Family and friends come first in this wonderful series of, so far, eight mysteries. Add some romance and an excellent mystery and I'm a happy reader. TJ Jensen has been enjoying a vacation when she gets word that her father has been seriously injured in a car crash that killed the other person in the car. TJ returns to be at her father's side and her boyfriend follows with friends and pets in tow. Who would have wanted the Judge dead? TJ is ready to jump in to help find the answers but hits a road block when her friend in the police department, who has always listened to her theories of the previous crimes, has a new partner who is in no mood to allow civilians to stick their noses into police business. I enjoy the way this is handled, with TJ investigating in tandem and not thinking that she can do it better. The mystery is well plotted, the relationships are so real and well developed, this series is a pleasure to read. If you are new to this series, do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. You will have many hours of reading pleasure ahead of you.

This is the first TJ Jensen book I’ve read but the author provided just enough back story that I didn’t feel lost. I like the characters, the story flowed well and kept me invested in finding out who the killer was.

Kathi Daley has done it again with book 8 in her Tj Jensen Mystery series. I love that these books can be read as stand alones. I have read most of the series and have enjoyed every book.

Fireworks in Paradise is the 8th book in the series. Tj is still in Gull Island South Caroline when she receives a call her beloved Father has been in a terrible accident and may not make it, and family Friend Judge Harper was killed. She rushes back home to stand vigil over her Father. Once home she finds out the accident was not an accident when they discover the brake lines to the car has been cut. Tj of course dives right into the investigation even though the new police officer does not want her help.

I love that the romance of Tj and long time friend Kyle is actually moving forward. Every book needs a bit of romance. The book does not center of the romance but I love the sweetness of it. Tj and Kyle have been awesome in the last few books as friends now I can see them going far as lovers as well.

The beginning of this book just drops you like a bomb into the story. I had to stop and go "What!?" and checked if I had missed a book. Nope. Upon reflection, I suppose real life can be like that. Despite there being a touch of romance, I felt this story had more mystery and some nice twists than some of the other entries in the series.

I also appreciated that there are situations that the characters here are allowed to handle like mature adults instead of acting stupidly to provide drama and to stretch out the book.

We get more indirect information about Maggie's Hideaway and it seems like a much grander and sophisticated outfit than I got the impression of in the two or three other books I've read in the series. Not sure if that's an inconsistency or just the books I've read. The former hotel employee in me questioned the logistics and realism of what info. we are given, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is by far my favorite Kathy Daley series. It has a certain gritty feel that lots of cozies don't have. The characters are relatable and draw you in. The town of Serenity is easy to picture, especially if you have been to Lake Tahoe before. Fireworks in Paradise, brings one of T.J's worst fears to life, almost losing her father. A dead friend is dead and the cause is believed to be murder. T.J sets out to find out who almost killed her father and figuring out her new romance. I highly recommend this book.

This is book 8 in the series (that can be read as a stand alone.) Though the characters develop over the course of the series and there are mentions of things that have happened in the past, you will not have any difficulties keeping up if you haven't read any of the other books. This has all the elements of a typical cozy... the mystery of course, the small town feel (though not too small that everyone knows everyone,) a dash of romance (without all the sex,) and of course the armature sleuth working the case with the help of her friends. It is well written with just enough info to keep you guessing until the end. It does have the final brouhaha at the end right before the big reveal. It goes without saying that this is safe for pretty much all ages to read. :)

This is part of the Tj Jensen cozy mystery series, and is not the first in the series that I have read. It isn't necessary to read these in order, although the relationships between the characters progress throughout. I enjoyed the mystery in this book and felt the medical situation with her father was handled very well. I just wish that less focus had been put on Tj's extracurricular activities and more on what was going on in her personal life. Had I been Tj, I would have put a lot of things off to deal with my family emergency and let others take over my outside duties. I also felt like the ending was a little rushed. It will be interesting to see what happens with Tj and Kyle in the future.

This is another great cozy mystery with Tj and her family and friends. The characters are quite believable and realistic, and the plot really draws you in. A really good book!

“Fireworks in Paradise” earns 5/5 Clever Mysteries and Wow Endings!

