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Zoe Donovan Mystery #15

Heavenly Honeymoon

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Zoe Donovan is a cozy mystery series with enduring friendships, memorable characters, an enchanting setting, and a generous dollop of romance. In true Zoe Donovan fashion, Zoe ends up in jail on the second night of her honeymoon after she finds herself the only suspect in the first murder Heavenly Island has seen in a decade. Although she has been ordered to leave the investigation to a man known only as Toad, she can't help but snoop around just a bit while enjoying the tropical paradise with new husband Zak. In the midst of enjoying days at the beach and moonlit walks under the stars, she discovers a truth about the island that might very well put those she loves in danger.

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2015

385 people are currently reading
288 people want to read

About the author

Kathi Daley

321 books1,791 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
836 reviews10 followers
June 15, 2015
A Truly Nontraditional Honeymoon!

Taking two kids (that are not even yours!) on your honeymoon is not the traditional way to celebrate. Then add spending time in jail accused of murder on a small island is definitely not what Zoe had in mind. This book starts out with a bang & continues to produce as the story unfolds. Trouble seems to find Zoe no matter where she goes. This was a quick, enjoyable read! Looking forward to more Mrs. Zimmerman adventures in the future. Also the addition of the first chapter of Zimmerman Academy at the end is very interesting. Anxious to read more about that too.
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,583 reviews47 followers
June 15, 2015
Kindle Copy for Review

Zoe Donovan now Zimmerman is on her honeymoon with Zak and the kids. But it does not take her too long to find herself in the middle of a murder this time as the main suspect. She was seen arguing with the victim before his death and threatening his life.

Spending the night in jail and being interrogated, she realizes she must find the real killer as she investigates despite warnings by the local police not to get involve. Along the way, she finds herself learning more about the island and the discrepancy between the people.

In between spending time alone with Zak and the kids, they continue to make plans for a school for gifted children. The two of the will start their new life as parents to three kids living with them as they continue on their new journey.

It has a little of everything for the readers as it showcase their plans for the future with a touch of murder thrown into the mix. This is another nice read by Kathi Daley.
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,608 reviews14 followers
June 27, 2015
This story begins with a plot twist you'll never see coming!! Zoe and Zac are on their honeymoon at a beautiful resort with Scooter and Alex. One of Zoe's special tendencies is her ability to find dead bodies at inconvenient times, then get accused of being the killer. This book is filled with interesting characters...I especially enjoyed Toad. The mystery itself, is skillfully plotted, and it's major fun reading from beginning to end. Never a dull moment!! Zoe and Zac enjoy plenty of alone time, and they're making wonderful plans for the future. The Zoe Donovan Mystery series never disappoints.

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from the author. My review is my own personal opinion and not influenced by anyone else.
Profile Image for Teresa Kander.
Author 1 book186 followers
June 16, 2015
Leave it to Zoe and Zak to have the most nontraditional honeymoon ever. Not only do they turn it into a "family" vacation with Scooter and Alex, but Zoe gets tossed in jail on the second day, accused of murder!

Naturally Zoe spends the rest of the honeymoon searching for the real murderer--although she and Zak do manage to make time just for the two of them, and for activities with the kids. I enjoyed Zoe's interactions with "Toad" throughout the book, and was happy she was able to help him out in the relationship department.

By the end of the book, not only is the real murderer found, but Zoe and Zak have made decisions that will change their lives forever. Can't wait to see what they get into in the next book.

**I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
Profile Image for Mary Brown.
1,298 reviews74 followers
June 21, 2015
With their wedding (and all the complications that came with it) over, Zoe and Zak are on their honeymoon on Heavenly Island. And in true Zoe and Zak fashion, it is not your typical honeymoon. For one thing, they did not go on their honeymoon alone. They took Charlie, Zoe’s dog, and their young friends Alex and Scooter with them. For another thing, Zoe ended up in jail on the second day of their trip, a suspect in a murder. She was released from jail but told not to leave the island. She was also told not to do any investigating on her own, but if you know Zoe, you know she will never listen to that order. So Zoe and Zak spend their honeymoon spending time with the children that went with them, spending time alone (after all it is their honeymoon) and trying to find the killer to clear Zoe’s name.

This book was a little different than the other books in the series. The book starts out with Zoe already in jail and the crime already committed. Since they are not in Ashton Falls, Zoe does not have her family and Levi to help with the investigation (Ellie does eventually join them on them island). She also did not have her friend Sheriff Salinger to compare notes and share information with. And the way the murder was solved was not done in typical Zoe fashion (I do not want to say anything more about this because I do not want to give anything away). I enjoyed these differences and thought it added a nice variety to the series.

As is usual with any books written by Kathi Daley, the characterization and the descriptions are top notch. I feel that her books are character driven and she is so talented in the way she brings all of her characters alive. They all seem so realistic and well developed that they feel like people you know and care about. I always enjoy reading about Zoe and Zak and what is happening in their lives. Some issues that were facing Ellie and Levi seem close to being resolved, which is good to know. As far as descriptive writing goes, Kathi Daley has again taken me somewhere that I could completely picture in my mind. Even though I was not reading about their home town, I felt like I was right there on the island, watching everything that was happening first hand. I think this is awesome when reading a book. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick, easy, clean read.

I cannot recommend this book (and this series) enough for anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you have not read the Zoe Donovan series, do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. I am sure you will enjoy them all. If you are familiar with the series, you are sure to enjoy this latest installment.








12 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2015
Zoe and Zak are finally married and they are on their “heavenly” honeymoon on a lush tropical island. Of course since this is Zoe’s honeymoon, what can you expect but a honeymoon shared with 2 children, a dog, a best friend, and a murder?
The first paragraph had me hooked and I couldn’t stop reading. It was another great adventure. Kathi Daley’s descriptions of the island make it seem so real. On one side of the island is the beautiful resort with a fence to separate the guests from the “poor” inhabitants that have been pushed to the other side of the island. But of course, that doesn’t keep Zoe from mingling and making friends. It really made me think about the impact of resorts on local inhabitants.
The character development, as always, is a big part of the story. I really care about Zoe, her friends, and her rapidly growing family unit. It is so nice to see Zoe mature, but still unable to stop herself from poking around “just a tiny bit” when murders happen, as they seem to do.
Kathi doesn’t just populate her books with secondary characters with no purpose. She develops their characters, too. I really enjoyed getting to know her “captor” from the beginning of the book, Toad.
Zak and Zoe are so perfect together. While solving a murder, they still managed to have some alone time, as well as sharing time with kids who have become an important part of their lives, and planning for a future together.
I am so happy that this series will continue and am really excited about the future direction of this series that the author tells us about at the end of the book. I can’t wait to see what happens to Zoe and Zak next, as well as the new “Zimmerman Academy”.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
June 17, 2015
This installment started out oh so Zoe! The loveable yet impulsive ball of energy we have all fallen in love with is already in trouble. The wedding from hell is over, fortunately with some of the details Zoe had dreamed of. Off for a nontypical tropical nontraditional family vacation/honeymoon to a luxury island resort, as we turn open the book's cover we find Zoe pacing and chanting "I do not have to pee."

Levi and Ellie were supposed to come along but they are still upset about Levi's coaching job opportunity and their unresolved future relationship. Fortunately the resort has wonderful child care to supervise and entertain Scooter and Alex. Zak and Zoe will enjoy some adult alone time.
It was planned as newly married couple time until Zoe is jailed for suspicion of murder.

We always hear that the rich are different. As they investigate to clear Zoe's name, we learn about the class differences, and some ways in which all people can be alike.
This is a well done classic whodunit with a limited number, or so it at first appears, of suspects. By process of elimination can the crime be solved?

One topic that came strongly to light in the previous book, Soul Surrender, is the desire to provide challenging education for the exceptional children now in their lives.
The timetable is moved up for accomplishing this.
As a bonus, we are given a peek into how lives in Ashton Falls will change, most notably for Phyllis King. This sounds different and exciting.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
June 16, 2015
Heavenly Honeymoon ( Zoe Donovan Mystery) Volume 15
By, Kathi Daley

Wow, what a honeymoon for Zoe and Zak. Is theirs a traditional honeymoon? I would say no to that. Zoe and Zak carry Scooter, Alex, and their dog along with them. Can Zoe mind her own business and stay away from a murder while on her honeymoon? I love Zoe , she is really a smart lady, but she is into so much and knows everything that is going on. Will she get charged for a murder on the yacht? I love the characters in Heavenly Honeymoon. Daley pens them where they are so real like and you feel like you are right there beside them. I just love these stories about Zoe and Zak. Daley tells us what to expect in the next Zimmerman Academy and I can’t wait to read it. Daley also has some recipes for us in the back of the book , Ice cream, Pies, and cookies. They all sound so good. Don’t forget to pick up you a copy of Heavenly Honeymoon and find out more about Zoe and Zak.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review , which I have given.
Profile Image for Dawn Frazier.
453 reviews40 followers
June 20, 2015
I always love spending time with Zak and Zoe, and this time they are on their honeymoon, if you can call it that. LOL. Poor Zoe, ending up in jail on her honeymoon, blamed for a murder she didn't commit. She is warned to stay out of the investigation, but does she? No. In true Zoe form, she investigates anyway, making sure she will be free to go home, and not back to jail. I loved all of the new characters in this book, and I am excited about the way the series is headed. Kathi has a way with storytelling that grabs you and doesn't let go, I finished the book in one sitting, and now await the next in the series!
661 reviews17 followers
June 23, 2015
Zoe and Zack are on Heavenly Island to celebrate their honeymoon, but by day two, Zoe finds herself in jail as a potential murder suspect! Scooter and Alex are also with Zoe and Zack....a most nontraditional honeymoon!

I am really enjoying the Zoe Donovan Mysteries, and this book was even better than the previous installments. I am looking forward to the next book and learning about Zoe and Zack's continuing adventures. I am also looking forward to seeing how the Zimmerman Academy develops.


I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
54 reviews
Read
June 16, 2015
I am once again so excited as Kathi Dailey turns out yet another fantastic book in the Zoe Donovan series! Read it all in one afternoon. This is the 15th book in this series and I am hoping for many more… READ THEM ALL.
Only Zoe would end up in a grungy jail on her honeymoon as the only suspect in a murder case. This book has so many new characters to keep you on your toes as Zoe tries to find the real murderer. Ellie flys in to help and as usual Zak is a big help.
This book sets the stage for many future events and plans for Zoe. Even a book within a book. Please read and enjoy
Profile Image for Barbara Tobey.
3,003 reviews87 followers
June 16, 2015
It is always fun to read about Zoe, Zak and friends. Their interest in helping animals and children is heartwarming. Ending up in jail on one's honeymoon is not the way to start a marriage. The mystery was clever and engaging. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the previous books in this series and look forward to reading many more.
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 Tari.
3,658 reviews103 followers
March 24, 2024
Wow, only Zoe could get tossed into jail on her honeymoon, right? Although she’s got a winning personality and managed to get the two cops in charge to be a little friendlier and finally come to an agreement. Good ole Sheriff Salinger at home, gotta love that guy for putting in a good word for Zoe. And bail money from Zak didn’t hurt either lol.

Aside from the mysterious murder on a yacht and the killer who only Zoe apparently saw, she and Zak did have a good time on the island consisting of amazing food, making a few new friends and giving their little friends Scooter and Alex an awesome vacation.

I love what they decided about schooling for those two and a teen I remembered from a previous book. I like the direction the author said she was taking this series and highly recommend reading the author’s note at the end as well as the excerpt that follows.
Profile Image for Celest.
716 reviews9 followers
October 26, 2017
A not so heavenly honeymoon

This story had a very unique beginning, different from the other books in the series. I loved it. Kathi Daley seems to always find unexpected ways to capture the attention of her audience. In keeping with the tone of the series, Zoe and Zak's honeymoon couldn't be anything but a fiasco. A very intriguing and entertaining fiasco. They met some new interesting people on the island and the kids, Alex and Scooter, had a wonderful time. I had a great time too, trying to figure out who dun it and why.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,424 reviews12 followers
February 10, 2022
Zoe and Zac have taken Scooter and Alex on Honeymoon with them, Charlie has gone along too. When Zoe ends up in jail early on after being accused of murder, will they even have a Honeymoon, what's for sure is they will never forget it!

I cannot put this cozy mystery series down and can easily read 2 of the books in a day. They are easily read in a few hours, and although each book is a standalone mystery, the backstory runs through all the books in the series, so they're best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Profile Image for Susan Clark.
549 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2019
What a Honeymoon!

This Daley book takes place in the early part of Zoe and Zak’s honeymoon. It surprised me that she would spend so much of that precious time sleuthing, but i guess she had a good reason. Favorite characters? Toad and Talin. I truly hope to meet them again later. 😺
Profile Image for Arow.
634 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2020
I enjoyed a lot of this story, other parts though just made me shake my head. The murder mystery was one of the best in the series to date. I just struggled with some of the personal decisions.

I enjoyed the author's note at the end explaining where the series is going next. I am going to take this time to read a few other books but will definitely be returning to this series again
Profile Image for Marlene Johnson.
44 reviews
July 20, 2020
This is a fantastic book! I love the series but great by it self. Kathi Daley is one of my favorite authors. The recipes are really easy and all that I have tried are wonderful.

Kathi Daley is one of my favorites. This series is fantastic. But this book can be read alone! Fantastic recipes!
Profile Image for D.
1,297 reviews16 followers
October 8, 2020
On the second night of her honeymoon, Zoe is being held in jail waiting for a murder charge. Sallinger's endorsement gets her out of jail but not totally off the hook. This is the first book where the author includes a chapter about Zimmerman Academy personnel and students from Phyllis' point of view.
1,033 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2021
Zoe Arrested for Murder on Their Honeymoon

Everyone takes two kids and another adult on their honeymoon, right?! Zoe and Zak are unique people. She gets arrested for murder a day or two after they arrive on the island, which means they are involved in solving it. A very interesting story, different from usual.
143 reviews
December 1, 2017
Country librarian

Another good book in the series. Im looking forward to the new academy coming into play in the future books and cant wait to read the added chapters at the end. Enjoy
974 reviews3 followers
February 11, 2021
Zoe Donovan Mystery #15

Definitely a good read. I love the characters and the storyline. The characters have grown so much since the first couple of books and I look forward to reading them all.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
August 23, 2018
Different Cozy

This a different cozy taking a new direction that I think will be very interesting.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries with a little romance.
Profile Image for Robin Resch.
651 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2020
Till death do us part

Who but Zoe could go on a honeymoon and be arrested for murder? Can she solve this one or will she spend the rest of her married life behind bars?
4 reviews
January 28, 2023
Two plus three equal five?

I read books with a lot of twists and turns, but this book keeps you guessing to the end.

Loved it!!
Profile Image for Joanne.
189 reviews7 followers
July 8, 2015
Heavenly honeymoon is the fifteenth book in Kathi Daley’s Zoe Donovan series. Released shortly after Soul Surrender, this book begins after Zoe and Zak are finally married and on their honeymoon on a lush tropical island honeymoon complete with 2 children, a dog, a best friend, and a murder! What more could newlyweds ask for? I have read the other books in the Zoe Donovan series, I believe that you'll agree that this one is the best book to date. Imagine Zak and Zoe, their dog Charlie, along Scooter and Alex (the children that are like family to them) on a family vacation style vacation honeymoon. Fortunately there is a Kids Club to entertain the kids so the newlyweds do get to have some adult time as a couple.
Kathi Daley’s descriptions of the island is as real as some of the islands our family toured with Disney Cruise line. There is a beautiful tourist resort haven resort with minimal separation of the guests from the “poor”, impoverished, native inhabitants on the other side of the island. That doesn’t keep Zoe from making new friends. One of those new friends introduced toward the beginning of the book, Toad, becomes Zoe’s “captor”. Zak’s business contact, Jensen Ewing, invites the Zak and Zoe to attend a dinner cruise on his yacht. There is a murder, and Zoe is arrested as the primary suspect on the second evening of their honeymoon requiring she spend the night in jail. She was seen arguing with the victim before his death and threatening his life. Zoe is told not to leave the island or to investigate, but Zoe just can’t resist and she investigates in true Zoe fashion.

The character development is an integral part of the story. Loyal readers care about Zoe, her friends, and her rapidly growing family. It is so nice to see how Zoe has matured. Zak and Zoe are absolutely perfect as a couple. While solving a murder, they still managed to have some alone time, as well as sharing time with the kids who have become an important part of their lives, and planning for a future together. There are several sub-plots in this book and a resolution to a situation with her best friends, Ellie and Levi. The cooperative efforts of Zoe, Zak, Ellie and the two investigators on the case combined solve the murder, thus allowing Zoe to go home at their scheduled departure. During their time on the Island, Zoe and Zak agree on the futures of their two young wards along with Pi, the 16 year old computer genius that Zak has been helping. Zak has made progress on his plan to establish the Zimmerman Academy, a school that would meet the needs of exceptional children like Alex, academically advanced yet emotionally and socially is not ready to attend high school, Scooter who needs loving parental type attention and Pi, the computer hacking genius level teenager. Zak proposes that these unique kids move in with him and Zoe becoming a real family for all of them. The Zimmerman Academy would be an excellent school that future Zimmerman children will attend so they won’t have to be sent to a boarding school for a better education than is possible in the Ashton Falls school system. Zoe loves the idea!

The books in this series can easily be read and enjoyed as stand-alone mysteries, buy I believe readers will truly appreciate Heavenly Honeymoon to the full extent possible if you read Matrimony Meltdown and Soul Surrender first. Heavenly Honeymoon brings the basis of the original Zoe Donovan series to an appropriate, logical conclusion given the well plotted sequence of events. Zoe has grown quite a bit though through the series and this one ends up being a bit different. The groundwork has been laid for the new direction the series will take. Before you come to the end of this book, Kathi Daley provides an introduction to the “rest of the story” with an enticing description in preparation to take the series on the further adventures of a more mature Zoe Donovan Zimmerman and Zak. I am delighted that this series will continue and can envision Zoe and Zak, starting their new life as parents to three children and the progression of their plans for a school for gifted children. All great news for fans of the Zoe Donovan series. You can read this as a stand-alone but I highly recommend the entire Zoe Donovan-Zimmerman series. It is amazing to read this series and realize how much Zoe has developed and changed over time. I believe this book is the best of the series to date. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves cozies that are well-written and keep you coming back for more. You definitely won’t want to skip the delicious recipes at the end of the book which sound amazing!
4,417 reviews43 followers
May 29, 2023
Who killed Ricardo Jemenez and why??? Mondy??? Zoe will figure things out though, won't she???
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