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Tess and Tilly #3
The Mother's Day Mishap
If you love small towns, endearing relationships, food, animals, and a touch of murder, you will love this new mystery series by Kathi Daley, author of the popular Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Series.It's Mother's Day in White Eagle Montana and spring has come to the small foothills community. It's the season for puppies and kittens to be born and rehomed, families to gather for an outdoor picnic and a baseball game, friends to fall in love, and a shocking mystery to filter to the surface after so many years. Join Tess and Tilly as they sleuth out the truth while delivering the daily mail.
209 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2018
1090 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
321 books1,791 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 97 reviews
April 28, 2018
The Mother’s Day Mishap
A Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery, Book #3
Kathi Daley
5 Stars
Synopsis:
If you love small towns, endearing relationships, food, animals, and a touch of murder, you will love this new mystery series by Kathi Daley, author of the popular Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Series.
It's Mother's Day in White Eagle Montana and spring has come to the small foothills community. It's the season for puppies and kittens to be born and rehomed, families to gather for an outdoor picnic and a baseball game, friends to fall in love, and a shocking mystery to filter to the surface after so many years.
Join Tess and Tilly as they sleuth out the truth while delivering the daily mail. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed, which is typical for this author. She always creates characters that you would like to be friends with and always wants to spend more time with. I think Tess is a smart woman but she is a little clueless when it come to her relationship with Tony, her long time “friend”. I cannot wait for Tony to get up the nerve to tell her exactly how he feels.
I really enjoyed the fact that no dead bodies were found in this book, I found that very refreshing. There is still a mystery to be solved and I thought it was a very heart wrenching mystery to solve. I am not sure where the author comes up with the storylines that she does, but as a reader, I am glad that she is so creative and enjoy her books very much.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. With her descriptive writing and her great character development, I am drawn into the worlds created right from the beginning and am happy to go along for the ride until the end of the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I enjoy all of the series written by this author and I really think you will too.
A Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery, Book #3
Kathi Daley
5 Stars
Synopsis:
If you love small towns, endearing relationships, food, animals, and a touch of murder, you will love this new mystery series by Kathi Daley, author of the popular Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Series.
It's Mother's Day in White Eagle Montana and spring has come to the small foothills community. It's the season for puppies and kittens to be born and rehomed, families to gather for an outdoor picnic and a baseball game, friends to fall in love, and a shocking mystery to filter to the surface after so many years.
Join Tess and Tilly as they sleuth out the truth while delivering the daily mail. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed, which is typical for this author. She always creates characters that you would like to be friends with and always wants to spend more time with. I think Tess is a smart woman but she is a little clueless when it come to her relationship with Tony, her long time “friend”. I cannot wait for Tony to get up the nerve to tell her exactly how he feels.
I really enjoyed the fact that no dead bodies were found in this book, I found that very refreshing. There is still a mystery to be solved and I thought it was a very heart wrenching mystery to solve. I am not sure where the author comes up with the storylines that she does, but as a reader, I am glad that she is so creative and enjoy her books very much.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. With her descriptive writing and her great character development, I am drawn into the worlds created right from the beginning and am happy to go along for the ride until the end of the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I enjoy all of the series written by this author and I really think you will too.
January 30, 2019
I continue to love this series!💖 There is usually more than one mystery happening at the same time. The common thread mystery throughout these books is the question about who Tess’s father really is.
September 9, 2020
The Mother's Day Mishap is another sweet cozy mystery set in White Eagle, MT. Tess and Tony have a couple of mysteries to solve in this one plus there seems to be a little romance in the air. The community of White Eagle and the characters are well developed now and I feel like I'm visiting with old friends when I begin a new book in this series.
September 8, 2021
Why these books aren't a Hallmark series, I don't know. It fits the Hallmark theme perfectly; a quaint small town where everyone knows everyone else, romance in the air for the main character, her friend and her family and just enough mystery to keep you interested. I can just see Candace Cameron Bure and several love interests who all look alike - you know what I mean, same low fade haircut, just enough beard to not look like heavy stubble but not enough to look like a lumberjack. Get on this, Hallmark, I need another cozy mystery movie series.
Anyway, this was cute, and the mystery was heartwarming - while delivering mail, Tess is given a misdelivered Mother's Day card without a return address that was sent to the recently deceased owner from her estranged son looking to heal the rift that pulled them apart. Tess, with Tony's help, tracks down the location where the card's sender was hoping to reunite with his mother so that Tess and Tony can notify him of his mother's death.
This was a sweet book and I really enjoyed it. My only issue with this series (as I've read so far) is that important scenes are only related after the fact to other characters while scenes that really don't have much bearing on the story get more attention. For example, there's several scenes about building planter boxes but when it came to the big moment, meeting the Mother's Day card's sender, it was cut off as Tess and Tony were approaching the man and then later related to Bree after it happened, which was a bit of a let down. I read this whole story and you're going to steal the big payoff?
