Step into the sultry, suspenseful world of the Bad Hair Day Mysteries, where South Florida hairstylist Marla Shore trades her scissors for sleuthing to unravel murder mysteries with wit and style! Written by Nancy J. Cohen, this cozy mystery series blends humor, romance, and a vibrant Florida setting, captivating readers with its charming protagonist and twisty plots.
With Marla at the helm, each book serves up a delightful mix of small-town charm, quirky characters, and just the right amount of danger, making Bad Hair Day a must-read for cozy mystery fans who crave a lighthearted escape.
How Bad Hair Day Began
Nancy J. Cohen, a former registered nurse turned award-winning author, launched the Bad Hair Day series in 1999 with Permed to Death. Inspired by her love for mysteries and her Florida roots, Cohen created Marla Shore, a tenacious salon owner whose knack for solving crimes mirrors her skill with a curling iron. Cohen’s background in romance writing and her involvement with the Florida Romance Writers and Mystery Writers of America shaped the series’ unique blend of cozy puzzles and heartfelt relationships.
The series grew from Cohen’s desire to craft stories that offer an escape from reality, where justice prevails, and readers can immerse themselves in a vivid South Florida backdrop. Her commitment to the cozy genre’s conventions—no graphic violence, a focus on puzzle-solving, and a strong sense of community—set the stage for Marla’s enduring appeal.
The Heart of Bad Hair Day
The Bad Hair Day series spans 19 books, each a standalone mystery tied together by Marla’s personal growth and her evolving romance with Detective Dalton Vail. In Permed to Death, Marla’s salon becomes a crime scene when a client dies in the shampoo chair, forcing her to clear her name by untangling a web of suspects. Hair Raiser sees Marla tackling sabotage at a coastal fundraiser, uncovering dark secrets among Ocean Guard’s board members. Murder by Manicure takes her to a fitness club where a whirlpool death sparks a nail-biting investigation, while Hanging by a Hair blends neighborhood drama with a murder next door.
Cohen’s stories shine through their South Florida setting, where palm trees, sunny beaches, and sultry vibes frame Marla’s adventures. Themes of justice, personal empowerment, and community weave through the series, as Marla listens to her clients’ gossip to crack cases and builds confidence in her sleuthing skills. The cozy style—light on gore, heavy on humor and heart—makes each book a comforting yet thrilling read, with quirky suspects and clever red herrings keeping readers guessing.
Marla’s journey from independent salon owner to a partner balancing love, family, and crime-solving adds depth, while Cohen’s witty dialogue and vivid descriptions bring Palm Haven to life. Whether it’s a sabotaged fundraiser or a haunted Halloween novella, the series delivers cozy mysteries with a tropical twist.
Why Bad Hair Day Resonates
The Bad Hair Day Mysteries have earned a devoted following and critical acclaim, with titles named Best Cozy Mystery by Suspense Magazine and winning awards like the Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal and the RONE Award. Fans adore Marla’s relatable tenacity and the series’ ability to balance humor, romance, and suspense in a sun-soaked setting. Cohen’s focus on community and justice resonates in a world where readers seek stories of good triumphing over evil.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its escapist charm and Marla’s growth as a character, making it a staple for cozy mystery lovers. Its influence extends to aspiring writers, with Cohen’s nonfiction guide, Writing the Cozy Mystery, inspiring new voices in the genre.
- First Book: Permed to Death (1999)
- Total Books: 19, plus novellas
- Awards: Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal, RONE Award, Chanticleer International Book Awards
- Setting: Palm Haven, South Florida
Grab Permed to Death and dive into the Bad Hair Day Mysteries’ sun-soaked world of cozy crime-solving!