Die to Your Own Tune

by Rebecca McKinnon

After months of giving into her wanderlust, free-spirited violist Octavia Fields is ready to get back to her Aerie Pines music shop. But she hasn't even had a chance to unpack before running into her teenage nemesis, who's there to solo with the Aerie Peaks Symphony. Things get even more interesting when Octavia learns the conductor is none other than her ex-boyfriend, who seems to think they’re engaged.

After finding her nemesis dead, Octavia jumps barefoot-first into another investigation. But Detective Dreamy isn't about to let her investigate alone — he knows her knack for attracting trouble. And he wants to keep an eye on the ex who twisted a year-long separation into an engagement.

When Octavia’s asked to step in as the new soloist, she has to balance investigating with rehearsals. And what should be an honor puts Octavia directly in the spotlight — and possibly the killer's crosshairs. With tension mounting both on stage and off, Octavia realizes someone might be tuning up for an encore performance.

She needs to unmask the killer before the final curtain falls and Octavia takes the deadliest bow of all!

Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 23, 2026

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

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely Delightful!!!

Yes, I knew this would be a 5 star review before starting the book, based on the earlier books.

In this book, Olivia's back in Aerie Pines, and an old nemesis of hers prances into Olivia's store. She's in town as the Symphony soloist. Then Olivia finds out her ex-boyfriend is conducting the Symphony, and he has the mistaken notion that they're engaged.

Of course, Olivia finds a dead body, which happens to be said nemesis, and she plans to investigate.

Meanwhile, she's asked to be the new soloist, and this seems to put her as a target for the killer.

There are several suspects., and a number of twists & turns before the culprit is revealed.

Yes, all that is well written and exciting..but the true awesomeness of this book is Olivia, her quirkiness, her great sense of humor, and the "are we or aren't we" relationship with Jack (aka Detective Dreamy and all sorts of other delightful names Olivia comes up with). The book had me alternate between laughing and saying "awwww" about Jack & Olivia. I LOVE the 2 of them together.

Other things are happening as well, with a new Police recruit and Olivia's bestie, Piper, and Olivia's store and employees, all of which adds to the wonderful story.

This was a pretty fast and very easy read. It just left me wanting to read the next book in the series. Delightful!!!

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

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die to Your Own Tune was such a fun, quick read—the perfect cozy mystery for when you want something light, engaging, and easy to fall into for a few hours.

Octavia is a likable and relatable amateur sleuth, and I enjoyed slipping into her world of symphonies, complicated relationships, and unexpected trouble. The mystery unfolds at a comfortable pace, with enough twists to stay interesting without ever feeling heavy or dark—exactly what I look for in a cozy. The musical backdrop added a unique flavor that made the story feel fresh and distinctive.

What I liked most was how readable and entertaining the book was. It’s the kind of story you can curl up with, lose track of time, and finish with a satisfied smile. While it’s not overly complex, it delivers exactly what a cozy mystery promises: a fun escape, engaging characters, and a mystery that keeps you guessing just enough.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with personality, a touch of humor, and a quick, satisfying storyline, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Die to Your Own Tune by Rebecca McKinnon is the 3rd book in the Octavia Fields mysteries. Octavia returns to Aerie Pines after indulging her wanderlust only to find out not only is her ex-boyfriend conducting the orchestra, her old nemesis is also performing as a soloist. Octavia once again finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery that she must solve before she becomes the next victim.
This was another fun cozy mystery and a very satisfying read.

Octavia continues to be her fun quirky self and makes some decisions regarding her store, her future, and budding relationship with Detective Price. The story’s pacing was just right with enough details to move the story along without bogging it down. There were twists and turns to leave me guessing until the end.

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Octavia is a bit hippy dippy trippy but she is fun to read about. I’m glad she stood up for herself more in regard to her shop and her wardrobe with some help from Jack but still. Her employees were treating her with no respect. It was fun to see her perform since music is her thing. I love the creative way she has of expressing frustration lol. Love the way things are progressing with Jack and maybe just maybe she’ll see that sticking around isn’t so bad or perhaps a balance of having a home base from which to go off on adventures would be ok. Either way this is a light fluffy fun book and I look forward to her next adventure whatever and wherever it may be! I received an arc via BookSirens this is my honest review.

[Jacqueline]

I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I enjoyed This book. This is the third in this series and, although they can be read alone, the burgeoning relationship between Octavia and her protector heats up in each book. Set in a hillside community on the side of a canyon devoted to music, it makes musicians seem like a dangerous lot! I really like the character of Octavia and her free wheeling lifestyle. Her nemesis from school days arrives,boasting and generally being unpleasant. Octavia's ex, who can't, or refuses to believe they're no longer engaged, is guest conductor and a murder with too many suspects makes this very cosy mystery interesting!

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a real ego buster for Octavia. An old rival is over zealous in telling Octavia how sub standard her violin talents were. Then her ex puts guilt and poor performance on her too!! Is there a limit Olivia can take?? I loved how supportive Jack was the entire way through the story.

Piper and Octavia inadvertently confront the killer!! I'm hoping reinforcements arrive in time to save them. I can't believe whodunit!!! Drama, suspense, and a compelling storyline. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Die to Your Own Tune is Book 3 in the Octavia Fields Mystery by Rebecca McKinnon. Octavia 's return home is dampened by her nemesis, Tamsin's return home to play a solo in the Symphony. Murder and not music was on the program and Octavia sets out to find a killer. Since Octavia tends to get into trouble, boyfriend, Jack, keeps an eye on her. I believe that this series is very enjoyable with great characters and an interesting mystery. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Die to Your Own Tune is an Excellent story and series about Octavia Fields who owns a Music Shop and is a Musician. Octavia and her Boyfriend/Lead Detective Jack go to the Rehearsal of the Concert. Unfortunately she found the Soloist dead. Jack started the investigation and was assisted by Octavia . There are many twists and turns and some surprising events. But can they discover all the pieces of this puzzle and discover the truth?
I enjoyed the story very much and I highly recommend that you read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brenda]

Octavia is a suspect in the murder of a woman who is a musician. The suspicion doesn't last long because her boyfriend is a police detective who makes it clear she didn't do it. Will she and her friends be able to solve the mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Octavia is once again in the middle of it when a former competitor is found dead. A great cozy mystery in the world of music. Wonderful characters that are warm hearted if a bit eccentric give this book a little something extra. The storyline pulls you in and keeps you guessing. Fun to read.

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

[Sherri Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read in this series. Probably better to have read previous books in the series. Octavia is a really interesting free spirit. I enjoyed Jack. These are my opinions after reading an advance copy of the book.