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Record Shop Mystery #3
Rhythm and Clues
The rhythm is gonna get you.
It’s been five whole months since the last murder in Cedar River, Texas, and Juni Jessup and her sisters Tansy and Maggie have been humming along when disaster strikes again.
Their struggling vinyl records shop/coffee nook, Sip & Spin Records, is under pressure from predatory investors, though the Jessup sisters aren’t ready to face the music and admit defeat. But the night after their
meeting, the sketchy financier is killed outside their shop during a torrential Texas thunderstorm that washes out all the roads in and out of town. Now the sisters find themselves trapped in Cedar River with a killer, and Juni is determined to solve the case.
When the river spits out an unexpected surprise, Detective Beau Russell asks for Juni’s help, never predicting her investigation will spin her into danger. Up until now, the Jessup sisters have been playing it by ear, but with
the whole town watching, can they catch a killer before he strikes again?
It’s been five whole months since the last murder in Cedar River, Texas, and Juni Jessup and her sisters Tansy and Maggie have been humming along when disaster strikes again.
Their struggling vinyl records shop/coffee nook, Sip & Spin Records, is under pressure from predatory investors, though the Jessup sisters aren’t ready to face the music and admit defeat. But the night after their
meeting, the sketchy financier is killed outside their shop during a torrential Texas thunderstorm that washes out all the roads in and out of town. Now the sisters find themselves trapped in Cedar River with a killer, and Juni is determined to solve the case.
When the river spits out an unexpected surprise, Detective Beau Russell asks for Juni’s help, never predicting her investigation will spin her into danger. Up until now, the Jessup sisters have been playing it by ear, but with
the whole town watching, can they catch a killer before he strikes again?
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 26, 2024
About the author
Olivia Blacke
11 books391 followersOlivia Blacke (she/her) had her first ghost encounter when she was only five years old, but her first involvement with an active crime scene wasn’t until much later, when she accidentally stepped into a chalk outline on a Manhattan sidewalk. Armed with a Criminology and Criminal Justice degree, she finally found a way to channel her love of the supernatural and passion for writing into darkly humorous supernatural mysteries. She is also the author of the Record Shop Mysteries and the Brooklyn Murder Mysteries. She still wants to be a unicorn when she grows up.
Social media links, blog, and up-to-date news is found at: OliviaBlacke.com
Newsletter signup: http://www.oliviablacke.com/newsletter
Social media links, blog, and up-to-date news is found at: OliviaBlacke.com
Newsletter signup: http://www.oliviablacke.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
December 16, 2023
Juni and her sisters run a combined coffee shop/ vinyl record store in Texas. Zack, a man she remembers from college, is trying to get the sisters to let him and his partner to invest in the shop. He and his partner are driving when someone throws a brick at their car, and a fatality results. The investment company is decidedly shady, and several local businesses have been victimized by them. Could one of the unhappy business owners be a murderer? And can Juni solve the case before the local police? Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
March 21, 2024
Olivia Blacke is a new author for me and this is the third book in the Record Shop Mystery series. This was a fun book and I plan to read more by this author. This book can easily be read as a stand alone.
Description:
It’s been five whole months since the last murder in Cedar River, Texas, and Juni Jessup and her sisters Tansy and Maggie have been humming along when disaster strikes again.
Their struggling vinyl records shop/coffee nook, Sip & Spin Records, is under pressure from predatory investors, though the Jessup sisters aren’t ready to face the music and admit defeat. But the night after their
meeting, the sketchy financier is killed outside their shop during a torrential Texas thunderstorm that washes out all the roads in and out of town. Now the sisters find themselves trapped in Cedar River with a killer, and Juni is determined to solve the case.
When the river spits out an unexpected surprise, Detective Beau Russell asks for Juni’s help, never predicting her investigation will spin her into danger. Up until now, the Jessup sisters have been playing it by ear, but with
the whole town watching, can they catch a killer before he strikes again?
My Thoughts:
I loved the record / coffee shop setting and the sisters who worked together to revive this family business. This book gave me exactly what I want from a good cozy mystery: a small town setting, friendly characters with a sense of community, a little romance, and a murder mystery to solve. The shady investment company angle adds interest to the story and to the investigation. The two romantic interests competing for Juni also adds interest. I have to admit I like Beau the best of the two. I liked the names they gave the coffee selections, they added some fun. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good cozy mystery.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication on March 26, 2024.
Description:
It’s been five whole months since the last murder in Cedar River, Texas, and Juni Jessup and her sisters Tansy and Maggie have been humming along when disaster strikes again.
Their struggling vinyl records shop/coffee nook, Sip & Spin Records, is under pressure from predatory investors, though the Jessup sisters aren’t ready to face the music and admit defeat. But the night after their
meeting, the sketchy financier is killed outside their shop during a torrential Texas thunderstorm that washes out all the roads in and out of town. Now the sisters find themselves trapped in Cedar River with a killer, and Juni is determined to solve the case.
When the river spits out an unexpected surprise, Detective Beau Russell asks for Juni’s help, never predicting her investigation will spin her into danger. Up until now, the Jessup sisters have been playing it by ear, but with
the whole town watching, can they catch a killer before he strikes again?
My Thoughts:
I loved the record / coffee shop setting and the sisters who worked together to revive this family business. This book gave me exactly what I want from a good cozy mystery: a small town setting, friendly characters with a sense of community, a little romance, and a murder mystery to solve. The shady investment company angle adds interest to the story and to the investigation. The two romantic interests competing for Juni also adds interest. I have to admit I like Beau the best of the two. I liked the names they gave the coffee selections, they added some fun. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good cozy mystery.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication on March 26, 2024.
February 26, 2024
Review coming soon.
March 27, 2024
Loved it! This series just keeps getting better and better. The mystery is the main focus, as it should be, and the character development is just enough to let you get to know them all without inundating you with all their baggage at one time. And, yes, the dreaded love triangle is finally resolved – or has it? There was a TSTL moment and one “Parent Trap” switch that seemed unbelievable but other than that, this was the perfect cozy to get me through the day. This could be read as a standalone but I always recommend starting with the first in the series.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for an honest review.
December 17, 2023
#RhythmandClues #NetGalley is the third book in this fun series, featuring sisters Tansey, Maggie and Juni, owners of Sip and Spin, a local coffee and vinyl record shop
The sisters enjoy their shop, but have financial struggles like other small businesses do. An investor is interested in Sip and Spin, but Juni remembers the main investor from her college days, and her opinion of him hasn't changed.
The last thing Juni needs in her life is another man, especially when she's trying to sort out her feelings for her high school sweetheart Beau, and childhood friend Teddy.
Juni isn't impressive with the investor, especially when he becomes a little too hands on with her.
A major storm soon brings down buckets of rain, and when Juni and her sister check on their shop, a loud crash has them rushing outside, to find a car up on the curb, hitting Tansey's car in the process.
The only occupant is in the passenger seat, covered in glass and unresponsive. Juni takes a closer look only to find Zack, the investor she was with earlier, and he's not breathing.
Juni soon finds herself wrapped up in the murder investigation, while providing shelter for Savannah, Zack's investment partner, who is grieving his death.
I found myself loving this book, the mystery was really good and I was shocked when the actual perpetrator was revealed.
I love the record shop vibe in the series, I remember my own excitement when a new record was released and the joy of browsing through the stores.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
The sisters enjoy their shop, but have financial struggles like other small businesses do. An investor is interested in Sip and Spin, but Juni remembers the main investor from her college days, and her opinion of him hasn't changed.
The last thing Juni needs in her life is another man, especially when she's trying to sort out her feelings for her high school sweetheart Beau, and childhood friend Teddy.
Juni isn't impressive with the investor, especially when he becomes a little too hands on with her.
A major storm soon brings down buckets of rain, and when Juni and her sister check on their shop, a loud crash has them rushing outside, to find a car up on the curb, hitting Tansey's car in the process.
The only occupant is in the passenger seat, covered in glass and unresponsive. Juni takes a closer look only to find Zack, the investor she was with earlier, and he's not breathing.
Juni soon finds herself wrapped up in the murder investigation, while providing shelter for Savannah, Zack's investment partner, who is grieving his death.
I found myself loving this book, the mystery was really good and I was shocked when the actual perpetrator was revealed.
I love the record shop vibe in the series, I remember my own excitement when a new record was released and the joy of browsing through the stores.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
April 18, 2024
I had such high hopes for this book, and I was very disappointed.
The first promise of puns lured me in, but it certainly wasn't enough to save this book from its myriad flaws. The main character is the epitome of the Quirky Girl, and it was exhausting listening to her. You're telling me that this grown woman rides a TRICYCLE? The quirks can't possibly stop there...she loves to eat but can't cook! She's the only one in town who can solve crimes! She is the best barista in the entire world and her customers are completely fine having whatever she feels like making that day, no one actually has a coffee preference! And she has not one but two men head-over-heels in love with her and content that she's dating both of them (and not in a polyamorous way, in a "I can't decide uwu" way)?
The writing itself was just...not good. Every single character mentioned was introduced by their race first. The sentences were choppy; this book felt like the first draft a writer has ever produced, certainly not the third in a series and ready for the ARC stage. The only murder here was the murder of my excitement about this series.
Note: I have not read the previous books. It is fine as a standalone. Maybe if you've spent more time with Juni, you would like this, but otherwise I can't see why people would enjoy this.
The first promise of puns lured me in, but it certainly wasn't enough to save this book from its myriad flaws. The main character is the epitome of the Quirky Girl, and it was exhausting listening to her. You're telling me that this grown woman rides a TRICYCLE? The quirks can't possibly stop there...she loves to eat but can't cook! She's the only one in town who can solve crimes! She is the best barista in the entire world and her customers are completely fine having whatever she feels like making that day, no one actually has a coffee preference! And she has not one but two men head-over-heels in love with her and content that she's dating both of them (and not in a polyamorous way, in a "I can't decide uwu" way)?
The writing itself was just...not good. Every single character mentioned was introduced by their race first. The sentences were choppy; this book felt like the first draft a writer has ever produced, certainly not the third in a series and ready for the ARC stage. The only murder here was the murder of my excitement about this series.
Note: I have not read the previous books. It is fine as a standalone. Maybe if you've spent more time with Juni, you would like this, but otherwise I can't see why people would enjoy this.
