Star Tangled Murder

Bad Hair Day #18

by Nancy J. Cohen

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!

“Another delightful installment ... 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.” Readers' Favorite

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2023

About the author

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. Nancy’s imaginative romances have proven popular with fans as well. These books have won the HOLT Medallion and Best Book in Romantic SciFi/Fantasy at The Romance Reviews. Active in the writing community, Nancy is a past president of Florida Romance Writers and Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. When not busy writing, she enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World. Visit her at NancyJCohen.com

Reviews

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

History meets mystery as hairstylist Marla Vail and her detective husband Dalton attend a Seminole battle reenactment at a nearby living history village. They meet several costumed actors before the big event including the town marshal, Phileas Pufferfish, Millie Bleecher who was serving homemade biscuits from an outdoor oven made from a cardboard box, Simon Weedcutter, the village farmer, and more.

Many visitors came to the village to watch the exciting reenactment but when the smoke clears and visitors leave a dead body is found back in the village. Marshall Pufferfish is dead by a tomahawk to his head. One of the other actors in the village discovered him and her screams drew a crowd including Marla and Dalton and Dalton immediately takes charge.

Marla is not one to stay idle during a murder case. She is quick to question everyone she met that day and others including a long-lost relative. When another village actor is killed she turns up the heat and even takes a friend along so she can question people more in-depth. But her actions have been noticed by the killer and she may not live long enough to share her history with anyone.

Dalton and Marla are enjoying every minute they can with his daughter Briana before she leaves for college and their new son Ryder. Dalton will be retiring in just a few weeks and then he should have all kinds of time to spend with his family. I thought motherhood would slow Marla down but that sure wasn’t the case. She was involved I think more than ever. Their home life is always written in a very realistic way but to accept the sleuthing Marla does you have to suspend reality for a bit. With this 18th book, she does have plenty of experience and Dalton is fully supportive of what she does but the situations she gets herself into are downright scary and they are so much fun to read. She is sometimes like a bull in a china shop but she does seem to pull the clues together faster than anyone else.

Ms. Cohen’s descriptive writing style sets a scene so perfectly. I easily envisioned the Pioneer Village from each building to the Seminole site along with each actor’s clothing and physical traits. We have a similar site here in Wisconsin, Old World Wisconsin, that I have visited many times over the years so I was familiar with the idea and how things work which helped bring the place to life for me too.

The mystery was truly a tangled one. Did an old mystery connect to this new one? Was the marshal cookin’ the books? What was going on at the neighbor’s farm? Is a button found at the crime scene an important clue? At times I felt like everyone was just going in circles as every suspect had a motive and some kind of opportunity. I did hone in on one person fairly quickly but I didn’t have a good reason, just something about them felt off. As the story continued my theory held strong and culminated in quite a standoff.

Star Tangled Murder was full of twists, secrets, and lies making it a very compelling cozy mystery. And while all my questions about this current case were answered the final pages gave me a few more. The author leaves these characters in a really good place but I don’t think this will be the last we see of them, at least I hope not. With Dalton retired is this dynamic duo hanging up their sleuthing shoes? Is Marla really going to be content working less and keeping her nose out of everyone else’s business? Will Dalton be happy with a life full of some teaching, hobbies, and being a stay-at-home dad? I don’t think so. I am very interested to see what the author has planned.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author, Nancy J. Cohen, and Orange Grove Press thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Star Tangled Murder” is the perfect mashup of history and mystery.

Read full review in the 2023 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t like the main character Marla, I thought her actions and dialogue is pushy. Why was her police husband letting her investigate without trying to stop her, and sharing the information from his investigation? I thought the dialogue and story is forced, it felt awkward. #StarTangledMurder #NetGalley

[Sarah Woodhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical reenactment, a mini picnic, site seeing, and a pioneer village? Sign me up! I ended up starting this series at the end of the book series, but I have been able to follow along well and know what's going and who's who.

