A Dyeing Shame

Myrtle Clover is just the type of crafty, snoopy little old lady that you have to laugh at... and give thanks that she doesn't belong to you. Even though her son Red has told all of his police officers not to say a word about this murder investigation to his mother, Myrtle still finds out bits and pieces of information that spur her on. This woman is sharp-- and she's not above playing the age card when she thinks it will get her what she wants. There always seems to be someone who falls for the "confused little old lady" or the "worn out little old lady," and once they do, Myrtle swoops in for the kill. Metaphorically speaking, that is.

The mystery's a good one, with a long list of suspects, but it's Myrtle who's the star of A Dyeing show more Shame. If you're in the mood for some fast-paced fun, this is one old lady to spend the afternoon with. Just make sure your house can withstand a snoop-through. show less

A fun no brainer. When the drunken owner of the Beauty Box hair dresser is killed the investigation begins. Definitely murdered as the scissors in her back and getting tossed down a flight of stairs proves very fast. What the detective in charge finds out is that Tammy has managed to offend 1/2 the town before she is murdered. Enter the police chiefs elderly mother to solve the crime. A few twists and turns makes this an enjoyable read.

This was a pleasant mystery. Not too hard to read, just something fun.

I enjoy that Myrtle, the protagonist, is a woman in her 80's. A lot of cozy mysteries feel the need to throw in a love interest, and I like that Myrtle is not out there looking for love, or dating a local detective. In this story, her son is the Chief of Police, so that takes care of the police connection. I like her relationship with her son, Red, and his wife, Elaine. I like that she is not super physically fit, and struggles getting up the stairs.

My only complaint was that the pacing was a little slow in the middle. But otherwise, this book was exactly what I expected, a nice solid cozy mystery.

A DYEING SHAME is one of a series of soft mysteries featuring Myrtle Clover, an 80-something living in North Carolina. This one revolves around a hair salon. Most of the women characters meet there where they interact with the three staff members. Gossiping seems to be the main draw.
Tammy, the owner, has been acting strangely because of her close relationship with alcohol. As the story opens, she is at work, messing up a customer’s hair, and abusing almost everyone else in the shop. Within a few chapters, she is killed and Myrtle tries to identify the murderer. There are lots of suspects and a few subplots.
I found the story easy to follow but unrealistic in several areas. For example, why would any woman allow a drunk woman to work show more on her hair? Why would a salon owner be jealous of the person she mentored? Why would any state give a 10-year driving license to a woman in her eighties? Why would the police chief share so much information with his mother?
I don’t think I’ll read any of the rest of the series. show less

This sprightly octogenarian, Myrtle Clover, is engaged in finding a murderer. Even though her son Red, the Police Chief won't share details of the crime, Myrtle forges ahead with her investigation. A cozy mystery to enjoy!

Good story but slow paced.