Lila Dare

SUMMARY: Divorced beautician Grace Terhune has moved back to her hometown of St. Elizabeth, Georgia, working in the beauty shop her mother, Violetta, runs out of her home. While getting over her failed marriage and readjusting to small town life, grand society dame Constance DuBois blows into the shop, is dissatisfied with her treatment, and leaves in a huff, issuing dire threats of vengeance. When she later turns up dead, Violetta is number one on the suspect list, and Grace is not about to show more let her mother be railroaded.

WHY YOU'LL LIKE THIS: Grace is a funny, smart, and capable heroine. She doesn't let people walk all over her, instead preferring to smile sweetly as she delivers her barbs and looks of outrage. Most interesting (and appreciated) about her is that she's not dumb. She doesn't stumble over clues, but actually goes looking for them, utilizing the brain she knows she has. There are elements of romance, but they're mostly undercurrents and don't in anyway overpower the plot or take away from the fact that this is a mystery novel. The Southern setting is charming, the secondary characters are fabulously well-drawn, and the text is snappy and engaging. Well-written, well-paced, and with superior characterization, this novel is a winner.

WHY YOU WON'T: If you're paying close enough attention, you'll figure out who the killer is relatively early on. If this is the case, just sit back and enjoy the ride as Grace puts the pieces together. There are other minor mysteries to be solved, and a slew of capable red herrings to distract you. Even if you discover the killer's identity prior to the denouement, it's worth continuing the book to see how everything is resolved.

BOTTOM LINE: One of the best releases in the cozy genre in quite some time. If you're familiar with the genre, this novel is a breath of fresh air - Grace is gutsy and determined, intelligent without being irritating, and is no milquetoast. She's someone with whom I'd like to grab a drink and gossip. You just can't help but root for her and admire her tenacity. And for those who don't believe the cozy genre is for them, give this book a try and be pleasantly surprised. This is a welcome addition to the genre, and definitely a series to watch. show less

I'm so glad I tried this series. It was just fun and had all the qualities a good cozy should have. Mystery? - yep, Fun characters? - yep, Great setting? - yep, Going to continue the series? - you bet!

2.5**

High school senior Rachel Whitley enlists Grace Terhune, a stylist in the beauty shop where Rachel is the shampoo girl, as a chaperone for a class field trip. The students are going to investigate purported paranormal activity at a local antebellum mansion. It’s said that the spirit of Cyril Rothmere haunts the staircase where he fell (or was pushed) to his death. But instead of a ghost, Rachel finds fellow student Braden McCullers at the base of the same stairs. As he clings to life show more in the hospital intensive care unit, Rachel asks the ladies at Violetta’s salon to help her investigate what really happened.

I read cozies for the atmosphere – especially when they are set in a small Southern town – and for the quirky cast of characters. BUT, I do expect a reasonable murder mystery, and that where this particular book fell short. I liked the relationships between Grace, her mother ViIoletta (owner of the salon), Althea Jenkins (part-time aesthetician) and Stella Michaelson (manicurist); these are some strong ladies, physically, mentally and emotionally. I also thought the supporting cast of characters – students, school staff, police, etc – were suitably colorful.

But the plot? Well, there really isn’t much of one. The hurricane bearing down on the community was more in evidence that the mystery investigation.

This is book three in the series, though it’s the first one I’ve read, and perhaps the author is running out of ideas. Still, it’s a fast read and I might pick up another if it’s fulfills several challenges (as this one did). show less

Hair stylist, Grace Terhune, and manicurist, Stella Michaelson are hired to work a beauty pageant where lots of mysterious accidents are happening. Soon after they start work, Audrey Faye, the pageant organizer, is murdered. Suspicion falls on Stella who's husband was having an affair with Audrey. But she is not the only one with a grudge and secrets. Grace gets involved trying to help her friend. Good mystery with interesting side characters.