Monday, December 17, 2018

DIXIELAND DEAD by Penny Burwell Ewing


Title:  DIXIELAND DEAD

Series:  Haunted Salon #1

Author:  Penny Burwell Ewing

Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Publish Date:   09.23.2016

Category /Genre:  Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Recommended for:  18+ due to sexual content

Grammar/editing:  A – near perfect

Received from:  Penny Burwell Ewing (via NetGalley as an ARC gifted copy)

Goodreads link: Dixieland Dead

Date completed: 12.08.2018



Description from the publisher:

When the economy tanks in Whiskey Creek, Georgia, hairstylist, Jolene Claiborne expands her business to include skin care.  A wise move until Scarlett Cantrell, a local celebrity, is murdered in the facial room.  The police brush aside Jolene’s suspicions that the incident is tied to a recent break-in, and to complicate matters, the victim's ghost threatens to make Dixieland Salon her permanent place of residence if Jolene fails to expose the killer.

Scarlett’s last words provide the only clue: “Find the jade elephant.  Explains everything.”  That is until a book of poetry turns up with a dangerous secret inside.  Dealing with a diva ghost ain’t easy in the Bible belt.  Throw in a sexy police detective, a crooked mayor with connections to the mob, a family cover-up, a mother who hasn’t cut the apron strings, and you get one stressed out middle-aged hairstylist with murder and mayhem on the brain.

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DIXIELAND DEAD is the first book in the Haunted Salon series.  As with most cozy mystery series, I would recommend reading the first one first.  This is where you “meet” the characters.



This was a fun, humorous, Southern, paranormal, cozy mystery with a touch of romantic angst.  This promises to be a wonderful series.



I loved Jolene, her sisters, their clients and co-workers, and Scarlett the ghost.  Not all of the characters are immediately likeable, but they grow on you as most people do.



I loved the mystery and the suspense.  Awesome book – well written!



The first chapter of book two is included at the end of the book.  I read it and then kicked myself because I don’t have that second book yet!  I want more!



Note:  While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.



Haunted Salon series:

  1. Dixieland Dead
  2. Utterly Deadly Southern Pecan Pie
  3. A Dead Pig in the Sunshine
  4. Bein’ Dead Ain’t No Excuse

Also from Penny Burwell Ewing:

  • Jingle Bells and Krampus Spells:  A Scarlett Cantrell Christmas Novella
  • Sweetwater Groves




















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