Dyed and Gone

by Beth Yarnall

Hairstylist Azalea March is looking forward to a wild weekend in Las Vegas with her friends. Oh, sure, they’re supposed to be there on business, attending the biggest hair show on the west coast, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a little fun. But fun quickly turns to drama. On the first morning of the show, Dhane, the biggest celeb of the hair-styling world, is found dead. As it urns out Azalea’s friend, Vivian, not only knew Dhane, but the tale she weaves of how they met is faker than a showgirl’s uh… assets. When Vivian confesses to the murder and is arrested, Azalea knows there’s no way she could have done it and suspects Vivian may be trying to protect someone. But who?

Azalea now has to convince Alex, the sexy detective from her past, to help her prove Vivian’s innocence and comb through clues more twisted than a spiral perm. But the truth is stranger than anything found on the Las Vegas Strip, and proving Vivian’s innocence turns out to be more difficult than transforming a brunette into a blonde.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2014

About the author

USA Today bestselling author and Rita® finalist, Beth Yarnall, writes mysteries and romantic suspense. She lives in Arizona with her husband, two sons, their rescue dogs, and a grandkitten where she is hard at work on her next novel.
For more information about Beth and her novels please visit her website- www.bethyarnall.com

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****Books by Beth****

DANGEROUS LINES
Lost
Saved

Fake
Real
Urge
Rare
Betray

RECOVERED INNOCENCE
Vindicate
Atone
Reclaim
Recovered Innocence boxed set

AZALEA MARCH MYSTERIES

Killing It In Vegas

THE MISADVENTURES OF MAGGIE MAE
Wake Up, Maggie
You’re Mine, Maggie
Find Me, Maggie
The Misadventures of Maggie Mae boxed set

CORE
Far From Honest

****Beth's Books for Writers****

CRAFTING UNPUTDOWNABLE FICTION
Going Deep Into Deep Point of View
Making Description Work Hard For You
Some Like It Hot: Writing Sex and Romance
Crafting Unputdownable Fiction boxed set


****Books by Beth writing as Betty Paper****

CRAZY ON YOU
Captive
Tinsel
Piano Lessons
Crazy On You boxed set

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dyed and Gone by Beth Yarnell is a 2014 Entangled Select publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
BOOK BLURB:
Hairstylist Azalea March is looking forward to a wild weekend in Las Vegas with her friends. Oh, sure, they’re supposed to be there on business, attending the biggest hair show on the west coast, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a little fun. But fun quickly turns to drama. On the first morning of the show, Dhane, the biggest celeb of the hair-styling world, is found dead. As it urns out Azalea’s friend, Vivian, not only knew Dhane, but the tale she weaves of how they met is faker than a showgirl’s uh… assets. When Vivian confesses to the murder and is arrested, Azalea knows there’s no way she could have done it and suspects Vivian may be trying to protect someone. But who?

Azalea now has to convince Alex, the sexy detective from her past, to help her prove Vivian’s innocence and comb through clues more twisted than a spiral perm. But the truth is stranger than anything found on the Las Vegas Strip, and proving Vivian’s innocence turns out to be more difficult than transforming a brunette into a blonde.
This contemporary romance/ cozy mystery was one crazy mixed up ride. The book started off with promise but a couple of chapters in it lost some of it's momentum. Finally, toward the midway mark the story picks up a little steam. For me the plot was just too convulated and there were too many characters to keep up with. The romance is on the PG side but there is a spate or two where the language is a little rougher than most cozy mysteries readers like. The story is also just a little bit too long and could have been sized down by at least 50 or 60 pages. I'm not sure why this one didn't grab me since I enjoy a light read like this one and usually recommend this type of book to those who are under stress because the themes are not too dark and the characters are zany and fun and it's just good old fashioned escapism. For some reason this one just didn't do it for me and I really struggled to finish it. But, that happens from time to time. I see that for the most part I'm in the minority on this one. I'm just sharing my personal experience with you. I give this one 2 stars.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge Beth Yarnall fan. Her books are consistently good, witty, and the absurdity is downright hysterical. Dyed and Gone was another delight. I can't praise it enough. But I'll try.