Dalton is getting ready to retire and as luck would have it, he catches a case. One that he is actually on site for. What are the odds? As usual, Marla, his lovely wife is willing and able to help him out. Sometimes people do not like to give details to the police and will to someone who seems non-threatening. Marla is the epitome of nice, sweet, and harmless.

Yes, I do think she is a bit on the brash side on asking questions, but she does make it clear that she only wants to help get justice for the victims and help others clear the suspicion from them. I personally, think that I would go for more of a velvet glove over an iron fist approach, but being as how I am not an amateur sleuth, (except for in from of the tv or from behind a book), I respect her avenue of approach. Timing is everything in murder cases and I know that she, as a wife, mother, businesswoman is always on a time crunch and needs to be able to still get dinner on the table and night and put her sweet baby to bed.

I love that her friends Susan and Robin are always willing to help her investigate and that she tries to not go anywhere alone. She is definitely a lot more responsible than some of the main characters in other cozies that I have read.

I thought this book was very interesting. Especially because of the historical significance and anytime I can learn something new then I am all about that. Marla is a strong woman who takes good care of those she loves but is also smart enough to realize that she has others counting on her and so she does try to tread more carefully, and I do like and respect that.

There are a lot of different facts that I learned in this book and that definitely kept me interested. Some things in fact, (none that I will list here due to the fact that I hate spoilers) that I will be looking into as a matter of interest and furthering my education. Where I live currently, has a historical village about thirty miles away that I have been to and it is always a treat to be able to look around and see how things used to be. I love all of the old houses, the architectures, old building shapes and styles really appeal to me.

I admit, that one of the only flaws I found in this story was that it was a little bit slow in the beginning (to be expected) but then after it finally got started, wow, it really went full speed ahead. I think a lot of people would enjoy this book. The mystery was original as was the circumstances around it.

I highly enjoyed this book and I recommend it to other readers, especially those that appreciate a historical element to their cozies.

Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers and to the auth0r for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are mine and are completely honest.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Star Tangled Murder by Nancy J. Cohen is fantastic. I love the interesting hobbies and the whole Pioneer Village setting.

Will Marla figure out who killed the marshal before the murderer gets her?

The Mystery
Marla and Dalton are visiting the local Pioneer Village to get a copy of a cookbook one of Marla's friends wrote. While there, they meet some of the cast, watch a battle reenactment from the Indian war, run into a cousin, and are nearby when a body is found. Dalton is assigned the case as he is first on the scene. Marla is helping him.

Then a second death of one of the pioneer village cast members reveals that there was more going on at the village than you could see on the surface. But so many things are going on, and most of the cast didn't have verifiable alibis.

The mystery has many moving parts and trying to decide what is linked and what isn't is the hard part. At first, I figured out the culprit, but then I talked myself out. I totally fell for a red herring.

Marla Vail
The Vail family has a lot going on. Dalton is retiring from the police force, and Brianna is heading to college in Boston. Marla is feeling the pull of family. While being in harm's way several times during her sleuthing, she realizes she may not want to sleuth anymore.

This is a significant change for her. Marla wants to be around her family and have a life without threats and dead bodies.

Extras
I feel like Ms. Cohen always gives us a little something extra. During this installment, we learn about the history of buttons, some things about doll collectors, and the whole pioneer village aspect. I genuinely love how Ms. Cohen entertains and teaches us simultaneously.

There are also two menus with the recipes included in the book.

The first is a Fourth of July Menu for Baked Brie and Crackers, Blue Corn Chips, Creole Franks with White Rice, Vegetable of Choice, Fruit Platter with Blueberries, Strawberries, and Mini Marshmallows, and Red Velvet Cake.

The second is Next Day Brunch Menu for Salmon Mini Quiches, Egg Veggie Bake, Cheesy Hash Brown Potatoes, Bagels, and Cream Cheese, and Root Beer Cake. I plan to make that Root Beer Cake for my upcoming birthday.