Read
March 26, 2024This is the third book in this cozy series, and I have read all of them. Although I like the characters and the location of this s series in small town Texas. This one was a bit underwhelming for me. It’s just been five months since the last murder and this one did not grab my attention. I felt the murder was a bit of a stretch that I didn’t fully understand. The motive and parts of the story just didn’t make good sense to me. On the other hand, I feel like progress was made regarding Junie‘s romantic life and that was a positive, because I didn’t like being stuck in a love triangle indefinitely. this was a very quick read for me, but I’m left wondering where these characters and further plots are going to go. let me be clear, I didn’t hate this installment, nor did I dislike it strongly, it just left me wanting much more. thank you too. #stmartinspress and #netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy for an honest review.
April 14, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
Like many new small businesses Sip & Spin Records is struggling but the Jessup sisters are not ready to give up. An investor has approached them but Juni remembers Zachary Fjord from college. She wasn't impressed then and isn't impressed now. Following a "meeting" at a hockey game, Juni is positive she wants nothing to do with his offer.
Then a huge thunderstorm hits the small town of Cedar River knocking out the power. Tansy and Juni go to check on their shop and its resident cat, Daffy. They found the rising water from the sidewalk seeping under the door and a very scared kitty. After finding something to block the water and getting Daffy into his carrier they are about to leave when they hear a crash. A car traveling down Main Street had crashed into Tansy's car. When they reach the vehicle they find Zach Fjord dead and not from the accident.
Now with all the roads in and out of town washed away by the storm, the sisters realize they are trapped in Cedar River with a murderer. Juni is ready to make the killer face the music on her own but is surprised when Detective Beau Russell asks for her help. Can they apprehend the killer? Or will Juni be their next victim?
_____
I love that the Jessup sisters each bring their own strengths to the business. According to Juni, Tansy is the oldest and "the responsible one". Maggie is "the organized one" and the "numbers person". Juni is "the baby" and a "hot mess". I disagree with Juni about herself. She is a former IT tech and has found her place in the business along with becoming quite the amateur sleuth. She is also in a romantic triangle with her ex Detective Beau Russell and BFF Teddy Garza. I enjoy the way these characters continue to develop. Their interactions feel true to life and genuine.
Ms. Blacke has penned a very entertaining and well-plotted mystery. I enjoyed Juni's determination and her ability to question her theories and follow each clue and twist. The final twist was a complete surprise to everyone and the reveal was marvelous.
I really like the record store theme and the Jessup history of the building and the business. It was cool that piece of that history has now returned to the Sip & Spin. I love the themed coffee drinks, the karaoke nights, and Juni's vintage denim and concert t-shirts, like my faves, the Backstreet Boys! The Jessup sisters have a lot of great ideas and I hope their business continues to grow.
Rhythm and Clues features a clever mystery, a cool theme, engaging characters, and a little bit of romance, all set in a small Texas town. I enjoyed my visit to Cedar River and my time with the wonderful Jessup sisters.
Like many new small businesses Sip & Spin Records is struggling but the Jessup sisters are not ready to give up. An investor has approached them but Juni remembers Zachary Fjord from college. She wasn't impressed then and isn't impressed now. Following a "meeting" at a hockey game, Juni is positive she wants nothing to do with his offer.
Then a huge thunderstorm hits the small town of Cedar River knocking out the power. Tansy and Juni go to check on their shop and its resident cat, Daffy. They found the rising water from the sidewalk seeping under the door and a very scared kitty. After finding something to block the water and getting Daffy into his carrier they are about to leave when they hear a crash. A car traveling down Main Street had crashed into Tansy's car. When they reach the vehicle they find Zach Fjord dead and not from the accident.
Now with all the roads in and out of town washed away by the storm, the sisters realize they are trapped in Cedar River with a murderer. Juni is ready to make the killer face the music on her own but is surprised when Detective Beau Russell asks for her help. Can they apprehend the killer? Or will Juni be their next victim?
_____
I love that the Jessup sisters each bring their own strengths to the business. According to Juni, Tansy is the oldest and "the responsible one". Maggie is "the organized one" and the "numbers person". Juni is "the baby" and a "hot mess". I disagree with Juni about herself. She is a former IT tech and has found her place in the business along with becoming quite the amateur sleuth. She is also in a romantic triangle with her ex Detective Beau Russell and BFF Teddy Garza. I enjoy the way these characters continue to develop. Their interactions feel true to life and genuine.
Ms. Blacke has penned a very entertaining and well-plotted mystery. I enjoyed Juni's determination and her ability to question her theories and follow each clue and twist. The final twist was a complete surprise to everyone and the reveal was marvelous.
I really like the record store theme and the Jessup history of the building and the business. It was cool that piece of that history has now returned to the Sip & Spin. I love the themed coffee drinks, the karaoke nights, and Juni's vintage denim and concert t-shirts, like my faves, the Backstreet Boys! The Jessup sisters have a lot of great ideas and I hope their business continues to grow.
Rhythm and Clues features a clever mystery, a cool theme, engaging characters, and a little bit of romance, all set in a small Texas town. I enjoyed my visit to Cedar River and my time with the wonderful Jessup sisters.
March 13, 2024
Having read and enjoyed the author's two prior novels in the series, I was looking forward to reading her latest installment. Unfortunately, Ryhthm and Clues turned out to be a disappointment.
