen is more complicated than Kathi Daley's Zoe Donovan series but it also has the small town feel with the wonderful characters and sense of family and belonging.
This book was as much about the characters and relationships as it was about a murder mystery. I will be honest and say I had chosen a different killer.
One of my favorite sections was TJ's conversation with Hunter's grandfather.
So very well written and enjoyable.
December 21, 2021
I had bought this book a long while ago and just found it on my kindle recently.
Puppies in Paradise is the fifth book of the TJ Jensen cozy mystery series. I liked the main character of TJ well enough but she did not seem like much of an amateur sleuth or a high school teacher/coach to me (probably because of the blizzard and its after-effects).
I don't understand why she would be the go-to girl to solve her Grandpa Ben's friend, Nolan's murder - wouldn't that be a job for the local Serenity cops - and then said cops breaking the rules by giving TJ access to police case files?
That's why I have found it is always best to read a book series in order - too many unanswered questions about characters, their ages, their backstories, and their relationships to each other, etc.
I guess I'll simply have to start at the beginning of the series to understand this series and its characters better.
Puppies in Paradise is the fifth book of the TJ Jensen cozy mystery series. I liked the main character of TJ well enough but she did not seem like much of an amateur sleuth or a high school teacher/coach to me (probably because of the blizzard and its after-effects).
I don't understand why she would be the go-to girl to solve her Grandpa Ben's friend, Nolan's murder - wouldn't that be a job for the local Serenity cops - and then said cops breaking the rules by giving TJ access to police case files?
That's why I have found it is always best to read a book series in order - too many unanswered questions about characters, their ages, their backstories, and their relationships to each other, etc.
I guess I'll simply have to start at the beginning of the series to understand this series and its characters better.
July 20, 2017
Serenity has been dealing with the storm of the century, and everyone is going stir-crazy as Puppies in Paradise by Kathi Daley opens. On the 10th day of the huge snow storm, TJ's grandfather asks her help because while talking to his long-time friend, a former deputy now doing his own cold case investigations, on the phone, when someone comes to his door, leading to sounds of violence and a hang-up. So her grandfather asks TJ to take him to check out whether his friend is safe, since the phone now goes straight to voice mail. When she arrives at the house, eventually TJ finds the man dead.
Read the rest of this review, more reviews, and other wonderful, geeky articles on FangirlNation
Read the rest of this review, more reviews, and other wonderful, geeky articles on FangirlNation
February 27, 2019
Puppies in Paradise TJ's friend was involved in a serious accident and she brings the puppies and mama dog over to her house, to care for them while her friend is in the hospital. While this is happening there is a severe storm that shuts down the town of Paradise and when it is finally over, the school has been out for about a week and the weekend they Kyle is working on a tourism commercial and during the storm, a friend of her grandfather is murdered. She helps the police in trying to figure out why he was murdered.
The story is fun and you see the work it takes for her to be a mother to her sisters. Learning how to deal with all the issues that come from two different girls.
The story is fun and you see the work it takes for her to be a mother to her sisters. Learning how to deal with all the issues that come from two different girls.
November 8, 2020
When Tj's grandfather's friend, a retired police officer, is seemingly attacked while on the phone with her grandfather, Tj investigates, finding the dead body. Could the mystery be related to one of the cold cases he was still looking into? Otherwise, Tj and her ex-boyfriend consider rekindling things, and she and her family care for a friend's puppies while her friend is in the hospital.
The family ties and relationships are what makes this series good. The mystery itself, with several cold cases as possible motives, is above average and paced well. The characters are still interesting, though I would like a little bit more forward momentum in their lives. Overall, it's a good book.
The family ties and relationships are what makes this series good. The mystery itself, with several cold cases as possible motives, is above average and paced well. The characters are still interesting, though I would like a little bit more forward momentum in their lives. Overall, it's a good book.
January 29, 2020
The puppies are so not a part of the story other than on the periphery that I'm not sure about the title at all. But I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and the mystery had me twisted around until the solution. Still enjoying all of the characters, with TJ and her sisters being some of my favorites from the many books I have read (which is odd because she is such a goody-goody and I typically don't care for that type in my books).
