Deadly Dye and a Soy Chai

Danger Cove Hair Salon Mystery #1

by Elizabeth Ashby, Traci Andrighetti

This salon's styles are to die for.

Native Texan Cassidi Conti was expecting to face some obstacles when she moved to Danger Cove and opened The Clip and Sip, a hair salon that gives away free drinks. What she wasn't counting on was a client dying during a dye job. But when eighty-year-old Margaret Appleby comes in for her biweekly appointment, that's exactly what happens: Margaret drinks her usual soy chai, dozes off under the dryer...and doesn't wake up. Now The Clip and Sip is under suspicion, clients are wary, and Cassidi is on a mission to prove that while her styles may be killer, her employees are innocent! But as Cassidi wades through the myriad of suspects in the small, costal town, the killer sets his sights straight on everyone's favorite stylist. If Cassidi doesn't watch her back, she may just end up Danger Cove's latest fashionable victim.

The Danger Cove books:
Secret of the Painted Lady (a Danger Cove Renovation Mystery)
Murder and Mai Tais (a Danger Cove Cocktail Mystery)
Death by Scones (a Danger Cove Bakery Mystery)
Four-Patch of Trouble (a Danger Cove Quilting Mystery)
Deadly Dye and a Soy Chai (a Danger Cove Hair Salon Mystery)
Killer Closet Case (a Danger Cove B&B Mystery)
Tree of Life and Death (a Danger Cove Quilting Mystery)
A Killing in the market (a Danger Cove Farmers' Market Mystery short story)


About Danger Cove:
Danger Cove is a sleepy little town in the Pacific Northwest and home to renowned mystery novelist, Elizabeth Ashby. While Elizabeth swears the stories she writes are fiction, you can find the inspiration for her murderous tales all over Danger Cove...from the intriguing cast of local characters to the places to eat, play, and explore in Danger Cove. Don't let our name fool you—we're the friendliest (even if deadliest) town in the Pacific Northwest! Visit us at dangercovemysteries.com

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Mystery Thriller

211 pages, ebook

First published July 15, 2015

About the author

Local resident Elizabeth Ashby was born and raised in Danger Cove and now uses her literary talent to tell stories about the town she knows and loves. Ms. Ashby has penned several Danger Cove Mysteries, which are published by Gemma Halliday Publishing. While she does admit to taking some poetic license in her storytelling, she loves to incorporate the real people and places of her hometown into her stories. She says anyone who visits Danger Cove is fair game for her poisoned pen, so tourists beware! When she's not writing, Ms. Ashby enjoys gardening, taking long walks along the Pacific coastline, and curling up with a hot cup of tea, her cat, Sherlock, and a thrilling novel.

Reviews

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series that I have listened to but it won't be the last. I knew Traci Andrighetti to be a great writer as I love her Fanki Amato series so thought I would give this book a go, so glad I did as she didn't disappoint. I don't think it is quiet as funny as her Fanki books but it follows the same light hearted humour with great characters.

How do you keep a new business up and running when one of your customers dies under the dryer and one of your employees is accused of the unusual murder, oh and the shop you work in used to be owned by ladies of the night and there decor is still plainly visible Things really steam up when somebody starts planting evidence and it a race against time to so love the murder before the police make an arrest.

Over all a good book!

[Tracie Banister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Traci Andrighetti's Franki Amato series and recommend the books to everyone, so I was thrilled to find out that she was starting a new series and I was even more jazzed when I saw the fun title and cute, colorful cover art. (Love!) The story starts with a comical scene and ends with an awesome themed party, with lots of mayhem and a fabulously twisty plot in between that kept me turning pages.

While heroine Cassidi Conti hasn't been in the quaint, coastal town of Danger Cove long, she's already got a multitude of problems. The hair salon that was left to her by her shady uncle (the victim of a murder that remains unsolved) is floundering, the Victorian house where she lives and works is in need of repairs, and she's about to flunk out of school, which she's gone back to in hopes of getting a business degree. Things go from bad to grim when one of her salon's few regulars ends up dead (and blue!) under the hair dryer. Before she can say "blow out," Cassidi is embroiled in a murder investigation that leads to her doing some sleuthing of her own. (She has to clear her name, as well as those of her innocent employees, right?)

