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2 Sisters Detective Agency #2
2 Sisters Murder Investigations
Rhonda and Barbara “Baby” Bird are half-sisters—and full partners in their Los Angeles detective agency. They agree on nothing.
Rhonda, a former attorney, takes a by-the-book approach to solving crimes, while teenage Baby relies on her street smarts.
But when they take a controversial case of a loner whose popular wife has gone missing, they’re accused of being PIs who can’t tell a client from a killer.
The Bird sisters share a late father, but not much else…except their willingness to fight.
Fight the system. Fight for the underdog. Fight for the truth. If they can stop fighting each other long enough to work together.
Rhonda, a former attorney, takes a by-the-book approach to solving crimes, while teenage Baby relies on her street smarts.
But when they take a controversial case of a loner whose popular wife has gone missing, they’re accused of being PIs who can’t tell a client from a killer.
The Bird sisters share a late father, but not much else…except their willingness to fight.
Fight the system. Fight for the underdog. Fight for the truth. If they can stop fighting each other long enough to work together.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2025
1854 people are currently reading
1996 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
954 books356k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
March 17, 2025
The Bird sisters are back!! I have been eagerly waiting for this book after the first book in 2021. I love these sisters, who couldn’t be more different. It is tense but at the same time humorous. You will read this book with a smile on your face. If I needed a private investigator, I would want these 2 on my side. Neither is willing to give up, despite working a seemingly impossible to win case.
This time, we see the sisters working in 2 very different cases. One of a high-profile missing person where the husband is blamed, and an elderly man who is in danger . They both have their own ways of getting things done, putting themselves in danger but sometimes with hilarious outcomes.
This can easily be read as a stand-alone book, but you will want to go back and learn more about how the sisters got to be here and why. With James Patterson’s short chapters, this is a quick read, as you will feel that you can do just one more chapter until that chapter ends on a cliffhanger.
Thanks so much to Penguin Books Australia for sending me this book by 2 of my favourite authors. Publishes on March 18th
This time, we see the sisters working in 2 very different cases. One of a high-profile missing person where the husband is blamed, and an elderly man who is in danger . They both have their own ways of getting things done, putting themselves in danger but sometimes with hilarious outcomes.
This can easily be read as a stand-alone book, but you will want to go back and learn more about how the sisters got to be here and why. With James Patterson’s short chapters, this is a quick read, as you will feel that you can do just one more chapter until that chapter ends on a cliffhanger.
Thanks so much to Penguin Books Australia for sending me this book by 2 of my favourite authors. Publishes on March 18th
April 30, 2025
James Patterson turns to Candice Fox for another great collaborative effort. This pair has shown their affinity for great crime thrillers, usually tapping into the unique aspects of the genre. These two sisters, while only recently aware of one another, have become a wonderful team, working cases in Los Angeles. When they are presented with the case of a man accused of murder, neither Rhonda nor Baby can turn it down. Working angles and whatever leads they can find, the sisters work to exonerate their client while staying on the good side of the law. Patterson and Fox serve the reader well once more.
Rhonda and Barbara “Baby” Bird might share a father, but they are drastically different women. While Rhonda has been an attorney for a number of years, it was only after the death of her father that she learned of Baby’s existence, a teenaged girl with an attitude. They are saddled with handling the Early Bird Investigative Agency and soon learn tat the life of a PI is anything but straightforward.
Rhonda tries to run the business with a straightforward approach, solving crimes as they cross her desk, while Baby is still a teenager and wants her intuitiveness and street creed to work things her own way. There is nothing upon which they agree, until a man wants in the door of their agency with an issue.
He’s a reclusive guy, whose popular wife went missing. All clues point to his guilt, especially when he shows up with a box of mementos from other missing women. While the Bird sisters must rely on their gut feelings, they seek to help their client prove his innocence. Things will be tough and Rhonda wants to keep things favourable with the authorities, while Baby is ready to bend the rules to help their client. Unsure if this man is a distraught husband or a killer waiting to be helped so he can strike again, these sisters will have to find a way to work together, efficiently and effectively. A great follow-up novel by Patterson and Fox that had me devouring the story from the opening pages.
I have enjoyed the work of James Patterson and Candice Fox independently, though their collaborative work has also been of great interest to me over the years. Both authors have a penchant for developing great narrative foundations and building on them. The action helps propel things forward in effective ways, eased along by the Patterson trademark short chapters. Characters are well formulated and keep me eager to learn a little more as I explore a little more for the enjoyment of all. The plot points are well established and keep me coming back for more, as I discover truths I had not seen at first. I am eager to see what’s next for these two, who never fail to impress.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Fox, for a great return to the Bird sisters’ awkward collaboration.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Rhonda and Barbara “Baby” Bird might share a father, but they are drastically different women. While Rhonda has been an attorney for a number of years, it was only after the death of her father that she learned of Baby’s existence, a teenaged girl with an attitude. They are saddled with handling the Early Bird Investigative Agency and soon learn tat the life of a PI is anything but straightforward.
Rhonda tries to run the business with a straightforward approach, solving crimes as they cross her desk, while Baby is still a teenager and wants her intuitiveness and street creed to work things her own way. There is nothing upon which they agree, until a man wants in the door of their agency with an issue.
He’s a reclusive guy, whose popular wife went missing. All clues point to his guilt, especially when he shows up with a box of mementos from other missing women. While the Bird sisters must rely on their gut feelings, they seek to help their client prove his innocence. Things will be tough and Rhonda wants to keep things favourable with the authorities, while Baby is ready to bend the rules to help their client. Unsure if this man is a distraught husband or a killer waiting to be helped so he can strike again, these sisters will have to find a way to work together, efficiently and effectively. A great follow-up novel by Patterson and Fox that had me devouring the story from the opening pages.