Azalea March is an interesting character; flawed and endearing, with a personality that wins over and frustrates those around her. Lucky for us, she's a girl who can't leave well enough alone.

There's charm, mystery, laughs, romance, and of course, death and dying here. Oh boy. This is one story you're going to want to get your hands on as soon as you can.

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

I like to read books set in locations I travel to, so I picked up Dyed & Gone right before a recent trip to Las Vegas. This book popped up on a few "books set in Las Vegas" lists, but unfortunately, it could have been set at a hair show in a convention center anywhere in America. Other than brief mentions of staying in hotel rooms at The Luxor and The Excalibur and an Elvis wedding, there was nothing really "Vegas" about this book.

The mystery itself was o.k. Hairstylist Azalea March finds herself in the middle of a double murder mystery during a fun weekend in Vegas at a hair show with her two bffs. There is also a little bit of romance, but rhe characters were all really flat and a little too sterotypical. Overall the book was kind of boring and very clichèd. It also didn't seem very well edited, as the same phrases were repeated over and over again.

[Ki · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Original post at Doing Some Reading)

This was my first reading of any of Beth's book and I got to say it's dang hilarious and awesome! Can I just say don't judge a book by it's cover? I know I did but not in a bad kind of way. It was more of in a hilarious way. Which it really was because look at it! It has a hiar dryer on the cover!! Wow this really had many great laughs out of me. But I did help with the cover reveal way back when so forget that.

But as you can see from the blues here we have Azalea March and a group of gal friends on a trip for a fabulous Hair-dressing show in Las Vegas and well, things turn bad. Yeah, not like where there are relationship problems or they gambled away thousands of money, but more like a Murder!!!!

Yes, murder. But it wasn't just some random dude that got murdered it was the super star hair stylist of the whole show! And it just got even worse when one of Azalea's friend confessed to the murder.

But of course Azalea know that her friend would never do such a thing, as it was impossible! She what does she do? She asks the hottes guy detective she knows to help her out and solve the case!

I really like what Beth is doing. I live all the mystery and twists and turns she out into this story and it just makes you not want to put it down!

I have been reading mysteries for these past couple of days and I'm telling you, they were all great but this one really got me laughing with right amount of humor and information to keep me engaged. Plus all the characters were very likable even though I had my suspicion on who was the culprit but then I was surprised again!

I was amazed that this was more of a mystery than romance or about hair! I mean Beth is great at romance and I know that because of the other books she has written, which I heard were scorching hot. So I found it just the right amount of everything.

The romance, now there was chemistry. It really got me to want to know more about each of their pasts but I love how they came to be where they are.

Azalea is a very strong a very likable heroine. She's smart and very persistent because she doesn't give up and that's one thing that can be a fault or a good thing, and for this it was a good thing. She wanted to find the true murderer to save her friend. Plus, she's a good friend. Despite how she feels and the trouble that will come she'll be there for her friends no matter what and help them in the best way she could.

Alex is just hot!! He's always backing Azalea up even if she gets or makes the trouble. But I love that he lets her help him with the case and doesn't hold her back.

The secondary characters and her friends are what made this book fun! They're such a hilarious and witty group. I believe if these characters weren't in the book the story would still have been great but man, it would have lost some major entertainment.

Over all, I am going to keep my eyes open for the next books in he series and see where Beth take me next. And I really do hope to see some familiar faces in the future.

Rating: 4/5

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Azalea March is on her way to an exciting weekend adventure with her fellow hairstylist friends, Vivian and Juan Carlos. They are on their way to Las Vegas and are planning a wild time even if they are really going for a business convention. Azalea and her friends plan to combine fun and business in one weekend, what could be more fun?

Things don’t quite go the way they intend when a famous hairstylist, Dhane, is found dead on the first day. As luck would have it, Azalea and Juan Carlos are right there when the discovery is made and they get caught up in the whole mysterious murder investigation.

Vivian admits she and Dhane had a history together, but her explanation sounds phony to Azalea. She wonders just how well she knew her best friend. When Vivian confesses to the murder, Azalea knows something is up and has no doubts that Vivian is innocent, but she can’t figure out why she’d confess unless she is protecting someone.

