Murder, Curlers, and Kites: A Valentine Beaumont Mini Mystery

by Arlene McFarlane

When beautician Valentine Beaumont’s star employee, Jock de Marco, goes missing, Valentine fears the worst. Jock could turn a Plain Jane into a knockout with the mere touch of his comb. But despite his talents in the salon, this tame career might not be enough to distance himself from a dangerous past that may be coming back to haunt him.

Valentine will stop at nothing until she finds out what happened to this Argentinean Hercules, but other things are getting in her way: an elusive assailant, a cryptic email, an infuriating employee, and one hot detective who is pressuring her to give up her search for the sexy stylist.

Can this impulsive heroine uncurl the mystery and save Jock? Or will she be too late and live a lifetime filled with regret?

“Arlene McFarlane seamlessly blends fashion, fun, and a frenzied murder in her breezy beach read, Murder, Curlers & Kites! If you’re looking for a fabulous stay-cation escape this summer, I highly recommend it!” –New York Times Bestselling Author, Gemma Halliday

“Fresh, sexy, and original! Valentine’s inventiveness and sharp wit dazzle in this hilarious, clever romp!” –USA Today Bestselling Author, Diana Orgain

“Murder, Curlers & Kites will have you on the edge of your salon seat with mascara running from laugh-crying while fanning yourself from the heat—and I don’t mean from the hair dryer!” –USA Today Bestselling Author, Traci Andrighetti

“A clever mystery and a loveable heroine who looks great while hunting down bad guys. A perfect summer read!” –USA Today Bestselling Author, Sam Cheever

Genres: Cozy Mystery

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2021

Reviews

[PugMom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun mystery with Valentine Beaumont. You never know what she'll be up to next and this one really takes the cake. This book was the most fast paced and well planned in the series! I love how Valentine springs into action when one of her own is in danger. Although Jock is presumed dead, Valentine can't rest until she knows what happened. Even Phyllis steps up to the plate to help (after she makes a fool of herself in a Geisha outfit). Lots of humor but also a great mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Barbara Hockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine holds her family and friends close to her heart. She and Jock have developed a special bond and when he goes missing, she feels the police are not responding quickly enough and sets out to find him. Throw in Phyllis’s latest escapades and Romero’s involvement in a new case that has him dressing and acting in a way that she is not used to has Valentine pretty much going it alone. But Valentine has proven in the past that she will do what ever it takes for those she holds dear and is up to the challenge of finding and deciphering the clues and scaling the obstacles thrown in her way.

This story has many surprises for the reader. You will find yourself wanting to do “one more page” throughout so that you can reach the outcome and marvel at Valentine’s dedication to finding the answers she is looking for. Another quick and great read in the series.

I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are honest and my own.

[Donna Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gang at Valentine’s salon, Beaumont’s, is back with its usual fun, fabulousness and fatalities. Great news! Valentine has finally decided which of her hunks, Jock or Romero, she loves truly. After a wild weekend with him she is back to work in the chaos of her shop.
This latest episode is more intense than the others. Jock goes missing and naturally Valentine goes sleuthing. The hunt is dangerous to the nth degree and she finds herself in some frightening situations.
Luckily we have Phyllis as major comic relief. She is currently training to be a geisha and chosen drum playing as her talent. Need I say more? Despite her clueless bumbling, she proves to be the most level headed of the team at a low point providing a glimmer of hope in a grave situation. Love this woman but you sure won’t get me in her chair at the salon!
I enjoyed this book and always ask for more! I feel the gang needs another vacation. Vegas, Greenland, wherever. And they must take Valentine’s family with! McFarlane never disappoints. Terrific series!!

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven’t read any of the Valentine Beaumont mysteries, you are missing out on a great series. Valentine and her crew are a sight to behold. They are funny, quirky, silly, crazy, fun-loving and compassionate. The camaraderie and the love for each other is outstanding to include the love triangle of Jock, Valentine and Romero but the love between Valentine and Romero is so heart felt! The banter between Max and Phyllis will keep you laughing! Phyllis was in fine form with what she got involved in. Join Valentine as she begins to investigate another crime. This mystery has it all, humorous moments, a wonderful romance, and character engagement. The dialogue is awesome which has the story moving at a good pace. This is such an enjoyable read. The mystery pulls you and keeps you guessing. The setting of the town seems like an enjoyable place to live. The whole series is entertaining, adventurous and laugh out loud fun and I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Antonette Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so here it goes. I don’t write many reviews, but had to this time. I have never read an Arlene McFarlane novel before, I found her quite by accident. I happened to have read 4 Sleuths & A Bachelorette. I had already been acquainted with two of the four authors, so I thought…why not? (By the way, 4 Sleuths book IS A MUST READ!!!!!!). After reading it, I was soooo excited to read the other two authors. I started reading the Valentine series, and after the first book I was hooked!! I was going to leave a review, but immediately started the second book, then….rinse, wash, repeat (pun intended). Bottom line, I loved all her books!!! So, better late than never to leave review, right? Who would have thought a beautician as an amateur sleuth, add in a clumsy distant cousin, who loves telling people off…things that most people think of, but would never say out loud. A male best friend who is a wisecrack but has her back at all times. A Thor-like employee….enough said, and an Italian stallion (and being an Italian….hello!!!!). Love the dynamics of all the characters and the mishaps that occur in each book. This is a recipe that works and leaves you laughing.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how this series makes me laugh and yet there are so many other emotions involved also! Beautician Valentine just can't stay out of anything that is the least bit mysterious! When her employee and good friend, Jock, goes missing, she is going to find him - forget leaving it to the police! It doesn't matter that her boyfriend is a hunky cop! She's going to be the death of him anyway! She refuses to sit idly by and let Jock be missing! Her exploits are legendary! She uses beauty tools like cops use weapons! And, let's not forget her zany, wacky fellow employees, friends and family members, who always add so much humor to the story! There is so much to embrace about this book! However, Valentine does go up against some pretty nasty people so be prepared for some great action scenes!!!! Love this book!

[Ella Goldmacher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sleeping with Romero, while coming unglued every time Jock touches her, and going out with him while sleeping with Romero- uhm what? And Romero is ok with it? I generally enjoy the writing and have been hoping that the author will have enough sense to end this ridiculous threesome but apparently not. So that and ridiculous Phyllis are going to end the series for me. You don't keep an insane, incompetent employee who insults and physically hurts your customers because you're distantly related and don't want to deal with disapproval of some random relatives. its not funny, it's stupid and frustrating. The books are getting into ridiculous territory.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidnapping, fire, murder, a roaring motorcycle,
explosions, four navy buddies, tattoos, kites,
geisha training, odd behavior from Detective
Romero plus more equal the latest Valentine
Beaumont adventure.
Valentine runs a beauty salon. Her employees
are Max, Jock and Phyllis. Jock goes missing.
Valentine is determined to find out what
happened to him.
Detective Romero advises Valentine to leave
the disappearance to the police. But since he is
acting strange and involved with a case, she
begins her own investigation….a dangerous
move for her!!
A well executed plot that is captivating, creatively
written read with plenty of shenanigans
I felt the characters were interesting, intriguing,
realistic, some quirky, some dangerous some
humorous.
I felt the emotions of the characters. I enjoyed
the drama, thrills, chills, suspense plus some
romantic moments.
This is book # 6 in the Valentine Beaumont
Mystery series. The author provides enough
backstories with the present to follow along
without an effort.
I volunteered to read Murder, Curlers and Kites.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another laugh out loud book! Valentine gets herself into the worst situations, but the way she uses her beautician tools to fight the bad guys is hilarious! She did get the poop knocked out of her a few times, that I totally found cringe worthy. But, she never let it stop her. And the part with Trix swinging on the rope lamp, omg! So funny! I will also never think of the song My Sharona the same way again!

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Ms. McFarland has out done herself with another wonderful book.
I was looking forward to Val fainting again but not this time.
I was shocked at one point but soon just knew I was wrong and I was right.
I can't say enough about these books. If you haven't read any of them don't wait pick one up now!!!!!

[Margaret Lipscomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun and very different cozy mystery series ?

A beautician loves her town and friends. When problems arise in town, she is right in the middle trying to fix everything. Then comes along a love interest who is a cop. I'm sure that you will enjoy this series. Happy Reading !!!

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine for Chief of Police!

I really came into these books recently. The characters are fabulous and the author has done a great job developing the characters into people we would hang out with...wait, except Phyllis! I hope this Valentine series continues. I would miss seeing how things develop in this loveable craziness!

[Debby Jantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

Arlene has done it again. This a well written book in a series that keeps you wanting the next adventure. Valentine is a wonderful character making us all wish we knew someone like that. Can't wait for the next adventure.

[Lucrecia Tolbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, Curlers, and Kites has our leading Lady in some extremely dangerous situations. I sat at the edge of my seat for the entire reading. This book will not only provide you with an escape from your realty, it will fill you with adventure, fear, surprise, and hope.

[Mary j. childers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hardheaded with an attitude

No matter what is asked Valentine makes her own rules where friends are involved. She does not think before she acts which puts her in danger and provides hair raising excited reading.

[Rose Schaetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved them

I loved this series. It was a mystery and had lots of laughs. Once you finished one book I could hardly wait to start next one in series.

[Peggy Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been so fun to read. I love going on Valentine's mystery rides and what she is going to find. Arlene has hit a home run with this!

[Charmayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this. I’m also a big Jock fan, he needs to push Valentine’s buttons a little more! LOL looking forward to more adventures with this gang! :-)

[Mary M Plasic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series

I enjoy this series. Never a dull moment and I like the comedy edge to the series also. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nooooo!

That just messed me up as much as Valentine. Yes, I cried ugly and almost tossed my Kindle. Great job and Yay for Romero!