I have enjoyed the work of James Patterson and Candice Fox independently, though their collaborative work has also been of great interest to me over the years. Both authors have a penchant for developing great narrative foundations and building on them. The action helps propel things forward in effective ways, eased along by the Patterson trademark short chapters. Characters are well formulated and keep me eager to learn a little more as I explore a little more for the enjoyment of all. The plot points are well established and keep me coming back for more, as I discover truths I had not seen at first. I am eager to see what’s next for these two, who never fail to impress.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Fox, for a great return to the Bird sisters’ awkward collaboration.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 22, 2025
4 Stars for 2 Sisters Murder Investigations: 2 Sisters Detective Agency, Book 2 (audiobook) by James Patterson and Candice Fox read by Mela Lee.
The two half sisters with nothing in common except for a strong sense of justice are teaming up to save a man whose is being falsely accused. His wife has gone missing and he’s an easy target for the police.
The two half sisters with nothing in common except for a strong sense of justice are teaming up to save a man whose is being falsely accused. His wife has gone missing and he’s an easy target for the police.
May 18, 2025
“2 Sisters Murder Investigations” is James Patterson and Candice Fox’s follow-up to their successful debut novel “2 Sisters Detective Agency” that I found to be a surprisingly welcome and enjoyable read.
The two sisters are back, and I couldn’t be happier. The older sister, Rhonda is tough-minded and resilient, Ronda Bird, is a 260-pound ex-attorney, with pink streaked hair and rock band shirts under her blazer. The younger sister, Barbara Bird, who goes by “Baby,” is a self-centered, selfish 16-year-old teenager that is way too smart for her own good. While Rhonda focuses on a more traditional by-the-book approach, Baby prefers to figure things out using her street smarts. Together, they are partners in their late father’s southern California detective agency, trying to figure out to work together without killing each other.
This time out the sisters are working on two cases, with Rhonda focused on one and Baby the other.
Rhonda’s case involves helping out a socially challenged husband who’s beautiful and popular wife has gone missing. Unfortunately, he’s the number one suspect and under police watch. Including the watchful eye of Officer David Summerly, Rhonda’s on and off unofficial boyfriend. Rhonda has her hands full because every time she turns around, the husband does something stupid that makes him look more and more guilty to everyone.
Baby’s case is about an elderly man who is being targeted by an executive in a megacorporation to sell his house to make way for a large tech community to be built. The owner is refusing to leave, and he is being harassed to the point of his life being threatened. Baby takes it personal to fight his battle for him and prove her worth and ability to her sister. The problem is she’s taken on more than she can handle with an enemy that’s willing to kill to get what she wants.
Will these two investigations lead Rhonda and Baby to work together or will they be broken by enemies stronger and smarter than them…
Here’s the interesting thing. I read this book back-to-back with another James Patterson novel, “25 Alive” in his Women’s Murder Club series, which he co-writes with Maxine Paetro. Unfortunately, as much as love the strong characters in those books, several of the recent books have become formula-Matic and predictable, filled with repeated storylines, and suffer from endings that are abrupt and cut short. It left a sour taste in my mouth, and I shared that in my Goodreads review.
Then I started and devoured this book – “2 Sisters Murder Investigations” and felt much better. For me, it was a refreshing, addictive, and easy to devour. It certainly was much better than some of the other disappointing novels and series that Patterson is churning out. Let me be clear, I am not saying that this was one of his best books, but it was definitely in the three-and-half to 4-star range for me.
The question to answer is why I enjoyed this one over one of Patterson’s more established and proven series. Let me do that. A great deal of that answer I already explained above was due to problems and weaknesses with the other book. But those same weaknesses were some of the very strengths of this book.
The plotting was stronger, creative, and kept things moving along in a snappy and entertaining read that just pulled you in. It was consistent in style, tone, and rhythm. The two mysteries were well thought out, layered, filled with clues and some pretty good red herrings, and one of the most important elements – strong villains that kept the protagonists running and reacting to obstacles thrown in their path. It also didn’t try to be more than what it was. The authors stayed in their lanes, so to speak, and didn’t throw in over-the-top escape or fight scenes that went above the type of story being told.
There was also something about the sisters that worked creatively and organically. I am really drawn to Rhonda, and although I found Baby really annoying through the first half, I came around in the second half of the book. She wore me down and won me over with her strong determination. I think some of my resistance to Baby was that I am closer in age to Rhonda and my parenting attributes influenced my perception of her. Just being honest.
For me, this book was a prime example of good “mind candy” – entertaining for two days and then easy to let go. Rhonda was a solid lead, her personality both quirky and strong, and her big size a strength to the story. Patteson’s typical use of two different plotlines that went back and forth at a fast pace worked well this time, primarily because both of them were well conceived and strongly delivered.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read that felt less predictable and more original than most of the books that Patterson pumps out on such a regular basis. And it is definitely his best collaboration with Candice Fox for sure. There is also more for Rhonda and her sister, Baby, to explore – chemistry, character development, and relationships) in future books, which I optimistically hope will happen. And if so, I hope that we won’t have to wait four years again to see that happen.
I give it 3.5/4.0 out of 5 stars. Take your choice. Either score works for me.