Azalea intends to find out the truth and who really killed Dhane. With the help of Juan Carlos and Azalea’s former detective boyfriend, Alex, the weekend in Vegas turns more wild than they ever could plan. Not to mention that sparks fly between Alex and Azalea. Perhaps their relationship isn’t as over as she thought.

Dyed and Gone by Beth Yarnall is a cross between chick lit and cozy mystery. Two of my favorite genres combined. It’s a bit like Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. Azalea finds herself in the wackiest situations with a truly wacky cast of characters. I found myself LOL through most of the book and shaking my head at Azalea’s antics, too. I wanted to scream “Just stay out of it!” But, then there would be no story :)

The pages fly by and it’s hard to put this one down. The mystery itself goes in several directions and there is a host of possible suspects. Any of them could have done it and, of course, I chose the wrong culprit, but it is fun to try and figure it out.

I hope there will be a sequel. I’d love to re-visit Azalea and her friends.



FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for a blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Chazza Everafter · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I read this book in advance, since Beth is a personal friend**. This book is wildly entertaining and incredibly funny. If you like a heaping side of laughs to go with your mystery, then Yarnall is an author you need to pick up and add to your library. This book features one of my favorite supporting characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading: JUAN CARLOS!!! He's so freaking funny! :) Azalea is also very witty and the world Yarnall creates is vivid and easy to picture. Buy it, laugh, and try to figure out just whodunnit!

[Dottie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, suspense-filled tale that is sure to delight cozy mystery lovers! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:

Hairstylist Azalea March is recovering from her latest relationship with police detective Alex. After their last date, he had promised to call, but never followed through. She had fallen for the handsome police officer and had high hopes for them as a couple. But he had proven as fickle as the other men she had dated. To help keep her mind off Alex and to get her off the web, where she has been purchasing ugly, flowery dresses to cheer herself up, her friends Vivian and Juan Carlos talk her into accompanying them to a hair show in Las Vegas. There she meets the famous stylist Dhane, a huge celebrity in the hairstyling world, and is shocked by the fact that he and her best friend and partner Vivian share a past. Although Vivian tells her two friends about her past with Dhane, they know that she is not telling them everything. So Azalea is surprised when she receives a note from Dhane, asking her to meet him in his hotel room. But before she can meet with him, she and Juan Carlos stumble across Dhane’s head mixed in with the styling heads. When Vivian is discovered with the body and arrested for the murder, Azalea determines to do all she can to prove Vivian’s innocence and reveal the real killer. Even though Vivian confessed to the murder, Azalea knows she could not have done it.

When Alex discovers that Vivian has been arrested, he arrives in Las Vegas to help Azalea find the true killer and to keep her out of trouble. He cares deeply for Azalea and knows he must find a way to make amends after his investigation into another case kept him from calling her as he had promised. But as the body count rises, he fears that Azalea may be the killer’s next target. Will they find the real murderer before it is too late? In the meantime, can he keep her safe and convince her of his feelings for her?

A suspense-filled tale with a plethora of interesting characters, DYED AND GONE, the first book in bestselling author Beth Yarnall’s AZALEA MARCH series, is an intriguing cozy mystery that will keep you guessing right up to the end. I enjoyed the interaction amongst the various characters, which had me laughing out loud at times. I really like Alex and could not help rooting for him as he pursued a relationship with Azalea while trying to keep her safe. The chemistry between them is undeniable and their feelings for each other are plain to see. There are a whole host of suspects as well as clues interspersed throughout the story, but just as I thought I had it figured out, I was proven wrong. Ms. Yarnall is a relatively new author for me and I look forward to reading more of Azalea March’s adventures.

Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com

[Rachel -AGlassOfGlitter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed on the blog!

What makes a good mystery? In my opinion, it’s when you can’t stop thinking about the storyline you’re caught up in and you lose sleep because you just can’t put the book down. Luckily, this book does exactly that.

