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When a long dead ghost leads Alyson to a treasure map days before Thanksgiving, she enlists the help of her friends to follow the clues. As they dig into the century old mystery, they discover a legend regarding a relic that many believe once possessed life sustaining power.

The search for the relic leads Alyson and the gang deep into the system of caverns that exists beneath the small town of Cutter's Cove. They face huge obstacles and must overcome personal fears to follow the clues they find along the way.

Meanwhile, Alyson tells Mac the truth about her past. She reveals the reason she is involved with witness protection and the danger she continues to live with every day of her life.

202 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2015

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452 people want to read

About the author

Kathi Daley

328 books1,782 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
211 (65%)
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77 (23%)
3 stars
32 (9%)
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3 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,612 reviews14 followers
July 11, 2015
The Relic is such an exciting story. It reminds me of the movie, Goonies, or maybe a contemporary Nancy Drew and friends on a Pirates of the Caribbean adventure!! It's a feel-good, entertaining mystery. Ashley has become quite the teenage sleuth since she and her mom were placed in a witness protection program and moved into an old haunted house on a cliff overlooking the ocean in Cutter's Cove, Oregon. Ashley's met the coolest friends at Seacliff High who are smart, hardworking, inquisitive, and adventuresome like she is. In book three, Ashley is guided by the spirit of a Native American male with ancestry from the area, who has a poignant history and reason for seeking Ashley's help. She and her friends follow a trail to a stolen statue, led by clues from an old parchment, and an old journal. The 'bad guys', of course, want the treasure more, and it's a battle of wits between them and the teen friends, and Ashley's otherworldly spirit guide. This is a perfect anytime read for teenagers and the young at heart!

The author provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. My review is my own personal opinion and not influenced by anyone else.
4,417 reviews43 followers
November 12, 2022
Where is the statue and who stole it??? It’s like a treasure hunt, isn’t it??? And U enjoyed following the clues very much!!! I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
June 30, 2015
The Relic ( Seacliff High Book #3 )
By: Kathi Daley

The Relic is the third book in The Seacliff High series. These books are geared toward the younger generation , but don’t let that stop you from enjoying a very good cozy mystery. I an a mother and grandmother and I really enjoyed this series. If you are like me and love a good cozy mystery , but enjoy a little romance thrown in , then The Relic is for you. I love the way Alyson and her friends all stick together when there is something going on , they are always ready to help out. I also love Alyson’s mom, she is so supportive of her and her friends. They all love her and think she is the greatest. You will meet up with some of the same characters you met in the other two books , then there is always new characters to meet . I was drawn into the story right from the start and did not want to stop till the end. A long dead ghost visits with Alyson at Cutter’s Cove and leads her to a treasured map right before Thanksgiving, and that is what starts the mystery. There is lots of action, mystery, some romance, and some cave adventures. This is one book you do not want to miss out on. I hope Kathi Daley will penn us another book in this series. Thanks Kathi Daley.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review, which I have given.
Profile Image for Mary Brown.
1,298 reviews74 followers
July 5, 2015
Alyson, with the help of her resident ghost, uncovers a treasure map one night. She enlists the help of her friends to follow clues and to see if there is any treasure to uncover. Along the way the gang befriends Booker, a retired librarian, who is an expert on the history of Cutter’s Cove. They are hoping with his help, they can decipher a long-lost language and solve the mystery of the treasure map.

As is usual with all of Kathi Daley’s books, the characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. She is very talented in creating characters that the reader can relate to and care about. They continue to grow in their own personal lives and in their relationships with each other, and this is fun to see happen. I enjoyed learning more about the reason that Alyson and her mother are in witness protection and I think that added another layer to their personalities.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy, clean read. Kathi Daley must live in a small town setting because she is able to create the atmosphere perfectly. After reading one of her books I always think “that would be a great place to live”.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery cozy. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series and seeing what happens next to the gang of friends.
Profile Image for Pamela.
49 reviews25 followers
July 11, 2015
After reading this third installment in The Seacliff High series, I can say that I'm still hooked! These books just keep getting better & better. This one delves into yet another mystery that also involves the supernatural. Alyson has learned to accept her new "gifts" & she uses them along with help from the rest of the gang as they plunge head on into solving the latest mystery. This book shows the growing bond between Alyson & Mac with Alyson finally confiding her secret. We finally learn all the details in how Aly & her Mom wound up in the Witness Protection Program. The camaraderie between this group of teenagers is great. Everyone is always willing to jump in & do their part. These books are every bit as much about teenage relationships as the mystery itself which I enjoy. The developing romances are sweet as they should be at that age. Alyson's dog, Tucker, protects her & helps them stumble onto a few clues. The writing is very descriptive & I can picture all the scenes in my head. These books are a fast & enjoyable read for teenagers & those of us who remember what it's like to be one. I can't wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Teresa Kander.
Author 1 book187 followers
July 1, 2015
This is the third installment in the Seacliff High series. It is geared toward younger readers but is not limited to that age group. Former readers of the Nancy Drew series will find this series to be very similar.

