Hey y’all! Thanks for popping in to keep me company. If you don’t mind, I’m going to continue stress-cleaning, because I’m working through some things at the moment.

My name’s Leigh Notrap. That’s pronounced No-trap, in case you’re wondering. I know my apartment is small, but the scents that waft up from Java Flo’s, the café downstairs, make up for the cramped space. Phelps says hi, too. He’s my pet beta fish, there in his bowl on top of the piano. Make yourself at home. I’m about to scour this kitchen until I can eat off the floor.

I just finished having a songwriting session with my friend, Cal Dutton. I’m not sure if I’d consider him my friend anymore, though. Cal is a country music rising star. He signed a huge record deal with Red Vector a couple months back. He’s poised to be the next big name here in Nashburg, TN, where we both live and make our living in the music industry. I guess I should say I attempt to make my living. Cal’s well on his way.

I’m a songwriter. I’ve yet to have a breakout hit, though, so I supplement my income with odd jobs. I write jingles and marketing mixes for local business; I take shifts downstairs at the café; I even put my cleaning skills to good use as a part-time janitor at the area high school. What can I say, it’s a grind to break through in this town, but I’m nothing if not scrappy. I’ll put in my time. I’ll put in the work. I’ll put myself out there to make connections. And I will make it.

Don’t get me wrong, I have no desire to be on stage like Cal. I much prefer the lyrics and behind the scenes stuff. My current goal is to land a staff writer position at one of the big music publishers in Nashburg. That would mean a steady income, benefits, and a guaranteed paycheck. I could chuck my odd jobs and have time and energy to pursue my passion…writing music that makes listeners feel something.

That’s why I’m so ticked at Cal. He heard about an opening at Red Vector Publishing, the publishing wing of his record label. You would think he’d put in a good word for me, wouldn’t you? Same here. Except he just told me he didn’t do that. In fact, he told his contact that I wouldn’t be a good fit for the job. The absolute audacity, right?

Cal’s playing a sold-out show tonight at the Banta Bowl, where his sister Emma works. Do you think I should head down there to confront him? I just want to understand why he’d undercut me before I even had a chance to apply for this gig. I don’t let a lot of people get close to me, but Cal is someone I thought I could trust. I won’t be able to sleep until I figure out why he betrayed me like this.

Want to come along? I could use the moral support!

Trebled Waters – A Songwriter Sleuth Mystery, Book 1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: August 2025
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link

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?
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About the author
Leah 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. Leah lives in Wisconsin with her husband and their gaggle of kids. When she’s not writing, handing out snacks, or visiting the local library, Leah enjoys reading and running. Find out more about Leah, join her newsletter community, and connect with her through her website at leahdobrinska.com.