The story looks at some friends heading for a weekend in Vegas, so immediately you make some assumptions-everything will get out of hand and it’ll be life changing for all of them. While this is true to the story, it’s not in the way you’d think. This is something that makes this stand out from many other books along this theme. We’re immediately introduced to the story because the author doesn’t waste time with scene after scene to introduce the characters; we learn about their pasts and relationships as we go in enough detail but without being spoon-fed the information. I loved this feature and because of it you’re quickly invested in the story. The reason for their weekend away is for a hairdressing convention but there isn’t too much about hairdressing. Somehow, the subject of hair is discussed throughout yet you don’t feel like you need to be an expert. Everything is described in just the right amount of detail; you don’t have to have any previous knowledge but you’re not told what’s happening like you’re completely clueless. This is another example of Beth Yarnall’s talent. The supporting characters are funny, interesting and keep the story alive. Azalea herself is a great leading lady, she doesn’t let anyone boss her around and keeps going to help her friends even when she knows she’s risking a lot. She also has no past experience of investigating something like this and what I love is that she doesn’t suddenly become an expert, she just does what anyone could do if they set their mind to it.

Romance is another theme of this book, but it doesn’t overshadow the story. It’s there in the background so you’re also invested in that but it doesn’t take away from the real mystery that’s happening.

All in all, this was a great book. I’d recommend it to anyone, but, I wouldn’t recommend reading it at night. This is because you’re not going to sleep, you’re just going to keep reading and you won’t be able to put it down. (I had a couple long days at work!)

I hope this isn’t the last we see of Azalea and her friends!

4 Stars for this wonderful book!

[Aarati · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing LLC in exchange of an honest review

Dyed and Gone is my first Beth Yarnall book and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed. It was fun, witty, entertaining, easy to read and quite humorous. Also it wasn't too predictable. There was fun, there was romance, friendship, a couple of deaths and some good laugh.

Azalea March and her best friends Vivian and Juan Carlos are in Vegas to attend the biggest hair show on the west coast. Even though it's business it was also supposed to be a week of wild fun. But soon the wild part comes true when the biggest celeb in the hair-styling world, Dhane is found dead. And Vivian confesses to killing her.

It is upto Azalea to prove that her best friend is not a killer. But she'll need all the help she can get, including the help of an ex-boyfriend Alex. With Alex trying to win her back any way he can and a cute Detective Kennedy at her heels, Azalea has to navigate a slippery slope or else she very well might end up a suspect.

This was a very entertaining and fun book. There were quite a few laugh-out-loud moments. Azalea was determined, loyal and fierce when time called. This book was a mix of the mystery and some cool hair-styling tips too. I might just have to check them out myself.

I half expected Detective Kennedy to make a move on Azalea. It was quite obvious that he was interested in her. But I had mixed feelings when he didn't. I don't like love triangles per se, and Azalea was very much into Alex, so there wasn't much use of Kennedy making a move. I'm pretty sure Azalea would have rejected him, but it would still have been fun.

I liked Alex too. He needs to find a balance between his personal and professional life or else Azalea might just take a hike. He was quite helpful with the whole case and a really endearing guy too. Juan Carlos was the best. He was frank and witty. He spoke his mind, and did not have a filter. He was just amazing and entertaining.

Overall a great read. I look forward to more books in this series. But I do wish Kennedy does not make an appearance. If you are looking for a fun, light-hearted read, this book is for you.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could happen when a bunch of hair stylists gather at convention in Las Vegas? Azalea March and her friends, Vivian and Juan Carlos are hoping for a wild weekend!!

They never expected one of the biggest names in the styling world, Dhane, would end up murdered before the convention barely gets started. Azalea is shocked to find out Vivian and Dhane have a bit of a past. A past that makes Vivian a prime suspect. Azalea quickly finds herself trying to prove her friend is innocent in a case that has more twists than the curliest perm. She just hopes to straighten everything out before they are notified someone else has dyed – died.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Beth Yarnall has styled a very funny cozy mystery.

Every cozy needs it quirky characters and she has given us some beauties. Azalea is a fun protagonist, she just can’t help herself, she has to be right in the middle of the investigation and the cops notice that wherever trouble is brewing Azalea is going to be there right in the thick of it. Vivian is a woman with a very interesting past that she has been keeping from her friends. Juan Carlos kept cracking me up, he was hilarious. The interactions between him and his friend Richard – priceless. I have to tell you these were the most normal characters in the story. Some of the people at the convention, like those dressed as Anime characters, would have stopped me in my tracks but they didn’t seem to phase Azalea a bit. The murdered man’s sister was coping with a lot and she was quite unique. Then every cozy needs the hunky guy and Alex, a sexy detective from Azalea’s past fills the bill nicely.