The two sisters are back, and I couldn’t be happier. The older sister, Rhonda is tough-minded and resilient, Ronda Bird, is a 260-pound ex-attorney, with pink streaked hair and rock band shirts under her blazer. The younger sister, Barbara Bird, who goes by “Baby,” is a self-centered, selfish 16-year-old teenager that is way too smart for her own good. While Rhonda focuses on a more traditional by-the-book approach, Baby prefers to figure things out using her street smarts. Together, they are partners in their late father’s southern California detective agency, trying to figure out to work together without killing each other.
This time out the sisters are working on two cases, with Rhonda focused on one and Baby the other.
Rhonda’s case involves helping out a socially challenged husband who’s beautiful and popular wife has gone missing. Unfortunately, he’s the number one suspect and under police watch. Including the watchful eye of Officer David Summerly, Rhonda’s on and off unofficial boyfriend. Rhonda has her hands full because every time she turns around, the husband does something stupid that makes him look more and more guilty to everyone.
Baby’s case is about an elderly man who is being targeted by an executive in a megacorporation to sell his house to make way for a large tech community to be built. The owner is refusing to leave, and he is being harassed to the point of his life being threatened. Baby takes it personal to fight his battle for him and prove her worth and ability to her sister. The problem is she’s taken on more than she can handle with an enemy that’s willing to kill to get what she wants.
Will these two investigations lead Rhonda and Baby to work together or will they be broken by enemies stronger and smarter than them…
Here’s the interesting thing. I read this book back-to-back with another James Patterson novel, “25 Alive” in his Women’s Murder Club series, which he co-writes with Maxine Paetro. Unfortunately, as much as love the strong characters in those books, several of the recent books have become formula-Matic and predictable, filled with repeated storylines, and suffer from endings that are abrupt and cut short. It left a sour taste in my mouth, and I shared that in my Goodreads review.
Then I started and devoured this book – “2 Sisters Murder Investigations” and felt much better. For me, it was a refreshing, addictive, and easy to devour. It certainly was much better than some of the other disappointing novels and series that Patterson is churning out. Let me be clear, I am not saying that this was one of his best books, but it was definitely in the three-and-half to 4-star range for me.
The question to answer is why I enjoyed this one over one of Patterson’s more established and proven series. Let me do that. A great deal of that answer I already explained above was due to problems and weaknesses with the other book. But those same weaknesses were some of the very strengths of this book.
The plotting was stronger, creative, and kept things moving along in a snappy and entertaining read that just pulled you in. It was consistent in style, tone, and rhythm. The two mysteries were well thought out, layered, filled with clues and some pretty good red herrings, and one of the most important elements – strong villains that kept the protagonists running and reacting to obstacles thrown in their path. It also didn’t try to be more than what it was. The authors stayed in their lanes, so to speak, and didn’t throw in over-the-top escape or fight scenes that went above the type of story being told.
There was also something about the sisters that worked creatively and organically. I am really drawn to Rhonda, and although I found Baby really annoying through the first half, I came around in the second half of the book. She wore me down and won me over with her strong determination. I think some of my resistance to Baby was that I am closer in age to Rhonda and my parenting attributes influenced my perception of her. Just being honest.
For me, this book was a prime example of good “mind candy” – entertaining for two days and then easy to let go. Rhonda was a solid lead, her personality both quirky and strong, and her big size a strength to the story. Patteson’s typical use of two different plotlines that went back and forth at a fast pace worked well this time, primarily because both of them were well conceived and strongly delivered.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read that felt less predictable and more original than most of the books that Patterson pumps out on such a regular basis. And it is definitely his best collaboration with Candice Fox for sure. There is also more for Rhonda and her sister, Baby, to explore – chemistry, character development, and relationships) in future books, which I optimistically hope will happen. And if so, I hope that we won’t have to wait four years again to see that happen.
I give it 3.5/4.0 out of 5 stars. Take your choice. Either score works for me.
December 20, 2025
Another great installment from this dynamic pairing…both in the authors, and the PI’s! 🩷😉
Rhonda and ‘Baby’ Bird are back. This time taking on the case of a young guy whose wife goes missing… and the cops are on him. After all, it’s always the spouse, right?!
But, the girls believe he’s innocent, and they always fight for the underdog…so…
But, while they are working on this one, another case pops up that Baby is trying to take on by herself… and she just might end up dead as the dice roll…
And while Rhonda is trying to get their guy off and free, someone has put a target on HER back! 😳
Will they all make it out alive???
Fast paced. Fun. Scary. Crazy. But… great!
#2SistersMurderInvestigations, book #2. By @JamesPatterson and @CandaceFox. Narrated nicely by @MelaLee.
This one was released earlier this year, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!
Thanks so much to my local library for the lend!
4 Bold, Bright, Scary Stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Rhonda and ‘Baby’ Bird are back. This time taking on the case of a young guy whose wife goes missing… and the cops are on him. After all, it’s always the spouse, right?!
But, the girls believe he’s innocent, and they always fight for the underdog…so…
But, while they are working on this one, another case pops up that Baby is trying to take on by herself… and she just might end up dead as the dice roll…
And while Rhonda is trying to get their guy off and free, someone has put a target on HER back! 😳
Will they all make it out alive???
Fast paced. Fun. Scary. Crazy. But… great!
#2SistersMurderInvestigations, book #2. By @JamesPatterson and @CandaceFox. Narrated nicely by @MelaLee.
This one was released earlier this year, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!
Thanks so much to my local library for the lend!
