Rhythm and Clues is book 3 in the Record Shop Mystery series. I don't think you need to have read the first two books in the series to enjoy this one. I have read Vinyl Resting Place and A Fatal Groove and I enjoyed them. The whole series is a quick read so you have time to catch up if you are just now learning of the series.

This is a solid cozy mystery. The main character Juni reminds me of Hannah Swensen complete with a love triangle. Thankfully, it doesn't look like Blacke is going to draw out the love triangle for long (unlike Hannah's never-ending love triangle).

If you are a fancy coffee drinker then you will enjoy the recipes and descriptions. I don't drink coffee but I did like the names of the drinks - a play on words of song titles. They are cute. If you are a music fan then you will probably like the mention of concert t-shirts and albums.

I'm neither a coffee drinker nor much of a music fan, but I still like this series. The characters are great though they are starting to feel a little stereotypical rather than unique individuals that you would run across in real life.

The mystery is interesting and you get to learn more about the businesses and people in Cedar River. There are a few red herrings so it wasn't easy to figure out who did it.

If you are looking for a quick, fun read, then pick up this book.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Wednesday, March 13 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2024/03/rhythm-and-clues-by-olivia-blacke-review.html

"Rhythm and Clues" by Olivia Blacke hits all the right notes in this captivating cozy mystery that will have you tapping your toes and flipping pages until the very end. Set in the charming town of Cedar River, Texas, Blacke introduces us to the dynamic Jessup sisters—Juni, Tansy, and Maggie—owners of the struggling yet endearing Sip & Spin Records.

The story kicks off with a thunderous storm and a murder right outside their shop, throwing the sisters into a whirlwind of danger and intrigue. Blacke masterfully weaves together elements of small-town charm, familial bonds, and edge-of-your-seat suspense as Juni takes on the role of amateur sleuth to unravel the mystery surrounding the murder.

What sets "Rhythm and Clues" apart is its richly drawn characters and the palpable sense of community that permeates every page. The Jessup sisters are a delightfully quirky trio, each with their own strengths and vulnerabilities, making them instantly relatable and endearing to readers. Juni's determination to crack the case, despite the odds stacked against her, adds a layer of depth to her character that will resonate with fans of the genre.

The plot is peppered with unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end, while Blacke's vivid descriptions bring Cedar River to life, from its quaint streets to its bustling record shop. The inclusion of a surprise element from the river adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, "Rhythm and Clues" is a symphony of suspense, humor, and heart that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series. Olivia Blacke has crafted a must-read cozy mystery that earns a well-deserved four stars for its engaging plot, lovable characters, and irresistible charm. Whether you're a longtime fan of the genre or new to cozy mysteries, this book is sure to hit all the right notes.

Juni and her sisters have been approached by a company that wants to invest in their business. When one of the company’s officers is found dead during a torrential storm shortly after meeting with Juni, she and her sisters begin looking into not only the death, but the life of the victim as well.

This is the third book in this series, and it is just as entertaining as the first two books. I like the three sisters who are the main characters, who work well together despite their vastly different personalities. I kept wishing Juni would grow up a little, but by the time the story ended, it looked like she was on the right track. The secondary characters are a good group of people too, and I nearly jumped for joy when the love triangle that has been part of the series from the beginning was put to rest.

Of course it was determined that the potential investor’s death was not an accident but murder. Since he was not a nice guy, there were plenty of possible suspects to consider. One character was at the top of my list, but a few others floated near the top as well. The killer turned out to be not the person I had decided was the guilty party, but instead was someone else who was still high on the list. Since I rarely figure out whodunnit it, this is no great surprise :)

I look forward to the next book in the series to visit with Juni, Tansy, Maggie and the rest, and to see how Juni does with her “adulting” now that she’s made several significant decisions in her personal life.