Assisting Cassidi in her pursuit of the killer are her tough-talking cousin, Gia (a makeup artist from Jersey with an outlandish sense of style) and Amy, the town's assistant librarian who's a research whiz in dire need of a new wardrobe and a brow wax (according to Gia). These three are a riot together. (One of my fave scenes in the book is when Cassidi and Gia break into the murdered woman's home and things go horribly awry!) Even though the trio bumbles their way through their investigation, they each have their own unique skill set that ends up proving very useful.

Cassidi and Co. encounter lots of clues, red herrings, obstacles, and suspects along the way, and the murderer is finally revealed in an incredibly exciting and dramatic climax! For the record, I was totally surprised by the identity of the killer, but it made total sense. So, kudos to the author for that.

For those of you who dig a romantic element in your mysteries, never fear as Cassidi's potential love interest in the book, hunky boatyard worker Zac Taylor, is on hand, and I found him quite swoonworthy. Plus, he has a really interesting backstory that figured nicely into the ending of the book and left the door open for some potentially fun stuff in the next Danger Cove Hair Salon Mystery. I'm also curious to know more about Cassidi's past (Why did she leave her ex at the altar?) and who iced Uncle Vinnie.

I look forward to the next adventure with Cassidi. Meanwhile, I'm going to go catch up on the other Danger Cove books.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying the Danger Cove series, but I have to admit that I like some of the books better than others. This was one of the ones I really enjoyed. The Texan and Jersey girl take over their uncle's hair salon with a very slow start at success. They learn more about their uncle's sex life and sex art proclivity than they want to know! When business is slow (and let's not blame it all on a blue haired death under the dryer) they come up with some pretty wild ideas about how to bring much needed business to the salon. Between laughing at that and wondering if Cassidia could possibly solve the murder mystery of her uncle as well as her client's murder, I breezed through the book. Before I knew it, it was done and I was ready to start another Danger Cover mystery!

While you wouldn't have to read these in order, I think they are more enjoyable that way because you know who all the different townsfolk are that may be mentioned in passing. If you have read all the books it is more like checking in with old friends. I highly recommend you give the series a try. The different co-authors writing styles blend the stories of the town together quite well, making Danger Cove come alive to the reader.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!
This is a great book; this is the fifth book in the Danger Cove Mysteries series. I LOVE this series, each book in this series is written by a different author and they each bring to life a wonderful story based in the same town of Danger Cove. Cassidi Conti moved to Danger Cove when she inherited her uncle’s house and business after he was killed. She renamed the business The Clip and Sip, a hair salon. She is determined to make her new business a success even though no one in town can forget that the building use to be a prostitution house. Cassidi decides to try a new marketing strategy by giving away free drinks. When a customer is found dead under the dryer and her skin is as blue as a blueberry, the police suspect one of the hair dressers at the salon. Cassidi is willing to do anything she can to find the real killer before they strike again. If you are looking for a great mystery, with wonderful characters and humor, then you need to read this book. I can’t wait until the next book in this series comes out.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Dawn Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another installment in the Danger Cove Series, which has become one of my favorite series of books! In this one we have Cassidi, who has moved back to claim her inheritance that her Uncle Vinnie left her, a former brothel turned hair salon. She also plans to live on the second floor with her cousin. They are trying to make the hair salon a success by giving away free drinks, but when a client is found dead under the hair dryer, Cassidi wonders what she has gotten herself into. As she sets out to investigate and clear her employees name, she takes us on a wild romp through town and the sea! This book is hilarious, full of crazy characters (and the color blue!) It had me laughing and guessing until the end. I look forward to the next in the series.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassidi wants a fresh start and her inheritance from her Uncle Vinnie seems to promise just that. She discovers the history of the house is a bit tainted but hopes her salon will do well in spite of the active murder investigation. The reputation of the house isn’t forgotten by the locals & she seems to be adding fuel to the fire instead. When her employee is suspected of murder, Cassidi decides to do some investigating….

So as the plot thickens, get engrossed in Deadly Dye and a Soy Chai and see if you can figure out whodunit??

I enjoyed reading this story, it is hilarious & swept me right into their world. I am definitely looking forward to the next Danger Cove Hair Salon mystery.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read quite a few of the 'Danger Cove Mystery' books and loved every one. 'Deadly Dye and a Soy Chai' was no exception. The storyline was great. Well written. This book was full of mystery, shifty characters, a ton of humor and some great dialog. The characters were awesome. Cassidi was hilarious with her thoughts and her quick wit. She actually made a great investigator. Gia was a riot. Her sense of fashion had me shaking my head laughing and she had a very colorful personality. Amy cracked me up with her seriousness and her attempt at humor. I truly enjoyed the way the story played out. I look forward to reading more 'Danger Cove Mystery' books. A great add to your tbr list. Definitely recommended.

[Melissa Basnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read 3 other books from the Danger Cove series and they get better and better each book I read. I love the characters in these books, they seem so real that you want to know more about them. I live in Texas and have been to Fredericksburg so I can relate to story as well. Cassidi has moved to Danger Cove to start a new life when her uncle left her his brothel turned hair salon home after he was murdered. Her clients and residents of tbe town are being murdered and she investigates and is almost killed in tbe process and all she wanted to do was keep her friend and herself out of jail. Her friends are a crazy bunch that keep you laughing and the mystery sucks you in.

[PJ Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassidi inherited a hair salon from her uncle and was trying her best to make it work, but the murders put a spanner in the works. It's a race against time to find the killer(s) and save her business.
Another book in the series set in Danger Cove and its many residents, it was a fun read, with plenty of twists that keeps you guessing as to what is really going on.
I've enjoyed all the books so far and this was no exception. Relatable characters, danger, fun and a fast paced plot, a great cozy mystery.
Disclaimer: This was an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Dye and A Soy Chai. This book started out good and just keep going.
That statue's not wearing any panties. My body tensed at the outrage in Donna Bacca's voice.
Cassidi's uncle Vinnie left her a salon and a antique porn.
Her uncle had been muedered a few months ago.
Cassidi and her cus. Gea ran the hair salon and business has been bad.
Margaret Appleby came into have her hair done. When Cassidi came back to the salon she found Margaret dead and blue all over. Someone had killed her.
They had to find the killer and save the salon.

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Danger Cove series and really enjoyed this book in the series. In it, Cas, who has inherited a "painted lady" and a beauty salon. Without knowing more, she moves from Texas to Danger Cove. As the bodies start piling up around her, she tries to figure out what's happening. The police don't appreciate her meddling, but, even worse, she becomes a threat to the murderer.

This is a a fun cozy mystery and just in time for summer reading - it's perfect for lounging on the beach.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runaway bride Cassidi Conti moves to Danger Cove when she inherits a former brothel turned hair salon. She is hoping to make a fresh start but two dead blue bodies later she finds herself struggling to keep her hair salon going and trying to clear an employee of murder. This is the fifth Danger Cove Mystery and each one focuses on a different Danger Cove resident. They are all fun and easy to read cozy mysteries.

[SarahSmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

This is the second book in the Danger Cover mysteries that I have read and I'm really enjoying the series. This is a great cozy read perfect for sitting on the beach and reading over the summer. I really enjoyed all of the interesting characters, the murder mystery and of course the budding romance.

[Lester Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series is so cute and I had a fun read with Cassidi

Cassidi has finally got brave and took control of her life. With the help of her uncles bequeathed and her cousins support she is moving to Danger Cove. But inheriting a brothel and finding a death bodies thinks don't look well.

[Frances L. Ehrig · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lucky Swim

An exciting read! It captured my attention quickly held on. Cassidie is an amusing heroine who gets right into the action. The story moves quickly and keeps the reader entertained throughout.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is really well written, the characters are well developed and you really enjoy getting to know each character which pulls you into the story line (that is a true art - not all authors do that). The mystery is well plotted and you enjoy trying to figure out "who dunnit!"

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book..

I am so hooked on Danger Cove! Each one gets better and better. Waiting for #6. These women kick butt!!

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of mystery, good humor, characters, murder in a small town of Danger Cove. I know I don't want to get my makeup done there except for Halloween.

Cassidi Conti inherited a big house and hair salon. Business is slow. Her house used to be a brothel.
Cassidi and her cousin live above the shop. She is taking online courses. She has moved from Texas.

GiaDi Mitri is Cassidi's step-cousin. She does nails and makeup. She is from New Jersey.

Lucy O'Connell is the hairstylist from Danger cove.

One of her few customers ends up dying in her salon. Plus Cass's Uncle Vinnie might have been murdered too.

Cass decides she needs to find out who killed her client before she runs out of money to run the business or get arrested for the murder.

This is book #5 in Danger Cove series but the first one in Danger Cove Hair Salon mystery. There are 5 different series set in Danger Cove.

I like Cass and want to see her succeed in Danger Cove. I want to see what happens next to her and her friends.

I would like to read the other books in the series. It seems like fun different thing to have the series all in the same town.

I was given this ebook to read for free by the authors. In return I agreed to give a honest review and be part of it's blog tour.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read in the Danger Cove series, which has a fascinating concept. It is actually seven series in one, with each sub-series set in a different business around the town of Danger Cove. They are all written by Danger Cove resident Elizabeth Ashby, with the "assistance" of several well-known cozy mystery writers.

This book is the first in the Hair Salon Mysteries, which features The Clip and Sip and its owner Cassidi Conti. From the very first chapter, we are drawn into Cassidi's troubles with the residents of Danger Cove, as well as her frustration at trying to determine who murdered her Uncle Vincent, the previous owner of the house/business. When one of her customers dies under the dryer, life gets even more complicated.

In spite of all the mysteries, this book is full of fun. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much over a book---or read so many references to the color blue! The storyline draws you in and keeps you reading to the end. All of the major characters have well-developed personalities, and should be fun to get to know as the series progresses.

This is definitely a fun way to jump into the excitement that is Danger Cove.

[Michele Seigfried · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassidi Conti and her kooky sidekicks are on quite an adventure in this novel. The women certainly have a lot going on in their lives–starting up a new business venture, going to school, working other jobs, and solving a murder! The authors portray the characters in a realistic light. You feel like you are in the scenes with them, with the girls getting on your nerves as much as they get on Cassidi’s. As a “Jersey Italian” girl myself, I thought Gia was a bit too much for me–as she was a bit too much for Cassidi too. Amy is also annoying with her German sayings–kind of just like my German husband. (whoops, sorry, Honey). Like I said, very realistic. Other than the characters, the plot flowed nicely and with no foul language, no graphic violence, and just a touch of romance, this is a suitable read for teenagers as well as adults. If you light a light mystery with a little humor, crazy characters, and a little romance, check this one out! 4 stars.

**DISCLAIMER: I received this book as part of the Great Escapes Book Tour. This did not influence my opinion in any way.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved most of the Danger Cove books so far and this one is no exception. While it is not my favorite, it is a winner. From the all together too detailed statue swinging from the window of the old bordello that Cassidi inherited from her uncle along with the styling salon (in the all-together) to her friends and coworkers at the salon, humor abounds in this cozy mystery inspite of the murders and a serious mystery that Cassidi and her compatriots must help solve if there is any chance of the salon succeeding.

[Sheri Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. Fun read. Not the best in the series, but still worth reading.

[Tara Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

**This review is for the audiobook on Audible.**

Deadly Dye and a Soy Chai: Danger Cove Mysteries, Volume 5 by Traci Andrighetti and Elizabeth Ashby, narrated by Kayla Perillo is one I was excited to listen to, since I'm a huge fan of Andrighetti's series, Franki Amato Mysteries. While it was entertaining, I think I would have enjoyed reading it more than I did listening. This is the first book I've listened to in the series, and it works as a stand-alone. I don't think it is as funny as Andrighetti's other work, but it has its moments. If you are a cozy mystery fan, you will enjoy it.

I listen to audiobooks all the time. Over the years, I've developed my own preferences, likes, and dislikes regarding the narration of a piece. What may not have bothered me when I first started listening years ago, might now stick out and take away from my overall listening experience. In this case, I was not a fan of the narration; the quality seemed like it could have been better. The "white noise" in the background and the changes in sound, volume, and voice at some of the chapter breaks were distracting. This is the first time I have listened to Kayla Perillo perform as a narrator. She stayed in character throughout, but I just feel it could have been better. Everyone deserves a second chance, though, so if I come across her work again, I will give it a try. I just hope the recording of it is of higher quality, making it less distracting to the listener, overall.

I don't like being negative, but my reviews wouldn't be helpful to anyone if I wasn't truthful. It's also important to remember this is just my opinion, and you may actually feel the exact opposite. Had I read Deadly Dye and a Soy Chai, my rating may have been higher, in this case, but being that I only listened, my overall rating is between 3.5-3.7 out of 5 stars. I'm a HUGE fan of Andrighetti's work, but this one just wasn't my favorite. For now, I'm going to stick with her Franki Amato series (which I highly recommend!). Happy listening!

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t mention the word “blue” to Cass, owner of the Clip and Sip salon in her uncle’s Victorian home in Danger Cove. When he was murdered, she became the owner of the building. Her uncle was definitely on the cops “most suspicious” list as he was a suspected source of running drugs and the house was a brothel. Poor Cass and her cousin Gia are trying to make a go of things when one of their customers ends up murdered in the salon. And the fun (NOT) begins.

Cass is a good character for the sleuth, but her cousin Gia is a hoot and a half. They go on the search for clues to who killed their customer, as well as her uncle, and… eventually… a town doctor. But the cops definitely do not like them interfering in the investigation (of course). And Cass even gets suspected of doing the deed.

The characters are fun and realistic and the town of Danger Cove does live up to its name. This is the second book I’ve read in the series and both were entertaining.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: all opinions are mine alone and not influenced by anyone or anything. I reviewed this book voluntarily and was not solicited for this review.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great outing in Danger Cove, this time we have Cassidi Conti who has been left some money and an ex-brothel in Danger Cove! So this native Texan has packed up, moved there (along with her New Jersey cousin Gia) and she has set up the Clip and Sip salon offering hair, make-up, manicures and free drinks, she is also trying to get her business degree finished so life is hectic, the last thing she needs is a dead body under the drier!

Now she, Gia and their friend Amy (the local Librarian) need to clear the Clip and Sip and their employee Lucy, and get things back to what passes as normal (oh and Cass STILL needs to pass the final accountancy section of her degree!), add in the fact that sections of the building are still off limits from her Uncle's death and Cass is wondering what on earth she has let herself in for!

[Michele Hermansen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was a ’cozy’ cozy, but I was sorely disappointed. There was far too much wink wink style smut. The action takes place prominently in a former brothel, which is now a salon. I thought that there was a lot of potential for the characters and the story, but I just couldn’t get into it. Not my kind of book.

[Richard Cowart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another exciting book in the series where the owner of the Sip and Clip salon Cassidi discovers one of her customers has died in the chair. Since it was in her salon she and her employees are the primary suspects in the murder and there are many twists and turns on the trail of the murderer. Very entertaining with a little romance thrown in.

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A visit to the beauty shop or undertakers

Stunning! Who killed the customer and why? Will the answer lead to more deaths at the favourite beauty shop. Watch as our heroine waded through the clues until the killer is revealed. A great light, easy to read and enjoy cozy.

[Joye Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love the characters developed in this Danger Cove addition. Hopefully there will be a second installment with these characters. Still waiting for Alex, George and the bird to appear again.

[She · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hilarity!! Traci Andrighetti writes an incomparable over-the-top 'New Jersey Italian'! The storyline takes so many twists & turns just like solving the mystery does, and it is quite an entertaining ride. Enjoyed meeting more Danger Cove residents and getting to know some a lot better.