September 28, 2017
Have you ever slept with a favorite, beloved book under your pillow, or cradled in your arms?
February 23, 2019
Always a fun read. This time TJ had a more difficult time with the murder than before. It was interesting and had more of a twisty feel to it.
May 8, 2025
The fifth installment of the TJ Jensen Mystery Series from Kathi Daley, this book was original, entertaining, creative, and held my attention all the way through. This one was better than most. Well worth the time to read. Looking forward to continuing the series.
May 1, 2015
Good mystery, a little romance, a ski resort and puppies what could be better and these are what make up Puppies in Paradise A TJ Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery by Kathi Daley.
This is the first TJ Jensen book I have read but even though it is the fifth book in the series it can be read as a stand alone without being lost on what is going on.
TJ's friend has been injured in a car accident so TJ is watching her friends dog and puppies while she recoups. Their is a big winter storm and the small town and resort are closed off. When a friend of the Jensen family is killed TJ vows to find out who the murderer is. With the help of Kyle, Hunter and Roy, the deputy, they work at finding Nolan's murderer but in so doing also find themselves solving an old mystery Nolan was working on too.
This is a fast paced enjoyable read. It has actually two mysteries as well as a surprise ending to both of them. I like the closeness of the family and friends. TJ is someone you could sit down to enjoy a cup of coffee with and feel like you were long lost friends. She is a strong woman who has a good sense of family and isn't afraid of hard work, along with a good head on her shoulders.
If you are looking for a good fun cozy to read don't miss this book or series. I will be reading the other four books in the series now too.
If you want to learn more about this series, Kathi Daley or her other series check out her website at:
www.kathidaley.com
You can also connect with her on Facebook.
Next up is The Cemetery Club (Darcy and Flora Cozy Mystery book 1) by Blanche Day Manos
This is the first TJ Jensen book I have read but even though it is the fifth book in the series it can be read as a stand alone without being lost on what is going on.
TJ's friend has been injured in a car accident so TJ is watching her friends dog and puppies while she recoups. Their is a big winter storm and the small town and resort are closed off. When a friend of the Jensen family is killed TJ vows to find out who the murderer is. With the help of Kyle, Hunter and Roy, the deputy, they work at finding Nolan's murderer but in so doing also find themselves solving an old mystery Nolan was working on too.
This is a fast paced enjoyable read. It has actually two mysteries as well as a surprise ending to both of them. I like the closeness of the family and friends. TJ is someone you could sit down to enjoy a cup of coffee with and feel like you were long lost friends. She is a strong woman who has a good sense of family and isn't afraid of hard work, along with a good head on her shoulders.
If you are looking for a good fun cozy to read don't miss this book or series. I will be reading the other four books in the series now too.
If you want to learn more about this series, Kathi Daley or her other series check out her website at:
www.kathidaley.com
You can also connect with her on Facebook.
Next up is The Cemetery Club (Darcy and Flora Cozy Mystery book 1) by Blanche Day Manos
March 9, 2015
Puppies in Paradise is the fifth book in the Paradise Lake Mystery series. I have not read the other four books, but I had no trouble reading this as a stand alone.
Tj Jensen lives with her father, grandfather and her two half-sisters at Maggie's Hideaway, a lakeside resort. Due to a blizzard that just keeps getting worse, Tj, her family and the guest at the resort are snowed in and cannot make it down the mountain. To top it off, Tj took on the responsibility of caring for Kai, a Bernese Mountain dog, and her three puppies, as their owner, Stella is in hospital.
With many twists and turns, Tj is thrown into solving the mysterious death of Nolan Rivers, a retired deputy sheriff and a friend of her grandfather. Was it suicide or something else?
Along the way, Tj also helps out with a commercial shoot, tries to entertain her two sisters that have no school due to the blizzard, cook for the guests, and finds out that two fires that had been purposely set may be related and the man who is doing time for the fires may have been wrongly accused. Sound like it's just another week in Paradise!
I am looking forward to reading the first four books in this series in the near future.
