When the mayor is found dead after drinking a coffee from Sip & Spin Records Juni is determined to get her sister Tansy off both the suspect list and town gossip line. With help from friendly Teddy and clashing with detective Beau Juni uncovers a link to a bank robbery and stolen treasure from the past clues start to make sense. Can Juni help Tansy from being arrested and find the actual killer?

This is a wonderful second installment of this new cozy mystery series that is becoming an automatic read for me. Music and coffee lovers rejoice, this Texas small town mystery is for you!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. A Fatal Groove is the second book in the Record Shop Mystery series, a great follow-up to A Vinyl Resting Place. This time, aside from running the record and coffee shop, Juni and her sisters take part in their town's festival, serving coffee and DJing. Juni once again stumbles upon a dead body, only this time, she finds the mayor dead, holding a coffee cup from her shop. Of course, this means that Juni and her sisters are going to investigate in order to clear their name and find the real culprit.

The characters are fun, and the mystery is well written. I really like that the setting combines two things that I enjoy, namely coffee and music. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC: This is the second in the Record Shop Series and it's well crafted, well plotted, has a well developed sense of place, and well drawn characters. The story drew me in immediately. Excellent cozy mystery and no sophomore slump here.

3.5 stars

Texas sisters Tansy, Maggie and Juni are back with another adventure featuring their vintage vinyl record store/coffee shop. The sisters are nicely fleshed out characters -- they are different in every way. They don't dress the same, think the same, have the same priorities, or react to events similarly, but they always have each other's back.

Their small town life and family and neighbors make for a fun combination. They are at a local bluebonnet festival when the mayor dies after drinking a cup of their coffee. Once again, Juni must solve a mystery when her family falls under suspicion.

June's ex bad-boy boyfriend, now a police detective, still makes her heart beat fast even though she is spending time with a new love interest who is nicer and much more considerate. She can't make up her mind. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It's the day of the Bluebonnet Festival in Cedar River. Maggie, Tansy, and Juni, as owners of Sip 'n Spin, are tasked with manning the DJ booth and serving coffee. It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day in the park where the bluebonnets flowers are in full bloom. Unfortunately, Juni's attempt at a good deed ends with her finding a dead body. And to make things worse, he's holding a Sip 'n Spin coffee cup. Can Juni find the killer before the family business is ruined?

A Fatal Groove is the second book in the Olivia Blacke's Record Shop Mysteries series. I read book 1, Vinyl Resting Place (read my review), but you don't have to read it first. There are plenty of details about the characters in this book that you won't feel lost.

The murder mystery is steeped in a town bank heist mystery from the 1950s. So you really get 2 mysteries in 1 book. It was fun learning the history of the bank heist, the town, and the bluebonnets.

The characters are enjoyable though they sometimes border on being a bit cliche. I don't know if there is a such a thing as a family cozy, but I like how Juni's sisters help her solve the mysteries. It is kind of like the way Hannah's sisters help her in Joanne Fluke's series. The family dynamics add another layer to the story that is different than when it is just friends. Another similarity to Joanne Fluke's series is the love triangle. I sure hope it isn't dragged out as long as Hannah's love triangle.

One thing that I found kind of disconcerting was when the characters were described. When a character first walked on the page they were always described a white woman or a white man. One, I prefer there to be a more generic description so that I can picture the characters how I want to. Plus, I usually find specific descriptions to mean something important to the story. But that wasn't what I found disconcerting. It was the fact everyone was white. There there was the description of the mayor's home - white on white on white. It kind of made me feel uncomfortable. Is a town outside of Austin, TX really that white?

If you are a fan of coffee, I'm sure you will enjoy the descriptions of coffee drinks. I don't drink coffee but some of them didn't sound too bad and I liked the sound of the tea served at the craft night. I think a recipe for a coffee or tea drink would be a good addition to the story like you get with the culinary cozies.

I think fans of the Hannah Swensen series would like this series too. It is different enough to add variety to your cozy mystery reading, but the vibe will be familiar.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Monday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2023/07/a-fatal-groove-by-olivia-blacke-review.html

This was a fun second installment in the Record Shop Mysteries series. I was happy to return to Cedar Cove to see what trouble Juni, Tansy and Maggie were going to get into this time.

