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
“It was fun to catch up with Marla and friends in this latest book.” CozyBookLady 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’s Reviews 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
“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
“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, a great mystery, and as always, an enjoyable cozy mystery.” Debbie Dowling, NetGalley Reviewer
“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, Instagram Reviewer
“This was an enjoyable read with great characters, plenty of shady suspects, suspense, intrigue, and just a touch of humor.” Shirley Stevens, NetGalley Reviewer
