Brooklyn Kills Me

Friends and Enemies #2

by Emily Schultz

In this sharp and suspenseful sequel to Sleeping with Friends, a reluctant detective investigates a suspicious death, the party where it happened—and the secrets no one’s willing to tell.

Book editor Agnes Nielson never anticipated the viral celebrity that would come after solving the attempted murder of her best friend. Suddenly swept up in a world of luxury, she finds herself mingling with New York’s movers, shakers, and moneymakers—among them the enigmatic heiress Charlotte Bond, who takes Agnes under her wing.

But those wings, it turns out, aren’t enough to save Charlotte from a fatal fall.

When police dismiss the death as accidental, Agnes takes on the scions and wannabes of New York society, even if she sometimes doubts her new skill set as a hipster detective. After all, she only has a vague recollection of the party that ended Charlotte’s life, and everyone else has a different story. Or so they say.

As she digs into the details of that night, Agnes finds that the sparkling veneer of wealth and success hides plenty of blemishes…and the cracks below may be deep enough to swallow her whole.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Thriller

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2024

About the author

Emily Schultz is the co-founder of Joyland Magazine. Her newest novel, Little Threats, is forthcoming from GP Putnam's Sons for November 2020. Her novel, The Blondes, released in the U.S. with St. Martin’s Press and Picador, in France with Editions Asphalte, and in Canada with Doubleday. It was named a Best Book of 2015 by NPR and Kirkus. The Blondes was produced as a scripted podcast starring Madeline Zima, which has also been translated into French.

Schultz's writing has appeared in Elle, Slate, Evergreen Review, Vice, Today's Parent, Hazlitt, Minola Review, Black Warrior Review, and Prairie Schooner. She lives in Brooklyn where she is a producer with the indie media company Heroic Collective.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been trying to figure out what it is about this series that doesn’t work for me and I think I have it narrowed down to two different things: the number of characters that are thrown at you and the depth at which we get to know them. I am used to cozies that really develop the characters, even the murdered ones, because it helps you connect to the setting and the series on the whole. This doesn’t do that. I found myself not paying attention very often to the audio, despite the well-done narration. This series, and this author, are not for me.

I received a copy from #NetGalley and #BrillianceAudio for an honest review.

[TAYA · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pub Date 10/15/24
A murder mystery set in NYC.
Who killed the heiress, Charlotte? Agnes intends to find out. The who done it list is a long one because, everyone at the party that night is suspect. Through her interview process, she finds out there’s a murder club - a secret social circle.

The story started out just fine, but then it became very long winded. Too strung out for my taste. I became bored. The story became a struggle to get through.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Ga.selle (Semi-hiatus) Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

“A single woman in New York with some fame and money and too many people declaring themselves her BFF. AKA: She’s a needy, walking disaster. Then there’s the messy dating life. That increases the pool of suspects exponentially. And that’s only if they even think it’s a murder, and this plan is really good about obscuring that.”

Who killed heiress Charlotte Bond??
Charlotte is an NYC socialite, art dealer and heiress. After a confrontation and catfight at a party she hosted, Charlotte was found dead just a few hours later. Police report was filed as suspected suicide. Was Charlotte’s death about money, jealousy or anger?
Agnes, the MC, works as a book editor and is Charlotte's new neighbor and friend. Just a year after resolving her best friend's attempted murder, Agnes did not expect that it'd go viral and she'd be hired to investigate Charlotte's suspicious death. This time, it's going to be a hell lot of a challenge. A lot of people in 'who done it list' since everyone at the party is a suspect.
I like this slightly better than the first book, Sleeping with Friends. I had to read both back to back in a day and it's better that I did, as this one contains major spoiler on who is the suspect in book 1. I like Agnes's character development but I find some of the new characters added in this installment a struggle to keep track of, not that compelling / poorly developed.

Happy publication day! (October 15, 2024)
Thank you Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review. 🖤


3✨

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A richly-drawn and relatable protagonist, a robust cast, and a deftly-plotted mystery make BROOKLYN KILLS ME a stellar addition to this cozy crime series. When, hot off the heels of a crime-solving success, book editor turned amateur sleuth Agnes Nielsen attends a party where an heiress plunges to her death, she finds herself compelled to investigate (and not just because the building’s owner is on her back). The complexity of Agnes’s life coupled with the urgency of the case and Schultz’s vivid rendering of Brooklyn makes this story a dark delight.

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would recommend this book for fans of the show Only Murders in the Building. Very similar vibes and atmosphere (New York, fancy people, fancy people, eccentric people, you get the drill...).

I did find this book to be a bit slow going at the beginning, but at the end (where I, personally, think it really matters for this genre), it really picks up.

I did find that some parts were a bit predictable, but I do find that to be a common issue with this type of genre (if you consume a lot of mystery/thriller books, tv shows or movies, you tend to have all of the possible formula options memorized at a certain point). So I don't find that to be a massive deal-breaker or anything.

Some characters did feel a bit two-dimensional to me, but again, that's another common issue I tend to have with this type of genre. The plot and mystery is more important than the characters, and I totally get that, I just prefer to get really invested in the characters I read about. And if you don't give me enough to get invested in, it can make the whole story fall a tad flat for me. But that really does vary person-to-person.

I am in my mystery/thriller girlie era!

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Brooklyn Kills Me” by Emily Schultz is the second book in a series. This could be read as a stand alone book. In the first book “Sleeping with Friends” we meet Agnes Nielsen.

Agnes, an amateur detective meets Charlotte Bond who lives in her new building and Charlotte takes Agnes under her wings. Charlotte invites Agnes into her circle and to her Salon. Charlotte mentions she wants to hire Agnes. Charlotte, an heiress ends up dead and Agnes has to piece together the night to find the murderer.

Honestly I didn’t love the first book but figured I’d give the second one an honest go. I enjoyed this book more. It was a faster read. I enjoyed the story though I found it a slow progression and too many characters to keep track of. It was a good, quick whodunit read.

Thank you Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In this sequel to “Sleeping with Friends,” Emily Schultz returns us to the streets of Brooklyn. Detective Agnes Morales reluctantly investigates a suspicious death—the kind that leaves a bitter aftertaste at the party where it occurred. But in a neighborhood where secrets are currency and loyalties are tested, Agnes discovers that everyone has something to hide.

Schultz’s writing is as vivid as the graffiti on a subway wall, capturing the pulse of Brooklyn—the late-night diners, the brownstone stoops, and the simmering tension between old friends. The characters are complex, flawed, and achingly real. Agnes, haunted by her past, navigates the labyrinthine relationships with a mix of determination and vulnerability. Zoey, the enigmatic artist, harbors secrets that threaten to unravel her carefully constructed facade. And Mia, the victim, is more than just a casualty; she’s a mirror reflecting the fractured lives around her.

The pacing is relentless, pulling you deeper into the mystery. Schultz masterfully weaves together threads of betrayal, ambition, and desire, leaving you guessing until the final pages. Is it Agnes, driven by unspoken resentments? Or Zoey, who covets everything Mia has? The answers lie in the shadows of Brooklyn, where loyalty is tested, and the truth is a double-edged blade.

“Brooklyn Kills Me” is a noir-infused thriller that pulses with authenticity. Schultz’s prose is sharp, her characters unforgettable, and her portrayal of Brooklyn—both its beauty and its darkness—will linger. Whether you’re a seasoned detective fiction enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this sequel is a must-read.

Emily Schultz’s latest novel is a gripping addition to the Friends and Enemies series. If you enjoyed the first book, “Sleeping with Friends,” you won’t want to miss this sequel. Dive into the heart of Brooklyn, where danger lurks in the shadows, and every secret has consequences. 🌆🔍📖

[Mamadukes · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘‘You chose people or you chose your secrets”, so says Emily Schultz in her latest whodunnit BROOKLYN KILLS ME.

Reluctant investigator Agnes Nielsen is celebrated in New York after solving the death of her BFF. She finds herself rubbing shoulders with high society, especially Charlotte Bond, big pharma heiress and the Queen of said high society.. After a party at Charlotte’s home one evening, Charlotte takes a dive from her balcony causing her death. Agnes has little memory of the party, which leads her to believe that something sinister was amiss. As Agnes begins asking questions, she receives differing stories of what happened at the party. Was there a fight? Why were some people able to recall and other people need it to be an insurance grab? And why can’t Agnes remember? Was she drugged? And what exactly is the Perfect Murder Society? With many (and I mean many) people choosing their secrets, Agnes is left to sift through the people for what lay underneath.

I really enjoyed this murder mystery. The only problem I had was that there were so many people to try to keep track of. Luckily enough, there was a dance card at the beginning of the book to explain who everyone was. Some of the characters seemed superfluous to me but I suppose that was just the red herrings. I’ve enjoyed Emily Schultz’s books in the past and will continue to follow her in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

[Rina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book editor Agnes Nielsen never anticipated the fame after solving the attempted murder of her best friend. Suddenly swept up in a world of luxury, she finds herself mingling with New York’s movers, shakers, and moneymakers—among them the enigmatic heiress Charlotte Bond, who suffers a fatal fall. When police dismiss the death as accidental, Agnes digs into the details herself.

I knew going in that this was a sequel to Sleeping with Friends, but I didn’t have a handy access to the first book, so I decided to just jump in. I can say this would work as a standalone, as I didn’t feel like I was missing too much. Yes there were some obvious repeat characters with some history from the first book, but it didn’t really bother me.

I was expecting a cosy mystery, but this wasn’t cosy at all. The stake was high, and the suspense was good! I was impressed with the mystery and how it was unfolding. It kept me guessing, and I enjoyed the ride. The audiobook narration was great, and it delivered the vibe really well.

I will keep an eye out for the next Agnes Nielsen book.

(Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)

See my bookstagram review.

[Bhuku · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pitched as “sharp and suspenseful,” this one delivers on both counts!

Premise - Bookish introvert Agnes Nielsen reluctantly becomes one of NYC’s who’s who after solving her bff’s attempted murder. Soon she’s hobnobbing with the likes of enigmatic heiress Charlotte Bond… who takes a fatal plunge after a high society party Agnes attends. Agnes, who may have been drugged by someone at the party that night (?!) to incapacitate her, doesn’t buy the police’s theory that the death was an accident. Now she’s back to her amateur sleuthing antics!

I loved Schultz’s voice, which is ultimately what makes or breaks any story. The colorful cast of characters was super fun to follow along with, too, and as a New Yorker it was a treat to see my city through Agnes’ lens. I tend to read thriller over mystery, but this was an engaging blend of both and kept my interest throughout!

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Lisa Larsen. It was a great read, I highly recommend! Larsen’s choices add depth to the characters and infuse the story with additional tension and energy, but never take too many liberties beyond what the text dictates.

Thanks, NetGalley and Brilliance Audio, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jen Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Brooklyn Kills Me” is another cozy murder mystery by Emily Schultz. This is the second in her “Friends and Enemies” series, after “Sleeping with Friends,” which I've read and also enjoyed.

The story revolves around Agnes, an amateur detective, who is roped into investigating the mysterious death of her neighbor, Charlotte. The circumstances around Charlotte’s death are suspicious, and there are several possible suspects. I loved the vivid depiction of Brooklyn in the summer, the flawed but loveable characters, the realistic dialogue, and the well-crafted scenes. I was guessing till the end, caught up in the suspense and twisting plot.

You don’t have to read the first book in the series to enjoy this one, but why not? I can’t wait for the next instalment to be released.

[KDRBCK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooklyn Kills Me by E. Schultz, published byThomas & Mercer, is the anticipated sequel to Friends and Enemies, Sleeping With Friends.
For best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order.
Agnes never dreamed that becoming a celebrity by solving the attempted murder of her best friend. And heiress Charlotte takes Agnes under her wing.
But suffers a fatal fall, that the police dismisses as accident. Agnes investigates on her own and soon she's tangled up with danger and intrigue.
The story has a slow build up to thrilling, twisty and unexpected turns that had me in suspense till the last page.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the premise and the promise of this book; its a murder mystery which reminded me of the old "gum-shoe" detective stories, but it just doesn't deliver. The detective character is great, it's everyone else who is just a shadow; not enough depth of character to get me involved. I also feel some mini stories in the book just don't follow through, the story kind of bounces around without completing scenarios. I found myself re-reading sections to see if I missed something and found that the author just didn't put it together. But, who knows, maybe you will like it. This is the only book in the series I read.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read a favorable review of this novel in the NYT so I was excited to read it- I found it disappointing. The plot was not propulsive, I just couldn’t get involved in the detection, or the characters. Agnes fresh off investigation of an attempted murder in a previous book-which I did not read- is drawn in to solving the true cause of death of a socialite she recently met. The writing was a staccato of themes, there were threads of plot that were dropped- I found myself re-reading portions to see what I overlooked- no-I read it as written. There were so many characters, none of them compelling. A disjointed, wavering story line that I just couldn’t get into.

[Kidlitter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not everyone in New York is rich, disturbed, ditzy or artsy but you would never know by these books. They are mildly entertaining and the plots certainly move quickly but I'm struggling by the end to maintain interest in the mystery, let alone the main character. I've seen comparisons to Only Murder in the Building and it's true - the arch, twee, fey people running around committing mayhem are terribly pleased with themselves. What's in the water in NYC these days?

[Simon Vozick-Levinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most fun mystery I’ve read in ages. Schultz expertly ups the ante from Sleeping With Friends, throwing her book editor-turned-detective Agnes Nielsen into the middle of a tautly plotted thriller set in New York’s art and theater worlds, with plenty of suspicious characters and personal intrigue to go around. This is a top-notch whodunit with sharp tones of social satire and a great heroine. Read it in a hurry and can’t wait for the next one!

[Tabetha Gissiner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Think clue but actually, everyone is in a murder club so the suspect becomes more and more difficult to narrow down. Are they protecting the murder or the actual club as a whole? It was difficult to finish just because the character development was lacking a bit. I would liked to have gotten to know them better. The overall mystery left me guessing though!

[Jamika Holsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brooklyn Kills Me

I was so excited to read book two but the more & more I read, the book became a drag. I don’t know if there were too many characters to follow or if was just was hard to follow the plot, but the book had me confused. I did appreciate the ending which is why I give the book 3 stars.

[Kathleen Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the authors style. This book had too many characters and there were cogent reasons why each character might have committed the murders. The author has two other books that have won awards. I’m going to try one of those.

[Tiyasha Ganguly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the premise and setting of this book. I liked the main lead and how she figures out herself post fame as a detective. While a slow burn it kept me hooked. Overall an enjoyable read for people who enjoy mysteries.

Thank you Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.

[Andrea Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good suspense

This is a good book. I felt it had too many characters to keep track of them all. Other than that the plot was excellent.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

[Katherine Kruse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A millennial Sherlock Holmes. Funny, relatable and even suspenseful.

[Millie Brazil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this slightly more than the first book in the series but it’s just not really my jam

[Anne Bezek]

DNF. Probably good but not my interest

[Virginia Sloan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dumb

Hard to follow, as if the reader was expected to know things and people and events. I couldn’t keep track of who all the people were.

[Meg Ulmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read.

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning and end were good, but the middle was a little long and repetitive.

[Robyn Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Breanne Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book and I have been very lucky that the books I have won have turned out to be books that I like. The book was just the type of book o would pick for my self with a mystery murderer that needs to be solved.