What do you think?
Rate this book
Bad Hair Day #19
Dreidels and Dead Ends
A daring holiday heist at the local history museum sends hairstylist Marla Vail on her most tangled case yet.
When salon owner Marla Vail agrees to speak at the local history museum’s gala opening for a new exhibit, she expects applause—not a catastrophe. But shortly after she takes the stage, a thief steals the featured diamond-studded hairbrush, leaving behind an empty display case and a badly injured security guard.
Marla’s friend, museum curator Becky Forest, begs for her help in recovering the prized heirloom before the mayor uses this scandal as an excuse to cut their funding. To make matters worse, the antique hairbrush comes with a curse, and suddenly bad luck is spreading through town faster than a botched dye job. As Hanukkah festivities begin, Marla would rather be lighting candles than chasing clues, but with Becky’s job at stake, she takes on the case.
Her trail leads to a knot of suspects including the hairbrush’s owner, his greedy cousin, shifty museum staff, and a reclusive collector of mystical antiquities. Instead of enjoying menorah lights and latkes, Marla discovers murder, lies, and larceny. She’ll need sharp wits and a holiday miracle to save the museum and to keep the truth from being brushed aside.
When salon owner Marla Vail agrees to speak at the local history museum’s gala opening for a new exhibit, she expects applause—not a catastrophe. But shortly after she takes the stage, a thief steals the featured diamond-studded hairbrush, leaving behind an empty display case and a badly injured security guard.
Marla’s friend, museum curator Becky Forest, begs for her help in recovering the prized heirloom before the mayor uses this scandal as an excuse to cut their funding. To make matters worse, the antique hairbrush comes with a curse, and suddenly bad luck is spreading through town faster than a botched dye job. As Hanukkah festivities begin, Marla would rather be lighting candles than chasing clues, but with Becky’s job at stake, she takes on the case.
Her trail leads to a knot of suspects including the hairbrush’s owner, his greedy cousin, shifty museum staff, and a reclusive collector of mystical antiquities. Instead of enjoying menorah lights and latkes, Marla discovers murder, lies, and larceny. She’ll need sharp wits and a holiday miracle to save the museum and to keep the truth from being brushed aside.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2026
About the author
Nancy J. Cohen
41 books687 followersNancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day mystery series and the Keri Armstrong cozy mysteries. Her books have won numerous awards, including her nonfiction titles, Writing the Cozy Mystery and A Bad Hair Day Cookbook. Active in the writing community, Nancy is a past president of Mystery Writers of America Florida Chapter. She’s a frequent speaker at writers’ groups, libraries, and community events. When not busy writing, she enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 23, 2026
Dreidels and Dead Ends is the 19th book in the Bad Hair Day Mysteries Book series by Nancy J. Cohen. The Bad Hair Day series is what got me started reading cozy mysteries many years ago. I especially enjoy that it takes place in South Florida. In the newest addition to the series, Marla and Dalton work together to find a stolen diamond encrusted hairbrush (which is supposedly cursed) and solve a murder, all while Marla is pregnant with their second child, caring for their toddler, Ryder, running her business and preparing for Hanukkah and Christmas. Just reading about her daily activities made me exhausted. I highly recommend this book and the whole series.
July 12, 2026
Dreidels and Dead Ends by Nancy J. Cohen is brilliant. I love the twists and, of course, Marla and Dalton.
Will Marla find the cursed and bejeweled hairbrush?
Marla & Dalton
Marla is very pregnant, and she is still working and chasing down criminals. She sees things so differently from others. One thing I love is that she uses everyone in her world to help solve the crimes. Even though Marla is still sleuthing, she really has her priorities straight when it comes to her little one and family time. It was nice to see Marla take the high road with her friend, Siena.
Dalton may have a bit of remorse about having retired, but he seems very useful at home. There may be a new avenue for him in the future. But first, he is helping Marla with the hairbrush and the other investigation. I like the way that Dalton is a team player with Marla, and the two of them truly love each other.
The Mystery
Marla is asked by her friend Becky to be the keynote speaker at the museum. But the new item on display is stolen, and the guard is injured. Then, later in the investigation, one of the museum workers is murdered. Becky's boss keeps threatening to take away her job and blaming her for everything that is happening. Marla has to find the hair brush and now the killer. To complicate things further, it's the holiday season, and Marla is getting bigger by the day.
Five Stars
My rating for Dreidels and Dead Ends by Nancy J. Cohen is five stars. I really enjoy the chemistry between Dalton and Marla. Also, the plot was perfectly twisty, and I was able to follow it, but I kept second-guessing myself. I figured out part of it, but I didn't figure out the other part until right when Marla did. I really like it when Marla was teaching the daycare class about the Festival of Lights.