Five Stars
I love hanging out with Marla and her family and friends. Ms. Cohen's mysteries have so many things happening, and everything is happening quickly. My rating for Star Tangled Murder by Nancy J. Cohen is five stars. I started reading this series late. Now it is on my list to go back and read from the beginning.

I highly recommend Star Tangled Murder to everyone.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Star Tangled Murder by Nancy J. Cohen.


This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Deborah Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[April Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 18th book of this series by Ms. Cohen. I had only read one other book in the series, but I was able to enjoy this book with no trouble. Marla is a 40year old salon owner married to a police detective Dalton who is getting ready to retire. They are parents to a toddler son Ryder and Dalton's teenage daughter Brianna.

They spend their 4th of July going to a pioneer village where there are historical reenactments. While they are there, and after they had just talked to him, the village administrator and town marshal, Phil Pufferfish is murdered.

As Marla starts to look into things to help Dalton, it appears Phil was cooking the town books and blackmailing his fellow villagers over their shady pasts, leaving quite a few suspects. Marla needs to get this murder solved so that she can plan Dalton's retirement party and they can look ahead to their next chapter of life.

This was a fun read and one that I couldn't put down until the end.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy

[Shirley Ann Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Spangled Murder is #18 in the bad hair mystery series. Salon owner Marla and her detective husband Dalton, visit a living history village over the fourth of July weekend. When someone is murdered during a Seminole battle reenactment, Dalton gets assigned to the case and Marla does her best to help him find clues to solve this last case before he retires from the police department. This was a fun quick read with likeable characters and plenty of red herrings, I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

[LittleRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marla and Dalton are on vacation in Florida and are on site when a murder is committed during a reenactment of an historic battle. Dalton of course gets involved and Marla is determined to help.

It seems everyone in the village is a suspect and it’s up toe Marla to help get it figured out and get her vacation back on track. She just hopes this is one vacation that won’t be the death of her or Dalton.

A super entry in this series. I really enjoyed it and found the mystery well written. Lookin forward to more in this successful series in the future.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

STAR TANGLED MURDER is the eighteenth book in the Bad Hair Days Mysteries by Nancy J. Cohen. With such a long-running series, I’m always impressed that the author comes up with unique themes and ways to murder the victim. And, in this newest release, she proves once again to know how to entertain her readers. The protagonist, Marla, and her detective husband, Dalton, are visiting a local living history village over the Fourth of July weekend. Ms. Cohen’s descriptive voice captures the awful humidity of the Florida summer heat, the taste of historical dishes prepared by volunteers, hear the cries and screams of the Seminole battle reenactment, and see how long ago settlers tried to eek a new life in the wilderness. Along with the vivid setting, the author always includes several subjects for the reader to learn about, which whets my appetite for diving even deeper into the various matters on my own.

Marla is a full-time working hairstylist and owner of a salon, on top of being a mother to a toddler. She’s portrayed as a bit frazzled and exhausted by all her obligations, which make her relatable. Despite everything going on, she still finds time to assist Dalton in investigating the murder—by tomahawk, no less—that happened during their visit to Pioneer Village. Dalton, getting ready to retire, willingly welcomes her help since most people would rather share secrets by gossiping with someone who is not a police detective. Marla may come across as brash sometimes, but she gets the job done. The pace of the mystery was spot-on, and while there are historical details intertwined with the story, it didn’t slow it down. And while I had my suspicions on who the culprit was, I wasn’t sure, nor did I know, the motives behind the killing. The heartwarming wrap-up of the story left me content and cheering on the upcoming changes in Marla and Dalton’s lives.

Ms. Cohen conveniently provides several recipes at the back of the book featuring a menu for Fourth of July and Next Day Brunch.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Tangled Murder is the eighteenth entry in the long-running A Bad Hair Day Mystery series by award-winning author Nancy J. Cohen. Wow, that’s a lot of books. Each book picks up right where the last one left off and builds on it, making you feel like you are meeting a treasured old friend and catching up. If like me you’ve read them all you’ll delight in spotting the references to the past; if you haven’t read them you’ll delight in this book as a standalone.