Overall, this was a quick, light and feel-good read and the story really drew me in. I'm going to give this series a new genre - RoCo = Romantic Cozy. While the theme of the book is firmly cozy mystery, a lot of the suspense comes from the will-they-or-won't-they-get-together romantic tension. There's no real romance other than hand holding and kisses on the cheek, but it's a prominent theme to the books, at least so far.
Anyway, this was cute, and the mystery was heartwarming - while delivering mail, Tess is given a misdelivered Mother's Day card without a return address that was sent to the recently deceased owner from her estranged son looking to heal the rift that pulled them apart. Tess, with Tony's help, tracks down the location where the card's sender was hoping to reunite with his mother so that Tess and Tony can notify him of his mother's death.
This was a sweet book and I really enjoyed it. My only issue with this series (as I've read so far) is that important scenes are only related after the fact to other characters while scenes that really don't have much bearing on the story get more attention. For example, there's several scenes about building planter boxes but when it came to the big moment, meeting the Mother's Day card's sender, it was cut off as Tess and Tony were approaching the man and then later related to Bree after it happened, which was a bit of a let down. I read this whole story and you're going to steal the big payoff?
Overall, this was a quick, light and feel-good read and the story really drew me in. I'm going to give this series a new genre - RoCo = Romantic Cozy. While the theme of the book is firmly cozy mystery, a lot of the suspense comes from the will-they-or-won't-they-get-together romantic tension. There's no real romance other than hand holding and kisses on the cheek, but it's a prominent theme to the books, at least so far.
April 24, 2018
“The Mother's Day Mishap” earns 4/5 Mysterious Messages!
Kathi Daley’s work is always packed full of several engaging character-driven storylines, and her easy-to-read style and entertaining dialogue makes it right for a page-turner weekend. There are two fascinating storylines that have been weaving through the three books, but unfortunately the storyline involving her father’s death, or maybe-not-death, is here just as a footnote…hopefully that will take center stage soon because it has seriously sparked my interest. Also Tess has been concerned about her mother’s Italian pen-pal friendship enlisting the skills and contacts of her good friend/tech wiz to get a background check. Originally there seemed nothing for Tess to use to abate her mother’s eagerness, but digging further has brought up some disturbing “red flags.” But, the resolution seemed to fall off. I think that this storyline just isn't finished yet.
The main “Mishap” really pulls at the heart strings. A Mother's Day card inadvertently was opened revealing the desire for “The Prodigal Child” to reconcile with his mother, long time resident Edna Fairchild. Sadly she passed away six months ago, and without a name or return address, Tess feels compelled to search for the offspring’s identity and deliver the news in person rather than sending it off to the dead letter office. It is an engaging story filled with family dysfunction, teenage bullying, and families falling out of touch, but (no spoilers) there was mention to a question in the young man’s father’s legal issue that never seemed to be resolved. I may have thought it more important than it really was.
The best part of Kathi Daley’s work is how she gives us a deep look into her characters and their connections to each other and their “fur-friends.” Tess has Tilly and two cats, Tang and Tinder, on whom she dotes with walks and swimming adventures. She also assists the handsome vet with his upcoming adoption event along with a training regiment to help make two inseparable terriers more adoptable. Relationships, friends or lovers, continue to progress raising an interesting issue: can long-time friends be more? But remember the treat fans always enjoy. Kathi includes easy-to-follow recipes submitted by fans in her Facebook Recipe Exchange Group. Here you just may have find a great entree for your Mother’s Day gathering (Italian Chicken, Chicken Tetrazzini, Chili Spaghetti Casserole), or make Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies as a treat for all the “mothers “ in your life.
Kathi Daley’s work is always packed full of several engaging character-driven storylines, and her easy-to-read style and entertaining dialogue makes it right for a page-turner weekend. There are two fascinating storylines that have been weaving through the three books, but unfortunately the storyline involving her father’s death, or maybe-not-death, is here just as a footnote…hopefully that will take center stage soon because it has seriously sparked my interest. Also Tess has been concerned about her mother’s Italian pen-pal friendship enlisting the skills and contacts of her good friend/tech wiz to get a background check. Originally there seemed nothing for Tess to use to abate her mother’s eagerness, but digging further has brought up some disturbing “red flags.” But, the resolution seemed to fall off. I think that this storyline just isn't finished yet.
The main “Mishap” really pulls at the heart strings. A Mother's Day card inadvertently was opened revealing the desire for “The Prodigal Child” to reconcile with his mother, long time resident Edna Fairchild. Sadly she passed away six months ago, and without a name or return address, Tess feels compelled to search for the offspring’s identity and deliver the news in person rather than sending it off to the dead letter office. It is an engaging story filled with family dysfunction, teenage bullying, and families falling out of touch, but (no spoilers) there was mention to a question in the young man’s father’s legal issue that never seemed to be resolved. I may have thought it more important than it really was.
