A Daisy Thorne Mystery Book 2

One rainy night as Daisy is closing the Salon she almost trips over a body lying in the road. It is one of her customers, Melanie Haversack, and Daisy’s missing hair scissors are sticking out of her back. Daisy calls the emergency number and ends up being the number one suspect. Can she clear her name or will she end up in jail?

I really enjoyed reading this book! There were so many things going on and so many suspects being arrested that it kept things interesting. I couldn’t put the book down! My predictions at the beginning were so far off, that I was surprised at the reveal! I enjoyed reading all the interactions between the characters. For most of this book, Inspector McGuiness and Daisy were at odds, but you could tell that he still cared for Daisy. If you enjoy reading cozy mysteries, this is a great book to read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

This was a quick, fun, light read. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to more. I would recommend it to others.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Finding a dead client is harrowing. Finding a dead client with YOUR scissors in their back is murder! And you become the prime suspect! That is exactly what happened to hairdresser Daisy Thorne. The victim, Mel Haverstock, and Daisy have some old history that some people think gives her motive. That and some questionable DNA findings earn her a pair of shiny new bracelets. But Daisy is determined to wash DCI McGuinness right out of her hair and style the real killer off to prison herself or dye trying!

Daisy Thorne is an admirable protagonist. She is intelligent and can think on her feet. She took clearing her name seriously and she came up with a list of suspects and worked her way through them. Ms. Innes also surrounds her with a nice supporting cast. Her friends/employees all have their own little quirks and histories. The banter between them is fun and true to life. What I loved was the way they pulled together and followed Daisy’s lead. The bit of romantic tension between Daisy and Detective McGuiness is interesting and entertaining especially when he has to do his job. All the characters are cleverly written with plenty of room for growth.

The mystery was well-plotted, filled with twists, and set a very comfortable pace. The murder happens early in the story giving plenty of time for a thorough inquiry. I love the way it came to an end. Daisy came up with a great idea to flush out a killer and the good detective was on board and present as her plan played out.

The salon setting really works. It is something relatable to everyone here or across the pond. My son’s girlfriend is working to complete her cosmetology degree and I recently went to the salon attached to the school. My first haircut since the pandemic and my cancer treatments. It was almost exactly what Ms. Innes describes in this book, as were other salons I have visited over the years.

This second Daisy Thore Mystery was very entertaining. I am excited that the third, Death at Holly Lodge has been released. With its Christmas theme, it is perfect reading for this time of year. I hope to read and review it soon.

Thanks to #Netgalley and #Kensingtonbooks for the opportunity to read #DeathattheSalon by #LouiseRInnes.

Solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery. The English small town setting is delightful and the characters have depth and humor. The main character, Daisy, is smart, though a bit too eager to ignore warnings from the police to stay away from the mystery. It was a bit unbelievable that she didn't get arrested for interfering -- she just pushed the boundaries a little too far. I still enjoyed my time with her, and look forward to reading more in the series.

Daisy Thorne is having just another day at her hair salon in Edgemead, Surrey. The big highlight of the day is that she's doing the hair for a wedding party, including her own stylist Penny's. But she has a last-minute appointment with a friend, and it takes her past eight o'clock in the evening. After she's cleaned up and is ready to go, she leaves out into the pouring rain by her back door. But no sooner does she get a few steps when she walks right onto a dead body.

It turns out the dead woman is Mel Haverstock, who had her hair colored at the salon that morning. She tells DCI Paul McGuinness that she has no idea why the woman was back, and so the investigation begins. When it's discovered that the murder weapon belonged to Daisy, things get harrowing for her. She's suspected in the murder, and needs to clear her name. But not long after, things start heating up when an accident befalls someone else, and now the suspect list is growing. Daisy's time is getting shorter, and she needs to unmask a killer before her own life is sheared short...

This is the second book in the series and I found it just as delightful as the first. Once again we journey to the small town of Edgemead, and this time we spend more time in the salon with Daisy and her employees. Floria is back, but in a much smaller role, and so are other characters from the first book. This one definitely centers on Daisy's life this time around.

When the murder occurs, Daisy is a main suspect because of the murder weapon. While she knows she didn't do the deed, she starts compiling a list of people who could have -- and it all comes down to those who were in her shop that day. But did any of them know the dead woman, and what reason would they have for killing her? It turns out quite a few, as a matter of fact, since Mel had made many enemies throughout her life, including the woman who owns the shop next door. Now Daisy has to quietly sift through suspects without them realizing they're suspects, but it isn't going to be easy.

The mystery again was done very well, with plenty of red herrings to get us through the book. There was a lot going on, and very few clues to the murderer, which came as a complete surprise. But the ending made it all worthwhile, as the motive was revealed and again we see that you can't look into the mind of a deluded person. Unfortunately, that is the way life is; and when it is all said and done, we have a very good mystery with a lot going on, and the epilogue sorted it all out and leaves us feeling satisfied in the outcome. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.

When stylist Daisy's client Mel is found dead behind the salon, Daisy finds herself in the cross hairs of the investigators. She must work to clear her own name with some help from her friends. I did find the motive of a quarrel when the two were in high school to be rather weak. The mystery and characters were interesting enough to keep me hooked until the end.

This is the 2nd installment in the Daisy Thorne Mystery series. Daisy Thorne runs the Ooh La La Owner Salon in Edgemead and as she is closing up one night, she almost stumbles over the dead body of one of her regulars Melanie Haverstock. Melanie was not Daisy’s favorite person but she is shocked to see her dead behind her salon with her scissors in her next. Of course, Daisy’s prints are on the scissors so she becomes the prime suspect and DCI Paul McGuinness must go by the book. Daisy and Paul had gone on one date many months ago but have not since although everyone in town refers to him as her detective. Paul has warned Daisy that he must go by the book and if she digs up clues they could be thrown out of court. Daisy gets some of her friends to help out and ask around to find out who could have possibly had something against Melanie. Also, there was a limited number of people who had access to her scissors in the salon so a limited number of suspects. Great story and I love how Daisy and all her friends stick together and support each other. Great ending and look forward to the next installment in this series. Recommend.

In the village of Edgemead in Surrey, England, Daisy owns the Ooh La La salon. As the only salon in town, her schedule is busy, especially now that she offers manicures, too. Mel Haverstock was one of Saturday’s customers, there for an updated look that was voted a success by all who saw it.

It was short-lived, though, because Mel was found dead in the alley behind the shop at closing time. Daisy found the body, Mel was stabbed with Daisy’s scissors, Daisy has Mel’s DNA on her gloves and coat, and Mel stole Daisy’s boyfriend when they were back in school. Flimsy as that may be as a motive, DCI Paul McGuinness arrests Daisy on suspicion of murder. When he’s forced to release her, Daisy feels it’s in her best interests to investigate on her own. While the handsome DCI and Daisy shared one date, it’s been a while and there’s been no move on his part to continue.

First, Daisy must narrow the field of suspects by remembering when she used her scissors last and who had the opportunity to take them. Next, what was the motive? Either the people who had access to the scissors didn’t have a motive or the strength to use the scissors as a weapon or the people who might have been glad to see Mel dead were nowhere near the salon. Was Daisy deliberately framed or just an easy way out for the killer?

This is book two in the series. Daisy is an engaging character, down to earth, and caring for her employees and clients. DCI Guinness has a hard time solving a case with her so involved—it’s obvious he’s torn between caring for her and following the evidence, which sadly, points right at Daisy.

Coming in September, Death at Holly Lodge gives Daisy a chance to solve yet another crime, this one Christmas themed.

Death at the Salon by Louise R. Innes
Book #2: Daisy Thorne Mystery Series
Source: NetGalley and Kensington
Rating: 3/5 stars

**MINI REVIEW**

The Bottom Line: As I sat down to write this review, my initial star rating was a 4, but as I began to consider what justified that number, I realized there isn’t a lot that takes this series above a mid-level read. I liked the book, I liked the characters and the setting, but I didn’t love it and I certainly wasn’t blown away. Given the breadth and depth of the cozy mystery genre, a book/series really has to have something about it which sets it apart from the pack. In truth, the characters and the setting are really normal/plain, and I need a bit of quirky to keep me truly interested and coming back for more. I certainly wouldn’t say ignore this book, but I also can’t in good faith tell my followers to bump this one to the top of your TBR list.

We're back in Edgemead with book 2 of the Daisy Thorne Mysteries. This is the second book in this well written, fun series. Daisy is an enjoyable protagonist and the rest of the characters are likable as well. It was great fun to have Daisy's salon Ooh La La at the center of this mystery. This is quickly becoming a favorite series of mine.

