The first in the Musical Murder Mystery trilogy, the book cuts to the chase and readers are thrown straight into the story.

Lovers of musicals – or anyone familiar with musical numbers – can engage with the story better than those who aren’t. Lovers of crime and mystery will also find this book engaging because the story is seen entirely from Ruby’s point of view, so the mystery can be investigated alongside the protagonist; readers know everything Ruby knows, sees, and hears – no more, no less.

Ruby and Nova already guess who the murderer could be, so they spend their time asking questions and gathering evidence while using their own musical number to help remember, the tune inspired by The Sound of Music. For every clue, they add a line. Having the musical number regularly referred back to means the readers are constantly reminded and updated on the investigation, making the book engaging. However, there is an unforeseen twist added to their suspicions so not all is revealed ‘last-minute’ like in most mystery stories.

Ruby doesn’t hold back her thoughts and readers are privy to every opinion and observation she has of characters; there is no introduction to each character, but Ruby describes them enough to assume we’ve met them already and Ruby just has to reiterate their habits. While Ruby doesn’t hold back, she is also still finding herself. Making a new friend in Nova and investigating a mystery seems to help Ruby get out of her shell and reveal to others - as well as herself - a new version of who she believed to be, the version being more confident or quirky. Ruby picks up on her change in personality and embraces everything she does, regardless of how awkward or different it makes her seem to others.

There are a lot of italics, used for verses, thoughts, and phone texts. Therefore, understanding the context helps to distinguish these. Nonetheless, the story is written really well, comically and endearing: Ruby breaks the fourth wall as she seemingly communicates with the readers as opposed to a diary in a prose like most first-person point of views, and the character describes facial expressions so readers can easily visualise reactions.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. ( )

The first in the Musical Murder Mystery trilogy, the book cuts to the chase and readers are thrown straight into the story.

Lovers of musicals – or anyone familiar with musical numbers – can engage with the story better than those who aren’t. Lovers of crime and mystery will also find this book engaging because the story is seen entirely from Ruby’s point of view, so the mystery can be investigated alongside the protagonist; readers know everything Ruby knows, sees, and hears – no more, no less.

Ruby and Nova already guess who the murderer could be, so they spend their time asking questions and gathering evidence while using their own musical number to help remember, the tune inspired by The Sound of Music. For every clue, they add a line. Having the musical number regularly referred back to means the readers are constantly reminded and updated on the investigation, making the book engaging. However, there is an unforeseen twist added to their suspicions so not all is revealed ‘last-minute’ like in most mystery stories.

Ruby doesn’t hold back her thoughts and readers are privy to every opinion and observation she has of characters; there is no introduction to each character, but Ruby describes them enough to assume we’ve met them already and Ruby just has to reiterate their habits. While Ruby doesn’t hold back, she is also still finding herself. Making a new friend in Nova and investigating a mystery seems to help Ruby get out of her shell and reveal to others - as well as herself - a new version of who she believed to be, the version being more confident or quirky. Ruby picks up on her change in personality and embraces everything she does, regardless of how awkward or different it makes her seem to others.

There are a lot of italics, used for verses, thoughts, and phone texts. Therefore, understanding the context helps to distinguish these. Nonetheless, the story is written really well, comically and endearing: Ruby breaks the fourth wall as she seemingly communicates with the readers as opposed to a diary in a prose like most first-person point of views, and the character describes facial expressions so readers can easily visualise reactions.


I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Booksprout and author. ( )

The hills were alive with the sounds of deception, song, humor, and murder. Miss Ruby Ecco is fresh off the trail of her friend’s murder when it happens again. You’ll find yourself humming along with Ruby as she works to solves this mystery. She thinks to the tune of familiar songs. I don’t think I’ve smiled this much reading a cozy since the Bryce Beach series. Sunshine Baker makes a cameo in this book. The characters have personalities that are so well written for the plot. Nova, Tara and Dianna are so stage divas. Hattie is the overworked stage manager. I love this author. She writes positive, clean and fun mysteries. They are so much fun to figure out who did it and enjoy as you solve it. With the adventures Ruby had in this book, I’m looking forward to the next one. This is a terrific new series that I’m looking forward to reading more of. I recommend this for all mystery lovers. You won’t be disappointed. ( )