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Annie Addison Mystery #1
Color Me Crazy
Jersey girl and beauty shop owner Annie Addison is ready to enjoy the quiet off-season in her beachside town. When a long-time resident drops dead, all unmanicured fingers point to Annie. Teaming up with a friend, she’ll do whatever it takes to solve this mystery. Can her amateur sleuthing unravel the mess she’s in, or will she run out of time before she can clear her name?
With endearing characters and a small-town feel, this cozy mystery is perfect for a quick slice of puzzle solving. Get whisked away as Annie stumbles through a novella full of murder, mayhem, and misunderstandings. “Color Me Crazy” is a hair-raising mystery you won’t want to miss.
With endearing characters and a small-town feel, this cozy mystery is perfect for a quick slice of puzzle solving. Get whisked away as Annie stumbles through a novella full of murder, mayhem, and misunderstandings. “Color Me Crazy” is a hair-raising mystery you won’t want to miss.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 19, 2026
This was a sweet little mystery book! I liked that it was set at a hair salon—I haven’t read any mysteries with that setting. It was also cozy and felt lower stakes, despite the consequences, because of the writing style.
January 30, 2019
"Quick read"
This took as long to read as it does for me to have my hair cut. There's not much to it... that goes for the story and my hair. This sort of cozy caper does no harm. If you're at the hairdresser or the dentist, then this will fill in those few minutes while you wait.
This took as long to read as it does for me to have my hair cut. There's not much to it... that goes for the story and my hair. This sort of cozy caper does no harm. If you're at the hairdresser or the dentist, then this will fill in those few minutes while you wait.
February 14, 2021
Suspected of a murder she didn't commit, Annie needs to follow the clues to catch the killer.
December 9, 2016
Annie owns a salon at the Jersey shore. High season is over and the population has decreased to almost nothing and business has fallen off. Trish, who works at her salon with her has the misfortune to have the grumpiest client in town coming in that day.
That evening Annie and her friend Charlotte are at Uncle Buck's having a bite to eat when grumpy Patsy comes in and has a drink with her bartender son, Greg. To their amazement, Patsy drops dead before their eyes but when the long arm of the law reaches out towards Annie as their prime suspect, she and Charlotte decide they need to pitch in and try to figure out who committed this murder.
The writing seemed to flow nicely in this story but the plot was lacking. It was way too easy to figure out who the murderer really was. I have read many Cody mysteries but their plots were better crafted. I would not be anxious to read another book by this author.
That evening Annie and her friend Charlotte are at Uncle Buck's having a bite to eat when grumpy Patsy comes in and has a drink with her bartender son, Greg. To their amazement, Patsy drops dead before their eyes but when the long arm of the law reaches out towards Annie as their prime suspect, she and Charlotte decide they need to pitch in and try to figure out who committed this murder.
The writing seemed to flow nicely in this story but the plot was lacking. It was way too easy to figure out who the murderer really was. I have read many Cody mysteries but their plots were better crafted. I would not be anxious to read another book by this author.
July 27, 2014
A very cute short story. The police incompetence was a little hard to believe but otherwise as advertised.
January 19, 2016
A good cozy mystery. Interesting characters. No foul language, no blood. Good clean reading. I look forward to Book 2
August 18, 2019
I really wanted to like this one. It really had potential.
Have you ever heard the phrase “Too stupid to live?”
The lead character in this story is too stupid to not be charged with murder!
This story started off really good. I was enjoying it.
Annie Addison owns a beauty salon. She is recently divorced and opened her salon with the settlement. One of her customers dies suddenly, the next day her salon is served with a search warrant, and the officers leave with a vial of unknown substance.
Patsy had stated that she would likely be murdered during her appointment. She is a chronic complainer, who hardly anyone likes.
The morning that Patsy was murdered, Annie had found a glove outside her shop and had thrown it into the trashcan. When she returns with a friend to get the glove to give to the police, she sees the locks have been changed and crime scene tape across the doors. Rather than waiting to tell the police the next morning, Annie decides it’s best to do a little B&E into her own shop to retrieve the glove to give to the police.
Her associate in the salon is also a suspect. An even better one. She did the hair coloring appointment, and she has been sleeping with the women's son, and may now be pregnant.
Have you ever heard the phrase “Too stupid to live?”
The lead character in this story is too stupid to not be charged with murder!
This story started off really good. I was enjoying it.
Annie Addison owns a beauty salon. She is recently divorced and opened her salon with the settlement. One of her customers dies suddenly, the next day her salon is served with a search warrant, and the officers leave with a vial of unknown substance.
Patsy had stated that she would likely be murdered during her appointment. She is a chronic complainer, who hardly anyone likes.