The mystery took several directions steering the reader to a variety of suspects. I had just an inkling of the killer’s identify but was very surprised by the ending. In addition to the mystery, characters were really fleshed out, one even had a makeover. Yarnall is very descriptive in her writing style which I really liked. I could picture the whole thing very easily.

I read this story amazing fast. I was engaged from beginning to end. I really enjoyed it and look forward to visiting all these characters again.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Kim
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews

Dyed and Gone by Beth Yarnall is a hilarious read. Told in first person, it chronicles a Vegas weekend of hairstylist Azalea March and her two best friends, Vivian and Juan Carlos. What was supposed to be a weekend of fun, networking, and attending a hair conference turns into a weekend of investigating the murder of one of the biggest names in hair care, when Vivian is accused of the crime.

Yarnall writes a story that the reader is actually able to visualize. Her descriptions are over the top, but I can actually see them happening; such as people dressed up as anime characters and models dressed up as trees with sky high hair.

I enjoyed reading the book but I felt that the character development of Azalea wasn’t really complete. She’s a little quirky and has her hang-ups, but I wasn’t really sure why. Also her relationship with Alex wasn’t really what I thought it was. I was surprised that they didn’t really know anything about each other although they had went out in the past.

I had a hard time getting into the book in the beginning. In a timeframe when some people would have given up, I kept reading because of curiosity and the fact that Juan Carlos is the King of one liners. It was worth it. The book became entertaining and a real page turner, with me trying to figure out what was going on, whodunit, and why.

Azalea has a heart of gold and her desire to investigate comes from a good place. Unfortunately, she asks too many questions and becomes a target for the police and the murderer. I’m looking forward to seeing what Yarnall has planned next for Azalea and her "ragtag band of hairstylists turned detectives".

Source: Publisher

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Dyed And Gone - Azalea March Mysteries
Author: Beth Yarnell
Publisher: Entangled Select
Published: 3-25-2014
ISBN: 13-9781622661244
E-Book ASIN: B00EBRDEYC
Pages: 400
Genre: Suspense
Tags: Cozy Mystery
Overall Rating: Great (4.5 Stars)


Azalea March is off to Las Vegas for a fun filled weekend. Planning to enjoy herself while learning new styles and techniques to use with her work as a hairstylist, she never expected mayhem to be on the agenda. The expression of what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas is true when Dhane, a headliner in the hair-styling community. Worse yet Azalea's friend, Vivian confesses to the crime and is promptly arrested. The only problem Azalea has is that she knows Vivian could not have done it and she concludes Vivian must be covering for someone, but who could it be. Azalea convinces and old friend, one good looking and alluring police detective, Alex, to assist her in investigating further. The search for the true killer can be deadly.


Ms. Yarnell has given us a mystery that starts from the beginning to set the stage. She keeps the story flowing so that you do not want to put it down. Just about the time you think you have it figured out, she proves your chief suspect innocent. When she finally reveals the killer you are amazed you dd not see it earlier even though the clues peppering the story lead you all over but to that person. You will adore Azalea. She is a bit zany with a quick wit and a keen mind. She is loyal to a near fault, but if we are truly lucky we will all have a friend like her. I do hope to hear more from Beth Yarnell and Azalea March. I absolutely could not put this one down until the last word. Thank you, Ms. Yarnell for such and enjoyable afternoon's read.

[Jasmyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dyed and Gone was everything it promised me. It was funny, romantic, and touching with just a dash of suspense mixed in with the mystery. Azalea March has some memorable friends with her when she goes to Vegas to a hair styling convention. The most memorable was Juan Carlos - I had to stop writing quotes of his down when I realized I was pulling one from every scene he was in - it was priceless. There were times he almost stole the show from Azalea. Now Azalea was written in the most perfect way I think it could have been done. She was a real person!!! She wasn't perfect, but her quirks and attitude made me love her so much. But when Dhane (a big wig in the hair community) is found dead, her curiosity gets the best of her and she just has to know who-dun-it. And so our story begins.

Along the way we meet a host of very, very, very strange characters. But there was something about the way they were written and something about the way Azalea just went with it that made them seem almost part of everyday life (maybe they are for her). So she follows the bread crumbs and lands in a heap of trouble herself. Super sexy cop, Alex, has to come to her rescue several times, but as long as he gets a date out of it he doesn't mind.

This was an incredibly humorous contemporary romance that will hit the spot for a multitude of genres. I love that it's a series because I must see more of Azalea (and hopefully Juan Carlos, too).

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/0...

[Maryam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Full review up on the blog:http://gloriousbooks.blogspot.co.uk/2...

Dyed and Gone follows Azalea March as she tries her best to solve the murder of well known celebrity, Dhane - well known in the hairdressing world at least. Azalea soon finds herself turning into trouble at every corner so enlists the help of Alex, the hunky detective that she just happens to be having a little bit of a spat with.



I have to admit straight off, I didn't like this book. It was one that I didn't connect to at all - I couldn't relate to most of the characters and the plot didn't captivate me as much as I would have liked. However, I really liked Alex, the detective, and Juan, one of Azalea's best friends. I thought Alex was a cute character that played off the 'protective guy' feel really well seeing as he's already a member of the police force. Juan just made me laugh, end of. Especially towards the end of the book - he came out with some amazing one liners that made me giggle.



I don't really have much else to say about this one. It was just one of those reads I didn't get on with. I couldn't connect to most of the characters and I lost interest really quickly. Finishing it became more of a chore than anything which is not something any reader likes to happen. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in please don't let me put you off.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed this first book of what I hope will be a series! I've read all sorts of cozies but none where the amateur sleuth was a hair stylist. I loved reading the foray into the world of hair styling and technique. The characters are developed quite well and I found the romance between Azalea and Alex quite nice.....and of course there is Kennedy and does he like Azalea too?

And this is yet another book where I didn't guess the killer....the killer was quite hidden and you don't really figure it out until it is revealed...at least there were no overt clues that I could tell.

I look forward to more antics with Azalea, Vivian, Juan Carlos, Alex and Richard!

[Dana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing read! A zany new character with a touch of sass and a penchant for getting herself into trouble, Azalea does just that when she hits Vegas for a hair convention. What happens in Vegas unfortunately may just get a good friend into trouble if Azalea can't prove she isn't a killer. A fun romp with more twists than a corkscrew curl, this read is one that will bring you many hours of enjoyment and I for one have found a new author for my must read shelf. Beth Yarnall is a storyteller that nabs you up at the get go and holds you hostage until the last page is done.

Fan girl moment!!! Awesome read and I can't wait for more!!!

5/5

[Alycia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out today!!! And $0.99 for a limited time, so grab now!!! This book. OMG this book. It's the BEST. Hairdresser turned sleuth at a conference in Vegas. Hot nerdy cop, fabulous best friend with a pension for the greatest one liners, and severed heads. IT'S AMAZING. Just add it and thank me later. I promise you will love it.

[Diana H. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking for a new mystery series with a female (not detective) to be the heroine, but this is not it. I finished the book and felt cheated. The characters were just too over-the-top stereotypical (and I found that demeaning to them). It felt like the author was trying too hard to be witty and instead just came off as patronizing.
I won't be picking up book 2.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny and interesting!

Definitely recommend, looking out for more from this author!

[Kathy Jund · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars! You can be sure Azalea will keep what happens in Vegas in Vegas!

[Brenda Carlisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Great

Kept me on edge. Every time I thought I had figured out who the murderer was, I was wrong. Jun was the last person suspected to be the killer.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book was extremely well-written. It was an interesting storyline and I can not wait to re-read this book.

[All Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

MICHELLE'S REVIEW
Holy drama Batman!!! I love books with a bit of a mystery to them. This was like an intense version of Clue or a Murder Mystery Dinner!!! I literally had no idea who was the bad guy until the bitter end and that almost NEVER happens. So for that alone, I have to commend Beth because, girl, you had me fooled!!