Rhythm and Clues started out very well. But what turned me off was the unbelievable murder that occurred. It was too far fetched and beyond imagination that such a homicide could even take place. And that is what blew it for the rest of the novel, besides being too drawn out. Try as I might, I could not get past 33% One star DNF.
I was invited to read a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Rhythm and Clues started out very well. But what turned me off was the unbelievable murder that occurred. It was too far fetched and beyond imagination that such a homicide could even take place. And that is what blew it for the rest of the novel, besides being too drawn out. Try as I might, I could not get past 33% One star DNF.
I was invited to read a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
April 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this addition the mystery was good, I had no idea who it was. I am glad the end to the love triangle happened and very happy about her choice. Overall, I really enjoyed the descriptions of her family life and shop life. It was a very good addition and I can’t wait for the next one.
March 26, 2024
I always have a good time with Juni and her sisters at Sip & Spin Records. My favorite things about the books are the names of the drinks and seeing what T-shirts Juni wears. I was all smiles when I read the drink, Cherry on My Wayward Son. I could hear the song in my head and was picturing the Supernatural opening credits. I was also a little excited one of the T-shirts Juni chose to wear was Backstreet Boys. This fan appreciated it very much. Karaoke night was fun. It was easy to picture the shop with all the great song choices.
I am glad Juni decided between the two men in her life. The love triangle gave the book a little drama, but it was the right amount. It’s good that it was not long and drawn out. I did not guess the killer at all. They were not even on my radar. I enjoyed this book a lot and cannot wait for the next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my review.
I am glad Juni decided between the two men in her life. The love triangle gave the book a little drama, but it was the right amount. It’s good that it was not long and drawn out. I did not guess the killer at all. They were not even on my radar. I enjoyed this book a lot and cannot wait for the next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my review.
December 30, 2023
I read this book, as I did the two previous entries in the series, courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
Rhythm and Clues continues one of my current favorite cozy series, set in a small town outside of Austin, Texas, where Juni and her two sisters run a coffee and vinyls store that revives the record store once owned by their grandparents. Juni has displayed a knack for solving murders--and that doesn't change this time around, when the handsy jerk who wanted to invest in her business ends up dead in his car. Fortunately, this time around she's not the suspect, but she's immersed in the mystery all the same. She's also coping with romantic entanglements as her ex-boyfriend now-town-detective Beau and wholesome mailman Teddy vie for her affection.
I really don't like love triangles, so I was a bit worried about the attention paid to the drama in this book--and then was profoundly relieved with how things played out. So if you're like me, keep reading! I think the developments here will make the next books even stronger.
The deep mystery here was quite fun. I guessed the correct murderer early on, but the end still delivered plenty of complications and surprises.
Rhythm and Clues continues one of my current favorite cozy series, set in a small town outside of Austin, Texas, where Juni and her two sisters run a coffee and vinyls store that revives the record store once owned by their grandparents. Juni has displayed a knack for solving murders--and that doesn't change this time around, when the handsy jerk who wanted to invest in her business ends up dead in his car. Fortunately, this time around she's not the suspect, but she's immersed in the mystery all the same. She's also coping with romantic entanglements as her ex-boyfriend now-town-detective Beau and wholesome mailman Teddy vie for her affection.
I really don't like love triangles, so I was a bit worried about the attention paid to the drama in this book--and then was profoundly relieved with how things played out. So if you're like me, keep reading! I think the developments here will make the next books even stronger.
The deep mystery here was quite fun. I guessed the correct murderer early on, but the end still delivered plenty of complications and surprises.
April 16, 2024
The Jessup sisters work hard to keep their shop afloat, but it’s not always easy. When a financier swoops in to help them save the day, they aren’t sure they want to relinquish control of their shop to a stranger. They ask around town - some are happy with the financier’s help and others not so much.
All talk of their financial situation comes to an abrupt end when one of the financiers is found dead right outside their shop. It’s up to Juni to solve this case before anyone else is hurt.
I’ve been excited about this series since the first book. Each book gets better and better. The two aspects of the book that really get to me are the three sisters’ relationship and the record shop setting. It’s a unique cozy mystery setting. So different than a bookstore, cafe or yarn store. I love all of those settings as well, but it’s so nice to find something a bit different.
The rapport between the sisters is lovely. Each character in the book is written to perfection. They are well developed right from the start.
The story moves along at a fast pace. I was shocked by the ending. I didn’t see that coming. This is book #3 of the series. All three books are must reads for me. I’m anxiously awaiting for book #4.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
All talk of their financial situation comes to an abrupt end when one of the financiers is found dead right outside their shop. It’s up to Juni to solve this case before anyone else is hurt.
I’ve been excited about this series since the first book. Each book gets better and better. The two aspects of the book that really get to me are the three sisters’ relationship and the record shop setting. It’s a unique cozy mystery setting. So different than a bookstore, cafe or yarn store. I love all of those settings as well, but it’s so nice to find something a bit different.
The rapport between the sisters is lovely. Each character in the book is written to perfection. They are well developed right from the start.
