Publisher: Orange Grove Press
Series: Bad Hair Day Mysteries, Book #15
Copyright: 2018
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Available Formats: e-book and paperback
Digital: 978-0-9985317-5-5
Paperback: 978-0-9985317-6-2
Amazon ASIN: B07F2FP55B
Hairstylist Marla Vail enters a bake-off competition that’s a real killer when a contestant ends up dead.
Savvy hairstylist and amateur sleuth Marla Vail enters a charity bake-off contest at a fall festival sponsored by a local farm. While she waits to see if her coconut fudge pie is a winner, Marla joins a scavenger hunt where people playing character roles are the targets. Instead of scoring points with a live person, she finds a dead body planted face-down in the strawberry field. Who would want to cut short the life of food magazine publisher and fellow bake-off contestant Francine Dodger?
Francine is wearing a jacket borrowed from another entrant, food blogger Alyce Greene. Was it possible Alyce had been the intended target instead of Francine? When another entrant is killed, Marla fears the rest of the contestants might be next.
Then Marla’s friend asks for her help in clearing the smear on the farm’s reputation. She gets involved in the investigation along with her detective husband, Dalton. Soon they discover there’s no shortage of suspects. A celebrity TV chef, food critic, olive oil importer, food truck owner, pastry chef, and cookbook author may be stirring up more than their next recipe. Can Marla unmask the killer before someone else gets trimmed from life? Recipes Included!
“The dialogue is sharp, the eye for detail is masterful, and the narrative pacing is just right. Plenty of suspicious-seeming characters raise the tension. Even if you’re not yet a “Cozy” fan, you’ll have a blast. All this and recipes, too.” Phil Jason, Florida Weekly
“This was an enjoyable story, well researched with great characters and a wonderful setting. I recommend it to cozy mystery lovers, especially those who enjoy family dynamics that add to the story.” Carla Johnson-Hicks, Carla Loves to Read
“This book had so much going on and I couldn’t put it down until it was over. The murderer was definitely not who I had pegged for the crime.” Paula Mitchell, Community Bookstop
“The blend of mystery to family life is excellent, the pace is flawless, and the characters are appealing. The dialogue is spot on and the humor plays off the suspense at all the right times. This book was a fantastic read.” Lori Caswell, Escape With Dollycas
“This sweet cozy mystery has an interesting cast of characters along with plenty of suspects to thicken the plot.” FS Brown, InD’Tale Magazine
“I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cozy mystery. It is funny, has great characters and a good mystery to solve, so what is not to enjoy?” Jerjen, Open Book Society
“One reason why Nancy J. Cohen is an award-winning cozy mystery author is that her stories are packed with personality, upbeat scenarios, and the solid pairing of a murder mystery with broader community entanglements… Readers who want a cozy mystery filled with atmosphere, intrigue, and adventure should settle a chair by the fire for a good evening’s read.” Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