The best part of Kathi Daley’s work is how she gives us a deep look into her characters and their connections to each other and their “fur-friends.” Tess has Tilly and two cats, Tang and Tinder, on whom she dotes with walks and swimming adventures. She also assists the handsome vet with his upcoming adoption event along with a training regiment to help make two inseparable terriers more adoptable. Relationships, friends or lovers, continue to progress raising an interesting issue: can long-time friends be more? But remember the treat fans always enjoy. Kathi includes easy-to-follow recipes submitted by fans in her Facebook Recipe Exchange Group. Here you just may have find a great entree for your Mother’s Day gathering (Italian Chicken, Chicken Tetrazzini, Chili Spaghetti Casserole), or make Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies as a treat for all the “mothers “ in your life.
June 13, 2018
Tess and her best friend, Bree are busy looking for a son who is trying to reconnect with his mother, who has unfortunately passed away. With no return address on the letter he sent to his mother, it will take all the resources Tess and her friends can find to discover the young man's identity. Another great mystery with twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. Mystery and animal lovers both will enjoy this third book in the series.
November 25, 2020
This is a nice little series, made all the better by they mysteries being something other than murders.
September 16, 2018
This was a touching story that I very much enjoyed. When Tess delivers a letter to her friend Bree who accidentally opens it and realizes that it was for the previous owner of the shop. It is from a son who hasn't spoken to his mother in years and wants to patch thing up. Tess is pulled into finding out more about him since his mother has passed.
There is also a twist with Tess' mother's interest in a pen pal who comes to town with a suspicious past. Also there is the continuing search about Tess' father. There is plenty of things going on in this book to keep you turning the pages. I will continue on with this series.
There is also a twist with Tess' mother's interest in a pen pal who comes to town with a suspicious past. Also there is the continuing search about Tess' father. There is plenty of things going on in this book to keep you turning the pages. I will continue on with this series.
July 11, 2022
I 'read' the first three books in this series back-to-back courtesy of an Audible box set so I'm going to give my impressions of the series so far, rather than a book by book review.
Things I love:
That Tilly (golden retriever extraordinaire) goes to work with Tess, delivering the mail all across town.
Because Tess comes in contact with nearly everyone every day, she is in the perfect position to naturally snoop...while still working! (It's often a cozy reader's lament that the amateur sleuths who own their own small businesses are never actually working, dropping everything to follow a lead, but we all know stores don't run themselves. lol)
The pet rescue focus -- which came as a surprise, but Tess is an avid volunteer at the pet rescue and each book has featured some adoption events and/or actual pet rescues. A fun bonus for this animal lover.
Great cast of secondary characters -- deep friendships -- Tess always has backup. She doesn't often go running headlong into danger alone. She has a posse. :-)
That posse includes a sigh-worthy guy who I hope she ends up with only there's this other sigh-worthy guy who is just as great but not right for Tess, imho! We're not quite into love triangle territory yet...but the author is having fun teasing us.
The mysteries are on the lighter side which is a nice switch. And the sleuthing is swaddled in coziness. So, if you like your cozy mystery with the emphasis on cozy, this is the series for you.
It's a holiday series! We've had Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day so far and I'm looking forward to what else is in store. And the specific holiday plays an important role in the story -- it's not just a backdrop.
There's an over-arcing personal (to Tess) mystery thread that is building with each book. I find myself quite invested in it and the possible outcomes.
Things I don't love, but don't actually hate either:
These are very quick reads. Novella length really (each story is about 4 hours on audible) so there's not as much detail as I'd like and sometimes important things are skimmed over because of the shorter word count, I'm guessing. Like the mystery reveals are just a couple of paragraphs long (it seems) and often important details are revealed after the fact in a wrap up scenario instead of the reader (or listener) experiencing it in 'real time.'
There might be a love triangle...I can't tell for sure yet. I'm hoping that we'll bypass that dreaded trope but I'm wary....
Nevertheless, I'm hooked and will definitely be continuing with the series. There's another box set of books 4-6 with my name on it!
Things I love:
That Tilly (golden retriever extraordinaire) goes to work with Tess, delivering the mail all across town.
Because Tess comes in contact with nearly everyone every day, she is in the perfect position to naturally snoop...while still working! (It's often a cozy reader's lament that the amateur sleuths who own their own small businesses are never actually working, dropping everything to follow a lead, but we all know stores don't run themselves. lol)
The pet rescue focus -- which came as a surprise, but Tess is an avid volunteer at the pet rescue and each book has featured some adoption events and/or actual pet rescues. A fun bonus for this animal lover.
Great cast of secondary characters -- deep friendships -- Tess always has backup. She doesn't often go running headlong into danger alone. She has a posse. :-)
That posse includes a sigh-worthy guy who I hope she ends up with only there's this other sigh-worthy guy who is just as great but not right for Tess, imho! We're not quite into love triangle territory yet...but the author is having fun teasing us.
The mysteries are on the lighter side which is a nice switch. And the sleuthing is swaddled in coziness. So, if you like your cozy mystery with the emphasis on cozy, this is the series for you.
It's a holiday series! We've had Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day so far and I'm looking forward to what else is in store. And the specific holiday plays an important role in the story -- it's not just a backdrop.
There's an over-arcing personal (to Tess) mystery thread that is building with each book. I find myself quite invested in it and the possible outcomes.
Things I don't love, but don't actually hate either:
These are very quick reads. Novella length really (each story is about 4 hours on audible) so there's not as much detail as I'd like and sometimes important things are skimmed over because of the shorter word count, I'm guessing. Like the mystery reveals are just a couple of paragraphs long (it seems) and often important details are revealed after the fact in a wrap up scenario instead of the reader (or listener) experiencing it in 'real time.'
There might be a love triangle...I can't tell for sure yet. I'm hoping that we'll bypass that dreaded trope but I'm wary....
Nevertheless, I'm hooked and will definitely be continuing with the series. There's another box set of books 4-6 with my name on it!
May 1, 2018
What do you do when you come across a piece of mail that ends up belonging to someone who is no longer around? For Tess that is an easy answer, you look for the person who wrote the letter and let them know what is going on so they don't end up feeling rejected. The only problem being no return address. Follow along as Tess searches for clues into finding the writer of the letter, pulling her friend Tony and brother Mike in as well. During the process they find a family hurt by a mad man and begin to understand the reasons a family could walk away from one another. Along the way Tess also has to deal with the man her mom is talking to and what might be going on between her best friend and her brother. This was such a touching read and shows that not all mysteries have to involve a whodunit, you just need a well put together mystery. This new book of the series will have you laughing, crying, and looking at your own relationships with family and friends.
May 4, 2018
The third book in the Tess and Tilly series has several interacting storylines and interesting characters that will keep you intrigue. Tess as a mail carrier and her dog Tillie will lead you into the lives of a small town community that has some really interesting stories to share to solve a mystery. As usual in Kathi Daley's books there are lots of twists and turns that will keep you totally engaged and turning those pages. I loved the Mother's Day theme and the empathy shown to help a stranger who didn't even know his dilemma. I also love the message it sends about the importance of family.
August 9, 2018
I read this on the kindle
This is the 3rd book in this series
No body found in this one but could the Italian man who is interested in Tess's mum be the murderer of his ex fiancee 7 years ago
You also have a card to a mum who has died trying to figure out how to find the son & their special place to tell him that his mother had died
A good read will be reading the next one in the series
This is the 3rd book in this series
No body found in this one but could the Italian man who is interested in Tess's mum be the murderer of his ex fiancee 7 years ago
You also have a card to a mum who has died trying to figure out how to find the son & their special place to tell him that his mother had died
A good read will be reading the next one in the series
April 27, 2018
Wow! I really love this series.
Tess and Tilly, with Tony being featured a bit more, makes for a wonderful cast.
The trio, with the aid of some people in town and nearby Kalispell, search for a young man who seemingly vanished after high school after being bullied over an horrific family secret that came to light.
Great read!
Tess and Tilly, with Tony being featured a bit more, makes for a wonderful cast.
The trio, with the aid of some people in town and nearby Kalispell, search for a young man who seemingly vanished after high school after being bullied over an horrific family secret that came to light.
Great read!
August 14, 2019
Addictive Series
I can't stop reading this series. I'm hooked on Tess and Tilly, Mike and Bree, and of course, Tony.
The mystery in this book circles around a mother's day card, a prodigal son, and the ugly truth.
It's filled with mystery, friendship, love and loyalty.
It's the perfect blend for an outstanding story.
I can't stop reading this series. I'm hooked on Tess and Tilly, Mike and Bree, and of course, Tony.
The mystery in this book circles around a mother's day card, a prodigal son, and the ugly truth.
It's filled with mystery, friendship, love and loyalty.
It's the perfect blend for an outstanding story.
May 9, 2018
The Tess and Tilly cozies are wonderful and full of animals. I absolutely love animals in the books I read. They make them more fun. In this book Tess and Tilly have their work cut out for them. Friends become closer and a couple of mysteries are solved. I love this book and can't wait for the next one!
April 27, 2020
Fun Read
It is heartening to read about the strong relationships evolving in this series. Tess and Tony are doing a sweet dance that will hopefully develop into a solid future for them. Such wonderful animals add an attractive dimension.
This was an interesting humanistic mystery. No deaths or gore; just good old fashioned research leading to a compassionate end.
It is heartening to read about the strong relationships evolving in this series. Tess and Tony are doing a sweet dance that will hopefully develop into a solid future for them. Such wonderful animals add an attractive dimension.
This was an interesting humanistic mystery. No deaths or gore; just good old fashioned research leading to a compassionate end.
April 22, 2021
Tess is growing on me with each book. I really slammed the way the author uses a standard vibe and formula in her books in my last review. I've read multiple books across 4 different series of hers and the FMCs have been interchangeable. I'm pleased to say that Tess felt different in this book. She was lighter and younger, she didn't feel as depressed and she wasn't written like a little old lady. The book had a more hopeful and joyful vibe to it. I found that a little shocking since I've grown accustomed to feeling a little BLAH after finishing one of these books. Instead, I finished it feeling happy with the book and the way things worked out.
There are three mysteries to unravel in this book. The overarching one of what happened to Tess's father, there was no progress on that one. The one regarding an anonymous Mother's Day card and finally the one regarding Tess's mother's beau. The Mother's Day card one had some sleuthing in it, more than has been done in previous books. It still mostly resolved itself via data dumps by the characters. The author again skipped over key scene elements in this mystery.
