Inner Groove
(2025)(The second book in the Vinyl and Victims Mystery series)
A Story by Maisy Marple and Sadie Wren
Some secrets are pressed into the vinyl...
Three months after solving a high-profile murder case, former music producer Melody Clarke has settled comfortably into her new life as owner of Needle Drop, Harbor Point's premier vinyl record shop. With summer in full swing, the charming coastal Maine town is preparing for its acclaimed Jazz by the Sea Festival, and Melody is looking forward to nothing more complicated than cataloging rare albums and helping customers find vintage treasures.
But when eccentric collector Lawrence Harrington drops off a mysterious jazz collection with a "disturbing provenance," Melody's trained producer's ear detects something amiss. These impossibly pristine recordings raise questions only an expert would notice—subtle inconsistencies that suggest sophisticated forgeries rather than authentic rarities.
Before Melody can question Lawrence about his suspicious collection, he's found dead at an exclusive listening party. What initially appears to be a heart attack takes a sinister turn when the medical examiner discovers traces of a toxin found in vintage shellac records.
As Harbor Point fills with jazz enthusiasts and collectors for the festival, Melody finds herself tracking a deadly counterfeiting operation that spans decades. With her assistant Zoe's encyclopedic knowledge of music history and the grudging cooperation of Police Chief Adrian Wells, Melody discovers that the seemingly disparate murder of a festival food vendor connects to an elaborate scheme using counterfeit records as the perfect cover for something far more valuable.
The investigation takes a personal turn when Melody's shop is broken into and a hidden photograph with a suspiciously scratched-out face is discovered among Lawrence's records. When a second break-in ends with Needle Drop in flames, Melody realizes the killer is eliminating evidence—and witnesses.
Using her producer's knowledge of acoustics and recording techniques, Melody sets an ingenious trap at the festival's main stage during sound check. But as she gets closer to the truth, she discovers that beneath the counterfeiting operation lies an international smuggling ring with connections to stolen wartime treasures and powerful people who will kill to protect their secrets.
In this musical mystery, Melody must compose the perfect strategy to catch a killer before the final note plays—and she becomes the next victim.
"Inner Groove" is the second book in the Vinyl & Victims series, featuring amateur sleuth Melody Clarke and her producer's ear for crime. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with unique professional sleuths, music lovers, and readers who enjoy small-town settings with complex crimes.
Genre: Mystery
Three months after solving a high-profile murder case, former music producer Melody Clarke has settled comfortably into her new life as owner of Needle Drop, Harbor Point's premier vinyl record shop. With summer in full swing, the charming coastal Maine town is preparing for its acclaimed Jazz by the Sea Festival, and Melody is looking forward to nothing more complicated than cataloging rare albums and helping customers find vintage treasures.
But when eccentric collector Lawrence Harrington drops off a mysterious jazz collection with a "disturbing provenance," Melody's trained producer's ear detects something amiss. These impossibly pristine recordings raise questions only an expert would notice—subtle inconsistencies that suggest sophisticated forgeries rather than authentic rarities.
Before Melody can question Lawrence about his suspicious collection, he's found dead at an exclusive listening party. What initially appears to be a heart attack takes a sinister turn when the medical examiner discovers traces of a toxin found in vintage shellac records.
As Harbor Point fills with jazz enthusiasts and collectors for the festival, Melody finds herself tracking a deadly counterfeiting operation that spans decades. With her assistant Zoe's encyclopedic knowledge of music history and the grudging cooperation of Police Chief Adrian Wells, Melody discovers that the seemingly disparate murder of a festival food vendor connects to an elaborate scheme using counterfeit records as the perfect cover for something far more valuable.
The investigation takes a personal turn when Melody's shop is broken into and a hidden photograph with a suspiciously scratched-out face is discovered among Lawrence's records. When a second break-in ends with Needle Drop in flames, Melody realizes the killer is eliminating evidence—and witnesses.
Using her producer's knowledge of acoustics and recording techniques, Melody sets an ingenious trap at the festival's main stage during sound check. But as she gets closer to the truth, she discovers that beneath the counterfeiting operation lies an international smuggling ring with connections to stolen wartime treasures and powerful people who will kill to protect their secrets.
In this musical mystery, Melody must compose the perfect strategy to catch a killer before the final note plays—and she becomes the next victim.
"Inner Groove" is the second book in the Vinyl & Victims series, featuring amateur sleuth Melody Clarke and her producer's ear for crime. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with unique professional sleuths, music lovers, and readers who enjoy small-town settings with complex crimes.
Genre: Mystery
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