This time, town major Bob Bobbert is found dead while holding a cup of coffee from the Sip & Spin. It's the second body that Juni has discovered in two months (the first having been the focus of Book One). So, she's just barely recovered from her last experience with a dead body when this one shows up. And, unfortunately, there's no lack of suspects, including Juni's sister Maggie and their mother's new boyfriend!

Determined to clear her sister's name, Juni inserts herself into the investigation again, and it's just as enjoyable as the last time, although I think this book works perfectly fine as a standalone too.

Thank you to Olivia Blacke, St Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

The second book in The Record Shop Mysteries series this follows the escapades of Juni and her sisters as they attempt to solve the murder of the town's beloved mayor. This would work well as a stand alone as the author introduces the main characters and gives a little bit of their history. Of course those of us who have read "Vinyl Resting Place" feel that we already know them quite well. This is a wonderful cozy mystery to relax with on a quiet afternoon.
#AFatalGroove#NetGalley#StMartinsPress

In the second book in Olivia Blacke's record shop mystery series, we see Juni discover yet another dead body--this time the body of the town mayor, who is unfortunately clutching a coffee cup from their shop! Desperate to clear her sister's name (Tansy, the one who poured the coffee), Juni starts poking her nose into the death, which seems to be tied to a bank heist from decades prior. Despite seeming to have made a living off of never upsetting anyone, Mayor Bob seems to have made a lot of enemies... and Juni is torn between rekindling things with her ex-boyfriend, cop Beau, or starting something new with hot mailman Teddy. If only we all had these choices!

Blacke's record shop mystery series is quickly becoming one of my favorite cozy series. It came out swinging with book one, and book two was a stellar follow-up! I love to see a millennial heroine but in a classic small-town setting, and it's fun to see Juni's relationship with her sisters. The mystery flowed nicely, and I thought the ending was interesting. It has the much-maligned cozy love triangle, but I suspect Juni may make a choice soon... I'm personally rooting for Teddy! Beau doesn't need a second chance. Overall, this book was extremely solid, hitting all the checkpoints, and I imagine any cozy mystery fan would enjoy it.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10

This is the second installment of Olivia Blacke's Record Shop Mystery series, and I think I enjoyed it more than the first. Juni and her sisters are getting into the groove of owning their own record/coffee shop. Business is great until another unexpected murder is tied to their shop. Poor Mayor Bob! The story follows Juni, Maggie, and Tansi as they set out to solve the mystery and clear their good name!

The little love triangle between Juni, Beau, and Theo makes for a great side story. Plus, the music-themed coffee drinks are a great touch!

I can't wait to read the next story in this series!

I love these three sisters, Maggie, Tansy, and Juni. So different but so there for each other. This was a very interesting story line with some twists and turns. I enjoyed both the story and the characters. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

I’m still warming up to this cozy mystery series. Juni Jessup and her two sisters are African American and run Sip & Spin Records. It is a record shop and coffee house in Cedar River, a small town near Austin, TX. When the local mayor is found dead with one of their coffee cups in his hands suspicion turns to Tansy who served him. The sisters investigate to clear her name. There are twist and turns, red herrings, a treasure hunt and even a cow. I don’t enjoy love triangles. Juni has interest in Beau her ex boyfriend who is a police detective and her childhood friend Teddy. But I imagine that is going to get drawn out for several books. They are both decent guys. This is for cozy mystery fans who like small towns where everyone knows everyone and what they are doing. This is the second adventure in the Record Shop series. (3.5 Stars)

Yay! Thanks so much to @netgalley and the amazing team that works with @oliviablackeauthor , who sent me this e-arc. Read #73 this year, and this is what I am looking for in a #cozy.
Juni Jessup is back, helping her sisters run a record store/café (yes, the drink puns are back!), trying to navigate being back in her Texas home town as an adult, and stumbling into another mysterious murder. This time, her sister Tansy is the prime suspect, and all 3 sisters need to spring into action to solve the case.
This is the second in a series, and I actually preferred it to the first. There's more character development, a strong sense of environmentalism underlying the story, a great historical robbery driving the plot, and a general reminder to shift your lens occasionally, because things may not be as they seem.
The author also makes an effort with pronouns and racial identification. Any time a character is physically described, race is part of the description, along with other physical attributes. It made me think about the assumptions I have made as a white reader.
This is a solid 4.5 stars for me. And I am utterly #TeamTeddy, for the record. This came out July 25, and it's a perfect weekend read.

