Dreidels and Dead Ends (Bad Hair Day Mysteries)
by Nancy J. Cohen
About Dreidels and Dead Ends
Dreidels and Dead Ends (Bad Hair Day Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
19th in Series
Setting – Florida
Publisher : Orange Grove Press
Publication date : June 23, 2026
Print length : 246 pages
Paperback
ISBN-10 : 1952886392
ISBN-13 : 978-1952886393
Kindle
ISBN-13 : 978-1952886409
ASIN : B0GWQMWF7Y
A daring holiday heist at the local history museum sends hairstylist Marla Vail on her most tangled case yet.
When salon owner Marla Vail agrees to speak at the local history museum’s gala opening for a new exhibit, she expects applause—not a catastrophe. But shortly after she takes the stage, a thief steals the featured diamond-studded hairbrush, leaving behind an empty display case and a badly injured security guard.
Marla’s friend, museum curator Becky Forest, begs for her help in recovering the prized heirloom before the mayor uses this scandal as an excuse to cut their funding. To make matters worse, the antique hairbrush comes with a curse, and suddenly bad luck is spreading through town faster than a botched dye job. As Hanukkah festivities begin, Marla would rather be lighting candles than chasing clues, but with Becky’s job at stake, she takes on the case.
Her trail leads to a knot of suspects including the hairbrush’s owner, his greedy cousin, shifty museum staff, and a reclusive collector of mystical antiquities. Instead of enjoying menorah lights and latkes, Marla discovers murder, lies, and larceny. She’ll need sharp wits and a holiday miracle to save the museum and to keep the truth from being brushed aside.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Salon owner Marla Vail has busy days ahead as her family celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah, but she still agrees to take the place of the original speaker at the gala opening of a new exhibit at the local history museum. While she is speaking, the featured piece of the new exhibit, an antique hairbrush covered in diamonds, is stolen, and a security guard is severely injured. Becky Forest, the museum’s curator, needs the piece to be recovered as quickly as possible, so she asks Marla and Dalton to search for it before the mayor uses the theft to cut the museum’s funding. Oh, a huge side note: the missing hairbrush is said to be cursed. Could it be blamed for all the bad luck coursing through town? Marla and Dalton are on the case, and it looks like an inside job.
With baby #2 on the way, Marla should be slowing down, but the holidays are right around the corner, so things at the salon and at home are busy. The last thing she needs is another investigation. Dalton doesn’t want her to get involved, but he knows his wife. I enjoyed the way they worked together, separating only when necessary. Dalton is searching for ways to use his retired detective skills in a new form of employment. He wants to be more available for his growing family. Brianna drops by for a visit and lends an assist in the case. Ryder’s growing too fast. Ms. Cohen has created a wonderful little family. She has also created a dynamic supporting cast.
The author has plotted out a twisty mystery. Marla had to take a lot of time off to follow the clues; luckily, her clients are understanding. It took several visits to the museum to question all the employees. Following along with the clues, I had my focus pulled in one direction, but the motive was more complicated than I imagined. I was also surprised at who was involved. The curse adds extra depth to the story, as does all of the Hanukkah and Christmas holiday preparation. The mystery and daily life were nicely blended. I wish I had half of Marla’s energy.
Dreidels and Dead Ends is a fun holiday read and a great addition to this long-running series. Yes, it is the 19th book, but Ms. Cohen does an excellent job of including enough history for new readers to jump into the series anywhere. The characters are genuine, and the mystery was well-plotted, well-written, and entertaining. I enjoyed learning about antique hairbrushes. I also enjoyed all the food discussed and eaten. Marla’s Hanukkah Dinner Menu is at the end of the book, complete with recipes.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
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About Nancy J. Cohen
Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. Titles in this series have been named Best Cozy Mystery by Suspense Magazine, won the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and the RONE Award, placed first in the Chanticleer International Book Awards and third in the Arizona Literary Awards. Her nonfiction titles, Writing the Cozy Mystery and A Bad Hair Day Cookbook, have won the FAPA President’s Book Award, the Royal Palm Literary Award, and IAN Book of the Year. When not busy writing, Nancy enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World.
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Find the entire series on Amazon HERE.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways.
Valerie (V. M.) Burns is an Agatha and Edgar Award-nominated author. She is the author of the Mystery Bookshop, Dog Club, RJ Franklin, and Baker Street Mystery series. As Kallie E. Benjamin, Valerie writes the Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery series. She is an adjunct professor in the Writing Popular Fiction Program at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA, and a mentor in the Pocket MFA program. Born and raised in northwestern Indiana, Valerie now lives in Northern Georgia with her two poodles. Connect with Valerie at 
