The second in the Musical Murder Mystery trilogy but the book works as a standalone. There are fewer musical references in this book.

A case from 2009 falls into Ruby’s and Nova’s laps and they waste no time asking questions and gathering evidence while using their own musical number to help remember, the tune inspired by West Side Story. For every clue, they add a verse. Having the musical number regularly referred back to means the readers are constantly reminded and updated on the investigation, making the book engaging.

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. The book also features soft romance.

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.

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 second in the Musical Murder Mystery trilogy but the book works as a standalone. There are fewer musical references in this book.

A case from 2009 falls into Ruby’s and Nova’s laps and they waste no time asking questions and gathering evidence while using their own musical number to help remember, the tune inspired by West Side Story. For every clue, they add a verse. Having the musical number regularly referred back to means the readers are constantly reminded and updated on the investigation, making the book engaging.

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. The book also features soft romance.

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.

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. ( )