I always loved cosmetics but not everyone agreed with me. What I considered transformative others called tarting up women for male approval. That didn’t deter me one bit. After all, self-improvement and reaching for the stars were part of American DNA. I’d always envisioned becoming a famous artist like my aunt Violet Davis a woman who had conquered both the art and cosmetics scene. Acceptance at the Art Institute of Chicago seemed like the first step in realizing that dream– until it wasn’t. I’d never failed at anything before until my advisor called my work pedestrian and uninspired. Suddenly the meteoric rise of Marketta Davis, golden girl of Harbor Bay Michigan, ended with a resounding thud.

Short of cash and out of options, I fled to my hometown to lick my wounds. Self-pity is unproductive and I must admit I almost drowned in it. A chance meeting with Gemma Watts, my high school buddy finally straightened me out.

“Big deal,” said the vivacious redhead. “You finally failed at something. Welcome to the real world, Ms. Marky. Get down with the rest of us commoners. Stop moping and start thinking, girlfriend. You need a plan B.”

Her words stung but I knew she was right. When Aunt Violet suggested merging my artistic skill with cosmetic know how, the heavens aligned. POPPET, a high-end beauty emporium was born and with Gemma as my partner, I changed from would be artist to eager entrepreneur.

It wasn’t easy. Without my aunt’s financial boost, POPPET never would have materialized.

It took planning and plenty of elbow grease to realize the dream. When my former beau Blaike Harrington waltzed into the store, I gladly accepted his business suggestions and know-how. Years ago, our parting had been acrimonious—at least on his part. Blaike offered me a wedding ring, but I was fixated on grabbing the brass ring. Now we were both content to share a platonic friendship.

We planned a gala opening night for POPPET, complete with complimentary services, champagne, and tasty treats. Gemma suggested inviting the city council members as our guests an idea that I heartily endorsed. Everything went smoothly until our loathsome landlord Paul Prentis sauntered in. Before long this spoiled scion of a real estate empire alienated every guest and started a brawl that nearly destroyed our beautiful store. Hardly an auspicious start for a new business!

Things only worsened when Gemma found Paul’s corpse in the alley of Poppet with a jaunty violet cord wrapped tightly about his neck. Despite devouring every mystery novel I could get my hands on, I’d never seen a dead body. Take my word for it, reading fiction was preferable to confronting reality.

Prentis made enemies wherever he went but unfortunately Gemma was at the top of the list. I knew my pal was innocent and vowed to clear her and salvage POPPET’s reputation. Aunt Violet cautioned me against meddling and police chief Gideon Hall ordered me to back off. They were right of course but I just couldn’t do it. When a muck-raking journalist hit town, the situation only worsened. Harbor Bay erupted into a frenzy of suspicion, secrets, and lies that led to still another murder.

I’m a natural optimist but with fear stalking my hometown, Harbor Bay resembled Chicago more than a peaceful resort community. I made up my mind to act. After all, following clues couldn’t be so hard. That bit of hubris almost cost me my life.

Murder at First Blush, A Cosmetic Crimes Mystery #1
Genre: Cozy
Release: November 2022
Purchase Link

Marketta (Marky) Davis, the pride of Harbor Bay, Michigan, excelled in everything.

Marketta Davis was Harbor Bay’s golden girl until the Chicago Art Institute sent her packing. She returned to her hometown determined to succeed by operating a beauty emporium stocked with upscale products. Unfortunately, on opening night a grisly corpse littered the alleyway of her store. Marky and partner Gemma Reid team up to save their business and their lives by finding the culprit.

About the author
Arlene Kay spent twenty years as a Senior Federal Executive before repenting of her bureaucratic ways and turning to crime. (writing) Assignments from Texas to Washington DC allowed this unconventional executive to observe both corporate and human foibles and rejoice in unintentional humor. These locations and the many people she encountered are celebrated in her mystery novels. Fans enjoy the intriguing plots and the snarky sense of humor spiked with the occasional hint of romance.

Published novels include Intrusion; Die Laughing; The Abacus Prize (Mainly Murder Press); The Boston Uncommon Series—Swann Dive; Mantrap; Gilt Trip; and Swann Songs (Bellebridge Books); The Creature Comfort Series—Death by Dog Show; Homicide by Horseshow; and Murder at the Falls (Kensington Publishing); and the forthcoming Cosmetic Crimes Series—Murder at First Blush; the Mascara Murders; and Conditioned for Murder from Level Best Books. She recently completed a traditional novel, The Acolyte, a Cape Cod mystery.

Ms. Kay holds graduate degrees in Political Science and Constitutional Law.

GIVEAWAY: Arlene will award one lucky respondent a $25.00 digital gift certificate to BLUEMERCURY (Marketta’s favorite cosmetic store). To enter, please leave a comment below and tell us what’s your favorite cosmetic. One entry per person and the giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends November 4, 2022. Good luck everyone!

All comments are welcomed.