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Zoe Donovan Mystery #5

Big Bunny Bump Off

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Spring is in the air and with the warm weather comes an abundance of babies; human and otherwise. Things seem to be right on course until Jack Frost comes to town throwing the entire town of Ashton Falls into chaos. When Zoe sees the Easter Bunny running from a murder scene during a freak snowstorm she must track down the 'Cartoon Bandits' in order to catch a killer.
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163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2014

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About the author

Kathi Daley

289 books1,642 followers
Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home.
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.

Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).



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5 stars
570 (52%)
4 stars
352 (32%)
3 stars
143 (13%)
2 stars
19 (1%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,103 reviews66 followers
April 20, 2019
"Big Bunny Bump Off " is book five in the Zoe Donovan Mystery. After a busy day at the Zoo, Zeo was delivering copies of her friend's menus to the bank who was out of town at the time. However, on the arrive, Zoe, found the bank manager dead. At first, the sheriff blames her father which made Zoe decided to investigate. The readers of "Big Bunny Bump Off" will continue to follow Zoe too see what happens.

"Big Bunny Bump Off" is the first book I have read by Kathi Daley, an.d I enjoyed reading it. I love the way Kathi Daley portrayed her characters and their reactions to each other. At times I had to laugh with the characters and their actions. Big Bunny Bump Off was well written and researched by Kathi Daley. I like the way, Kathi Daley describes her settings that allow me to engage with the plot of "Big Bunny Bump Off."

The readers of "Big Bunny Bump Off" will learn about running a wild and domestic animal control, rescue and rehabilitation centre. Also, the readers of "Big Bunny Bump Off" will learn about pet adoptions.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Sabine.
595 reviews91 followers
January 4, 2017
Finally spring is arriving in Ashton Falls. The preparations for the Easter festivities are in full swing. Then a prominent banker is getting killed and the suspect is the Easter Bunny which was seen leaving the crime scene....
There is a lot going on in Ashton Falls in this installment. Zoe is becoming a big sister and Jeremy is becoming a Dad. I am really enjoying this series and feel like reading about friends.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,098 reviews92 followers
April 9, 2020
I love that this series has a continuing thread concerning the characters running through it, so I'm trying not to let too much time pass between each installment knowing how I can so easily forget what's going on. The last book left off with a couple of new babies being due soon, then someone left a dog at the Zoo that was going to have puppies, so Ashton Falls was going to be busy with little ones. I feel like Zoe did a lot of growing up in this book. She came to terms with her mom being around in the last couple of books, so there were a couple of slight teary-eyed moments in this book for Zoe and Mom as well as for Jeremy who was about to become a new dad (and the baby mom didn't want to be part of the baby's life.)

Zak is just an awesome guy! I love that he does so much good with all the money he has. It genuinely brings happiness to him to buy a house for someone or make sure that some people have jobs with good benefit packages. This is one of the best series for a small town and great character escape, especially with the current weirdness going on. The murder definitely had me stumped, and I was glad that the showdown wasn't overly dangerous seeing how the killer simply wanted to get away. I can't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Allyson Abu-Hajar.
605 reviews33 followers
April 9, 2020
Ashton Falls is planning an Easter play, about how the Easter Bunny finds a way to save spring; except Mr. Blakey, the town banker, inserts himself into the play as Jack Frost. The play must be rewritten. Zoe's Pappy gets to play the Easter Bunny.

When Zoe Donavan is asked to do a favor where she needs to see Blakey, Zoe sees an Easter Bunny hightailing it away from the bank. Mr. Blakey is dead inside.

The more Zoe sleuths around and talks to people, the more she learns that a lot of people were upset with Mr. Blakey. The suspect list is growing, but how to find the person in the Easter Bunny costume?

This was a cute story. There's plenty of humor, the beginning and finding out why Zoe's dad faints made me laugh out loud. One quote from the book I really loved: "It might have been a long, and winding road to get here, but the one thing I'm sure of is that life is short, and you need to cherish special moments when you have them rather than mourning the ones you might have missed along the way."
Profile Image for Laura.
3,204 reviews345 followers
March 27, 2014
Kathy Daley writes such endearing characters and cozy environments that even when there is murder involved you still feel comfortable and welcomed.
The way she writes takes you away to a calmer and simpler world and offers a relaxing getaway from your own reality.

