When local business woman Constance DuBois elbows her way into the salon for a last minute appointment, the entire atmosphere of the salon is changed. And when Constance’s already over-processed hair turns orange, she threatens to close the long run shop, knowing Violetta doesn’t have a beautician’s license. 

Later that evening after the meeting, mother and daughter find Constance dead in the parking lot.  In spite of the fact that Grace heard Constance arguing with the store’s representative, Violetta is still high on the police’s list of suspects.  Grace tries to steer police elsewhere, but keeps finding other suspects who are also members of the local community which doesn’t make her breathe any easier.

Loaded with Southern charm, Lila Dare’s first mystery is full of warm, eccentric characters and hometown warmth.  Grace’s ex is on the police force, still as smarmy as when he was her husband, not giving her much room to find a new relationship. Making matters worse in that department, a special agent who is very suspicious of Violetta seems to be Grace’s best bet for a new romance. 

The mystery of Constance’s death has plenty of red herrings and viable suspects, all of which lead to the clever solving of two other disappearances many years before.  Even without Constance, Violetta still has plenty of problems with her self-taught beauty skills, no matter how refined they are. However, Grace, with a little help from an unlikely source, comes up with a solution that ensures the continuance of Violetta’s salon and a charming new series.                                                                                               

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry