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Errands & Espionage
Meet Gabby Greene: Housewife. Glorified taxi driver and maid. Burner of meatloaf.
Recently divorced Gabby Greene spends most of her days listening to self-help books while wrangling her loving yet erratic kids. During a decade of marriage, Gabby shoved aside her own career and ambitions to make room for mountains of laundry, running errands, and investigating the case of the missing socks. Her number one suspect: their Bichon Frise, Mr. Bubbles.
All that changes when a secret government agency comes knocking on Gabby's door, asking her to go undercover. At first, she thinks some reality show is pranking her, but apparently, she bears a striking resemblance to an agent recently murdered, and… well, desperate missions call for desperate measures. Soon Gabby is juggling motherhood and a crash course in Spying 101, led by a handsome James Bond-type who has secrets of his own.
As Gabby embarks on a dangerous mission involving money laundering, a Russian oligarch, and an unfortunate incident with a prosthetic nose, she begins to realize that she is far from the invisible housewife she once believed herself to be, and that maybe, just maybe, she might be capable of saving the day.
Recently divorced Gabby Greene spends most of her days listening to self-help books while wrangling her loving yet erratic kids. During a decade of marriage, Gabby shoved aside her own career and ambitions to make room for mountains of laundry, running errands, and investigating the case of the missing socks. Her number one suspect: their Bichon Frise, Mr. Bubbles.
All that changes when a secret government agency comes knocking on Gabby's door, asking her to go undercover. At first, she thinks some reality show is pranking her, but apparently, she bears a striking resemblance to an agent recently murdered, and… well, desperate missions call for desperate measures. Soon Gabby is juggling motherhood and a crash course in Spying 101, led by a handsome James Bond-type who has secrets of his own.
As Gabby embarks on a dangerous mission involving money laundering, a Russian oligarch, and an unfortunate incident with a prosthetic nose, she begins to realize that she is far from the invisible housewife she once believed herself to be, and that maybe, just maybe, she might be capable of saving the day.
352 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2024
83 people are currently reading
6394 people want to read
About the author
Sam Tschida
5 books279 followersSam Tschida (pronounced cheetah) is a rom-com author. She lives with her gang of children, a couple of poorly behaved dogs, and one handsome man. When she’s not writing she is probably making lasagna. Just kidding. Who knows what she’s doing, least of all Sam. The only guarantee is that she is actively brainstorming her next book. And if we’re being honest, it’s pretty likely that she’s not making lasagna, unless it’s the frozen kind. Shout out to Mrs. Stouffers!
Besides living the dream writing books, she edits other peoples’ books and teaches writing classes, but she is a Pisces so we might as well call it what it is, therapy. So boiled down, Sam is an unlicensed therapist who also writes rom-coms.
Besides living the dream writing books, she edits other peoples’ books and teaches writing classes, but she is a Pisces so we might as well call it what it is, therapy. So boiled down, Sam is an unlicensed therapist who also writes rom-coms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
August 14, 2024
Errands & Espionage by Sam Tschida
Mystery, cozy style if a bit longer.
Gabby Greene is a housewife, mother of two young children, burner of meatloaf, and in the process of divorce. Laundry is a lot cause.
Gabby is surprised by two secret government agents at her door one night. Apparently she is almost an exact double of an agent that was recently killed and they want Gabby’s help to finish the case against a local business man allegedly deal with the Russian mob. Gabby will have to figure out how to get the kids back and forth to school and activities when she agrees to go undercover. With a grandmother that defected from Russia as a young woman, Gabby knows a few words of Russian, so when a couple of mob men kidnap her when she’s taking out the garbage, she figures out what’s going on. An amateur in the spy business, Gabby does her best to learn and solve the problems no ordinarily housewife should have to deal with. When granny moves in with her boyfriend, it helps with taking care of the children, but why is she being nice and chatting with the men in the car parked at the end of the driveway? She should know how the mob works.
Lots of humorous action and slapstick, while the housewife does a better job undercover than expected. The children’s attitudes and actions are typical and add to the stress Gabby has but she clearly loves and supports them. Handsome co-agent Marcus is a temptation and it’s fun to see Gabby run circles around him.
Better than I expected from an amateur spy story. Gabby is smart and figures things out even when asking friends to get involved without sharing the whole spy thing. I can easily see this becoming a series as the housewife out-spies the pros.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Mystery, cozy style if a bit longer.