4 Bold, Bright, Scary Stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
May 6, 2025
This was ridiculous. No 16 year old would act like this and no 2 women would be this weird and stupid.
April 28, 2025
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 Stars.
Good 2nd book in this series.
It seemed like it could be a YA book.
The story seemed a bit slow in the beginning,
but got better as the book progressed.
This book can be read as a standalone,
however, I think reading the first book helps.
Good 2nd book in this series.
It seemed like it could be a YA book.
The story seemed a bit slow in the beginning,
but got better as the book progressed.
This book can be read as a standalone,
however, I think reading the first book helps.
March 16, 2025
2 Sisters Murder Investigations by James Patterson and Candice Fox is the
second in the series
featuring lawyer turned investigator Rhonda Bird and her (now) sixteen year old half-sister Barbara (Baby). It's been over three years between books and though I did enjoy the first, I liked this more. I was very drawn to Baby's character in the first book but here Rhonda plays a more pivotal role. I should also mention that there are fewer (barely any) references to Rhonda's weight... which bothered me (and other readers) in the first book.
The sisters have been living and working together for six months when this opens and they're investigating a kidnapping, which goes pear-shaped (but ends well) when Baby acts out in a typical teenaged way. It very quickly however reminds readers of the roles the respective sisters play and the complexities of their relationship.
Again this reflects Patterson's style of short sharp chapters, moving the plot along quickly; as well as the quirky and engaging characters we expect from Fox. And here we get two mysteries for the price of one with Rhonda and Baby each taking the lead on a case.
I very much enjoyed this and it's the perfect combo of intrigue and light hearted banter (with some heavier stuff thrown in for good measure), so I hope the next instalment doesn't take as long to arrive in bookshops.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
The sisters have been living and working together for six months when this opens and they're investigating a kidnapping, which goes pear-shaped (but ends well) when Baby acts out in a typical teenaged way. It very quickly however reminds readers of the roles the respective sisters play and the complexities of their relationship.
Again this reflects Patterson's style of short sharp chapters, moving the plot along quickly; as well as the quirky and engaging characters we expect from Fox. And here we get two mysteries for the price of one with Rhonda and Baby each taking the lead on a case.
I very much enjoyed this and it's the perfect combo of intrigue and light hearted banter (with some heavier stuff thrown in for good measure), so I hope the next instalment doesn't take as long to arrive in bookshops.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
April 6, 2025
A great continuation of this series! The Bird sisters are a lot of fun and this made for a quick and enjoyable read. Fox and Patterson have done it again! Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this early copy for read and review
June 25, 2025
Quick good detective story
April 28, 2025
3.5 🌟 Perfect palate cleanser.
September 3, 2025
I love where this series is going. At no point did I want to put this down and if time permitted, I would have finished it in one sitting. The sisters have definitely matured and I'm so glad we stopped calling Rhonda fat every five minutes. I hope book three doesn't take another four years.
August 4, 2025
Net als deel 1 vol met actie. En ondertussen leren de zussen elkaar beter kennen. Zou er een deel 3 komen?! Ik ben voor!
April 6, 2025
Rhonda Bird and Barbara “Baby” Bird are back! I was wondering if the day would ever come. I’m so happy to see them back and as badass as ever. Six months after the events of 2 Sisters Detective Agency, they have taken over Earl’s business and renamed it 2 Sisters Murder Investigations, Rhonda has her PIs licence and Baby is just waiting until she is old enough to get hers (she is now 16). Baby is still feeling like she needs to show she can be an independent woman who can stand on her own. The plot largely revolves around the sisters and their biggest case to date for their company. A wife, Daisy, goes missing and her husband, Troy, comes to the sisters for help. Not to prove his innocence but to understand something he found while looking for clues in their house. There are some initial Gone Girl vibes but there is more going on than that, a serial killer and Baby’s side case. Her case involves Arthur, a man being threatened and whose life is in danger.
It is possibly more enjoyable than the first book. The sisterly dynamic is settled. The dynamics between the sisters and everyone else work well. Baby shows multiple sides of herself, so does Rhonda but in a different way. Both sisters show a lot more vulnerability at times, something I thought was missing in the first. The crimes suit my taste. While I didn’t see the ending coming, I would suspect the clues are there the whole time if you know what you are looking for. I really appreciated the ending, though. It is bittersweet and perfect for the set-up we have.
I did criticise narrator, Mela Lee, in my review of 2 Sisters Detective Agency but I found her much more effective in 2 Sisters Murder Investigations only needing to narrate Baby and Rhonda. I think those couple of extra years of narrating have helped develop the skills, too. Her voices for Baby and Rhonda are suited to them. Baby’s voice has a powerful, feisty side, while Rhonda’s has a maturity that is still spicy. Her voices for the new supporting men, Troy and Arthur are effective. Arthur is aged and has strength and force when needed, while Troy’s meekness is lovely and almost offputting at the same time.
As a side note purely relevant to the audiobook. The Acknowledgement of Country is needless and almost insulting. While Candice Fox is Australian, James Patterson and the books' setting are American. While I wouldn’t have an issue with an Australian set book or Australian authors having the Acknowledgement of Country, this is not that. This is primarily American, with a hugely popular international base. How many people in a global audience will even know what the Acknowledgement of Country is? Its importance in Australian society?
It is possibly more enjoyable than the first book. The sisterly dynamic is settled. The dynamics between the sisters and everyone else work well. Baby shows multiple sides of herself, so does Rhonda but in a different way. Both sisters show a lot more vulnerability at times, something I thought was missing in the first. The crimes suit my taste. While I didn’t see the ending coming, I would suspect the clues are there the whole time if you know what you are looking for. I really appreciated the ending, though. It is bittersweet and perfect for the set-up we have.
