Publisher: Orange Grove Press
Series: Bad Hair Day Mysteries, Book #19
Copyright: 2026 by Nancy J. Cohen
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Available Formats: e-book and paperback
Digital: 978-1-952886-40-9
Paperback: 978-1-952886-39-3
Amazon ASIN: B0GWQMWF7Y
A daring holiday heist at the local history museum sends hairstylist Marla Vail on her most tangled case yet.
When salon owner Marla Vail agrees to speak at the local history museum’s gala opening for a new exhibit, she expects applause—not a catastrophe. But shortly after she takes the stage, a thief steals the featured diamond-studded hairbrush, leaving behind an empty display case and a badly injured security guard.
Marla’s friend, museum curator Becky Forest, begs for her help in recovering the prized heirloom before the mayor uses this scandal as an excuse to cut their funding. To make matters worse, the antique hairbrush comes with a curse, and suddenly bad luck is spreading through town faster than a botched dye job. As Hanukkah festivities begin, Marla would rather be lighting candles than chasing clues, but with Becky’s job at stake, she takes on the case.
Her trail leads to a knot of suspects including the hairbrush’s owner, his greedy cousin, shifty museum staff, and a reclusive collector of mystical antiquities. Instead of enjoying menorah lights and latkes, Marla discovers murder, lies, and larceny. She’ll need sharp wits and a holiday miracle to save the museum and to keep the truth from being brushed aside.
Human Authored Reg #: 4226364, https://authorsguild.org/human
“With a cast of both likeable and thoroughly unlikable characters/suspects, any of whom could have stolen the hairbrush, and a fast-moving plot, Dreidels and Dead Ends is a delightful read with a surprise ending I didn’t see coming. Highly recommended!” Susan Santangelo, author of the Baby Boomer Mysteries
“I really enjoy the chemistry between Dalton and Marla. Also, the plot was perfectly twisty, and I was able to follow it, but I kept second-guessing myself. I figured out part of it, but I didn’t figure out the other part until right when Marla did. I really liked it when Marla was teaching the daycare class about the Festival of Lights. Ms. Cohen also includes some recipes for a Hanukkah Dinner Menu, which all sounds amazing.” Jen at Baroness’ Book Trove
“I honestly do not know how authors can keep writing books when they have so many in the series but with nineteen in this series, it doesn’t seem that Cohen is slowing down and that is perfectly fine with me! As soon as I open one of these books, I am right alongside Marla, feeling her determination and enjoying every minute of it!” Missi Stockwell Martin, Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
“Well-written, with a steady pace to keep the reader engaged, this was an enjoyable cozy mystery read… Having read others in the series, Cohen depicts the conflict Marla feels as she deals with her growing family. This is easily read as a standalone. I highly recommend this one.” Christa Nardi, Christa Reads and Writes
“Unlike any other series I have read, in this one, the investigating team are an amateur sleuth and a seasoned detective who are married.”