The story moves along at a fast pace. I was shocked by the ending. I didn’t see that coming. This is book #3 of the series. All three books are must reads for me. I’m anxiously awaiting for book #4.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 16, 2024
This was a nice basic cozy mystery with all the elements that keep you guessing until the very end (and I can say I was shocked!) I would highly recommend starting with the 1st in the series to really get to know the characters. The coffee and record shop sounded adorable and I loved all the fun drink names!
There were just a few too many TSTL / strange decisions for me to fully enjoy. Letting a strange and suspect in a murder case stay with?? And walking straight into clearly dangerous situations just makes me so frustrated.
Also: I listened to the audiobook and I actually think reading the print might be a better way to go. All the characters seemed a bit grumpy, but I can't tell if it's the narration or the actual characters.
There were just a few too many TSTL / strange decisions for me to fully enjoy. Letting a strange and suspect in a murder case stay with?? And walking straight into clearly dangerous situations just makes me so frustrated.
Also: I listened to the audiobook and I actually think reading the print might be a better way to go. All the characters seemed a bit grumpy, but I can't tell if it's the narration or the actual characters.
April 8, 2024
I am really enjoying this series.
Juni is busy with her sisters, running their record/coffee shop and she is currently juggling two men - her life is busy!
The Jessup sisters are approached with an investment company to help their growing business, but something seems off. A huge storm hits their small town and one of the investors winds up dead.
Juni is, of course, on the case! While trying to solve the murder, she comes across another mystery - mannequin parts flooding the lake - weird right? However, solving the mannequin mystery leads into solving the murder mystery, in a roundabout way.
This story was fun, a quick read, and extra exciting, because Juni makes a choice about her love life that I have been waiting for for 3 books!!!
Check this book out and check out the first two in the series as well (Vinyl Resting Place and A Fatal Groove)
4.5*
I received an ARC on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Juni is busy with her sisters, running their record/coffee shop and she is currently juggling two men - her life is busy!
The Jessup sisters are approached with an investment company to help their growing business, but something seems off. A huge storm hits their small town and one of the investors winds up dead.
Juni is, of course, on the case! While trying to solve the murder, she comes across another mystery - mannequin parts flooding the lake - weird right? However, solving the mannequin mystery leads into solving the murder mystery, in a roundabout way.
This story was fun, a quick read, and extra exciting, because Juni makes a choice about her love life that I have been waiting for for 3 books!!!
Check this book out and check out the first two in the series as well (Vinyl Resting Place and A Fatal Groove)
4.5*
I received an ARC on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2024
So glad they finally ended the annoying/unnecessary love triangle.
March 26, 2024
We are back in Cedar River, Texas at Sip n Spin. Juni has been approached to have her newly opened store bought out. This guy is sketchy, and Juni has her defenses up. During a torrential thunderstorm, a car hits Juni's sister's parked car. Upon inspection of the passengers, the person in the passenger seat is the investor that wanted to buy her out and is deceased. The driver is gone and on the run. It looks like we have another murder Juni has herself wrapped up in. She seems "to find dead bodies the way most people find pennies." haha The Jessup sisters are a united front when Sip n Spin is the focus of yet another murder in this small town.
This is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone. There are all the elements of a great cozy complete with a little romance and a good mystery. I recommend taking a trip to Cedar River at Sip n Spin and lose yourself for the afternoon.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an early copy.
This is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone. There are all the elements of a great cozy complete with a little romance and a good mystery. I recommend taking a trip to Cedar River at Sip n Spin and lose yourself for the afternoon.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an early copy.
March 18, 2024
Another win in The Record Shop Mystery series by Olivia Blacke!! The town of Cedar River, TX that she created feels so true to the real small town Texas life that I have seen. Each unique and charming townsfolk seem true to small town life too. I love spending time with Juni and her sisters in the record shop. When they happen to need to solve a murder, it just makes our time together even better. I feel like I know the town and characters so well, it surprised me to be reminded this is only the third in the series. Seems like I’ve been with the characters much longer than that! As I continue to read more and more cozy mysteries, I’m encountering series and storylines I don’t want to continue. THIS series is one I will keep reading as the author adds to it!
Rhythm and Clues is out March 26th! Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for my e-arc!
Rhythm and Clues is out March 26th! Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for my e-arc!
January 2, 2024
Here we are at the start of a new year, and I was thrilled to ring it in with Olivia Blacke's latest installment of the Record Shop Mysteries.
As with the first two, third was a fast paced adventure full of small town politics and a little murder. It was nice to step back into Juni's life as she stuck her nose into investigating things she was told not to; such is her way.
This was Juni heavy, but we do get some advancement on her love life this time. There was a decent amount of Beau in the book (loved the karaoke scene), but I felt like we needed more Teddy to balance things out.
I wanted more of the sisters as well.
I didn't guess the outcome this time, but I feel silly for not having seen it.
This was a strong third showing on the series and I'm looking forward to #4.
As with the first two, third was a fast paced adventure full of small town politics and a little murder. It was nice to step back into Juni's life as she stuck her nose into investigating things she was told not to; such is her way.
This was Juni heavy, but we do get some advancement on her love life this time. There was a decent amount of Beau in the book (loved the karaoke scene), but I felt like we needed more Teddy to balance things out.
I wanted more of the sisters as well.
I didn't guess the outcome this time, but I feel silly for not having seen it.
