Nancy J. Cohen grew up as an avid reader of Nancy Drew and Cherry Ames mystery books. The latter inspired her to become a registered nurse. She earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Rochester and a master's degree from the University of California in San Francisco. After working for several years as a clinical nurse specialist, Ms. Cohen retired to write full-time. She made her debut onto the publishing scene with romance novels written as Nancy Cane. Her first book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, won the prestigious HOLT Medallion Award.

PERMED TO DEATH is Ms. Cohen's debut mystery title. This story is book #1 in The Bad Hair Day Mysteries which are set in South Florida where the author resides. The series stars beauty salon owner Marla Shore whose sassy style leads her to untangle mysteries with the same aplomb that she fixes clients' hair. HAIR RAISER is the second in the series.

Ms. Cohen is an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America, Novelists, Inc., and The Author's Guild. Currently, she is Secretary for the Florida chapter of MWA. She's been a featured speaker on panels at conferences, bookstores, and local community groups. Her articles have appeared in The 3rd Degree, The Kiss of Death, Romance Writers' Report, The Literary Times, and Romantic Times. When she is not busy writing, Ms. Cohen enjoys dining at different restaurants, world travel, outlet shopping, and schmoozing with fellow writers. She lives with her husband, two children,and a poodle named Misty who bears a strong resemblance to Marla's dog, Spooks.