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Valentine Beaumont Mysteries #2

Murder, Curlers, and Canes

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The murder of a nun draws beautician Valentine Beaumont into another hair-raising mystery. Will she unlock this unlikely victim's chilling past in time to catch a killer?Valentine Beaumont is back in her second hair-raising mystery, this time, trying to find out who had it in for an elderly nun. Only trouble is there are others standing in her hot but tough Detective Romero, sexy new stylist Jock de Marco, and some zany locals who all have a theory on the nun’s death.Making things the dead nun’s secret that haunts Valentine, another murder, car chases, death threats, mysterious clues, an interfering mother, and a crazy staff.Between brushing off Jock’s advances and splitting hairs with handsome Detective Romero, Valentine struggles to comb through the crime, utilizing her tools of the trade in some outrageous situations. Question is, will she succeed?

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2017

509 people are currently reading
320 people want to read

About the author

Arlene McFarlane

15 books136 followers

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5 stars
320 (52%)
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67 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for PugMom.
542 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2017
Murder and curlers and canes, oh my!! That's what you'll get when you read Arlene McFarlane's 2nd Valentine Beaumont mystery! This book was just as entertaining as the first. A well constructed mystery with just the right amount of humor and romance. Valentine gets herself into lots of crazy predicaments as she tries to run her beauty shop, keep her mother happy by going on inane blind dates, and ultimately solve the mystery of who a former nun with a secret! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly await the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,642 reviews70 followers
June 20, 2017
A sexy new stylist, a murder at the retirement
home, the return of a fired stylist, several blind
dates, a mother wanting to get her daughter
married, a movie production, a baseball game
and a missing in action handsome detective
make Valentine Beaumont's life an interesting
and intriguing one to follow.
You will like the array of a creative characters
in an adventure with plenty of twists and turns.
You will take part in all the humorous
shenanigans.
This is the second book in A Valentine Beaumont
Mystery: Murder, Curlers Series. It can be read
as a stand alone.
Looking forward to the next book to see what
adventure awaits Valentine plus how her
romantic prospects progress.
I volunteered to read this story. Thanks to the
author for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
118 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2017

“If I’d have known owning a salon was this much hassle, I would’ve made a career in music, or as a stand-in bridesmaid.” Valentine Beaumont, full-time salon owner and operator, amateur detective and sufferer of countless blind dates, and her crew are happily back again. The gang at the salon is down one stylist, the incompetent Phyllis, when hunky Jock is hired. He a terrific addition to this crazy crew, a possible love interest for Val, and hopefully will stick around.
When Val finds her elderly friend, a retired nun, dead at the local retirement home, she decides to investigate. She doesn’t buy that it is a natural death and doggedly seeks answers. Having once captured a murderer using a perm rod, she resorts to battling a truck driver who forces her off the road using the contents of her beauty kit: lotions, nail polish, combs; it’s this kind of silliness that gives the story the charm that makes this series is so engaging.
I so enjoyed revisiting the beauty shop, the stylists and ongoing characters, especially Val’s mother. Everyone poor Valentine knows is bent on finding her the perfect man. The dates are a hoot! Meanwhile she agonizes over Romero, the cop. It’s about time for her to focus on this guy and commit. Enough shilly-shallying. What comes after the uncertainty of initial attraction can be so much more interesting!
Excellent series! So looking forward to the next one!


Profile Image for Kay Hudson.
427 reviews6 followers
July 1, 2017
Murder, Curlers & Canes is Arlene McFarlane’s second Valentine Beaumont mystery, and it’s just as much fun as the first (Murder, Curlers & Cream). This time around, Valentine’s salon is doing well, thanks in part to the sexy new stylist she’s hired. He’s not only drawing in a bevy of clients who look like supermodels even before he does their hair, but he’s almost enough to take Valentine’s mind of Detective Romero, who’s been missing with no explanation for a couple of months.

But then Phyllis, the world’s worst salon employee, marches back in, and Valentine finds one of her retirement home clients, Sister Madeline, dead in a plate of lasagna. The police are ready to call that natural causes, but Valentine suspects something else. But who would want to murder a retired nun?