The mystery regarding Tess's mother's beau had Tony digging around and reaching out to a "contact". This mystery completely solved itself via a massive data dump by Tony. The readers were denied the fun of solving this mystery themselves. It didn't even happen in the same country! Very anticlimactic.
What I enjoyed about this book, and what I'm starting to enjoy about this series, are the relationships and friendships. Once I accepted that this is not a mystery series and rather a small town life one, I'm able to enjoy reading these books more. I hated Bree when she was first introduced, she's not as bad now. I'm not sure I care for her with Mike and I'd probably enjoy the books more without her (she's very selfish and self-centered) but she's there and it's fun watching a romance blossom.
I adore Tony. What a guy, what a friend! I want to smack Tess upside her fool head, how can she be so blind? I was glad that there was very little Brady in this book. There is no connection between him and Tess and no chemistry. I'm not even sure why the author insists on tossing him around as some sort of romantic potential. Tess has shown no interest in him and he has shown none in her. It's all very odd. The one she shows an interest with is Tony. So, put that poor guy out of his misery and let him finally get the girl.
The animals are cute in this series, they're sweet and I like Tess in her role as a dog trainer. She's better suited to that then she is a mail carrier (she really needs to be fired from that job, she's wretched at it). The animals don't really play any real role in the book and lack personalities beyond that of a standard pet, hence why these books are not put on my "pet steals the show" shelf.
I will keep this series on my mystery shelf only because that's how Kindle categorizes these books.
There are three mysteries to unravel in this book. The overarching one of what happened to Tess's father, there was no progress on that one. The one regarding an anonymous Mother's Day card and finally the one regarding Tess's mother's beau. The Mother's Day card one had some sleuthing in it, more than has been done in previous books. It still mostly resolved itself via data dumps by the characters. The author again skipped over key scene elements in this mystery.
The mystery regarding Tess's mother's beau had Tony digging around and reaching out to a "contact". This mystery completely solved itself via a massive data dump by Tony. The readers were denied the fun of solving this mystery themselves. It didn't even happen in the same country! Very anticlimactic.
What I enjoyed about this book, and what I'm starting to enjoy about this series, are the relationships and friendships. Once I accepted that this is not a mystery series and rather a small town life one, I'm able to enjoy reading these books more. I hated Bree when she was first introduced, she's not as bad now. I'm not sure I care for her with Mike and I'd probably enjoy the books more without her (she's very selfish and self-centered) but she's there and it's fun watching a romance blossom.
I adore Tony. What a guy, what a friend! I want to smack Tess upside her fool head, how can she be so blind? I was glad that there was very little Brady in this book. There is no connection between him and Tess and no chemistry. I'm not even sure why the author insists on tossing him around as some sort of romantic potential. Tess has shown no interest in him and he has shown none in her. It's all very odd. The one she shows an interest with is Tony. So, put that poor guy out of his misery and let him finally get the girl.
The animals are cute in this series, they're sweet and I like Tess in her role as a dog trainer. She's better suited to that then she is a mail carrier (she really needs to be fired from that job, she's wretched at it). The animals don't really play any real role in the book and lack personalities beyond that of a standard pet, hence why these books are not put on my "pet steals the show" shelf.
I will keep this series on my mystery shelf only because that's how Kindle categorizes these books.
April 24, 2018
The Mother’s Day Mishap is the third book in Kathi Daley’s Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery series and it’s a delightful read. This is an awesome series, with interesting mysteries (old and new) and wonderful well rounded characters. The writing style flows smoothly at a steady pace. Once again, Ms. Daley has provided readers with a fun, clean read, caring and compassionate characters. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading well-crafted cozy mysteries.
Tess Thomas works for the United States Postal Service and enjoys delivering the mail and visiting with the town’s residents and business owners on her route in the small community of White Eagle, Montana. She has a special relationship with her dog, Tilly, who accompanies her while she delivers the mail, and she’s recently adopted two kittens, Tangle and Tinder. Tess has one brother, Mike, who’s a member of the White Eagle Police, and her mom, Lucy Thomas, co-owns a café, Sisters’ Diner, with her aunt, Ruthie Turner. In addition to being a mail carrier, Tess is an animal shelter volunteer. She’s been working closely with Brady Baker, the local veterinarian and shelter owner, to train and place animals with people who are a perfect match for each other. Mother’s Day is approaching and Tess delivers mail to her best friend and owner of the Book Boutique, Bree Price, hands her a card in a pink envelope that she opened without realizing it’s for Edna Fairchild who passed away six months ago. The card is from Edna’s estranged child and they hadn’t spoken in almost a quarter of a century. Tess and Bree are determined to locate the card’s sender and Tess asks her good friend, Tony Marconi, to help them. Tony, who is extremely skilled at locating information and has contacts around the world, is also trying to help Tess solve the mystery surrounding her father who reportedly died in an accident when she was a teenager, but whom she believes may still be alive and is looking into Romero Montenegro, the younger man from Italy her mother is seeing.