The morning that Patsy was murdered, Annie had found a glove outside her shop and had thrown it into the trashcan. When she returns with a friend to get the glove to give to the police, she sees the locks have been changed and crime scene tape across the doors. Rather than waiting to tell the police the next morning, Annie decides it’s best to do a little B&E into her own shop to retrieve the glove to give to the police.
Her associate in the salon is also a suspect. An even better one. She did the hair coloring appointment, and she has been sleeping with the women's son, and may now be pregnant.
October 28, 2017
I loved this book!
Jersey girl and beauty shop owner Annie Addison is ready to enjoy the quiet off-season in her beachside town. When a long-time resident drops dead, all unmanicured fingers point to Annie. Teaming up with a friend, she’ll do whatever it takes to solve this mystery. Can her amateur sleuthing unravel the mess she’s in, or will she run out of time before she can clear her name?
With endearing characters and a small-town feel, this cozy mystery is perfect for a quick slice of puzzle solving. Get whisked away as Annie stumbles through a novella full of murder, mayhem, and misunderstandings. “Color Me Crazy” is a hair-raising mystery you won’t want to miss.
Jersey girl and beauty shop owner Annie Addison is ready to enjoy the quiet off-season in her beachside town. When a long-time resident drops dead, all unmanicured fingers point to Annie. Teaming up with a friend, she’ll do whatever it takes to solve this mystery. Can her amateur sleuthing unravel the mess she’s in, or will she run out of time before she can clear her name?
With endearing characters and a small-town feel, this cozy mystery is perfect for a quick slice of puzzle solving. Get whisked away as Annie stumbles through a novella full of murder, mayhem, and misunderstandings. “Color Me Crazy” is a hair-raising mystery you won’t want to miss.
April 10, 2019
Taken for Granted
Molly Dox gives a good sense of humor and mystery in her writing caracters are simply delightful. Poor Annie just wants to move on after her divorce, building a clientele at her hair salon. When one of her clients falls dead the local police are looking towards Annie. She's frightened and decides i'ts time to solve this murder mystery herself with the help of her friend Charlotte and cheating exes husband. Can she keep her from going to jail, read and find out, you won't be disappointed.
Molly Dox gives a good sense of humor and mystery in her writing caracters are simply delightful. Poor Annie just wants to move on after her divorce, building a clientele at her hair salon. When one of her clients falls dead the local police are looking towards Annie. She's frightened and decides i'ts time to solve this murder mystery herself with the help of her friend Charlotte and cheating exes husband. Can she keep her from going to jail, read and find out, you won't be disappointed.
June 3, 2025
Annie Addison runs a beauty shop in a beach town, so the off season is usually uneventful. Not this year. When one of her customers dies under suspicious circumstances, she takes the top spot in the suspect pool. Can she prove her innocence?
This proved more of a novella, which made it a quick read. Would have been quicker if they cut out some of the annoying repetition. Some of the characters get reintroduced every other time they appear. Honestly, if it weren’t so short, I probably wouldn’t have pressed on to the end.
This proved more of a novella, which made it a quick read. Would have been quicker if they cut out some of the annoying repetition. Some of the characters get reintroduced every other time they appear. Honestly, if it weren’t so short, I probably wouldn’t have pressed on to the end.
March 16, 2019
Annie owns a beauty salon in this beach town, divorced and Pip her dog, who gets upset if she is out late. A leisure place for the rich during the summer, and she loved the quirky people who,lived there all year.
Patsy got her hair dyed, then went to a local bar, slipping off the stool, in front of her son, dead. Investigation shows poison, hair dye is now being questioned and Annie. Eighty but miserable to people, who wanted her dead. Nice flowing cozy mystery to enjoy.
Patsy got her hair dyed, then went to a local bar, slipping off the stool, in front of her son, dead. Investigation shows poison, hair dye is now being questioned and Annie. Eighty but miserable to people, who wanted her dead. Nice flowing cozy mystery to enjoy.
April 12, 2019
Amateur Detective/Hairstylist
This is my first reading of Molly Dox’s Cozy books. Annie Addison is a divorced woman who owns a beauty salon on the Jersey resort area shore. The Jersey shore is very busy during the summer & dead in the winter. Annie has a little pup named Pip, who is very spoiled & plays a big part in Annie’s life. Annie is accused of murdering one of her elderly clients, Patsy, who just had her colored at Annie’s by Trish, Annie’s partner. Annie sets out to clear her name with the help of her best friend, Charlotte. Unfortunately Annie poses more problems for the local police department & gets herself in trouble.
You’ll have to read it, it’s a quick funny read, to find out who did it & how Annie figures it out cuz I’m not going to tell you. Enjoy!
