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

Mysterious Saturday Review: Tressed to Kill

Grace Ann returns home after a divorce and back to her mother's beauty salon. When an uppity woman comes into the shop looking for a haircut as her usual place couldn't fit her in, she causes trouble. She takes a phone call that allows the dye to stay in her hair too long. Her hair streaks turn orange and she threatens shut down the business. Later that night Grace Ann and her mother stumble across this woman's body.

Now they're the prime suspects for murder. Grace Ann and the rest of the staff at the salon take it upon themselves to gather information in hopes of clearing Grace Ann's mother. Someone doesn't want them digging and leaves messages to warn them off the case.

That doesn't stop Grace Ann, even when the attacks increase in malice. Will she stick her neck out too far?



My Thoughts: The first in a new series complete with beauty recipes and Southern charm. The secondary characters add flair. There's just a hint of romance making this new cozy a pure delight.

The Cover: very cute!

The Source: ILL from the library system