Tess Thomas works for the United States Postal Service and enjoys delivering the mail and visiting with the town’s residents and business owners on her route in the small community of White Eagle, Montana. She has a special relationship with her dog, Tilly, who accompanies her while she delivers the mail, and she’s recently adopted two kittens, Tangle and Tinder. Tess has one brother, Mike, who’s a member of the White Eagle Police, and her mom, Lucy Thomas, co-owns a café, Sisters’ Diner, with her aunt, Ruthie Turner. In addition to being a mail carrier, Tess is an animal shelter volunteer. She’s been working closely with Brady Baker, the local veterinarian and shelter owner, to train and place animals with people who are a perfect match for each other. Mother’s Day is approaching and Tess delivers mail to her best friend and owner of the Book Boutique, Bree Price, hands her a card in a pink envelope that she opened without realizing it’s for Edna Fairchild who passed away six months ago. The card is from Edna’s estranged child and they hadn’t spoken in almost a quarter of a century. Tess and Bree are determined to locate the card’s sender and Tess asks her good friend, Tony Marconi, to help them. Tony, who is extremely skilled at locating information and has contacts around the world, is also trying to help Tess solve the mystery surrounding her father who reportedly died in an accident when she was a teenager, but whom she believes may still be alive and is looking into Romero Montenegro, the younger man from Italy her mother is seeing.
May 3, 2018
The Mother's Day Mishap is the third episode in the Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery series. This book is filled with the elements of a cozy mystery including suspense, romance, humor, love, friends and family, and a sense of community.
Tess Thomas is a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service and a shelter volunteer in the small town of White Eagle, Montana, near Glacier National Park. Tess finds herself in the middle of a mystery when her best friend, Bree Price, receives and accidentally opens a card meant for the recently deceased Edna Fairchild from someone estranged from her who wants to make amends and meet in their “special place at noon on Mother’s Day.” Since there is no return address, Tess and her longtime friend, Tony Marconi, scramble to figure out the identity and location of the sender and/or the “special place.” Tess’s job allows her the opportunity to talk to others while trying to solve this mystery, along with help from a few friends.
There are several side stories along with the main mystery including: Tess and Tony looking into the “death” of her father; Brady Baker, the local veterinarian, organizing a shelter event with a theme of “speed dating” - paring prospective doggy parents with the perfect shelter pet ready to be adopted; Tess and Brady training terriers Jagger and Bowie to swim; Tess’s mom continuing to spend time with the mysterious Italian, Romero Montenegro; Tess’s brother and best friend growing closer; and other exciting developments.
As always, Mrs. Daley’s writing flows smoothly, and her fabulous setting and relatable characters make for an extremely enjoyable and quick read. I absolutely loved the conversation between Tess and Tony in the last chapter and really look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Tess Thomas is a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service and a shelter volunteer in the small town of White Eagle, Montana, near Glacier National Park. Tess finds herself in the middle of a mystery when her best friend, Bree Price, receives and accidentally opens a card meant for the recently deceased Edna Fairchild from someone estranged from her who wants to make amends and meet in their “special place at noon on Mother’s Day.” Since there is no return address, Tess and her longtime friend, Tony Marconi, scramble to figure out the identity and location of the sender and/or the “special place.” Tess’s job allows her the opportunity to talk to others while trying to solve this mystery, along with help from a few friends.
There are several side stories along with the main mystery including: Tess and Tony looking into the “death” of her father; Brady Baker, the local veterinarian, organizing a shelter event with a theme of “speed dating” - paring prospective doggy parents with the perfect shelter pet ready to be adopted; Tess and Brady training terriers Jagger and Bowie to swim; Tess’s mom continuing to spend time with the mysterious Italian, Romero Montenegro; Tess’s brother and best friend growing closer; and other exciting developments.
As always, Mrs. Daley’s writing flows smoothly, and her fabulous setting and relatable characters make for an extremely enjoyable and quick read. I absolutely loved the conversation between Tess and Tony in the last chapter and really look forward to reading the next book in this series.
April 27, 2018
Cozy mystery at it's best
Kathi Daley continues to produce excellent cozy mystery series. In book 3 of the Tess and Tilly series, Tess discovers a card from the son of a former store owner in town. The card is an apology for the sons behavior and an invitation to meet at a secret place after many years of absence. The problem is that the mother has passed away and no one seems to know how to get in touch with the prodigal son. Tess begins to investigate with the help of her uber smart friend Tony to find the missing son of the secret meeting place in order to let him know this his mother has passed away. At the same time Tess and Tony are concerned about Tess' mom who has a male friend from Italy that may have murdered his former fiance. Tess is worried that her mom could be in danger. Will they be able to find the son or the secret meeting place? Will Tess and Tony solve the mystery of the Italian paramour? This book is filled with mystery, awesome characters and wonderful intrigue with a little bit of romance as well. Love this series can't everything by Kathi Daley.
Kathi Daley continues to produce excellent cozy mystery series. In book 3 of the Tess and Tilly series, Tess discovers a card from the son of a former store owner in town. The card is an apology for the sons behavior and an invitation to meet at a secret place after many years of absence. The problem is that the mother has passed away and no one seems to know how to get in touch with the prodigal son. Tess begins to investigate with the help of her uber smart friend Tony to find the missing son of the secret meeting place in order to let him know this his mother has passed away. At the same time Tess and Tony are concerned about Tess' mom who has a male friend from Italy that may have murdered his former fiance. Tess is worried that her mom could be in danger. Will they be able to find the son or the secret meeting place? Will Tess and Tony solve the mystery of the Italian paramour? This book is filled with mystery, awesome characters and wonderful intrigue with a little bit of romance as well. Love this series can't everything by Kathi Daley.
May 17, 2018
"The Mother's Day Mishap" finds Tess back to solve another mystery with help from her friend, Tony. We also see changes to a relationship between longtime friends which leaves Tess unsure.
Tess is called to her friend, Bree's, shop to look at a letter. It's a Mother's Day card for a woman named Edna who passed away 6 months prior. The card's from her child who doesn't sign the card or provide a return address. So Tess asks around and learns that Edna had a son nicknamed Chip but they had a falling out years ago. Tess then asks her friend Tony to help her try to track Chip down as well as follow some other leads so that he doesn't believe his mother ignored his plea.
In other events, Tess sees the beginning the beginning of a relationship between her brother, Mike, and Bree. She's unsure about how she feels and discusses it with Tony which leads to a funny scene. Tess and Tilly work with Brady a lot doing some specialized training for the dogs who are in need of loving "furever" homes.
All in all, "The Mother's Day Mishap" is a great addition to the Tess and Tilly series and I highly recommend it especially to animal lovers.
Tess is called to her friend, Bree's, shop to look at a letter. It's a Mother's Day card for a woman named Edna who passed away 6 months prior. The card's from her child who doesn't sign the card or provide a return address. So Tess asks around and learns that Edna had a son nicknamed Chip but they had a falling out years ago. Tess then asks her friend Tony to help her try to track Chip down as well as follow some other leads so that he doesn't believe his mother ignored his plea.
In other events, Tess sees the beginning the beginning of a relationship between her brother, Mike, and Bree. She's unsure about how she feels and discusses it with Tony which leads to a funny scene. Tess and Tilly work with Brady a lot doing some specialized training for the dogs who are in need of loving "furever" homes.
All in all, "The Mother's Day Mishap" is a great addition to the Tess and Tilly series and I highly recommend it especially to animal lovers.
April 27, 2018
There's plenty of friends, fur babies, mystery and intrigue in this third book in the wonderful Tess and Tilly cozy mystery series. In the main storyline, the current owner of the town bookshop accidentally opens a card that was meant for the previous owner (now deceased) and discovers a heartfelt message. Without giving away any spoilers, Tess gets involved and tries to locate the sender of the letter. In addition to the main mystery, there is the continuing investigation into the "disappearance" of Tess's father and a new mystery involving her mother's new Italian beau who Tess discovers is a suspect in the death of his previous fiancée.
On a side note, I loved the doggie adoption idea using the "speed dating" concept - very clever of the author! And do I see a sweet romance brewing for Tess?
As always, a well-written book by the author - can't recommend her books highly enough!
On a side note, I loved the doggie adoption idea using the "speed dating" concept - very clever of the author! And do I see a sweet romance brewing for Tess?
As always, a well-written book by the author - can't recommend her books highly enough!
November 5, 2024
I'm enjoying this cozy mystery series that isn't always about a murder. Also, the love interest isn't a police detective! What a refreshing change. Tess is a mail carrier, and she does her route in a small town in Colorado where she grew up. Secondary characters are family and friends. Potential love interests are a long-term friend (Tony) and a new-to-town veterinarian (Brady). It could be a love triangle, but I think the author is really going to stay away from that. I am personally totally Team Tony!
An ongoing series mystery is what happened to Tess's father when he was killed in an accident a number of years ago. Photos of him in recent years have surfaced and Tess wants to know what is going on. Her mother has a love interest with a potentially dark past that needs more investigation in this book. There is also a "prodigal son" that wants to reunite with him mom. However, his mother has passed on and Tess needs to find the son and tell him. Busy investigations.
An ongoing series mystery is what happened to Tess's father when he was killed in an accident a number of years ago. Photos of him in recent years have surfaced and Tess wants to know what is going on. Her mother has a love interest with a potentially dark past that needs more investigation in this book. There is also a "prodigal son" that wants to reunite with him mom. However, his mother has passed on and Tess needs to find the son and tell him. Busy investigations.
December 26, 2021
Tess and Tilly have another mystery to solve! Tess is the local mail lady in White Eagle and Tilly is her loyal dog who accompanies her every day.
When a Mother's Day card gets delivered to her friend Bree, but it's for the previous occupant who sadly died 6 months earlier, Tess takes it upon herself to find the sender. Of course, she can't do it without the help of her good friend and computer whizz Tony.
She's also helping the local Vet, Brady, train 2 dogs he hopes to rehome. Tilly is proving herself a useful dog trainer!
Could there be romance in the air too???
Then there's the long running mystery of Tess's Fathers death years ago, is he really dead? Tony is helping her investigate this.
These books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
When a Mother's Day card gets delivered to her friend Bree, but it's for the previous occupant who sadly died 6 months earlier, Tess takes it upon herself to find the sender. Of course, she can't do it without the help of her good friend and computer whizz Tony.
She's also helping the local Vet, Brady, train 2 dogs he hopes to rehome. Tilly is proving herself a useful dog trainer!
Could there be romance in the air too???
Then there's the long running mystery of Tess's Fathers death years ago, is he really dead? Tony is helping her investigate this.
These books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
June 17, 2018
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.
August 2, 2018
Estrangements and cover ups
When she delivers a letter to her BFF that's meant for the stores previous owner it sets the ball rolling on an investigation. How can they find someone without even knowing if the person is male or female? They dig through the memories of older residents to guide them? Where is the special place? How do they tell someone that the person they want to meet and make up with is dead? Plus her mother's new beau may have a murky past. Who killed his fiance? As the person that had confessed hadn’t had anything to do with the murder. Then there is her BFF and her brother. Are the two going towards a romance and is she? A great little read that pulls you into the lives of some terrific characters.
When she delivers a letter to her BFF that's meant for the stores previous owner it sets the ball rolling on an investigation. How can they find someone without even knowing if the person is male or female? They dig through the memories of older residents to guide them? Where is the special place? How do they tell someone that the person they want to meet and make up with is dead? Plus her mother's new beau may have a murky past. Who killed his fiance? As the person that had confessed hadn’t had anything to do with the murder. Then there is her BFF and her brother. Are the two going towards a romance and is she? A great little read that pulls you into the lives of some terrific characters.
May 26, 2022
After reading this 3rd book in the Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery Series, I’m sorry I haven’t read the first two yet. Kathi Daley has done a beautiful job of blending sweet romances with a mystery that proves a murder doesn’t have to be the main focus. Tess is a mail carrier in the little town of White Eagle, Montana. One of the people on her route accidentally opens a Mother’s Day card that was sent to the previous store owner. Tess becomes obsessed with finding the sender who disappeared from town over 25 years ago. Woven throughout the mystery are 3 blossoming romances and a healthy helping of rescue pets. I couldn’t put this one down until a very satisfying Mother’s Day barbecue was over. I definitely will be reading more!
April 24, 2018
Kindle Copy for Review
Tess gets involve in finding a long lost son of one of her former now deceased customer receives a letter from him wanting to reconcile. Not much is known about him as he left the area as a teenager nor his name.
Her mom is still seeing her Italian who is in town for a business trip and her friend Tony finds that he was once had a fiancé but she was murdered and he was one of the prime suspect. Tess begins to worry about her mom relationship an whether to tell her.
Just another Mother Day as Tess tries to figure the answers with the aid of Tony. A quick r
Tess gets involve in finding a long lost son of one of her former now deceased customer receives a letter from him wanting to reconcile. Not much is known about him as he left the area as a teenager nor his name.
Her mom is still seeing her Italian who is in town for a business trip and her friend Tony finds that he was once had a fiancé but she was murdered and he was one of the prime suspect. Tess begins to worry about her mom relationship an whether to tell her.
Just another Mother Day as Tess tries to figure the answers with the aid of Tony. A quick r
April 26, 2018
The Mother’s Day Mishap ( A Tress and Tilly Cozy Mystery - Book #3 )
By: Kathi Daley
The Mother’s Day Mishap is book three in A Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery series. I love these good and clean mystery stories by Daley. They are easy to read and for all ages. They will keep you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next. If you love a small town, animals, food, mystery, and romance in the air, then you will love The Mother’s Day Mishap. Tess and Tilly happens upon a mystery to be solved while delivering the mail. There is more than one mystery to be solved in this story , but there is one that needs to be solved by a certain day. Can Tess and her friend solve it on time?
By: Kathi Daley
The Mother’s Day Mishap is book three in A Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery series. I love these good and clean mystery stories by Daley. They are easy to read and for all ages. They will keep you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next. If you love a small town, animals, food, mystery, and romance in the air, then you will love The Mother’s Day Mishap. Tess and Tilly happens upon a mystery to be solved while delivering the mail. There is more than one mystery to be solved in this story , but there is one that needs to be solved by a certain day. Can Tess and her friend solve it on time?
April 25, 2018
This clean mystery is suitable for all ages. It can be read as a stand alone but is best understood if you have read the previous books in the series. This series is relationship driven and small town centered.
An ongoing search for Tess's father, previously presumed dead, is set aside this time for the search for an unknown heir when a Mother's Day card arrives. Hopes for a reunion must be disappointed but closure is still the goal. The training of puppies is a bright addition to this story, as well as hints of budding romance.
An ongoing search for Tess's father, previously presumed dead, is set aside this time for the search for an unknown heir when a Mother's Day card arrives. Hopes for a reunion must be disappointed but closure is still the goal. The training of puppies is a bright addition to this story, as well as hints of budding romance.
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