This time around, Alyson and her friends are looking for a stolen statue which was sacred to Native Americans in the area. There is suspense, action,romance--and some great descriptions of their cave explorations.

The teens have quickly become a very close-knit group, sticking together in every situation. Aly's mom is a great character,too,who is supportive of the teens and always willing to feed them. This time around we get to meet some of the parents of the other teens as well, which is nice.

I can hardly wait to see what the teens get into next!

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
54 reviews
June 29, 2015
I must say first that this book and this series is written for Young Adults. However, I think it is as enjoyable for all ages. I fall in the 60 plus crowd and I read it all in one sitting. It is a great mystery series. In Book 3 the main character Alyson finds an ancient map in her house in Cutter’s Cove. She and her Mom have moved there with new identities to protect them. In this book Alyson decides to trust her friend Mac with her story. With the discovery of this map, Alyson jumps right into solving it and once again enlists the help of her new friends. The new character in this book is Booker, the retired librarian. He instantly welcomes them and helps them with clues on the map. I am not one to reveal the mystery, but it is an intriguing one filled with local Cutter’s Cove history. Enjoy fall in this town and hang around for Thanksgiving!
178 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2015

I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are my own. I enjoyed reading this book. Kathi writes a well paced and well told story. I felt like I was in school with the characters. Alyson has a unique talent and some interesting visitors. Her best friend Mac and their friends Eli, Devon and Trevor help her investigate some historical clues. This series and this book reminds me of the Scooby gang. I have liked mysteries since I was in elementary school reading boxcar children and nancy Drew. This book was very reminiscent of that and brought back many memories for me. I found myself rooting for Alyson and her friends to figure everything out and be safe. I think that this book is good read for people of many ages. I would recommend this book to other readers of mystery and good books.
Profile Image for Jane Firebaugh.
Author 7 books99 followers
June 30, 2015
This is the third book in a great series that is written with teens in mind, but in my opinion is equally great for adults and tweens, really almost anyone who loves a fun clean mystery. Kathi Daley writes with a very enjoyable style, and her characters are just so likeable. It is always a pleasure to read her books. If you like Nancy Drew, you will love this series.

Merged review:

This is the third book in a great series that is written with teens in mind, but in my opinion is equally great for adults and tweens, really almost anyone who loves a fun clean mystery. Kathi Daley writes with a very enjoyable style, and her characters are just so likeable. It is always a pleasure to read her books. If you like Nancy Drew, you will love this series.
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,588 reviews47 followers
June 27, 2015
Kindle Copy for Review

In book 3, Alyson finds a treasure map which leads her and her friends as they follow the clues. Unknown to them there are other people after the treasure and a curse statue along the way who are willing to kill them.

Along the way, Alyson tells her new friend Mac her past as she stumbles on a picture that she left in view. Mac promises not to reveal her secret as their friendship is strengthening further.

Will Alyson and her friends manage to overcome the dangers along the way as they risk their lives? This is another intriguing plot from the author involving teenagers solving mysteries.
Profile Image for Donna.
2,392 reviews
July 17, 2015
Alyson Prescott moved with her mom to Cutter's Cove, Oregon three months ago due to being in the witness protection program. In this book, she finally reveals this secret to her best friend Mac, giving us readers the details of the murder she witnessed. Alyson and her friends get caught up in another mystery after a ghost leads Alyson to discover an ancient manuscript under the floorboards.