So here is what I loved about this book, besides the obvious mystery element.
I liked Azalea. She was a total hothead but a fierce friend and she was totally kick ass. She just kind of did whatever she wanted, didn't really listen to reason and did everything she could to solve the mystery and avenge the people who had been done wrong by these unfortunate events. I really liked that about her. There were two men constantly telling her to keep her nose of out of things and she was just like:

I LOVED the gay besties. You know I always do. But they were hilarious and totally over the top and ridiculous and I loved everything about them.

I also really loved the little details. Beth was obviously either a hairdresser in a former life or spend some serious time researching hairshows because she knew a lot about how they worked and I thought that was a great touch.

The book did have some issues for me but they weren't things that would make me say I didn't like the book. My major issues was that there might have been too much going on. There were times where I thought the plot was almost too complicated and started to get overwhelmed by the characters. But, I did end up totally getting what was going on and enjoying it so it might not be as confusing for others. I also was sometimes confused about her relationship with Alex. I wish we had gotten a bit more of their back story because their present day relationship seemed a little out of nowhere for how fast it moved. I also worried that the police detective working the case was going to be a love interest so I spent a lot of time being really nervous about that. But there is no cheating and he turns out to be just a really overly concerned but sort of a jerk detective.

Overall, I liked this book a lot. If you like mysteries, I would definitely check this one out. It's a good one and it will keep you guessing until the very end!!

 

[Bookish Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A hairstylist turned 'detective' in order to help to prove her friend's innocence despite her friend's confession to crime. The book summary promises a good story, and Dyed and Gone does not disappoint me with its characters and plots. I was kept busy throughout the entire journey with Azalea, trying to put bits and pieces alongside her. There was just so much discoveries and suspects to play with that I can't help but to make guesses on who the real murderer was.

Azalea seemed real, with her strange obsession with buying gowns when she wasn't feeling very good (because of guys). She was lucky that her two friends, Vivian and Juan, managed to stop her! I like reading scenes with Juan in it because he just made the story so interesting and funny! They set off to Vegas for a hair styling convention in which a chilling murder took place, just when I thought the murdered guy had a thing for Azalea due to a secret note to her. We know from the summary that Vivian confessed to the crime and it was up to Azalea to prove everything wrong by finding the real murderer. She couldn't do it alone and very reluctantly called in Alex, the guy who started it all (also known as the guy who promised to call after their date but didn't).

I never have a dull moment reading Dyed and Gone. Besides, there are several interesting characters who made really good suspects. I just like how a book such as this will keep a reader busy guessing throughout the whole book but never make anything too obvious or simple to guess. This book will be even better if we get to read more about Azalea and Alex's story before they went to Vegas. I find that there wasn't much explained about how they got together.

A good mystery and fun book for readers who enjoy some detective action and for those who are wondering how a hairstylist can actual get involved in such extreme situations.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

Azalea and friends make for a fun cast of characters. Even the suspects are a range of characters that keep you guessing about who might be guilty or not. Lots of drama, action and romance among the hairstylist convention in Las Vegas. It is also a clean cozy mystery.

Azalea March is a salon owner that is depressed over romance that is over before it really started. Her two friends get her to go with them to the convention. Azalea is a very curious person. She gets a invitation and room key to come up to Dhane's hotel room after only meeting him that morning.

Vivian is her partner and friend. She turns out that she knows the famous Dhane and lies to her friend how she met him. She is found in Dhane hotel room. She turns up confessing to the murder. Her boyfriend is James back home.

Juan Carlos is the other friend and hairstylist that goes to Las Vegas with Azalea, & Vivian. He is single too. Juan gets into a fight with Richard who used to work with them. They are fighting a lot.

Alex is a detective and the boyfriend that Azalea was being depressed over. He comes with James to help prove Vivian's innocent.
I like Alex and Azalea they keep each other guessing about their relationship.

Azalea does not believe her friend is a murder and she is determined to find out who is the killer. Azalea turns up everywhere and gets on Detective Kennedy's radar as a suspect.

There is a lot of humor, lots of suspects. Azalea gets into a lot of trouble. I really like the makeover she did on one of policeman.
I would like to see more of Azalea and her friends in future books.

I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it.

[(;Missy.Lala;) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Possible minor spoilers ahead :)*

I knew this book was going to be about hairstyling. And I thought that was going to be a bad thing... But, as soon as I started getting into the story, the characters, and the murder case, yes there's a murder case!! I didn't mind it so much.

