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Songwriter Sleuth #1
Trebled Waters: A Songwriter Sleuth Mystery
Nashburg, Tennessee, isn’t called “Crazy Town” for nothing, and aspiring country music songwriter Leigh Notrap knows that all too well. She’s been grinding to make a name for herself in Music City for years, so when Cal Dutton, a rising star and longtime friend, undercuts her chances for a staff writer position at the hottest music publisher in the industry, Leigh is determined to make him change his tune. But when she shows up backstage to confront Cal, she stumbles upon a murder on Music Row.
Adding to the dissonance, Leigh’s roommate and Cal’s sister, Emma, who always played second fiddle to her golden-boy older brother, becomes a top suspect after a less-than-flattering video of the siblings engaged in a bitter argument surfaces. Desperate to save her reputation and clear her name, Emma enlists Leigh’s help.
As the pair works together to drum up clues, Leigh quickly realizes that everyone in Cal’s circle—the president of his record label, the leader of his fan club, even his famous girlfriend—is hiding something. Can Leigh sort through the evidence and blow the whistle on a country music killer? Or will she end up a broken record?
Adding to the dissonance, Leigh’s roommate and Cal’s sister, Emma, who always played second fiddle to her golden-boy older brother, becomes a top suspect after a less-than-flattering video of the siblings engaged in a bitter argument surfaces. Desperate to save her reputation and clear her name, Emma enlists Leigh’s help.
As the pair works together to drum up clues, Leigh quickly realizes that everyone in Cal’s circle—the president of his record label, the leader of his fan club, even his famous girlfriend—is hiding something. Can Leigh sort through the evidence and blow the whistle on a country music killer? Or will she end up a broken record?
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2025
5 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Leah Dobrinska
14 books287 followersLeah Dobrinska is the author of the Songwriter Sleuth Mysteries, the Larkspur Library Mysteries, the Fall In Love romcom series, and the Mapleton novels. She earned her degree in English Literature from UW-Madison where she was awarded the Dean’s Prize and served as a Writing Fellow. She has since worked as a freelance writer, editor, and content marketer. As a kid, she hoped to grow up to be either Nancy Drew or Elizabeth Bennet. Now, she fulfills that dream by writing mysteries and love stories.
A sucker for a good sentence, a happy ending, and the smell of books—both old and new—Leah lives out her very own happily ever after in a small Wisconsin town with her husband and their gaggle of kids. When she's not writing, handing out snacks, visiting the local library, or doing projects around the house, Leah enjoys reading and running. Find out more about Leah, join her newsletter community, and connect with her through her website, leahdobrinska.com.
A sucker for a good sentence, a happy ending, and the smell of books—both old and new—Leah lives out her very own happily ever after in a small Wisconsin town with her husband and their gaggle of kids. When she's not writing, handing out snacks, visiting the local library, or doing projects around the house, Leah enjoys reading and running. Find out more about Leah, join her newsletter community, and connect with her through her website, leahdobrinska.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 18, 2025
A cozy mystery centered around a town similar to Nashville, TN? With brooding artists (who think they’re better than anyone else) and found family?
This newest book by my favorite Wisconsin author didn’t disappoint! I loved the main character Leigh and how she was close to everyone. I loved how she was sneakily sleuthing around behind the police department’s backs.
I’m so excited to see where Leigh goes in the next book!
Thanks to Leah for letting me be a part of her ARC team and for having early access!
This newest book by my favorite Wisconsin author didn’t disappoint! I loved the main character Leigh and how she was close to everyone. I loved how she was sneakily sleuthing around behind the police department’s backs.
I’m so excited to see where Leigh goes in the next book!
Thanks to Leah for letting me be a part of her ARC team and for having early access!