This was a strong third showing on the series and I'm looking forward to #4.
February 3, 2024
Juni has found herself caught up in another murder, her third one to be exact. During a terrible storm that causes the town to lose power and has enough fallen trees to isolate them from any other cities, a body is found … and not just any body, the body of Zack, an acquaintance from college who now buys up 51% stock in failing businesses … and he just talked to her about Sip and Spin. With limited resources, Beau finally asks Juni for help, even if not in official policeman capacity.
This is such a fun and well written series. I found myself constantly trying to figure out the killer. I also really liked what Savannah added to the story, I never knew if I liked her, hated her, found her innocent or guilty. My mind was on overdrive with this one!
While it is part of a series, this story could be read as a standalone.
This is such a fun and well written series. I found myself constantly trying to figure out the killer. I also really liked what Savannah added to the story, I never knew if I liked her, hated her, found her innocent or guilty. My mind was on overdrive with this one!
While it is part of a series, this story could be read as a standalone.
March 26, 2024
"Rhythm and Clues (Record Shop Mystery #3)" by Olivia Blacke is an early fall setting with a big southern storm has the big event. During all the storm activity a deadly car accident happens, of course it's right where Juniper has to be part of discovering it. We get the usual back and forth of Juniper (and a little of her sisters) trying to help solve it. Juniper is also regularly joined by a business acquaintance that is "stuck" in town because of the storm and her associate with the car accident.
So, I'm going to spoil a little bit. Thank you for ending the love triangle. it was getting a bit ridiculous for a woman her age and especially considering how she kept denying she was "not" dating the one guy. Um, you're totally dating.
So, I'm going to spoil a little bit. Thank you for ending the love triangle. it was getting a bit ridiculous for a woman her age and especially considering how she kept denying she was "not" dating the one guy. Um, you're totally dating.
February 12, 2024
I found “Rhythm and Clues”, the third book in Olivia Blacke’s Record Shop cozy mystery series to be a mixed bag.
First the good: There is actually a lot to like about the book starting with the record store setting and the three sisters that run it. The sisters are close yet each has their own unique personality (and the fact that they and their mother are named after flowers is a nice touch). The book is from Juni’s viewpoint and I love the way that the struggles of owning the record store are portrayed and I love Juni’s quirky way of dressing including music related t-shirts and colorful eyeglasses. The setup to the mystery is also well done – almost a locked room mystery as it takes place during a violent storm that ends up with roads being blocked and the town without power. There is also some nice red herrings and misdirection in the mystery.
Now the bad: First, the love triangle. I’m not sure why cozy mystery writers are so fond of love triangles but I find they distract from the mystery. The writing is a bit clunky – while I love the fact that the book features a diverse group of characters every single one is described as either Black of white – a little variation would have been nice (since this book is focused on music it could be as simple as saying one character looked like a well-known singer). Finally, while I did appreciate the twists in the mystery, I felt like there weren’t enough suspects and the identity of the killer was a bit of a surprise.
Bottom-line: A few of the things I didn’t like were wrapped up at the end of the book – I’m just not sure I want to invest my time in future books in the series.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
First the good: There is actually a lot to like about the book starting with the record store setting and the three sisters that run it. The sisters are close yet each has their own unique personality (and the fact that they and their mother are named after flowers is a nice touch). The book is from Juni’s viewpoint and I love the way that the struggles of owning the record store are portrayed and I love Juni’s quirky way of dressing including music related t-shirts and colorful eyeglasses. The setup to the mystery is also well done – almost a locked room mystery as it takes place during a violent storm that ends up with roads being blocked and the town without power. There is also some nice red herrings and misdirection in the mystery.
Now the bad: First, the love triangle. I’m not sure why cozy mystery writers are so fond of love triangles but I find they distract from the mystery. The writing is a bit clunky – while I love the fact that the book features a diverse group of characters every single one is described as either Black of white – a little variation would have been nice (since this book is focused on music it could be as simple as saying one character looked like a well-known singer). Finally, while I did appreciate the twists in the mystery, I felt like there weren’t enough suspects and the identity of the killer was a bit of a surprise.
Bottom-line: A few of the things I didn’t like were wrapped up at the end of the book – I’m just not sure I want to invest my time in future books in the series.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
April 22, 2024
Juni Jessup owns a record store and cafe with her sisters and all she wants in life is to make it a success, except she somehow always manages to be the one who finds the bodies in her small Texas town. In this case, it's a former classmate who was offering to buy out the sisters' business who died in a car crash right in front of their store during a stormy night. Juni's been told by everyone to stay out of it, but what harm can talking with some people in her small town do?
It's pretty much a basic amateur detective cozy mystery that stands out because all the characters are interesting and it's clear that Juni is curious and concerned and not just being a busybody. It makes it more a story about connections and people than the actual murder and that's something that I truly enjoy.
Bonus points are awarded for the fact that the dreaded love triangle finally gets resolved! It's nothing major to the story, but it's a pet peeve of mine to hate them and it makes me happy that this series is done with it. I also really like how it's resolved, so I'm extra happy about that.
I feel like you can definitely jump right in even though it's the third book in the series because Blacke never takes it for granted that you already know basic details while also not weighing the story down with old information. It's a delicate balance that not many authors manage and she has mastered.