I did criticise narrator, Mela Lee, in my review of 2 Sisters Detective Agency but I found her much more effective in 2 Sisters Murder Investigations only needing to narrate Baby and Rhonda. I think those couple of extra years of narrating have helped develop the skills, too. Her voices for Baby and Rhonda are suited to them. Baby’s voice has a powerful, feisty side, while Rhonda’s has a maturity that is still spicy. Her voices for the new supporting men, Troy and Arthur are effective. Arthur is aged and has strength and force when needed, while Troy’s meekness is lovely and almost offputting at the same time.
As a side note purely relevant to the audiobook. The Acknowledgement of Country is needless and almost insulting. While Candice Fox is Australian, James Patterson and the books' setting are American. While I wouldn’t have an issue with an Australian set book or Australian authors having the Acknowledgement of Country, this is not that. This is primarily American, with a hugely popular international base. How many people in a global audience will even know what the Acknowledgement of Country is? Its importance in Australian society?
April 15, 2025
The tongue-in cheek humor in this book definitely kept me interested and engaged, but what I really enjoyed were the investigative techniques of Rhonda and Barbara (Baby) Bird. Beginning with saving a dog and quickly moving on to investigating multiple murders, this duo is non-stoppable and hilariously competent, even though I kept expecting them to bite off more than they could chew and end up defeated. Rhonda is an attorney who tries to follow the rules, but she is not above bending them a little when she needs to. Baby is intuitive and uses her intuition to find an underdog to champion and protects him even at the possible cost of danger to herself. Rhonda thinks one of her primary missions in life is to protect her half-sister. Baby thinks her real mission in life is to declare her independence and show Rhonda that she is a force to be reckoned with. The action is fast-paced and the characters are lovable, relatable and fun to read about. There are several twists and surprises along the way to the end, making this novel even more enjoyable and absorbing.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
May 17, 2025
This is the second 2 Sisters agency book. It is an entertaining look at an detective agency run by two sisters: Rhonda is a pink-haired, extensively tattooed former lawyer more than twice the age of Baby, her 16-year-old, nearly 6 foot little sister, who, incidentally, is Black. They have only known each other less than a year, having met after their shared father passed away, leaving them his detective agency.
They have formed a somewhat tenuous relationship because of the myriad differences in their personalities.
They must face a multitude of dangerous people, while trying to help their very deserving clients.
They have formed a somewhat tenuous relationship because of the myriad differences in their personalities.
They must face a multitude of dangerous people, while trying to help their very deserving clients.
June 1, 2025
I loved the first book in this series so much and was ecstatic when I finally saw book #2 on the shelf! You just cannot go wrong with a JP book, in my opinion. Great author collaboration with this story line.
Love the sister dynamic being thrown into the mystery. Will never so no to family drama tropes! Throw in a couple of badass female detectives and I’m hooked! Please oh please keep writing this series, so excited to see what happens next.
Ps (spoiler alert): I was a little sad to see how the ending went down. Why did you have to do that to me?!
Love the sister dynamic being thrown into the mystery. Will never so no to family drama tropes! Throw in a couple of badass female detectives and I’m hooked! Please oh please keep writing this series, so excited to see what happens next.
Ps (spoiler alert): I was a little sad to see how the ending went down. Why did you have to do that to me?!
April 27, 2025
4.0 / 5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from start to finish, although I didn’t read the first book I found it easy to pick up the history between the 2 sisters Barbara and Rhonda bird and this business of the Two sister detective agency.
We see two different cases, where the sisters are involved in helping a high profile loner husband who’s wife has gone missing, and helping an elderly man avoid being killed for still owning his land/ property in a dispute over land access. I found both plots intriguing and gripping all jam packed with action. I can’t wait for more books of this series, it’s definitely on the list!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from start to finish, although I didn’t read the first book I found it easy to pick up the history between the 2 sisters Barbara and Rhonda bird and this business of the Two sister detective agency.
We see two different cases, where the sisters are involved in helping a high profile loner husband who’s wife has gone missing, and helping an elderly man avoid being killed for still owning his land/ property in a dispute over land access. I found both plots intriguing and gripping all jam packed with action. I can’t wait for more books of this series, it’s definitely on the list!
June 1, 2025
The sequel to their introduction novel, “2 Sisters Detective Agency,” we are reintroduced to Rhonda and Baby Bird…Wonderfully crafted characters, Rhonda, a powerlifting lawyer and her headstrong, teenage stepsister, confront a major corporation effort to buy up properties in an extralegal manner and they come to the defense of a possible serial killer…Just thoroughly entertaining!!!
July 31, 2025
Love this series and the characters. We have Rhonda and Baby who are sisters and own a detective agency together after their father passes. They have a new murder case and another few cases that they are working on and they are getting into some trouble along the way. Very well done.
August 29, 2025
This book was FANTASTIC! I loved the easy, engaging writing and the short chapters! Lots of unrealistic coincidences towards the end, but it was such a fun book I hardly cared. Ending clearly set up for another one and I can’t wait!
January 4, 2026
Short snappy chapters keep you on your toes and the pages turn quickly. Loved the 2 stories being weaved together and a twist I didn’t see until the end.
My only regret is not reading the first of the series first.
My only regret is not reading the first of the series first.
April 4, 2025
No one does twists and turns like James patterson.