Gabby Greene is a housewife, mother of two young children, burner of meatloaf, and in the process of divorce. Laundry is a lot cause.
Gabby is surprised by two secret government agents at her door one night. Apparently she is almost an exact double of an agent that was recently killed and they want Gabby’s help to finish the case against a local business man allegedly deal with the Russian mob. Gabby will have to figure out how to get the kids back and forth to school and activities when she agrees to go undercover. With a grandmother that defected from Russia as a young woman, Gabby knows a few words of Russian, so when a couple of mob men kidnap her when she’s taking out the garbage, she figures out what’s going on. An amateur in the spy business, Gabby does her best to learn and solve the problems no ordinarily housewife should have to deal with. When granny moves in with her boyfriend, it helps with taking care of the children, but why is she being nice and chatting with the men in the car parked at the end of the driveway? She should know how the mob works.
Lots of humorous action and slapstick, while the housewife does a better job undercover than expected. The children’s attitudes and actions are typical and add to the stress Gabby has but she clearly loves and supports them. Handsome co-agent Marcus is a temptation and it’s fun to see Gabby run circles around him.
Better than I expected from an amateur spy story. Gabby is smart and figures things out even when asking friends to get involved without sharing the whole spy thing. I can easily see this becoming a series as the housewife out-spies the pros.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
July 22, 2024
It’s summer… and I am in a carefree, playful mood, craving 'fun' books. Errands and Espionage by Sam Tschida fell into my lap a few weeks ago. I finished reading it on a late Sunday evening and, I felt a bit sad that this book came to an end! I found it entertaining and quite funny at times!
I liked Gabby a lot. When the CIA agents knocked on her door, I knew her life was going to change, and we were about to experience a huge adventure together. I found her relatable, and as the storyline progressed, I was vested in her success.
I enjoy books that revolve around family drama, and this one delivered- at one point, I even laughed under my bedcovers late at night- unable to put the book down and sleep (I am thankful for my LED neck reading light)! If you are looking for a romcom that will entertain you for a few hours, give this one try!
I received a copy of this ARC e-galley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I liked Gabby a lot. When the CIA agents knocked on her door, I knew her life was going to change, and we were about to experience a huge adventure together. I found her relatable, and as the storyline progressed, I was vested in her success.
I enjoy books that revolve around family drama, and this one delivered- at one point, I even laughed under my bedcovers late at night- unable to put the book down and sleep (I am thankful for my LED neck reading light)! If you are looking for a romcom that will entertain you for a few hours, give this one try!
I received a copy of this ARC e-galley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 2, 2024
I want to say that I didn’t hate this book but I fear I may get kind of rant-y and that might under cut me trying to say I did not hate this. I just had so many problems that kept a getting in the way of enjoying this book.
My first glaring issue was when Gabby is offered a full-time CIA agent’s yearly salary of $80k to step into the shoes of a murdered CIA agent. I want to know what CIA field agent working in a life or death undercover assignment is not making over time and hazard pay. There is no way an agent in the situation described would be making $80k a year.
Another issue is that this “mission”/assignment is clearly a RICO investigation which is really not the CIA’s thing. The agency really should have been the FBI and that slip up doesn’t feel minor when it’s such an easily researched thing. The FBI is famously the three letter agency that does domestic investigations while the CIA is more international focused. And its thing is not really cut and dry white collar mafia criminals.
I also could not warm up to the main character Gabby. I know this is supposed to be very similar to Finlay Donovan but I think that comparison really does a disservice to both books. For one thing Finlay Donovan at least seems to be Trying Her Best. Gabby seems to half ass everything and the whine when things aren’t working out. It’s not even until almost the 300 page mark that Gabby finally (FINALLY!!) tells herself to just do the job and stop whining. The amount of whining and ripping out her ear piece because she can’t handle criticism up until this point can’t be overstated.
I understand that being a newly divorced SAHM is hard and it sucks but Gabby doesn’t even read as if she is trying. She gets offended by the very idea (she’s never actually asked, it’s literally just the concept of being asked) that someone would ask her to participate in a bake sale or volunteer. She has two school aged children who both participate in after school activities and she does not work or volunteer and the reader is just supposed to get why she is so overwhelmed and busy all the time. She does not exercise, she does not socialize (beyond her best friend) and she has no hobbies which makes it very hard to sympathize when she complains about the audacity of her ex to request that she get a job. She is morally outraged that anyone who is not one of her children would ask anything of her which makes it very difficult to feel anything but annoyance toward her.
