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Music Shop Mysteries #1
Murder on a High Note
In the charming mountain town of Timber Coulee, Idaho, music shop owner Amanda Parrish's harmonious life strikes a discordant note when a beloved townsperson is murdered during the town's annual summer music camp. As Amanda seeks for answers, she uncovers a web of long-buried secrets, including a mysterious violin and a charismatic newcomer with a hidden agenda. With the help of her spirited niece and a cast of colorful locals, Amanda must compose a solution to this deadly sonata before the killer's next movement brings her own story to a premature finale.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2025
32 people are currently reading
2759 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Lamont Leo
19 books221 followers**THANK YOU, dear readers, for all the great reviews, and for choosing Moondrop Miracle, You're the Cream in My Coffee and Ain't Misbehavin for your book clubs. You're the bee's knees!** Author of Moondrop Miracle, You're the Cream in My Coffee and Ain't Misbehavin'. With a passion for all things historical, Jennifer Lamont Leo captures readers' hearts through stories set in times gone by. She is also a copywriter, editor, and journalist. An Illinois native, she holds a deep affection for Chicago and its rich history. Today she writes from the mountains of northern Idaho, where she shares her home with her husband, two cats, and abundant wildlife. Visit her at A Sparkling Vintage Life (http://www.JenniferLamontLeo.com/blog), as well as on Facebook, Bookbub, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 19, 2025
A good cozy for a winter day.
August 15, 2025
Thanks to Jennifer for gifting me this Kindle copy for an honest review.
This book was very predictable with a lot (and I mean A LOT) of time period agreement errors (i.e. things that weren't even invented in year story was portraying).
This was a total miss for me. Definitely would not recommend and would definitely skip any more books in this series.
I did like the musical instrument aspect which makes for a good character in a cozy mystery but the execution was horrible.
This book was very predictable with a lot (and I mean A LOT) of time period agreement errors (i.e. things that weren't even invented in year story was portraying).
This was a total miss for me. Definitely would not recommend and would definitely skip any more books in this series.
I did like the musical instrument aspect which makes for a good character in a cozy mystery but the execution was horrible.
November 30, 2025
I received this book for free as a Goodreads Giveaway.
The year is 1916 and war is raging in Europe. In the US, anti- immigrant, particularly anti-German, sentiment is running high, threatening to tear apart a close-knit rural community in Idaho, and to disrupt their prestigious annual music festival. But not everything is as it seems.
This one never came together for me. I found Amanda, the music store proprietor/amateur sleuth cluelessly annoying - while utterly sure of herself to the point of flying off the handle when anyone more qualified (or more perceptive) disagrees with her.
The attempts at explaining history- like split skirts and women riding bicycles- seemed forced at best, and there were a few historical blunders.
The music camp never made sense to me. A logging camp that for a few weeks out of the year turns into a music festival seems unlikely. Not impossible, but unlikely. And who are the participants? Talented kids, apparently, because Molly is too old to be a regular participant, but gets a spot as an extra member of the orchestra to help fill the violin section - but she snags a major solo? Instead of one of the talented kids who actually participated in the full program? That seems unlikely. Not impossible, but unlikely (of course, it becomes an important plot point, so I understand why she had to have the solo, but it doesn’t fit with the spirit of the camp). And is Clarence another add-on to the orchestra? Because if Molly is too old, then Clarence probably is, too. And if he’s buried in the trumpet section, it seems unlikely that he’d have the opportunity to play the pivotal role he played at the concert. Anyway, considering the importance of the festival/camp to the story, I’d have appreciated a little more development there.
I wish I had liked it better.
The year is 1916 and war is raging in Europe. In the US, anti- immigrant, particularly anti-German, sentiment is running high, threatening to tear apart a close-knit rural community in Idaho, and to disrupt their prestigious annual music festival. But not everything is as it seems.
This one never came together for me. I found Amanda, the music store proprietor/amateur sleuth cluelessly annoying - while utterly sure of herself to the point of flying off the handle when anyone more qualified (or more perceptive) disagrees with her.