This book is another easy-to-read adventure. It's good, clean fun and a pleasure to read. I enjoyed it.

I received this book for free in a giveaway. My opinion is my own and not influenced by anyone.
Profile Image for Penny Marks.
364 reviews13 followers
June 30, 2015
GREAT!

This book is another win for Kathi Daley and all her fans. This story gets better and better with each book in the series. The characters are so entertaining I never want the books to end. I would recommend this book to not only a YA group but adults too. The story line is to good to be passed up. Another must read!
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
596 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2018
This Book kind of dragged.

I like the characters and love the setting and a little paranormal is what keeps me coming back for more. However, this Book (3) did not hold my interest as much as Book 2. The story was not bad but it was just an average rating type book. I've already downloaded Book 4 and am hoping that the story will hold my interest as much as Book 2 did (which is why I downloaded this book). This series could work as individual "stand alone" books because each book is like a new episode in a TV series. ...some stories just are better than others and this series about a group of intelligent, sarcastic, funny and nosy teens is like being the "fly on the wall" and eavesdropping on the lives of my kids (during their teens) and now my granddaughter's lives. They are relatable!!
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,862 reviews
October 7, 2019
Alyson and her friends are drawn into another mystery when a ghost leads her to a treasure map that was buried under a floor board in the house she and her mom are restoring. The find was done with great timing as the floor was scheduled to be replaced shortly afterwards. When there's a book donated to the new museum, Alyson notices a similarity between the language on the map and in the book. The friends are introduced to the former school librarian who is an expert in history and languages.

The third in Kathi Daley's young adult series, this book was fabulous. I was hooked from beginning to end. The characters are well-rounded and fun to get to know. I highly recommend both the book and the series.
667 reviews8 followers
June 14, 2019
Wracking High Mystery Book 3

This is another winner. This author writes wonderful storylines and has a cast of wonderful characters that you want to meet. I love this series and the next one is 12 years in the future. Both series are great but you should read the first series and the are teenagers first. I read the second one first but did not care. It just made me want to read this series more. I highly recommend all her books. Diana Romano
Profile Image for Kathy Fair.
295 reviews7 followers
November 6, 2017
Very upbeat read

Definitely a good read for teenagers add young adults. The group of kids find out about some hidden treasure and have decided to find the sacred statue and are on a mission to find it. Good read for young adults, although I found it to be very interesting as a seriously older adult.
Profile Image for Neena Christianson Martin.
1,185 reviews11 followers
March 5, 2018
Who has the statue?

The gangs all back in book three, and this time they're getting help from a retired librarian and local history buff. We learn more about Alyson's real past and what sent them to Cutter's Cove. Trying to solve this mystery is getting very dangerous for everyone, but they are all committed to following the clues to the end.
729 reviews7 followers
August 13, 2017
OMG GOOD!

I'm truly addicted to these books. This one might have been the best one yet. The characters in these books are truly hero material and the kind anyone would want to emulate. Loved it.
412 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2022
Interesting

This time the kids followed the directions on a parchment to find a sacred statue that needed to be returned to its rightful place. The one thing left is the bones of the Captain in the tunnel.
Profile Image for Caryl Nantze.
35 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2019
Another great mystery. Keeps you wanting to never put it down until the end. Just love her stories!
Profile Image for K-BRC.
1,027 reviews
April 30, 2020
A remarkable YA series that has characters that appeal to both male and female. The storyline is well developed with layers of mystery. Must read.
Profile Image for Lisa.
626 reviews30 followers
November 11, 2022
Answers

Alyson and her friends find another mystery to solve. The championship football game and plans for Thanksgiving are experienced with thankfulness.
639 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2023
Fun story!

Totally had the Nancy Drew vibe! Enjoyed this totally unbelievable tale…good job to the author! Looking forward to the next tale!
Profile Image for Joanne.
189 reviews7 followers
July 7, 2015
The Curse is the second book Kathi Daley’s Seacliff High Mystery series. Although this series was written primarily for teens and young adults, as a Mother and Grandmother, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It brings me back to my early enjoyment of books like Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys and Trixie Belden. I recommend this book/series for those of all ages who appreciate a well written mystery. This book quickly pulls the reader in, and the depth of scare/terrifying scenes written into the strong plot, has you anxious to know what will happen next.

