Black Curl — Constance Little

The 21st of 21 mysteries by the sisters finds the Littles up to their usual tricks. Bill Runson's happy and prosperous life turns sour when his late father's second wife, an alluring woman with neglibigle scrupes, arrives on his doorstep with her daughter--who catches Bill's eye--and another cousin in tow, all three of whom are looking forward to leading the high life at Bill's expense. Then Bill's black curl was cropped in his sleep and a body was found preserved in ice in the refrigerator. First published in 1953.