"A Fatal Groove" by Olivia Blacke is the second installment in the Record Shop Mysteries series, and while I haven't read the first book, it can be enjoyed as a standalone mystery. Set in the charming town of Cedar River, Texas, during the annual Bluebonnet Festival, this book offers a delightful mix of small-town charm and murder mystery.

The story revolves around Juni Jessup and her sisters, Tansy and Maggie, who own Sip & Spin Records, a coffee and record shop. What starts as a joyous celebration takes a sinister turn when the mayor is poisoned by their coffee. Tansy, the one responsible for brewing the fatal cup, and Juni, the unfortunate discoverer of the mayor's body, find themselves entangled in a web of suspicion.

One of the highlights of this book is the strong emphasis on family bonds and the Jessup sisters' unwavering support for one another. Their dynamic adds depth to the story and makes the characters relatable. Juni's determination to clear her sister's name and find the real killer is both endearing and admirable.

Olivia Blacke infuses the narrative with a good dose of humor and wit, making it an enjoyable and lighthearted read. The small-town setting is vividly portrayed, and the Bluebonnet Festival adds a colorful backdrop to the unfolding mystery. The inclusion of a treasure hunt and even an accidental cow adds a quirky charm to the plot.

While "A Fatal Groove" is a cozy mystery, it still manages to keep readers guessing about the identity of the killer. The pacing is well done, with a steady build-up of suspense, and the resolution ties up the loose ends satisfactorily.

However, some readers might find the plot a bit formulaic, as cozy mysteries often follow a predictable pattern. Additionally, those who prefer complex and intricately woven mysteries might find the story lacking in depth.

In the second book in the series, Juni and her sisters, Maggie and Tansy, once again find themselves caught up in a murder investigation. Taking place not too long after the first book, maybe a month or two, Juni just wants to see their record shop be successful. However, finding another dead body puts her smack in the middle of a crime scene.

Fatal Groove is less about the music than the first story and more about the relationships between the three sisters and other members of their town. With Juni’s wit and instincts, it doesn’t take her too long to figure out who the real murderer is! There are some light side stories too, which round out the book well, including Juni's two suitors. I am looking forward to the third installment in the series.

I receive a copy of this book from NetGalley and have written an objective review.

The idea of a coffee shop and record shop combo made this an interesting storyline. I liked the small town setting and the interactions of the sisters with the cool names! The characters are a bit quirky and the combination of two different mysteries adds interest to the story. Skip the love triangle though.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

The second book does not disappoint in this series. When the mayor is murdered and is holding a cup from Sip &Spin Tansy is the prime suspect. Juni and company work their magic to find the real killer. A fun read with a great vibe. Great characters and a good plot keep you reading past midnight! Looking forward to the next adventure.

I adored this book! It is such a fun continuation to this series. Sip and Spin was a great setting. I loved the characters and their personalities. The plot twists were so fun to follow. I am so excited to read more by Olivia Blacke!

I love records and coffee so this was a really fun read read for me. Second book in the Record Shop Mystery has Juni and her sisters trying to solve the murder of the mayor who was served coffee from their shop! So many suspects plus the cold case! Loved it! Likable characters and the small town setting makes this a fun cozy mystery. I love the puns and music inspired drink names in the coffee shop, names of the stores and restaurant. I hope there's going to be more in the series!


Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

I love these Texan, no BS sisters. They are going to be part of any investigation that is out there even though they have no credentials. Because men in power are little slow. They cannot put two and two together. Tansy, Maggie and Juni might be turntable and coffee masters but they are also expert mystery solvers.

The youngest of Jessup girls found another dead body. It was only been so long since she returned from Oregon, and she was finding herself in the middle of crime scenes. It would be okay if she only found the bodies; she would be cleared off after a questioning. But last time her record shop was the murder scene; this time the victim had the cup from the coffee shop in his hands. Jessups could not take a break.

Of course, like the last time, Jessups decided to clear their own names. You won't believe how many people were involved in this, which unlikely people end up begin suspects. I cannot wait for book #3 and their ever creative coffee of day names.

this cozy series is so fun. olivia blacke has proved that she can make a consistent series with charismatic characters, wholesome setting and i love the sit and spin. you don't need to have read the first book to pick up this one. this time around, the mayor has found himself dead and juni has to solve the mystery -- like you do. it's a great summer/fall read. can't wait for the next book! thank you to St. Martin's Press for the release copy! it was amazing -- definitely do yourselves a favor if you like music, cozy mysteries and a fun read!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Paperbacks for accepting my request to read and review A Fatal Groove.

This is the second in the Record Shop Series -- A cozy mystery with sisters with flower names (it's true) that own a record shop. When young people enter the shop the reactions are funny given my age. I had everything: 8-tracks, cassettes, 45s.

The sisters solve the recent murder while keeping the record shop open, serving coffee, and getting in the way of an ex-boyfriend who is the lead detective. It's A cozy.

The series ends for me here. There is not enough substance to outweigh the whining.

I do see this as a nice transition from middle grade to grown up books with fiction written on the cover in Sharpie.

really good book and kept me on my on my toes of what would happen. really enjoyed the characters and their journey and would read this author again.

When the mayor is killed, the Jessup sisters are caught in the thick of things. One finds the body and the coffee that killed him is linked to their record/coffee shop. I enjoyed this second book in the series just as much as the first. The setting is very cozy and I just love the sisters. I can’t wait to read the third book..

Another very interesting mystery with small-town busybody and record store owner, Juni Jessup.