Ms. Cohen also includes some recipes for a Hanukkah Dinner Menu, which consists of Brisket Cola, Roast Chicken (recipe not included), Potato Latkes with Applesauce, Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows, and Green Bean Casserole. This all sounds amazing.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Dreidels and Dead Ends by Nancy J. Cohen.
Until the next time,
~Jen
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.
Will Marla find the cursed and bejeweled hairbrush?
Marla & Dalton
Marla is very pregnant, and she is still working and chasing down criminals. She sees things so differently from others. One thing I love is that she uses everyone in her world to help solve the crimes. Even though Marla is still sleuthing, she really has her priorities straight when it comes to her little one and family time. It was nice to see Marla take the high road with her friend, Siena.
Dalton may have a bit of remorse about having retired, but he seems very useful at home. There may be a new avenue for him in the future. But first, he is helping Marla with the hairbrush and the other investigation. I like the way that Dalton is a team player with Marla, and the two of them truly love each other.
The Mystery
Marla is asked by her friend Becky to be the keynote speaker at the museum. But the new item on display is stolen, and the guard is injured. Then, later in the investigation, one of the museum workers is murdered. Becky's boss keeps threatening to take away her job and blaming her for everything that is happening. Marla has to find the hair brush and now the killer. To complicate things further, it's the holiday season, and Marla is getting bigger by the day.
Five Stars
My rating for Dreidels and Dead Ends by Nancy J. Cohen is five stars. I really enjoy the chemistry between Dalton and Marla. Also, the plot was perfectly twisty, and I was able to follow it, but I kept second-guessing myself. I figured out part of it, but I didn't figure out the other part until right when Marla did. I really like it when Marla was teaching the daycare class about the Festival of Lights.
Ms. Cohen also includes some recipes for a Hanukkah Dinner Menu, which consists of Brisket Cola, Roast Chicken (recipe not included), Potato Latkes with Applesauce, Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows, and Green Bean Casserole. This all sounds amazing.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Dreidels and Dead Ends by Nancy J. Cohen.
Until the next time,
~Jen
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.
June 24, 2026
Dreidels and Dead Ends is the nineteenth book in Nancy J. Cohen's Bad Hair Day Mystery series and even though I haven't read all of the books in the series, the ones I have read, I love !!
In Dreidels and Dead Ends main character Marla is getting ready for the holidays, Christmas and Hanukkah, as her husband Dalton's family celebrates Christmas and her family celebrates Hanukkah. It is very important that they celebrate both for themselves and their son, Ryder, and they will continue when they have their daughter which will be in a few months.
Even though Marla is extremely busy at home getting ready for the holidays and at her saloon, she cannot help but agree to help her friend Becky who works at the local history museum. They are getting ready for a new exhibit featuring beauty tools but their keynote speaker ha an accident and won't be able to give a speech introducing the exhibit. Even though the exhibit is going to be showcasing a hairbrush from the 1800's which is said to have a curse on it, she agrees to do it.
Sadly, right after Marla gives her speech, there is an accident that injures a guard on duty and the hairbrush is stolen. Becky asks Marla and Dalton if they will do their own investigating even though the police are doing it. She wants to be thorough and knows they have been successful in the past solving cases.
It doesn't take long before Marla feels that they are overwhelmed when it seems that everyone employed at the museum could be guilty as well as a few others. She vows to keep going as it seems that Dalton, who just recently retired from the force, looks to be enjoying investigating.
I honestly do not know how authors can keep writing books when they have so many in the series but with nineteen in this series, it doesn't seem that Cohen is slowing down and that is perfectly fine with me !!! As soon as I open one of these books, I am right alongside Marla, feeling her determination and enjoy every minute of it !!
June 30, 2026
Review Outstanding
July 4, 2026
The holidays are on the horizon for Marla and Dalton Vine. With celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas with family, friends, and a preschool class there is plenty to keep them both busy. Well maybe not Dalton so much since he retired from being a homicide detective. Marla on the other hand, is busy as salon owner and beautician as well as being an expectant momma. Unlike any other series I have read, this one has an amateur sleuth, and a seasoned detective married team working together to solve crimes.
Which brings us to this latest mystery. What started out as a keynote speech about the history of the hairbrush, courtesy of Marla, becomes a smash and grab heist with the theft of a diamond encrusted hairbrush that carries a curse. The guard, an off-duty police detective, was smashed in the head by a falling chandelier. Becky, the chief curator and person who asked Marla to step-in last minute as the speaker has asked that Marla and Dalton work to clear this matter up and get the brush back, or she might be getting a pink slip in her stocking this year. The crime smacks of an inside job and just as Marla and Dalton are getting their suspects lined up, the tech guy, Gary, is found dead. So now the suspect list includes a hedge fund manager with artistic tastes, the janitor, the new archivist, the brush owner, and/or his cousin. The motive could be to force Becky out of her position, to commit insurance fraud, or to fence the item on the black market to an art enthusiast who would never let it see the light of day. With a stream of unfortunate events, people are crying “curse” and pointing fingers at each other, making it easy for things to get muddled and for red herrings to lead the reader astray while armchair sleuthing.
Dalton does a great job of keeping in touch with local law enforcement while at the same time, being able to work outside of the constraints of direct involvement. Marla is very good at getting people to talk to her. I have always noticed how a good stylist can get you to talk about anything, like a bartender. Marla has this talent whether someone is in her chair at the salon or sitting across from her at a bagel shop. I had to chuckle when I read about how some people were doubting Marla and Dalton’s abilities because they started out looking into a theft without a murder. It makes me chuckle to think that they can’t figure out the mystery if there isn’t a dead body for Marla to find.
This is my first time reading a Bad Hair Day mystery and I was very happy that there are no spoilers related to previous books. The plot built nicely and the characters were well fleshed-out. This all makes sense since Ms. Cohen has authored a on how to write a cozy mystery. Now that book I do have and would suggest this fictional series and the nonfiction cozy writers guide to anyone.
Which brings us to this latest mystery. What started out as a keynote speech about the history of the hairbrush, courtesy of Marla, becomes a smash and grab heist with the theft of a diamond encrusted hairbrush that carries a curse. The guard, an off-duty police detective, was smashed in the head by a falling chandelier. Becky, the chief curator and person who asked Marla to step-in last minute as the speaker has asked that Marla and Dalton work to clear this matter up and get the brush back, or she might be getting a pink slip in her stocking this year. The crime smacks of an inside job and just as Marla and Dalton are getting their suspects lined up, the tech guy, Gary, is found dead. So now the suspect list includes a hedge fund manager with artistic tastes, the janitor, the new archivist, the brush owner, and/or his cousin. The motive could be to force Becky out of her position, to commit insurance fraud, or to fence the item on the black market to an art enthusiast who would never let it see the light of day. With a stream of unfortunate events, people are crying “curse” and pointing fingers at each other, making it easy for things to get muddled and for red herrings to lead the reader astray while armchair sleuthing.
Dalton does a great job of keeping in touch with local law enforcement while at the same time, being able to work outside of the constraints of direct involvement. Marla is very good at getting people to talk to her. I have always noticed how a good stylist can get you to talk about anything, like a bartender. Marla has this talent whether someone is in her chair at the salon or sitting across from her at a bagel shop. I had to chuckle when I read about how some people were doubting Marla and Dalton’s abilities because they started out looking into a theft without a murder. It makes me chuckle to think that they can’t figure out the mystery if there isn’t a dead body for Marla to find.
This is my first time reading a Bad Hair Day mystery and I was very happy that there are no spoilers related to previous books. The plot built nicely and the characters were well fleshed-out. This all makes sense since Ms. Cohen has authored a on how to write a cozy mystery. Now that book I do have and would suggest this fictional series and the nonfiction cozy writers guide to anyone.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Holidays, Hairbrushes, and Hexes- oh my!
Marla must balance solving a mystery with her business, family and pregnancy while she also prepares for both Hanukkah and then Christmas. I wouldn't normally dive into a long series, but when I saw the title I couldn't resist. This cute mystery can easily be read as a stand alone, but I enjoyed it so much that I was hooked and will be adding the backlist to my TBR.
Marla is a salon owner who has a talent for solving crimes. The amateur sleuth teams up with Dalton, her recently retired police detective husband to help solve the mystery when a cursed hairbrush is stolen from he local museum. Nancy Cohen sprinkles the story with an abundance of clues, suspects and plot twists. The mystery story is balanced with domestic scenes centering on toddler troubles, pregnancy, and preparing for the holidays. Since the sleuths are an interfaith couple, getting ready for the holidays is even more work. Jewish readers will enjoy having a Hanukkah holiday cozy to read, but other readers will enjoy the story too. All the Hanukkah hoopla is secular and Marla has to come up with Christmas gifts too, so readers of any faith will enjoy the story. Anyone, like me, with an interfaith family will especially enjoy that aspect of the story.
I loved the quick pace, colorful characters and fun mystery. This was my first time reading a book by the author, but it won't be my last.
