Strike the Death Note

Octavia Fields Mystery #2

by Rebecca McKinnon

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!

Genres: Mystery

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Octavia Fields is preparing to close her Aerie Pines music shop in a couple of weeks for the season, but she knows she needs to come up with ways to make her little shop more profitable if she is going to reopen next year.

Sadly, her life breaks a string when she finds a conductor’s baton protruding from the chest of one of the students attending the summer program. Knowing she should be concentrating on her business, she still can’t keep from doing a little snooping into the death, especially when one of her employees appears to top the list of suspects. She wants to help Detective Jack Price in any way she can while hoping their budding relationship will bloom.

With everyone attending rehearsals and stopping by for their bows and strings, Octavia will be orchestrating her own composition to catch the killer despite finding more scary conductor’s batons as threats to get her to back down.

Can Octavia catch the killer, save her business, and get her man, too? Or will the case reach a crescendo for both her and her business?

All Ms. McKinnon’s core characters are well-crafted and fun. Octavia Fields is one cool protagonist who marches to her own beat. She summers at Aerie Pines, where her employees take very good care of her and her shop. The rest of the year, she travels from protest to protest for causes important to her in Betty, her hippie van pulling her tiny house behind. She loves the simple life, no need for a cell phone, and she rarely wears shoes; she is a true free spirit. Her best friend Piper has Octavia’s best interests at heart, but can sometimes be the little devil on her shoulder. Piper’s husband is a total peach who puts up with his wife’s shenanigans. Octavia hasn’t seen hunky Detective Jack Price with his piercing blue eyes much recently but that changes after she finds another body. That attraction between them is unmistakable.

The murder happens early in the story, and there are plenty of suspects to work through. Mairi and Xavier have complete control of the music shop, so Octavia has time to sleuth. With the murder, students are required to stay behind the gate. Octavia makes a deal to have a couple of tables set up near the rehearsal area to sell things the students may need. It also makes it easier for her to question suspects and others who may have insight about the death. Octavia is a little ditzy at times, but people open up to her, and she can put clues together to come up with unique theories that strike all the right notes. I enjoyed following along step by step to the exciting conclusion, where I found out I was completely wrong about the guilty party.

Strike the Death Note is an excellent addition to this music-based cozy mystery series. Set in the Rocky Mountains, the setting is picturesque and unique. The mystery is well-plotted, and the characters gel together and make wonderful friendships. If you like music-themed mysteries and a quirky main character, this series is for you. I am intrigued to see where Ms. McKinnon takes this series next, as the season has ended in Aerie Pines.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started this book I could not stop. Octavia, the protagonist, is an interesting character. She has a hippie vibe and chooses to be in tune with nature and avoids some of today's conveniences such as a cell phone. When she stumbles across a murder, she has no intention of getting involved but questions lead to more questions and once again she finds herself investigating a murder.

The mystery and Octavia's bond with Detective Price kept me guessing until the very end. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such fun!

This is a really, really fun book that had me smiling all through it.

Octavia, who tells the story with a ton of humor, is a quirky hippie type who lives in a tiny caravan along with a squirrel who adopted her. She doesn't wear shoes or own a phone, and has all sorts of unique viewpoints. She spends summers at the store, and winters traveling and getting involved in protests. I found her completely charming. I loved all the characters in the book...even those who aren't so lovable :).

I do suggest reading the first book before this, if you can, as it will give a lot of backstory.

In this book, Octavia goes to deliver an instrument part to a customer, and instead finds a dead woman along with a man kneeling over her. She sort of isn't investigating, but people keep thinking she is and giving her information...

This connection with a murder brings back Detective Jack Price, who was a big part of the previous book and whom Olivia has definite feelings for (and vice versa). Octavia refers to him with different names/descriptions (like Detective-I-Give-The-Orders), depending on what his response is to situations. It's hilarious.

Oh, and the story and mystery are really well done, with lots of suspects. There is lots more going on, too.

I'm more than ready for book 3!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much. It caught my attention from the beginning, and I could not stop reading it. Octavia is such a whimsical character that I adored. Jack and the others are special too, because they accept Octavia for who she is. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I had no idea who the villain was and was surprised when they were unmasked. I will be checking out the first book so I can start at the beginning. Strongly recommend reading this book.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a music background and really enjoyed reading about the trials of a summer music program. Octavia is a great character and I love that she just has to investigate about Violet’s death! Her relationship to Detective Jack is obviously going to grow - there’s just that silent attraction from the beginning. A fun story!