There’s also a moment in this book where she shoots a hole in the ceiling of the training facility because of her lack of firearm safety and then can’t FATHOM why no one at the CIA will give her a gun to take home. And even when she’s trying to redeem herself at the shooting range she still swings the gun around with her finger on the trigger! And she wants to take it home to a house with two school aged children!
This book had so much promise and I really wanted to love it but it’s trying to be Finlay Donovan and it just did not have the humor or charisma that the Finlay Donovan books have and I felt really disappointed by the end.
My first glaring issue was when Gabby is offered a full-time CIA agent’s yearly salary of $80k to step into the shoes of a murdered CIA agent. I want to know what CIA field agent working in a life or death undercover assignment is not making over time and hazard pay. There is no way an agent in the situation described would be making $80k a year.
Another issue is that this “mission”/assignment is clearly a RICO investigation which is really not the CIA’s thing. The agency really should have been the FBI and that slip up doesn’t feel minor when it’s such an easily researched thing. The FBI is famously the three letter agency that does domestic investigations while the CIA is more international focused. And its thing is not really cut and dry white collar mafia criminals.
I also could not warm up to the main character Gabby. I know this is supposed to be very similar to Finlay Donovan but I think that comparison really does a disservice to both books. For one thing Finlay Donovan at least seems to be Trying Her Best. Gabby seems to half ass everything and the whine when things aren’t working out. It’s not even until almost the 300 page mark that Gabby finally (FINALLY!!) tells herself to just do the job and stop whining. The amount of whining and ripping out her ear piece because she can’t handle criticism up until this point can’t be overstated.
I understand that being a newly divorced SAHM is hard and it sucks but Gabby doesn’t even read as if she is trying. She gets offended by the very idea (she’s never actually asked, it’s literally just the concept of being asked) that someone would ask her to participate in a bake sale or volunteer. She has two school aged children who both participate in after school activities and she does not work or volunteer and the reader is just supposed to get why she is so overwhelmed and busy all the time. She does not exercise, she does not socialize (beyond her best friend) and she has no hobbies which makes it very hard to sympathize when she complains about the audacity of her ex to request that she get a job. She is morally outraged that anyone who is not one of her children would ask anything of her which makes it very difficult to feel anything but annoyance toward her.
There’s also a moment in this book where she shoots a hole in the ceiling of the training facility because of her lack of firearm safety and then can’t FATHOM why no one at the CIA will give her a gun to take home. And even when she’s trying to redeem herself at the shooting range she still swings the gun around with her finger on the trigger! And she wants to take it home to a house with two school aged children!
This book had so much promise and I really wanted to love it but it’s trying to be Finlay Donovan and it just did not have the humor or charisma that the Finlay Donovan books have and I felt really disappointed by the end.
December 31, 2025
3.5/5 stars
This is a review of the ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is read by Mia Hutchinson Shaw.
This is the first book in a cozy mystery series.
The book features Gabby, a single mom recruited to be a spy.
This book is fun and funny. The premise is original and enjoyable. It definitely gave me Finlay Donovan vibes.
Mia Hutchinson Shaw is really good. I would definitely like to listen to more of her audiobooks.
The book does feature mystery, humor and a bit of romance. I liked this book however at times the storyline is too over the top.
This is a review of the ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is read by Mia Hutchinson Shaw.
This is the first book in a cozy mystery series.
The book features Gabby, a single mom recruited to be a spy.
This book is fun and funny. The premise is original and enjoyable. It definitely gave me Finlay Donovan vibes.
Mia Hutchinson Shaw is really good. I would definitely like to listen to more of her audiobooks.
The book does feature mystery, humor and a bit of romance. I liked this book however at times the storyline is too over the top.
August 6, 2024
Recently divorced single mom Gabby is in need of a job. But when the CIA shows up at her door, she doesn't expect to add secret agent to her resume.
This book was fantastic! Here's what I loved:
Gabby: She's the perfect character for this book. Her humor is top notch but she's also super down to earth and lovable. I felt for her and laughed right along side her the entire time.
The action: I'm not usually a big action fan but I was all for it here. It was presented in a way like the movie True Lies where you are so caught up in the characters and the humor that the action seemed just right.