Tj Jensen lives with her father, grandfather and her two half-sisters at Maggie's Hideaway, a lakeside resort. Due to a blizzard that just keeps getting worse, Tj, her family and the guest at the resort are snowed in and cannot make it down the mountain. To top it off, Tj took on the responsibility of caring for Kai, a Bernese Mountain dog, and her three puppies, as their owner, Stella is in hospital.
With many twists and turns, Tj is thrown into solving the mysterious death of Nolan Rivers, a retired deputy sheriff and a friend of her grandfather. Was it suicide or something else?
Along the way, Tj also helps out with a commercial shoot, tries to entertain her two sisters that have no school due to the blizzard, cook for the guests, and finds out that two fires that had been purposely set may be related and the man who is doing time for the fires may have been wrongly accused. Sound like it's just another week in Paradise!
I am looking forward to reading the first four books in this series in the near future.
February 16, 2015
The blurb about this book isn't actually accurate to the plot, it's close but not right.
Another good read from this author, but of her 3 series this is my least favorite. I prefer Zoe and friends.
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 has 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.
Another good read from this author, but of her 3 series this is my least favorite. I prefer Zoe and friends.
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 has 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.
April 16, 2015
First, I must urge you to read this series from book one if you have not already done so! Kathi Daley is writing 3 cozy mysteries series and soon to release one for young folks... I read Puupies in Paradise during a snowstorm and barely looked out the window. Of course Paradise Lake was a having a huge snow.. TJ was keeping 3 puppies and their mother for a friend that was in a coma. Her sisters were housebound with a cold. And then a good family friend was murdered. Amazing to read how TJ keeps up with everything. And she is doing some major soul searching about her love life and future. There is so much going on in this book you can't put it down. And let me say you will be totally stumped as to who the murderer is. As usual, Kathi has written a great mystery. I have read them all and so wish everyone who likes cozy mysteries will also!
February 16, 2015
Kindle Copy for Review
This is book #5 in the TJ Paradise Series by Kathi Daley.
One of TJ’s teacher friends get into a terrible accident and has to spend time in the hospital to recover, TJ decides to take care of her four dogs and take them home. Meantime her younger sister is getting too emotionally attach to them and she keeps losing her winter coats and mittens.
When a close friend is found dead, Tj finds herself and her friends searching for a murder. Knowing the deceased were looking into old police cases, the suspects all seem to work at the police together at the time. Could it be a form of police corruption, as some no longer works in law enforcement?
What did the dead friend found and was killed for? Will TJ’s life be put in peril when she gets too close?
This is book #5 in the TJ Paradise Series by Kathi Daley.
One of TJ’s teacher friends get into a terrible accident and has to spend time in the hospital to recover, TJ decides to take care of her four dogs and take them home. Meantime her younger sister is getting too emotionally attach to them and she keeps losing her winter coats and mittens.
When a close friend is found dead, Tj finds herself and her friends searching for a murder. Knowing the deceased were looking into old police cases, the suspects all seem to work at the police together at the time. Could it be a form of police corruption, as some no longer works in law enforcement?
What did the dead friend found and was killed for? Will TJ’s life be put in peril when she gets too close?
February 19, 2015
Definitely four and and a half stars for the newest installment in this Kathi Daley series, as my rating falls between I like it and I love it, I am rounding up.
Great setting up of the mystery, as usual with this author's crimes, I suspected everyone and was surprised at the murderer. A little bit of time has passed between this book and the last book, which I like because in so many cozy series set in small towns there just aren't murders every week. Also, Tj (likeable main character) and her friends don't just stumble into solving the crimes, they work at it and they spend time backtracking.
While the crime was wrapped up, the book seemed to end suddenly. Also, there are hints as to what could be happening for the characters in the future.
Great setting up of the mystery, as usual with this author's crimes, I suspected everyone and was surprised at the murderer. A little bit of time has passed between this book and the last book, which I like because in so many cozy series set in small towns there just aren't murders every week. Also, Tj (likeable main character) and her friends don't just stumble into solving the crimes, they work at it and they spend time backtracking.
