Greta Sinclair – CozyRom Books & Coffee

Author: Greta Sinclair
Title: Fiddling with Murder
Series: Hattie & Moose #2
Location: Nashville, TN
Main Characters: Hattie, Gacie & Bo
Other Characters: Della Mae, Rachel, Dallas Raines, Wendell, Leslie, Loretta, Mick
Pets: Moose, the Chow Chow, and Cecil, the cat. & Mini Pearl, the Yorkie
Rating: 4

I just finished Fiddling with Murder, and I found it very enjoyable. I’m naturally drawn to anything set in Nashville or connected to the music world, so the premise immediately grabbed my attention. However, what truly made this story stand out for me was Hattie Leiper and her wonderfully chaotic crime-solving team, which includes Moose, the grumpy Chow Chow, and Cecil, the overly confident cat. Along with Mini Pearl, the Yorkie she adopted, they brought so much personality and warmth to the narrative. I enjoyed Hattie and Moose from the very first book. Anything with pets, especially dogs, always catches my attention.

The mystery is highly engaging. I especially appreciated the blend of old Music Row secrets, missing musicians, and the fiddle that belonged to a music star who disappeared years ago, which mysteriously appears at Hattie’s door. This combination created a nostalgic yet haunting atmosphere that beautifully enhanced the story. The pacing was mostly solid, making it difficult to resist the temptation to read “just one more chapter.

I enjoy the chemistry between Hattie and Detective Bo. Their connection unfolds slowly and subtly—more like a gentle simmer than a prominent romantic subplot. This added a nice touch of heart to the story without distracting from the mystery.

The reason this received four stars instead of five is that there were a few moments where I wished the plot had explored deeper. Some clues were resolved quicker than I anticipated, and I sometimes felt the need for more tension or a longer examination of certain suspects. This isn’t a dealbreaker—it’s just my desire for a bit more depth, especially since the setup was so strong.

Overall, this is a genuinely enjoyable cozy mystery featuring a great atmosphere and a fun cast of characters. If you love mysteries infused with Southern charm, musical backdrops, and a heroine you’d want to share a cup of coffee with, be sure to add this one to your reading list.

I will definitely continue the series—mainly because I need more Moose in my life.

If you’ve read this series, please share your thoughts in the comments.

Title: Murder, Music & Mischief
Author: Greta Sinclair
Series: Hattie & Moose Cozy Mystery
Location: Nashville, TN
Main Character: Hattie
Other Characters: Gracie, Ruby Dean, Detective Bo, Velma, Lyle, Toby, Nico, Xavier, Laney
Pets: Moose the Chow, Cecil the Cat & a Yorkie named Minnie Pearl
Rating: 5

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it certainly won’t be the last. I chose it because it is set in Nashville, Tennessee, a city I know well.

This book is a charming cozy mystery that surpassed my expectations! From the very first page, I was drawn in by the Nashville setting, the quirky and lovable characters, and a plot that kept me guessing until the end. Sinclair’s writing is witty and engaging, perfectly balancing humor, suspense, and just the right amount of mischief.

Hattie, a private investigator in Nashville, lives above a country bar called The Crooked Note. One night, she and her friend Gracie go to hear their favorite country artist perform, but the evening takes a deadly turn. As soon as Ruby Dean steps up to the microphone, she collapses and dies. The autopsy reveals that she was poisoned, making Gracie the prime suspect. Determined to clear her friend’s name, Hattie teams up with the local detective to uncover the truth behind Ruby’s murder and discover who would want to kill the country star.

This book offered all the elements I love in a cozy mystery: engaging characters, a fun protagonist, a charming detective, a loyal best friend, a touch of humor, a hint of romance, a captivating mystery that keeps readers guessing, and, of course, pets. I especially adored Moose, the dog, as I always enjoy when a canine character is included in the story.

If you enjoy clever whodunits filled with humor and heart, along with witty pets, you’ll love Murder, Music & Mischief. I can’t wait to read more from Greta Sinclair!