A BAD HAIR DAY COOKBOOK
Recipes from Nancy J. Cohen’s Cozy Mystery Series
GENRE: Cozy Mystery / Cookbook
PUBLISHER: Orange Grove Press
RELEASE DATE: November 19, 2019
PAGES: 324
Are you having a bad hair day? Whip out your whisk, snatch up your spoon, and prepare your palate. Inside the pages of this cookbook are recipes that will bring you good cheer.
Enjoy 160+ tasty recipes from Nancy J. Cohen’s popular Bad Hair Day cozy mystery series. Included in this cookbook are excerpts, cooking tips, and anecdotes written by hairstylist and savvy sleuth Marla Vail. From appetizers to desserts, Marla offers cooking tips and tricks along with commentary about the dishes she prepares for her family. Whether you’re a skilled cook or an eager novice, this cookbook will unravel the mystery of cooking. Put on your apron and plan to make some killer recipes! Bonuses Include:
• Meet the Sleuth
• Introduction by Marla Vail
• Cooking Tips
• Excerpts from Series Titles
• Themed Menu Suggestions
• “A Sabbath Dinner” by Nancy’s MotherFor Home Cooks, Food Lovers, Mystery Fans and Cookbook Collectors
“Reading through this cookbook has revived my interest in getting back in the kitchen.” Rhonda Gilliland, Author and Editor of the Cooked to Death Series
“Designed for busy cooks who may not be out solving crimes, but whose time is equally challenged.” Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
“Mysteries and cookbooks belong side by side on readers’ shelves. A Bad Hair Day Cookbook serves up both food and justice.” Christine A. Jackson, Ph.D., Author of Myth and Ritual in Women’s Detective Fiction
I realize I don’t usually review cookbooks … but I do review cozy mysteries, and A Bad Hair Day Cookbook is the best of both worlds. It’s a cookbook within a cozy mystery universe, a concept which I find delightful in every way.
Right away, Cohen introduces us to Marla Vail, the protagonist in her Bad Hair Day mystery series, and then ‘Marla’ takes over and the rest of the cookbook is mostly from her point of view. This technique serves to engage fans of the series, as well as people who haven’t read any of the books yet, and it enhances the book snippets that occur at the end of each recipe category. I also especially loved reading the article on a Sabbath Dinner, written by Cohen’s mother, included at the end of the book.
Strawberry Cobbler (pic taken from author’s Facebook page)All the recipes look delicious! I’m most anxious to try the Citrus Cider (seems very cozy and perfect for the holidays, Chicken Spaghetti (her version seems less involved than others I’ve tried), Zucchini Quiche (love light meal ideas!), and the Strawberry Cobbler (because… how is that a bad idea?). The recipes are organized into the following categories:
APPETIZERS
BEVERAGES
BREADS
SAUCES
SOUPS
ENTREES – BEEF
ENTREES – LAMB
ENTREES – POULTRY
ENTREES – FISH
ENTREES – VEGETARIAN
SIDE DISHES
DESSERTS
Bottom Line: A Bad Hair Day Cookbook is a great way to find yummy new recipes and a cozy mystery series to try (or keep following) all at the same time. More than ‘just’ a cookbook, this is a fun collection of recipes with a cozy mystery twist sure to tantalize your taste buds and your avid reader radar as well. Cohen also adds a personal touch throughout, from her protagonist as well as the author’s own heritage, and readers will appreciate these meaningful peeks into both lives.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received via Great Escapes. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
My Rating: 4.5 stars / fun twist on a cookbook!
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Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. Titles in this series have been named Best Cozy Mystery by Suspense Magazine, won a Readers’ Favorite gold medal, placed first in the Chanticleer International Book Awards and third in the Arizona Literary Awards. Nancy’s instructional guide, Writing the Cozy Mystery, was nominated for an Agatha Award and won a gold medal at the President’s Book Awards from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association. When not busy writing, Nancy enjoys cooking, fine dining, cruising, visiting Disney World, and shopping.
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Other Books by Nancy J. Cohen
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What about you? What interests you most about A Bad Hair Day Cookbook? Which types of recipes would you look up first?
Thank you so much for this wonderful review!
Love the title!! Looks like fun 🙂
The cookbook was fun to write, Liz. This project was totally new to me and a learning experience along the way.
Thanks for this wonderful feature and giveaway. This collection is creative and unique. The recipes and stories are a real treasure.
Thank you, Anne. These are recipes that I have been making for my family forever, and even my daughter contributed! It was fun writing the commentary from Marla’s viewpoint.
Sounds like a good book.
I hope you’ll pick up a copy, Rita. The cookbook makes a good gift, too.
Fun idea…and I always love new recipes!! Thanks for sharing. ?
These recipes are ones I’ve been making forever. I hope you’ll consider getting yourself a copy of the cookbook!
This cookbook has me drooling! ?The wide variety of recipes is great! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I hope you’ll get a copy for yourself, Martha!
The chicken spaghetti sounds good. I love to try new easy recipes.
The chicken spaghetti is so easy to make. Depending on how many are in your family, it can last for a few days.
Thanks so much for the review and giveaway!
you’re welcome!