Marla and Dalton have been married three years now and Ryder is 13 months old. They are comfortable with each other. Comfortable enough to have arguments and get aggravated. Which is exactly how Star Tangled Murder starts. They are on their way to Pioneer Village to observe a recreation of early Florida life, a battle reenactment of the U.S. Army versus the Seminoles in 1836. Dalton will be retiring from his job as homicide detective in a couple months and to say Marla is kind of freaking out would be an understatement. We know how Marla likes her routines. She has the salon and the day spa and Ryder and works hard to juggle it all. The last thing she wants is a retired, stir-crazy, bored Dalton home all day every day upsetting that. Yes, she wants him to be happy and will support him but could he just get on with it and make that decision. To that end, she makes little suggestions: do woodworking, grow corn . . . to the point where it seems everything is a potential job or hobby. It’s almost comical – but only if you’re not Dalton.

Author Cohen quickly sets the scene and the tone for the day and the book, as well as refamiliarizing us with friends and family, Marla’s employees and Dalton’s coworkers. We settle in, this is familiar, these are people we know. But already we are waiting for the other shoe to drop, for that moment when Marla just happens to stumble upon a dead body. Even though she reminds herself frequently to stay away from danger and focus on the home front, she just can’t help trying to protect those she cares about or right a wrong. She starts out methodical and careful and bristling at Dalton’s warnings, but she inevitably unintentionally veers into recklessness. They are strolling along in Pioneer Village and hear a scream, the mystery and the murder to solve are established, and we’re off. The plot is solid, fast-moving, logical and full of surprises. The characters we already know keep us anchored in the familiar, pleasant routine of Marla’s day-to-day life. The new ones are a mix of good and bad: those to trust, those to suspect – and those to fear. Parts of the story are very intense. Marla and her friend Susan are in a lot of danger and have to think and act quickly. Marla was right to be suspicious of some of these folks, but the actions of others come as a shock, with everything leading to a very satisfying conclusion, both for the mystery and Marla’s personal life.

Marla’s life has changed a lot over the course of the series. As a result, she’s matured, and become more confident. In this book she’s even more relaxed, willing to let her often funny side show. She’s always been responsible, dedicated and loyal and now she’s demonstrated she can handle the roles of wife, mother and business owner very, very well. She always wanted to be a hairdresser but sleuthing is like a second calling. She’s good at it: observant, logical, able to get people to open up. So when she declares she’s done with mystery-solving and going to focus solely on the home front I take it with a grain of salt and will believe it when I see it. The inner conflict “to-sleuth-or-not-to-sleuth” is fun to watch.

In addition to the attention to detail and vivid descriptions of hair, clothes, jewelry, food, home and surroundings there is always a bonus to the Bad Hair Day mysteries in the form of learning. Just a little, not too much, fascinating. Cohen enriches these stories with facts you never realized you needed but were happy to get. Marla is curious, inquisitive, and eager to learn new things and Cohen weaves these lessons seamlessly into the narrative of the mystery. Pioneer Village was a treasure trove, starting with marshals vs. sheriffs and touching on muskets and rifles, plants including those that are poisonous, the Seminole Nation flag and Native American food, the history of buttons, buttonholes and fear of buttons, tea history and running an artisan tea plantation, gold coins missing from Civil War days, and last but not least Paleoethnobotany (look it up!) Something for everyone, and don’t forget to check out the author’s notes for more detail and recipes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest adventure with Marla. Cohen does an excellent job of making Marla seem like a real person while expertly blending in the mystery, resulting in a fresh yet familiar story that you will love. The wrap up of both the case and the latest family/friends happenings is terrific. Has Dalton selected a job all on his own so that Marla can stop looking? Is she really yearning for a daughter and might there be an addition to their family on the way? Can she do it – stop searching for clues? You’ll just have to read Star Tangled Murder and find out. And then of course you’ll have to read all the previous books. Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of Star Tangled Murder via NetGalley. I can’t recommend it enough. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review; all opinions are my own.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Tangled Murder is the eighteenth book in the Bad Hair Days Mysteries by Nancy J. Cohen.
I am sorry to see this series end. This book as the others is a standalone story. Marla is a hair stylist and owns her own salon. Her husband, Dalton is approximately 15 years older and a police detective. Together they work well in solving local crimes.

