Hattie Hayes’s marketing efforts for the Moonshine Shack prove to be a double-edged sword as she partners with a local group known as the Bootlegging Brothers, whom she meets at the Hamilton County Bluegrass Festival. Hattie rescues Garth when he breaks his jug by giving him a jug of Granddaddy’s Ole-Timey Corn Liquor after pouring out the contents. Since this occurs when the band takes the stage to perform, the audience sees Hattie’s rescue.
A long line of buyers forms at the Moonshine Shack booth due to Hattie’s quick thinking. Seeing the result of associating with the Bootlegging Brothers, Hattie negotiates a deal with them to record a jingle for a radio commercial. Hattie works with Garth to write the spot, and then the brothers record it. At the recording, Hattie’s friend Kiki brings her camera and takes photos of the Bootlegging Brothers. Again, Hattie makes a deal with the group to use the images to promote the Moonshine Shack.
When Hattie learns the band will be playing at the River Pearl Winery Saturday, she approaches Pearl Kemp, the winery’s owner, about turning the event into a “Wine & Shine” evening, selling both wine and moonshine. Hattie’s hook: serving two alcoholic beverages will double the attendance. While the evening’s success excites Pearl and Hattie, an ugly scene puts a damper on things. Garth’s older brother, Brody, starts a loud argument with his daughter, calling his ex-wife’s husband "Daddy."
The next day Garth reports Brody is missing when he misses meetings and does not answer his phone or texts. Police find Brody’s body buried in a pond on the winery property, so Hattie’s boyfriend, police officer Marlon Landers and Detective "Ace" Pearce begin investigating. Making things complicated is the fact that Brody made enemies quickly, so the suspect list is complex.
The third book in Diane Kelly's Southern Homebrew cozy mystery series, FIDDLING WITH FATE showcases the author's ability to create compelling mysteries and showcase fascinating characters that continue to intrigue readers. In addition, Hattie’s feline companion, Smokey, also offers a light touch to Ms. Kelly’s suspense-driven story.
When a local bluegrass musician disappears and a jug of her shop’s corn liquor is implicated, moonshiner Hattie Hayes must stop further trouble from brewing in this delightful cozy mystery series.It’s August in Chattanooga, Tennessee and moonshiner Hattie Hayes has collaborated with a nearby vineyard to serve her moonshine at a Wine and 'Shine event. Not only is this an opportunity for Hattie to gain more moonshine fans, but she’s also excited to hear the Bootlegging Brothers, a popular bluegrass band. But not every attendee is looking for harmony. When one of the brothers disappears and is presumed dead, Hattie realizes her grace note gathering has suddenly turned more sour than her mash.
Unearthing what happened to the missing musician is more difficult than Hattie first expected. Hattie’s moonshine is tied to the crime and there’s no time to fiddle around—she has to step up to solve the case. Luckily, Hattie’s cool head and quick mind help her understand that when investigating a musical crime, always stay sharp.
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