This review appears on the Dreidels and Dead Ends post on the Storybook Lady book blog as part of a blog tour. There is currently a tour wide GIVEAWAY (6/23-6/29) of the previous Bad Hair Day Mystery, "Star Tangled Murder".
Marla must balance solving a mystery with her business, family and pregnancy while she also prepares for both Hanukkah and then Christmas. I wouldn't normally dive into a long series, but when I saw the title I couldn't resist. This cute mystery can easily be read as a stand alone, but I enjoyed it so much that I was hooked and will be adding the backlist to my TBR.
Marla is a salon owner who has a talent for solving crimes. The amateur sleuth teams up with Dalton, her recently retired police detective husband to help solve the mystery when a cursed hairbrush is stolen from he local museum. Nancy Cohen sprinkles the story with an abundance of clues, suspects and plot twists. The mystery story is balanced with domestic scenes centering on toddler troubles, pregnancy, and preparing for the holidays. Since the sleuths are an interfaith couple, getting ready for the holidays is even more work. Jewish readers will enjoy having a Hanukkah holiday cozy to read, but other readers will enjoy the story too. All the Hanukkah hoopla is secular and Marla has to come up with Christmas gifts too, so readers of any faith will enjoy the story. Anyone, like me, with an interfaith family will especially enjoy that aspect of the story.
I loved the quick pace, colorful characters and fun mystery. This was my first time reading a book by the author, but it won't be my last.
This review appears on the Dreidels and Dead Ends post on the Storybook Lady book blog as part of a blog tour. There is currently a tour wide GIVEAWAY (6/23-6/29) of the previous Bad Hair Day Mystery, "Star Tangled Murder".
June 24, 2026
It’s Hanukkah and salon owner Marla Vail has her hands full between her salon, the holidays and her family. Then her friend, Betsy, who is the local museum curator, asks Marla to be the speaker at the museum’s gala opening. The new exhibit features a diamond-studded hairbrush which is said to be cursed.
The night of Marla’s speech the hairbrush is stolen and Betsy’s job is on the line. Marla agrees to investigate, but things take a nasty turn when a murder occurs and the curse on the hairbrush is beginning to look very real. Along with her former detective husband Dalton, the couple holds their own investigation, and they discover there are many possible suspects. Marla is determined to find the real culprit and help Betsy at the same time.
Marla Vail is back with another exciting tale in the Bad Hair Day Mystery series. It’s been one of my favorite series for years. This is the 19th book in the series, but the mystery is contained in this book. There are no cliffhangers. The one thing I will say is that it’s very satisfying to watch Marla’s growth through the years. I actually began reading this series at #10 and have loved it ever since. I never felt lost. I do plan to read the first 9, though. I can't get enough of these books.
Nancy J. Cohen does a great job of giving us a captivating mystery that keeps you on your toes. Marla is always surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast, and this book is no exception. I would have liked more interaction with her extended family, but I was happy to see Marla and Dalton working together and, of course, their toddler son.
The author is an expert storyteller and always does such a good job with this series. I hope it continues so we can keep up with what is happening in Marla’s world.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The night of Marla’s speech the hairbrush is stolen and Betsy’s job is on the line. Marla agrees to investigate, but things take a nasty turn when a murder occurs and the curse on the hairbrush is beginning to look very real. Along with her former detective husband Dalton, the couple holds their own investigation, and they discover there are many possible suspects. Marla is determined to find the real culprit and help Betsy at the same time.
Marla Vail is back with another exciting tale in the Bad Hair Day Mystery series. It’s been one of my favorite series for years. This is the 19th book in the series, but the mystery is contained in this book. There are no cliffhangers. The one thing I will say is that it’s very satisfying to watch Marla’s growth through the years. I actually began reading this series at #10 and have loved it ever since. I never felt lost. I do plan to read the first 9, though. I can't get enough of these books.
Nancy J. Cohen does a great job of giving us a captivating mystery that keeps you on your toes. Marla is always surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast, and this book is no exception. I would have liked more interaction with her extended family, but I was happy to see Marla and Dalton working together and, of course, their toddler son.
The author is an expert storyteller and always does such a good job with this series. I hope it continues so we can keep up with what is happening in Marla’s world.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Marla Viall has her hands full. She owns a hair salon, has a toddler, pregnant and Christmas and Hannukah are on her list as she and her retired detective husband celebrate both holidays. If that wasn't enough, she is asked to step in as a last-minute speaker at a fundraiser for the local history museum. During the events the priceless heirloom hairbrush is stolen, and the security is seriously injured. The curator, who is also Marla's friend, asks her to please try and solve the mystery of who stole the hairbrush. During the investigation, there is a murder. Is it related to the theft of the hairbrush?