April 10, 2025
The second book in the series. Still a good read. Liking the characters.
November 10, 2025
Excellent thriller 📕
December 30, 2025
This took me entirely too long to complete. I was super busy, but truthfully I never wanted to pick it up. If there more in this series they won't be top priority for me.
April 11, 2025
I loved the first book in this series and I loved thi second book. amazing characters and great twists. A collaboration of two amazing authors @candiceFox and @JamesPatterson
Read
November 15, 2025
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
***
One positive review.....
Individually, James Patterson and Candice Fox are outstanding thriller writers. Put them together, and the results are often something special. This time, their joint effort is 2 SISTERS MURDER INVESTIGATIONS, the second entry in their 2 Sisters Detective Agency Mystery series.
Rhonda and Barbara “Baby” Bird are half-sisters. Their father left his private detective agency behind when he passed away, and they reluctantly decided to keep it going. Rhonda is a former attorney and much older than 16-year-old Baby, who is aggressive and quite smart, if not a tad uncontrollable. They must get along if the firm is going to be successful, which is easier said than done. They agree on hardly anything, and Baby resents how Rhonda attempts to be a mother figure instead of her sibling. In reality, their personalities complement the business well, and they have begun to lean on their strengths to keep things moving forward.
Rhonda and Baby take on various cases, typically fighting for the underdog and butting heads with the local police department. Their lives change forever when a well-known face darkens the doorway of their agency. Troy Hansen, an actor who everyone in America suspects of killing his wife, Daisy, wants to hire them to clear his name. Daisy is missing, and Troy denies harming her in any way. But he lays something far more serious at their feet in the form of a box he found buried under their house. It is full of information and items that may or may not have been a serial killer’s trophy collection. This is an explosive situation, and Rhonda and Baby need to find the underlying cause of it before it backfires on them.
The sisters follow up on some of the names in the box, and a number of them are still listed as missing. They must tread carefully here and involve the police so that everything is done legitimately and their firm’s reputation can remain intact. Meanwhile, Troy is still a concern, and alarm bells are sounded when they find out that Daisy deposited a quarter of a million dollars into their bank account from an alleged lottery win.
There are so many balls being juggled by Rhonda and Baby, and the relationships they are involved in complicate matters. Not only are they at risk of being shut down by the police for overstepping, they are in a lot of danger and not prepared to face this level of intensity.
2 SISTERS MURDER INVESTIGATIONS is full of plot twists and multiple characters moving around like chess pieces, which is exactly what you would expect from a Patterson and Fox collaboration.
***
Rhonda Bird and Barbara “Baby” Bird are back! I was wondering if the day would ever come. I’m so happy to see them back and as badass as ever. Six months after the events of 2 Sisters Detective Agency, they have taken over Earl’s business and renamed it 2 Sisters Murder Investigations, Rhonda has her PIs licence and Baby is just waiting until she is old enough to get hers (she is now 16). Baby is still feeling like she needs to show she can be an independent woman who can stand on her own. The plot largely revolves around the sisters and their biggest case to date for their company. A wife, Daisy, goes missing and her husband, Troy, comes to the sisters for help. Not to prove his innocence but to understand something he found while looking for clues in their house. There are some initial Gone Girl vibes but there is more going on than that, a serial killer and Baby’s side case. Her case involves Arthur, a man being threatened and whose life is in danger.
It is possibly more enjoyable than the first book. The sisterly dynamic is settled. The dynamics between the sisters and everyone else work well. Baby shows multiple sides of herself, so does Rhonda but in a different way. Both sisters show a lot more vulnerability at times, something I thought was missing in the first. The crimes suit my taste. While I didn’t see the ending coming, I would suspect the clues are there the whole time if you know what you are looking for. I really appreciated the ending, though. It is bittersweet and perfect for the set-up we have.
***
2 Sisters Murder Investigations” is James Patterson and Candice Fox’s follow-up to their successful debut novel “2 Sisters Detective Agency” that I found to be a surprisingly welcome and enjoyable read.
The two sisters are back, and some couldn’t be happier. The older sister, Rhonda is tough-minded and resilient, Ronda Bird, is a 260-pound ex-attorney, with pink streaked hair and rock band shirts under her blazer. The younger sister, Barbara Bird, who goes by “Baby,” is a self-centered, selfish 16-year-old teenager that is way too smart for her own good. While Rhonda focuses on a more traditional by-the-book approach, Baby prefers to figure things out using her street smarts. Together, they are partners in their late father’s southern California detective agency, trying to figure out to work together without killing each other.
This time out the sisters are working on two cases, with Rhonda focused on one and Baby the other.
Rhonda’s case involves helping out a socially challenged husband who’s beautiful and popular wife has gone missing. Unfortunately, he’s the number one suspect and under police watch. Including the watchful eye of Officer David Summerly, Rhonda’s on and off unofficial boyfriend. Rhonda has her hands full because every time she turns around, the husband does something stupid that makes him look more and more guilty to everyone.
Baby’s case is about an elderly man who is being targeted by an executive in a mega corporation to sell his house to make way for a large tech community to be built. The owner is refusing to leave, and he is being harassed to the point of his life being threatened. Baby takes it personal to fight his battle for him and prove her worth and ability to her sister. The problem is she’s taken on more than she can handle with an enemy that’s willing to kill to get what she wants.