September 7, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Leigh Notrap has been working for years to become known as an up-and-coming country songwriter in Nashburg, Tennessee. Her friend Cal Dutton has been making a name for himself as a country music artist, using songs written by Leigh, so she thought she had a great shot of filling an opening for a staff writer at the most popular music publisher in the business, and the one he recently signed with. Suddenly, Cal tells her she wouldn’t fit in well there, and that’s what he told the people at Red Vector.
Determined to convince Cal that they could continue to make beautiful music together, she heads to the Banta Bowl to see him before he takes the stage. But when she arrives, she finds her friend has died, and all the evidence says he was murdered. Sadly, Cal’s sister and Leigh’s roommate, Emma, leads the chart of suspects. She is hoping Leigh can help her find the actual killer before her reputation is destroyed and she is living her life behind bars.
Ms. Dobrinska has introduced a very engaging protagonist in this first Songwriter Sleuth Mystery. Leigh is a character you want to root for. She has common sense and a huge heart. She and Emma have a great friendship, but Emma’s relationship with her brother Cal was strained, and Leigh understood why. She is also sure that Emma had nothing to do with Cal’s murder. The author surrounded these women with a group of well-crafted characters, including Cal’s girlfriend, several people in the music industry, and Detective Ottom and Detective Yance.
The mystery is very well-plotted with a variety of suspects. Leigh followed each and every clue, no matter where it led. She came up with theories and shared her thoughts and findings with the detectives, even when they didn’t want to listen. I really enjoyed her song lyrics that just had to pour out on the page, and that she found comfort in her swims at the school, where she was able to formulate her thoughts and work through the information she was receiving. I also liked the way she worked with Emma to find a key piece of evidence that sent them in a different direction. Ms. Dobrinska added twists in all the right places. Through those, Leigh learned that the killer was on her tail. Then the last piece of the puzzle fell into place at the totally wrong time. I was right there with her, as my personal suspect list was all over the map.
As a big Backstreet Boys fan, this line was one of my favorites. “Tell me why,” I muttered — and somewhere in the back of my head, I appreciated that I was paying homage to my favorite Backstreet Boys hook.
Trebled Waters, the perfect title by the way, has set this series off to a grand start. I love the country music theme and that the characters grew through the story, while leaving room for growth as the series continues. The mystery was solid with humor sprinkled throughout. There is also just a touch of romance. I was already looking forward to the next book, and then I read the cliffhanger! All I can say is I hope Ms. Dobrinska doesn’t make us wait too long for it to come out.
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, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Leigh Notrap has been working for years to become known as an up-and-coming country songwriter in Nashburg, Tennessee. Her friend Cal Dutton has been making a name for himself as a country music artist, using songs written by Leigh, so she thought she had a great shot of filling an opening for a staff writer at the most popular music publisher in the business, and the one he recently signed with. Suddenly, Cal tells her she wouldn’t fit in well there, and that’s what he told the people at Red Vector.
Determined to convince Cal that they could continue to make beautiful music together, she heads to the Banta Bowl to see him before he takes the stage. But when she arrives, she finds her friend has died, and all the evidence says he was murdered. Sadly, Cal’s sister and Leigh’s roommate, Emma, leads the chart of suspects. She is hoping Leigh can help her find the actual killer before her reputation is destroyed and she is living her life behind bars.
Ms. Dobrinska has introduced a very engaging protagonist in this first Songwriter Sleuth Mystery. Leigh is a character you want to root for. She has common sense and a huge heart. She and Emma have a great friendship, but Emma’s relationship with her brother Cal was strained, and Leigh understood why. She is also sure that Emma had nothing to do with Cal’s murder. The author surrounded these women with a group of well-crafted characters, including Cal’s girlfriend, several people in the music industry, and Detective Ottom and Detective Yance.
The mystery is very well-plotted with a variety of suspects. Leigh followed each and every clue, no matter where it led. She came up with theories and shared her thoughts and findings with the detectives, even when they didn’t want to listen. I really enjoyed her song lyrics that just had to pour out on the page, and that she found comfort in her swims at the school, where she was able to formulate her thoughts and work through the information she was receiving. I also liked the way she worked with Emma to find a key piece of evidence that sent them in a different direction. Ms. Dobrinska added twists in all the right places. Through those, Leigh learned that the killer was on her tail. Then the last piece of the puzzle fell into place at the totally wrong time. I was right there with her, as my personal suspect list was all over the map.
As a big Backstreet Boys fan, this line was one of my favorites. “Tell me why,” I muttered — and somewhere in the back of my head, I appreciated that I was paying homage to my favorite Backstreet Boys hook.
Trebled Waters, the perfect title by the way, has set this series off to a grand start. I love the country music theme and that the characters grew through the story, while leaving room for growth as the series continues. The mystery was solid with humor sprinkled throughout. There is also just a touch of romance. I was already looking forward to the next book, and then I read the cliffhanger! All I can say is I hope Ms. Dobrinska doesn’t make us wait too long for it to come out.
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, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
October 19, 2025
Everything about this books sings! With a loveable protagonist, country music, songwriting, an engaging plot, complex relationships, a touch of romance, and an ending that has me eagerly waiting for the next book, Trebled Waters is a fantastic start to a new cozy mystery series!
August 22, 2025
Trebled Waters
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ Nashburg, Tennessee, isn’t called “Crazy Town” for nothing, and aspiring country music songwriter Leigh Notrap knows that all too well. She’s been grinding to make a name for herself in Music City for years, so when Cal Dutton, a rising star and longtime friend, undercuts her chances for a staff writer position at the hottest music publisher in the industry, Leigh is determined to make him change his tune. But when she shows up backstage to confront Cal, she stumbles upon a murder on Music Row.”
Wow! The mystery in this first of a new series had me guessing all the way to the end. Loved this one! The characters are awesome, love the setting, I can see the bigger picture plot forming for the books to come. The twist at the end setting it up for future books was just perfect. I highly recommend this book and anything by this author she is an awesome story teller.
Out August 26th!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ Nashburg, Tennessee, isn’t called “Crazy Town” for nothing, and aspiring country music songwriter Leigh Notrap knows that all too well. She’s been grinding to make a name for herself in Music City for years, so when Cal Dutton, a rising star and longtime friend, undercuts her chances for a staff writer position at the hottest music publisher in the industry, Leigh is determined to make him change his tune. But when she shows up backstage to confront Cal, she stumbles upon a murder on Music Row.”
Wow! The mystery in this first of a new series had me guessing all the way to the end. Loved this one! The characters are awesome, love the setting, I can see the bigger picture plot forming for the books to come. The twist at the end setting it up for future books was just perfect. I highly recommend this book and anything by this author she is an awesome story teller.
Out August 26th!
August 30, 2025
This was an enjoyable cozy mystery. I loved the Nashville like setting amidst singers, songwriters, venue workers and label execs. Lots of good suspects and I was so proud I guessed the killer correctly, even if I changed my mind and then was surprised at the end I was right originally.
September 30, 2025
Loved this book! Leah does a fabulous job making the words sing. And she’s shown she has a talent for writing lyrics as well! A great fun and twisty romance make this the perfect read!
August 27, 2025
Whew, what a ride!! I loved it from start to finish!
This cozy mystery was everything I had hoped it to be and more! Leigh is a songwriter in the music town of Nashburg, and finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery.
Read if you love:
💛 Cozy Mysteries
💛 Nancy Drew grown up
💛 Music Industry Setting
💛 Found Family
💛 Who-dunnit Style Mysteries
This cozy mystery was everything I had hoped it to be and more! Leigh is a songwriter in the music town of Nashburg, and finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery.
Read if you love:
💛 Cozy Mysteries
💛 Nancy Drew grown up
💛 Music Industry Setting
💛 Found Family
💛 Who-dunnit Style Mysteries
September 22, 2025
Does it get any better than a cozy mystery mashed up with the music industry and a Nashville-esque setting? I love a good “whodunnit” story and this was such a fun read!