Immediately following “Treasure in Paradise” Kathi Daley sends us right into another gripping murder mystery. Tj Jensen’s relaxing vacation with family and friends is cut short, interrupted by a frantic phone message from Dr. Hunter about her father, Mike, being in an accident. A devastating car crash has killed a family friend and put her father in a coma. What a way to make this very personal and engaging for fans and newbies alike! Tj will not be left out of this investigation despite her fears that her father might not regain consciousness. Deputy Fisher explains the evidence doesn’t prove ‘accident.’ The brake line on the judge’s car had been deliberately cut making it more obvious that Judge Harper was the intended victim and her father an innocent bystander. A key part of Kathi Daley’s work is she continues to write a clever mystery along with a positive perspective on the importance of law enforcement having her characters, like Tj, working in tandem with, not circumventing, local police. Even though there are opportunities for Tj to go ‘rouge’ or partner with her friends and family, she has a unique talent recognized not ignored by the deputy in charge. Kathi’s style in her mysteries often provides a wide range of motives and ample suspect giving us readers the opportunity to channel our inner detective. Tj works through the clues knowing even though retired Judge Harper must have some typical enemies from his time on the bench, he was also the mayor of the town which widens the suspect pool closer to home with disgruntled business owners and maybe even neighbors. “Wow!” There’s always a very clever solution capped with someone ending up in jeopardy! This story is further complicated for Tj with Deputy Fisher having been assigned a new partner. ‘She’ may not be so tolerant of a civilian actively ingratiating herself into police investigations; Tj will need to rely on her ability to be subtle to avoid being shut out completely. Always playing in the background of Kathi’s work we find family issues, holiday or community events, and a bit of romance. In this story we continue to see the evolution of the Jensen family with a her father’s fiance, the town prepping for the Fourth of July festivities, and in the wake of a very romantic ‘kiss’ Tj and Kyle are trying to navigate through a new relationship. Fireworks all around Paradise Lake, and I enjoyed every bit of it!

TJ Jensen is back in her 8th mystery. TJ is called home from vacation when her father is badly hurt in a car accident. The death of the driver sets TJ and her friends on the path of a dangerous investigation. They are hard-pressed to find a killer all while helping run an elaborate 4th of July extravaganza at the family's resort. Adding to the tension is a burgeoning romance between TJ and her dear friend, Kyle.
I definitely enjoyed Fireworks in Paradise, but think it would have been even better if I had read the previous volumes.

Tj Jensen flies back home from Paradise Lake upon hearing that her father was badly hurt in a car accident in which a friend was killed. While worrying over her father, she and Kyle join forces to try to find out answers to the accident that wasn't an accident. This is a very exciting story that kept me on my toes. It was wonderful seeing the closeness between the family and friends and their love for each other as they helped one another through this tragic situation.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley.

Fireworks in Paradise by Kathi Daley is an intriguing mystery. From the start, it grabbed my full attention. I was instantly feeling sympathy for the main protagonist. Her father was ill and his chances of recovering were fifty-fifty. It didn't sound that good. Then, there was a murder case. I also liked the romance interest of Tj Jensen. Her guy seems to be perfect. I want him! There was humor, good family relationships, supportive friends, and some danger. I enjoyed following the characters both big and small. Each one had an important role. Overall, the plot was steady, exciting, and realistic. I loved it. I will definitely be watching out for more books by Kathi Daley.

I received this copy from the publisher. This, is my voluntary review.

This was a very cute and fast mystery read. I loved the character TJ, from her past friendships to her new friendships. She is a person that seems to always fall into mystery and murder, with this time possibly ending it all. The relationship that develops between TJ and Kyle is so sweet and new, and it is impossible not to cheer for them. When past meets present there are murders and attempted murders that come to light. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book and write a honest review.

Fans of this series will be thrilled with this latest instalment. I strongly recommend that you read the previous books in the series.

Kindle Copy for Review from Net Galley

Tj Jensen finds herself rushing back home when she gets a phone call telling her dad has been in a terrible car accident and the driver died. The driver a ormer judge and temporary mayor was a family friend and the brakes were tampered.

She finds herself investigating the case with her friends and the new detective who she clashes with. Will her father survived or will they be another tragedy in the girls’ life?

A winnerin the Tj series.

Great story. Lots of intrigue. Satisfactory conclusion. Eager to read #9 and see how various relationships develop. Nice for all to be back home. I have read the previous books and enjoyed them. Once I started the book I hated having to put it down. Grateful I was able to read it one day.