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gentle, sweet read written in the voice of musician and free spirit Octavia Fields.
Octavia's voice is humorous. She often seems younger than her thirty six years. The story was full of strong frienships and romance too.
It was a most enjoyable read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strike by Death Note is a Excellent story about Octavia who is a Violin shop Owner in the Summer and the rest of the year she travels around in her van Betty and protest to save the environment. She has a great friend Piper who is also a musician . Detective Jack Price tries to look after Octavia and protect her from harm. He wants her to not investigate. Octavia does try to keep out of the mystery but the musician preferred to talk with her because she is a musician and not the Police. Octavia's friendship with Jack begins to grow. But will they find the answers to this mystery? Great series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A summer violin shop owner looking to revitalize her slowing business finds a dead body instead.

Pursuing a possible answer to the continuing future of her summer music camp violin shop, Octavia Fields is strolling near the grounds of the university’s administration building, killing time before she meets with the director when she comes across a man kneeling over the body of a dead woman with a conductor’s baton sticking out of her chest. Immediately calling in the police, she is reunited with the same team who investigated an earlier death at the music camp, including Detective Jack Price. Although determined to avoid getting involved in the investigation, Octavia is nevertheless drawn in as people seek her out for information and to share their thoughts. Strike the Death Note is the second book in author Rebecca McKinnon’s fresh and fun Octavia Fields Mystery series. With its quirky main character, fun music-themed setting, and slow-burn romance, I was all in for this well-paced, cozy mystery.

The heart of this series is the main character, Octavia Fields, a woman who definitely marches to the sound of a different drummer. Sans shoes and cellphone, she’s a woman more in tune with simpler living and the natural world. Since their last meeting, she and Jack have drifted apart, but there is still a spark between the two, and it is a joy to watch it slowly gain in intensity as they are, once again, thrown together.

The plot gets underway immediately with Octavia’s accountant’s concerns about her violin shop’s financial future. With more going out than coming in this summer. He suggests that Octavia will need to make some cuts and hard choices to remain viable next summer. Soon after, she discovers the body of the dead cellist, and the case is immediately opened. Throughout the book, I enjoyed Octavia’s relationships with her friends involved in the orchestra or camp, as well as her staff members who took complete charge of the store despite her well-meaning ideas for displays. The musical theme is delightful, and I enjoyed the many musical references and activities. With a number of people to cross off the list of suspects and red herrings to eliminate, there is a lot of interesting detecting to follow on the way to a plausible resolution to the case.

I recommend STRIKE THE DEATH NOTE to cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy stories with a musical theme, a Rocky Mountains setting, or a free-spirited protagonist.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun, cozy mystery from Rebecca McKinnon! It was so enjoyable reading this next book in the Octavia Fields mystery series. Octavia’s a cute, quirky character who despite her best efforts seems to always find herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Luckily, there’s a handsome detective to keep her safe. Strike the Death Note’s an entertaining whodunnit with a sweet closed door romance that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

Octavia Fields’ Aerie Pines music shop is in trouble. She needs to find a way to increase revenue or she might have to let her employees go. But, when she discovers one of the music students dead with a conductor’s baton sticking out of her & her employee is one of the suspects, she’s determined to find the killer.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading from Octavia’s perspective. She very much walks to the beat of her own drum. When she’s not working at her music shop, she enjoys roaming the country. Though she’s reluctant to get involved in another investigation, she enjoys working with Detective Jack Price. I loved seeing their romance bloom in this story. They’re total opposites, but Jack seems to appreciate her quirky, delightful ways including her aversion to wearing shoes. Their first kiss was sizzling, but kept in the closed door/sweet category.

The mystery definitely pulled me in with several suspects & motivations. The murder weapon was clever & the clues leading up to the killer kept me actively guessing. While I had my suspicions, the killer wasn’t confirmed until the very end.

Definitely recommend to cozy mystery fans who also like a little romance. Though this is the second book in the series, it could be read as a standalone. Looking forward to reading more Octavia & Jack mysteries! I received an advanced copy from Book Sirens, but also purchased through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided. 4-4.5 stars!

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strike the Death Note by Rebecca McKinnon is the second book in the fun and cozy Octavia Fields mystery series. As the summer season of the Aerie Pines symphony winds down, Octavia Fields, the 30ish hippie who is also a classically trained musician, finds another dead body. She doesn’t want to and tries not to get involved, but again people keep telling her things that might help with the investigation. When one of her employees becomes a suspect, she decides she needs to find the killer.
Once again, the quirkiness and likeability of Octavia shines through in this book. With the growing attraction between her and Detective Price, she is losing some of her Zen however and is acting more like a grown-up. We also get to know more about Detective Price. What I liked most about his character is that he accepts Olivia for who she is and doesn’t try to change her. Their relationship also takes the next step in this book.
This book’s pacing was excellent. There were enough details, clues, and misdirection that I could not figure out who the murderer was. There was also plenty of humor to make this an enjoyable read.
Overall, this was another fun cozy mystery with a good plot and likeable characters. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Katreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

STRIKE THE DEATH NOTE by Rebecca McKinnon
The Second Octavia Fields Mystery

Back at Aerie Pines for the summer Octavia Fields is in for some unsettling news. Her music shop is struggling financially. Things are so grim that her accountant suggests she fire her employees! Not willing to lose them Octavia plans to meet with the college director in hopes of creating other ways to increase the shop's earnings. With the director running late Octavia decides to indulge in her favorite past time, communing with nature. But as she enjoys the quiet in the trees she comes across associate conductor Theodore Evans crouched over the body of a woman-a very dead woman with a baton sticking out of her chest. Despite declaring that she is not investigating, Octavia once again finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. The good news is that it brings the dashing Detective Price back into her life, although that is a kind of bad, annoying thing as well. The really bad news is that the killer wants to make certain Octavia doesn't solve the crime!

I absolutely love this book and this series. There's perfect harmony between a richly detailed mystery, romantic tension, and an ideal setting flush with wonderful characters. Octavia, much to her dismay, is becoming more realistic and rational...almost "normal". As many around her expect her to dive in, both the murder and a relationship with Jake, Octavia is more cautious and resolute...even though the detective makes her toes tingle! I giggle at how Piper, Amy, and even Nonna, encourage the romance even as Octavia hesitates. The mystery is as compelling as Octavia's involvement.

Laugh out loud funny, yet with endearing characters STRIKE THE DEATH NOTE strikes all the right notes in this engaging mystery. I can't wait for Octavia to return to Aerie Pines!

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strike the Death Note is book 2 in the Octavia Fields Mystery series, but it’s the first one I’ve read. I do wish I’d read the first book to get to know the characters better, but you can definitely read it as a standalone. Octavia is a 30 something modern hippie who rarely wears shoes, names her vehicles, plays the violin, and travels with her tiny house most of the year. In the summers, she spends her time running her shop which caters to the orchestra camps in Aerie Pines.

Octavia is a really fun character who, like all good cozy mystery characters, keeps stumbling across murders! In this case, she discovers a student with a conductor’s baton sticking out of her chest. Was it the conductor, with the baton, in the field? That would be the obvious conclusion, but many people had a motive to kill her. Whodunit? Octavia doesn’t want to get involved! Her new “friend” and detective, Jack, doesn’t want her involved either, but is it her fault that everyone thinks Octavia will solve the crime? People just naturally tell her everything that they wouldn’t tell the police! It’s a twisty mystery too with a lot of suspects!

I enjoyed the other characters as well. Octavia’s employees, her friends, and members of the camp are well-written with a wide variety of personalities. I’ve got my favorites, but I’ll let you discover your own. I will tell you that a character in an Italian restaurant is one of them, and I think you’ll love her too!