A Fatal Groove by Olivia Blacke is the next in the Sip and Spin series featuring the
Cedar River sisters, Tansy, Maggie and Juni. The coffee and record shop are under
suspicion when the mayor suddenly dies during the annual Bluebonnet festival after
getting a cup of coffee from the girl's booth. Since many others drank the coffee with no ill effects, what could have happened? The festival is also tied to a bank robbery that occurred during the festival in 1956. The mayor has quite a collection of artifacts from the robbery time period but are any really authentic? Is there a relationship between
collection and his death?
I read the first book and enjoyed it so was excited to read this one. It is full of suspects and theories for what happened and the ending does not disappoint. I recommend this book and give it 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

A Cozy Whodunit with a Side of Sisterly Bonding - 4 Stars!

Fatal Groove by Olivia Blacke is a delightful cozy mystery that takes readers on a fun and quirky journey through the charming town of Cedar River, Texas. Set during the Bluebonnet Festival, the story revolves around three spirited sisters - Juni, Tansy, and Maggie - who find themselves entangled in a murder mystery that threatens to shake the harmony of their tight-knit community.

One of the strongest aspects of this book is its well-crafted characters. Each sister is distinct and brings a unique personality to the story. Juni, the protagonist, is relatable and endearing, making it easy for readers to connect with her. The author's skillful development of the supporting cast ensures that navigating the diverse characters is effortless.

The plot is a delightful blend of mystery, adventure, and family ties. The murder mystery at the heart of the story unfolds gradually, allowing readers to engage in the process of piecing together clues alongside the Jessup sisters. While the pacing may be a touch slow for some readers, the steady progression ultimately adds to the coziness of the narrative.

Incorporating a treasure hunt adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, keeping readers on their toes as they follow the thrilling twists and turns. Olivia Blacke masterfully weaves this subplot into the main storyline, enhancing the reading experience.

The dialogue in Fatal Groove is a highlight, filled with humor and snark that adds an enjoyable flair to the interactions between characters. This wit brings fun to the murder investigation, making the book even more entertaining.

Furthermore, the small-town atmosphere of Cedar River is vividly depicted, immersing readers in the quaint charm of the community and making them feel like they are part of the festivities themselves.

Though there is a hint of romance in the background, the focus remains primarily on the mystery and the sisters' determination to clear Tansy's name. This balance between the personal and the investigative elements is well-maintained, creating a well-rounded and engaging narrative.

In conclusion, Fatal Groove by Olivia Blacke is a delightful and entertaining cozy mystery that offers a heartwarming mix of small-town charm, family bonds, and suspenseful sleuthing. While the pacing may be a bit slow at times, the well-developed characters and the witty dialogue more than make up for it. This book is a must-read if you're a fan of cozy mysteries with a strong sense of community. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Cedar River. I will eagerly be on the lookout for more works from Olivia Blacke. Four solid stars for this engaging and charming tale!

A Fatal Groove

The Record Shop Mysteries

B: Olivia Blacke

Publish Date: 25 July 2023

Publishers: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Mystery and Thrillers

100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader

I would like to thank both NetGalley and St. Martin Press for allowing me to read and review this book.

Good Reads Synopsis:

CATCHING A KILLER WITHOUT SKIPPING A BEAT.

It’s springtime in Cedar River, Texas. The annual Bluebonnet Festival is brewing and the whole town is in harmony. Juni Jessup and her sisters Tansy and Maggie thought opening Sip & Spin Records was going to be their biggest hurdle, but the Frappuccino hits the fan when the mayor drops dead―poisoned by their delicious coffee.

Since Tansy was the one to brew the coffee, and Juni was the unfortunate citizen who stumbled upon the mayor’s body, the sisters find themselves in hot water. Family is everything to the Jessups, so with Tansy under suspicion, the sisters spring into action.

Between the town festivities, a good old-fashioned treasure hunt, and an accidental cow in the mix, Juni will have to pull out all the stops to find the mayor’s killer.

Book Review:

I gave this book 4 stars. Even though I didn’t read the first book in the series I was able to follow along without an issue. I do want to go back and read the first book.
This book is set in Texas, and it is during the blue bonnet season. Every year they have a festival for the state flower and during this one there is a death. The mayor of the city is found dead in his office. Just before he went to his office, he picked up a coffee from the Sip and spin booth. Now one of the sister’s is being investigated for his death. Also with this festival is an old treasure hunt theory. Who killed the mayor and why? Was it the sister or someone else. Is the treasure hunt real or fake? You will have to read the book to find out.