The romance: Yes. There is a love interest and YES, he's adorable. While the romance isn't center stage, it is very much there.
This was left open-ended and I really hope Tchida goes back to these characters!!! I want more.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for the gifted copy!
This book was fantastic! Here's what I loved:
Gabby: She's the perfect character for this book. Her humor is top notch but she's also super down to earth and lovable. I felt for her and laughed right along side her the entire time.
The action: I'm not usually a big action fan but I was all for it here. It was presented in a way like the movie True Lies where you are so caught up in the characters and the humor that the action seemed just right.
The romance: Yes. There is a love interest and YES, he's adorable. While the romance isn't center stage, it is very much there.
This was left open-ended and I really hope Tchida goes back to these characters!!! I want more.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for the gifted copy!
August 4, 2024
3.75🌟 As expected, this book closely resembled the Finlay Donovan series- at first. Both women have insufferable exes and needy kiddos, are forced to weasel their way out of trouble with the Russian mafia, and find themselves in a will-they-won’t-they situationship with a hot cop. But beyond that, this book held its own. There were twists I saw coming and others I didn’t. I thought Gabby’s inner monologue was a bit cheesy at times, but I appreciated the overall message of “welcoming change” in the midst of a breakup, kids growing up, a new job, etc. There were a LOT of trendy references I’m personally not a fan of, though I do now want to try Hello Fresh’s meatloaf and garlic mashed potatoes. Overall, I thought this was a cheeky who-dunnit that I enjoyed and, just like with Finlay, it seems Gabby has more errands and espionage in her future!
August 6, 2024
Fans of Finlay Donovan, I’d like you to meet Gabby Greene. Sam Tschida has entered the chat with her hilarious, tongue-in-cheek spy novel, ERRANDS & ESPIONAGE.
Gabby Greene is a recently divorced mom of two struggling to hold it all together. After 14 years of stay-at-home-momming while living in yoga pants, she’s at a crossroads. Her ex is hounding her with legal action to get a job so he doesn’t have to pay spousal and child support. Her skill set is way out of date. It’s looking like Tupperware sales is in her future until she is - wait for it - recruited by the CIA to be a real life spy.
Everything after that is a jumble of ridiculously bizarre happenings as Gabby works to take down the Russian mob. There may even be a little romance thrown in. It’s necessary to suspend your disbelief, but oh-so-rewarding when you just go with the flow and embrace the unlikely shenanigans that follow. The supporting characters are much of the fun here. Embracing their quirkiness is a big part of the charm of this book.
The ending hints at a sequel and I hope Ms. Tschida delivers on that promise. I’m ready for more adventures with Agent Gabby Greene.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Gabby Greene is a recently divorced mom of two struggling to hold it all together. After 14 years of stay-at-home-momming while living in yoga pants, she’s at a crossroads. Her ex is hounding her with legal action to get a job so he doesn’t have to pay spousal and child support. Her skill set is way out of date. It’s looking like Tupperware sales is in her future until she is - wait for it - recruited by the CIA to be a real life spy.
Everything after that is a jumble of ridiculously bizarre happenings as Gabby works to take down the Russian mob. There may even be a little romance thrown in. It’s necessary to suspend your disbelief, but oh-so-rewarding when you just go with the flow and embrace the unlikely shenanigans that follow. The supporting characters are much of the fun here. Embracing their quirkiness is a big part of the charm of this book.
The ending hints at a sequel and I hope Ms. Tschida delivers on that promise. I’m ready for more adventures with Agent Gabby Greene.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 30, 2024
A comedic spy novel featuring Gabby Greene, an under appreciated newly divorced stay at home mom, who is recruited by a secret government agency on an undercover mission. I loved the premise, and Gabby is charming and relatable. I enjoyed watching her gain her confidence back as she goes up against the Russian mafia. You have to suspend disbelief at times, but the story is entertaining. I especially liked her hilarious best friend and grandmother. The author leaves the ending open to a series. 8/5/2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
February 11, 2025
2.75 stars rounded up.
Errands & Espionage is a comedic spy adventure about a divorced single mom who is roped into pretending to be a CIA agent. If that sounds wildly improbable to you, it is. And it doesn't get more probable as the book goes on. Now, I can usually suspend my disbelief for the sake of having a good time, but besides the FMC's relationship with her best friend, the rest of this book fell extremely flat. Her kids were annoying rather than endearing, there's no way I thought she was *good* at being a CIA agent, and the romance was sooooo boring. Her relationships with everyone (except her best friend) were extremely one-dimensional, which definitely influenced how much I enjoyed the story.
I'm going to sound contradictory here because I genuinely thought the writing was good. I got through this story in probably 3 sittings and it was extremely easy to read 100+ pages at a time and not feel like much time had passed. I like the author's writing style.
Besides the characters and the writing, the plot was boring. It's been done before (and done better), and I'm pretty sure I caught a moment where a character who wasn't supposed to know her real name (because she's undercover), said it twice. Maybe that was supposed to be a "hint" about that character (because yes I predicted who the "mole" was), but if it was a hint it was wayyyyy too obvious. I hope that was fixed in the finished copies.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with copies of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Errands & Espionage is a comedic spy adventure about a divorced single mom who is roped into pretending to be a CIA agent. If that sounds wildly improbable to you, it is. And it doesn't get more probable as the book goes on. Now, I can usually suspend my disbelief for the sake of having a good time, but besides the FMC's relationship with her best friend, the rest of this book fell extremely flat. Her kids were annoying rather than endearing, there's no way I thought she was *good* at being a CIA agent, and the romance was sooooo boring. Her relationships with everyone (except her best friend) were extremely one-dimensional, which definitely influenced how much I enjoyed the story.
I'm going to sound contradictory here because I genuinely thought the writing was good. I got through this story in probably 3 sittings and it was extremely easy to read 100+ pages at a time and not feel like much time had passed. I like the author's writing style.
Besides the characters and the writing, the plot was boring. It's been done before (and done better), and I'm pretty sure I caught a moment where a character who wasn't supposed to know her real name (because she's undercover), said it twice. Maybe that was supposed to be a "hint" about that character (because yes I predicted who the "mole" was), but if it was a hint it was wayyyyy too obvious. I hope that was fixed in the finished copies.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with copies of the book in exchange for my honest review.
March 27, 2025
These action-romances with amateur spies are absolute cat nip to me, and when I heard there was a Bichon in the story?? There was no way I wasn’t read this. And I’m so glad I did!
It does require some suspension of disbelief, but for books like this I’m happy to be a passenger princess type of reader. I had such a fun time with the story and really hope it turns into a series!
It does require some suspension of disbelief, but for books like this I’m happy to be a passenger princess type of reader. I had such a fun time with the story and really hope it turns into a series!
Read
June 14, 2025DNF, not for me
August 24, 2025
This was a fun spy book that didn’t take itself at all seriously. It reminded me of the Finley Donovan series as well as Meg Easton’s “Spies Don’t” series.
January 8, 2026
This was so much fun! Sure, some of it is implausible but that’s where the fun is. Gabby is a believable, overworked and underappreciated mom who is recruited to work for a secret agency based on her uncanny appearance to another agent. I laughed so many times as I listened to this story, following along as Gabby starts to realize her worth and learns to stand up for herself.
May 6, 2024
This was such a fun read! Definitely gives off Finlay Donovan vibes, but with the stress level taken down a notch. I really hope it's the first in a series.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2024
Errands and Espionage by Sam Tschida was such a pleasant surprise. The novel starts off introducing you to Gabby Greene, a recently divorced stay-at-home-mom of two children. She feels frumpy, unorganized, and invisible most of the time. Then out of the blue she is approached by a secret government agency to fill in as a lookalike for a recently murdered spy. And of course there’s a gorgeous spy that catches her eye!
I found this novel to be a very relatable, honest, and funny take on being a parent and navigating common family drama. I also appreciated the struggle outlined in wanting to follow your own passion alongside that. The plot was well thought out and kept me turning pages effortlessly. Most rom/com novels now rely on “spicy” content to drive the story further, which this did not do at all, and it was very refreshing! I think this would be a great book club pick as well as an enjoyable experience for the common reader. Will definitely be adding this to my bookshelf upon its release!
I found this novel to be a very relatable, honest, and funny take on being a parent and navigating common family drama. I also appreciated the struggle outlined in wanting to follow your own passion alongside that. The plot was well thought out and kept me turning pages effortlessly. Most rom/com novels now rely on “spicy” content to drive the story further, which this did not do at all, and it was very refreshing! I think this would be a great book club pick as well as an enjoyable experience for the common reader. Will definitely be adding this to my bookshelf upon its release!
June 20, 2024
*This review contains light spoilers*
Gabby Greene is a recently divorced SAHM that is looking to get back into the work force. She is offered an undercover mission with a secret government agency to finish out an assignment in which the former agent was killed in action. It just so happens that Gabby looks enough like said agent to pass as her and with no other options at her disposal Gabby takes the gig. This positioned itself as a tongue-in-cheek fun spy book but it was hard to get into because Gabby's character was constantly putting herself down and continued to do so throughout the book. On top of that she did actually read as fairly inept when it came to much of what she had signed on for with both her home and work life which was disappointing. Her character showed little growth but still got credit for all sorts of things. The romantic element of this book felt like it should have been completely left out as it did nothing to add to the story and was frankly pretty awkward. A lot of the book requires a fair amount of belief to be suspended which is fine but I was hoping for more character growth or at least some good laughs and I didn't feel there was much of either but this may appeal to a different sense of humor than mine. This book wasn't for me but it may be for you if you like the premise and aren't bothered by the things mentioned above.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the eARC of this book.
Gabby Greene is a recently divorced SAHM that is looking to get back into the work force. She is offered an undercover mission with a secret government agency to finish out an assignment in which the former agent was killed in action. It just so happens that Gabby looks enough like said agent to pass as her and with no other options at her disposal Gabby takes the gig. This positioned itself as a tongue-in-cheek fun spy book but it was hard to get into because Gabby's character was constantly putting herself down and continued to do so throughout the book. On top of that she did actually read as fairly inept when it came to much of what she had signed on for with both her home and work life which was disappointing. Her character showed little growth but still got credit for all sorts of things. The romantic element of this book felt like it should have been completely left out as it did nothing to add to the story and was frankly pretty awkward. A lot of the book requires a fair amount of belief to be suspended which is fine but I was hoping for more character growth or at least some good laughs and I didn't feel there was much of either but this may appeal to a different sense of humor than mine. This book wasn't for me but it may be for you if you like the premise and aren't bothered by the things mentioned above.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the eARC of this book.
Read
November 7, 2025Started this as an audio, and couldn't get into it so I switched to the physical book and ended skimming a lot. So it's not a total read.
I'm going to read book two of this series, because I feel like book one is a pilot episode of a tv show. There's a lot to unpack and explain, all the characters have to be set up, and I think book two has a better chance of everything gelling together.
This book was tailored made for me, because as a youth, Scarecrow and Mrs. King was one of my most favorite shows ever, and this is a modern twist on that and that concept brings me joy.
A minor editing quibble, but one I can't unsee
I'm going to read book two of this series, because I feel like book one is a pilot episode of a tv show. There's a lot to unpack and explain, all the characters have to be set up, and I think book two has a better chance of everything gelling together.
This book was tailored made for me, because as a youth, Scarecrow and Mrs. King was one of my most favorite shows ever, and this is a modern twist on that and that concept brings me joy.
A minor editing quibble, but one I can't unsee
February 11, 2025
"Errands & Espionage" is a captivating mix of mystery and humor that kept me hooked from start to finish. With an engaging plot, lively characters, sharp dialogue, and well-timed plot twists, Gabby Greene’s unexpected dive into espionage is an absolute treat.
The pacing is just right, with twists that hit at the perfect moments. The spy action is fast-paced and thrilling, while the relationships between the characters are rich and authentic. Gabby’s transformation from a worried mother to a high-stakes spy is portrayed with emotional depth. She goes from juggling her kids' schedules to risking her life to protect her family, and you really feel her sacrifices. The ending is both satisfying and leaves you eager for what’s next in Gabby’s new life.
I highly recommend this fun, exciting read, especially to fans of the Finlay Donovan series. A big thank you to Forever Publishing for providing a digital copy through NetGalley— all opinions in this review are my own.
The pacing is just right, with twists that hit at the perfect moments. The spy action is fast-paced and thrilling, while the relationships between the characters are rich and authentic. Gabby’s transformation from a worried mother to a high-stakes spy is portrayed with emotional depth. She goes from juggling her kids' schedules to risking her life to protect her family, and you really feel her sacrifices. The ending is both satisfying and leaves you eager for what’s next in Gabby’s new life.
I highly recommend this fun, exciting read, especially to fans of the Finlay Donovan series. A big thank you to Forever Publishing for providing a digital copy through NetGalley— all opinions in this review are my own.