This is my first reading of Molly Dox’s Cozy books. Annie Addison is a divorced woman who owns a beauty salon on the Jersey resort area shore. The Jersey shore is very busy during the summer & dead in the winter. Annie has a little pup named Pip, who is very spoiled & plays a big part in Annie’s life. Annie is accused of murdering one of her elderly clients, Patsy, who just had her colored at Annie’s by Trish, Annie’s partner. Annie sets out to clear her name with the help of her best friend, Charlotte. Unfortunately Annie poses more problems for the local police department & gets herself in trouble.
You’ll have to read it, it’s a quick funny read, to find out who did it & how Annie figures it out cuz I’m not going to tell you. Enjoy!
July 1, 2025
DNF at 57%. I just lost interest. A woman dies & police search Annie's shop (the victim didn't die there). Annie's already cracking under the pressure, just thinking she's a murder suspect & she hasn't even been accused! It felt like an overreaction for her to suddenly decide to clear her name on her own. There was also a lot of telling instead of showing; reminding the reader of something said on the previous page. Just not for me.
January 2, 2018
This was a good read, humorous , likeable and suspenseful all at the same time
This was a good read. It was humorous likeable and suspenseful all at the same time. I look forward to reading more by this author.
This was a good read. It was humorous likeable and suspenseful all at the same time. I look forward to reading more by this author.
October 15, 2018
Good read
Quick moving, good descriptions that help imagining the setting. As a Jersey girl myself, very accurate about shore life in off season. Plot was good, easy to follow. Enjoyed reading.
Quick moving, good descriptions that help imagining the setting. As a Jersey girl myself, very accurate about shore life in off season. Plot was good, easy to follow. Enjoyed reading.
December 2, 2018
Nice
This is a nice quick read. Thoroughly, entertaining. I read it while doing laundry, made the time go by fast, without even realizing it. I would recmmend this book to cozy lovers everywhere.
This is a nice quick read. Thoroughly, entertaining. I read it while doing laundry, made the time go by fast, without even realizing it. I would recmmend this book to cozy lovers everywhere.
March 25, 2019
Nicely plotted
and for a novella lots of character definition. Enjoyed this tale more than expected. Cleanly written, likable characters and interesting plot with twists- what’s not to like!?!
and for a novella lots of character definition. Enjoyed this tale more than expected. Cleanly written, likable characters and interesting plot with twists- what’s not to like!?!
April 4, 2019
A good w mystery
This is another good clean cozy mystery. It is short enough to read in one sitting. I really enjoyed it. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean cozy mystery.
This is another good clean cozy mystery. It is short enough to read in one sitting. I really enjoyed it. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean cozy mystery.
June 9, 2019
Great easy read with engaging characters
This is the first Annie Addison story I have read and found it engaging and entertaining. The characters have depth and qualities that make me want to see what happens with them next!
This is the first Annie Addison story I have read and found it engaging and entertaining. The characters have depth and qualities that make me want to see what happens with them next!
July 10, 2019
Annie Addison is a hair dresser who is looking forward to the slower season on a Barrier off the Jersey Shore. She quickly gets wrapped up in a murder and for such a short story it packed a good punch. This is an author I am looking forward to reading more of.
March 31, 2020
You know how to get my attention.
The story was great and attention getter.You kept me hooked from the beginning to end.I didn't think it was going to end that way it was great.Thanks for sharing it with me and keep them coming.
The story was great and attention getter.You kept me hooked from the beginning to end.I didn't think it was going to end that way it was great.Thanks for sharing it with me and keep them coming.
June 3, 2021
It was fun to read a mystery set on a Jersey beach! The narrative "hopped heads" a little bit (it jumped from character to character rather than sticking to 3rd person limited), which is something I've always been told not to do as a writer. Overall though this was a nice, quick read.
January 13, 2026
This took far too long to read but it was short so I didn’t want to give up on it. This was fine. I liked the reveal at the end and how the community came together for Annie. I’m glad I didn’t give up on it but nothing I’ll remember for long.
February 9, 2017
Very good book, a bit different than other cozy mysteries but I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to read more from this author.
August 13, 2017
I got this as a free Google play download and although it is not my usual type of book it was a pleasant read.
December 12, 2017
Fun!
Fun, entertaining mystery book. Looking forward to more sleuthing by Annie! Will she go out with the sexy cop? Have to read the next one to find out.
Fun, entertaining mystery book. Looking forward to more sleuthing by Annie! Will she go out with the sexy cop? Have to read the next one to find out.
July 5, 2018
Very predictable and not the bust writting but the story was still drawing and made me want to know whodunit.
July 16, 2018
Meh. The heroine seems really stupid at times.
April 15, 2019
Nice little novella!
Good story line and a believable conclusion. It would have been a better story if Annie had had more of a relationship with Officer Rossi though.
Good story line and a believable conclusion. It would have been a better story if Annie had had more of a relationship with Officer Rossi though.
June 17, 2019
I enjoyed Annie and the other characters. Plan to read more in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews





















