Killer songs and a killer voice land Vy in yet another melodic murder mystery. Interlude Records has signed Vy to a long-anticipated record deal after years of rejections, but she never thought that murder would be part of the deal. Now, Vy finds herself, yet again, at the center of a murder investigation that may change the course of her music career.
It seems that someone doesn’t want Vy to record her album, and is doing everything to sabotage the release date, including murdering a key member of the production team. So Vy and her sister, Alexia, are back at it again—detecting in their own way. This time they’re using their quick-witted banter, and super sleuthing skills to ensure that Vy’s record makes it to the Billboard Top 100 list before the murderer makes it to the Miami Beach Police Department’s most wanted list.
They say the music industry is cutthroat, but Vy has never taken that statement literally. Could this be the strum of Vy’s guitar playing her last note IN THE KEY OF DEAD?
The vibrant city of Miami, Florida, serves as the heartbeat of the Miami Music Mystery series—a city I deeply cherish, having been born and raised there. Like the series’ protagonist, Vy, I am a singer-songwriter and Grammy-considered independent artist, with a profound passion for music and literature.
Years ago, I discovered cozy mysteries and was immediately captivated by their engaging, intriguing, and often humorous storylines. Inspired by these works, I decided to merge my love of music with my newfound passion for storytelling. This led to the creation of my debut novel, The Last Note: A Miami Music Mystery.
Following its success, I continued Vy’s story In the Key of Dead: A Miami Music Mystery. Drawing from my own life experiences, I wove elements like phobias, dream sequences, and quirky personalities into the narrative—all grounded in truth. Through these novels, I aimed to share my love for Miami, its rich Cuban culture, my family, and the world of music.
Now, with the release of The Hidden Track, the final book in the Miami Music Mystery series, I’ve brought Vy’s journey to a thrilling conclusion. This latest installment delves deeper into the city’s vibrant backdrop and Vy’s evolving story, tying together the mysteries, challenges, and triumphs that have defined her journey.
I hope readers feel the same passion for Miami, music, and storytelling that I’ve poured into these novels. It’s been a joy to bring this series to life and share a piece of my world with you. For more information, visit www.zaidamusic.com
In the Key of Dead is the second book in the Miami Music Mystery series by Zaida Alfaro, a new-to-me author. I was lost at times because we kept learning that Vy felt targeted in this story as she did in the first book, but not having read The Last Note, it was sometimes difficult to connect the dots. When we concentrated on this storyline, however, there was a better flow.
Vy is front and center in this cozy mystery as she fulfills a dream of recording her music for a record label. Things move at a fast pace for her once she’s brought in to explain the deal and sign her contracts, but when bodies start showing up, look out! She and her supportive sister are continually being questioned by the cops, and they bring up her previous involvement in a case more than once. We get to see a side of the music business and some of the glory, but also how dreams are sometimes crushed.
Set in Miami and South Beach, there are a lot of descriptive phrases that made me feel like I was there. As the hits keep coming and Vy feels it’s personal, she and her sister continue to sleuth on their own. There are a lot of clues and red herrings galore as they and the cops try to figure out whodunnit since there seem to be a few characters with axes to grind.
There is some romance thrown in for both Vy and her sister. There is closure in solving the crimes after several twists and turns. There is a happily ever after on some fronts, but not all. This book is best read as part of the series to better grasp the history of the main characters.
In the Key of Dead is a cozy mystery set in Florida with crimes committed, some romance, and lots of music. Crank up the tunes, and you’ll be right at home.
I have not read the first book in the series, but I will be doing so after reading this one. There were some parts that referred to the first book and now I need to see what they are talking about. A part of me does wish that I read the first book before this one. I need to see how Vy’s story starts out. I am hoping I get to know more about Detective Houston in the first book. I am a little disappointed with the outcome of Vy’s relationship but perhaps there is a reason for this. If there is a third book, I would be very interested in the direction it takes.
I do not believe I have ever read a cozy with a singer before. I really like the storyline and the location being set in Miami and South Beach. Vy’s character is awesome, and I love how she is still staying true to herself even after getting a record deal. Plus, Vy’s favorite movie is Buffy the Vampire Slayer so me and her would be friends!
The end of the book had me holding my breath. I did not see the first part coming and did not see the second part coming either. It was almost as if I were watching a movie and was on the edge of my seat.