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Zoe Donovan Mystery #16
Hopscotch Homicide
When Zoe finds the body of the lunch lady on the hopscotch course the week before the new school year, she is pulled into a mystery that will find her volunteering as soccer mom, classroom mom, and PTA board member. It's funny, it's family, it's a Zak and Zoe murder investigation.
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCozy
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2015
366 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
312Ìýbooks1,709ÌýfollowersKathi 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 () 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 ().
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 () 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 ().
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
August 2, 2015
I've really become attached to this series. Zoe and Zac are a great couple and I love watching Zoe become a mature adult. Marriage suits her and she is definitely thriving in her role as mom to Alex, Scooter and Pi.
This story starts out with Zoe going to enroll Scooter in school, but due to his extensive disciplinary file, she needs the principal to approve his enrollment.
Zoe went to look at the new playground equipment her husband generously donated and stumbled upon the body of the lunch lady, who was found on the playground, sprawled out on a hopscotch game.
Of course Zoe immediately wants to find out who killed the lunch lady and Zoe finds out some interesting facts about her. She seems to be stalking parents with young children, and no one is happy with her creepy habits.
Zoe becomes involved in the PTA and finds out not everyone is overly upset with her death.
Even though Zoe is a full time mom and a new wife, she is determined to investigate this death and put the missing pieces together.
This story starts out with Zoe going to enroll Scooter in school, but due to his extensive disciplinary file, she needs the principal to approve his enrollment.
Zoe went to look at the new playground equipment her husband generously donated and stumbled upon the body of the lunch lady, who was found on the playground, sprawled out on a hopscotch game.
Of course Zoe immediately wants to find out who killed the lunch lady and Zoe finds out some interesting facts about her. She seems to be stalking parents with young children, and no one is happy with her creepy habits.
Zoe becomes involved in the PTA and finds out not everyone is overly upset with her death.
Even though Zoe is a full time mom and a new wife, she is determined to investigate this death and put the missing pieces together.
August 2, 2015
Zak and Zoe are settling into their adult married life, getting their "foster" kids ready for school as well as preparing their new Zimmerman Academy for its first students. But when Zoe goes to an appointment with Principal Bower of the Ashton Falls Elementary School, to get permission to enroll Scooter into fifth grade there, she finds herself once again stumbling over a dead body. This time the body belongs to Mrs. Brown, the school's infamous lunch lady, noted through the years for her disgusting hamburger gravy. But was her gravy motivation enough to actually murder her? Zoe feels compelled to investigate this death, even though her time is stretched between duties of PTA, after school activities, the three children rooming in their home, her beloved animals and of course her new husband, Zak. Can she solve this murder or is this one beyond her normal detective skills? I enjoy this series and love the growth in the main characters,although I was hoping to see more of the relationship between Ellie and Levi. I also appreciate the introduction of new characters, including the children, and new teachers at the Zimmerman Academy. This book also gave a three chapter teaser into a new story about the Academy...one that presents the reader with three new female characters that all have interesting backgrounds. I look forward to the next book in this series. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2015
Kindle Copy for Review
Zoe and Zak return home from their honeymoon with Alex and Scooter as they get ready for the beginning of the school year and the start of their new school project. Along the way, they soon find themselves involved in a world of schedules and children activities.
Zoe once again finds herself in the middle of a murder when she enrolls Scooter in middle school and finds the luncheon lady murder body on the hopscotch ground. Digging into the luncheon lady, she finds that she had made a few enemies with her attachment to other people’s babies after losing her own to crib death.
If life of Zoe was not busy enough, she finds herself in the world of soccer mom and a member of the PTA to her dismay. Life in the Zimmerman household is full of activities and even more pets along the way to keep their ever growing family increasing. It is a never a dull moment for this couple.
Zoe and Zak return home from their honeymoon with Alex and Scooter as they get ready for the beginning of the school year and the start of their new school project. Along the way, they soon find themselves involved in a world of schedules and children activities.
Zoe once again finds herself in the middle of a murder when she enrolls Scooter in middle school and finds the luncheon lady murder body on the hopscotch ground. Digging into the luncheon lady, she finds that she had made a few enemies with her attachment to other people’s babies after losing her own to crib death.
If life of Zoe was not busy enough, she finds herself in the world of soccer mom and a member of the PTA to her dismay. Life in the Zimmerman household is full of activities and even more pets along the way to keep their ever growing family increasing. It is a never a dull moment for this couple.
August 2, 2015
I love the Zoe series, this is book 16 in the series, and they just keep getting better. Zoe is enrolling Scooter in school when she stumbles across the body of the lunch lady in the hopscotch course on school grounds. Her investigative nature takes over when she decides to put her sleuthing skills to the test once again, in between all of the other activities she has going on.
Among them, new wife, new mom, PTA, all of the kids activities, the pets, and the Zoo. This was a quick easy read, and so much fun! I also enjoyed the "story within the story", the three chapters included from the Zimmerman Academy. I saved it for last though, I didn't want anything to take me away from Zoe and Zac. I loved the story, I loved getting to know Phyllis and the girls better, and of course Charlotte! I look forward to seeing where the story goes next.
Among them, new wife, new mom, PTA, all of the kids activities, the pets, and the Zoo. This was a quick easy read, and so much fun! I also enjoyed the "story within the story", the three chapters included from the Zimmerman Academy. I saved it for last though, I didn't want anything to take me away from Zoe and Zac. I loved the story, I loved getting to know Phyllis and the girls better, and of course Charlotte! I look forward to seeing where the story goes next.
August 15, 2015
Although the school lunch lady was an awful cook; surely that was no reason to kill her, was it? Like the merry-go-round on the playground, Ms. Daley keeps your mind circling around & around the group of suspects she provides to test your mystery-solving skills. The reveal, & the reasons, surprised me. Readers are treated to a story within a story as we begin to learn more about Phyllis and the three teenage girls who've come to live with her while attending Zimmerman Acacdemy. There's lots of hope and heart in the relationships in this story. It's a joy to see how change is creating happiness for the main characters.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2015
Zoe has a lot going on in her life. She is a newlywed learning how to juggle afterschool activities of the 3 children now living with them as well as keeping up with her responsibilities on the town events committee as chairperson for the Haunted Hamlet, working at Zoe’s Zoo, having any alone time with Zak, and of course solving a murder.
As Zoe is leaving school after talking the principal into giving Scooter a new chance, she discovers a body. Was the school cook killed because of the grayish glob of lumpy gravy she served, or was is something else? What was she even doing at the school cooking before school even started?
I like the development of Sherriff Salinger’s character. He now assumes (for good reason) that Zoe will be investigating the murder and relies on her shared information.
Zoe becomes quickly involved with school activities. It wasn’t that she actually volunteered for anything, but somehow she ends up as a soccer mom helping with transportation and snacks, room mother for Scooter’s class, and head of the fundraising committee on the PTA, but she realizes that she isn’t upset about her added activities. She did learn a lesson at the PTA meeting � never take a bathroom break or you will probably come back and discover you are now head of a committee. I had to laugh because pretty much the same thing happened to me at my first PTA meeting some years ago.
The new format of Hopscotch Homicide having a story within a story was great. The reader has the option of reading the chapters about Zimmerman Academy chronologically or as a short story at the end. I chose to read them chronologically and by clicking on the hyperlinks, it worked perfectly switching back and forth. I am really enjoying getting to know Phyllis, a lady who has only shared her home with a cat and never dated in her 62 years. She is nervous about housing 3 girls who will be attending the new Academy. The girls are interesting new characters and I look forward to seeing what will develop. I like the way they all are so different, but all blend together as a new family. There is romance in the air, and it isn’t necessarily the teenagers.
I really enjoyed this book (the 16th in the Zoe Donovan series). It is always fun finding out what Zoe, her family, and friends are up to and it is exciting getting to know the new characters.
I like the direction the series is going in with the added stories of Zimmerman Academy and can hardly wait to see what happens next.
As Zoe is leaving school after talking the principal into giving Scooter a new chance, she discovers a body. Was the school cook killed because of the grayish glob of lumpy gravy she served, or was is something else? What was she even doing at the school cooking before school even started?
I like the development of Sherriff Salinger’s character. He now assumes (for good reason) that Zoe will be investigating the murder and relies on her shared information.
Zoe becomes quickly involved with school activities. It wasn’t that she actually volunteered for anything, but somehow she ends up as a soccer mom helping with transportation and snacks, room mother for Scooter’s class, and head of the fundraising committee on the PTA, but she realizes that she isn’t upset about her added activities. She did learn a lesson at the PTA meeting � never take a bathroom break or you will probably come back and discover you are now head of a committee. I had to laugh because pretty much the same thing happened to me at my first PTA meeting some years ago.
The new format of Hopscotch Homicide having a story within a story was great. The reader has the option of reading the chapters about Zimmerman Academy chronologically or as a short story at the end. I chose to read them chronologically and by clicking on the hyperlinks, it worked perfectly switching back and forth. I am really enjoying getting to know Phyllis, a lady who has only shared her home with a cat and never dated in her 62 years. She is nervous about housing 3 girls who will be attending the new Academy. The girls are interesting new characters and I look forward to seeing what will develop. I like the way they all are so different, but all blend together as a new family. There is romance in the air, and it isn’t necessarily the teenagers.
I really enjoyed this book (the 16th in the Zoe Donovan series). It is always fun finding out what Zoe, her family, and friends are up to and it is exciting getting to know the new characters.
I like the direction the series is going in with the added stories of Zimmerman Academy and can hardly wait to see what happens next.
August 3, 2015
This book is a little different than previous installments in the Zoe and Zak series. There is a lot more focus on the kids and their school activities than anything else. Sometimes it felt as if the murder mystery were secondary to that part of the story.
However, I love seeing Zoe get more maternal--her shopping trip with Alex was reminiscent of taking MY girls school shopping. And the chapters written from the point of view of Phyllis King, letting us see her life as three teen girls board with her to attend Zimmerman Academy, were a lot of fun as well. I would have liked to see more of Levi and Ellie in this book, and hope we get more of their story soon.
The mystery, as I hinted at in the first paragraph, left me wanting more this time around. It just didn't really grab me and have me turning page after page to follow the clues and discover the killer.
So, while I enjoyed this story, I hope the mystery goes back to being the primary focus in future books.
However, I love seeing Zoe get more maternal--her shopping trip with Alex was reminiscent of taking MY girls school shopping. And the chapters written from the point of view of Phyllis King, letting us see her life as three teen girls board with her to attend Zimmerman Academy, were a lot of fun as well. I would have liked to see more of Levi and Ellie in this book, and hope we get more of their story soon.
The mystery, as I hinted at in the first paragraph, left me wanting more this time around. It just didn't really grab me and have me turning page after page to follow the clues and discover the killer.
So, while I enjoyed this story, I hope the mystery goes back to being the primary focus in future books.
August 2, 2015
Zoe and Zach have returned from their honeymoon and are settling in to married life and parenting. Of course, Zoe find a dead body while enrolling Scooter in school.
This mystery kept me guessing until the end. I really enjoyed the story within a story format and look forward to reading more about Phyllis and her girls.
This mystery kept me guessing until the end. I really enjoyed the story within a story format and look forward to reading more about Phyllis and her girls.
August 3, 2015
We had been "warned" that now that Zoe Donovan is married she may settle some and be less of a bumbling amateur sleuth. Don't believe it! In this fantastic addition to her series she discovers a body in the rain and puts on a tumbling mud show at the first football game of the season.
I was very happy to have the whole gang involved in this episode.
Written with a story within a story. We are treated to the beginnings of a potential romance between a favorite senior character and a new member of the community.
There are also teenage flirtations arising for the inexperienced new guardians to deal with.
I can not praise this series enough for how it has evolved and the characters grown and developed.
The murder was difficult to solve, with several motives and suspects.
Zak and Zoe are being pulled in many directions and realizing they have to make adjustments to allow time for individual lives and interests they had before children and their new Academy venture.
Having money may help, but the idea is to be part of the kids daily lives and provide a stable environment, so they face the same time struggles as all parents. I look forward to watching it unfold.
I am also looking forward to getting to know the kids better.
