Beach Blanket Barbie

Zoe Donovan Mystery #6

by Kathi Daley

Zoe suspects that something is up when Levi's ex-girlfriend Barbie comes to town unexpectedly. When she ends up floating face down in the lake Zoe and the gang shift into full sleuth mode to find a killer. As they delve into Barbie's life since she left Ashton Falls, they find a complex puzzle that is going to take a group effort to unravel.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2014

About the author

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).

Reviews

[Christina/ The Blog for Teachers, Readers, & Life! · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!💖 lovable main characters, small town feel, lots of suspects, animals galore, sprinkled with humor and romance! Each book in this series is a winner! A perfect read for the summertime.🏖

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi's ex-girlfriend is back in town. Her way of teasing and flirting with every man hasn't made her a lot of friends. So when she is found dead at the pier one morning Zoe, Ellie and Levi find themselves investigating a lot of suspects. Or is her death connected to some questionable business she seems to have been involved in?
I just love this series. The characters are very well drawn....and the recipes at the end of the story sound super delicious.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beach Blanket Barbie is book six in the Zoe Donovan Mystery Series by Kathi Daley. When Levi's ex-girlfriend Barbie came to town, everyone, including Zoe, suspected something was wrong. However, they did not think that someone would murder Barbie. Zoe and her team got together to investigate after the law enforcement declared an accident. The readers of Beach Blanket Barbie will continue to follow Zoe to find out what happens.

Beach Blanket Barbie is a lovely cozy mystery book to read. Beach Blanket Barbie is the first book I have read in the Zoe Donovan Mystery Series, and I enjoyed reading this book. I love Kathi Daley's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Beach Blanket Barbie is well written and researched by Kathi Daley. I like Kathi Daley's description of the setting of Beach Blanket Barbie that complimented the book's plot.

The readers of Beach Blanket Barbie will learn about the consequences of stealing famous paintings. Also, the readers will learn about the importance of having people who care for lost and lonely animals and ensuring they have a good home.

I recommend this book.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a lot of this book, I just couldn't get too invested in the 'who killed Barbie Bennington' mystery, because for one thing, I couldn't stand the character when she was in the earlier books. She went nuts and had destroyed things in Levi's house when he broke up with her, but I'm pretty sure he had a good reason for breaking up, as in she was off her rocker. But poor Levi was wracked with guilt after having ignored her when she called recently needing his help.

But in her usual awesome style, the author packed a good punch into the ending of this book! It was pretty amazing, and I was happy to see that all my favorite characters in Ashton Falls enjoyed a happy ending after a month of sadness that had come to them all.

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Quick and Entertaining Read

This is book 6 in a series, and I strongly recommend reading the series in order. The mystery part of the book is mostly disconnected from previous happenings, but there’s a big overall story arc concerning the lives and relationships of the main characters. Also, while the book is relatively short, there are quite a lot of characters. Reading the series from the beginning, they’re introduced gradually, and it’s much easier to remember who’s who.

The Story:
Zoe finds another body – this time, the victim is her childhood friend Levi’s former girlfriend. Barbie, the victim, was a high maintenance beauty who delighted in flirting with married men and made a lot of enemies in her short time in town. Because she called Levi for help a few days before her murder, and he turned her down, he feels guilty and enlists Zoe and friends to find the killer.

What I liked:
The main characters are likable and well fleshed-out, and their relationships are interesting. You can also tell that the author put quite some effort into making her characters grow while keeping it all plausible.
The mystery is interesting and kept me guessing. Barbie had many enemies, some personal, some professional, most of them with both motive and opportunity. I had great fun trying to figure out the ‘who did it?’.

What I didn’t like:
I don’t really like the ending, for two reasons: One, it’s very abrupt. A huge chunk of the action takes place ‘off-screen’ and is only recapped very briefly in the final chapter. Two, the interaction between Zoe and the killer seems somehow ‘off’. They actually have quite a polite discussion about the murder (the murderer’s motive, exactly how and why (s)he did what (s)he did, etc.) before (s)he proceeds to attack Zoe. I’m not sure how to put in words, but the whole scene seems kind of awkward.

Conclusion:
This is a nice little cozy mystery where the emphasis is slightly more on the ‘cozy’ than on the ‘mystery’. It’s an enjoyable read for fans of the genre. The summer setting makes it a great read for a rainy (or snowy) afternoon.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one sort of hovers around 3.5* due to some editing oversights. The mystery was a good one, though, and, as always, it was fun to visit with Zoe, her friends, and family (both human and furry). I'm a long way from catching up with this series (I think there are 30+ books!) but someday I'll get there. 😎

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book much more than book 5.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Levi's ex girlfriend Barbie, turns up again in Ashton Falls, it can only mean trouble. When she is found floating in the Lake, dead, Levi is devastated. Even though they broke up ages before, she rang him before she was killed, asking for help, he turned her down and now he needs to find her killer. Zoe, Zac, Ellie and Levi work together to find out who did this to her, and why.

Zoe has her hands full at the Zoo, as well as helping out with her newborn baby sister, Harper.

I really enjoy this cozy mystery series, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series. If you enjoy this series, try some of Kathi Daley's other cozy mystery series, they're all as good.

[Arow · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was hard for me to get through. Mystery seemed to go on too long without movement and then was solved in the last few pages. The parts I did like were the personal stories but those too where kind of skipped over and tied up in a few pages.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the Memorial Day celebration looming, Barbie (Levi's ex) returns to town. As the plot unfolds, readers find out that Barbie has been living an extremely complicated life. Joy and sadness are intertwined within this story.

[Patricia H. Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plenty of Twists and Turns

Another great murder mystery by Kathi Daley. I have gone back to start the series from the beginning so as to follow the evolution of the four friends and their small town. Well worth the effort.

[Sandi Berumen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poor, poor ending!

Cutesy little ending -- NOT!

CHEESY ending and poorly done. Ten more words required, how ridiculous. This was just not well done or thought out. Not cute, not clever.

[Darlene S. Hankins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not My favorite.

This is the first book in the Zoe Donovan series that I haven't enjoyed. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Brenda gips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different take!

This one to me had a ton of new directions which I look forward to seeing where we all go!

[Loraina Snowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Donovan Mystery #6

A really good read but sad in some ways. More reflective of life. Definitely worth reading the series and getting to know the characters.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed the book...

[Jenn G · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery wasn't very well done. The ending was ridiculous but as always I loved Zoe and the gang.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Barbie and why??? A painting??? Zoe will figure things out, won't she??? That is if she doesn't burn up first!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Robin Resch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A call for help

Another great book. I was a little sad by the ending. Bad things happen to good people and bad people get what they deserve.

[Tasha Mcclellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbie"s back

What's up with Barbie, why is she acting strangely? Who are her new friends? And is Ellie really in love with Rob, or just in a hurry to be Hannah's mom?

[Monisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out really good.. I just love cozy mysteries.. I didn't like the ending.. It was really anti climatic and kind of fell flat.. I loved the characters and the premise of the book but ending could have been better

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually liked the mystery quite a bit. I had taken a break from this series after the previous book because I fount the Ellie situation so infuriating. She is just as frustrating in this book, and it's no surprise what happens.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Beach Blanket Barbie - Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 6
Author: Kathi Daley
Publisher: Kathi Daley
Published: 3-21-2014
ISBN: 9781497424305
E-Book ASIN: B00J6GUFI6
Pages: 210
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Tags: Thriller & Suspense, Animals, Women Slueths
Sensual Rating: Very Light
Overall Rating: Great
Reviewed For: Kathi Daley
Reviewer: DelAnne



Levi's former diva ex-girlfriend, Barbie Bennington is back and bringing her troubles with her. The men still fawn over her and the women want to scratch her eyes out for flirting with every man she comes across from eight to eighty. She asks Levi for help, but he has had more than enough dealings with her to stay away from anything to do with Barbie. When Zoe Donovan, operator of Ashton Falls' Zoe's Ark, finds Barbie's body floating faced down in the water near the pier Levi feels guilty for not even meeting with her to find out what was so important that Barbie would contact him for help. He wants Zoe and his friends to help him find out what happened to Barbie as the sheriff, who was seen with Barbie shortly before her death, seems in a hurry to call it an accident.


If Zoe wasn't so good with the animals she saves, takes care of, and either returns them to the wild or finds forever homes for I think she should give the Sheriff a run for his money on the next election. Then again Zoe with a gun is not a comforting image. She seems to put herself in danger without trying too hard, a gun could make her a danger to others. Zoe is a wonder when it comes to animals and will do everything in her poser to save one. Her heart is enormous with more than enough room for her family, boyfriend, friends and every animal lucky enough to find their way to her. She and her friends are the kind of people we all want to have in our lives, warm, open and loyal.