Everyone has a secret: the dead nun, the sexy stylist, the returning Romero, and practically everybody at the retirement home. Only one of them is threatening Valentine as she gets too close to the truth, but who is it?

Add to that a series of disastrous blind dates (engineered by Valentine’s mother), a car chase through the mountains, and Valentine’s improvisational skills with the tools of her trade and whatever else she can lay her hands on, and you have a fast paced and funny mystery with more than a dash of romance.
Profile Image for Lorraine.
136 reviews6 followers
October 7, 2017
Valentine Beaumont is back again for a second go-round of laughter and murder. Detective Romero has disappeared from the scene and Valentine hasn’t heard from him in months. Her well-meaning family and friends continue to set her up for cringe-worthy blind dates. Then Valentine’s friend, a retired nun, dies a suspicious death in a local nursing home, and Valentine once more attempts to balance running her salon with questioning suspects and searching for evidence. More intrigue enters the picture when Valentine hires a new stylist for the salon, the exotic Jock de Marco, who appears to have a mysterious past and plenty of secrets of his own. Sexy cop Romero suddenly returns and finds her in a compromising position, causing another series of misunderstandings. Valentine finds herself once more running down clues and defending herself with the contents of her beauty bag, unraveling a puzzle which has its roots years in the past. I laughed out loud at some of the situations, and I couldn’t put this book down until I was finished. This is a great read for those who enjoy humor and romance with their mysteries.
Profile Image for Diane.
2,835 reviews22 followers
June 18, 2017
Valentine Beaumont has a heart of gold, a body to die for and a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time when murder is involved. She's a self employed beautician by day and a super sleuth by night, but right now she's got man problems. Her second in command, Max, is either her best friend or her biggest headache, depending on what day of the week it is. Detective Romero is her on again/off again love interest, but he disappeared several months ago leaving Val feeling lonely and confused. Now her new sexy-as-sin new employee, Jock de Marco, has legions of women falling all over him and while business is great, Val spends much of her day hot and bothered that she's hot and bothered over Jock. Add a dead body to the chaos that is Val's daily life and you're in for a hilariously delightful adventure that will make you laugh out loud but you need never doubt that this adorably clumsy crime solver will eventually get her man. I read a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
1,323 reviews23 followers
October 17, 2017
Just loved this book I love the character, Valentine who owns a beauty shop and always stumbles upon something to keep her sleuthing. I couldn't wait to read this book after I read the first book and this book was just as good. It is great when you can find an author that can write a few books in a series and you love them just as much. Arlene hit a home run with this!
77 reviews11 followers
September 27, 2017
Wonderful book

I LOVED this. Book as much as the first one. It was a great mystery also made me laugh and I love the men in this book WOW I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
1,323 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2017
Murder, Curlers and Canes is the second delightful romp in the Valentine Beaumont mystery series. The humor is at times laugh out loud and at times irreverent, while the mystery is layered and baffling. The author is adept with snappy dialog and unique personalities, weaving them easily into the mysteries.

Valentine has a heart of gold when it comes to spending time at the children’s ward in the local hospital and going into the local retirement home to cut and style hair. She went to see Sister Madeline, who she had come to care about, knowing from her phone call that the retired nun wanted to talk to her about “the girl”. Valentine went into Sister’s room to work on her hair, only to be the first person to discover that Sister had just died while eating her lunch. Jokes are often made about the food in hospitals and rehab facilities, but murder is a new low, even for the …um… cook at Rueland Retirement. Valentine sets out to find who could have done in the dear woman and finds that even nuns have secrets.

Staffing challenges at Val’s salon continue to be the source of challenges for her and Max, her long-term top stylist and confidant. After several aggravating interviews, she hires a hunk, Jock, who wields scissors and curling irons as if he has no idea the effect he has on the women fawning on him. He has eyes for Valentine, trying to tease and tempt her with his bike and leathers, his rippling muscles and smooth moves. As Valentine’s search escalates, her cousin Phyllis return as a stylist there only due to a promise made to their grandmother. Phyllis now sports a cigarillo and Guido, the love of her life. And Romero, the most excellent detective Valentine was starting to date, has been away for two months without contacting her. Now the blind dates begin, as telling her mother “no” would be like lighting a stick of dynamite and holding onto it.

There is such a delightful mix of characters! The author describes them well through dialog, actions, and Valentine’s (or Max’s) view of their clothing choices. Such as Phyllis, who “designs” her own clothing, Jock’s R-rated temptations to Valentine, and Evalene, the house manager at Rueland Retirement who wears army boots. Most characters have at least one or two memorable traits, including the seniors at the retirement home who might be suspects. I like how Valentine bounces her theories off of Yitts, her recently-acquired cat. Nettie and her cane also are quite memorable!

The mystery is one-of-a-kind and flows well. There are plot twists that keep the reader on his/ her toes, with several potential culprits. Valentine refuses to leave detecting to the police, especially after the first attempt on her life. She carries a kind of guilt since she couldn’t get in to see Sister Madeline before she died, and is determined to get justice for her. The secrets they learn about Sister are surprising and compelling enough to keep Val searching. I was somewhat surprised at who the real bad guy(s)/ gal(s) were, and very surprised at the final revealing. The resolution tied up all the loose ends. I highly recommend this novel to those who love well-written cozy mysteries with healthy sides of humor and romance.

From a grateful heart: I received this eBook from the author and publisher, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Celia.
214 reviews26 followers
Read
June 21, 2017
Murder, Curlers, and Canes is a truly delightful book, and I enjoyed every page that I was quickly turning, because the story is so engaging. Just when Valentine thinks that things are looking up for her Beauty Shop with the departure of the incompetent Phyllis, she hires a replacement, Jock De Marco on a whim. Although Jock may brings in lots of clientele, he is an absolutely gorgeous hunk, and his undivided attention to Valentine may be her undoing. But with Detective Romano having been out of the picture for two months with no contact, Valentine's finds her resolve to ignore Jock's advances quickly disappearing.

At her weekly hair appointment for residents at the Rueland Retirement home, Valentine discovers the body of her friend, Sister Madeline, who appears to have died of natural causes. However, she finds the nun's death highly suspicious, and decides to investigate. But it seems that Valentine can't catch a break, from between being warned off the case by the police, her mother setting up even more disastrous blind dates, and several mishaps that had me laughing out loud. She is convinced she is on the right path regarding her suspicions about Sister Madeline, when an attempt is made on her life, and she is rescued by the newly returned Detective Romero, who is now on the case.

The characters in this story are well created and have a life all of their own. Max is hilarious as her sidekick, and Phyllis (yes she comes back), is even more over-the-top than ever. The sexual tension between Valentine and Jock and Romero is palpable, and left me almost as flustered as Valentine.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is refreshing, holds your attention and keeps you guessing until the very end about the fate of Sister Madeline. Valentine is a delightful character -- one I want to see more of -- and I can't wait for the next installment in this series to be released.