I was very happy to have the whole gang involved in this episode.
Written with a story within a story. We are treated to the beginnings of a potential romance between a favorite senior character and a new member of the community.
There are also teenage flirtations arising for the inexperienced new guardians to deal with.
I can not praise this series enough for how it has evolved and the characters grown and developed.
The murder was difficult to solve, with several motives and suspects.
Zak and Zoe are being pulled in many directions and realizing they have to make adjustments to allow time for individual lives and interests they had before children and their new Academy venture.
Having money may help, but the idea is to be part of the kids daily lives and provide a stable environment, so they face the same time struggles as all parents. I look forward to watching it unfold.
I am also looking forward to getting to know the kids better.
August 20, 2015
In this installment of the Zoe Donovan Mysteries, we see that Zak and Zoe are beginning their married life. While adjusting to a new life, they are also getting their foster kids ready for school and getting the Zimmerman Academy up and running. In the process of convincing Principal Bower to re-enroll Scooter into the local public school, Zoe finds the lunch lady sprawled in a hopscotch on the new playground. The lunch lady was not known for her cooking prowess, but still, who would kill over meals that aren't overly tasty. We also learn about Phyllis and her fears about boarding three students for the Zimmerman Academy,but we learn that the boarders and Phyllis each have things to learn from each other. We also see a possible budding romance between Phyllis and the math teacher for Zimmerman Academy. It will be interesting to see how the characters continue to develop.
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review.
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review.
August 4, 2015
This is the 16th book of the Zoe Donovan mysteries - and Kathi Daley has written another wonderful story. Zoe has really grown up since we first met her and now that she is married and has an instant family, I have fallen in love with the entire family. This time a side story was included, we are getting to know Phyllis King and the girls who are rooming at her home. Could there be another romance soon? I loved the way Kathi is incorporating Miss King's story into Zoe's books. But in the meantime , Zoe found Mrs. Brown, the lunch lady dead in the hopscotch area at the middle school. As Zoe investigates, the suspect list grows longer. Between PTA, soccer practice, will Zoe have time to solve this murder?
I highly recommend this book!
I highly recommend this book!
August 3, 2015
Hopscotch Homicide (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 16)
I cannot believe this is the 16th book in the Zoe Donovan series. The characters are as exciting as always and the new characters are equally a pleasure to get to know. Zoe and Zak are now happily married and settling in at home. Plans for a school are under way and have some students for the first year. Zoe finds the body of the lunch lady murdered on the school yard! Not a very likable lady but of course Zoe helps solve the crime. This book has an unique interactive feature! All I will say is that there is more than one way to read this book! Loved every second of this Kathi Daley book!
I cannot believe this is the 16th book in the Zoe Donovan series. The characters are as exciting as always and the new characters are equally a pleasure to get to know. Zoe and Zak are now happily married and settling in at home. Plans for a school are under way and have some students for the first year. Zoe finds the body of the lunch lady murdered on the school yard! Not a very likable lady but of course Zoe helps solve the crime. This book has an unique interactive feature! All I will say is that there is more than one way to read this book! Loved every second of this Kathi Daley book!
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
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
January 10, 2025
Zoe is less of a mess these days, but still up to her sleuthing. She’s now a mother to 3 young children who are attending Zimmerman Academy - a private school founded by Zak and Zoe. There are 2 children both 10, a boy and girl whose parents aren’t around. There’s also a 16-year-old boy in their care. It’s pretty cool to see Zoe becoming a mom and being involved in numerous school activities. However, since she’s got 3 children she is guardian of, that means there are 3 different schedules she has to keep track of. Luckily, she has Zak to help although sometimes his computer programming job takes him out of town and often keeps him busy.
The shelter Zoe has isn’t mentioned as much since she’s gotten married, so that stinks because I like reading about her furry rescues. I suppose the children she and Zak now house are sort of rescues in their own way.
