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Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. Titles in this series have been named Best Cozy Mystery by Suspense Magazine, won the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and the RONE Award, placed first in the Chanticleer International Book Awards and third in the Arizona Literary Awards. Her nonfiction titles, Writing the Cozy Mystery and A Bad Hair Day Cookbook, have won the FAPA President’s Book Award, the Royal Palm Literary Award, and IAN Book of the Year. When not busy writing, she enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World.
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Star Tangled Murder by Nancy J. Cohen is the eighteenth book in the Bad Hair Day Mystery series. History comes to life when Marla and her husband Dalton spend their holiday weekend on a trip to a village that recreates history. Their weekend takes a deadly turn when a re-enactment contains a real dead body which puts Dalton back on the clock and Marla onto a new mystery to solve. As Dalton tackles the case, Marla’s curiosity draws her onto a path that could unearth a surprising secret from the past and lead her directly into the trenches with a killer. Balancing her salon with full-time mom duties, Marla begins to wonder what life would be like following Dalton’s retirement and if the time is right to expand their family. Cohen also includes tasty recipes.
The relationship between Marla and Dalton is stronger than ever as they’ve settled into parenthood. Now they’re facing another change on the horizon in the shape of Dalton’s retirement. This upcoming change is a reality that Marla has been preparing for and she is coming to terms with her mixed feelings. The more recent books have shown their relationship grow around their shared interest in solving mysteries. Their role of being parents was an adjustment for them and has created a significant change in their lives compared to the beginning of the series, but has given them a balance between mysteries and their jobs. The relationship they share is at the heart of the series and every book makes you root for them and their life together more.
Nancy J. Cohen captures the feel of a living history village with characters that have specific names such as Simon Weedcutter, Becky Forest, and Millie Beecher. The primary theme revolves around history through the village as well as being set during the Fourth of July and digging into Seminole history. Cohen displays a genuine respect for history as Marla dives into secrets surrounding this village and the danger that goes with it. The writing captures the feel of their surroundings. Another delightful installment brought to life, Star Tangled Murder finds Marla facing more changes in her life as she investigates a murder that connects to history while she balances motherhood, the salon, and sleuthing.