Very happy thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Paperbacks for the most excellent read!
It's pretty much a basic amateur detective cozy mystery that stands out because all the characters are interesting and it's clear that Juni is curious and concerned and not just being a busybody. It makes it more a story about connections and people than the actual murder and that's something that I truly enjoy.
Bonus points are awarded for the fact that the dreaded love triangle finally gets resolved! It's nothing major to the story, but it's a pet peeve of mine to hate them and it makes me happy that this series is done with it. I also really like how it's resolved, so I'm extra happy about that.
I feel like you can definitely jump right in even though it's the third book in the series because Blacke never takes it for granted that you already know basic details while also not weighing the story down with old information. It's a delicate balance that not many authors manage and she has mastered.
Very happy thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Paperbacks for the most excellent read!
March 10, 2024
This is the first book I've read in this series, and had no problem following along, although I think reading them would have helped me understand the dynamic between Juni and her two love interests a bit better.
I loved the setting of this! Small-town Texas family-owned record shop that also sells coffee was a lot of fun. I especially loved all the punny names for the coffee. I loved the relationship Juni has with her sisters and had my favorite when it came to her love interests which I was rooting for. The mystery was good, I did have my suspicions early on of who the killer was going to be, and I was right. It didn't affect my enjoyment of the story at all, and I loved the twisty ride we took along with Juni to figure it all out.
This is a series that I will continue with, and I'm excited to see what Juni is going to find herself in the middle of next!
I loved the setting of this! Small-town Texas family-owned record shop that also sells coffee was a lot of fun. I especially loved all the punny names for the coffee. I loved the relationship Juni has with her sisters and had my favorite when it came to her love interests which I was rooting for. The mystery was good, I did have my suspicions early on of who the killer was going to be, and I was right. It didn't affect my enjoyment of the story at all, and I loved the twisty ride we took along with Juni to figure it all out.
This is a series that I will continue with, and I'm excited to see what Juni is going to find herself in the middle of next!
April 2, 2024
Rhythm and Clues by Olivia Blacke
Thank you so much @minotaur_books and @stmartinspress for my gifted copy.
Blurb:
It’s been five whole months since the last murder in Cedar River, Texas, and Juni and her sisters have been humming along when disaster strikes again.
✨My thoughts:
This one was so much fun. This is my first Olivia Blacke novel and I will definitely be reading more. This book is the third installment in the Record Shop Mystery but can be read as a standalone. There’s drama, a love triangle, and amateur sleuthing… what’s not to love? It does make me want to go back and read the first two installments though so now I’ll need to go out and buy them. I didn’t feel lost at any point but I bet I would understand relationship dynamics better. If you like a good cozy mystery then grab your Smashing Pumpkins spice latte and start this book!
Happy reading 📖
Thank you so much @minotaur_books and @stmartinspress for my gifted copy.
Blurb:
It’s been five whole months since the last murder in Cedar River, Texas, and Juni and her sisters have been humming along when disaster strikes again.
✨My thoughts:
This one was so much fun. This is my first Olivia Blacke novel and I will definitely be reading more. This book is the third installment in the Record Shop Mystery but can be read as a standalone. There’s drama, a love triangle, and amateur sleuthing… what’s not to love? It does make me want to go back and read the first two installments though so now I’ll need to go out and buy them. I didn’t feel lost at any point but I bet I would understand relationship dynamics better. If you like a good cozy mystery then grab your Smashing Pumpkins spice latte and start this book!
Happy reading 📖
February 21, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It starts a bit slow with the getting to know the characters and what’s going on, it did Not hook me. I did find there are some plot issues but they get explained towards the end, they’re part of solving the murder. I am relieved the Juni finally decides who she’s going to be with, I found the constant describing of the features of each guy a bit annoying. I actually found the mystery of the maniquins too be the most interesting, maybe because there isn’t as much mis-direction. #RhythmandClues #NetGalley
April 27, 2024
Enjoyable read! Number 3 in the series & I look forward to the next one.
April 9, 2024
Rhythm and Clues is the third installment in this series. It means Juni Jessup is back to sleuthing and also a murder involved. There is also a bit of a love triangle for her involving her ex and the lead detective Beau Russell and local mailman Tobey. Also plenty of music references and coffee to go around at the shop, Sip & Spin Records. It was another great addition to the series.
February 28, 2024
As always, I’d like to start this review by thanking NetGalley and SMP for access to this eARC in exchange for an honest reviewe.
I would also like to note: SMP has been boycotted due to their horrible handling of an employee’s racism and xenophobia , the queerphobia that has been happening as well as the way they’ve been favoring white reviewers over reviewers of color for solid ARCS. The demands are simple and easy to be met. I stand with the authors who have been affected by the boycott and want to spread the word while also trying to help the authors. So I’m aware this may seem odd considering I’m posting a review.
Now, onto the review itself.
So this is the third book in this cozy mystery series and I really enjoyed the first one. I have the second one to review as well so I’m a bit out of order.
However that didn’t stop this book from being more or less an okay read. It handled being the third in a series well. It didn’t spoil the events of the previous book at all and that was nice. It was easy to read and the characters weren’t so drastically different from the last time I read them that they felt odd.
