Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Harper and Moon Investigations #2

Rodeo Clowns and Shakedowns: Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Rate this book
Mitzy Moon is loving life after the honeymoon. And as part of their agreement to try new things, she’s happily whooping it up at the local cowboy competition. But the newlyweds get roped into yet another investigation when their date night ends with a dead rodeo clown. As her new husband’s history with the prime suspect’s wife tests all loyalties, Mitzy struggles to balance jealousy with keeping her man out of the hoosegow. And now she’ll need saddlebags of extra help from her mentor, Ghost-ma, and her entitled feline to unhorse the ruthless culprit. Can Mitzy and Erick wrangle all the clues, or will spurious accusations bring a deadly showdown? Rodeo Clowns and Shakedowns is the second book in the hilarious new paranormal cozy mystery series, Harper and Moon Investigations, a spinoff from the popular Mitzy Moon Mysteries. If you like snarky heroines, supernatural intrigue, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s bucking brainteaser.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2023

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Trixie Silvertale

58 books357 followers
USA Today Bestselling author Trixie Silvertale grew up reading an endless supply of Lilian Jackson Braun, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew novels. She loves the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries and and obsesses about all things paranormal. Those two passions unite in her Mitzy Moon Mysteries, and she's thrilled to write them and share them with you.

Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/author/trixies...

BookBub Author:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/trixi...

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/trixiesilve...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrixieSilver...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
422 (76%)
4 stars
101 (18%)
3 stars
25 (4%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Christine.
1,640 reviews37 followers
June 12, 2023
Rodeo Clowns & Shakedowns is the second in the Harper and Moon Investigations series, a spin-off of the Mitzy Moon series. This is one of my favorites of both the current and the original series. Mitzy and Erick work so well together in this mystery about the murder of a rodeo clown, even though their client is Erick's manipulative ex! This could have been turned into something awkward and frustrating to read since it seems Darby still feels an attraction to Erick, flirting with him with no thoughts to her husband. However, Erick and Mitzy communicate about the situation, showing the strength of their relationship. There are few chapters told from Erick's point-of-view which add depth to the story and show how much he loves Mitzy. 

I really enjoyed the rodeo setting and learned a lot about the bull riding event. I was happy with the way things turned out in the case and am already looking forward to seeing what Mitzy and Erick's next case will be. This is a light, humorous mystery with a touch of the paranormal which is equally fun for returning fans or for new readers, and I would rate it 4.5 stars.

I received an advance copy of the ebook at no cost from the author, but my review is voluntary and unbiased. 
Profile Image for Darcysmom.
1,472 reviews
June 21, 2023
Mitzi and Erick are back and better than ever! In Rodeo Clowns and Shakedowns, they have to solve the murder of a rodeo clown before the wrong man is convicted. Erick's ex is in town with the rodeo and up to her eyeballs in trouble (most of which she created).
With the help of Silas, Pyewacket, and Ghost-ma, Mitzi and Erick are on the case.
As always, a visit to Pin Cherry Harbor is filled with fun and fast-paced action.
I loved this story and can't wait for the next one!
997 reviews19 followers
June 11, 2023
Mitzy is bitten by the jealousy bug when Erick’s ex wife turns up at the professional rodeo in Pin Cherry married to the top bull rider but still flirts with Erick. When a rodeo clown turns up dead, Paulsen arrests her husband on suspicion of murder and his wife asks Erick to take the case and prove her husband’s innocence. While investigating the case, his ex wife is forced to admit that she has had some affairs and one of them was with the deceased rodeo clown because she is now being blackmailed because of it.
More clues eventually lead to the showdown with the kidnapper and blackmailer because he has now taken their son since the blackmail has been exposed.

This series continues the energy and excitement of the previous Mitzy Moon series and has the characters back from that series in this new one as Mitzy and Erick are now married and are partners in a
private investigation firm they started. They still have help from Ghost Grams and Pyewacket along with Silas to aid them in corralling and hog tying the bad guys though!

I enjoy this series and enthusiastically recommend not only this book but the previous one as well along with the previous series entitled Mitzy Moon Mysteries, where you’ll meet all these characters for the first time and get to know them and the hilarious
situations Mitzy finds herself in. It’s a delightful series so I urge you to “read all about it” so you’ll know Mitzy and Erick more fully!

Take a break from the daily bad news and delve into these books- you’ll be glad you did!
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
1,919 reviews17 followers
June 21, 2023
If i could give this book more stars, I would. This second book is a spin-off of the Mitzy Moon series with Mitzy married to Erick, retired from the police department. They formed Harper and Moon, a private investigation business. In this book, the Rodeo is coming to town and it is a big deal for the residents as well as the riders complete with a parade through town. Although Mitzy doesn't think the rodeo is her cup of tea, she will go to support Erick in his love of the rodeo. When they arrive and go to get refreshments, Erick runs into his ex-wife, Darby, with a young boy. Surprise!!! Mitzy was shocked to say the least. He explained what happened years ago and Darby reassured Erick was not the father of the child. He got the marriage annulled in short order and thought it was all behind him. Now it should be. When they go to their rodeo seats, Mitzy is amazed at the rodeo. That is until one of the rodeo clowns did not get out of the barrel. He was dead and the two puncture wounds were rattlesnake bites. But there are no rattlers in this area. So who murdered Pendleton, the rodeo clown? Why? How is Erick's ex Darby involved? Why did they arrest Talon, Darby's husband? Who is Sammy Loesch? With the help of Pywacket and the clues he drops, Ghost-Gran and Silas who is helping Mitzy with her increasing paranormal abilities Harper and Moon are out to beat the obnoxious, jealous police chief at solving the murder. I can't wait to see what case they get into next! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Lana.
2,491 reviews50 followers
June 10, 2023
Book 2 in this new cozy mystery series, and Mitzy and Erick are getting into the groove of married life, she is trying to get used to things Erick enjoys and he is keeping her right side buttered up. Mitzy attends her first cowboy rodeo tournament but as usual a dead body turns up. Our body magnet is at it again, and this time round it is a rodeo clown who is killed by a rattlesnake bite which is a clue since there are no such snakes in the county. The suspect is Talon Cooper, the husband of Darby the ex-wife of Erick Harper himself. Mitzy lets jealousy take a grip on her and she does not act kindly towards Darby, however once the threats become more severe and her ghost-ma gives her a talking to regarding jealousy, she relents and goes all out to solve the case which becomes one not only of murder, but of blackmail and kidnapping. Once the son of Talon and Darby is taken both Mitzy and Erick go full out to save the life of a minor. I loved this very exciting mystery case, am really enjoying the way Erick and Mitzy are working around their newly married life issues, as well as enjoying getting both their views in the story. As usual Pyewacket is the star detective, but Mitzy's powers are getting stronger and she is more confident in using them, thanks to Silas Willoughby her alchemist mentor. I look forward to our next mystery case!
1,047 reviews29 followers
June 13, 2023
I am always thrilled when a new book by Trixie Silvertale is released. In this second book in the Harper and Moon Investigations series, Mitzy and Erick take us inside the world of rodeo clowns and bull riders.

The honeymoon is barely over for the newlyweds when Mitzy comes face-to-face with Erik’s ex-wife Darby who is married to Talon, the bull rider expected to win this rodeo. But Talon becomes the main suspect in the murder investigation of one of the rodeo clowns. Darby hires Erick (and Mitzy) to clear her husband’s name. Mitzy is taken aback by Darby’s flirtation with Erick which leads to some tense moments between the newlyweds.

I really like the alternating point of view from Mitzy and Erick. I applaud Erick for how he handles Mitzy’s moments of insecurity. I enjoyed the interactions of the local police officers with their former sheriff. Of course, the new sheriff is in her usual arrogant mood. Both the former sheriff and the new sheriff are learning their new roles. And, of course, Pye, Ghost-Ma, Silas, and Odell are there to support and assist Mitzy. I love these characters.

The story is fun and quick to read. I highly recommend this series. Mitzy’s and Ghost-Ma’s antics are sure to make you laugh.

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
696 reviews11 followers
June 20, 2023
I have read every book in the previous series which introduced these characters and loved every book. This book is part of a "spin-off" series with the same characters. The differences are that the two main characters, Mitzy and Erick, are married and running their own private investagation company together. Another difference is that Paully Paulson is now sheriff.

In this book, Erick and Mitzy attend the first annual county rodeo when a man dies. Mitzy is adamant he was murdered. When its discovered he was bitten by a rattlesnake (which are not found that far north in almost Canada), Sheriff Paulson arrests the husband of a woman from Erick's past, his ex-wife. She begs Erick to prove her husband didn't do it.

There are several twists and turns in the book. Just when I would think the murderer was going to be identified, it would take a turn. I give it 5 stars because I enjoyed this book. I think any reader of paranormal cozy mysteries will enjoy this book and this series.

