Star Tangled Murder by Nancy J. Cohen

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Orange Grove Press and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Hairstylist Marla Vail and her husband get tangled up in murder when their Fourth of July visit to a living history village ends with a bang—and a body.

Salon owner Marla Vail and her detective husband Dalton are having a blast visiting a Florida living history village over Fourth of July weekend. But when a Seminole battle reenactment turns up a real dead body, it sets off fireworks among the villagers. One of the cast members has gone off script to murder the town marshal with a tomahawk.

As Dalton gets involved in the investigation, Marla determines to help him solve the case. Her flare for uncovering secrets reveals that everyone in the village is a suspect. Instead of celebrating the holiday with red, white, and barbecues, she discovers secrets, lies, and false avenues. Did the marshal’s murder have anything to do with a lost Confederate payroll, or did his plans to renovate the park light a fuse that he couldn’t snuff out?

In a place where history comes alive, the dead bodies are piling up. Marla would rather be chilling and grilling, but somebody’s mind is on killing. If she’s not careful, her sleuthing might blow up in her face like a faulty firecracker and she’ll become the next victim. Recipes Included!

My Opinion

This is the first book I have read by Nancy J. Cohen and unfortunately I am not sure if that is what spoiled my enjoyment with this book. I seem to be in the minority not enjoying this book, for me it just didn't work. I struggled to connect with any of the characters and the plot just felt a little bit awkward.

Rating 3/5

Star Tangled Murder is the eighteenth book in the Bad Hair Day Mystery series by Nancy J. Cohen and it is my first in the series. Marla Vail owns a hair salon, she is married to a police detective, has a step-daughter, Brianna, soon to go to college, and a 13-month old son, Ryder. It was an enjoyable and compulsive read with a great setting and can be read alone or, if you fancy, there are 17 other tales to read first.

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

A quick, easy and light hearted cosy mystery book that I really enjoyed. It was engaging and had me hooked all the way through.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Star Tangled Murder is the eighteenth book in the Bad Hair Day Mystery series by Nancy J. Cohen. What a long and interesting journey through this series. While I have yet to read ALL of the books in this series, I am glad I have read this latest installment! An enjoyable read that was the perfect book to read to distract this reader for awhile.

Marla Vail and her soon-to-be-retired homicide detective of a husband, Dalton, are spending the day at a Pioneer village (with live battle re-enactments) on the fourth of July weekend. Now given this is a cozy mystery and a detective is Marla’s husband – you guessed it. Unfortunately, there is a murder and it is in Dalton’s jurisdiction so he takes the reigns as the lead investigator. And from previous installments of this series – we know that Marla loves to play amateur sleuth. The journey is filled with Marla being discreet in her sleuthing with various friends to help her husband in his investigation. Good thing this is fiction as I am positive no spouse of a detective would be allowed this much involvement in an investigation. But this does lead to an interesting and fun coy mystery to read.

I like the development as a person as well as a sleuth of Marla over the course of this series. Her skills are certainly getting honed! Of course, with a thirteen-month-old – I wonder how she has the time and energy to actually participate in such endeavors!!! Though in all honesty – she does seem a wee bit more frazzled than usual. I know I certainly did not have ½ of the energy that Marla seems to have.

I like that the reader gets a bit of a history lesson when Marla and Dalton explore the various areas of the pioneer village. It was an enjoyable history lesson for this reader. I did have my suspicions as to who the culprit was, I wasn’t sure until the end, and neither did I know the motives behind the killings.

The inclusion of various friends of Marla was a nice addition to the story-telling. I really enjoyed how Susan (Marla’s writer friend) became involved using the story that she was writing a series of articles on women in that time period. It fit naturally and of course – showcasing women in history is always worthwhile. The storytelling with respect to the various areas of the village they visited were riveting and so detail oriented that I really felt like I was there!