This is the 19th book in the series, but it kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next. There are plenty of suspects and all seem to have a reason to steal the hairbrush but what about the murder, how does that fit in? It's a question that you ask till the end. There are red herrings to keep you baffled. I love that the story is set around Hannukah and Christmas and we get to see Marla & Dalton navigate a dual holiday, a toddler, the imminent arrival of their baby girl and working together to figure out this mystery. Oh, and did I mention a little voodoo to spice things up?
I enjoyed this story and can't wait till the next adventure!
Thanks to NetGalley and Orange Grove Press for the chance to read this story and give my opionion.
This is the 19th book in the series, but it kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next. There are plenty of suspects and all seem to have a reason to steal the hairbrush but what about the murder, how does that fit in? It's a question that you ask till the end. There are red herrings to keep you baffled. I love that the story is set around Hannukah and Christmas and we get to see Marla & Dalton navigate a dual holiday, a toddler, the imminent arrival of their baby girl and working together to figure out this mystery. Oh, and did I mention a little voodoo to spice things up?
I enjoyed this story and can't wait till the next adventure!
Thanks to NetGalley and Orange Grove Press for the chance to read this story and give my opionion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Time to solve the heist of a cursed hairbrush!
Marla Vail steps in last minute as the keynote speaker for the local history museum's gala opening for a new exhibit on beauty. But a thief steals the featured diamond-studded hairbrush, known for being cursed, and leaves an injured security guard behind. Marla wants to be spending her time preparing for the upcoming holidays, but instead agrees to help her friend Becky, the museum's curator, locate the missing hairbrush. Of course, things start to get more dangerous as she pursues the truth.
This book's set up is really fun and I liked the interweaving of curses, history, and small town culture. The characters feel very realistic, but manage to also be fun and quirky. I enjoyed getting to know the suspects and their secrets.
For me, the main reason this book doesn't rate more highly is just that it feels a bit predictable. I think it's tough doing a holiday mystery that's number 19 in a series, so the twists and turns don't feel super memorable.
Overall, if you enjoy cozy mysteries, this is a fun one to read. With the holiday setting, it'll be a nice change of pace from all the stories set in the snow to read while curled up with a hot cocoa!
Thank you to NetGalley and Orange Grove Press for providing an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Marla Vail steps in last minute as the keynote speaker for the local history museum's gala opening for a new exhibit on beauty. But a thief steals the featured diamond-studded hairbrush, known for being cursed, and leaves an injured security guard behind. Marla wants to be spending her time preparing for the upcoming holidays, but instead agrees to help her friend Becky, the museum's curator, locate the missing hairbrush. Of course, things start to get more dangerous as she pursues the truth.
This book's set up is really fun and I liked the interweaving of curses, history, and small town culture. The characters feel very realistic, but manage to also be fun and quirky. I enjoyed getting to know the suspects and their secrets.
For me, the main reason this book doesn't rate more highly is just that it feels a bit predictable. I think it's tough doing a holiday mystery that's number 19 in a series, so the twists and turns don't feel super memorable.
Overall, if you enjoy cozy mysteries, this is a fun one to read. With the holiday setting, it'll be a nice change of pace from all the stories set in the snow to read while curled up with a hot cocoa!
Thank you to NetGalley and Orange Grove Press for providing an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Marla Vail, South Florida hair stylist and part-time sleuth, is juggling way too many things in both her business and private life. Plus, the holiday season is approaching fast, and since Marla and her family are Jewish and celebrate Hanukah, and her husband Dalton's family are Catholic and celebrate Christmas, she has double the people to shop for. Plus, she's pregnant with her second child. This woman needs a vacation!
What she gets instead is a plea from one of her best friends, history museum curator Becky Forest, to be the last-minute keynote speaker for the upcoming museum fundraiser. The talk's subject is the evolution of beauty tools in Florida history, to coincide with the museum's new exhibit. The featured display for the exhibit is a diamond-encrusted hairbrush from the 1800s on loan from a local millionaire. After a lot of coxing, Marla agrees. Her talk goes smoothly, but during the festivities, the antique hairbrush is stolen from its display case. Curator Becky is being blamed for the theft, and once again turns to Carla for help. With a cast of both likeable and unlikeable suspects and a fast-moving plot, Dreidels and Dead Ends is a delightful read with a surprise ending I didn't see coming. Highly recommended.
What she gets instead is a plea from one of her best friends, history museum curator Becky Forest, to be the last-minute keynote speaker for the upcoming museum fundraiser. The talk's subject is the evolution of beauty tools in Florida history, to coincide with the museum's new exhibit. The featured display for the exhibit is a diamond-encrusted hairbrush from the 1800s on loan from a local millionaire. After a lot of coxing, Marla agrees. Her talk goes smoothly, but during the festivities, the antique hairbrush is stolen from its display case. Curator Becky is being blamed for the theft, and once again turns to Carla for help. With a cast of both likeable and unlikeable suspects and a fast-moving plot, Dreidels and Dead Ends is a delightful read with a surprise ending I didn't see coming. Highly recommended.
June 26, 2026
Dreidels and Dead Ends is a charming and cleverly plotted cozy mystery that blends holiday traditions, engaging characters, and an irresistible puzzle into a thoroughly entertaining read.
Nancy J. Cohen once again brings hairstylist-turned-sleuth Marla Vail to life with warmth, wit, and determination as she untangles a mystery involving a stolen heirloom, dangerous secrets, and a community filled with memorable suspects. The festive Hanukkah backdrop adds richness and heart to the story, while the well-paced investigation, humor, and satisfying twists make it easy to keep turning the pages.
Overall, it's a valuable read for fans of cozy mysteries, holiday mysteries, amateur sleuth adventures, women's mystery fiction, museum mysteries, small-town crime stories, seasonal reads, charming whodunits, and readers who enjoy quirky characters, festive settings, and cleverly crafted mysteries.
Nancy J. Cohen once again brings hairstylist-turned-sleuth Marla Vail to life with warmth, wit, and determination as she untangles a mystery involving a stolen heirloom, dangerous secrets, and a community filled with memorable suspects. The festive Hanukkah backdrop adds richness and heart to the story, while the well-paced investigation, humor, and satisfying twists make it easy to keep turning the pages.
Overall, it's a valuable read for fans of cozy mysteries, holiday mysteries, amateur sleuth adventures, women's mystery fiction, museum mysteries, small-town crime stories, seasonal reads, charming whodunits, and readers who enjoy quirky characters, festive settings, and cleverly crafted mysteries.
June 26, 2026
This new Bad Hair Day Mystery opens with amateur sleuth and hairstylist, Marla Vail, working in her salon…and with child. A good friend stops by and begs a favor. The speaker cancelled at Becky’s upcoming event at the history museum. Marla agrees to help, even though she’s anxious about public speaking.
She does a great job, but her moment in the spotlight is abbreviated when a valuable (and cursed) relic is stolen, a cop gets hurt, and another man dies. Suspects abound, and Marla has her work cut out for her in trying to solve the case before someone else happens.
This book kept me guessing all the way through. It is series mystery at its finest with well-rounded characters and an intriguing mystery. A wonderful read for any time of year.
She does a great job, but her moment in the spotlight is abbreviated when a valuable (and cursed) relic is stolen, a cop gets hurt, and another man dies. Suspects abound, and Marla has her work cut out for her in trying to solve the case before someone else happens.
This book kept me guessing all the way through. It is series mystery at its finest with well-rounded characters and an intriguing mystery. A wonderful read for any time of year.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
#DreidelsandDeadEnds #NetGalley
Marla and Dalton are back in this latest addition to a long running series.
Marla is urgently asked to replace a speaker at the local history museum's gala, where a diamond studded hairbrush will be making its appearance.
During the gala, someone is hurt and the hairbrush is stolen.
The hairbrush is reported as being cursed, so when things take a turn for the worse, the hairbrush is blamed.
Marla works hard to help her friend Becky find the hairbrush , especially if her job at the museum is in jeopardy.
This is a good story and it was fun to catch up with Marla and friends in this latest book.
Marla and Dalton are back in this latest addition to a long running series.
Marla is urgently asked to replace a speaker at the local history museum's gala, where a diamond studded hairbrush will be making its appearance.
During the gala, someone is hurt and the hairbrush is stolen.
The hairbrush is reported as being cursed, so when things take a turn for the worse, the hairbrush is blamed.
Marla works hard to help her friend Becky find the hairbrush , especially if her job at the museum is in jeopardy.
This is a good story and it was fun to catch up with Marla and friends in this latest book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I laughed, I cried, & I gasped so, of course, you know I’m reading a Nancy J Cohen book.
This series NEVER disappoints & the way I cackled over a diamond hairbrush…THAT’S CURSED. Hilarity & gasping ensue for pages upon pages of greatness with a killer I NEVER would’ve guessed.
Oh boy, I couldn’t recommend this one more - I loved it.
Ms. Cohen has cursed us cozy readers in the best way with a phenomenal story. She’s one click for me cause I’ve never been disappointed in a single one of her stories.
Thank you SO much to Nancy J. Cohen, Orange Grove Press, & NetGalley - I enjoyed this one from beginning to end.
This series NEVER disappoints & the way I cackled over a diamond hairbrush…THAT’S CURSED. Hilarity & gasping ensue for pages upon pages of greatness with a killer I NEVER would’ve guessed.
Oh boy, I couldn’t recommend this one more - I loved it.
Ms. Cohen has cursed us cozy readers in the best way with a phenomenal story. She’s one click for me cause I’ve never been disappointed in a single one of her stories.
Thank you SO much to Nancy J. Cohen, Orange Grove Press, & NetGalley - I enjoyed this one from beginning to end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the nineteenth book in the series. Set just before Christmas with Marla and Dalton expecting their second child. Dalton has retired from the police force.
I liked all the misdirections, a little more caution on Marla’s part, and yet she finds herself in a sticky situation. I found some of the minor characters irritating and was not surprised some of them did not make it out of this book alive.
I can’t say enough good things about his series. If Nancy J. Cohen keeps writing, I’ll keep reading them.
I received an advanced e-copy of the book. These are my own opinions without giving away the plot.
I liked all the misdirections, a little more caution on Marla’s part, and yet she finds herself in a sticky situation. I found some of the minor characters irritating and was not surprised some of them did not make it out of this book alive.
I can’t say enough good things about his series. If Nancy J. Cohen keeps writing, I’ll keep reading them.
I received an advanced e-copy of the book. These are my own opinions without giving away the plot.
June 24, 2026
Dreidels and Dead Ends by Nancy J. Cohen is a charming and entertaining cozy mystery that perfectly combines holiday spirit with suspense. Marla Vail is a clever and engaging heroine, and the mystery is filled with intriguing twists that keep readers guessing until the end. Cohen's vivid storytelling and warm Hanukkah setting add depth and authenticity to the story, making it both enjoyable and memorable. A delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries, strong female sleuths, and well-crafted whodunits.
July 13, 2026
it is always great to read a entertaining story especially with Jewish characters. This is part of the Bad Hair Day series with hairstylist Marla Vail who owns the salon now married to Dalton the newly retired police sergeant. She is good at solving crimes in their small town in Florida, because women love to chat while they are having their hair done.
So when a diamond studded hairbrush is stolen fr0m the local museum, Marla and Dalton on the trail to get it back and save the museum from having to close down.
So when a diamond studded hairbrush is stolen fr0m the local museum, Marla and Dalton on the trail to get it back and save the museum from having to close down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Chanukah, Christmas, a curse, a dash of voodoo, and a dead body to boot!!! All while juggling work, home, a toddler and a pregnancy!
Can Marla and Dalton figure everything out in time for the holidays? Who's the thief? Who's the killer? Who is hiding secrets? Who is scheming for more money, better job, and other more personal bonuses? It's all wrapped up like a holiday present with a bow on top!
A nice and breezy clean whodunnit
Can Marla and Dalton figure everything out in time for the holidays? Who's the thief? Who's the killer? Who is hiding secrets? Who is scheming for more money, better job, and other more personal bonuses? It's all wrapped up like a holiday present with a bow on top!
A nice and breezy clean whodunnit
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another intriguing mystery unfolds when Marla is invited to give a speech at the local history museum. Though nervous, she agrees, but just after her talk, the planned unveiling of a diamond-studded hairbrush is interrupted—the hairbrush has been stolen. As Marla teams up with Dalton to track it down, tragedy strikes when another museum employee is found dead. Could he have been involved in the theft? They question numerous people, but with so many lies being told, Marla struggles to piece together the truth. Can she uncover both the missing hairbrush and the killer?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Marla is at it again!! Another fun adventure that is enjoyable and gives some interesting background history also. I love the series and look forward to each Marla adventure. It is an enjoyable cozy read and definitely worth your time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nineteen books into the Bad Hair Day Mysteries series by author Nancy J. Cohen and the stories are just as fresh, interesting and compelling as they were at the start. The routine of Marla’s business and personal life, suspense, danger, a murder or two to solve and a little side trip to the encyclopedia relevant to the story (courtesy of Cohen’s embedded fun facts diving into a fascinating topic you probably didn’t know much about) add to the enjoyment of the story.