“The Diary of Phyllis King� is the second story and it is approx 50 pages. So like Book 1, this is also a 2-in-1. The second read is exactly what the title states - Phyllis King’s diary. Phyllis has been mentioned numerous times in previous books of this series, but this was specifically about her. She has a cat named Charlotte that she always talks to and asks questions to. Phyllis is the English and Literature teacher at the Zimmerman Academy. She has taken in 3 of the teenage girls that are attending the new private school. The 3 young ladies are really helping the 62-year-old be more open with herself. The girls are helping her with her too old image and they even helped dress her for her first date� ever with Mr. Danner, another educator at the new academy. It was a sweet story and I’m glad to have gotten to know Phyllis better.
Next is book 17, Ghostly Graveyard.
The shelter Zoe has isn’t mentioned as much since she’s gotten married, so that stinks because I like reading about her furry rescues. I suppose the children she and Zak now house are sort of rescues in their own way.
“The Diary of Phyllis King� is the second story and it is approx 50 pages. So like Book 1, this is also a 2-in-1. The second read is exactly what the title states - Phyllis King’s diary. Phyllis has been mentioned numerous times in previous books of this series, but this was specifically about her. She has a cat named Charlotte that she always talks to and asks questions to. Phyllis is the English and Literature teacher at the Zimmerman Academy. She has taken in 3 of the teenage girls that are attending the new private school. The 3 young ladies are really helping the 62-year-old be more open with herself. The girls are helping her with her too old image and they even helped dress her for her first date� ever with Mr. Danner, another educator at the new academy. It was a sweet story and I’m glad to have gotten to know Phyllis better.
Next is book 17, Ghostly Graveyard.
May 27, 2025
I liked the interactive way to read the Zimmerman Academy in the order of how it fell inside this book. I’d read the first chapter before, maybe it was at the end of the previous book, but it was more fun to have it incorporated like it was. I loved how the girls helped Phyllis do a makeover on her clothes and everything since she had a crush on a fellow teacher at Zimmerman Academy.
Even though the cook who’d been killed was pretty bad at cooking, Zoe didn’t believe that was what got her killed so amid all the kid activities of back to school, she added the sleuthing to her spinning plates and figured it out. The showdown was kinda funny so at least the sheriff was standing by to haul off the perp once Zoe got them talking. Always eager to read the next book!
Even though the cook who’d been killed was pretty bad at cooking, Zoe didn’t believe that was what got her killed so amid all the kid activities of back to school, she added the sleuthing to her spinning plates and figured it out. The showdown was kinda funny so at least the sheriff was standing by to haul off the perp once Zoe got them talking. Always eager to read the next book!
February 11, 2022
Zoe and Zac are back from their honeymoon and they're busy getting the Zimmerman Academy up and running and preparing for 3 pupils to live with them, Alex, Scooter and Pi.
When Zoe visits the local elementary school to speak to the Principal about Scooter starting the term, she finds the body of the school cook, dead in the playground. Whilst investigating, she finds out some unsavoury details about the lady.
Easy to read cozy mysteries which are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
I'm really enjoying these books, and can easily devour them at a rate of 1 or 2 a day!
When Zoe visits the local elementary school to speak to the Principal about Scooter starting the term, she finds the body of the school cook, dead in the playground. Whilst investigating, she finds out some unsavoury details about the lady.
Easy to read cozy mysteries which are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
I'm really enjoying these books, and can easily devour them at a rate of 1 or 2 a day!
September 3, 2017
Zoe is married with children. When Zoe finds the body of the lunch lady on the hopscotch course the week before the new school year, she is pulled into a mystery that will find her volunteering as soccer mom, classroom mom, and PTA board member. It's funny, it's family, it's a Zak and Zoe murder investigation.
A brilliant story! I absolutely loved the characters I'm looking forward to more in this series.
A brilliant story! I absolutely loved the characters I'm looking forward to more in this series.
November 5, 2017
Murdered because of bad cooking?
This was another great mystery with Zoe on the case. Trying to juggle kids, school, PTA, a new marriage and a murder keeps Zoe on her toes. I love these characters, their lives are never boring. And the addition of the Zimmerman Academy storyline, just adds to the entertainment. I really enjoyed this book and l am ready for the next book in this series.