Strike the Death Note by Rebecca McKinnon was a very fun, well-written cozy mystery, and I definitely recommend it to cozy mystery lovers! It has a beautiful small town setting, a wide variety of well-written characters, and a puzzling mystery!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Rayleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Music Camp is in session. Octavia is a musician who owns a music supply store that is only open in the summers during music camp. She spends the rest of the time traveling in her tiny home. Octavia shows up to the camp for a meeting. While waiting she is enjoying walking barefoot in the grass when unexpectedly comes upon a crime scene. Octavia plans to stay out of the case after giving her statement. However her friends and musicians at the camp have other ideas about that much to the head detective's recommendations. Octavia & he may have a little crush. Yet with her lifestyle she can't really see it going anywhere. I received an ARC free for a voluntary honest review. I hung out with music majors at University and ended up marrying one. The compation and possible sabotage were common as in this mystery. As well as some of the personality traits. This story has lots of humor as well as danger. I would read more from this author to learn more about Octavia.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun cozy series by McKinnon. Octavia is such a great character. She is independent and strong but she’s having a hard time staying out of solving the murder she struggled upon. And staying away from a certain handsome detective. I don’t read many books that break the fourth wall narrative and the author does a great job with it.

This is book two in the Octavia Fields series. I adore the quirkiness of Octavia. She’s one of those characters who doesn’t mean to be funny but is. She names her bike and trailer and even names the squirrel near her camp spot. Jack and Piper are fun additions to the story.

Even though Octavia’s not officially investigating, people come to her with clues and questions. What choice does she have? The book reads quickly and there’s even a touch of romance mixed into the mystery.

I received an eARC from the author. All views are my own.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline but the MC is just a tad bit too much for me. I found myself being kind of annoyed at her. Sometimes I would laugh out loud but then other times I'd think "What an idiot." I will continue with this series if there are any more books. I'm struggling with the romance part as far as opposites attract. I just can't see the MC with a cop, it's such a stretch in their personalities/lifestyles, etc. I liked the setting of the book, it kind of reminded me of a Swiss Alps village for some reason - I'm sure I'm the only one though. Still a decent read and I will watch for more by this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of a series but each book can be read alone without missing anything. Set in a place where everything revolves around music, with an academy for professional musicians and one for college students, Octavia, star of the books, is a free thinking, connected to nature, almost hippie woman who owns a music supplies shop. She has become involved in investigating murders before, and become close to the handsome detective in charge. This murder mystery has a few twists and turns, involving a highly strung, unpleasant orchestra conductor and musicians vying for places in the orchestra. Octavia and her friends are "helping" Detective Jack while he and Octavia get closer. A nice, easy read, despite the murder. I really like the character of Octavia

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Octavia is a free spirit and moves about like one. She gets involved in sleuthing and being a suspect( for a short time) of a local murder. In all her sleuthing she butts heads with Detective Jack Price. A budding romance?????? I liked the spunk of Jack's sister Amy and her inquisitive nature. Who murdered Violet, and is leaving threats with the same type of weapon used on Violet???

A page turner with some twists. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Javon50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Octavia Fields is being told by her accountant that she will soon have to close her shop or let her employees go unless she does something quickly to generate income. As she is prone to do when stressed she takes a walk into the forest and comes across a man crouched over the body of a woman, a baton sticking out of her chest. When one of her employees becomes a suspect Octavia decides that saving her shop will include clearing her employees’ name. This is an entertaining and engaging book. This is my honest and voluntary review of an advanced copy of this book.

[Skater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Musically Mystery

This second installment in the Octavia Fields Mystery, again finds us at the music camp, at the end of the season. Again, there is a murder. The same cast of characters weave in and out of a well crafted and well written mystery. Octavia is a unique protagonist. The setting of the music camp adds a refreshing note to an over worked genre. I wish there were more in this series,and that the wait wasn’t so long.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Musical mayhem

What a wild, wacky, fun read! I loved Octavia and her offbeat, hippy kinda vibe. Her tangents are epic! She and Jack totally ready to ship that! Great mystery full of colorful and very expressive characters/suspects. I’m not quite sure how Octavia manages but sometimes the best plan is no plan I guess. Loved the quirky vibe and the town absolutely will be going back and reading book 1. Look forward to more kooky books with these characters!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed the music student? Was she a threat to someone else? Was it the conductor or someone else? This is a great cozy mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strike the Death

Another great installment on the series. We had a few new characters introduced. I hope we get more of them. In addition to solving a murder Octavia had quite the birthday surprise. Looking forward to book 3.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
Well written.
Hard to put down.
Fun.
Humorous.
Enjoyable.