Marla doesn’t always have to be in charge but she likes order, wants to know the reason for things, is organized and plans all aspects of her life. She can be spontaneous but is not a fan of, “Let’s just do it and see what happens.” At times while tracking down a clue or trying to solve a problem (read: murder) she is impulsive and maybe even reckless, but it’s because she wants to get to the bottom of things, follow a path to a logical conclusion and see justice done. Her loyalty and determination are what get her into dangerous situations most often.
In Dreidels and Dead Ends Marla has been asked to speak at the local history museum’s gala opening for a new exhibit where her friend Becky Forest is the museum curator. Marla expects a few butterflies at public speaking; what she doesn’t expect is the theft of the featured diamond-studded hairbrush, launching her into her latest investigation. Throw in a rumored curse and a cast of unexpected, sometimes shady characters with suspect motives and the ‘little lessons’ about hairbrushes, curses and antiquities and you are in for one exciting, satisfying read.
Hair, fashion, food, family and friends are Marla’s world, and in addition to following clues and questioning (interrogating?) people with that particular knack she has for getting much more information out of them than they intended to reveal, Dreidels and Dead Ends is packed with the details of Marla’s daily life: Dalton’s search for a fulfilling second career, Brianna’s visit and help with the mystery, Ryder’s growth into an even more adorable little guy, plans for the spa and salon, the appearance of old friends, employees and family members and sometimes-frenzied Chanukah preparations. Along with a little hint about what might come next!
Cohen’s writing is precise, descriptive, her characters well-fleshed out, and don’t think that because of the cute covers these are “cozy” mysteries; they are solid mysteries, well-written, well-paced with believable red herrings and clues to draw you into the story. It is always a pleasure to read the latest Bad Hair Day mystery and learn about the growth, adjustment, changes – and danger – in Marla’s life. I received an advance copy of Dreidels and Dead Ends from the author. Read it, read the entire series, read Cohen’s newest series, the Keri Armstrong Cozy Mysteries. All will give you hours of reading pleasure and leave you totally satisfied. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Marla doesn’t always have to be in charge but she likes order, wants to know the reason for things, is organized and plans all aspects of her life. She can be spontaneous but is not a fan of, “Let’s just do it and see what happens.” At times while tracking down a clue or trying to solve a problem (read: murder) she is impulsive and maybe even reckless, but it’s because she wants to get to the bottom of things, follow a path to a logical conclusion and see justice done. Her loyalty and determination are what get her into dangerous situations most often.
In Dreidels and Dead Ends Marla has been asked to speak at the local history museum’s gala opening for a new exhibit where her friend Becky Forest is the museum curator. Marla expects a few butterflies at public speaking; what she doesn’t expect is the theft of the featured diamond-studded hairbrush, launching her into her latest investigation. Throw in a rumored curse and a cast of unexpected, sometimes shady characters with suspect motives and the ‘little lessons’ about hairbrushes, curses and antiquities and you are in for one exciting, satisfying read.
Hair, fashion, food, family and friends are Marla’s world, and in addition to following clues and questioning (interrogating?) people with that particular knack she has for getting much more information out of them than they intended to reveal, Dreidels and Dead Ends is packed with the details of Marla’s daily life: Dalton’s search for a fulfilling second career, Brianna’s visit and help with the mystery, Ryder’s growth into an even more adorable little guy, plans for the spa and salon, the appearance of old friends, employees and family members and sometimes-frenzied Chanukah preparations. Along with a little hint about what might come next!
Cohen’s writing is precise, descriptive, her characters well-fleshed out, and don’t think that because of the cute covers these are “cozy” mysteries; they are solid mysteries, well-written, well-paced with believable red herrings and clues to draw you into the story. It is always a pleasure to read the latest Bad Hair Day mystery and learn about the growth, adjustment, changes – and danger – in Marla’s life. I received an advance copy of Dreidels and Dead Ends from the author. Read it, read the entire series, read Cohen’s newest series, the Keri Armstrong Cozy Mysteries. All will give you hours of reading pleasure and leave you totally satisfied. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dreidels and Dead Ends is a small town mystery that mixes history, curses, theft and murder. Marla Vail's to-do-list exhausted me. She is pregnant, has a toddler, has a business and a recently retired husband. On top of that she is trying to prepare for both Hanukkah and Christmas when she is asked to step in as a last minute speaker at the local history museum's gala opening for a cursed hairbrush exhibit! Shortly after she starts speaking the hairbrush is stolen and a museum guard seriously injured. You will not want to miss this well plotted tale when Marla and Dalton, her ex police detective husband, attempt to figure out this mystery. There are suspects galore, many possible motives, a murder, red herrings and more. I just sat down and read the entire book because I could not find a place to stop! (You know that one more sentence, one more paragraph, one more page, one more chapter syndrome!)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews