Derby Divas

Zoe Donovan Mystery #8

by Kathi Daley

Zoe is busy juggling the demands of friends and family as the town of Ashton Falls gears up for the annual classic car show and demolition derby. When one of the members of the Derby Divas demolition team dies in a fiery crash the day before the event is set to begin, Zoe must set aside the demands of friends in crisis and wedding planning to solve a mystery that is much more complicated than it would appear.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 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

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Derby Divas might have been my favourite in the series so far. During a car race the day before Ashton Falls big classic show and demolition derby one of the 2 racers dies...You are in for a fun ride at a perfect pace with lots of twists and turns.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had some fun events including a demolition derby. I use to go to one at the county fair. So that was fun to read about. The mystery had a bite of a different spin which was creative of Kathi.

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabotage, secret identities and murder are involved in a men vs. women demolition car derby that Zoe and friends are overseeing for a fund raiser in their Ashton Falls home. The action is fast and the murder plot is devious. A fast and enjoyable read with familiar characters.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, much better than the last two I have read. Such a good book. I hope the next book in the series is just as good.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took right up from when the four friends were leaving Maui on Zak's private jet and continued through Ashton's Falls Derby car event to the end of August for a very special event. Like always, I really enjoy the camaraderie of Zoe, Zak, Ellie and Levi. Ellie was trying just a little too hard to get a husband and scaring off some of her potentials.

The case involving a derby car driver was intriguing with a really good twist toward the end. Zoe proved again that she could be a faithful friend to both people and pets. Onward to the next book!

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derby Divas is another great book by Kathi Daley. Zoe and the gang are all helping out with the Demolition Derby being held In Ashton Falls. To decide if the male and female drivers should compete together or separately , the two best drivers , Pandora and Boomer, decide to settle the decision with a drag race. At the end of the race, which Pandora wins, there is a big fiery crash and it appears as though Pandora is killed. The body is burned beyond recognition, but the driver was driving Pandora’s car and wearing her racing outfit. But things are not always what they seem to be and that is the case with the car crash and death. Zoe and her friends have another mystery to solve and they are up to the task.

Zoe’s busy trying to run Zoe’s Zoo, the wildlife animal shelter that she runs. She is also busy planning a wedding for her parents and helping out at the Demolition Derby. She has to try and help her best friend, Ellie, realize that although Ellie desperately wants to find a man and have a baby, that’s not something that can be rushed. She also has to make a decision concerning marrying Zak, her boyfriend. Zoe has commitment phobias, and although she loves Zac, she doesn’t know if she can do “forever”.

All of the characters continue to grow and mature. Having read all of the Zoe Donovan series, I can really see this growth. The characters continue to be portrayed as people you would love to hang out with and call your friends.

The mystery is carried on throughout the book and I never would have guessed the solution to the mystery. There are so many twists and turns at the end it was like being on a rollercoaster.

There is a lot to love when reading Kathi Daley’s books. The thing I love the most is that when I’m reading her books, I’m totally sucked into the world she creates with words. I become so absorbed in what I’m reading, I don’t really know what’s going on around me. To me, the ability to write something that does this is the sign of a truly great author.

I would highly recommend this book to those readers who enjoy a mystery full of twists and turns. Also to those who enjoy being carried away to another time and place to hang out with some new “friends”.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to come right out and admit it: I'm super late to the party. Derby Divas is the eighth adventure for Kathi Daley's Zoe Donovan and her group of friends, family, and fellow townsfolk of Ashton Falls. And yet, it's my first time solving a mystery with all of them!

I had such a fun time reading Derby Divas. Right from the start, I was pulled into Zoe's inner circle and treated like a longtime friend. And then bodies started turning up and I started feeling a little uneasy!

Zoe is busily planning the annual Demolition Derby event and the question at hand is if the male and female drivers will compete together or separately. A spokesperson from each gender decide that an early morning road race will have the final vote and, as unsure as Zoe is of the legality - and the safety - of this course of action, she can't really stop Boomer or Pandora. But, when the morning of the race arrives, she sure wishes she could have. Pandora wins for the women by a bumper . . . and then tumbles off the side of a steep cliff.

Or did she?

Cue the mysterious circumstances populated with questionably shady characters.

Derby Divas is a delightful read - and a quick one at that! I'm so glad to have been introduced to Kathi (thanks to Lisa from Lisa Ks Book Reviews) and I'm very excited to go back to the beginning of the Zoe Donovan mystery series and get caught up on all the hijinks, troubles, and craziness. I hope you'll join me on the journey!

Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Derby Divas - Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 8
Author: Kathi Daley
Publisher: Kathi Daley
Published: 6-15-2014
ASIN E-Book: B00L16JGCUN
Pages: 160
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Tags: Women Sleuths, Animals, Suspense
Overall Rating: Excellent
Reviewed For: Kathi Daley
Reviewer: DelAnne


The Dog Days Of Summer are fast approaching and Ashton Falls is preparing for its annual Demolition Derby Festival everyone is working on their assigned duties to ensure it is a success. With things still up in the air with Zoe Donovan and Zak Zimmerman as well as Ellie Davis and Levi Denton tension abounds. Adding to the stress is the death of one of the Derby Divas the day before the Festival begins. Zoe begins looking into why she died and by whose hand.


This may be the eighth book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. If you have never read a Zoe Donovan Mystery, then you are in for a treat. The fast flowing story smoothly draws you into the lives of the people of Ashton Falls in general and Zoe and her zany often quirky friends. It will not be long before you are reaching to purchase the others of this series. Kathi's use of humor and quick wit to make you laugh along as you read. Luckily you and I will be able to read book nine soon so do not despair you can return to Ashton Falls for a visit soon.