Yes, I'll admit, I didn't really get a lot of the hairstyling terms the characters used in this story, but the characters' roles, really scratched that off.

And as for the romance? There was both M/M and NA :) And I just enjoyed it!!!
Juan Carlos was simply amazing!!! Him and his ways him liking guys and all I really enjoyed it :) It was sweet and I honestly wanted more, Now I see why my good friend Lola recommends me a lot of M/M romances, there simply interesting, and sweet to read. <3
Then there was Azalea, and Alex :) There relationship was hot, cold, hot, cold, but it doesn't mean there isn't a little steam in there... It will get better in the next book ;)

I am sooooo happy that I won this on a giveaway, because this book was simply AMAZING!!! I finally found another good series!! :D

There were some humor moments, betrayals, shocking confessions, accusations, relationship building, and AWWWWWWWW moments.

Now I know ALOT of stuff can happen if you go for one weekend to Vegas... So if you ever plan on going there, make sure you have a bodyguard or a flamethrower :3

That all for now, but the real review (full version, involving gifs, and more) will be on (;Missy.Lala;)(;Book-A-Holic;) Thanks!!! ;)

[Michele Seigfried · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book 4 stars. It started off a little slow, and I was originally a little lost in the hairstylist lingo, but I’m glad I hung in there, because it was a cute book. Azalea runs around sticking her nose in where it doesn’t belong, trying to find out who murdered the infamous Dhane. Though she’s trying hard to forget about Alex, his charms and mere presence make that difficult to do. Juan Carlos was hilarious and was absolutely my favorite character in the book. I would love to have a friend like him. I hope he will return in future books in this series. Dhane’s sister was also quite quirky and the way she talked just made me laugh out loud. I didn’t guess who was the murderer and was surprised by the reveal. This book is a cozy mystery and true to the genre–no graphic violence, no explicit sex scenes and no/little strong language. That’s not to say that it’s boring. Quite the opposite. There are murders, some romance, fun characters, humor, and definitely mystery. If you are a cozy fan, you will surely enjoy the book as I did. If you are looking for a fun, fast read this summer, check this one out.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dyed and Gone is such a fabulously witty and fun read. Set in the crazy world of Las Vegas at the hair-styling equivalent of the Oscars, our protagonists, Azalea March, her Hair Salon business partner and best friend, Vivian, together with their stylist Juan Carlos are just there to have a good time.......but in cozy mystery land, of course, things never turn out as planned!

The basic premise is that Vivian confesses to killing her friend Dhane, Azalea know she's innocent and determines to prove otherwise whilst finding the real killer. Simple!

"And Vivian is covering up for someone. Someone worth protecting enough that she's willing to become Big Bertha's prison bitch."

Azalea and Juan Carlos' hilarious one-liners had me giggling, the plot was clever but not too complicated to follow, several suspects, red herrings and a romance all made for a fun and entertaining read.

I'm looking forward to following Azalea in her next adventure!

From Carole's Book Corner

[Paula Ratcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows Azalea March as she is having a wild weekend with her friends in Vegas when death pops it's ugly head. When Dhane a big celebrity winds up beheaded and Azalea's friend Viv confesses to committing the murder but Azalea knows her friend didn't commit the crime and now it's up to Azalea and Juan Carlos to find out who killed Juan Carlos and why her friend Viv is sitting in jail.

Azalea meets some interesting characters connected to Dhane like his sister Trinity who's got a few screws loose, and finds herself in trouble soon enough. Who is angry enough at Dhane to commit this murder and what do they hope to gain by it?

This book was great and a lot of fun to figure out who killed Dhane and why they did it. You meet all sorts of characters that Azalea runs into and the ones that mean the most to her. It was definitely a great book and worth taking the ride with this author.

[Erin Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Any book that makes me laugh out loud with a fun ensemble of characters is a keeper on my shelf. A great mystery, hilarious characters and Alex the cop...yum! Can't wait to read more of zany Azalea's and Juan Carlos' hijinks and mysteries...and yeah, more taking it to the next level with Alex!

Well-written, laugh-out loud funny, with a superbly drawn cast of characters made this cozy mystery one of my favorite reads of the year!