I had a feeling the main protagonist, Leigh was keeping secrets herself - and it was such a twist to see how that came into play in the end. Can’t wait to see how her story continues in the next book!
I had a feeling the main protagonist, Leigh was keeping secrets herself - and it was such a twist to see how that came into play in the end. Can’t wait to see how her story continues in the next book!
August 28, 2025
For whatever reason, my brain has developed a mental block about musically themed books. It's pretty silly considering how much I actually love music--I'm not sure why my brain has trouble wanting to read stories about musicians. With that being said, after I pushed myself over the initial hump, I flew through this book--reading over half the book in one evening.
I found the main character, Leigh, to be very likeable and down to earth. She had a great friendship with her roommate. Even though there were a lot of characters and names to keep up with, each one was introduced in a way that made them easy to keep track of and none of the names were too similar to become confusing.
I loved the personalities of the two detectives involved! They were believable, but also willing to bend rules, which is required in cozy mysteries. And yes, this one was cozy! It was giving Aurora Teagarden and Hannah Swensen (of Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder) vibes.
While I was initially hesitant (for unknown reasons) about a musically themed story line, I ended up really liking this one. It was a page turner, for sure.
I feel so honored to be a part of Leah's ARC reader team. And I feel embarrassed to be leaving my review the day after the book was released into the world. I guess the good news for you is that even thought it's a couple of days late, you can still read the book anytime you want. :) Enjoy!
I found the main character, Leigh, to be very likeable and down to earth. She had a great friendship with her roommate. Even though there were a lot of characters and names to keep up with, each one was introduced in a way that made them easy to keep track of and none of the names were too similar to become confusing.
I loved the personalities of the two detectives involved! They were believable, but also willing to bend rules, which is required in cozy mysteries. And yes, this one was cozy! It was giving Aurora Teagarden and Hannah Swensen (of Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder) vibes.
While I was initially hesitant (for unknown reasons) about a musically themed story line, I ended up really liking this one. It was a page turner, for sure.
I feel so honored to be a part of Leah's ARC reader team. And I feel embarrassed to be leaving my review the day after the book was released into the world. I guess the good news for you is that even thought it's a couple of days late, you can still read the book anytime you want. :) Enjoy!
August 19, 2025
**A huge thank you to NetGalley and the author, Leah Dobrinska, for the opportunity to be an ARC team member. I'm very grateful for the chance to read this book ahead of the upcoming release in return for an honest review!**
As a self-proclaimed lover of each of Dobrinska's books, Trebled Waters was a new type of "cozy mystery" that I was very excited to dive into. (No pun intended there. 😉) The author has always included various references to music and pop culture in her other novels, but I wouldn't consider myself to be a big country music lover... That being said, I absolutely loved this book!!
Leigh is a strong woman with a lot going for her. While not having much of a biological family for support, she had a remarkably close community of friends with her each step of the way. Leigh is loyal, through and through! It was so fun to experience Leigh's inspirations behind the various song lyrics throughout the books, while guessing who the murderer was. I was somewhat surprised, but happy that I was picking up the clues right with Leigh.
I must admit that the teaser at the end was absolutely amazing and truly made my jaw drop. I can't wait to see what else Leah Dobrinska has up her sleeve for the rest of the series! If you're unfamiliar with her novels, I highly recommend that you pick one up and try one today. You won't regret it. 🙂
As a self-proclaimed lover of each of Dobrinska's books, Trebled Waters was a new type of "cozy mystery" that I was very excited to dive into. (No pun intended there. 😉) The author has always included various references to music and pop culture in her other novels, but I wouldn't consider myself to be a big country music lover... That being said, I absolutely loved this book!!