The attempts at explaining history- like split skirts and women riding bicycles- seemed forced at best, and there were a few historical blunders.
The music camp never made sense to me. A logging camp that for a few weeks out of the year turns into a music festival seems unlikely. Not impossible, but unlikely. And who are the participants? Talented kids, apparently, because Molly is too old to be a regular participant, but gets a spot as an extra member of the orchestra to help fill the violin section - but she snags a major solo? Instead of one of the talented kids who actually participated in the full program? That seems unlikely. Not impossible, but unlikely (of course, it becomes an important plot point, so I understand why she had to have the solo, but it doesn’t fit with the spirit of the camp). And is Clarence another add-on to the orchestra? Because if Molly is too old, then Clarence probably is, too. And if he’s buried in the trumpet section, it seems unlikely that he’d have the opportunity to play the pivotal role he played at the concert. Anyway, considering the importance of the festival/camp to the story, I’d have appreciated a little more development there.
I wish I had liked it better.
January 15, 2025
🌹 Murder on a High Note was just the ticket for me, and what a mystery tale this is! From the moment I picked up this book and opened to the first page, I could not put it down. The story is well-organized, well-written, and the mystery is a delightfully woven tale. The cover is attractive. I read Murder on a High Note on 🟡 Kindle Unlimited, and I look forward to reading more of Jennifer Lamont Leo’s books.
My rating is a bouquet of 5 roses🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹.
My rating is a bouquet of 5 roses🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹.
July 10, 2025
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This was a cozy mystery set in a small town in northern Idaho in 1916; the plot revolves around a summer music camp. The main character owns a music store in the town, selling both instruments and sheet music. This was a light and engaging read. I enjoyed both the setting and the characters, although I did figure out the mystery well before the end of the book. My only issue was a relatively glaring anachronism referring to opening a can of cat food (which was not invented until the 1930's). It appears that this will be the start of a series, and I'd be interested in following the characters in future books.
This was a cozy mystery set in a small town in northern Idaho in 1916; the plot revolves around a summer music camp. The main character owns a music store in the town, selling both instruments and sheet music. This was a light and engaging read. I enjoyed both the setting and the characters, although I did figure out the mystery well before the end of the book. My only issue was a relatively glaring anachronism referring to opening a can of cat food (which was not invented until the 1930's). It appears that this will be the start of a series, and I'd be interested in following the characters in future books.
July 16, 2025
Received a Kindle copy as a GoodReads giveaway. I liked it, and I'll probably read the next in the series, but I had some reservations. The main character was sometimes pretty annoying, quickly jumping to wrong conclusions, and resistant to listening to other people like her niece and the sheriff. But maybe she'll improve in those areas in future books? The book needed a little more editing, too. The canned cat food situation was a minor mention but it made me stop reading and immediately google when it became available. Nope, it wasn't around in 1916.
December 15, 2024
Step back into the early 1900s when times were simple... or were they? Music, mystery, and the search for motives will keep you turning the pages and maybe humming a tune in this engaging who-done-it with all the feels.
I was privileged to read an early copy of this book with no expectation for a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
I was privileged to read an early copy of this book with no expectation for a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
February 13, 2025
Hits a Perfect Note!
🖋️ One point is always for certain – I am never disappointed by Jennifer Lamont Leo’s works, and Murder on a High Note is no exception to my expectations! Therefore, when Murder on a High Note was released, I picked up my copy right away in the wee hours of the morning, and I dove right in. The mystery is told in the first person by Amanda Parrish in the year 1916. The addition of the orange tabby cat, Moxie (why not! It’s a perfect name for a couple of reasons – it is the name of a popular soft drink in the early part of the twentieth century, and the word “moxie” defines determination and energy!) is icing on the cake. This mystery story has a well-developed plot with believable characters whom I actually cared about and grew to like. The writing style is quite intelligent and smooth as usual, and the dénouement was presented excellently, which wrapped up the story quite nicely. Through and through, this mystery was a delight. The book cover is eye-catching, too. Brava!
જ⁀🟡 Kindle Unlimited.
