‘Death Splits A Hair’ by Nancy Bell
Published by Robert Hale. ISBN 0-7090-7976-1

Author Nancy Bell is better known for her Biggie series but has also written another series featuring Texas Judge Jackson Crain.  In Death Splits a Hair when the popular town barber Joe Junior McBride is found brutally murdered in his home Judge Crain and the sheriff find themselves investigating the crime.  But who would want to murder such a well-liked person?  There are suspects galore from Joe III his somewhat wayward  son, his wife who was apparently upstairs having a shower when the murder took place, the new assistant that was taken on by Joe shortly before his death and the stranger who has come to town and looks remarkably like Joe. 

When Joe's young daughter Ashley is also kidnapped (whilst visiting his daughter Patty) it brings an added dimension to the investigation.  This is a entertaining and quaint read.  As much as there is a death  and mystery to solve, the author is also giving the reader an insight into a small town warts and all.  There is also a number of subplots that are taking place which keep the story flowing a long nicely without  overwhelming it.  Death Splits a Hair is a cosy that is worth indulging  in
.-------
Ayo Onatade