Even though Dalton doesn’t want Marla involved in any case, he knows she is careful and not impulsive. They have a young son that needs both of his parents. Marla is well adept at ferreting out secrets that aren’t available to the police.

This story deals with a death at a local historical village set on town council property. I found the story well-plotted and with plenty of action. I learned a lot about varietal teas and wasn’t aware that black tea grew in the United States.

I recommend the series and this book to those that are looking for a strong female lead who can balance work, home, and a penchant for investigating murders.
I was given an advanced reader’s copy from Netgalley and these are my own opinions.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Marla gets her friends interested in the mysteries that she and Dalton solve. Marla and Dalton are just out for a fun day learning about history when a dead body is discovered. Dalton is getting ready to retire and Marla will help as much as she can so his retirement will be easy. She is worried that he will be bored when he isn't working. She will make sure there is plenty for him to do. The historical village they are visiting has plenty of suspects working there. As Marla asks more questions, the more someone tries to stop her. She has her son and other family members to consider so she has to be more careful. Marla just knows that if she helps Dalton marrow down the suspect list, they can get this solved in no time. Can they do it? I liked their surprise at the end.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I last dropped in on Marla and husband Dalton, change was coming. This book, the 18th in the series, picks up a few months later. Dalton is retiring from the police force to, essentially, begin teaching his future replacements. Marla seems to have changed, too. Unlike the previous book, when she seemed perpetually exhausted and struggling to adapt to motherhood, she seems to have hit her stride. As the book opens, Marla and Dalton are on their way to tour a living history site near their home in Florida. All hopes for Dalton's last days as a detective being easy end when a dead body is found. Tomahawked to death, no less.

Determined to help ease her husband's burden during his waning career as an active detective, Marla sets out to help. After all, asking a few questions surely can't hurt, right? Wrong. 

More often than not with young Ryder in tow, Marla revisits the pioneer site and begins asking questions of those who might be involved or know something. She's accompanied by step-daughter Brianna, who seems to be wonderful with and adore her much younger brother, and friend Susan. They raise a few ruffles as some of the questions aren't, well, always subtle. Should Marla be concerned when, say, a brawny blacksmith pulls out a heavy iron tool? 

So, who killed Phil, who seemed to have his hands into many of the operating parts of the living history site? Marla and Dalton were there to watch a battle reenactment involving troops and the Seminoles when the murder happened. Can the fact the murder weapon was a personalized, decorated tomahawk be a clue? How about the small item discovered under the body? What personal relationships between those acting the historic roles might be important? And, yikes? Another murder? Someone shooting arrows at Marla? Her questions have obviously gotten too close for someone's comfort. 

And, oh, that's enough teasers right now. Put this one on your TBR list. The various characters are people you could know, all with their own lives and stories. You'll like them. In addition, Marla is a strong female character, one determined not to put herself in danger but, well, life happens. I will note that her hair stylist job wasn't really involved in the story, but, dang, those recipes at the end are worth a trip to a stylist if they have those kind of recipes. I think you'll enjoy this story, which stands-alone nicely. 

Thanks #NetGalley and#OrangeGrovePress for allowing me to revisit my ol' turf, Florida. I've never been to a reenactment there but have visited historic sites in their area, so it was a bit of a nostalgic visit for me.