This was another great mystery with Zoe on the case. Trying to juggle kids, school, PTA, a new marriage and a murder keeps Zoe on her toes. I love these characters, their lives are never boring. And the addition of the Zimmerman Academy storyline, just adds to the entertainment. I really enjoyed this book and l am ready for the next book in this series.
September 7, 2019
Zoe Donovan is a newlywed who married billionaire and who solves murders
Zack Zimmerman is a tech wizard. Zoe funds an animal shelter. They are also fostering three kids and opening an academy to help kids who have had trouble in the public school system. This is a great series by Kathie Daley. Each book stands alone, but the series has the same basic characters throughout. They are like old friends.
Zack Zimmerman is a tech wizard. Zoe funds an animal shelter. They are also fostering three kids and opening an academy to help kids who have had trouble in the public school system. This is a great series by Kathie Daley. Each book stands alone, but the series has the same basic characters throughout. They are like old friends.
June 22, 2018
Death of the Lunch Lady
10 gold stars for this series. Hopscotch Homicide will keep you guessing who the killer is. In this series Zac and Zoe has a lot going on newly married and starting Zimmermann Academy and being parents to 3 troubled children. Its a read that will be good for everyone who likes to read mysteries.
10 gold stars for this series. Hopscotch Homicide will keep you guessing who the killer is. In this series Zac and Zoe has a lot going on newly married and starting Zimmermann Academy and being parents to 3 troubled children. Its a read that will be good for everyone who likes to read mysteries.
October 8, 2020
With the starting of the new school year, Zoe & Zac are trying to keep on top of the three children's schedules. On top of Zoe's usual happenings and investigations, she has added mother, room mother, and PTA member. Extra chapters from the Zimmerman Academy are found at the end of the story or can be read concurrently using links.
January 14, 2017
I really enjoyed the Phillis point of view chapters. I felt that reading them togeather or as within the story were equal to me so it's up to you. This mystery is still a Zoe mystery but it has children and the Academy as a side story sort of. Recipes are included.
April 26, 2018
Short mystery without mystery
This book was not the usual offering by this author, I was disappointed. Maybe it is time to finish this series. Too many distractions with multiple characters.
This book was not the usual offering by this author, I was disappointed. Maybe it is time to finish this series. Too many distractions with multiple characters.
August 23, 2018
I Love the New Addition to the Series.
I love the new addition to the Series and the format.It's like have three books in one,the mystery,everyday life and the short story with Phyllis and the three girls.
I recommend this book to those who love cozy mysteries.
I love the new addition to the Series and the format.It's like have three books in one,the mystery,everyday life and the short story with Phyllis and the three girls.
I recommend this book to those who love cozy mysteries.
February 12, 2020
School's in
But the lunch lady"s dead. Did the principal kill her? Or was it the PTA president? Or maybe the busybody mom who tried getting her fired.
Meanwhile, Zimmerman Academy is starting with 10 students. How will Phyllis handle living with 3 teenage young ladies?
But the lunch lady"s dead. Did the principal kill her? Or was it the PTA president? Or maybe the busybody mom who tried getting her fired.
Meanwhile, Zimmerman Academy is starting with 10 students. How will Phyllis handle living with 3 teenage young ladies?
February 26, 2020
School lunch or brown bag?
Zoe is working hard at getting Scooter back into school, but with his track record it could be hard. While visiting she comes across another dead body, will finding the killer be a piece of cake or not?
Zoe is working hard at getting Scooter back into school, but with his track record it could be hard. While visiting she comes across another dead body, will finding the killer be a piece of cake or not?
February 14, 2023
Hopscotch Homicide
As usual, there are twists and turns in events and people. Suspects added and discarded, and logical if unexpected revelations leading to the killer.
Also like the addition of Phyllis' journal entries. And Charlotte's input, of course.
As usual, there are twists and turns in events and people. Suspects added and discarded, and logical if unexpected revelations leading to the killer.
Also like the addition of Phyllis' journal entries. And Charlotte's input, of course.
November 1, 2017
Still a great series.
March 2, 2021
Zoe Donovan mystery #16
Another interesting story in the series. I do enjoy reading the author's different series because they are all so good.
Another interesting story in the series. I do enjoy reading the author's different series because they are all so good.
March 30, 2021
the story was very good
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