Styled for Murder

I enjoyed this book. The baby is too cute. I loved the characters and the story was interesting. I was very surprised by who the killer was. #StyledforMurder #NetGalley

Marla’s On The Case….
The seventeenth (no less) in the Bad Hair Day Mystery series and we find Marla, hairdresser and sometime amateur sleuth, on the receiving end of a call from her mother. The problem? There’s a dead body in her shower. Of course there is! Needless to say those home renovations are not going well. Now that Marla’s on the case, though, things are bound to run smoothly….aren’t they?! Enjoyable and entertaining cosy mystery with a likeable protagonist and a colourful cast of supporting characters. A fun addition to the series.

Styled for Murder
Nancy J. Cohen
Orange Grove Press
11.16.21

This is the first Nancy Cohen book I’ve read and I enjoyed it very much. The book opens with a bang as a dead body is found in Marla Vail’s mother and stepfather’s bathroom.
Marla sets out to discover the killer and along the way meets an array of interesting and sometimes scurrilous characters.
The dead man worked for the company that was remodeling their bathroom and it leads Marla into an investigation into the company and its workers and owners that at times becomes dodgy and frightening.
Unlike so many other mysteries Marla’s investigations are welcomed by the police working on the case one of whom is her husband. She is not dismissed or put off but listened to and heard and her opinions and speculations are taken seriously.
The characters in the book range from frightening to celebrity, from workers to caterers, and all of them are fascinating.
At the end, when the mystery is finally solved the perp comes as a surprise and a very satisfying one at that.
One thing that the author does is embellish the manuscript with many interesting factoids about things that are going on in the story so it is also educational but not in a dry textbook way rather in a fascinating, “Oh, I didn’t know that” way.
Marla is a hairdresser and owns her own salon and spa and has a young child as well so she is the ultimate working mother that still can find time to solve a mystery.

I really enjoyed the originality of this book. It's the first one that I have ever read about a hair stylist and a cop's wife to boot, to solve murder cases. This is my first Nancy J Cohen book that I have read as well. She has been on my list to read for quite some time and I am thrilled that I finally got the chance to do so.

I thought Marla was a very interesting character and I could relate to her on a lot of things. I felt her exhaustion and her determination to solve this case for her Mom and Stepdad's sake. That being said, I did feel that in some cases Marla was a bit too pushy with some of the people that she interviewed. Kind of like a 'bull in a china shop' technique. I know that works for a lot of people but I feel that in some cases a little more honey and less vinegar would also give the desired affect.

In all fairness, since is the first book that I have read of the series, I wasn't sure if she is always this way or if it's more in line with her being flat out exhausted and having more of a shortened temper due to lack of sleep and a never ending list of things to do on top of all of this. So, willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Overall, I thought it was a very enjoyable book and I was truly happy to see that everything ended up in a happy ending. I love that in my books. Yes, a lot of people say that isn't very realistic, well, that's what I want in my books. Period.

I really enjoyed this book and I thank Netgalley, Nancy J Cohen, and publishers for the ability to read this book. All opinions are my own and are completely honest.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle by Orange Grove Press and #NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Fun series, quaint characters, cute story.

I've read several of the books in this series and enjoyed them. Marla's change in circumstances from earlier stories, now a mother, with responsibilities pulling her in different directions adds a new element to the series. Exhausted from dealing with the new baby, she at first feels aggravation when her mother calls demanding she come over, over right now. That aggravation turns into worry when she discovers why. A body has been discovered in the shower of a bathroom remodel being done at their home.

Having to deal with a young child and getting him to day care is a new wrinkle in Marla's day but she arrives ready to deal with, well, whatever. She initially doesn't even know whether it's a natural death or something more chilling. Needless to say, when she discovers the body was found with one of her step-father's ties wrapped around its neck, however, there is little doubt. It's clear who the chief suspect will be.

I found myself a bit irritated at Marla for essentially managing to clash with the investigating officer almost immediately. Classic conflict in cozy mysteries and since Marla is a police wife herself, I just found this irritating. I gave her a pass, however, given that her exhaustion and lack of sleep had been revealed.I won't detail the plot as I'm sure others will do a far better job than I could. Let's just say secrets long hidden are revealed, suspects and bodies multiple, and Marla remains exhausted but presses on in her search for truth, even rushing in when warned not to. Typical cozy heroine, huh?