As usual, Ms. Cohen writes a riveting cozy mystery that kept this reader totally engaged until the end. I so look forward to the next chapter in Marla and Dalton’s life. Will it include more sleuthing – time will tell?

If you enjoy a well paced cozy mystery with interesting characters, pick up the latest installment of the Bad Hair Day Mysteries and settle in for an enjoyable whodunit by Nancy J. Cohen.

As much as Marla has tried to cut down her hours at the salon to take care of the baby, Dalton's upcoming retirement may be put on hold by the murder of the town marshall. Besides, her curiosity gets the better of her. She's able to convince one of her friends to accompany her as she gathers information that may help speed up the investigation. The characters in this historical village have layers upon layers of secrets and they all get touchy as Marla asks her questions. Her friend offsets the tension with innocent questions and flirts with the shaman. Marla puts it all together none too soon.
As I've come to expect with this series, the major characters continue to develop with a positive family atmosphere. I'm glad to see Marla has gotten past her fears of not being a good mother. On the home front, I'm interested to see how Marla and Dalton deal with his retirement and his daughter, Brianna, going away to college. There is also another surprise at the end, but I'm not telling.
Cohen once again writes a story that keeps the reader engaged, has twists and turns, and moves at a steady pace. If you've liked others in this series, you'll surely enjoy this one. If you've not read any, I strongly suggest you start at the beginning.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

Star Tangled Murder is number 18 in the Bad Hair Day mysteries. The Bad Hair Day mysteries is a cozy mystery series. Star Tangled Murder can be read as a stand alone.

Our amatuer sleuther, Marla Vail, owns a salon. She is married to a police detective, soon set to retire, with a step daughter soon off to college and a 13-month old son. On a day off from work, Marla and her husband, Dalton, visit a living history museum so that they can attend a Seminole battle reenactment. During their visit, the town marshal/administrator turns up dead and Dalton catches the case. Marla is determined to help Dalton solve the case so that he can retire as planned. But, as often happens in a cozy mystery, Marla's sleuthing puts her in danger.

This was a cute little cozy. I loved how Marla was married to the detective investigating the murder. I haven't read a cozy mystery with this dynamic yet. Usually, the sleuther is a bit of a thorn in the side of the investigator. In this case, Dalton shares his information with Marla and has her actively help gather information for the case. Of course, until things start to get too dangerous. There were so many potential suspects and possible motives for the murder. There were a couple of clues I caught onto that might identify the killer, that Marla doesn't seem to pick up on. These seemed to purposely point to the killer, and the reader notices that Marla doesn't pick up on the clues. I had my suspicions of the killer, but didn't put the why together.

Overall, this was a fun little cozy mystery read, with an interesting murder plot. At times there were a bit too many suspects and possible motives, but it all came together nicely. The end felt like it was wrapping up the series, but who knows maybe we will see Dalton join Marla in an unofficial sleuthing capacity.

Princess Fuzzypants here: In the 18th book in the series, I got the feeling that this was going to be the last hurrah. In fact Marla’s husband Dalton is nearing his retirement from the force and the only thing standing in his way is a pesky little murder. Clearly over the. Last 17 books, Dalton has come to rely on Marla’s unofficial investigating skills. There is none of the conflict you find in so many cozies. Marla is not above enlisting friends to assist either and to be honest, she is pretty good at getting folks to talk.

The deceased is the administrator for a Living History village. His gruesome death puts all the volunteers under the spotlight and Marla joins her journalist friend Susan in asking questions both for an article and for the murder. Then a second volunteer is murdered. While it is not obvious, there is clearly a connection which starts a whole different path of inquiry. By a process of elimination, Marla whittles down the suspects until she twigs to the who and they why. She has a few tense moments with the killer but with Dalton outside, she has back up.

I loved some of the detail in the historical re-enactments and a couple of other parts of the story. It was an easy and enjoyable read and can be read alone or, if you feel brave, there are 17 other stories you can read beforehand. Four purrs and two paws up.