I voluntarily reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2,130 reviews46 followers
July 12, 2017
It's impossible for Valentine Beaumont to keep out of trouble. She's always in the middle of a murder investigation. A trip to Rueland Retirement to cut Sister Madeline's hair doesn't go as planned. She finds the Sister dead. Now she'll never find out the secret she wanted to confide. Valentine is suspicious which means she'll be doing her own investigation. I enjoy watching the spunky beautician follow the clues. She has the ability for finding the truth. Her quirky friends and employees make me smile. Their sassy dialogue and zany antics make these cozy mysteries great fun to read. I loved that Valentine has two handsome men who want her attention. When she works with Detective Michael Romero, they are an unbeatable pair. He's smart and savy and she has unbeatable instincts. Arlene McFarlane has done a great job. The characters are well written and the story is filled with unexpected twists. I can't wait to see what happens next with Valentine and her crew. I want more mystery and romance.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
379 reviews5 followers
June 27, 2017
this book will get your heart pumping...not only for the mystery..but the hunky new hairstylist...an Argentinian who is built like "The Rock".and we cant forget the sexy detective Romero. Seems that while Romero is away, Valentine is having a hard time with blind dates that never go right. And trying to keep a professional relationship with her newly hired Jock..who has women swooning after him... a big sexy hairdresser who isn't gay?..Max seems disappointed but Jock is fun and certainly has his own lively style. This book was a great read, The first half was good, but then OMG..things really get moving......fast. When Detective Romero suddenly returns and keeps showing up out of nowhere,will Valentine give in to sexy Jock,or finally get back with Romero?. These characters are so well written and developed and I couldn't even begin to think of how this writer came up with some of these scenes! Love this series and I highly recommend this book to everyone. The whole series so far is great! good job Arlene !!!
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,505 reviews27 followers
June 11, 2017
This fun set of characters is back for a new murder mystery. Valentine thought her days of sleuthing were over. Wrong! She goes to the retirement home to do the hair of a retired nun, but Valentine finds her dead. It appears to be of natural causes, but Valentine has a feeling it is more than that. She hasn't seen Romero in two months, she has to hire a new stylist because she fired Phyllis and she is having a hard time finding someone. Not that Phyllis is hard to replace. But, in walked Jock. Wow! Jock brings in lots of clients, but he is very secretive and he keeps coming on to Valentine. Her heart is still with Romero, but where is he? Now she is trying to find out why the nun died, why Romero suddenly comes back into her life and why Phyllis' new boyfriend has been murdered. Fun times.
Profile Image for Amanda.
301 reviews
June 21, 2017
I love this series! The small-town Massachusetts setting, the hair salon workplace, Valentine's little rental all make for great backdrops for the storyline. I like the main character, Valentine, even though she has a pretty weak stomach, her employee/buddy Max, her maybe-boyfriend Detective Romero, and her seldom-seen friend Twix. The plot was great... several potential suspects, a related, secondary mystery, and side stories. The story moves at a good pace and I wasn't left with any slow, dull spots. There's a prominent, new character and a returning character in this book that make for some interesting, unpredictable situations. If you liked the first book in the series, or even if you haven't read that one yet, and you like mysteries, give this one a try! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Barbara Hockman.
48 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2017
I am really enjoying this series. Valentine's determination to see that justice is achieved for those who can't speak for themselves is uplifting. The zany actions of her staff makes you wish that you could really visit this shop just to see what is going on. The introduction of new employee Jock de Marco and the return of cousin Phyllis keeps the shop in a whirlwind of drama while Valentine does her best to figure out if her client, a former nun, really died naturally or was murdered. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing to the end. Looking forward to the next in the series.

I received an ARC in return for an honest review of this book.
844 reviews40 followers
June 15, 2017
Well, Valentine may be waiting on Romero to resurface, but at least she has some great eye-candy to focus on. And the set-up dates, how many of those actually go well? I would love to see her when she leaves the hospital after having her “beauty treatment” by the young patients there. What a fun thing to do! Who knew the nursing home could be so exciting? At least they look good, if Valentine does their hair! Sounds like Valentine’s life may be looking up…….can’t wait to see what happens next! I was given an ARC of this book, and asked for a review. This review is my own thoughts.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
October 16, 2017
This second book of the series is as well crafted and has equally as hilarious a storyline as the first book. You can read this as a stand alone but I would suggest you start from the beginning with Murder, Curlers and Cream. You will get the depth of the wackiness of main secondary characters Max, Phyllis and Jock. You will see the depth to which Val's friends and family will sink to marry her off. Although the inciting incidents are shocking and the revelations well hidden until the end, this is a character driven series.