Leigh is a strong woman with a lot going for her. While not having much of a biological family for support, she had a remarkably close community of friends with her each step of the way. Leigh is loyal, through and through! It was so fun to experience Leigh's inspirations behind the various song lyrics throughout the books, while guessing who the murderer was. I was somewhat surprised, but happy that I was picking up the clues right with Leigh.
I must admit that the teaser at the end was absolutely amazing and truly made my jaw drop. I can't wait to see what else Leah Dobrinska has up her sleeve for the rest of the series! If you're unfamiliar with her novels, I highly recommend that you pick one up and try one today. You won't regret it. 🙂
August 21, 2025
Cozy mysteries are one of those genres that I enjoy on occasion-- but that can be a little hit and miss for me. As such, I don't tend to reach for them all that often. But when I read the blurb for this one, I was intrigued... and being a huge fan of Leah's romcoms, I decided to give it a chance. And I'm so glad I did! This one was so fun. First off, I loved the country music aspect of the story... it was truly a great backdrop for this murder mystery... and gave us lots of potential suspects and motives to question throughout as well! Was I able to figure it out before the big reveal? Yes (I'm pretty good at that!), but despite my fairly early suspicions, there were plenty of other turns to keep me wondering and reading on to see how it would all play out. I loved Leigh's character... she was the perfect amateur sleuth, curious enough to look into things and try to clear her friend's name... without interfering with the police! This was a really satisfying mystery with an ending that has me looking forward to find out what is going to happen next!
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 29, 2025
Let me start by saying how genius the title is. It's not only a fun play on words, but both things are relatively important to the story. I appreciate it so much after reading it.
I can only imagine how crazy it would be as an author to branch into a new genre. You would never know this is Leah's first foray into cozy mysteries, and I am beyond thankful it is shaping up to be one heck of a series. She knocked it out of the park with this new story!
Immersed into the world of country music in Nashburg, one of its biggest stars was murdered and everyone wants to know who did it. Weaving the threads together that will keep you guessing until the end, Leigh, the writing partner of the deceased, emerges as an amateur sleuth... possibly a modern-day Enola Holmes. She follows the clues to their natural end, only to end up in danger herself.
I loved the quirky detectives, the anonymous reporter, and the musicians that flowed in and out of the story. Leah is creating a whole new world, and I can't wait to see what happens to Leigh in the next book!
Thank you to the author for a copy of Trebled Waters to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my honest opinions.
I can only imagine how crazy it would be as an author to branch into a new genre. You would never know this is Leah's first foray into cozy mysteries, and I am beyond thankful it is shaping up to be one heck of a series. She knocked it out of the park with this new story!
Immersed into the world of country music in Nashburg, one of its biggest stars was murdered and everyone wants to know who did it. Weaving the threads together that will keep you guessing until the end, Leigh, the writing partner of the deceased, emerges as an amateur sleuth... possibly a modern-day Enola Holmes. She follows the clues to their natural end, only to end up in danger herself.
I loved the quirky detectives, the anonymous reporter, and the musicians that flowed in and out of the story. Leah is creating a whole new world, and I can't wait to see what happens to Leigh in the next book!
Thank you to the author for a copy of Trebled Waters to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my honest opinions.
August 23, 2025
Trebled Waters is the awesome debut in Leah Dobrinska's A Songwriter Sleuth Mysteries. I loved every minute of it! The characters were wonderful and the mystery kept me guessing. Leigh Notrap is a songwriter and she is writing songs with up and coming country music star Cal Dutton. He causes her to lose a potential job she really wants and she wants to know why. Leigh's best friend is Emma who is also Cal's younger sister but the siblings aren't close. Emma is a great sidekick and friend. When Leigh shows up at the music venue Banta Bowl she finds a dead body. Leigh renews her friendship with country star Jace James and meets Bobby Cruz who has some secrets. Emma ends up as a suspect in the murder and they need to clear her name and find out what was going on. The characters's growth, personalities and relationships made this story so engaging! The country music scene was a fun and interesting theme. This was a very enjoyable cozy mystery and I am looking forward to more books in the series! #TrebledWaters #SongwriterSleithMysteries #LeahDobrinska
August 7, 2025
This is the first in a new cozy mystery series. Even though I’m a little sad this one isn’t set in Wisconsin, it was still a delightful read, perfect for lovers of cozy mysteries, found family, and just a touch of romance.
I enjoyed all the characters in this book and I liked the addition of music lyrics, which was new to this series. There were enough suspects to keep me guessing what I knew and who did it. There’s also a little background mystery. Really no one is who they seem. I also really liked how even though Cal is dead for the vast majority of the book, he wasn’t a two dimensional character. We learned about his motivations and various shades of gray.
There was just a hint of romance for a couple characters, and I hope we get to see more of that in future books!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author for the opportunity :)
I enjoyed all the characters in this book and I liked the addition of music lyrics, which was new to this series. There were enough suspects to keep me guessing what I knew and who did it. There’s also a little background mystery. Really no one is who they seem. I also really liked how even though Cal is dead for the vast majority of the book, he wasn’t a two dimensional character. We learned about his motivations and various shades of gray.
There was just a hint of romance for a couple characters, and I hope we get to see more of that in future books!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author for the opportunity :)
August 26, 2025
Really enjoyed this mystery story with its ties to the music industry. There were so many fun lines and just the right amount of suspense to keep things interesting. Each chapter brought new information and insights into the characters and I loved how everything was revealed at the perfect pace. I have a naturally suspicious mind so I did figure most things out but there were still some surprises I didn’t expect by the end. I also appreciate how nicely Leah set up the next book in the series. She gave me just enough information to make me very curious how it will turn out. Definitely recommend you check out this new series start and get excited for the next book coming out (hopefully) soon.
I received a copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
I received a copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
August 31, 2025
Oh my gosh, I loved this book!! It was the perfect sleuthing, cozy mystery and I can’t wait for more. I’m a music person and this was such a fun story set in the Nashburg country music scene. I loved all the characters and right from the beginning you are thrown right into the mystery and the death of her good friend Cal.
Leigh was such a fierce friend and I loved her determination and dedication to Emma. There are so many suspects and possibilities for this story. Leigh has her own mystery about her past life and I can’t wait for the next book to learn more about her. I loved how you couldn’t quite tell (although I guess early on and definitely shouted my success late at night….) who the killer was. There were some fun flirty vibes and connections through the story. The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger per se…but I need to know what happens next in Leigh’s story!
Leigh was such a fierce friend and I loved her determination and dedication to Emma. There are so many suspects and possibilities for this story. Leigh has her own mystery about her past life and I can’t wait for the next book to learn more about her. I loved how you couldn’t quite tell (although I guess early on and definitely shouted my success late at night….) who the killer was. There were some fun flirty vibes and connections through the story. The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger per se…but I need to know what happens next in Leigh’s story!
August 24, 2025
This was the first book I’ve read that was a cozy mystery and I really enjoyed it! I’m a big fan of shows like Psych & Sherlock, so I had a good feeling about this book. I’ve read several of Leah’s now and they’ve all been winners!
The book hooked me right from the start. The pacing of the story was perfect, and you immediately start guessing who the murdered was! It was exciting trying to pay attention to all the clues and figure out who it was. I will say, I guessed it pretty early on but I also kept second guessing myself as new clues were revealed. The ending had me going wait WHAT? It set it up perfectly for the next book. 🙌
This book has some good found family moments, the setting of country music and a small town in a big city was so cozy!
The book hooked me right from the start. The pacing of the story was perfect, and you immediately start guessing who the murdered was! It was exciting trying to pay attention to all the clues and figure out who it was. I will say, I guessed it pretty early on but I also kept second guessing myself as new clues were revealed. The ending had me going wait WHAT? It set it up perfectly for the next book. 🙌
This book has some good found family moments, the setting of country music and a small town in a big city was so cozy!
