"Beauty and Murder"

Persia Vanderbilt is helping her aunt in her local bath and body store, Venus Envy, in Gull Harbor, Washington. Persia blends custom oils for the customers.

Lydia Wang won a local beauty pageant, but she is not very nice. She wants the Mirror of Aphrodite that Persia's friend brought back for her. It reflects only the most beautiful aspects of the person looking into it. It's not for sale.

The next morning Persia arrives at the shop to find not only Lydia dead, but the mirror missing. The police suspect Trevor, one of the shop's treasured employees. Persia sets out to prove that Trevor didn't do it.

Can she find out the truth without becoming a victim herself?

This is the first book I've read in this series, but it definitely won't be the last. I really enjoyed Persia. She is a fun and likeable character, and she didn't do stupid things in her investigating.

The plot was well written and the story moved along at a good pace. It is a great cozy mystery. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Dawn Dowdle
Courtesy Mystery Lovers Corner
Posted May 25, 2006

Summary

A refreshing debut: first in the new Bath and Body mystery series. Includes beauty and spa tips!

From custom blended oils to relaxing spa services, the store Venus Envy takes care of all the beauty needs of Gull Harbor, Washington. Behind the counter is Persia Vanderbilt, a woman with a nose for mixing scents—and a mind for solving murder.