Fourth of July fun in Sunny Florida with Martha Vale and her husband Dalton turns into trouble at a Pioneer Village where they are on vacation. Historical re-enactments of a battle turns up a dead body of the Sheriff with a Tomahawk in his forehead. Tales of confederate gold hidden and never found by a family who previously owned the land the village and home is located on. This was such a fun book I had so much fun trying to figure out all the clues given and who out of the many suspects were involved in the murder. It seems the Sheriff was up to no good and the villagers had enough and mixed with the historical crafts like the blacksmith, baker, seamstress and farmer and the school teacher it was totally realistic and with battle re-enactment there was a lot of excitement. I would recommend this book it brought history to life and since I have visited one of these villages before It really brought back memories.

In Star Tangled Murder, Marla and Dalton are enjoying a visit to Florida's living history village during the Fourth of July weekend. Dalton is excited about watching a reenactment of a battle during the second Seminole Wars, while Marla wants to go to a book signing and visit the various historic buildings. Just after the reenactment there is a scream and when Marla and Dalton race to the sight, they find a dead body. The "town marshal" has been murdered and Dalton steps forward to help in the investigation. Marla loves to investigate as well, and also jumps in to help by doing her own questioning of the various actors. It seems people will say things to Marla, they won't tell the police. Can Marla and Dalton find out who the murderer is?

I enjoy the Bad Hair Day Mysteries. I find they are realistic, this one set at an actual place in Florida that I know the author has visited. She uses the knowledge she gained at that visit as well as research to make it feel like I was there. Her characters are always well developed and there are multiple suspects. During the investigation it seems there are a lot of people with secrets and motives. When a second death occurs they know they must figure out who the killer is before anyone else ends up dead. Although police usually don't want the help of amateurs, Dalton welcomes Marla's input and they talk things out together, often helping put the pieces together. He does make sure to warn her off if the investigation gets too dangerous. Marla takes care to have someone with her when she investigates and in this story her friend Susan uses her cover as a reporter for a women's magazine to help in the questioning. There is always a look at Marla's homelife and this story includes Dalton's upcoming retirement, as well as Brianna's last days home before heading off to college. This makes Marla more relatable. Overall, this is a well written and plotted mystery, with plenty of suspects and motives to keep anyone guessing. I thought I had it figured out, but kept changing my mind as more information came out. The heartwarming wrap-up of the story left me content and cheering on the upcoming changes in Marla and Dalton’s lives. If you enjoy a good cozy mystery with a great setting and enjoyable characters, I recommend you pick this one up.

Maria and her husband are starting a new phase in their life and this book is a sort of reboot. It's as entertaining and well plotted as any other story in this series but with something new.
I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with the characters, they're well plotted and relatable. The mystery is solid, full of twists, and surprised me till the end.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

This is a good book for those pleasant afternoons when you can put your feet up and read. It's mysterious enough to keep you reading, but there are no gory bits to wade through. Definite worth reading.

Star-Tangled Murder Earns 5/5 Fireworks … Entertaining, Clever Gem!

I am a big fan of Nancy J. Cohen’s A Bad Hair Day Mystery series with its strong female lead, a healthy family dynamic, realistic use of official resources (it’s her husband; although he’s set to retire), several Google worthy elements incorporated, and a well-written, witty story with sensory-laden description in which to immerse readers. This eighteenth book presents a clever mystery, still as fresh and engaging, challenging my arm-chair detective, and a bit of Florida history to explore. Although so much has evolved through the series in terms of relationships, skills sets, tragedies and triumphs, newbies can easily join in and enjoy.