Like all of Kathi Daley's books the sixth Zoe Donovan mystery, Beach Blanket Barbie is a quick clean mystery. Although you could read this as a stand alone, but if you are like myself you enjoy watching the relationships between the characters grow and develop. Not to mention how they interact in the town and events. Ashton Falls may have a larger ratio of deaths per population, but most were not exactly desirable, leading citizens anyway. So maybe Ms. Daley is weeding out the bad to make room for me. Ashland Falls needs a craft and hobby store and a book store, I would be happy to open one of them on Main Street to the benefit of the town. How can an author create a town without a bookstore? Let me rectify that oversight for you.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, having started it in August with the first one, Halloween Hijinks. I have enjoyed watching the friendship between Zoe, Ellie and Levi, and her relationship develop with her childhood nemesis, Zak. Each story contains a bit of mystery, along with some wonderful animal rescue and/or adoption stories. In this story, Levi's former girlfriend returns but before the friends can find out why she has come back, her murdered body is found. Seems that Zoe is a magnet for dead bodies and murders and even though the local sheriff dislikes her butting in, for Levi's sake she once again finds herself searching out the murderer. As always, her search tends to put her in the path of the murderer, but can she discover what happened before he/she realizes that she is closing in? This book would have rated 5 stars but I was a little disappointed with the way the story ended. Not that the mystery wasn't enjoyable, but at a certain moment, the author skipped forward in time and explained what happened instead of "live" action. While I don't mind a summation for motive, I was a little disappointed at how much was explained in this last chapter, and felt a little cheated for losing more reading pleasure. That said,I am still invested in this series, and am already in the midst of the next Zoe adventure, Maui Madness.

[Chris Meads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me so much of the Cat Who....books by Lillian Jackson Braun and the Mrs. Murphy mysteries by Lillian Jackson (and we can't forget Sneaky Pie). I really enjoyed this book.

The book starts out with a friend's dog getting knocked up by a stray and Zoe chases after the dog through most of the book. Leaving there, Zoe heads over to Ellie's Beach Hut, an eatery and there while visiting with Ellie, sees Barbie B on the beach with a strange man. Barbie has been gone for a few months after breaking it off with Levi. The next morning Zoe finds out Barbie has been murdered.

Zoe and her friends try to piece together who killed Barbie and why. They make a list of everyone that Barbie could have made angry since she did attract men only to brush them off. By the end, Zoe finds out who did it when she and the yoga instructor, Serina get knocked out and the studio gets torched.

All's well that ends well except for a beloved pet having to be put to sleep and a wedding that wasn't meant to be. Zoe and friends end up going to Hawaii for a much needed vacation.

I do like the name of Zoe's animal rescue, The Zoo (or Zoe's Zoo). Now I will have to catch up on Zoe's life by reading the other books.

I won this book from a goodreads giveaway.

[Julesy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, much more than Daley's TJ Jensen and Whales & Tails series. I love the characters in this Zoe Donovan series, the friendships and relationships. Each book has good cozy mystery and are quick, easy reads.

This book fits all the attributes I mentioned above. I enjoyed the mystery from beginning to end. I didn't guess the culprit but the motive made perfect sense. I would highly rate this book except for one thing ... the last chapter, which was a month later, actually everything that happened in the characters' lives. I was taken by surprise by the events that occurred in this last chapter. However, there was a slight cliffhanger at the very end, so now I just HAVE to read the next book!

I would rate this book somewhere between 4 and 4.5. I am leaning more towards a 4 because of the last chapter seemed to have rushed events for the last month for the characters.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like cozies with great characters, a great mystery, humor and animals, then Kathi Daley's Zoe Donovan Mystery series is for you. In the latest book, Beach Blanket Barbie, the mystery continues throughout the story and there are enough twists to make you rethink your choice of the murderer. Characters continue to be developed and relationships continue to grow. You really feel like you know the characters and care what happens to them. The writing flows smoothly and is very easy to read. The ending held a few surprises and made me want to read the next installment. Unfortunately, I have to wait until it's written, which I hope is soon. I can't recommend the entire series enough, it is definitely one of my favorites

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 had 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.

[Susan Krich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads book. You do not have to have read the prior books to enjoy it. It is very easy to read and is great for a quiet afternoon.
At the end of the next to last chapter, you think you know the whole story but the last chapter holds a few surprises.
It is nice to read about the rescue pets woven throughout the main story.
Most of the books that I read with recipes eg., "Thou Shalt Not Grill" by Tamar Myers, have the recipes interwoven. I preferred these at the end because the story is not interrupted. Like most recipes, I have to change some ingredients for my family. In the pulled pork recipe, I substituted gravy for the BBQ sauce and it is delicious.