Mysterious Saturday Review: Polished Off

It's just a normal afternoon for Grace until Audrey comes into the beauty parlor. She's looking for someone to do hair and nails for her pageants contestants. Grace and Stella both agree to the position - and meet at the theater later in the day.

Before they get set up, Grace watches the girls practice their talents. An accident takes place with one of the girls. When Graces asks a few questions, it appears it's not the first mishap made to look like an accident.

Stella and Grace help the girls style themselves; surprised to find Rachel, a teen co-worker among the contestants. Then they sit down and watch the program. Stella leaves part way through. At the end of the night, Grace attempts to locate her. The door to Stella's work space is locked. She jimmies open the door to discover Audrey dead.

Now with Stella under suspicion, Grace starts asking questions.

My Thoughts: The second book in the series brought up the issue of beauty pageants vs body image/feminism. During the pageant, there were protesters with signs about women's beauty, using brains not beauty to get ahead in the world, and pageants setting back feminism. Contestants countered the argument with using the scholarship money for further education. I enjoyed the debate.

I also enjoyed the reappearance of Agent John Dillon. I'm voting for his as the romantic interest. I like the atmosphere of the beauty parlor. I really enjoyed the twist of Rachel being in the pageant - and her moments in the pageant. An entertaining read where I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute - but the setting for the murder scene is off.

Source: My Library