I accepted an advance copy to read and review.
26 reviews
March 5, 2018
Like the first book, Murder, Curlers and Cream this was a very quick read! Several times I found myself preferring to be late than put down the book! As it was the second, it didn't require as much character development detail so I felt the plot moved along better.
I like Valentine's determination and sense of justice, as well as her resourcefulness. The quirky family and friends just make her more well rounded.
The story itself is entertaining with surprises and keeps you engaged past the last page, to the find out when the next one will be out already!!
35 reviews45 followers
May 27, 2018
Great second book in Valentine Beaumont’s series. Once again I was kept in the dark until the end of the book to find out the “who done it”. Plenty of laughs when Valentine’s mom sets her up on disastrous blind dates. Plenty of mystery to keep you guessing. Plenty happening at Valentine’s beauty salon. Can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next!
26 reviews
March 5, 2018
Like the first book, Murder, Curlers and Cream this was a very quick read! Several times I found myself preferring to be late than put down the book! As it was the second, it didn't require as much character development detail so I felt the plot moved along better.
I like Valentine's determination and sense of justice, as well as her resourcefulness. The quirky family and friends just make her more well rounded.
The story itself is entertaining with surprises and keeps you engaged past the last page, to the find out when the next one will be out already!!
283 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2018
A nun is murdered and suspects all around

Valentine hired a sexy new man stylist. Romero took off after his sister's wedding and she hasn't heard from him. Jock, the new stylist, has women flinging themselves at him but he has eyes for Val. A nun is found by Val face in her food. Police think she had a heart attack but Valerie thinks she was murdered ..Romero returns and takes charge. She is attacked and someone wants her off the case. Many things happen and Val is attracted to Jock and Romero. You can guess who I want to win. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Margaret Watson.
2 reviews4 followers
June 9, 2018
Arlene McFarlane Murder and Curler Series

Arlene McFarlane Murder and Curler series of three book has everything a person could ask for mystery,humor and romance. I find myself reading and reading not able to put the book down.
When I do I find I can’t wait to get back to it. Her books make me happy just knowing I’m going to get to laugh, get to have some mystery and enjoy a little romance. I can’t wait to read more of her books. She is one author who I feel is very creative. I cherish her books and I intend to buy more of her books in the future.
Profile Image for Monica.
138 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2018
Crazy Children, Chivalrous Chaps and Chocolates

I enjoyed the humor and continuance of Valentine's world. There are some real laugh-out-loud moments as we delve deeper into the character relationships and individuality. The Love triangle surrounded by mystery and adrenaline is also pretty stirring. Enjoyable cozy mystery series. Love the writing style of Arlene McFarlane. Ready for the next book in the series.
1,187 reviews
March 8, 2020
Another enjoyable read. The story was full of humor, sexual tension and a new stylist. Val continues to get herself involved in solving murder cases even though she is asked to stay out of it. With Romeo on a special case and thinking he dumped her, add Jock to the mixture, a nun being murdered and her mother setting up blind dates, Val has more than she bargained for.
5 reviews
March 6, 2022
fast, funny, keeps you guessing, who did it! 5 stars!

Loved the setting in a beauty salon, love mysteries and fun characters. Always a twist ending. Great writer which loves to keep the reader interested, read this one today and ready for the net tomorrow. You will love this book.
28 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2018
Laughing

I have laughed out loud so many times while reading the first two books . These are just so entertaining I don’t like to put them down but keep reading. Thank you for uplifting my spirit❤️
96 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2018
Valentine wanted

I want Valentine to be my beautician! Thanks for the laughs. Fast paced........ not a chance to catch one’s breath before Val is involved in the next “innocent “ incident. Luckily, her hunk always rides to the rescue
Profile Image for Karen.
10 reviews
January 21, 2021
Another fun Valentine Beaumont mystery to read! Love how author Arlene McFarlane brings in some faith in her novel and how the book makes me keep guessing who the murderer is. A great humorous read while we chill out for a couple days.
1 review
February 11, 2019
A fun read

This book is such fun to get into. It’s the second in this series that I’ve read and is just as good as the first. All the characters are as zany as can be and Val is a hoot.
Profile Image for Lauren E. Smith.
48 reviews
February 21, 2020
Valentine Does It Again!

Everyone 's favorite beauty shop owner can't help but get involved when her favorite nun dies unexpectedly. Was it murder? Was it something in the sister's past? Valentine stays one step ahead of hot Detective Romero, much to his chagrin!
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