I won't say anything else to prevent my review from having spoilers. I did receive an ARC for my honest opinion and I bought it, too.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,567 reviews20 followers
June 20, 2023
This is the second book in the Harper & Moon Investigations series, which is a continuation of the Mitzy Moon series, but now she and her husband have their own private investigation business.

A rodeo is in Pin Cherry Harbor, and it’s a big deal to the townspeople, including Mitzy’s husband, Erick. She is happy to accompany her man and it’s a good thing she does because a clown is murdered! She and Erick are on the case!

Erick’s ex-wife is in town, and Mitzy has a little difficulty dealing with her jealousy, but Erick is so into Mitzy and such a good guy, she has absolutely nothing to worry about. Even with his ex-wife practically throwing herself at Erick, he wants nothing to do with her unless it’s about the case. He is the perfect man.

All of the characters are unique, and I feel like I know each one of them. Mitzy’s grandma (ghost-ma) and caracal, Pyewacket, are always funny! There wasn’t much of Mitzy’s mentor, Silas, in this book, and I kind of missed him.

The Harper & Moon Investigations is just as good as the Mitzy Moon series, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
459 reviews7 followers
July 1, 2023
Once again, we return to Pin Cherry Harbor where Mitzy Moon and her husband Erick Harper live and run a Private Investigation business. Who is their newest client? None other than Erick's ex-wife. She and her family are in town to compete in the rodeo when one of the rodeo clowns winds up killed and her husband is blamed for the crime.

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and as always, I enjoyed reading it. In this book, we get to see the former Sheriff arrested, as well as both Erick and Mitzi going undercover to try and solve the murder before Sheriff Paulson declares the caseclosed and an innocent man goes to jail.

As always, all our favorite characters in this series make an appearance and leave us very entertained by their antics. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, have read any of Ms. Silvertale's other books, whether or not from the Mitzi Moon or Harper/Moon series, then I can pretty much guarantee that you'll enjoy this one too. This series has heart and is likely to make you laugh and smile. Give it a try. I don't think you'll regret it.
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,759 reviews4 followers
July 9, 2023
entertaining Paranormal cozy mystery series

This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters in an entertaining storyline. Mitzi moon and Eric Harper the former sheriff of this quirky little town in almost Canada. I’ve gotten married and Eric Harper has retired a sheriff and they have open their own private investigators service. Together they go out in some crimes or are hired to solve a crime. Eric as a former sheriff and from the military has the muscle the tactical an alarm Forssman knowledge in Mitzy Moon a psychic and budding alchemist has the unique abilities and mystical powers to delve deep into the truth. Together they go out And find the truth. Along with the help of Mitsy‘s mentor the elderly lawyer that is teaching her how to me as well as her grandmothers lawyer who helped her Ghost stay in her bookstore. Eric‘s former deputy is the new sheriff sheriff Paulson and as always she is a persnickety Overzealous and at times ditzy sheriffs. Read it and see what happens this time in the adventure in this fun little town.
96 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2023
Book 2 of the spin off series to Mitzy Moon Mysteries and Mitzy and Erick (and Grams and Pye) are happily settling in to married life.

But things don’t go as planned when their visit to the opening weekend of the first annual Birch County professional rodeo turns up a dead body and Erick’s ex-wife.

This is another wonderful peek into life in Pin Cherry Harbour and Trixie does not disappoint. The story is fun and beautifully written with the usual cast of characters aiding the new PI team. It is interesting watching Erick finding his feet as a civilian PI rather than the Sheriff and slowly realising that the lines aren’t quite so black and white as he used to believe.

I am can’t recommend the series enough, it is suitable for most, if not all people as no language or warnings needed and I’m dry much looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Pea.
21 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2023
Another amazing outing for Mitzy Moon, and a second story with Mitzy and her new husband Erick as the joint protagonists. I love that we now see things through Erick’s eyes as well as Mitzy’s in this spin-off series.

As an avid reader of all 21 books of the Mitzy Moon mysteries, I was thrilled when the wedding happened and the fulfilment of the love story between Mitzy and Erick wasn’t the end of her story but rather the beginning of a new series!

In this book, the Rodeo comes to Pin Cherry Harbor and the blissfully happy new Harper/Moon marriage is tested by the arrival of Erick’s ex-wife, who’s now married to a rider in the rodeo.

It isn’t long before Mitzy’s habit of being a ‘corpse magnet’ kicks in, Erick’s ex’s new husband finds the finger of suspicion pointed firmly at him and it’s up to Harper & Moon investigations to get to the truth! Highly recommended!
79 reviews
June 15, 2023
Harper/Moon Investigations is a newly formed PI firm created by the new Pin Cherry Harbor super couple Erik Harper & Mitzi Moon (Harper). The rodeo comes to town & Mitzi is really out of her element. So many new people, huge animals & an ex-wife! The world of bull riding & bull fighting clowns is fast-paced. She is investigating a murder at Decameron Downs, a 1st of its kind in Pin Cherry Harbor. The murder weapon is the one thing she is familiar with. The usual problems are here with the newly elected Sheriff Paulson who doesn’t appreciate the “amateur detectives”. The child of the ex-wife & current husband is kidnapped. Her husband is a popular rider & is set to win 1st prize, but he has to be there to do it. Great story with lots of references to living in the Midwest.
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,679 reviews
June 23, 2023
Mitzy and Erick are living life after the honeymoon and decide to have a date night at the rodeo that has come to town. While there, they see a rodeo clown killed in an unusual manner. In addition to dealing with the murder, Mitzy must work through some jealousy as they work with Erick's ex-wife whose husband is in jail. Can Mitzy and Erick wrangle up the clues and find a killer?

I'm really enjoying this new series and this book is no exception. This quick, fun read was well-written and had wonderful characters. I was drawn into this engaging story immediately and kept hooked throughout. This funny and intriguing tale will keep you guessing and on your toes. I truly loved this book and am eager for the next one. I highly recommend both book and series including the prequel story.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,376 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2023
"Rodeo Clowns and Shakedowns" is Book Two in the Harper & Moon Investigations series, and this reader is already hooked! As usual, Mitzy finds mayhem in the most mundane activities. Search for snackage/discover an unpleasant specter from the past! Enjoy holiday celebrations/discover a MOST unusual murder! Mitzy and Erick are adorable and such fun, Pin Cherry Harbor and its denizens retain all their charm, the wit and humor are on point, and the mystery is well-imagined and nicely convoluted. As a bonus, the introduction of Darby (yech!!), McKade, and Talon adds the probability of more tension, because I'm almost certain Darby has more unpleasantness in store. I look forward to following this series!!
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,234 reviews17 followers
June 10, 2023
Mitzy and Erick are on the case again. This time, Erick's ex is their client. They go to the rodeo and Mitzy comes face to face with Erick's ex and her son, who looks like Erick. Did they have a son together? When they meet her husband, Mitzy isn't sure that the boy is Erick's. Darcy's husband is a bull rider and Darcy has been having an affair with one of the rodeo clowns. When the clown ends up dead from a snake bite, Darcy's husband is the first suspect. Mitzy and Erick know they have to help. There is so much going on -blackmail, kidnapping and murder. Can they find the real murderer?
Profile Image for Amanda Jane.
1,331 reviews8 followers
August 12, 2023
Rodeo Reckoning

The rodeo has come to Pin Cherry Harbour, and Mitzi is taken aback to bump into Darby Cooper, the woman Erick married in a drunken fog as a young man. With her is a young boy who looks the spit of Erick, who raises plenty of questions in Mitzi's mind.

That marriage was annulled, but what exactly does Darby want? Her husband Talon doesn't seem impressed that she's parading them in front of Erick... but before they can get down to the bare bones of the situation, a rodeo clown dies in really suspicious circumstances, and Talon is arrested... Harper and Moon have their next case.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,577 reviews7 followers
June 19, 2023
Amazingly wonderful, as always! Meeting Darcy, Erick’s ex, was a shock to the system. He must have been past drunk when he married her in Las Vegas. What a selfish person. Her current husband is a saint!

Rodeo’s are something I’ve never been into, but even I got into the excitement after learning more about how it all works. I was on the edge of my seat by the end!