I enjoyed getting to know Zoe Donovan and her circle of friends.
Some may have messy relationship pasts and unclear future paths but there is such a sense of community in these books that you wish they were all your personal friends.

Ms Daley's description of scenes is powerful. My favorite was when Zoe and her boyfriend went to meet the Adonis-like son of a handsome movie star.
We all think we could compose ourselves and treat a celebrity the same as we would any other person we are meeting for the first time. The way Zoe's reaction is written comes close to truth and made me smile.

I was gifted this book and now find myself interested in reading this series from the beginning.
Profile Image for Merrill.
69 reviews
March 8, 2014
this was the first I won a book give away and I highly enjoyed reading. I come into the Zoe Donovan Mystery series late but this was good Interaction to the other books in the series, Am looking foreword to read the other books in the series. I also used a recipe from the book 'Scalloped Ham & Potato Casserole' for a pot potluck, Everybody love it and it was super easy to make.
Profile Image for Trisha.
296 reviews6 followers
March 26, 2014
2014-03-08. Very good. A caper with people dressed up in various costumes ends up in murder. Zoe also has a lot of baby births of both animal and human variety to deal with. They all ended up well. I enjoyed this a lot
Profile Image for Annette.
1,766 reviews9 followers
June 8, 2017
ACTUALLY A 3.5 READ FOR ME - WISH WE HAD THAT OPTION

Zoe runs an animal shelter called The Zoo. They rescue wildlife, but also find forever homes for domestic animals who are at the end of their road. She lives in Ashton Falls, a small town where everyone knows everyone. Her parents live there too. They are not married to one another, but they are about to become parents. Zoe's assistant Jeremy is about to become a single father. It is spring, a time of new life.
There is an Easter play being planned. Unfortunately, the normal play has been hijacked by the town banker, Mr Blakely. He wants to be in the play, he wants to play Jack Frost, in tights.
So, you can see this is a mystery which includes humor.
When Mr Blakely is murdered, Zoe plans to stay out of it. But, slowly she is drawn in and starts asking questions around town. The number of people who hated Mr Blakely enough to kill him is nearly the entire population of the town.
This is a fun cozy mystery. As the plot unfolds, we run into more and more suspects. At the same time, life goes on. People are making arrangements for life. The season is becoming more and more spring. In short, this is a nicely done story.
But, I did have some issues.
I was disappointed in the ending. I felt that we were meandering along toward the end and suddenly, there was drama and The End. Would have liked that to have taken a little more time and explanation to come to the end. This is a part of a series, at times I became lost because I felt there was not a great deal of background information. It took me some extra work to put everyone in place and understand relationships.
If you are looking for a mystery which includes life, humor and humanity, this is a book for you.
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews55 followers
March 14, 2017
Kindle Unlimited liked it but didn't love it hence 4 stars. Wasn't anything stupid such as typos or anything like that, just didn't love this.

Halloween Hijinks Anniversary Edition (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 1) * - The Trouble with Turkeys (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 2) * - Christmas Crazy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 3) * - Cupids Curse (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 4) - Big Bunny Bump Off (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 5) * - Beach Blanket Barbie (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 6) * Maui Madness (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 7) - Derby Divas (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 8) - Haunted Hamlet (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 9) - Turkeys, Tuxes, and Tabbies (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 10) - Christmas Cozy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 11) - Alaskan Alliance (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 12) - Matrimony Meltdown (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 13) - Soul Surrender (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 14) - Heavenly Honeymoon (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 15) - Hopscotch Homicide (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 16) - Ghostly Graveyard (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 17) - Santa Sleuth (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 18) - Shamrock Shenanigans (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 19) - Kitten Kaboodle (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 20) - Costume Catastrophe (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 21) - Candy Cane Caper (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 22) - Holiday Hangover (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 23) - Easter Escapade (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery 24) {pre-order at this time}
Spin off from Zoe Donovan series Zimmerman Academy. *means NOT ku

Whales and Tails Mystery
Romeow and Juliet (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 1) - The Mad Catter (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 2) - Grimm's Furry Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 3) - Much Ado About Felines (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 4) - The Legend of Tabby Hollow (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 5) - The Cat of Christmas Past (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 6) - A Tale of Two Tabbies (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 7) - The Great Catsby (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 8) - Count Catula (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 9) - The Cat of Christmas Present (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 10) - A Winter's Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 11)

Murder at Dolphin Bay (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 1) - Murder at Sunrise (A Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 2) - Murder at the Witching Hour (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #3) - Murder at Christmas (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #4)

Zoe Donovan, Whales and Tails, Sand and Sea, others, check out amazon page
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,329 reviews12 followers
February 4, 2022
Zoe, local animal shelter part owner, and local sleuth into the murders which seem to be happening in the town, much to the annoyance of Sheriff Salinger.

Zoe's Mum is back on the scene, after abandoning her at a few days old in her Fathers arms. Zoe's Dad raised her single handedly, and did a fantastic job. However, Zoe is about to become a big Sister, if that was a shock, the Father of the baby comes as a bigger one.

It's baby season, as Zoe's main helper at the shelter, is to become a single Dad soon, after he agrees to raise the child his pregnant ex-girlfriend is carrying, but she wants no part in the baby's future.

When the local bank President gets murdered and Zoe finds the body (its becoming a habit, she thinks), Zoe gets involved in the investigation, along with her boyfriend Zac, and 2 very best friends Ellie and Levi.

Great cozy mystery series which is best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series. Try some of this fabulous author's other series, they're equally as good!
1,161 reviews15 followers
January 1, 2018
Mr. Blakely, the unpopular banker is murdered and Zoe Donovan sees the Easter bunny running from the scene. She needs to figure out who killed the banker, keep her animal rescue center functioning, support her unmarried parents who are about to become parents for the second time, and maintain a relationship with boyfriend Zak. This is the fifth book in the Zoe Donovan mystery series. The pacing was uneven, but overall it was a quick read.

I received this book through a random giveaway. Although encouraged as a courtesy to provide feedback, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Natalie.
71 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2020
The Easter Bunny brings more than Easter Eggs

As Kathi Daley has reminded many times over in all of her books, it is very important to believe in yourself and what you want. Zoe's adventure in this book is no different. If you work hard, and trust in yourself, your wishes will come true. I'm this time of uncertainty, believe that all will turn out okay, just as Zoe always has. Trust in the power of friendship and family, and you will find happiness. Easter is a time of renewed Faith, and Hope of what tomorrow may bring. Thank you Kathi for reminding me of what's most important.
Profile Image for LittleDeadRedGoddessPersephone.
955 reviews27 followers
March 20, 2018
I love cozy mysteries but this was just not very good. It could be because I did not start the series from the beginning. The thing is I have picked up a cozy mystery from the fourth or fifth book and enjoyed it a lot.

I wanted to read an Easter mystery so I picked this one.The book was written pretty well but for some reason the characters just didn't hold my interest. Even though I really wanted to give this book two stars I am going to give this three stars because I did hop into the series during fifth book .
Profile Image for Carol.
1,629 reviews59 followers
March 20, 2017


Easter time has arrived in Ashton Falls. The town is putting
on an Easter play. Charles Blakey, the unsavory banker of
the town decides he wants to be Jack Frost wearing tights
in this play. So the play must be re-written.
Zoe Donovan operates a private animal shelter. There are
dogs, cats, rabbits even a bear cub at her shelter. She does
a favor for her friend, only to discover a dead body and see
an Easter Bunny running away from the crime scene. The body
is that of the banker. Who could be responsible for the man's
death? Who was in the Easter Bunny costume?
As Zoe gets involved investigating, she discovers the banker
had many well defined characters who did not like him. The
story presents lots of suspects, mystery and suspense.
There are two babies born in the story plus a litter of puppies.
Interesting times in Ashton Falls.
This is book #5 in the Zoe Donovan Mystery series. It can be
read as a stand alone.
487 reviews9 followers
April 7, 2024
Zoe is pulled into a murder investigation when the town banker is murdered, and she witnesses a person in an Easter Bunny costume running away.

I loved the Easter theme in the book. Zoe and the various characters were fun as usual. They mystery was interesting, and I didn't guess the killer right away. The story was very fun to read and hard to put down. I also loved the romance. Recipes are also included at the end of the story.
33 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2017
I received this book as a freebie to get to know the author. I enjoyed it and the style of writing, but wish I had started at the beginning of the series because I felt like I was coming into the story part way through it. I would have rated it a 4 otherwise. I will definitely read more of this series - starting from the beginning.
422 reviews4 followers
May 23, 2017
Excellent cozy, lovely characters, very interesting crime.

I seldom come across a book so well written! It was a joy to read. Usually my proofreading brain can't shut off and completely enjoy a story as I did this one.

This is the 1st of this series that I've read, but the 5th in the series. I can't wait to get the rest!
Profile Image for Celest.
622 reviews7 followers
August 18, 2017
Babies, babies, and more babies

I loved this book, mainly because of all the babies. Puppies, kittens, bears, or humans, babies are precious. But of course it was the mystery that kept me reading into the night. This was another good one, with many suspects and surprises. There are also a few romances blossoming to warm your heart. Kathi Daley never disappoints.
Profile Image for Linda.
428 reviews14 followers
April 2, 2018
I have not read an Ashton Falls story that I have not enjoyed. The characters are all highly entertaining, even the despicable ones that are murdered. (I had to laugh at the banker in his Jack Frost costume.) I have enjoyed watching the relationships developing between family and friends. And the clues are never too wild or crazy. These are amazing stories that take you along for the ride.
710 reviews
November 21, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, although I wasn't sure I was even going to read it. I didn't know what to expect from the title. But once I started reading I was very glad I did. The writing was great and the characters were great. By half way through the book I felt like they were old friends. Now I can't wait to start another one in the series.
July 17, 2020
When it comes to cozy mysteries, Kathi Daley never fails to satisfy.

I am sure I will eventually work my way through all of her books. She is particularly adept at developing characters to whom one becomes very attached and misses at the end of the story, paving the way for the next installmentt. May they be ever forthcoming
383 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2023
I am reading books with Easter and Spring themes. I didn't really enjoy this one of the series. It just bumped around and never really developed a story. The ending came a little too quickly. I know that the Kindle cozy mysteries are designed to be short reads but this one was a tad too short. A good way to pass a rainy day.
Profile Image for Neena Christianson Martin.
1,185 reviews10 followers
April 3, 2018
Babies and murder.

Quite a combination, but this book centers on these two subjects. Zoe is about to be a sister and an honorary aunt, and is pulled into the murder investigation of the hated local banker, keeping her really busy.
Profile Image for Tasha Mcclellan.
38 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2020
What's going on with Blakely?

Why is he so insistent on being Jack Frost in the spring play? And wearing tights? And when Zoe stumbles across a body at the bank, is it really the Easter Bunny she sees running from the scene of the crime???
Profile Image for Robin Resch.
651 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2020
Hippity hoppity Easter's on its way

This is a nice series so far. Enjoy the characters and all of Zoe's quirks. The storyline and characters go well together. I recommend reading this series in order.
1,026 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2021
Zoe Grows Up

When I first read a book in this series it was down the line. In fact, I read a few of the later books. Then I decided I wanted to understand the development of the characters and began with the first. I highly recommend reading them in order.
Profile Image for Shannon Bell.
9 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2017
Fun Read

I enjoy the Zoe Donovan series. Thanks, Kathi Daley for another fun read. I look forward to downloading more soon.
Profile Image for Julie Wozniak.
8 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2017
Good book.

Good book. I liked the heroine and her friends. I could not put the book down. Read it in one night.
306 reviews
September 24, 2017
Great series

I love this series more every book I read. Its hard to put it down once you start to read it. Love it.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews20 followers
August 17, 2018
Another Great Cozy Mystery

I enjoyed this latest cozy mystery.
There was plenty of suspense,twists,turns and a great cast of characters.
Cozy Mystery fans will love this book.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

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