August 26, 2025
I grew up on Jessica Fletcher & Nancy Drew so I love the way Leah wrote this one. It reminded me so much of those stories that started my love of true crime/mystery.
This book had absolutely everything you’d expect from Leah at this point. Her characters are always amazing, but I truly loved Leigh & mix of people she has in her circle. These characters draw you in & have you trying to figure it all out right along with them.
I don’t want to give anything away, but this is one mystery I think everyone will want to dive into. It was absolutely the perfect cozy read for me while I sit here hoping for cozy Fall weather. Thank you so much Leah for giving me the chance to read an ARC for this one. I can’t wait to see what hits Music Row next!
This book had absolutely everything you’d expect from Leah at this point. Her characters are always amazing, but I truly loved Leigh & mix of people she has in her circle. These characters draw you in & have you trying to figure it all out right along with them.
I don’t want to give anything away, but this is one mystery I think everyone will want to dive into. It was absolutely the perfect cozy read for me while I sit here hoping for cozy Fall weather. Thank you so much Leah for giving me the chance to read an ARC for this one. I can’t wait to see what hits Music Row next!
September 3, 2025
Nashburg, Tennessee, isn’t called “Crazy Town” for nothing… and this book proves it!
I was completely OBSESSED with this story. It had everything I love in a cozy mystery—plenty of suspects, small-town vibes, and an amateur sleuth you can’t help but root for. The country music backdrop was such a fun twist, giving the mystery extra charm and just the right amount of drama.
Leigh made the perfect amateur sleuth—determined, curious, and loyal—while still smart enough to avoid stepping on the police’s toes. And I loved the dynamic between her and Emma as they worked to clear Emma’s name. It felt real, engaging, and kept me turning pages.
I especially loved the twists and turns this mystery took me on—especially that ending! It was clever, satisfying, and left me eager for the next book in the series.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a unique setting, country music flair, and a clever amateur sleuth, this one hits all the right notes.
ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I was completely OBSESSED with this story. It had everything I love in a cozy mystery—plenty of suspects, small-town vibes, and an amateur sleuth you can’t help but root for. The country music backdrop was such a fun twist, giving the mystery extra charm and just the right amount of drama.
Leigh made the perfect amateur sleuth—determined, curious, and loyal—while still smart enough to avoid stepping on the police’s toes. And I loved the dynamic between her and Emma as they worked to clear Emma’s name. It felt real, engaging, and kept me turning pages.
I especially loved the twists and turns this mystery took me on—especially that ending! It was clever, satisfying, and left me eager for the next book in the series.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a unique setting, country music flair, and a clever amateur sleuth, this one hits all the right notes.
ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
December 25, 2025
Solid 4 stars!
I was missing the Larkspur Library Series, and immediately out this one on hold with at the library. Was not disappointed!! Really enjoyed all of the characters//relationships, and the twist at the end. It’s going to be a LONG wait with the background cliffhanger.
This was the usual a pretty typical Leah Cozy Mystery with different suspects/motives, an amateur sleuth who gets a little too friendly with danger, and some decently fleshed out side plot/characters. This mystery seemed a bit more high stakes for characters close to the FMC than usual, but it gave the journey a more edge of your seat kinda feel.
I was missing the Larkspur Library Series, and immediately out this one on hold with at the library. Was not disappointed!! Really enjoyed all of the characters//relationships, and the twist at the end. It’s going to be a LONG wait with the background cliffhanger.
This was the usual a pretty typical Leah Cozy Mystery with different suspects/motives, an amateur sleuth who gets a little too friendly with danger, and some decently fleshed out side plot/characters. This mystery seemed a bit more high stakes for characters close to the FMC than usual, but it gave the journey a more edge of your seat kinda feel.
