Styled for Murder: A Bad Hair Day Mystery, by Nancy J. Cohen

I've read several of the books in this series and enjoyed them. Marla's change in circumstances from earlier stories, now a mother, with responsibilities pulling her in different directions adds a new element to the series. Exhausted from dealing with the new baby, she at first feels aggravation when her mother calls demanding she come over, over right now. That aggravation turns into worry when she discovers why. A body has been discovered in the shower of a bathroom remodel being done at their home. 

Having to deal with a young child and getting him to day care is a new wrinkle in Marla's day but she arrives ready to deal with, well, whatever. She initially doesn't even know whether it's a natural death or something more chilling. Needless to say, when she discovers the body was found with one of her step-father's ties wrapped around its neck, however, there is little doubt. It's clear who the chief suspect will be.

I found myself a bit irritated at Marla for essentially managing to clash with the investigating officer almost immediately. Classic conflict in cozy mysteries and since Marla is a police wife herself, I just found this irritating. I gave her a pass, however, given that her exhaustion and lack of sleep had been revealed.I won't detail the plot as I'm sure others will do a far better job than I could. Let's just say secrets long hidden are revealed, suspects and bodies multiple, and Marla remains exhausted but presses on in her search for truth, even rushing in when warned not to. Typical cozy heroine, huh?

Marla's need to somehow maintain the precarious balance between her life as a wife and mother, friend, daughter, and amateur sleuth seems to leave her unbalanced at times. She's also a bit surprised to realize she misses the rush of being involved in helping solve a mystery/murder. These demands, combined with her need to know, do lead her into a precarious situation at the end. I found her sudden thought that she couldn't just give up without a fight and leave her son without a mother endearing. Even afterward there are more surprises in Marla's future. Just like life, she sees pluses and minuses in this unexpected event. How does it turn out? I guess we'll have to wait on the next book in the series to find out. 

Thanks to #NetGallery and #OrangeGrovePress for the ARC.