Juni thought she was done with solving murders, but it's not just her trying to solve it this time. Even her sisters step in after she finds the murdered town mayor and circumstantial evidence points to one of them and the coffee they sell in the record store.
It has a very different feel from the mystery Juni solved in the previous book. There are still all the small-town rivalries and secrets to navigate as the sisters try to figure out the culprit before their store is forced to close, but the switch from a young girl to the mayor being the victim changes the entire feel of the book. It's still interesting to follow Juni around and see her deal with the small-town hell that is gossip, especially when it's a different type of gossip thanks to the political and historical angle.
There are also the mandatory bits of romance with a love triangle that, even two books in, I'm not entirely sure I support. I just know the nice guy is going to be the one getting the short end of the stick.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Paperbacks for the great mystery!

"A Fatal Groove" by Olivia Blacke dances its way into my heart. This series entry is a delightful medley, boasting mystery, humor, a charming love triangle, and a refreshingly relaxed intensity. The characters shimmy off the page, particularly the vivacious sisters who are utterly impossible not to adore. With each installment, I find myself not only engrossed but entangled – a literary tango that's hard to resist.

The second book in the Record Shop Mystery series.  Juni and her sisters are excited to be a part of the local Bluebonnet Festival.  But when Juni discovers the town's mayor dead in his office, things take an unexpected turn for the worse.   The first book in the series, Vinyl Resting Place, captured my attention with interesting characters and a well-paced story.  This second title did not disappoint.  The mystery is solid, and the characters are becoming some of my favorites in the cozy mystery genre.  There is no sophomore slump here, and I'm looking forward to the next story in this fun series.

Another really satisfying entry in a fun series, this book continues the story of a Texas family of 3 sisters who own and run a small-town record shop together (and who keep stumbling upon corpses). Juni is a great main character, riding her tricycle around town, trying to choose between the hot cop (with the complication that he’s her ex, so there’s a story there waiting to come out more) and the hot mailman as well as to make herself seen and heard as the youngest of the sisters (and the one who moved away to Oregon and only recently returned home). Uncle Calvin is a hoot - he’s one of my favorite characters from the last book and I love that he showed up here, though I wish he’d had a bigger role - and the other side characters are all a lot of fun, too. I do feel like the police work in these is pretty shoddy, but what do I know about small town fictional cops? And at least they have Juni to figure things out for them. This story definitely kept me guessing, and I loved how it all ended up shaking out - so many interesting surprises. Looking forward to the next one!

Princess Fuzzypants here: Three sisters run a vinyl record cum coffee shop that is doing fine. That is until the long time mayor of their little town is found dead with one of their coffee mugs in his hand and poison in his system. The rumour mill around town is soon abuzz and Juniper’s sister, Tansy, is convicted by the gossips. If they and third sister Marigold don’t figure out who killed the popular politico, their business and their lives will be in jeopardy.

Juni takes the lead since each of the other sisters have their favourite suspects and only Juni is looking at things with an open mind. Her mind is perhaps a bit too open. She has two fellows who both want to be her special guy and she cannot make up her mind. Since both of them are appealing characters, I cannot say that I blame her.

Lots of southern country characters in the book including their uncle who has an encyclopedic brain and a mouth without an off switch. It is an entertaining read and perfect for a late summer break. Four purrs and two paws up.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

***

It was nice to return to these characters again. Even though it's been a long while since I read the first book in this series, once I began reading I was right back there with the sisters.

The book is quick paced and I made my way through it in two or three days. I loved the new mystery even though we didn't get quite as much time with secondary characters this time around.

I'm definitely expecting a third and will be happy to read it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. This is the second book in the series.

Juni Jessup and her sisters are the owners of Sip & Spin, a record store/coffee shop in Cedar River, Texas. They are thrilled to be spinning vinyl and creating music themed coffee drinks at the annual Bluebonnet Festival until the mayor dies of suspected poison from their coffee! Juni's sister, Tansy, is the main suspect.

Juni is determined to prove her sister's innocence and investigates the beloved mayor's death with assistance from family and friends.

I love this series. The music references are great. I enjoy the family connections in this one, and I love Juni rediscovering her home.

The second book is just as good the first!

What a super cute book! I definitely recommend this if you need a palate cleanser or just need a fun book to read.

This is the second book in the Sip & Spin mysteries series so it follows sisters Juni, Maggie and Tansy as they investigate another murder,
Juni, of course, is the one to find the body and all signs point to her sister Tansy.
The case isn't looking good for Tansy so naturally Juni investigates to prove her sister's innocence. But during her own investigation, Juni always runs into some type of shenanigans.

The only thing I didn't like is how they wrapped up who the killer was; and how the ending took a totally different direction - but I guess it's a gear up for the third book! (which I will definitely be reading!)

This is the second book in the Sip & Spin series and I loved it!! I really enjoyed the first, and then this one was even better. It's Blue Bonnet Festival in Cedar Rapids, TX. Juniper "Juni" and her sisters Tansy and "Maggie" Magnolia run a record shop in town. They are running a music and coffee booth at the festival. The local mayor, Mayor Bob, who is more of a figurehead in town, than a leader. He stops by the festival and Juni serves him a cup of coffee. Later that day, she finds him dead in the town hall, with the Sip & Spin coffee cup right in front of him. Juni knows they are not responsible for Mayor Bob's death, but doesn't like how Sherrif Beau Russell, her former flame is sniffing around and questioning her sisters. I love the combination of the new mystery with an old mystery from 50 years before.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.