Octavia Fields Mysteries: Book 2
Publication Date: June 26, 2025
With just two weeks left of the summer at Aerie Pines, music shop owner Octavia Fields should be getting ready to head back to the nomadic life she lives most of the year—but the season is set to end in a minor key for her little shop.
Octavia’s determined to do everything she can to increase sales so her employees won’t have to bow out for the next season. If she’d known it would involve coming across a body with a conductor’s baton sticking out of its chest, she might not have been so eager.
While Octavia is trying to focus on her shop’s problem, music students who know she played a part in catching the last killer keep telling her what they know about the victim. She wants to pass the information on to the detective, but when one of her employees becomes a suspect, Octavia has no choice but to become the conductor of her own investigation.
Trying to save her shop, solve a murder, handle threats, and deal with her growing feelings for the lead detective is keeping Octavia’s score full—but she needs to find the sour note before someone else plays their finale!
When music shop owner Octavia Fields discovers a body with a conductor’s baton impaled in his chest, she is cajoled to investigate the murder and discover the perpetrator in Strike the Death Note by Rebecca McKinnon.
Although the second book in the Octavia Fields Mystery series, the author gave enough background information that it can be read as a standalone.
Octavia is a music shop owner determined to do whatever it takes to increase sales so her employees can keep their jobs throughout the season. Having previously solved a murder, music students are eager to share information about the victim. As a good citizen, Octavia passes the information along to the lead detective in the case, Jack.
Throughout the book, the author gives mini-lessons on reading music. Having never learned how to read music, this was very intriguing to me and added a unique element to the storyline. The dialogue is realistic and believable and also draws you into the mystery surrounding the murder.
I absolutely love Octavia, who is eclectic, unique, and an artist, in addition to being sensitive, sentimental, and intelligent. She is a well-rounded and fascinating character you’ll want to learn more about.
Detective Jack, the romantic interest in this book, is strong, intelligent, and manly, without being a jerk. He was also protective of Octavia but not in a negative manner.
I truly enjoyed the main protagonists as well as the secondary characters, which helped move the story along. The secondary characters are essential and help round out Octavia. They help keep her organized, serve as her sounding board, and care about each other.
Music, mystery, and murder are center stage in Strike the Death Note. With realistic characters and lively banter, this is a must-read for cozy mystery readers.
Rebecca McKinnon enjoys playing with her imaginary friends and introducing them to others through her writing. She dreams of living in the middle of nowhere, but has been unable to find an acceptable location that wouldn’t require crossing an ocean.
June 17 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
June 17 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT
June 18 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
June 18 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 19 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW
June 19 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
June 19 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT
June 20 – Novels Alive – REVIEW
June 21 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
June 21 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 22 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW
June 23 – Jane Reads – AUTHOR GUEST POST
June 23 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW
June 24 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
June 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
June 26 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Sounds like a book I will enjoy.
Thank you for the fantastic review! I’m so glad you enjoyed getting to know my imaginary friends.