Will these two investigations lead Rhonda and Baby to work together or will they be broken by enemies stronger and smarter than them…
The plotting was stronger, creative, and kept things moving along in a snappy and entertaining read that just pulled you in. It was consistent in style, tone, and rhythm. The two mysteries were well thought out, layered, filled with clues and some pretty good red herrings, and one of the most important elements – strong villains that kept the protagonists running and reacting to obstacles thrown in their path. It also didn’t try to be more than what it was. The authors stayed in their lanes, so to speak, and didn’t throw in over-the-top escape or fight scenes that went above the type of story being told.
There was also something about the sisters that worked creatively and organically. I am really drawn to Rhonda, and although I found Baby really annoying through the first half, I came around in the second half of the book. She wore me down and won me over with her strong determination. I think some of my resistance to Baby was that I am closer in age to Rhonda and my parenting attributes influenced my perception of her. Just being honest.
.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read that felt less predictable and more original than most of the books that Patterson pumps out on such a regular basis. And it is definitely his best collaboration with Candice Fox for sure. There is also more for Rhonda and her sister, Baby, to explore – chemistry, character development, and relationships) in future books, which I optimistically hope will happen. And if so, I hope that we won’t have to wait four years again to see that happen.
***
James Patterson turns to Candice Fox for another great collaborative effort. This pair has shown their affinity for great crime thrillers, usually tapping into the unique aspects of the genre. These two sisters, while only recently aware of one another, have become a wonderful team, working cases in Los Angeles. When they are presented with the case of a man accused of murder, neither Rhonda nor Baby can turn it down. Working angles and whatever leads they can find, the sisters work to exonerate their client while staying on the good side of the law. Patterson and Fox serve the reader well once more.
Rhonda and Barbara “Baby” Bird might share a father, but they are drastically different women. While Rhonda has been an attorney for a number of years, it was only after the death of her father that she learned of Baby’s existence, a teenager girl with an attitude. They are saddled with handling the Early Bird Investigative Agency and soon learn tat the life of a PI is anything but straightforward.
Rhonda tries to run the business with a straightforward approach, solving crimes as they cross her desk, while Baby is still a teenager and wants her intuitiveness and street creed to work things her own way. There is nothing upon which they agree, until a man wants in the door of their agency with an issue.
He’s a reclusive guy, whose popular wife went missing. All clues point to his guilt, especially when he shows up with a box of mementos from other missing women. While the Bird sisters must rely on their gut feelings, they seek to help their client prove his innocence. Things will be tough and Rhonda wants to keep things favourable with the authorities, while Baby is ready to bend the rules to help their client. Unsure if this man is a distraught husband or a killer waiting to be helped so he can strike again, these sisters will have to find a way to work together, efficiently and effectively. A great follow-up novel by Patterson and Fox that had me devouring the story from the opening pages.
People have enjoyed the work of James Patterson and Candice Fox independently, though their collaborative work has also been of great interest to some over the years. Both authors have a penchant for developing great narrative foundations and building on them. The action helps propel things forward in effective ways, eased along by the Patterson trademark short chapters. Characters are well formulated and keep you eager to learn a little more as I explore a little more for the enjoyment of all.
*****
***
One positive review.....
Individually, James Patterson and Candice Fox are outstanding thriller writers. Put them together, and the results are often something special. This time, their joint effort is 2 SISTERS MURDER INVESTIGATIONS, the second entry in their 2 Sisters Detective Agency Mystery series.
Rhonda and Barbara “Baby” Bird are half-sisters. Their father left his private detective agency behind when he passed away, and they reluctantly decided to keep it going. Rhonda is a former attorney and much older than 16-year-old Baby, who is aggressive and quite smart, if not a tad uncontrollable. They must get along if the firm is going to be successful, which is easier said than done. They agree on hardly anything, and Baby resents how Rhonda attempts to be a mother figure instead of her sibling. In reality, their personalities complement the business well, and they have begun to lean on their strengths to keep things moving forward.
Rhonda and Baby take on various cases, typically fighting for the underdog and butting heads with the local police department. Their lives change forever when a well-known face darkens the doorway of their agency. Troy Hansen, an actor who everyone in America suspects of killing his wife, Daisy, wants to hire them to clear his name. Daisy is missing, and Troy denies harming her in any way. But he lays something far more serious at their feet in the form of a box he found buried under their house. It is full of information and items that may or may not have been a serial killer’s trophy collection. This is an explosive situation, and Rhonda and Baby need to find the underlying cause of it before it backfires on them.
The sisters follow up on some of the names in the box, and a number of them are still listed as missing. They must tread carefully here and involve the police so that everything is done legitimately and their firm’s reputation can remain intact. Meanwhile, Troy is still a concern, and alarm bells are sounded when they find out that Daisy deposited a quarter of a million dollars into their bank account from an alleged lottery win.
There are so many balls being juggled by Rhonda and Baby, and the relationships they are involved in complicate matters. Not only are they at risk of being shut down by the police for overstepping, they are in a lot of danger and not prepared to face this level of intensity.
2 SISTERS MURDER INVESTIGATIONS is full of plot twists and multiple characters moving around like chess pieces, which is exactly what you would expect from a Patterson and Fox collaboration.
***
Rhonda Bird and Barbara “Baby” Bird are back! I was wondering if the day would ever come. I’m so happy to see them back and as badass as ever. Six months after the events of 2 Sisters Detective Agency, they have taken over Earl’s business and renamed it 2 Sisters Murder Investigations, Rhonda has her PIs licence and Baby is just waiting until she is old enough to get hers (she is now 16). Baby is still feeling like she needs to show she can be an independent woman who can stand on her own. The plot largely revolves around the sisters and their biggest case to date for their company. A wife, Daisy, goes missing and her husband, Troy, comes to the sisters for help. Not to prove his innocence but to understand something he found while looking for clues in their house. There are some initial Gone Girl vibes but there is more going on than that, a serial killer and Baby’s side case. Her case involves Arthur, a man being threatened and whose life is in danger.