Marla's need to somehow maintain the precarious balance between her life as a wife and mother, friend, daughter, and amateur sleuth seems to leave her unbalanced at times. She's also a bit surprised to realize she misses the rush of being involved in helping solve a mystery/murder. These demands, combined with her need to know, do lead her into a precarious situation at the end. I found her sudden thought that she couldn't just give up without a fight and leave her son without a mother endearing. Even afterward there are more surprises in Marla's future. Just like life, she sees pluses and minuses in this unexpected event. How does it turn out? I guess we'll have to wait on the next book in the series to find out.

Thanks to #NetGallery and Orange Grove Press for the ARC. Release date Nov. 15, 2021

#StyledForMurder, #BadHairDayMystery, #OrangeGrovePress, #murder, #cozy #CozyMystery, #secrets

Nancy Cohen does it again! Styled in Murder had me guessing who did it right until the end. The characters were quite engaging and relatable. Being a South Floridian I especially enjoyed the references to local cities, universities and restaurants. Highly recommend this book and series.

A fun series that gets better and better! The characters have evolved and you feel like old friends with them. The mystery is a solid cozy and highly enjoyable. Lots of red herrings. Keep'em coming! Thanks #netgalley and #OrangeGrovePress for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

I chose this book due to the "Bad Hair Day Mystery Series' stamp on the cover and the cute illustration. This is the first book I have read by this author and I have to say I enjoyed it. The story's premium is that a dead body is found in Marla Vail’s mother and stepfather’s bathroom. Marla sets out to find the killer; she is invested in finding out whodunit as the dead man worked for the company that was remodeling their bathroom. It leads Marla into investigating the company including its workers and the owners. Unlike so many other cozy mystery plots, her interest in the case is welcomed by the police (one of whom is her husband). It was a fun read with interesting factoids throughout which was not boring but added to the story and explained 'why' in the different scenarios.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was an enjoyable read. This was the first book I've read in the Bad Hair Day series, and I was very pleased with its content. The characters were relatable, and the plot was good. I look forward to reading more books in the series. I highly recommend this book to other mystery readers.

Fun, light hearted, quick, enjoyable read which was the perfect distraction the day I had my long locks bobbed off!

I really enjoyed reading Styled for Murder. The characters were well-crafted and easy to relate to, and the overall storyline was a fun read. I highly recommend this cozy mystery.

Styled for Murder by Nancy J. Cohen is the 17th book in the Bad Hair Day mystery series. I have not read all the books in this series, but enjoyed the book I have read. Not only is this book funny, it has a great mystery too. There are twists and turns around every corner. I found this book to be a very enjoyable, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love humorous cozy mysteries, I recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Marla has sworn of snooping since the birth of her son but when someone ends up dead in her mother's home she has to help. She finds it a challenge just to find the time but when she starts finding out some interesting facts it is full steam ahead.

I am a longtime reader of The Bad Hair Mysteries and am happy the series is still going strong after 17 books. The characters are relatable and the details and descriptions help bring the story to life. Thanks to Orange Grove Press and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

Not my usual genre but I really enjoyed reading something different for a change. Wanted to keep reading and enjoyed the ending. Well done.

I really love this series! Lots of twits and turns and a fun story line. Marla gets pulled into a murder investigation, she promised her self to step back from them since her son was born, but for family reasons she needed to check things out. I don't want to give too much away. This is a must read!

Long time reader of this series, and it was fun catching up with Marla and her family.
As Marla deals with being a new mom, running her successful business and being a wife, she finds herself intrigued by a murder investigation involving her mother and step father.
Readers will enjoy this latest installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

Styled for Murder is Nancy J. Cohen's seventeenth tale to feature Marla Vail who runs a hair salon, the Cut 'N Dye Salon and Day Spa. Marla and police detective hubby, Dalton have recently had a baby but Marla is still working most weekdays. Marla's mother and step-father, Reed who is a former literature professor are having home renovations done, but when the job foreman is found dead in the new shower with one of Reed's ties around his neck, Reed becomes the main suspect.