[Pat Dupuy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I had Marla Vail's schedule I would be too exhausted to move! She's a 40 year old taking care of her toddler son, working at her hair salon, taking care of her husband and stepdaughter, and solving mysteries. The story starts a bit slow as Marla and family are getting a history lesson at a living history village and battle reenactment. The pace picks up as a body is found and all of the people working at the history village are suspects. I'm amazed that Marla's police detective husband encourages her investigations and shares information with her. I'm also surprised that the suspects put up with her "grilling" them. But it all seems to work.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 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.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like cosy mysteries, and I thought this book looked and sounded like something that I might enjoy.

This was a very light-hearted book to read. I warmed to the characters, and found them fun and entertaining. It was quirky, and it filled my craving for a cosy murder mystery. I found that towards the end, there were some moments that particularly made me smile.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Tangled Murder is an interesting, convoluted mystery. I liked the setting of the historic venue because the killer's motive could be old or present time. Ms. Cohen does an outstanding job describing the historic venue. Before Marla and Dalton solve the case, they will listen to multiple lies, follow false trails and red herrings - keeping me well entertained and unable to guess the killer! This well written mystery is very engaging!

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marla and Dalton attend a reenactment of a Seminole Civil-war era massacre at a local Pioneer village, and of course, a dead body is found nearby. Who could have wanted Phil, the administrator and pseudo-sheriff dead? Suspects include the man who runs the gift shop, the blacksmith, the farmer, the teacher, the minister, the shaman, and the sister and brother duo who are real descendants of the original owners of the land. So many suspects kept me guessing who the killer could be. Meanwhile, Ryder is almost a toddler, Brianna is ready to leave for college, and Dalton is ready to retire. I hope this book is not the last one in the series!

[Polina Posner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marla and Dalton are getting ready for a new chapter in their lives - Dalton's retirement. Just need to solve one more mystery that fell into their lap while enjoying a family getaway. A day of fun, historical reenactment and a living history village experience turned into a murder investigation that needs to solved before anyone else gets hurt. With suspects galore, Marla is trying her best to assist and untangle all the clues. All while her own surprise is brewing.
Fun series - to dive into

[Candy Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hair Dressrr Cozie

I recomrnd this book to readers who like family centered stories . Marla is an older ( 40"s mom of a baby which is a different lead in most books. I liked the book as it had many real life scenes. The murders she looked into were presented well. Good reading.

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Tangled Murder is the EIGHTEENTH book in the Bad Hair Day Mystery series by Nancy J. Cohen.......EIGHTEENTH !!! I haven't had the pleasure of reading all of the books in this series, I have kind of bounced from reading the second book in the series to going straight to the fifteenth and reading from there. I know that there was a lot that was missed by not reading all of the books in this series but I can tell you that you can catch up pretty quickly. If you have read all of these amazing books, that is awesome and I am a bit envious.

In Star Tangled Murder there is a lot going on !! Marla who owns a hair salon and day spa is looking to cut back her hours so that she has more time to devote to her family. Marla's husband Dalton is a homicide detective and just a few months shy of retiring. And Dalton's daughter, Brianna, is getting ready to leave the nest and go to college in Boston.

Unfortunately while Marla and Dalton are on an outing to Pioneer Village to see an enactment of a battle that started the Second Seminole War, someone is murdered and it becomes Dalton's case. And there is a great group of volunteers on the suspect list but will anyone come out of character to be of any help to Dalton ? Marla decides to help Dalton in this case so that she can be sure his retirement goes smoothly....but who is kidding who ? Marla always gets in the middle of the investigations with or without Dalton's approval. And Dalton is going to need it with this case...especially when someone else from Pioneer Village ends up murdered.

Readers cannot help but love this series and I would say with EIGHTEEN books in the series, there are a lot of fans !! And now with Dalton retiring and changing to a less stressful job and Marla cutting back hours at the salon, things have to be much quieter for them.....but knowing Cohen I can only imagine what will happen next....and I am sure readers are going to love it !!!

[Susan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.