August 26, 2025
This is a cozy mystery that is the first in the series and is super hard to put down🥰
You will immediately fall in love with the main characters! It will keep you guessing right up to the very end. I loved the world building and the potential plots/setup for future books that was at the end! I really can’t wait for the next one in the series to come out!
☠️Murder Mystery
🎶Songwriter Sleuth
☠️Found Family
🎶Grown-Up Nancy Drew
☠️Hidden Identity
🎶Country Music
☠️Cozy Mystery
You will immediately fall in love with the main characters! It will keep you guessing right up to the very end. I loved the world building and the potential plots/setup for future books that was at the end! I really can’t wait for the next one in the series to come out!
☠️Murder Mystery
🎶Songwriter Sleuth
☠️Found Family
🎶Grown-Up Nancy Drew
☠️Hidden Identity
🎶Country Music
☠️Cozy Mystery
September 9, 2025
Just from reading the title, with its music pun, I knew that this mystery was going to be great fun. Setting the story in a Nashville, TN like city, in the music industry was unique, at least for me. No bookstore or bakery? LOL The writing was good, the plotting even better. The characters, real and interesting. Great start to a new series, can't wait for the next one.
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September 12, 2025"Trebled Waters is a delightful cozy mystery with musical overtones (and probably musical undertones, as well)." — Mystery Review Crew
See our full review of Trebled Waters by Leah Dobrinska on Mystery Review Crew
See our full review of Trebled Waters by Leah Dobrinska on Mystery Review Crew
September 14, 2025
Fictional Nashburg, Country Stars, and Song Writers
What a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I worked in Nashville, TN for 5 years as a corporate travel agent to singers and songwriters. I couldn't believe the ending. Wow, what a great twist. Love this story. Can't wait for the next!
What a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I worked in Nashville, TN for 5 years as a corporate travel agent to singers and songwriters. I couldn't believe the ending. Wow, what a great twist. Love this story. Can't wait for the next!
August 31, 2025
From the first chord to the last, Trebled Waters is pure cozy mystery gold. Leah Dobrinska delivers humor, heart, and a backstage whodunit you won’t want to put down. I should know- I couldn’t stop reading it! I have a feeling this is about to become one of my favorite series!
August 20, 2025
This was so good! Love a good cozy mystery, and this did not disappoint. Can't wait for more in this series.
August 24, 2025
I loved this fantastic start to a new cozy mystery series featuring a feisty and likeable songwriter sleuth. Fast-paced and fresh, it was hard to put down.
September 20, 2025
A must read! Leah has done it again with this cozy murder mystery!!! ♥️
December 14, 2025
I liked Leigh and look forward to hearing more of her back story. Good, clean mystery! 3/5 🌟
August 28, 2025
Leigh is betrayed by her songwriting partner and before she can figure out why, he ends up murdered. As Leigh tries to figure out who did it and clear her best friend’s name from the suspect list, she finds herself going deeper into the country music world. Secrets. So many secrets. Can Leigh solve the mystery before she’s next?
What I loved:
🥞 Leigh is a strong, feisty, super independent woman with a soft side
🥞The secrets! It was fun watching it all unfold
🥞The suspense in this book kept me turning the page to find out who did it
🥞Fun plot twists
🥞Great supportive characters
🥞All the musical elements and the view of the behind the scenes in the music industry
This was a great first book in Leah’s new mystery series. It sets the stage well for future books. Read this if you love clean, cozy mysteries.
I received an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What I loved:
🥞 Leigh is a strong, feisty, super independent woman with a soft side
🥞The secrets! It was fun watching it all unfold
🥞The suspense in this book kept me turning the page to find out who did it
🥞Fun plot twists
🥞Great supportive characters
🥞All the musical elements and the view of the behind the scenes in the music industry
This was a great first book in Leah’s new mystery series. It sets the stage well for future books. Read this if you love clean, cozy mysteries.
I received an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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