The blend of mystery to family life in Styled for Murder is just right, the pace is spot on and the characters are very appealing. The dialogue is interesting and the humour and suspense trade-off at appropriate times. The murder part of the story was very neatly wrapped up though the family storyline continues. Feel free to jump right into Styled for Murder but I bet you will want to go back and read the rest, as I intend to!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Orange Grove Press via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Marta Vail returns to solve another murder. A body of a bathroom remodeler is found dead in her mother’s bathroom. Marta is split between the baby, her job, her husband, and now trying to solve a murder. But since Marta’s step-father is one of the suspect, Marta feels she must investigate. This is another well-written mystery in the series with wonderful characters.

A dead body is found in Marla's Mother's new bathroom; her stepfather, Reed, is a suspect.

It's now down to Marla to find out who the real murderer is and to put her family back together.

This is actually the 17th novel in the series; which I hadn't realised. However, this did not affect my reading it. Although some of the previous novels were mentioned it was not enough to put me off or make me feel like I was missing something; if anything, it made me want to read the rest of the series.
This shows the talent of this writer.

Although I had guessed who the villain was quire early on, the plotline was still complicated and engaging to the reader.

Cohen also gives us a really strong independent female heroine; not only is this character a part-time sleuth, but she is also a mother to a 10-month-old little boy, step-mum to a teenager, a wife to a detective and runs her own hair business. Personally, I thought it was great to have such a strong main character and I loved that she showed us 'you can have it all.

While renovating a bathroom the dead body of the project manager is found in the unfinished shower. The first and main suspect is the home owner who is Marla's stepfather. The amateur detective Marla has to clear his name and solve the mystery.
An easy read and nice pace filled with good family interaction. I liked how it mixes different motives for murder and how everyone is trying to help and add their own ideas.
A pleasant story I would suggest this book to everyone.

After 16 mysteries to solve Marla Vail is now a new mother with a ten month old son. Having just turned 40 she is at times unsure about her new life. That takes a sharp turn when she gets a call from her mother, Anita. When Anita remarried she moved some distance away and now she begs her daughter to come to her home to help her deal with a situation. While Anita was out grocery shopping and her husband was home a dead man wound up in their bathroom. With renovations underway and lots of issues over the work, tensions were present for everyone involved. Anita knew the man wasn't there when she left so who knew about the unlocked outside bathroom door and the construction on top of having reason to commit murder? When the police turn the focus onto her stepfather, a man who seems to have something to hide, Marla knows she has to go back into investigative mode to protect her family. Being a homicide detective's wife is a plus.
I enjoy reading this series because not only do I get a very well crafted mystery to try and solve but I get to enjoy reading about Marla and her family and friends. She's the kind of person I would love to have as a friend. She'd have your back and be there anytime you needed help or someone to lean on. She's authentic, kind and a great investigator.
If you are new to this series, be assured that this book works fine as a stand alone. The backstory is added effortlessly and in no way hampers the narrative's flow.
My thanks to the publisher Orange Grove Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

It’s always a treat when there’s a new Nancy J. Cohen mystery available to read. I’ve been a fan of Marla the hairstylist, Cohen’s irrepressibly lovable heroine, since she first appeared seventeen books ago in Permed to Death. Unlike some other long-running cozy mystery series, Cohen’s plot lines never get stale and Marla just gets better and better as a character. In her latest case, Marla gets a frantic call from her mother, Anita, who much to her horror has just discovered a dead man in her shower. It seems that Anita and her husband had been having renovations done on their home and the dead man was the project manager for the renovations. He was known as a shady character who had swindled half the people in town, including employees, customers, and suppliers. Marla and her detective husband have recently become new parents, but the ever resourceful and indomitable Marla manages to balance her multiple roles of amateur detective, daughter, wife, businesswoman, and mother with her usual aplomb and solves the case. Cohen has a wonderfully breezy writing style and a gift for creating charmingly quirky characters.

This was a very amusing cozy. Marla is a hair dresser and owns her own salon. There were alot of twists and turns in this book as well as diversions. Marla's parents have such rotten luck. Their remodel was a total disaster. There was a body turn up at their place and Marla is determined to find out why. This was a fun read. It was filled with delightful characters and a wonderfully written story. I really enjoyed their wildly entertaining cozy.