Barbara Reed is a professional writer and musician, and the author of High Notes Are Murder, the first in the Liz Hanlon Mystery Series. She has composed and recorded a first-of-its-kind "soundtrack" for High Notes Are Murder, with lyrics based upon the events in the book. Currently, she is writing Harmonic Deception, the next book in the series, as well as The Zero Sum Game, a financial thriller about a ruthless investment strategist and a massive insurance scam.

As lead vocalist and pianist she has written, recorded, and produced a contemporary jazz album This Was Meant To Be, along with numerous song lyrics for herself and others.