What I like about this book is that you could it without having to read the first book. The author does a great job of giving you enough back information to not feel lost. I also love the family in this book. Not only the three sisters but one of the love interest family. There was some miss understanding between some of the characters which can happen in real life. I like how they brought their two favorite things together in one store. I would recommend this book and the series.

Juni Jessup finds herself in the middle on another murder mystery with plenty of suspects. It's just so happens she has to get her sister, Tansy, off that suspect list.

Mayor Bob Bobbert has been murdered. Of course it didn't help that Juni finds him dead while holding a cup of coffee from their booth at the Blue Bonnet Festival.

Not only does she have to find the murderer, and clear her sister's name, but there's also an old bank heist mystery to solve as well.

To say I am hooked on this series is an understatement. Olivia Blacke has written a fun and fresh cozy mystery series full of coffee puns and vinyl records. Each conundrum that Juni gets into she works her way out of by investigating in ways that drives her ex, Det. Beau, a little crazy.

Definitely pick this book up, and give it a read. Not only are cozy mysteries fun to read, but you can follow along and play detective, too.

Almost seven months ago I read the first book in this series- Vinyl Resting Place- and was enchanted by the Jessup sisters, their record store, and a new cozy series. Tonight I finished the second book and it was just as wonderful and fun!

It's been a whole month since Juni Jessup found a body and had to solve a murder. Now, on the day of Cedar Rivers' Bluebonnet Festival, Juni finds another body and the Jessup sisters have another murder to solve.

What follows is a great mystery with all the twists, turns, and drink puns you could possibly want. I am still cackling over Sweet Chai of Mine. The characters are well drawn, the mystery has some good reversals, and there's even some educational moments thrown in for good measure. And there are two mysteries being solved and the solutions to the older mystery is just as satisying.

I love this series. I love the way Olivia Blacke is filling the town with interesting characters. I look forward to many more Record Shop Mysteries in the future!

A Fatal Groove by by Olivia Black is the second in the Record Shop series and does not disappoint. Juni and her sisters, owners of Sip & Spin Records, are sponsoring Cedar River’s Bluebonnet Festival, running the DJ booth and providing the coffee. The festival has barely begun when tragedy strikes and Juni’s sister Tansy is a prime suspect.

I loved the mystery within a mystery aspect of this book as well as the background on Texas Bluebonnets. It was a well-paced page-turner with interesting characters and a charming small town location that held my interest throughout. The sisters connect and interact in a way that adds to the story. (I reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.)
This series is definitely on my “must read” list.

Music, mayhem and loads of drama await us in “A Fatal Groove”, the second in the Record Shop series by Olivia Blacke. Juni, and her sisters Tansy and Maggie (who are all named after flowers), are thrust into a police investigation when the mayor was found dead holding a coffee cup from their shop, Sip & Spin Records. Juni, who is a fledgling detective, was determined to get to the bottom of the latest murder to hit her small town of Cedar River. It certainly helps when the lead detective on the case, Beau, is vying to win back Juni’s heart and she uses that in an attempt to get information out of him. Of course, he sees right through her deviousness, but he will do anything in the name of love.

Juni and her sisters compiled a long list of suspects, which included their mother’s new boyfriend, and they methodically investigated all of them. If the murder wasn’t enough to deal with, there was also a renewed interest in an unsolved bank robbery from 1956 where the money was never found. Strangers were infiltrating Cedar River with their metal detectors looking for the money which just added to the chaos and speculation. Was the mayor’s death somehow connected to the missing money and more importantly, who would benefit most from his death? Cedar River, Texas is a small town filled with quirky characters, beautiful and abundant bluebonnets (the state flower) and a peacefulness that we all need in our lives. I love Juni, Tansy and Maggie and I am confident that together, they will make their town safe once again!!

Such a fun follow up to the first book! Juni and her sisters stay sassy while helping to solve the latest mystery, which was filled with red herrings and fun. While I wasn't much interested in either of her love interests, I will say they've done a bit better in making me not actively want a better love interest for her. Good to see a little more about everyone's lives and loved that little tidbit about Tansy's "nemesis"!