She is in her thirties, married to a construction worker and has two young boys. The Missy Jenkins musical mystery series is set during the late 1970s so the music that weaves throughout the series includes disco, rock and classical themes. Missy teaches her students, and her readers, bits of musical history and trivia along the way.Every protagonist needs strengths and weaknesses, and for Missy, her character strengths are also the flaws that get her into trouble. She cares about her friends and neighbors, so she feels the need to help them. Whether they want her help or not. She gives piano lessons to most of the children and teenagers in Twin Pines, so she knows everyone. She can't stop herself from getting involved, so sometimes she ends up knowing too much. And that can lead to danger . . . or murder.