While the crime was wrapped up, the book seemed to end suddenly. Also, there are hints as to what could be happening for the characters in the future.
August 16, 2015
This was a touching story. The death of a close family friend devastated the Jensen family. When long time friend Nolan is found dead in his car by Tj, she makes it a priority to find his killer.
The blizzard makes it difficult to search for clues and with roads closed and school cancelled, Tj has her hands full. Add 3 very active puppies into the mix and life in the Jensen home is anything but calm. Tj is dog sitting for a friend who is hospitalized after a serious car accident and the puppies are growing up fast.
There is also the mystery of Gracie and her missing hats and coats.....Tj has tried everything to make Gracie accountable for her personal belongings, but it seems she keeps coming home without her hat and coat. Is Gracie being careless or is there another reason?
The blizzard makes it difficult to search for clues and with roads closed and school cancelled, Tj has her hands full. Add 3 very active puppies into the mix and life in the Jensen home is anything but calm. Tj is dog sitting for a friend who is hospitalized after a serious car accident and the puppies are growing up fast.
There is also the mystery of Gracie and her missing hats and coats.....Tj has tried everything to make Gracie accountable for her personal belongings, but it seems she keeps coming home without her hat and coat. Is Gracie being careless or is there another reason?
April 10, 2015
Another wonderful installment of the Tj Jensen Paradise Lake series. I got this book for my birthday and it was a really nice gift :) Also, I'm really enjoying reading about Tj and her family. They are such a loving family and their community is a very nice, close-knit place where people seem to care for one another. She includes a lot of really nice recipes as well which I always love to try out. Very enjoyable as always!
February 16, 2015
Just when you think you knew how it was going to end, the story makes a turn and leaves you in the dust. This time TJ delves into a cold case thought solved only to discover things were not as they seemed. It ended well, but one could not say it was a happy ending. Still a satisfying book and I look forward to the next one.
August 11, 2018
Puppies in Paradise is the fifth in the TJ Jensen series. This story deals with a car accident leaving a teacher friend in the hospital and puppies needing a temporary home. A retired Deputy Sheriff who is looking into some cold cases and winds up dead. TJ and company are looking into the death of the sherriff, the possible cold cases , and trying to manage her day-to-day life. Not an easy feat. It’s a good thing that she has family to help out with raising her two sisters. She tries to help her father with the inn and still stay employed at the school.
The story is well thought out and the characters show growth. I like the sense of community and looking out for others.
The story is well thought out and the characters show growth. I like the sense of community and looking out for others.
June 20, 2018
Once again TJ is in the thick of things with an investigation into the death of her grandfather's close friend. This friend was a retired deputy who was looking into cold cases and it appears he may have been bumped off because he was getting too close to the answers. Once again the author has woven a wonderful plot full of potential suspects that leads you on a winding path to resolution. The storyline makes for an excellent way to spend an afternoon entertaining your mind with unraveling the mystery. The characters are charming and likeable with well developed personalities.
March 24, 2017
I love this series, and this story is just as good as the others. I enjoy reading about the people and the town of Serenity. The book contains laughs, love, family, friends and of course, a murder. Kathi does a great job weaving the tale. I had no idea who was involved until it was revealed. Well written. Looking forward to reading the next one. Would highly recommend this series.
May 30, 2020
Another solid addition to this series. The books in this series just make me happy.
I listened to this as an audiobook.
I listened to this as an audiobook.
September 29, 2018
One of her better ones, though the title is kind of superfluous (sure, she is dog sitting but it's irrelevant to the plot really). The story itself is much stronger than previous books. I live seeing writers grow and mature in their writing!
November 8, 2019
Old and new murders.
A dear friend of the group is killed and they all band together to solve the crime. As they investigate they get drawn into some cold cases that the murdered man was working.
A dear friend of the group is killed and they all band together to solve the crime. As they investigate they get drawn into some cold cases that the murdered man was working.
November 11, 2019
#5. A twisty mystery with a surprise! I enjoy the side romance included in this series, the interpersonal relationships of the characters, and the cozy community feel. An excellent read on a cold afternoon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews