A Fatal Groove by Olivia Blacke

Record Shop Mystery #2

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Dates Read: 6/12/23 - 6/15/23

    Springtime is in full swing in Cedar River, Texas, and everyone is buzzing with excitement for the annual Bluebonnet Festival. The town is alive with harmony, but little did Juni Jessup and her sisters, Tansy and Maggie, know that their new venture, Sip & Spin Records, would bring them more trouble than they bargained for. Things take a wild turn when the mayor drops dead, and you won't believe how - poisoned by their own delicious coffee!

    With Tansy as the coffee brewer and Juni stumbling upon the mayor's lifeless body, the Jessup sisters find themselves in hot water. Family means the world to them, so they kick into action to clear Tansy's name. Amidst the festivities of the town and a good old-fashioned treasure hunt, Juni has to unleash her inner detective to uncover the truth behind the mayor's untimely demise. But hold on tight, because this investigation gets even crazier with an accidental cow thrown into the mix. Juni will need to go all out and use every trick up her sleeve to find the killer lurking in Cedar River.

    This is a cozy mystery that sets a lively atmosphere and presents an intriguing premise. However, as a standalone novel, it fell short in terms of character attachment and had an overload of subplots. I do wish I had read the previous book in the series. It became clear that knowing the characters from the previous installment would have helped me connect better with them in this story. By the end, I didn't feel a strong bond with any of the characters, which impacted my overall engagement with the book.

    The plot, though initially promising, became somewhat predictable at times. The inclusion of multiple storylines, such as the main plot, a romance subplot, and a treasure hunting subplot, felt like a bit too much at times. Despite these drawbacks, I do appreciate the author's ability to create a vivid and authentic atmosphere. The world of vinyl records and DJ culture was brought to life through detailed descriptions and a genuine sense of place. The author's talent for immersing readers in this unique setting is a notable strength. I enjoyed most things about this book.

    Like many cozy mysteries, "A Fatal Groove" places more emphasis on the journey rather than the destination. While it did take some time to uncover clues and leads, the gradual unraveling of the mystery created a sense of anticipation. However, the slower pacing may not appeal to everyone, and readers seeking a faster-paced narrative might find it a bit tedious. In conclusion, "A Fatal Groove" is a cozy mystery that delivers a vibrant atmosphere and an intriguing premise. Readers who are familiar with the series and appreciate a slower-paced, atmospheric mystery will likely enjoy the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!