The storyline is very engaging, set during the humid Fourth of July, with Marla Vail and her detective/husband Dalton attending the Pioneer Village’s fundraiser. This year the living history museum is doing a battle reenactment of the tragic 1836 confrontation between the U.S. Army and Seminole warriors. But, as any cozy fan can attest, it doesn’t go well. Marla discovers a dead body bludgeoned with a tomahawk prop from the enactment, and since she has the talent of getting people to open up and share more than they would with authorities, Dalton welcomes his wife’s involvement. The investigation reveals possible karmic intervention: the victim abused his authority, especially with women, and there are rumors he resorted to blackmail. However the varied avenues explored reveal much more en”tangling” and an eclectic set of suspects. It was a couldn’t put down experience with clues slowly revealed, but it gets intense when Marla becomes a target. However, all’s well that ends…in an arrest, and the last bit gives hints that Marla and her family still have an exciting future.

For us, a treat! You’re set with a menu for Fourth of July including Baked Brie and Creole Franks, and for the Next Day Brunch serve Salmon Mini Quiches, Egg Veggie Bake, Cheesy Hash Brown Potatoes, and Root Beer Cake. Yummmy!

I have read a couple of Nancy Cohen’s Bad Hair Day mysteries and really enjoyed them. They are fun and educational. I love the location is set in Florida and we are visiting Pioneer Village, a living history village. There will be a reenactment of a Seminole battle (a massacre really). Nancy Cohen has me surfing the web, checking out all the historical tidbits and locales she shares.

Star Tangled Murder by Nancy Cohen takes place over the Fourth of July weekend. The celebration will be marred by the death of the town marshal with a tomahawk to his head. It’s too obvious for it to be the shaman of the village, but he still has to be checked out.

Marla Vail has a hair salon and day spa…but still manages to be an amateur sleuth, though Star Tangled Murder is her eighteenth mystery to be solved. Be careful when you venture out with her. You never know what might happen. There may even be a treasure involved.

We learn some Indian history, how to make a fire, we learn a little about dolls and hats, how buttons came into being…want to know why men and women button their clothing from opposite sides? I went from reading to surfing the web, back to reading. I was so curious, I couldn’t help myself. Star Tangled Murder by Nancy Cohen deserves a star for that alone.

You never know when inspiration may strike, and Nancy Cohen found her inspiration for Pioneer Village (which is a real place in Florida) from Yesteryear Village. She shares some wonderful recipes at the end of the book, so you may want to whip something up before you start the mystery, because it will keep you reading until you solve the mystery.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Star Tangled Murder by Nancy Cohen.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

Star Tangled Murder
Bad Hair Day Mystery, Book # 18
Nancy J Cohen
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Hairstylist Marla Vail and her husband get tangled up in murder when their Fourth of July visit to a living history village ends with a bang—and a body.

Salon owner Marla Vail and her detective husband Dalton are having a blast visiting a Florida living history village over Fourth of July weekend. But when a Seminole battle reenactment turns up a real dead body, it sets off fireworks among the villagers. One of the cast members has gone off script to murder the town marshal with a tomahawk.

As Dalton gets involved in the investigation, Marla determines to help him solve the case. Her flare for uncovering secrets reveals that everyone in the village is a suspect. Instead of celebrating the holiday with red, white, and barbecues, she discovers secrets, lies, and false avenues. Did the marshal’s murder have anything to do with a lost Confederate payroll, or did his plans to renovate the park light a fuse that he couldn’t snuff out?

In a place where history comes alive, the dead bodies are piling up. Marla would rather be chilling and grilling, but somebody’s mind is on killing. If she’s not careful, her sleuthing might blow up in her face like a faulty firecracker and she'll become the next victim. Recipes Included! (Amazon)

Review:

Marla and her detective husband go to a living history village to check it out. As luck would have it, someone is killed when it is over. Her husband is given the case and Marla decides she is going to help him figure out who the killer is. I like the fact that Marla and the detective (her husband) do not butt heads and he appreciates the help. This is very refreshing and different from a lot of cozies that I read.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions helped pull me into the story from the very beginning. The murder was well plotted and not easily solved. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider and Marla has her hands full trying to help solve it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Grab the book and try to solve the mystery.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Orange Grove Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