I am really enjoying reading this series. It has so many twists and turns and you can’t predict what is going to happen till the end. I can’t wait to read more. I would recommend this to anybody who loves mysteries.

When salon owner Daisy finds the body of a client, Mel Haverstock, murdered outside the back door of her salon after closing, immediate suspicion falls upon her. After all, it's her scissors that did the dirty deed and the victim wasn't exactly her favorite person. Investigating to clear her name, Daisy soon discovers that Mel wasn't exactly well-liked and her suspect list grows. When an attack on one of her workers occurs, and then another murder takes place, Daisy realizes that she has to figure out the connection and solve the crime before she's arrested, or becomes a victim herself!
Between the quaint setting and interesting characters, I found myself enjoying this story quite a bit. The action takes place quickly in the beginning, allowing plenty of time for investigation and getting to know the characters. Twists came a surprising pace and kept me guessing throughout the tale. I was able to figure out the killer before the reveal, which was nicely done without the usual "put the main character in peril" plot device. I would definitely like to go back and read book 1 so that I can get a better view into the characters,

This was a fun cozy mystery. I loved the England setting and the Ooh La La Hair Salon. The writing is well done, and the mystery is well paced. I did not figure out who the killer was, and it was a good surprise.

Death at the Salon by Louise R. Innes
Publisher: Kensington Books
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Publication Date: March 30, 2021

Death at the Salon by Louise R. Innes is the second book in the Daisy Thorne Mystery series. I had not read the first book, but was easily able to jump right into this one!

I really enjoyed this book! It had a clever theme, fabulous characters and a great mystery! Also, I love that there is a handsome DCI! Daisy, the heroine of the story, is clever and keeps her wits about her when finding herself in some trouble. The story was so good and I couldn't get enough of it!

I look forward to reading the other books in the series. The first book in the series, Death at a Country Mansion, is currently available on Kindle Unlimited, so I will definitely be reading it! The next book in the series, Death at Holly Lodge, is scheduled to be published in September 2021. There is also a prequel novella, Death at the Seaside, available for free through the author's website.

I'm so grateful to Louise R. Innes, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

This book was even better than the first! By the time it was done, I felt like I knew Daisy and her employees so much better. She got to interact quite a bit more with Penny and Krish one-on-one this time around which always helps to build up more good background for the characters and made me see that Daisy was not only an awesome employer, but she was a good friend to her people she worked with.

I had absolutely no idea whodunit, but I was happy enough to read along and fall down each rabbit hole investigating right along with Daisy-and actually toward the end, Paul let her in on it a little more. I think the two could work really well together, and I'm wondering if he's caving a little on that. Stay tuned, right? I'm definitely looking forward to the next book which comes out in September, and it's a Christmas theme!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

This series is becoming a favorite and I'm loving it.
This was an excellent addition that kept me hooked and entertained. I had a lot of fun and the solid mystery kept me hooked.
Good character and plot development, lovely setting.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This has become one of my favorite series. The writing is great and the storyline just flows. I love all of the characters and I can't wait for the next book!

This is a great cozy mystery and while I really enjoyed the story I didn't connect all that well with the characters, I think I need to go back and read the first one. It can be read as a stand alone but I felt like I was missing some depth. There was a lot about this book I enjoyed though. I loved that it jumped right into the mystery, I loved how the mystery developed, I loved that the main character wasn't a typical cozy mystery sleuth and I thought the writing was well done! Overall I enjoyed it and I think that fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy it too!

Death at the Salon by Louise R. Innes is the second in the Daisy Thorne mystery series and the first book that I have read by this author. Daisy, owner of a hair salon, stumbles across the body of her high school nemesis leaving work one dark and stormy evening. Since the victim was stabbed with Daisy’s hair trimming scissors, she become the prime suspect and is determined to prove her innocence.

I found this book charmingly reminiscent of Agatha Christie in a very modern way. It may have been the village setting, the delightful cast of characters, or the spunky protagonist that captivated me. I utterly enjoyed this book, the red herrings and the unanticipated ending. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.)

I received an ARC of this cozy mystery. I absolutely love this series! The characters are so interesting. I love a good mystery and this one really kept me guessing. Highly recommend!