Relocated in the Witness Protection Program, Alyson Prescott and her mom are still settling into their new home in Cutter’s Cove, Oregon. We begin to see how participation in this program is taking a toll on both of them and how much Alyson wishes for a normal life, a life without lies and deception. This story is set in the fall shortly before Halloween, Allyson and her friends are preparing for the annual Halloween Hayride. Two of Caleb's friends as well as the decorations and props for the hayride disappear. Alyson and her friends can’t convince the police that the two troubled teens did not simply run away. Where are the missing teens and who took them? Are they runaways? Where they kidnapped, or killed? Multiple twists and turns complete with a plethora of clues to sort out are present throughout the book. Simultaneous to this Alyson has disturbing dreams in which she is trapped in a dark underground passageway while dirt pours down surrounding her which cuts off her air supply. Alyson is a bright, normal teenager, who lives in a beautiful 100 year old home, where things happen, ghosts appear with regularity and Alyson has no difficulty communicating with them. As a bonus, these ghosts are helpful! That light touch of paranormal coupled with ghostly images and spells are all appropriate for the Halloween setting and add to the story. Despite the need to keep her background confidential, Kathi Daley skillfully continues to develop the characters and their friendship. In this book I can see that the secrets of Alyson's past may gradually come to light.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written cozy mystery cozy. It could be read as a stand-alone, but you will enjoy the book more if you have the opportunity to read the first book in the series as well. Honestly, I could envision this book being read by a group of teens or young adults around a campfire or as an evening activity at camp with lights off and the sounds of nature in the background! The book is a quick, easy read. I know you will not be disappointed as there are lots of mysterious things happening in The Curse. I can’t wait to read The Relic, book three in the series.
Profile Image for Emily Beaver.
340 reviews44 followers
July 30, 2015
I won this on a Goodreads giveaway.
Oh goodness, where do I even start? I was a bit upset when I discovered that this book is the third in the series. But I was pleasantly pleased to find out that you don’t necessarily need to read the first two in order to understand what is going on. However, I thought the story could’ve used some more fluff. It went from one thing to the next. The writing could’ve also been more descriptive. Near the end, I felt like Daley was in a rush to finish it because one moment they are home, the next Alyson has the statue in her hands. I had to force myself to read because I knew I would never finish it if I didn’t. This was the first book that I read by Daley so I had no idea what to expect. I did like the mystery aspect of the story, but the small tidbits of Alyson's life seemed rushed so the reader could enjoy more the search. There really wasn't that much of a distinction between the characters, especially the guys. Also, the dialogue of the characters seemed scripted and unnatural. I would've liked to hear more of Alyson's backstory and their previous adventure instead of a quick sentence.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
July 19, 2015
This series gets better and better with each book. This book will be enjoyed even if you have not read the previous installments but grab them right away and love this series from the beginning.
In this third book we learn details about why Alyson and Sarah had to start new lives.
A secret is told and the person who now knows is finding it difficult not to let pieces of it slip out. The book opens with a ghostly presence and the sleuthing is on.
It is back to the cave and tunnels for the investigating best friends.
Being Thanksgiving week, there is also an important football game to win, the new museum to open, and a first Thanksgiving dinner to organize. So much to fit in when there is mystery on their minds. Included is a code you can try to crack before the friends do.

I love the characters Kathi Daley shares with us. They are intelligent and adventurous.
When they find themselves in trouble, they protect each other. Tucker, Alyson's guard puppy, puts up with so much this time!
This was a really good mystery to solve on several levels.
All ages can enjoy this series.
663 reviews17 followers
July 1, 2015
This is the 3rd book in the Seacliff High series and is a Young Adult book. That being said, this is also a good book for those of us who are not young adults! The story revolves around the continuing adventures of Alyson Prescott and her friends at Seacliff High. In this book, Alyson is led to a hidden parchment that is written in an unknown language. With the help of a retired librarian, Alyson and the gang are able to solve the mystery of the parchment and return a stolen relic to it's rightful place.

This story has a good pace and the characters are very real. I enjoyed this book and the pace of the story. It is a clean read- no worries about unnecessary violence or gore and I would highly recommend it to readers of all ages!


I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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