Mitzy and Erick never fail to entertain and I can’t get enough of them, Ghostma and Pye. I’m all ready for the next adventure!
102 reviews
January 1, 2024
Mitzi Moon Goes To The Rodeo

Mitzi and Harper are back and this time they have to find out who might have murdered a rodeo clown by way of a rattle snake. Now if you are curious about how this happened to come about, well then I’m sure you know what I’m about to say, and that is to find out that and how Mitzi and Harper solve this crime without Sheriff Paulson arresting them both or even worse, your just going to have to buy this book and read all the details yourself. Oh and I highly recommend you do just that my friends, you’ll be glad you did.
Profile Image for Margery.
526 reviews3 followers
June 10, 2023
Mitzy and Eric always have been a wonderful crime solving team! With Eric adjusting to his 'new' profession, he seems to be doing well. Mitzy gets less stern scoldings from Eric, that is for sure! This only seems to enhance their crime solving skills. Who does not like a rodeo, or healthy competition, as long as murder is not involved. No such luck for the rodeo that comes to Pin Harbor, BUT, Mitzy and Harper are on the job, along with ghostma and of course...PYE!
107 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2023
Erick takes Mitzy to her first rodeo and while they are there a murder happens. Throw a snake and an ex wife into the mix and you have a really I tersting story. Erick’s ex wife shows up at the rodeo and her husband is accused of the murder. Erick and Mitzy agree to take the case. Great story. Erick and Mitzy are getting into the groove of working together and the plots are still super interesting to read. I can’t wait to read the next one.
626 reviews5 followers
June 13, 2023
Whilst enjoying her first rodeo with her new husband, Eric, Mitzy finds herself face to face with her husband's ex. If that's not enough to spoil her day, the whole arena is witness to the death of one of the rodeo clowns. Mitzy and Eric are unwillingly drawn into the situation, as they are asked to take on the case when a man is accused of the murder. This adventure involves murder, ex wives, infidelity, rattlesnakes and kidnapping. Action from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Trisha Kelly.
Author 32 books93 followers
June 16, 2023
Seamless

I loved this book and the way Mitzy and Erick have gone from Sheriff and girlfriend to husband and wife without losing any of the spark or Pin Cherry lifestyles. The characters remain the same albeit with different roles. The story was great and we deal with a bucket of emotions, the green-eyed monster, which our heroine deals with in an adult way, and plenty of humour. I love the one-liners and the twists as the mystery unravels. Another hit!
1,215 reviews4 followers
June 22, 2023
This is the second book in the Harper & Moon Investigations series where the two have formed their own detective agency. A rodeo has come to town and brought with it excitement and unfortunately a murder. It’s also brought a past acquaintance of Erick’s. That’s a surprise for you to find out. Erick and Mitzi work together to solve this rattily mystery. I do miss Erick as sheriff and so does the rest of the town. Can’t wait until the next episode!
548 reviews
July 2, 2023
I always look forward to the next book in the series with Mitzi and Eric. This one was a little lighter on the mystery - to me at least - and seemed to get back into the "cinema" training Mitzi seems enamored with. Short and long ago as it was. I do enjoy the relationship between the characters and some of the routines that have become familiar. Like Fries at the Myrtle's Cafe. Enjoyable as always and I continue to look forward to that next book.
57 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2023
Like all the other books this was great. Mitzy and former Sheriff Erick are on the case. Ghostma, pyewacket and Silas are there to help as well. This time a rodeo is in town. They must figure who the murderer is and also the kidnapper. There is lots of action and stories going on at the rodeo. Mitzy and Erick go behind the scenes to figure things out. In the end they get there man. Loved the book as much as I loved all the rest of this and previous series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,844 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2023
I truly loved the book!

It was excellent, as always. I felt good the whole time I was reading it! Well written, in that I-have-to-finish-this-now way, but not wanting to read too fast because I didn’t want to get to the end too soon! The dual POV, well, Erick’s POV really adds another layer to an already brilliant story. Awesome book!
Profile Image for RaChelle Holmberg.
1,731 reviews28 followers
June 20, 2023
I've read the entire series, and this one did not disappoint. Great characters, a VERY fun storyline, and lots of humor and quirkiness. well worth your time if you're looking for a lot of entertainment. No spoilers here....Received as a gift though the author's social media, I truly loved reading it.
Profile Image for Phthon.
1,950 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2023
I love that this is what Erick and Mitzy do! It is so perfect for them to work together as Private Investigators! I think it will take Erick a while to get used to Mitzy being in the midst of things. I also love that Pyewacket and Grams both are involved in the cases, that is such fun. I love this series!
1,023 reviews17 followers
June 20, 2023
Trixie Silvertale tells the best stories. Love the new series Harper and Moon Investigations. Mitzy and Erick are in deep with a murder investigation and a sheriff who does her best to block their every move. In spite of the inept sheriff, they manage to follow the clues. Love this series and looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.