Greta Sinclair is a multiple Amazon bestselling cozy mystery author and 2025 Global Book Awards Silver Medal winner for A Very Sticky Murder.
A dead country legend, a missing Yorkie, and a honky-tonk hiding secrets.
PI Hattie Leiper figured her new Nashville office above the country bar TheCrooked Note came with bar brawls and barking dogs, not collapsing country stars and rhinestone collars streaked with blood.
When living legend Ruby Dean drops dead mid-performance and her famous Yorkie turns up in Hattie’s office looking guilty as sin, the mystery hits too close to home.
Alongside her grumpy Chow Moose, and crime-magnet British Shorthair, Cecil, Hattie questions a jealous ex, sketchy songwriters, and a psychic who swears she saw it all coming.
With gossip swirling and her bestie, retired vet Gracie, caught in the crosshairs, Hattie’s chasing clues through concerts and recording studios.
She must crack the case before time runs out and another note turns deadly.
Murder, Music & Mischief is a Southern-fried cozy mystery filled with sass and a sleuth who knows how to keep her boots on the ground, even when the stage lights dim. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A festival with live music set in Nashville near Music Row, what could possibly go wrong? Music and mayhem collide and set up the mystery to be solved by a group of friends and pets.” -Becky Houston
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I'm in love with this new series! I couldn't put it down until the very end!!!” -Pam F.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A seasoned PI with a pod-casting bestie, a tough Detective, her cat Cecil and his canine nemesis Moose, a body and a missing dog. What could be better? What an enjoyable and interesting start for a new series!” -Allison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "A great start to a new series. Can't wait to read more!" - MD
This was one of those books that is hard to put down as you are desperate to know whodunnit! Just brilliantly written and hope there are many more! If you love mystery and animals this is for you! Fantastic!
This mystery takes place in Nashville. It has murder, drugs, music, theft, and love. I liked the mystery more than the romance, but the romance was minimal. Some of the ending was surprising, and I am curious how the author will resolve that part of the ending.
Three years ago, when I first visited Nashville, I fell in love with it almost immediately. There’s something about the charm, the energy, and the deep musical history of Music Row that just stays with you. I remember walking those streets and feeling like the city itself was humming—like every corner held a story waiting to be told. That visit never really left me. In fact, it became the heartbeat of Murder, Music, and Mischief. This story gave me the chance to bring that feeling to life through my private investigator, Hattie Leiper. Her name is a little piece of Nashville itself—blending my love for Hattie B’s hot chicken with the inspiration from Leiper’s Fork Distillery. She quickly became a character I truly enjoy spending time with, strong-willed and just curious enough to get herself into trouble. And then there’s Detective Bo Beckett, who came to life while I was soaking in Nashville’s incredible music legacy—Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and the countless artists who built the soul of country music. I wanted him to feel grounded in that same tradition: steady, observant, and quietly compelling. Writing this book felt like revisiting that first trip all over again—the sights, the sounds, and that unmistakable Nashville magic. I wanted readers to feel it too: the warmth of the city, the history in the air, and the sense that behind every song and every smile, there might be a secret waiting to surface.
This is the first book in a new series by Greta Sinclair. Hattie Leiper, a PI opened her new office on top of a country bar called The Crooked Note. With her dog, Moose and her short-haired cat, Cecil, she is prepared for business. Meanwhile, in the bar, country music star, Ruby Dean, suddenly collapses on stage. She had eaten a dog treat made by Hattie’s best friend, retired vet and podcaster, Gracie Biscuit. Of course, this puts Grace right in the middle of things. And to add to that, Ruby's Yorkie, Mini Pearl, shows up in Hattie's office and then goes missing. Hattie, has to prove Gracie innocent and dives into the investigation with Detective Bo Beckett to find a murderer and Mini Pearl. While digging into the case, Hattie finds there were quite a few suspects, especially Ruby had said she was writing a tell-it-all memoir. This is a really great first book that keeps you totally engaged, turning page after page to the surprise end. Hattie makes a really great protagonist assisted by Moose and Cecil. Grace also is a really well written character. I recommend this book and can't wait to see what Hattie and company will get into next! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Hattie Leiper and her companions Moose, her grumpy Chow, and Cecil, a British Shorthair, moved to Nashville and are attending the Country Pawlooza festival where the headliner, country music star, Ruby Dean, suddenly collapses on stage after eating a dog treat made by Hattie’s best friend, retired DVM and podcaster, Gracie Biscuit. Gracie becomes the primary suspect, but Hattie is certain Gracie is innocent. Ruby's famous Yorkie, Mini Pearl, disappears from the scene and Hattie, assisting Detective Bo Beckett, jumps into the case hoping to clear Gracie's name and find Mini Pearl. Suspects are plenty, as Ruby was preparing to publish a tell-all memoir, exposing jealousy and song theft and the singer had already received threats. From the very beginning, this new offering from Greta Sinclair had me hooked! The author does an outstanding job of capturing the Nashville atmosphere and even writes some awesome song lyrics! This is a great start to a new series and I can't wait to read the next book! I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am thrilled to leave this voluntary review!
Hattie is a Dolly Parton obsessed female version of Philip Marlowe meets Sherlock meets Scooby-Doo — with much humour interspersed throughout. A famous country and western singer, Ruby Dean, collapses and dies (not a spoiler) at a concert and Hattie is determined to find out who is responsible. Moose is her loyal canine companion and provides a measured response when helping her, whereas Cecil, her feline compadre, has so much attitude, it will depend entirely whether he feels like it as to whether he offers his valuable input. Nevertheless, Cecil is key in much of the goings-on and often steals the show. I can see the look of disdain as he purveys his human companions in all their ineptitude. The disappearance at the crime scene of the diva’s Yorkie unravels a tale in itself, giving us an insight into Hattie’s team. Although Hattie is a private investigator, she has a fairly close relationship with Bo, a police detective. Her best friend, Gracie, is rooting for this to go somewhere. Some good ole (new!) country and western songs — deserving of their own playlist! They’ve just GOT to be put to music! This is a brilliant start to a new series.
The first book in Greta Sinclair’s new series, Murder, Music & Mischief, is a fantastic start. It begins with a music festival where the legendary Ruby Dean collapses and dies while performing on stage. Her sweet Yorkie, Mini Pearl, who was always by her side, has gone missing.
Hattie, along with her grumpy Chow, Moose, and the crime-loving British Shorthair, Cecil, sets out to find Mini Pearl and uncover Ruby Dean’s killer before it’s too late. When Mini Pearl is found, she’s very scared and has blood on her rhinestone collar. What happened to Mini Pearl? Why is there blood on her collar?
The story unfolds with many twists and turns that kept me guessing and eager to discover who killed Ruby Dean and what happened to Mini Pearl during her disappearance.
This is a great beginning to a promising new series. I can’t wait to see what mysteries Hattie, Moose, and Cecil will uncover in the next book.
I highly recommend Murder, Music & Mischief to everyone! Pick up a copy today and meet Hattie, Moose, Cecil, and Mini Pearl!
Country Stars, Killer Clues & One Sassy PI—This Southern Mystery Stole My Heart! Review by: A Cozy Mystery Devotee Who Loves Her Sleuths Feisty and Her Critters Furry Alright, y’all. Murder, Music & Mischief is exactly the kind of cozy that makes me want to grab my biggest mug of sweet tea, curl up under a patchwork quilt, and not move an inch until the last page is turned. Greta Sinclair just delivered a first-in-series knockout, and if you’re anything like me—a sucker for sassy female sleuths, musical drama, and fur babies with attitude—you’re gonna eat this one up. Let’s talk Hattie Leiper. I love a heroine with some grit, a sharp tongue, and a heart big enough to hide under a ten-gallon hat—and Hattie delivers every bit. She’s quick-witted, fiercely loyal, and has the kind of Southern charm that doesn’t ask permission to speak her mind. She runs her PI biz from above a honky-tonk, and when a country legend drops dead onstage and her rhinestone-wearing Yorkie somehow ends up in Hattie's office? Well, y’all know that’s not just a coincidence. The mystery had me guessing (and second-guessing) right alongside her. A shady psychic, love-scorned songwriters, a bestie caught in the crossfire, and a whole heap of secrets soaked in twangy tension—this story moves with the rhythm of a country heartbreak ballad, with just enough sass and sarcasm to keep it spicy. Now, I have to give a shoutout to Hattie’s crime-solving crew: 🟊 Moose, the Chow with a grumpy soul and loyal heart 🟊 Cecil, the British Shorthair who may or may not be a criminal mastermind 🟊 And let’s not forget the bedazzled Yorkie with a nose for drama The animal antics were chef’s kiss and balanced perfectly with the darker turns in the case. I snorted more than once, especially during the psychic’s scene—I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say Hattie doesn’t suffer fools lightly, and I live for it. The Southern flavor is rich without being overdone. You can feel the barroom heat, smell the whiskey in the air, and hear the steel guitar twangs that echo behind every lie. Final thoughts: This was everything I wanted from a Southern-fried cozy—smart, funny, fast-paced, and full of heart. Hattie’s got just enough bite to be dangerous, and just enough heart to make you root for her through every twist. If you like your mysteries with a heaping side of humor, heart, and honky-tonk flair, Murder, Music & Mischief is calling your name. I’m already clearing space on my shelf for Book 2. Hattie’s the new sleuth in town, and I am so here for it.
A new PI with sharp pet helpers. PI Hattie Leiper works out of her apartment/office above a bar in Nashville. When she attends a Ruby Dean concert with her bestie Gracie, only to have the star drop dead in front of them, it's time to investigate. With the assistance of her dog Moose and cat Cecil she delves into the mystery surrounding the country music legend. She annoys Detective Bo Beckett to no end, but he also values her incite and intuition, not to mention her investigative skills. Many nooks and crannies are explored in the search for who killed the music star and buried her exposé. A fine mystery with interesting characters, both human and animal. A fun new detective who works with the police and not in conflict with them, as well as a detective who recognizes a talented fellow investigator. I look forward to their future crime solving efforts. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Add in a country music star falling down dead in the middle of a concert with the PI there, and you have one heck of a good cozy mystery. Of course, that star just happens to be one of Hattie’s—our intrepid PI—favorite artists and big shock, she will investigate to find out who killed her favorite star and the star’s little Yorkie also happens to be missing. Not for long though, because when Hattie finally gets home, what does she find? The missing Yorkie, which her cat, Cecil brought home. I really loved this story, especially since Cecil and Moose play such a major role in finding clues, especially Cecil. And there might be the added bonus of a bit of romance in play too. I can’t wait to see what adventure Greta Sinclair takes Hattie, Moose, Cecil and Mini Pearl on next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Greta Sinclair is a very talented writer and has brought another series to life with PI Hattie, her dog Moose, and her cat Cecil. They live above the Crooked Note bar in the middle of country music row. Hattie helps her best friend Gracie, a former vet and current podcaster, at a charity function where country legend Ruby Dean collapses in the middle of her performance. Gracie is under suspicion since Ruby at one of her pet/human treats right before the performance. Also Ruby's famous Yorkie is missing. Who would want to kill Ruby? Hattie is on the case along with her pets and Detective Bo Bennett to find out who silenced Ruby and finding Ruby's yorkie. Can Hattie solve both mysteries before someone else is killed? The reader is kept glued to their seats through all the twists and turns. Could not put this book down until I knew what happened. Fantastic!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a cozy mystery book and the first book in the series A Hattie and Moose Cozy Mystery. Hattie is a private investigator and a big fan of country singer Ruby Dean. When Ruby dies in front of Hattie and others while performing will they figure out what happened to her? Was she murdered? Hattie and Detective Bo set out to discover the truth. Will they find the answers they need before it’s too late? I loved all of Hattie’s animals. She had a dog Moose and a cat Cecil who were awesome. A great cozy mystery always has a smart animal sidekick. I will say I loved seeing Bo and Hattie working together. I do believe we may see some romance between them later on. This book did have some cussing but not much. Overall, I loved this book as it kept me entertained and can’t wait to read the next one.
PI Hattie Leiper and her sidekicks Moose and Cecil become entangled in the murder of country music superstar Ruby Dean after she collapses during a performance. After her best friend, Gracie, becomes a suspect, Hattie is determined to clear her name and find the killer.
This book is the first of a new series by Greta Sinclair and it is off to a great start! Her characters are fun and quirky, there are plenty of suspects and there is both humor and a hint of romance throughout. I really enjoy that the plot is engaging and easy to follow. Sinclair constructs an entertaining story that many mystery readers will enjoy.
*I received an ARC of this book. Any opinions expressed in this review are my own.
When country music superstar Ruby Dean drops dead on stage during a charity concert and suspected poison is the reason, Dr. Gracie becomes the prime suspect when it’s found out that the last thing Ruby ate was a couple of biscuits that Gracie had made. Then it’s discovered that Ruby’s pampered pooch Mini Pearl is missing leading P.I. Hattie and Detective Bo Beckett wondering if someone dog napped her. So now Hattie has her hands full trying to figure out who wanted Ruby dead, clearing her best friend Dr. Gracie’s name and finding the missing little Yorkie Mini Pearl. This is book one of a new series by Greta Sinclair and is an excellent start to it!! I can’t wait to read the next book to see what Hattie and her furry companions unravel then! Cherie
When private investigator Hattie Leiper witnesses country music legend Ruby Dean’s sudden collapse and death on stage, she knows she has to investigate. All initial signs point to poisoning—and all roads lead to Hattie’s best friend, Gracie, an animal podcaster. But Hattie isn’t convinced.
Normally, a mystery where police procedures are so completely disregarded—as is the case here, with Hattie being invited to crime scenes and interviews, often accompanied by her pets—would drive me to distraction. But somehow, it works. It’s all part of the charm, and it’s super fun. I’m already looking forward to more in this series!
Another superb book by Greta Sinclair, this time with the sparkling sensation Ruby Dean and her sweet yorkie, Mini Pearl. I love how Hattie, her dog, Moose, her cat, Cecil, and Ruby's yorkie, Mini Pearl, investigate the suspicious murder of Ruby. The animal's clever instincts are amusing, yet essential to the story. I also love the tension between Hattie and the gorgeous detective, which I'm hoping turns into a romantic partnership. I recommend this book and author.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
This is the first PI Hattie Leiper story and I hope it won't be the last. We are in the Music business in Nashville with Ruby Dean, the current favorite. Hattie is at her concert when she suddenly falls dead on the stage. Hattie gets involved and is assisting Detective Bo who she is starting to really like. It seems that Ruby was poisoned and not with the usual types. Poor Ruby it must have been really hard living with the fact that everyone wanted something from her whether she wanted it or not. Very good story, page turner. I received an arc and this is my honest review.
I love a good cozy mystery, but this might be my first one that has an actual PI as the protagonist! Hattie is an entertaining character to follow, and I love her relationship with Bo. It's rare that you see the main character work well with the police force. I also loved the setting and mystery itself. Nashville is full of intrigue and the first mystery having to do with the country music scene was very intriguing! I loved every minute!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This looks to be the start of another great series by Greta Sinclair and another great heroine. I love the character of Hattie, she's feisty and inquisitive plus she has two animal sidekicks Moose and Cecil who bring some lighthearted moments to the story of finding the murderer of Ruby Dean, a big singing star who just happened to drop dead almost at Hattie's feet. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to book 2.
I received an early copy to read and loved it. At first it reminded me a lot of Darcy and Mozzie, but as I continued reading I forgot about them and became invested in the new characters including; a seasoned PI with a pod-casting bestie, her cat Cecil and his canine nemesis Moose, a tough Detective, a body and a missing dog. What could be better? What an enjoyable and interesting start for a new series. Great Job Ms. Sinclair!
This is a phantastic cozy mystery that will make you smile and just enjoy the ride. Wonderful characters, the humans and the animals, that are digging deeper to find the truth of what happened. A storyline with a few surprises, how did the dog get into the office, makes this a page turner from beginning to end. An amazing book to read and relax with.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a delightful book! The perfect descriptions transport you to Nashville and introduces you to eccentric, interesting characters
A cozy murder mystery set in the South with music references a plenty, beautiful settings, an array of characters, captivating storyline and gives you that relaxing, cozy feeling of escaping reality for a little while.
Murder, Music & Mischief is a Music Row Cozy Crime Mystery by Greta Sinclair. It is a delightful story with a female PI with her dog and cat as her sidekicks. Add in a Yorkie belonging to a suddenly dead country singer and you have a intriguing tale with wonderful characters, especially the animals. More suspects than you can shake a “dog treat” at that will keep you guessing who the guilty party is. An enjoyable first in the series, be sure to read Murder, Music & Mischief.
Hattie is a PI who investigates a murder. I got tired if Hattie not telling the police things they should know. Someone broke into her apartment and stole something important. She did not tell the police until the next day. When a friend of hers was receiving threats , Hattie was angry the friend did not tell her or the police immediately. Really? Hattie's pets are cute. I will not read this series .
The charity concert which had a celebrity ends up with a murder and a dog missing . There is more to this mystery than meets the eye and private Investigator Hattie Leiper goes all out to solve it . Another captivating read by the author with an intriguing finish. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.
This is one very interesting and touching mystery. The lies and sense of betrayal color the scenes while greed rears its ugly head. This is fiction, but it owes its truth somewhat to the nature and workings of the music business. I couldn't stop reading this. It was such a great read that I may have to read it again just to savor it!!!!!
Murder, Mystery, Music and a little romance. I found the story to be very entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the case was solved. The story flows well and quickly. It provides enough information about the characters and situations without dragging the story down. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for interesting but light reading.
Murder, Music, & Mischief is so different from the other Sinclair books I have read. Moose (Chow) and Cecil (British Shorthair) are a fun—as well as helpful—part of this story. Dr. Gracie and Detective Bo Beckett are needed to contribute answers to the puzzle. This was intense at times but enjoyable. Look for the ending.
This is the second serious I've started by this author and they are consistently great. This one being in the south (us) made me excited and it didn't disappoint. Cute doggies and a well thought out murder mystery make me happy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Anything Greta Sinclair writes, I plan on reading. She knows how to capture your attention, and pays attention to detail, while not creating something that you could not believe. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. There is always a bit of fun with the animals and a nice touch of love and wonderful friendships.