Olive Peroni was having a tough day. Her makeover client died a mysterious death before the woman could attend her husband’s inquest—where she would explain why she ran over him as he stood in front of her car putting coins in a parking meter. Now Olive is both a suspect in her client’s murder and a victim-to-be. Can the Cold Cream team from the shop on Starfish Cove Beach catch the shadowy killer before he strikes again—killing the last person to see the makeover lady alive—Olive?“This is one of our trickiest cases. It was like plucking a chicken in the wind.” ~ Grams Dingler~~About COLD CREAM series of quirky murders plague Olive Peroni and her Cold Cream shop partner. A psychologist by training and a miracle cold cream designer by luck, Olive leaves her family practice to start a new life in Starfish Cove, Florida. The gals make designer creams for ladies who spend far too much time at the beach. Business is brisk and life is good until bodies start popping and dropping—and Olive must rely on her people skills to separate the killers from their victims.Fun DIY beauty products and special hints in every book.
Barbara Silkstone is the best-selling author of the Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider series that includes: Wendy and the Lost Boys, London Broil, Cairo Caper, Miami Mummies, Vulgarian Vamp, Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider Boxed Set. Her Criminally Funny Fables Romantic Suspense series includes: The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters; Wendy and the Lost Boys; Zo White and the Seven Morphs. For a squirt of paranormal comedy try: Cold Case Morphs. True fiction fan? Try: The Adventures of a Love Investigator.
New: Mister Darcy Series Book One: Mister Darcy's Dogs Book Two: Mister Darcy's Christmas Book Three: Mister Darcy's Secret
Silkstone’s writing has been described as “perfectly paced and pitched – shades of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen – without seeming remotely derivative. Fast moving action that shoots from the hip with bullet-proof characterization.”
I do believe “Makeover Murder” is the best story of this series so far. When Olive’s home makeover client ends up dead, Olive ends up being the last person to see her alive, thus making her the prime suspect. Grams thinking she has the inside scoop for a story in the Starfish Gazette, submits her article which clearly paints a bullseye on Olive’s back for the shadowy killer.
Not having a bad enough day already, Olive has an unexpected visit from her ex-husband professing his undying love, and she accepts custody of the murder victim’s pet cat, Minette, who hates her. Puff isn’t too pleased with the situation either.
With no clues or leads, and two attempts on Olive’s life, Lizzy decides to turn her flirtatious banter and wiggle walk on the victim’s handsome neighbor. The plot moves fast with unexpected twists and plenty of surprises that leaves the reader guessing. The ending is a tense, edge of your seat finale with an unexpected turn of events, but highly satisfying. Olive or should I say Ms. Silkstone, has me convinced to carry around a can of aerosol hairspray, and not just for protection. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries you are sure to love these quirky but interesting residents of Starfish Cove. Each book in this series, Cold Cream Murders Mysteries, can be read as stand-alone. However, with Ms. Silkstone’s witty and easy going style of writing you might find yourself going back to read the whole series.
FYI: “Makeover Murder” is book 6 in Ms. Silkstone’s Cold Cream Murders Series and can be read as a stand-alone. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** July 1, 2020. Format/Typo Issues: No significant issues.
Welcome back to Starfish Cove - “a sunny place for shady people” and “murders were always within a short drive”. Barbara Silkstone has done it again with her easy flowing fun style of writing. Makeover Murder is a hilarious page-tuner that I couldn’t put down. Grams describes herself “I’m known for my clever way with words.” and that perfectly describes Barbara as well. The murder victim before she died “Mrs. Goodenuff wants to look good enough.” Olive armed with hair spray, Grams with a candlestick and Lizzy with flirts, along with their protector, WonderDog, are determined to find out who killed Mrs.. Goodenuff, and why, before the killer puts an end to Olive as well. This is one of my very favorite series. It leaves me with such a good feeling when I'm done. So witty. The ladies are smart and strong and I love their friendship. Always a treat to read something Barbara has written.
These are difficult days and uncertain times, and we're all looking for something to help us escape reality for a few minutes. What better than a light and funny cozy mystery, filled with interesting characters, a great plot, cute pets, and a satisfying conclusion? And who better to write that than Barbara Silkstone, who never fails to please.
In Makeover Murder, heroine Olive is called to give a client a makeover but the lady dies moments later. Does her death have anything to do with her husband's recent release from prison? Is the killer after Olive as well? Throw in an unwelcome ex-husband, a cute cop, and a murderous bruiser, and you have all the ingredients for a lovely afternoon sitting in a comfy chair drinking tea (hot or cold, as is your pleasure).
What a fun read. Very surprising end!! Olive is up to her neck trying to solve a murder. When a customer calls and wants Olive to come and give her a makeover before she goes in to an inquest, on her husbands life, Olive ends up sick and her customer ends up dead. While sticking her nose in where it doesn’t belong, there are two attempts on her life. With Granny’s antics and Lizzy’s flirting ways can they find the killer before the killer gets Olive? Very surprised with the ending, I did not see that coming? These characters are so much fun I keep wanting more!
I always feel like I'm returning home to family and friends while reading a new book in this series. Barbara Silkstone has a wonderful, gentle, and creative humor that just can't be found in any other series. I highly recommend this book and series!
i love this series! Really interesting and complex characters. The story moves well, love Grams! The first line of the book will capture you and won't let you go! Lots of twists and turns, and you will be guessing until the end! A must read!
This was a really good mystery too!! Kept me guessing till the end. I love how quirky the characters are.....they all work very well together . I was a little disappointed “THE MOUTH FROM THE SOUTH” was not in this book. She’s very very annoying but also she’s part of the gang. Happy Reading :)
My first time reading a book by Barbara Silkstone. I enjoyed it. The main characters were likeable. Reminded me of the Stephanie Plum series. I'll be going back and reading the earlier books.
Another quick fun story with great characters. So many laugh out loud moments and a really good mystery that kept me from putting the book down. Such a fun series.