Publisher: Orange Grove Press
Series: Bad Hair Day Mysteries, Book #12
Copyright: 2015
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Available Formats: e-book and paperback
Digital: 978-1-952886-02-7
Paperback: 978-1-952886-03-4
Amazon ASIN: B08B818X7R
Marla’s honeymoon at an Arizona dude ranch turns deadly when murder threatens to unhorse her new happiness in this suspenseful cozy mystery.
Hoping for a romantic honeymoon at an Arizona dude ranch, hairstylist Marla Vail and her detective husband Dalton arrive to find a series of mishaps plaguing the resort. A nearby ghost town is suffering similar problems. Is it mere coincidence that Dalton’s Uncle Raymond owns both properties? When Raymond asks for their help in finding the culprit, Marla and Dalton eagerly accept, but the case quickly escalates into murder.
With sleuthing more natural to Marla than riding a horse, she delves into the investigation and discovers long-buried family secrets. Suspects include environmental activists, saguaro poachers, water rights advocates, and relatives closer to home. Marla has to saddle up, rein in the clues, and find the killer before she’s forced to join the spirits on the haunted hillside.
Third Place Winner in the Arizona Literary Awards!
“Peril by Ponytail ropes in the reader in Nancy J. Cohen’s captivating new tale, which deftly braids together deadly secrets, long hidden resentments, and romance on the range.” Ellen Byerrum, author of the Crime of Fashion Mysteries
“Marla and her new husband, Dalton, a police detective, are taking a belated honeymoon trip to Arizona, where they are guests at a ranch owned by Dalton’s relatives. With the suspicious death of a park ranger, the stakes get higher…Cozy fans will have fun.” Publishers Weekly
“Hairdresser Marla Vail spends her honeymoon at the dude ranch from hell. When experienced forest ranger Garrett Long falls to his death on a trail he knew well, Marla and Dalton begin to think that the troubles at Last Trail are more than a series of pranks. As usual, it’s just a matter of time before Marla risks life and limb to help her husband solve a case that’s bigger than either of them anticipated.” Kirkus Reviews
“Ms. Cohen is the queen of the cozy mystery. With a large cast of interesting supporting characters; plenty of dangerous, suspenseful action scenes; an attractive, well-drawn setting; and a charming representation of the Marla-Dalton relationship, Peril by Ponytail will more than fulfill the expectations of Ms. Cohen’s fans and win the admiration of new readers.” Phil Jason, Florida Weekly
“Competition over water rights, development, and the psychics of Sedona all play a role in Marla’s unofficial investigation and Dalton’s family secrets. Raymond’s plans to develop a ghost town into a tourist attraction add a fun historical element… Marla and Dalton will of course find the time to fit in enough seduction, as well as humorous banter, to please romantics and mystery lovers alike.” Cynthia Chow, Kings River Life Magazine
“Blending a dude ranch, ghost town, and the beautiful Arizona countryside with murder and mayhem, Cohen once again delivers a tantalizing tale…The story is filled with suspense and mystery, but also humor, touches of romance and family bonding. This is a rip-roaring fun cozy murder mystery loaded with all the right elements for a delightful read.” Mason Canyon, Thoughts in Progress
“Peril by Ponytail is a fast-paced, suspenseful, and adventuresome tale that informs as well as entertains the reader. Marla and Dalton are a delightful sleuthing couple. Highly Recommended.” Stephanie Saxon Levine, Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore
“An Arizona dude ranch might not be Marla’s idea of a honeymoon but when Dalton’s family invites them they can’t refuse. Her uncle by marriage tries to open a ghost town but mysterious accidents turn deadly and the body count rises. Marla has more than a Bad Hair Day to worry about as she tries to keep her new family safe.” Pauline Michael, Night Owl Reviews
“The murder mystery in this book was very well done. The ending was a complete surprise, which is something I really enjoy in a mystery…A great read for a lazy weekend.” Teresa Danner Kander, Book Babble