༺ ༅ ✬ ༅ ༻ ༺ ༅ ✬ ༅ ༻
My ratings for this work:
Plot: ★★★★★
Content: ★★★★★
Grammar: ★★★★★
Writing style: ★★★★★
Character(s): ★★★★★
Ease of reading: ★★★★★
My recommendation: ★★★★★
My total rating for this work: ★★★★★ (5.0)
🖋️ One point is always for certain – I am never disappointed by Jennifer Lamont Leo’s works, and Murder on a High Note is no exception to my expectations! Therefore, when Murder on a High Note was released, I picked up my copy right away in the wee hours of the morning, and I dove right in. The mystery is told in the first person by Amanda Parrish in the year 1916. The addition of the orange tabby cat, Moxie (why not! It’s a perfect name for a couple of reasons – it is the name of a popular soft drink in the early part of the twentieth century, and the word “moxie” defines determination and energy!) is icing on the cake. This mystery story has a well-developed plot with believable characters whom I actually cared about and grew to like. The writing style is quite intelligent and smooth as usual, and the dénouement was presented excellently, which wrapped up the story quite nicely. Through and through, this mystery was a delight. The book cover is eye-catching, too. Brava!
જ⁀🟡 Kindle Unlimited.
༺ ༅ ✬ ༅ ༻ ༺ ༅ ✬ ༅ ༻
My ratings for this work:
Plot: ★★★★★
Content: ★★★★★
Grammar: ★★★★★
Writing style: ★★★★★
Character(s): ★★★★★
Ease of reading: ★★★★★
My recommendation: ★★★★★
My total rating for this work: ★★★★★ (5.0)
dnf
October 30, 2025Thank you to the author and to Goodreads Giveaways for the kindle ARC!
Unfortunately this was a DNF for me at 33%. I could not connect with any of the characters and the MC was just insufferable. The political element took away from the story; it did not elevate it (at least for the portion of the book I DID read). Maybe I will come back to this one day, but it’s unlikely.
Unfortunately this was a DNF for me at 33%. I could not connect with any of the characters and the MC was just insufferable. The political element took away from the story; it did not elevate it (at least for the portion of the book I DID read). Maybe I will come back to this one day, but it’s unlikely.
January 21, 2025
Charming!
It's always fun to read a book written by Jennifer Leo. Her characters are fun and quirky, and this story is full of heart and history. I'm looking forward to the next one already!
It's always fun to read a book written by Jennifer Leo. Her characters are fun and quirky, and this story is full of heart and history. I'm looking forward to the next one already!
June 19, 2025
I wasn't sure about this book at first, esp since it was in first person (not my favorite), but I'm so glad I stuck with it. Great story. I figured out what was happening but in a satisfying way (not a "well, duh" kind of way). and I'm totally adding book 2 to my list of books to read. :)
February 22, 2025
True life heros
An amazing story of the years surrounding WW I in the upper mid west region. Musicians and mystery - great duo!!
An amazing story of the years surrounding WW I in the upper mid west region. Musicians and mystery - great duo!!
February 27, 2025
Fun mystery from a new to me author. I look forward to exploring more of her books.
April 28, 2025
A very enjoyable cozy mystery. I enjoyed the setting and the characters including Moxie the Cat. Looking forward to my next visit to Timber Coulee, Idaho.
March 10, 2025
This was such a fun read! I loved the Timber Coulee setting; I'm originally from the PNW and felt right at home here--all the nostalgic location feels.
The epitome of a cozy mystery, and one that makes me super excited for the next installment.
The epitome of a cozy mystery, and one that makes me super excited for the next installment.
December 12, 2025
I enjoyed this historical cozy. I liked Amanda and her cute niece Molly together. They make a good pair. There were some historical inaccuracies, but if you look at it as fiction and not true history, I can overlook that. The mystery, for me, was entirely predictable, but overall it was still enjoyable. Not sure yet if I'm going to be continuing this series.
Quote
The world I thought I knew seemed to be changing rapidly, and not for the better.
[Some things never change, apparently.]
Quote
The world I thought I knew seemed to be changing rapidly, and not for the better.
[Some things never change, apparently.]
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews