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Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day mystery series and the Keri Armstrong cozy mysteries. Her titles have been named Best Cozy Mystery by Suspense Magazine and have won the Readers’ Favorite and FAPA President’s Book Awards, the RONE Award, the Royal Palm Literary Award, and IAN Book of the Year. She’s placed first in the Chanticleer International Book Awards and third in the Arizona Literary Awards. Her nonfiction title, Writing the Cozy Mystery, was also an Agatha Award Finalist. Active in the writing community, Nancy is a past president of Mystery Writers of America Florida Chapter and Florida Romance Writers. When not busy writing, she enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World.
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
Murder Pays a Call by Nancy J. Cohen is a cozy sleuth mystery set in Sunny Grove, Florida, a small town full of charm and chilling secrets. Keri Armstrong is the owner of A Friend in Need Agency, a concierge service catering to the area’s elite. When Keri calls her elderly client and dear friend Fiona Sullivan to confirm details for a PHEADA charity gala, Fiona’s tone suddenly shifts. She’s concerned she’s made a terrible mistake and insists on discussing it in person. When Keri arrives at Fiona’s lakeside home with groceries, she senses something is wrong: the newspapers are untouched, the curtains are drawn, and the house is eerily silent. Upstairs, she finds Fiona lifeless on her bed amid overturned drawers and scattered belongings—evidence that a break-in has taken place. Keri vows to uncover the truth and soon finds herself working alongside Detective Jeff Saunders as secrets about Fiona’s past begin to surface.
Nancy J. Cohen has delivered another engaging addition to her cozy mysteries, balancing warmth, wit, and suspense. Keri’s character was relatable as the amateur sleuth readers would likely root for. She was persistent in proving that Fiona’s death was not a mere robbery. The plot unfolded in a steady and gradual fashion that balanced the suspense and emotions. Detective Saunders added strength and focus to the story, while Keri’s meticulous assistant, Purdy, added calm practicality and loyalty. I appreciated how Nancy J. Cohen allowed the clues to emerge through everyday details like the conversations, documents, and reflective moments. There were also plenty of possible motives that kept me guessing. Murder Pays a Call would likely appeal to fans of Leslie Budewitz’s Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries or Barbara Ross’s Maine Clambake Mysteries.