It is possibly more enjoyable than the first book. The sisterly dynamic is settled. The dynamics between the sisters and everyone else work well. Baby shows multiple sides of herself, so does Rhonda but in a different way. Both sisters show a lot more vulnerability at times, something I thought was missing in the first. The crimes suit my taste. While I didn’t see the ending coming, I would suspect the clues are there the whole time if you know what you are looking for. I really appreciated the ending, though. It is bittersweet and perfect for the set-up we have.
***
2 Sisters Murder Investigations” is James Patterson and Candice Fox’s follow-up to their successful debut novel “2 Sisters Detective Agency” that I found to be a surprisingly welcome and enjoyable read.
The two sisters are back, and some couldn’t be happier. The older sister, Rhonda is tough-minded and resilient, Ronda Bird, is a 260-pound ex-attorney, with pink streaked hair and rock band shirts under her blazer. The younger sister, Barbara Bird, who goes by “Baby,” is a self-centered, selfish 16-year-old teenager that is way too smart for her own good. While Rhonda focuses on a more traditional by-the-book approach, Baby prefers to figure things out using her street smarts. Together, they are partners in their late father’s southern California detective agency, trying to figure out to work together without killing each other.
This time out the sisters are working on two cases, with Rhonda focused on one and Baby the other.
Rhonda’s case involves helping out a socially challenged husband who’s beautiful and popular wife has gone missing. Unfortunately, he’s the number one suspect and under police watch. Including the watchful eye of Officer David Summerly, Rhonda’s on and off unofficial boyfriend. Rhonda has her hands full because every time she turns around, the husband does something stupid that makes him look more and more guilty to everyone.
Baby’s case is about an elderly man who is being targeted by an executive in a mega corporation to sell his house to make way for a large tech community to be built. The owner is refusing to leave, and he is being harassed to the point of his life being threatened. Baby takes it personal to fight his battle for him and prove her worth and ability to her sister. The problem is she’s taken on more than she can handle with an enemy that’s willing to kill to get what she wants.
Will these two investigations lead Rhonda and Baby to work together or will they be broken by enemies stronger and smarter than them…
The plotting was stronger, creative, and kept things moving along in a snappy and entertaining read that just pulled you in. It was consistent in style, tone, and rhythm. The two mysteries were well thought out, layered, filled with clues and some pretty good red herrings, and one of the most important elements – strong villains that kept the protagonists running and reacting to obstacles thrown in their path. It also didn’t try to be more than what it was. The authors stayed in their lanes, so to speak, and didn’t throw in over-the-top escape or fight scenes that went above the type of story being told.
There was also something about the sisters that worked creatively and organically. I am really drawn to Rhonda, and although I found Baby really annoying through the first half, I came around in the second half of the book. She wore me down and won me over with her strong determination. I think some of my resistance to Baby was that I am closer in age to Rhonda and my parenting attributes influenced my perception of her. Just being honest.
.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read that felt less predictable and more original than most of the books that Patterson pumps out on such a regular basis. And it is definitely his best collaboration with Candice Fox for sure. There is also more for Rhonda and her sister, Baby, to explore – chemistry, character development, and relationships) in future books, which I optimistically hope will happen. And if so, I hope that we won’t have to wait four years again to see that happen.
***
James Patterson turns to Candice Fox for another great collaborative effort. This pair has shown their affinity for great crime thrillers, usually tapping into the unique aspects of the genre. These two sisters, while only recently aware of one another, have become a wonderful team, working cases in Los Angeles. When they are presented with the case of a man accused of murder, neither Rhonda nor Baby can turn it down. Working angles and whatever leads they can find, the sisters work to exonerate their client while staying on the good side of the law. Patterson and Fox serve the reader well once more.
Rhonda and Barbara “Baby” Bird might share a father, but they are drastically different women. While Rhonda has been an attorney for a number of years, it was only after the death of her father that she learned of Baby’s existence, a teenager girl with an attitude. They are saddled with handling the Early Bird Investigative Agency and soon learn tat the life of a PI is anything but straightforward.
Rhonda tries to run the business with a straightforward approach, solving crimes as they cross her desk, while Baby is still a teenager and wants her intuitiveness and street creed to work things her own way. There is nothing upon which they agree, until a man wants in the door of their agency with an issue.
He’s a reclusive guy, whose popular wife went missing. All clues point to his guilt, especially when he shows up with a box of mementos from other missing women. While the Bird sisters must rely on their gut feelings, they seek to help their client prove his innocence. Things will be tough and Rhonda wants to keep things favourable with the authorities, while Baby is ready to bend the rules to help their client. Unsure if this man is a distraught husband or a killer waiting to be helped so he can strike again, these sisters will have to find a way to work together, efficiently and effectively. A great follow-up novel by Patterson and Fox that had me devouring the story from the opening pages.
People have enjoyed the work of James Patterson and Candice Fox independently, though their collaborative work has also been of great interest to some over the years. Both authors have a penchant for developing great narrative foundations and building on them. The action helps propel things forward in effective ways, eased along by the Patterson trademark short chapters. Characters are well formulated and keep you eager to learn a little more as I explore a little more for the enjoyment of all.
*****
July 21, 2025
A fun, quick read!
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