However, it wasn’t exactly my favorite book. It was written well enough and it’s a small Texas town but I do have some issues. Texas is the most diverse state in the country. There’s a large amount of Hispanic people, Black people fall a bit lower in the amount and then there are various Asian diaspora across the state.
This book is full of nothing but white people save for the one Hispanic family. Teddy Garza and his sister and mother are the only people of color in this whole book. Set in a state that is one of the most racially, religiously, economically diverse states.
To make even the background characters all white was a decision that says a lot.
When it comes to the mystery, for me, it wasn’t great. I mean, I love following the sleuth as they try to figure it out. Picking up on all of the clues they follow. But this one? It felt like the answer came sort of out of nowhere because it was convenient. There weren’t any real cluses that led to the killer, at least in my onion.
Plus, I was bored the entire time. Which was unfortunate because I really enjoyed the first book.
Also, I really didn’t like the main character stringing these two guys along. Seriously, I don’t like Beau. He is too familiar, not knocking, just walking in. And when a woman says “stop calling me that nickname” and a man keeps it up, that rubs me the wrong way. I didn’t like Beau in book one and even after missing book 2, which I will rectify, I still don’t like him.
But Juniper literally led him along.
Spoiler incoming.
When she finally decides to break it off with him, it’s after a heated, passionate kiss. Then she says “I love you but I’m not in love with you.” Cool, that’s fine. Did you have to drag him to a closet and suck face before saying that?
End of spoiler section.
I don’t know, this book isn’t for me I guess.
It gets three stars, but barely.
I would also like to note: SMP has been boycotted due to their horrible handling of an employee’s racism and xenophobia , the queerphobia that has been happening as well as the way they’ve been favoring white reviewers over reviewers of color for solid ARCS. The demands are simple and easy to be met. I stand with the authors who have been affected by the boycott and want to spread the word while also trying to help the authors. So I’m aware this may seem odd considering I’m posting a review.
Now, onto the review itself.
So this is the third book in this cozy mystery series and I really enjoyed the first one. I have the second one to review as well so I’m a bit out of order.
However that didn’t stop this book from being more or less an okay read. It handled being the third in a series well. It didn’t spoil the events of the previous book at all and that was nice. It was easy to read and the characters weren’t so drastically different from the last time I read them that they felt odd.
However, it wasn’t exactly my favorite book. It was written well enough and it’s a small Texas town but I do have some issues. Texas is the most diverse state in the country. There’s a large amount of Hispanic people, Black people fall a bit lower in the amount and then there are various Asian diaspora across the state.
This book is full of nothing but white people save for the one Hispanic family. Teddy Garza and his sister and mother are the only people of color in this whole book. Set in a state that is one of the most racially, religiously, economically diverse states.
To make even the background characters all white was a decision that says a lot.
When it comes to the mystery, for me, it wasn’t great. I mean, I love following the sleuth as they try to figure it out. Picking up on all of the clues they follow. But this one? It felt like the answer came sort of out of nowhere because it was convenient. There weren’t any real cluses that led to the killer, at least in my onion.
Plus, I was bored the entire time. Which was unfortunate because I really enjoyed the first book.
Also, I really didn’t like the main character stringing these two guys along. Seriously, I don’t like Beau. He is too familiar, not knocking, just walking in. And when a woman says “stop calling me that nickname” and a man keeps it up, that rubs me the wrong way. I didn’t like Beau in book one and even after missing book 2, which I will rectify, I still don’t like him.
But Juniper literally led him along.
Spoiler incoming.
When she finally decides to break it off with him, it’s after a heated, passionate kiss. Then she says “I love you but I’m not in love with you.” Cool, that’s fine. Did you have to drag him to a closet and suck face before saying that?
End of spoiler section.
I don’t know, this book isn’t for me I guess.
It gets three stars, but barely.
March 26, 2024
As the record shop begins to break even, investors are beginning to look into partnering with them. After a sales pitch at a hockey game, the investors come back into the town. While Juni and her sister are at the record shop, the investors crash into their car. Savannah, the driver claims someone threw a brick leading to her losing control of the vehicle. Her partner Derek is killed at the scene. Was this an accident or is there something more suspicious at play?
The Vinyl Shop Mysteries series has quickly become one of my new favorites. Rhythm and Clues is the third book.
I adore the record shop and the cute names the coffee drinks are given. I would visit the shop in a heartbeat if it existed in real life. I like all of the characters, and like Juni, think that I would have a hard time choosing between ex-boyfriend police officer Beau and lifelong friend Teddy. Each character feels relatable. The tension and build up before the reveal kept me glued to the page. I also enjoyed the dose of humor in the writing style.
I would recommend this book to cozy mystery fans and music fans.
Thank y9u to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Olivia Blacke for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Vinyl Shop Mysteries series has quickly become one of my new favorites. Rhythm and Clues is the third book.
I adore the record shop and the cute names the coffee drinks are given. I would visit the shop in a heartbeat if it existed in real life. I like all of the characters, and like Juni, think that I would have a hard time choosing between ex-boyfriend police officer Beau and lifelong friend Teddy. Each character feels relatable. The tension and build up before the reveal kept me glued to the page. I also enjoyed the dose of humor in the writing style.
I would recommend this book to cozy mystery fans and music fans.
Thank y9u to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Olivia Blacke for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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