September 17, 2024
Errands and Espionage" by Sam Tschida is a delightful blend of mystery and humor that keeps readers entertained from start to finish. The story follows a witty and resourceful protagonist who stumbles into a world of covert operations while juggling mundane errands. Tschida's sharp dialogue and well-crafted plot twists make for an engaging read, and the blend of everyday tasks with espionage creates a refreshing twist! The book’s clever narrative and endearing characters make it a standout read. Overall, it's a charming and enjoyable adventure that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Tschida's next work.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this story!
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this story!
January 5, 2026
Errands and Espionage by Sam Tschida
Narrated by Mia Hutchinson Shaw
Mia did an excellent job with this one!! The emotion and the drama was even better with Mia telling the story!
Spy rom com
This was such a good time! This had Stephanie Plum series vibes and had me both cracking up and on the edge of my seat with the anxiety and danger! Gabby is dropped into being a spy because she looks like the last agent- who was taken out! But she needs the money after her divorce son she decides to try it out! The side characters are hilarious and endearing and the very slow burn with another agent was great! Definitely will be continuing this series!
Narrated by Mia Hutchinson Shaw
Mia did an excellent job with this one!! The emotion and the drama was even better with Mia telling the story!
Spy rom com
This was such a good time! This had Stephanie Plum series vibes and had me both cracking up and on the edge of my seat with the anxiety and danger! Gabby is dropped into being a spy because she looks like the last agent- who was taken out! But she needs the money after her divorce son she decides to try it out! The side characters are hilarious and endearing and the very slow burn with another agent was great! Definitely will be continuing this series!
November 17, 2025
For lovers of Finlay Donovan, I highly recommend snagging the physical or audio of this one.
A recently divorced, Mom of 2, finds herself trying to figure out her new norm. That is until she is an approached to go undercover as a secret agent. From burning the meatloaf to becoming a secret agent, this allows Gabby to reestablish herself and put herself first for once. There are moments that'll have you laughing, shaking your head, and just smiling along. I loved the witty characters, the sub-romance plot, and the hope that maybe (just maybe), we aren't done seeing Gabby Greene.
A recently divorced, Mom of 2, finds herself trying to figure out her new norm. That is until she is an approached to go undercover as a secret agent. From burning the meatloaf to becoming a secret agent, this allows Gabby to reestablish herself and put herself first for once. There are moments that'll have you laughing, shaking your head, and just smiling along. I loved the witty characters, the sub-romance plot, and the hope that maybe (just maybe), we aren't done seeing Gabby Greene.
August 10, 2024
Errands & Espionage
We meet Gabby Greene, a recently divorced, mediocre housewife. She is barely hanging on when the CIA shows up on her doorstop asking her to go undercover…she’s looking for Ashton Kutcher to jump out because she is SURE she is being Punk’d! But nope…she looks just like an agent to was recently “taken out” & the CIA needs her help!!! 😵 Now is when the shenanigans begin…
This book was a fun, wild ride!! I was hooked from the beginning with how silly Gabby was! I just loved Justin, her gay bestie next door, & her delightful kids. Add Granny & Burt to the mix and it was such a funny, eccentric group! Gabby proceeds to get herself into all sorts of messes while trying to gather info from the RUSSIAN MOB 😵💫🫨🤐
I found some of the situations pretty unbelievable & the ending was pretty far-fetched but what do I know about goin undercover 🫣🤭 & it’s that what books are for! Overall, the was a fun, quick read! Enjoy, my friends 🫶🏼
🌟 rating: 3/5
🗣️ genre: mystery
📖 pages: 362
🍾 publishing date: 8/6/24
📖 format: kindle
We meet Gabby Greene, a recently divorced, mediocre housewife. She is barely hanging on when the CIA shows up on her doorstop asking her to go undercover…she’s looking for Ashton Kutcher to jump out because she is SURE she is being Punk’d! But nope…she looks just like an agent to was recently “taken out” & the CIA needs her help!!! 😵 Now is when the shenanigans begin…
This book was a fun, wild ride!! I was hooked from the beginning with how silly Gabby was! I just loved Justin, her gay bestie next door, & her delightful kids. Add Granny & Burt to the mix and it was such a funny, eccentric group! Gabby proceeds to get herself into all sorts of messes while trying to gather info from the RUSSIAN MOB 😵💫🫨🤐
I found some of the situations pretty unbelievable & the ending was pretty far-fetched but what do I know about goin undercover 🫣🤭 & it’s that what books are for! Overall, the was a fun, quick read! Enjoy, my friends 🫶🏼
🌟 rating: 3/5
🗣️ genre: mystery
📖 pages: 362
🍾 publishing date: 8/6/24
📖 format: kindle
August 8, 2024
This book was super fun! Gabby Green is a divorced SAHM of two who is recruited by the CIA because she looks exactly like an agent who was killed in the line of duty. Hilarity ensues while she trains for the job while on the job and has a flirtation for her trainer. Completely unrealistic rom-com/mystery mashup yet 100% delightful.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 5, 2025
Overall, a solid three star cozy mystery. Not so cozy that it felt cutesy in that way I can’t stand, but cozy enough that it was a fast read with some wacky side characters. My favorite character was Justin, the gay neighbor who collects taxidermy and does drag all while being a great friend to our main character, Gabby. Ultimately, I’d compare this to Finley Donovan and I’d say it’s doing the job the same or better than. Worth a read if you’re into the genre.
May 19, 2025
I listened to this one on audio and I thought it was a ton of fun! I really enjoyed the main character and all the side characters were amazing too! I thought the grandma was hilarious!!! This one really reminded me of Finlay Donovan! The narrator was absolutely excellent. Great time of voice didn’t make the opposite gender sound annoying and had an amazing pace!!! I was totally taken into the story and all the crazy shenanigans going on!!! Loved it!
February 12, 2025
3 1/2 Stars
Gabby Greene has been struggling to take care of her two kids ever since her divorce from her husband, Phil. She's broke and doesn't think she can take on one more thing when two government agents come to her door and ask her to take the place of one of their agents who was recently killed in the line of duty. Gabby knows that she isn't qualified for the assignment, but her resemblance to the fallen agent is uncanny, making her the only one who can do the job. Suddenly Gabby is thrown into a world of spies and is overwhelmed but also begins to realize that her life may still have some meaning after all.
Errands and Espionage requires the suspension of disbelief but does manage to tell a satisfying story. However, everything about the novel is just too light. There needs to be more humor, more character development, more mystery, more action, more adventure, and more romance. No part of the plot goes far enough to make this a really enjoyable book. While there are elements of this novel that made it worth finishing, it needs more depth in every aspect. Overall, Errands and Espionage, while entertaining, feels too superficial.
Gabby Greene has been struggling to take care of her two kids ever since her divorce from her husband, Phil. She's broke and doesn't think she can take on one more thing when two government agents come to her door and ask her to take the place of one of their agents who was recently killed in the line of duty. Gabby knows that she isn't qualified for the assignment, but her resemblance to the fallen agent is uncanny, making her the only one who can do the job. Suddenly Gabby is thrown into a world of spies and is overwhelmed but also begins to realize that her life may still have some meaning after all.
Errands and Espionage requires the suspension of disbelief but does manage to tell a satisfying story. However, everything about the novel is just too light. There needs to be more humor, more character development, more mystery, more action, more adventure, and more romance. No part of the plot goes far enough to make this a really enjoyable book. While there are elements of this novel that made it worth finishing, it needs more depth in every aspect. Overall, Errands and Espionage, while entertaining, feels too superficial.
Read
June 6, 2024Arc. DNF @60%. As a Finlay fan, I was hopeful I’d really enjoy this one. I loved the premise and literally lol at the description. Unfortunately the pace was too slow for me and I kept trying in hopes it would pick up.
September 3, 2024
Was gonna generously give this 3 stars when I started reading it, but I have to admit I really enjoyed the second half. (Must preface that by saying that I listened to this as an audiobook and it was v well read so that may have affected the 4 star rating)
January 7, 2026
Have the arc for Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit but didn’t realize it was second in a series, so I picked up this first one and omg I loved it, it was so fun! A divorced SAHM is about to get a job outside the house when the CIA comes to her door. They want her to take over for an agent who was just taken out on her current job, and she looked exactly like Gabby. This so funny & enjoyable & I can’t wait to read the second book now! Fantastic narration too.
August 14, 2024
This was a huge surprise! I haven't heard a whole lot about this book and that's a shame because it was awesome! This will be a hit for fans of the "Finlay Donovan" series, "Dial A for Aunties" series, and the "Expectant Detectives" book.
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