One of multiple series written by Elizabeth Spann Craig, the Myrtle Clover Mysteries focuses on octogenarian Myrtle Clover, who is a retired teacher with a penchant for memorized quotes and solving murders. With the help of her neighbour Miles and rather less willingly her son Red (a police officer) she uses her contacts in town to figure out the who done its. 

Myrtle also writes for the local paper, usually a home remedies piece (“After painting a room, put your leftover pain in an empty mustard or ketchup bottle to squeeze out and spread for touch-ups later.) but she also reports on the murders she solves (helps to butter up the editor to share any information he has, or to draw a wily killer out of hiding). With her cane in hand and her keen mind working Myrtle is a riot to follow as she works out the puzzles in her town. 

A Dyeing Shame (the first in the series) focuses on the death Tammy, the hair salon owner who had recently turned to alcohol abuse and the spilling of the town ladies’ secrets. While not overly missed her death has stirred things up. If you enjoy a good cozy murder mystery with an interesting sleuth in a town full of characters this is the perfect book for that snowy day. Settle down with a mug of hot chocolate and let Myrtle finagle her way to the solution.  

A Dyeing Shame