I love Kathi Daley’s cozy mystery books. She’s got several series, and I’ve read several of her books from the different series. They’re each set in a unique setting and have great characters. The Tj Jensen Mystery Series is set in the fictional town of Serenity, Nevada. Her family lives in and runs Maggie’s Hideaway, a lakeside resort. I definitely recommend reading the books in order, but you don’t have to. I’ve read several out of order and enjoy them just the same.
In this most recent Tj Jensen book, Tj is just returning from Gull Island (Treasure in Paradise Book 7) after finding out that her father is in critical condition after a horrible crash. When she returns home, she is horrified at her dad’s condition. After finding out that the “accident” was not an accident, she sets out to find out who would have wanted to murder Judge Harper. Like all good mysteries, the killer isn’t obviously apparent. I like working through the clues along with the main characters in these books.

And speaking of characters, you’ll love the ones in this series. I love getting to “know” the characters throughout the books. You’ll love Tj who has been raising her younger half-sisters since their mother’s untimely death. Tj’s dad and grandpa are such great guys. Even though the little girls aren’t related to them, they treat them like they are family and love them just like family. Tj’s best friends are always around to help when she needs them.

I definitely recommend Fireworks in Paradise and all Kathi Daley books to all my reader friends who like cozy mystery books. They’re great escapes! On to the next…

“Fireworks in Paradise” is the eighth book in Kathi Daley’s Paradise Lake Mystery series, but it is possible to enjoy this book without having read the previous books. The author provides quick background comments in the context of the storyline to fill in anything needed from the previous books. Since previous story lines are woven into this book, new readers might want to go back and pick up a couple of those previous books rather than spending a few chapters sorting out all the players.

All things are not happy in Paradise Lake. The upcoming Fourth of July should be a busy time at Maggie’s Hideaway Resort with the Star-Spangled Spectacular bringing visitors from all over, but the celebration has been darkened by a devastating car accident that killed Judge Harper and critically injured Tj Jensen’s father. In fact, it was not an accident at all, but murder.

Tj and her friend Kyle Donovan are self-proclaimed “freelance consultants” trying to find out what happened, despite the reluctance of local law enforcement to accept their help. Their search uncovers possible injustices from the past that mighty point to the revenge killing of the Judge.

The story is written as a first person narrative, so we see everything though Tj’s eyes. We get to know the people around her as she knows them. Her search for the killer is intertwined with the day-to-day activities in Maggie’s Hideaway. We agonize with Tj as she struggles with family and personal relationships. Clues to the murder slowly come together, piece by piece, but not without drama and trauma.

Strong, well-developed characters are a trademark of the entire Tj Jensen series. We like Paradise Lake so much that we are willing to set aside its “history” of crime, something that would send us running and screaming from any other resort. Instead embrace the residents of Paradise Lake as if they lived next door.

Daily hints of things to come as Tj’s little sisters wonder how they fit into Tj’s life and are curious about the parade of boyfriends who used to come over but are no longer part of not only Tj’s live but theirs as well.
“We love Uncle Kyle,” Gracie added before I could answer.
“We would miss him if he stopped coming to see us.”

Will the future bring “A Wedding in Paradise”? Time will tell.

I received a copy of “Fireworks in Paradise” from Henery Press, Kathi Daley, and NetGalley in exchange for my impartial review. This is an entertaining book to read without any headache-producing stress. Everyone loves Paradise Lake and the people who live there.

Kathi Daley really knows her work! She writes another story where life, death, love and hate are intertwined in the little town of Paradise. You couldn't put this book down!
A clean romance, a murder without gory descriptions, a book full of values and a group of friends trying to solve the murder of a prominent citizen. What else could you ask from a cozy mystery?

TJ Jensen's family owns Maggie's Hideaway, a lakeside resort, in Serenity, Nevada where the whole family works. TJ, her sisters, Grandpa Ben, friends Kyle and Doc are away for the summer on Gull Island, South Carolina when they get a call that her father has been badly injured in an auto accident that killed his friend, Mayor and former judge, Harper. Her dad, Mike, is lying in a coma in the hospital as her old flame, Dr. Hunter in taking care of him. So the whole group makes their way back home. TJ's cop friend, Roy Fisher, informed her that the accident was caused by a cut in mayor's brake line. So, TJ assists Roy to find who killed her friend and hurt her dad. Kyle joins in when he gets back using his computer skills to investigate. Following up with notes that the mayor had made about some former cases and questioning people about friction within the town council, they set out to find the culprit. And on top of the investigation, it is the fourth of July weekend and all hands are needed on deck to work all of the festivities at the resort. There is a new deputy in town who doesn't like civilians getting involved with police work and this adds some tension between the gang.
The clues that they followed kept me guessing up to the end. There is a new romance brewing between TJ and Kyle. They have been friends for a long time so this is a time of adjustment for them and their friends. This a great cozy mystery that I recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review