Juni and company are working hard to make Spin and Sip a success but wonder if they should accept help from investors who want to give them some cash and get controlling interest in their business. When Juni attends a hockey game as the guest of the inventors, she's not impressed with the behavior of the male member who drinks too much and hits on her. Once home there is a huge storm and when Tansy decides to go check on Daffy at the shop, Juni goes with her, no sooner do they get into the shop, under terrible driving conditions, then they hear a crash and find that someone has driven into Tansy's car, what they find outside is the male investor dead in the passenger seat and the driver disappeared. This is an interesting mystery with Juni seeking out others who the investors "helped" and trying to get to the bottom of what happened. This is a fun cast of characters and an intriguing setting for the stories. Thanks to #NetGalley and #Kensingtonbooks for the opportunity to read.

This is the third book in a series, which I didn't know going into it. The book works well as a standalone though there was some backstory between characters that I didn't know and/or feel as invested in as a result. I thought this was a really fun cozy mystery. It had similar vibes to Mia P. Manansala's Tita Rosie's Kitchen series for me. The fun musical references and coffee puns were a delight and I really liked the relationship between the three sisters. Also as a Texan, the small Texas town setting was perfection! I couldn't put this one down. The wrap-up felt a little rushed but overall I really enjoyed it. It was my first book in this series but I definitely want to go back and read the other two now!

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!

#3 in Olivia Blacke's Record Shop Mystery Series. The record shop is struggling and being pressured to let high powered investors help out. When one of the investment bankers is found dead in a car outside the shop Juni again needs to investigate. Not only does she investigate the death but also the ethics of the investment group which puts many suspects into the running. I have enjoyed all the books in this series and hope it continues on with many more. The family ties between the main characters adds a special touch to the story telling. A very enjoyable read.
Thanks to #NetGalley#RhythmAndClues#StMartinsPress for the EARC

Juni, Tansy, and Maggie don't want to sell their coffee/vinyl shop to Zack but they certainly didn't kill him! Juni finds herself looking for answers in the middle of a raging storm. She's also thinking about how her romantic life should proceeed- should it be Beau, her law enforcement ex, or Teddy the affable mailman? There's a little more romance in this latest of the series than in the past but it helps round out the characters. You might be able to guess the identity of the murderer but keep reading to enjoy the music references and puns. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good cozy read that will be fine as a standalone.

Juni Jessup and her two older sisters own Sip & Spin - a coffee shop and a vinyl record shop - in a small Texas town near Austin. They have recently opened and are wondering if they will be able to make it as small business owners.

They are the target of predatory investors. One of the investors is Zackary Fjord. Juni and he went to college together but didn't really know each other. Now he and his partner Samantha are pressuring Juni and her sisters to take his company as a partner.

However, when Zack dies in a car wreck in front of Sip & Spin during a raging thunderstorm, Juni and her sisters want to know who killed him. It turns out that there are a number of suspects right in town. Zack and his partner Samantha have their fingers in a number of local businesses. The owner of the local music store isn't happy with the partnership. The owner of a clothing shop is also on the side of the haters since he blames them for his store going out of business. Only the owner of the local consignment/thrift shop seems happy with the bargain she made.

All the while Juni is investigating, she is also dealing with her two love interests. It has become time to stop juggling them and deciding which one she really wants to be with. Beau Russell was her first love, but he broke up with her when she left Texas to take her dream job in the Pacific Northwest. Beau, who is now a police detective, wants to rekindle their romance. Teddy Garza, the local postman, was a childhood friend but the friendship is shifting to romance now that Juni is back in town.

This was a fun cozy mystery. I enjoy Juni who is just now getting into "adulting." I liked the terrific puns for the coffee drinks that Juni creates at Sip & Spin. This is the third book in an enjoyable series.

Culinary Cozy Mystery about a Texan, who co-owns a vinyl record shop and coffee nook with her sisters, as she investigates a sketchy financier killed outside her store during a storm.

5/5 stars: This is the third entry in Blacke's Record Shop Mystery series, which is a Culinary Cozy Mystery that takes place in Texas and features a woman who co-owns a struggling vinyl records store and coffee shop with her two sisters. With plenty of twists and turns, Blacke has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Additionally, Blacke's writing and character work is stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's a joy to catch up with Juni, her sisters (Tansy and Maggie) and the rest of the eclectic folks of Cedar River. I especially get a kick out of their septuagenarian neighbor and honorary aunt Edie and her too cute puggle, Buffy and their rascally Uncle Calvin. It's also great to see Juni figuring out her romantic relationships with Beau, the detective, and Teddy, the postman. And of course I can't forget the every adorable fluff-ball that is Daffy, Sip & Spin Records' resident shop cat. There aren't any recipes included but I love how all the coffee shop's drinks have punny song title names. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Vinyl Resting Place.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Another strong entry in the series! The mystery was wonderful but I also liked the personal progress in the characters lives. A good series to make sure you read in order!

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.

"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 and 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?"

Plus, rain tends to wash away evidence, making it even trickier to catch a killer!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Paperbacks for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I really enjoy this series of cozy mysteries set neat Austin, Texas. Juni and her family are becoming old friends I like to check in on and see what’s up in their life. I particularly like the emotional growth shown by Juni in this book. It’s so nice to read a series with characters who move forward in their lives.

Really enjoyed this cozy mystery . The amateur sleuth is Juni, who owns and runs the Sip and Spin coffee shop and Vinyls with her sisters Tansy and Maggie. Juni and Tansy go out in really bad rainy weather in which the town has no power. They go out to check the shop and someone hits Tansy's car. Someone is dead in the car that hit them. Once the accident is investigated . They go back in the shop and find the driver of the car there. Juni had just met them earlier at a sporting event. Juni , of course, gets caught up in the murder. See all the sleuthing she does. This is one where I had no idea who did it until the end.

Another entertaining visit to the record and coffee shop. Fun coffee names. Clever cozy mystery. A bit of romance amongst the trio. Engaging characters. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Rhythm and Clues is the third Record Shop Mystery, featuring sisters Tansey, Maggie, and Juni, owners of Sip and Spin Records, a coffee and record shop in a small town near Austin, Texas. The shop is barely making a profit, but the sisters have been approached by a potential investor. The investor, Zach, and his partner invite Juni and Beau, a local cop to a hockey game, but later that night, Zach is killed during a major storm, found dead in a car that wrecked outside of the record shop. Juni, of course, can’t help getting involved in the case.

I enjoy spending time with Juni and her sisters. They each have their own personalities and they work together well.

The setup worked well. The storm flooded parts of town, made some roads impassable, and knocked out the power. The killer is stuck in town. Juni has several suspects, with clues that point in different directions. The plot flows well and the solution fits the characters.

The writing can be a bit clunky at times. Each time a character is introduced, we are told they’re black, white, or Hispanic (and those are the only choices), what they’re wearing, what their hair looks like, and usually whether they’re skinny, in shape, or overweight. Each time. The writer needs to add some variety or just not make her formula for character descriptions so obvious. I also hate the love triangle, even though it is resolved in this book.

Overall, the fun parts of this series outweigh the annoyances. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.

Another great installment! This series has quickly become one of my favorite cozies. I love watching the characters grow, and while I was getting INCREDIBLY IRRITATED with the love triangle, I was happy to see that Juni made the right decision at the end.

To be honest, I would have been okay with any decision at that point. I had a lot of trouble believing that Juni had been dating two different men for several months, even had a key to one of their apartments--and they hadn't so much as kissed. I know this is a cozy, but this isn't middle school. You can allow the relationship to exist without getting graphic. I now have very high hopes for the next book.

The mystery had a lot of great twists and turns, and the ending was highly satisfying.

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

I love this series. The Record Shop Mysteries are the kind of cozies I just eat up with a spoon. Interesting murders, small town shenanigans, copious humor, and a great (and growing) cast of characters add up to a fun day of reading.

I'm home from work this week quarantining because I have Covid, and today I really wanted to just sit down and enjoy a book. And I certainly enjoyed this one. Juni Jessup has once again discovered a dead body. There's a mystery to solve and a lot of moving parts. And some mannequins. Oh, and she still has to figure out whether she's more into Beau or Teddy.

The writing on this series is great. Olivia Blacke knows how to spin a story and has nice little diversions and great character work. I am always happy to see a new Record Shop Mystery show up!