[Dawn Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Kathi Daley! This is book 8 in the Zoe Donovan mysteries. Zoe and the gang are all helping out with the Demolition Derby that is taking place in town. Before you know it, Zoe finds herself caught up in another murder investigation. Between that, her job, her family, her boyfriend, and her friends, can Zoe keep her sanity? What fun it was to find out! I loved this book as I have all the others. I always feel like part of the gang when I read this series. Keep them coming Kathi!

[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

[Loretta TheMoodyRedhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was about some guys and gals in derby competitions. The guys have always been the ones in the derby until the previous year when “Pandora” was able to be included and she won!

Then this year even more women entered the annual derby race and boys howdy the guys were upset about that and didn’t want girls included. Well, the guys and gals decided to have a street race and whoever won got to make the decision as to whether it’d be girls and guys teaming together or guys against gals. Personally, I feel that the guys were intimidated and were scared they’d lose to a girl!

During the street race, someone dies and Zoe gets involved in finding out how. I really liked the ending. It was quite a few twists that I didn’t expect. Couldn’t have worked out better as far as I’m concerned!

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fatal crash before the derby begins sends Zoe and friends investigating

What I enjoyed:
* Fun to hang out with Zoe and the gang.
* Mystery was interesting, although much was telegraphed In the end there was no real crime as it was all a setup so Pepper and Izzy could go away together will millions from Pepper's trust fund.
* A wedding!

What could have been better:
* Who in their right mind agrees to allow an illegal road race, especially when you are representing the town council? Zoe is lucky they weren't sued for every penny they had.
* Ellie has issues. I'm glad she seemed to calm down by the end.

[Maryann Skaritka · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun week end festival in Ashton Falls is marred by the death of one of the demolition derby drivers.

Zoe Donovan is hard at work to solve the mystery with the help of her friends Ellie and Levi as well as her boyfriend Zack.

Lots of characters and motives add to this fun cozy mystery.

I liked the descriptions of the festivities - a demolition derby, car show, parade, chili cook off and dance. There was also a great camaraderie among the friends.

The ending addressed some of the unanswered questions but not all. This was a light, quick read that cozy mystery readers would enjoy.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back home in Ashton Falls, Zoe is helping to run the local Derby, helping to raise money for the town. However, as with most things she gets involved in, they don't go exactly to plan, and she has a mystery to solve.

Zac has gone to visit Scooter, a local boy who was having difficulties and Zac is a good influence on him. His Dad shipped him off to live with his grandparents in Kansas but he doesn't like it there.

A cozy mystery series which is easy to read, each story standalone taking a few hours to read. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series. Try some of this authors other series, they're all as good.

[Celest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now who's dead?

This story really kept me guessing and intrigued all the way to the end. This mystery is very different from anything I have read before, so clever. I loved this book, don't miss it. The romances are getting good too.

[Tasha Mcclellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's boys vs girls

It's derby time again, and the men want to race alone, as they always have, while the women want to be included in the same derby. Will someone resort to murder to get their way?

[Arow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice change in the storyline and characters in the 8th installment of the Zoe Donovan mystery. I do find aspects (many) of their lives completely unbelievable but that's why I read. I don't need anything too realistic these days.

[Nancy H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick and easy mystery that involves cars and drag racing. When one of the drivers is killed in a freak accident, the other drivers team up to find out what really happened, which comes as a surprise at the end.

[Cathy Inboden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

This series just keeps getting better and better. I just love it. Can't wait to read the next one in this series.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Cozy

I give this book a 5 star rating because it's filled with suspense,lots of twists and turns plus romance.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy.

[Robin Resch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start your engines

Another great book. All of these books could be a stand-alone,each one has enough information so that the reader is totally lost. Enjoyable story and plot.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book!

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back from Hawaii, Zoe is in charge of the demolition derby event. Many, many different plot lines are found among the cast of characters. Zoe, finally, gets to see her parents married.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed the book and the series, can't wait to read the next...

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

A Very Different Story

Classic cars. Destruction Derby, and was it Murder? Zoe and Zak and another mystery. Her parents finally get married. Lots of action. Great Story!

[Jenn G · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

I liked that the ending wasn't predictable, I missed the quirkiness of the series.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Pandora and why??? Lots of cats and dogs!!! Also, lots of name changes!!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Kerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

The character of Ellie feels like such a caricature and drives me up the wall.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a fan of the prodigal mother.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Copy for Review

In the next installment we find Zoe and the gang back from Hawaii earlier than planned after Zak’s surprise proposal which caught Zoe off guard. Not saying yes or no as they left the next day to go home.
Zoe is a bit confused as Zak says it was too soon and then rushes off to visit Scooter a young boy he befriended. He returns home with him as they make plan to spend the summer together which only confuses Zoe.

Meantime Zoe is busy handling the local car derby race where there is turmoil since more female wants to enter the race since a sole female won the previous years. Some of the men threaten to pullout of the race if females are allowed and the committee members are split. Zoe must figure a way to keep everyone happy and the venue they will be using is a smaller track.

She finds herself judging in an early morning drag race between the sexes. When the female .racer is later but then ends up winning but crashing her car which explodes there is a dead body. But the body ends up being somebody else but who is it really? Zoe ends up in the middle of things once again as she searches for the truth.

As Zoe also struggles with her feelings for Zak and their lack of time together with Scooter around can she commit to him? We want to root for them and their happiness together.