Book #18 finds Marla and her husband Dalton are looking forward to a fun outing watching a battle re-enactment at a living history museum. It's 4th of July and things get complicated when a body is found dead by tomahawk. Seems fitting as the battle - in 1836 - was between the U. S Army and the Seminoles. Dalton is counting down the days until his retirement but he catches the case and Marla, with help from her step daughter and her BFF, joins in the investigating. She has a talent for getting information from witnesses and the list of possible suspects isn't short. It's not long before the killer strikes again and they better move fast before there are more. The killer might just be ready to target Marla.
I enjoy this series as the characters are well developed and the recurring cast are people I would like to hang out with. Marla juggles her salon, her marriage, being a mother, all get her attention in a very real way. The mystery kept my attention and had me guessing wrong. An excellent escape from every day stress.
My thanks to the publisher Orange Grove Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

In this next book of the series, Marla and Dalton are enjoying a visit to Florida's living history village during the Fourth of July weekend. Dalton is really excited about watching a Seminole reenactment when one of the players actually ends up dead. The town marshal has been murdered and Dalton steps forward to help in the investigation. Marla not one to sit on the sidelines jumps in to help with the questioning of several of the players. Along the way both discover an array of lies and secrets that have them looking at a slew of people connected with the village. When another death occurs the two know they must figure out who the killer is before anyone else ends up dead. I always enjoy this series because the author brings her characters to life in just a few sentences and the mystery is always fun to try and figure out. I look forward to seeing what new mystery will befall the couple and how they will go about investigating!

I truly love this series! I feel as if I know all the characters personally and can put myself right into the story. Lots of twists and turns, murder and mayhem make this a real page turner. There is a little change in Marla's life at the end of the story and I cannot wait to see what will be next for her in the future!

It’s the Fourth of July and the Vails are enjoying a visit to a living history village, complete with a Seminole battle reenactment. They come across many interesting exhibits. It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing holiday weekend, until it isn’t. The town marshal has been murdered and it’s looking as if one of the cast members took the reenactment just a bit too seriously.

Although Detective Dalton Vail is close to retirement, this case is in his jurisdiction, and he jumps right in. His wife, hair stylist Marla Vail, jumps right in with him. They begin to investigate and uncover lies, deception and secrets at every turn. They learn the marshal had many real life enemies and any one of them could be a killer.

This is book #18 in the Bad Hair Day Mystery series. It’s been one of my favorites for a long time. As is usually the case with cozy mysteries, the mystery itself is contained and solved in this book. So, you don’t necessarily have to read the entire series, but I think you’d be missing out if you didn’t.

It’s a fast-paced story. Marla has a huge support group helping her along the way. Now that she’s a mother of a young son, her time to investigate is limited. With a little help from her friends, she can still be involved. Much to the dismay of her husband. The last thing he wants is his wife and mother of his child in danger.

Nancy J. Cohen has done an outstanding job of bringing Marla and her crew to life with each book. I feel as if I’ve come to know Marla and reading this series is like visiting with old friends. I’m always excited to read another entry in this series. I’m not sure if there will be more, but if there is, I’m here for them.

A fun, exciting, humorous cozy mystery with realistic characters. A definite winner in my book.










FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley, the author and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Nancy J. Cohen's, STAR TANGLED MURDER, is a firecracker of a mystery! A true page turner. Each new twist, spiraled me into explosive doubt over everything I thought I knew about the why and who of it all. One of my favorites in the Bad Hair Day Mysteries!

Salon owner Marla Vail is excited that in a few months her detective husband Dalton is retiring from the police dept. On a day outing they find a dead body. Marla and a few of her friends start sleuthing around to help Dalton solve what Marla hope is his last murder case. When someone tries to end Marla’s sleuthing it’s up to her and Dalton to solve the case fast.