“Marla is very good at getting people to talk to her. I have always noticed how a good stylist, like a bartender, can get you to talk about anything. Marla has this talent whether someone is in her chair at the salon or sitting across from her at a bagel shop.” Tracy Condie, Kings River Life Mysteryrat’s Maze
“Dreidels and Dead Ends crafts a satisfying mystery that branches into the community’s spirit to create an inviting story of schemes and crimes. Newcomers with no prior familiarity with the haircutting detective will find the story easy to access, superior in its characterization, and invitingly fun.” D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“Marla Vail is back with another exciting tale in the Bad Hair Day Mystery series. It’s been one of my favorite series for years. This is the 19th book in the series, but the mystery is contained in this book. There are no cliffhangers… “Nancy J. Cohen does a great job of giving us a captivating mystery that keeps you on your toes.” Yvonne Hering, Socrates Book Reviews
“Jewish readers will enjoy having a Hanukkah holiday cozy to read, but other readers will enjoy the story too. “Since the sleuths are an interfaith couple, all the Hanukkah hoopla is secular and Marla has to come up with Christmas gifts too. Anyone, like me, with an interfaith family will enjoy that aspect of the story. I loved the quick pace, colorful characters and fun mystery. This was my first time reading a book by the author, but it won’t be my last.” Julie Ditton, Storybook Lady
“This is the 19th book in the series, but it kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next. There are plenty of suspects and all seem to have a reason to steal the hairbrush… There are red herrings to keep you baffled. I love that the story is set around Hannukah and Christmas.” April Brown on BookBub
“Dreidels and Dead Ends is a small town mystery that mixes history, curses, theft and murder. Marla Vail’s to-do-list exhausted me. She is pregnant, has a toddler, has a business and a recently retired husband. On top of that she is trying to prepare for both Hanukkah and Christmas when she is asked to step in as a last-minute speaker at the local history museum… You will not want to miss this well plotted tale. I just sat down and read the entire book because I could not find a place to stop!” Bernadette Cinkoske on BookBub
“A light, festive cozy mystery with a warm holiday vibe and a dash of danger. Hairstylist‑sleuth Marla Vail once again finds herself juggling family celebrations and an unexpected crime, uncovering clues with her trademark mix of curiosity and compassion. It’s a quick, charming read that blends Hanukkah spirit with small‑town intrigue, perfect if you want something seasonal, fun, and gently suspenseful.” Charlene Capodice on BookBub
“Always love catching up with Marla and Dalton. This time, the theft of a supposedly cursed hairbrush has everyone scratching their heads and looking for answers. Marla, ever the amateur sleuth, is determined to help her friend Becky find the brush, as her museum job depends on it. Lots of laughs, and as always, an enjoyable cozy mystery.” Debbie Dowling on NetGalley
“I can’t say enough good things about his series. If Nancy J. Cohen keeps writing, I’ll keep reading them.” Kathleen Kendler on Goodreads
“Nancy Cohen writes a good mystery with considerable research. The characters are realistic and likable. I have read the whole Marla series and really do enjoy them. Always looking forward to the next one.” Linda Mitnick on Amazon
“It was fun to catch up with Marla and friends in this latest book.” Lisa Currier, CozyBookLady on Goodreads
“This book’s set up is really fun and I liked the interweaving of curses, history, and small town culture. The characters feel very realistic, but manage to also be fun and quirky. I enjoyed getting to know the suspects and their secrets… Overall, if you enjoy cozy mysteries, this is a fun one to read. With the holiday setting, it’ll be a nice change of pace from all the stories set in the snow to read while curled up with a hot cocoa!” Liz Shay on Goodreads
“This series NEVER disappoints & the way I cackled over a diamond hairbrush…THAT’S CURSED. Hilarity & gasping ensue for pages upon pages of greatness with a killer I NEVER would’ve guessed. Oh boy, I couldn’t recommend this one more – I loved it.” Lizzie Bailey on Goodreads
“Chanukah, Christmas, a curse, a dash of voodoo, and a dead body to boot!!! All while juggling work, home, a toddler and a pregnancy! Can Marla and Dalton figure everything out in time for the holidays? It’s all wrapped up like a holiday present with a bow on top! A nice and breezy clean whodunnit.” Polina Posner on BookBub
“Super stylist and super sleuth Marla Vail is back in DREIDELS AND DEAD ENDS. The salon and spa, husband Dalton and baby Ryder, family, friends, a cursed hairbrush – yes, you read that right – and Marla’s skill at gathering information like nobody else can… Believe me when I tell you that you are going to love everything about this story!” Sally Schmidt on Instagram
“This was an enjoyable read with great characters, plenty of shady suspects, suspense, intrigue, and a touch of humor.” Shirley Stevens on NetGalley
“Dreidels and Dead Ends is a charming and entertaining cozy mystery that perfectly combines holiday spirit with suspense. Marla Vail is a clever and engaging heroine, and the mystery is filled with intriguing twists that keep readers guessing until the end. Cohen’s vivid storytelling and warm Hanukkah setting add depth and authenticity to the story, making it both enjoyable and memorable. A delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries, strong female sleuths, and well-crafted whodunits.” Taryn Lee on BookBub
