“Murder, Curlers & Cream” A Valentine Beaumont Mystery By Arlene McFarlane

by Cynthia Chow


Details on how to win an ebook ARC copy of this book at the end of the review & links to purchase it.

It’s been several years since the incident that put the owner of Beaumont salon on the front page of the Rueland News, but Valentine Beaumont is about to be the topic of local gossip once again. Wealthy young socialite Portia Reynolds has been found strangled in the facial room, and the investigation of the employees and clients couldn’t come at a worse time. Beaumont’s next mortgage payment is about to be due, Valentine’s most inept stylist continues to be a hazard to both her clients and the salon’s reputation, and the investigating detective proves to be distractingly attractive. That wouldn’t be such a problem if Detective Michael Romero wasn’t so intent on questioning Valentine’s friends and staff, or if a rival salon wasn’t poised to poach her best stylist.


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Valentine may be a bit of a train wreck as an investigator, but someone thinks she is getting too close. Not only does the salon get firebombed by hairspray, but one of Valentine’s best suspects is shot and murdered. It’s a good thing that Valentine takes a far too advanced self-defense class, as her habits of stress-eating sugary cereal and being intimidated by her police detective sister aren’t helping Valentine to unravel the tangled mess of murders.



Image source: ParadiseDeer Publishing

Valentine is the epitome of the vulnerable, plucky amateur investigator whose earnestness and dedication make up for what she lacks in practical detecting skills. A deathbed promise to her grandmother compels Valentine to employ a distant cousin, whose trail of singed hair is rivaled only by the puddles of spilled bleach. Making up for thorn in Valentine’s side are her friends and competent stylist, whose sharp and quirky humor are a delight throughout the novel. The highlight of this first in the series is the chemistry between Valentine and Detective Romero, proving that opposites attract even when one decorates with a Winnie the Pooh phone and the other barely accessorizes with an outdoor grill. This is the start of a very fun new mystery series that takes advantage of its delightful salon setting, one where the clients are just as outrageous as the staff. This is a wonderful blend of sizzling romance, biting humor, and suspense, elevated by the genuine compassion motivating Valentine to pursue justice despite the risks.

To enter to win an ebook ARC copy of Murder, Curlers & Cream, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “curlers,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen November 11, 2017. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please included your mailing address. If entering via comment please be sure to include your email address.


You can use these links to purchase the book. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:





Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.


Comments

  1. This sounds like a fun new series. Thanks for the review and the giveaway.

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  2. I love the title! This is a new to me series and author. I am always looking for new books to read.

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  3. Sounds like a fun new read. Northmanor@midco.net

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  4. This sounds so good--I'd love to read it! legallyblonde1961 at yahoo dot com

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  5. I'm in!! I'd love to read this book! AKJ3765 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

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  6. Great cover! Looks like a really fun read.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

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