This along with running her beauty salon and listening to Cynthia's concerns about her late-teen daughter leaves Marla little time for recreation…Police Detective Dalton Vail, and even less time to juggle new love interest, Ocean Guard board member David Newberg, nevermind solving the murder of board member/attorney Ben Kline.

Marla is certain Ben's murder is connected to the Taste of the World event and the threats made of the participating chefs and begins, against the advice of Dalton, investigating the board members. Marla learns that each of these members harbors their own secret, but also learns that someone is ready to inherit a tract of land Ocean Guard is protecting, if they can't meet their annual payment of $20,000. Convinced she has the right motive, Marla sets out to find a killer, only to learn there is more that one motive afoot and more than one person anxious to put her out of business permanently.

Hair Raiser is a fast-paced, one sitting read that may keep all but the sharpest-eyed readers confused until the very end. The clues are laid out, but presented subtly enough to keep readers on their toes. Marla is a genuine character, concerned with others and her surroundings. Her one trait that may become annoying is her constant references to men that are interested in pursuing a romantic relationship with her.

Cynthia comes from a more privileged life and seems to look down on Marla, although she looks to her often for guidance and after one good haircut gets sappy with Marla, telling her she's sorry for thinking Marla wasn't as good as she because she didn't have a college degree and owned a beauty shop, a scene some might find a bit over dramatic.

Overall, a refreshingly honest new heroine and a solid mystery that is sure to win fans for this fledgling series and have them looking forward to many more Bad Hair Days.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry