Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit

by Sam Tschida

In this fast-paced and deliciously witty spy romcom, a single mom finds herself on a mission with the CIA as they attempt to uncover a cult—perfect for fans of Finlay Donovan Is Killing It.

Gabby Secret agent. Mother of two. Figuring it out as she goes along.

After her divorce, Gabby never expected that she’d be this close to having it all. Spying with a hot handler who’s an expert in after-hours under-the-covers work was not on her current bingo card. But balancing romance, espionage, and school lunches is a job for a magician, not a secret agent. Gabby will just have to keep dreamy Markus at arm's-length . . .

Easier said than done. Her next mission, should she choose to accept Pretend to be Markus’s fiancée so they can infiltrate a Power Couples Retreat to see whether the group is selling national security secrets (in addition to questionable beauty products).

To avert a national crisis, Gabby and Markus will need to look like they’re in love, planning their wedding—and enjoying the honeymoon cottage. Faking a relationship with the perfect man without actually falling for him? Piece of calorie-free cake, right?

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Audiobook, Adult, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary, Cozy Mystery

Audible Audio

Published January 20, 2026

About the author

Sam 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.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit by Sam Tschida
Mystery, romance. Follow up of Errands & Espionage (August 2024). Can be read as a stand-alone but how she ended up with the job and setup is only in the first book.
Gabby Greene is a secret agent. And a single mother of two small children. Plus a mission handler interest in more than work.
Gabby’s next mission is at a high end retreat where she will have to pretend to be engaged to Marcus, while they investigate the business and rescue the President’s personal psychic. Gabby’s mother and her ex husband will care for the children while Gabby’s in “Cleveland” on business. What could go wrong? Stay tuned.

🎧 I alternated between an ecopy and an audiobook narrated by Mia Hutchison Shaw who also did the first book in this series. The performance will filled with emotions that can be heard such as surprise, passion, sarcasm and more. I could feel Gabby’s exasperation and determination as I listened.

Amusing adventure where once again her family becomes part of the investigation, intended or not.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Forever / Hachette Audio.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of the ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is performed by Mia Hutchinson Shaw.

This is the second book in a spy romantic comedy/ cozy mystery series.

This book is about Gabby Greene, a single mom who was recruited to be a spy.

The mystery is self-contained to this book. You can read the book as a standalone. However I’m really happy that I read the first book (Errands & Espionage) because it really helps to understand all of the characters in the series. And to see how Gabby got the job as a spy.

I enjoyed this book. Mia Hutchinson Shaw is so good as Gabby. The setting for this one is so fun. I love that they are undercover at a tropical destination. Also the comedy aspects are silly but so funny.

Overall this is a fun series. I adore cozy mysteries. And I really love that this one is also a rom-com.



Thanks to Hachette Audio and Forever Publishing for allowing me to do an immersive read.

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit by Sam Tschida (2026) 
 Gabby Greene #2
 10h 12m narrated by Mia Hutchinson Shaw, 368 pages

Genre: Cozy Espionage, Spy Rom-Com, Mystery Suspense, Humor 

Rating as a movie: R for adult content 

Featuring: Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Political Psychic, Single Mother, Motherhood,  Divorcée, Fake Dating Trope, Los Angeles, California; Undercover Secret Agent, Coworkers-to-Lovers Trope, Self-Actualization, Quinquagenarian, Tricenarians, Field Agent, CIA, Regé-Jean Page, Workplace Setting, Workplace Romance Trope,  Autonomous Region of the Azores, Portugal; Characters and Recaps From Previous Book, Octogenarian, Children, Grandmothers, Teen, Portuguese, Private Resort, The Letter G, Sexual Innuendos, Close Proximity Trope, Family Dynamics, Sex - Detailed, Days, Locations, Family Draman Pop Culture, Violence - Off Camera 

Songs for the soundtrack: "Sad Beautiful Tragic" by Taylor Swift, "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins, "Love Is A Battlefield" by Pat Benatar, "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift, The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd, "River" by Sarah McLachlan, "I'm on a Boat" by The Lonely Island featuring T-Pain, "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-a-Lot, Jurassic Park: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by John Williams, "I'll Make Love To You" Boyz II Men, "Pony" by Ginuwine, "Senorita" by Justin Timberlake, Soul Cycle by Cedar Walton

Books and Authors mentioned: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett, Bridgerton by Chris Van Dusen [based on] Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn; Top Gun by Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr. [based on] Top Guns by Ehud Yonay; Sex and the City by Darren Star [based on] Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell; The Woman in Cabin 10 by Joe Shrapnel, Anna Waterhouse, and Simon Stone [based on]The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware; True Lies by James Cameron [based on] La Totale! by Claude Zidi, Simon Michaël, and Didier Kaminka [and based on] Émilie by Lucien Lambert; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Steve Kloves [based on] Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling; Anastasia by Susan Gauthier, Bruce Graham, Bob Tzudiker, and Noni White [adaptation by] Eric Tuchman [based on] Anastasia by Arthur Laurents [and] Anastasia by Marcelle Maurette; The Karate Kid by Robert Mark Kamen, Sixteen Candles by John Hughes, Magic Mike by Reid Carolin, The Parent Trap by David Swift [based on] Das doppelte Lottchen (The Double Lottie) by Erich Kästner published in English as Lottie and Lisa, as Lisa and Lottie and as The Parent Trap; Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert, G-Force by Cormac Wibberley and Marianne Wibberley, Die Hard by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza [based on] Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp; Lethal Weapon by Shane Black, Beverly Hills Cop by Daniel Petrie Jr., Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding, Andrew Davies, and Richard Curtis, [based on] Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding [inspired by/retelling of] Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen; National Lampoon's Van Wilder by Brent Goldberg and David T. Wagner, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom byWillard Huyck and Gloria Katz, Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton and David Koepp [based on] Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton; Titanic by James Cameron, Mortal Kombat by Kevin Droney [based on] Mortal Kombat by Ed Boon and John Tobias; Charlie's Angels by Ryan Rowe, Ed Solomon, and John August [based on] Charlie's Angels by Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🇺🇸✈️🏝🇵🇹🕵🏼‍♀️🕵🏾‍♂️

My thoughts: I loved Errands & Espionage, so I was thrilled to see Gabby Greene return with another book. I'm hoping there will be a 3rd. This story was so good that I was able to enjoy it in one sitting. I could have used more Granny but you rarely get everything. Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. 

Recommend to others: Yes! This series is hilarious and nostalgic.

Gabby Greene
 1. Errands & Espionage (2024)
 2. Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit (2026)

[Amanda | escapetoerilea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Forever and Sam for entrusting me with an early copy!

Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit by Sam Tschida
Book 2
Releases 1/20!

Spy rom com
Fake engagement, undercover, new spy FMC who is also sometimes a walking disaster, handsome agent partner, luxury island setting, slow burn with a bit of spice, single mom (divorced)

When the president's psychic is abducted and traced to a luxury wellness cult island, Gabby and Markus are sent in to rescue her. Their cover being that they are going to get married there. Hilarity ensues, but also the mystery of who to trust and who is responsible for the death of a journalist. To top it all off, Markus is also up to something. But that doesn't stop her feelings from continuing to develop for him! I definitely was kept guessing as Gabby weaseled her way into finding information.

This is a follow up to Errands and Espionage. I started reading it not knowing it was a book 2 and ended up going back to read book 1! You can probably read this without book 1, but you will absolutely miss out on the introductions to these characters and the hilarious start to Gabby's spying career, so I highly recommend starting there! This book had a lot less of some of her family, but more of others and her best friend was back for more fun! And through out all the disasters there is a lot of thinking and commentary on being an individual as well as a mother. These were an absolute chaotic good time and I will be watching for more in the series!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, @hachetteaudio and @readforeverpub for the gifted audio copy! #hachetteaudioinfluencer
Single mom secret agent Gabby Green and her partner, Markus, go undercover as an engaged couple at a secretive luxury wellness resort. While pretending not to have feelings for Markus, Gabby faces a series of problems: a self-involved movie star, a questionable wellness guru, a psychic, Gabby’s ex, her mom, and layers of secrets and lies. They must solve the case if they want to keep their jobs - and their lives.

This is the second book in a series, and I did not know that until I was already fully invested in this one, but I thoroughly enjoyed it even without having read book one (which I’m definitely going to go back and read). Tschida’s sense of humor is top notch and it comes through in her amazing dialogue. Is it over the top? Sure, but that’s the fun! If this were the real CIA, we’d be in trouble, but as a mystery rom-com, it’s fantastic. I really hope this series continues because it is full of fun, quirky characters and is a great cozy-ish mystery!

🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Mia Hutchinson Shaw delivers another lovely solo performance, nailing the sarcasm and quippy dialogue that bring the story to life. (10h 12m)

[Lindsey Domokur · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I would have known this was a series because I am really unsure about how Gabby became a spy... and how she still has a job. Her and Markus are tasked with infiltrating a cult and safely removing a kidnap victim, all while pretending to be a couple there to get married... but wanting to be a couple in real life... the whole thing is confusing.
The title is misleading though, because it takes Gabby entirely too long, in my opinion, to figure out who done it... There are so many things happening in this book that plotlines are lost and there was a lot of confusion for me. This felt like it was supposed to be a fun romcom that was like another series I love, and that is what I was expecting, but it was just.. not. So much of this book left me confused and just wanting more, and maybe it would have helped to have Markus' POV, but maybe it was just the way it was written. I hope that the author finds their groove and maybe doesn't try to tackle as many storylines in the next installment. 3.5 stars.

[Anna Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so fun!!! It’s been forever since I’ve read a spy book, and the added element of a mom made it all the more fun. I feel like it really spoke to the mom perspective of trying to balance everything, and I appreciated that a lot

[JJ Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review at www.NerdyNerdyBookBook.com

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly, fun action/romance. Thoroughly enjoyed. 3.5⭐️

The only thing that bothered me was the fixation on and body shaming of the main character. And although that evolved, it overall reinforced those messages.

Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel Marek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was such a fun follow up to Errands and Espionage. While the mystery is all contained to this book, Errands and Espionage definitely helped to set the stage and having that knowledge of Gabby's start with the EOD and becoming a spy made me want to devour this one!

This book was filled with hilarity, thoughtfulness, and secrecy!
It was fantastic to read about Gabby's journey continuing as a secret agent of the EOD. I loved reading about her growth. It was great to see that in the end Gabby did not let her inner saboteur win and once again she was able to figure out the mission! I love Gabby as a character. I think it was so fun and refreshing to read about an older FMC who is also a single mom and dealing with things like making sure her family and kids are taken care of and her ex-husband, while also living the life of a new secret agent.

Mia Hutchison Shaw narrated this audiobook and did a fantastic job. Her narration was fantastic story telling and made it super fun to listen to.

I was laughing and getting excited throughout the whole book. I will definitely be reading more from Sam Tschida, especially if there's more Gabby Greene coming in the future!

Thank you to Forever and Hachette Audio for the eARC and ALC to review! This review reflects my own opinions.

[Navile Ponton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I was not aware that this book was book 2 in an ongoing series. That didn't hinder my experience with the book at all though, but I feel like I might have had more knowledge of the characters and how they came to be where this sequel finds them. This was a funny, cozy mystery that reminded me of Finlay Donovan's antics and predicaments, so if you are a fan of that series, you should be reading or adding this series to your TBR.

I will say that the title is a bit misleading. Gabby does not know who did it for a very long time, and even when she finds the culprit, she admits she had it wrong. I did feel that there were too many plot lines going around but it added to the chaos of the character's life outside of her job and her personality. Gabby is determined to see this mystery play out one way or another, even when she has no business being involved in certain aspects of the case. I would like to go back and read book 1 and get clarification on a few things, but otherwise, this was a solid book and it will end up on my recommendation book rotary.

[OnlyHereForTheHEA · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m honestly not sure if it was me or this book, but it just didn’t work for me.

I went in expecting a fun whodunit with a side of spy rom-com. Instead, I got too many characters/storylines, a mystery that didn’t make much sense and an FMC who felt like she was trying way too hard.

It felt like the author was really pushing to make Gabby relatable and quirky, but the constant witty internal monologue and little jokes were about as subtle as a baseball bat to the head. I get it, she’s funny, she’s not like a regular spy, she’s just like us, but after a while it became so overdone that it kept pulling me out of the story.

The MMC was fine, but there wasn’t much development (which might be on me for not reading the first book). The mystery itself was both confusing and convoluted, yet also somehow underdeveloped, and when the resolution finally came, it wrapped up so quickly that I realized I didn’t really care anymore. Also, the title doesn’t even make sense. Gabby didn’t actually figure anything out, the villain just revealed themself.

Overall, I’m not sure if I just didn’t click with the author’s style, but the large cast of side characters and extra plotlines made the story feel unfocused and drag. I gave it two stars because I could see the potential, I just wish it had lived up to it.

[Love_booksforlife Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the follow up to Errands & Espionage, single mom Gabby Greene embraces her new life as a CIA agent.

Errands & Espionage was one of my fave reads a couple of years ago and I was so excited to read this one! It didn't disappoint!

The story: I find that I really like the genre of action romcom. This one reads like the movie True Lies with Gabby as an unexpected CIA agent who has to hid this from her family. Of course, she has a little thing with her partner Markus. Is the story far fetched? Yes. Did I love it anyway? Absolutely. Gabby and Markus are sent undercover into what could be a cult to reduce the presents psychic. It's hilarious when it needs to be and romantic the rest of the time.

The characters: I loved all of them. Of course, Gabby is hilarious and so relatable. Her family and friends are scene stealing as well. It's honestly like the new show High Potential. She's a fish out of water but it actually works so well.

The narration: Mia Hutchinson Shaw does such a great job in this. She had different voices for all of the characters and her Gabby is pitch perfect

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read. Gabby is brand new to the spy game and still juggling real life as a mom, which helps contribute to the humour even as things get increasingly ridiculous! She’s sent off on a not exactly by-the-book mission to an exclusive resort to rescue the president’s favourite psychic. To complicate things further, she’s thrown together with her very attractive spy counterpart. It's a fun spy thriller mystery that was entertaining and easy to read.

I also received the Audiobook - narration is fantastic!

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the e-Arc.

[Shibani Faehnle · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅ Sheridan Lane, psychic is missing/kidnapped to The Azores. Gabby Greene, 38, mom and new espionage agent, along with her maybe work husband/maybe lover Marcus, is on a mission to find Sheridan
✅ fake engagement: Gabby and Marcus have to pretend to be getting married
✅international espionage at a wellness retreat
🌶️: yes

This is my second Sam Tschida novel and I LOVE her heroines - they’re smart, very capable, slightly frazzled and hilarious!

[Kelly Tollefson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big fan of the Finlay Donovan series and having liked Errands & Espionage, this standalone follow up from E&E was so fun! I blazed through this book while waiting at the car dealership.

Single mom, Gabby, finds herself going undercover with her partner Markus, as an engaged couple. Their destination is a luxury wellness retreat (which includes many laughable moments). The cast of characters in this one still included those we met in the first book, but also a few more. It's a mystery rom-com that has an emphasis for leaning into the cozy side of things. It's quirky and fun and I really hope we get another dose of Gabby soon!

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I had a pleasant reading experience, but a few weeks later it proved largely forgettable—I genuinely had to reread the synopsis to jog my memory. It’s not bad by any means; it just doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression.

That said, there are definite bright spots. The audiobook narration by Mia Hutchinson Shaw was a strong highlight. She handled the full cast of characters with ease and was particularly well suited to the FMC. Her deeper voice lends a cozy, comforting tone to the story, though the pacing ran a bit slow for my personal preference. Thankfully, that’s easily remedied with a slight speed adjustment.

The premise itself is fun: a fairly new agent paired with a more seasoned (and, naturally, attractive) partner and sent undercover to a couples retreat. Watching them navigate the mission—while juggling meddling family members and an ex-husband thrown into the mix—was entertaining and occasionally laugh-out-loud absurd. Truly, it’s a good thing this is fiction, or national security would be in shambles.

The fake dating and one-bed tropes are both present and work well here. Despite this being the second book in a series, I never felt lost or disadvantaged as a new reader; the necessary context is woven in smoothly and organically.

In the end, this is a cozy, lighthearted spy mystery that’s easy to enjoy in the moment—just don’t expect it to linger long after you’re done.


I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Hachette Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit by Sam Tschida
Published by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) – thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

Sam Tschida is back with another chaotic delight, and this time she’s giving us single mom espionage, fake fiancés, a possible cult, and a tropical retreat full of secrets and shady serums. Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit is the second installment in the Gabby Greene series, and honestly, it’s like someone mashed together Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, Spy Kids (for adults), and every fake dating trope you’ve ever loved—then spiked the whole thing with caffeine and dropped it in a volcano.

Gabby is a divorced mom of two who somehow ends up working for the CIA—not because she has elite training or can speak twelve languages (she can’t), but because she’s persistent, nosy, and absolutely not qualified, which turns out to be exactly what the job needs. After her misadventures in book one (don’t worry if you missed it; Tschida gives you just enough backstory to jump right in), she’s still learning how to balance motherhood with secret missions. This time around, she’s sent to the Azores with Markus—the infuriatingly hot and capable handler she’s not in love with, thank you very much—to go undercover at a suspicious couples’ retreat.

The assignment: infiltrate a group of self-help entrepreneurs who may or may not be selling national security secrets between breathing exercises and pyramid schemes. The cover story: Gabby and Markus are engaged. There will be a fake wedding. And a fake honeymoon suite. And yes, fake chemistry is definitely real—except it’s not fake at all, and Gabby knows it.

Markus, of course, is the ideal “fake fiancé.” He’s brooding, buttoned-up, absurdly competent, and just unhinged enough to play along. He’s also clearly into Gabby, even if she keeps pretending not to notice. Watching the two of them fumble their way through “couple’s therapy” while dodging potential cult leaders, missing psychics, and a very real sense that everything could blow up in their faces is as hilarious as it is surprisingly romantic.

Gabby is the heart of the book—and she’s a mess. A lovable, sarcastic, anxious, deeply relatable mess. She’s not cool under pressure. She doesn’t magically pull off her spy role without screw-ups. She’s juggling her kids, ex-husband, a mother who would absolutely crash a mission, and the creeping fear that she’s not enough. And yet, she keeps going. One fake kiss, one suspicious retreat member, one cracked identity at a time. She says it best herself:
“I might be undercover, but the anxiety is real.”

Tschida has a sharp, whip-smart writing style that doesn’t waste time on fluff. Every scene either drives the plot forward or deepens the character dynamics, usually with a punchline and a coffee spill. The humor never feels forced; it’s embedded in Gabby’s voice, which walks a razor’s edge between self-deprecating and genuinely insightful. She’s trying to “have it all” and has no idea what that even means—but she’s going to figure it out while possibly saving the country and pretending to be in love with the world’s hottest handler.

What makes this book work isn’t just the mystery (which is twisty and fun), or the romance (which is slow burn perfection), or the laugh-out-loud moments (which are frequent)—it’s the way all those pieces come together without feeling like a gimmick. Gabby feels real, and her world—absurd spy capers included—feels oddly grounded. She’s not a superhero. She’s a mom who barely has time to put on matching shoes and now has to save a kidnapped psychic while pretending she’s in love.

The supporting cast is just as delightful. From the retreat’s suspiciously perfect hosts to Gabby’s delightfully meddling family (yes, they show up, yes, it’s a disaster), everyone brings something to the table. And the banter? Top-tier. Gabby and Markus have a chemistry that zings on every page, whether they’re arguing about pillow placement or lying their way through a suspicious couple’s massage.

The setting—the Azores—is lush, mysterious, and just isolated enough to raise the stakes. Tschida uses the location well, giving readers gorgeous visuals alongside the feeling of being trapped in paradise with a bunch of people who might be evil.

If you loved Finlay Donovan, Veronica Mars, or any romcom that starts with “it’s just fake dating” and ends with “oops, feelings,” this book is for you. If you’re a mom who’s ever felt like you were improvising your way through the week, you’ll see yourself in Gabby—minus the espionage. (Probably.)

Five stars? Not quite. I’m going with 4 stars, because while I had a blast, some of the pacing in the middle lagged a bit, and I wanted a bit more closure on a couple subplot threads. That said, I’m absolutely sticking around for book three. Gabby’s not done. And I’m not done with her either.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#GabbyGreeneKnowsWhodunit #SamTschida #SpyRomCom #MomsInEspionage #FakeFiancéRealFeelings #CIAButMakeItFunny #NetGalleyReview #BookReview #RomComMystery #FinlayDonovanFans #CozyThriller #WomenInFiction #ForeverPublishing #ARCReview #FunnyBooks #SmartRomComs #GabbyGreeneSeries #2026BookReleases #AzoresMystery #RomComReads

[Blurb It Down Official · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve spent most of my week living vicariously through the utter chaos that is Gabby Greene’s life, and honestly, I’m not sure whether to be exhausted or exhilarated. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just barely improvising your way through a Tuesday, Sam Tschida’s Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit is the mirror you didn’t know you needed, only that mirror is currently being held by a divorced mom trying to save the country while pretending her shoes match.

I’ll admit, I have a massive soft spot for the “unqualified person accidentally saves the day” trope. It’s that perfect Spy Kids for grown-ups energy, but with the high-stakes anxiety of Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. Gabby isn’t a CIA operative because she can dismantle a bomb with a hair tie; she’s there because she’s nosy, persistent, and has the kind of frantic energy only a mother of two can harness.

The setup for this one is a total fever dream in the best way possible. We’re whisked away to the Azores—which sounds like a dream vacation until you realize you’re trapped on a lush, isolated island at a couples’ retreat that feels less like “self-help” and more like a pyramid scheme run by a cult. Gabby is tasked with infiltrating this group of shady entrepreneurs, and because the universe loves a good cliché, she has to do it with a fake fiancé.

Enter Markus. He’s the brooding, hyper-competent handler who is “infuriatingly hot,” and their dynamic is the absolute soul of the book. Watching them navigate a fake wedding and shared honeymoon suites while trying to maintain their professional distance is pure slow-burn torture. They’re fumbling through couples’ therapy exercises while dodging literal danger, and the chemistry is so thick you could trip over it.

What I loved most, though, is how Tschida grounds the absurdity. Gabby is a self-described mess—anxious, sarcastic, and constantly juggling the mundane horrors of an ex-husband and meddling family with the actual horrors of international espionage. There’s a line where she mentions that while her cover is fake, her anxiety is 100% real, and I felt that in my soul. She’s not a superhero; she’s a woman trying to “have it all” while realizing that “all” might just be surviving the next five minutes without her identity being blown.

The writing is incredibly sharp. The humor isn’t just slapped on top; it’s baked into Gabby’s voice. Every coffee spill and botched lie feels earned, and the pacing moves with this caffeinated, frantic energy that makes it impossible to put down. Even if you missed the first book, you can jump right into this tropical disaster and feel right at home.

For readers who like:
Fans of the “fake dating” to “real feelings” pipeline, Veronica Mars vibes, stories about moms who are secretly badasses, and anyone who thinks a cult retreat sounds like the perfect setting for a romantic comedy would love this.

Final Verdict
Sam Tschida has delivered a whip-smart, hilarious, and surprisingly grounded sequel. It’s a chaotic, tropical delight that reminds us that sometimes being a “mess” is actually a superpower. I’m already checking my calendar for when Gabby (hopefully) stumbles into her next mission.

Grateful to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Sam Tschida for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Hazel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me preface this review by telling you this is about the audiobook mainly, and the fact that I read this book in audio format has actually impacted my opinion greatly, mostly in the positive sense. Secondly, I wasn’t aware that this was part two of a series. It wasn’t mentioned on Netgalley or Goodreads, but it was perfectly readable without any prior information.

I must say, I went into this book with the wrong expectations. I had expected the thriller aspect of this book to be more prominent than the romcom aspect, and quickly noticed that it wouldn’t be that way. After adjusting my expectations, I did enjoy the premise a little bit more. Especially because the narrator did such a good job. There were more than a few phrases that I would consider ‘cringy’ -for lack of better word- in there, and a few too many contemporary references, so specific, that I am not quite sure if this book will age well (if anything, the third Harry Potter reference made me want to put the book down. However common such references, with J.K. Rowling being intensely problematic, her IP shouldn’t be given any more attention than it still gets).

That being said, most of the writing became more palatable precisely because it was an audiobook, and a lot of the text made more sense spoken out loud than had I read it on a page. The quality of the narration was really nice, and the voice acting on part of the narrator was very well done!

The premise of the book was fun, lighthearted -somehow- and the characters -as expected in a romcom- were all bonkers. There were a few moments where I really laughed at some of the jokes, but some scenes really didn’t work out well for me (for example the sex scene, my expectations for those are unfortunately very high due to an excessive amount of time spent on Archive of Our Own in fandom spaces, now those people know how to make sex poetic. Please don’t ever have anyone refer to their genitals as Voldemort. Please.)

The ending felt a little bit rushed and messy, unfortunately. I know it is fiction, and especially in this genre I have to suspend my disbelief a little, but there were some ‘twists’ that were so incredibly far out there that I had to pause and sit for a bit. The epilogue, however, did tie everything up nicely.

All in all, this was not a bad book, but most definitely not for me. I think those that like crazy romcoms, with a bit of an espionage twist will enjoy this more than I did. If you are interested, I do highly recommend the audiobook!

**Special thanks to NetGalley for giving me early access to the audiobook in exchange for an honest review**

[Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧 Listened in audio
📢 Narrated by Mia Hutchinson Shaw
⏱ Duration: 10 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Hachette Audio & Forever
📅 Release Date: January 20, 2026
🎁 Audio ARC provided by NetGalley

Immediately after finishing book one, I jumped straight into the ARC for Gabby Green Knows Whodunit, and honestly? Zero regrets. Gabby is now almost trained (which mostly means she can complete a mission without accidentally harming her coworkers) and she and Markus are sent undercover to investigate a cult. A cult. On a beach. With unlimited mocktails, perfect weather, a luxury suite, and a fake engagement. I mean… what more could a woman ask for?
(Aside from the whole dangerous undercover operation part.)

This sequel is just as hilarious, fast-paced, and ridiculously entertaining as the first book. I couldn’t put it down and finished the entire audiobook in one day, which is both a compliment and a complaint, because when it ended, I was genuinely upset. What am I supposed to do without Gabby Greene in my life now?

Sam Tschida has this rare knack for balancing humor and heart without tipping too far in either direction. Gabby’s voice feels so real with equal parts frazzled mom, reluctant spy, and woman who secretly deserves a vacation. The flirtation with Markus is swoon-worthy (the slow burn is real), but the family threads make the story glow: her kids growing more suspicious by the day, and her grandmother... oh my, can we all aspire to be that woman someday? She’s wise, fearless, and the chaos anchor Gabby desperately needs. Sure, there are a few family members I could happily never encounter again—but alas, we don’t get to choose our relatives, and Gabby’s chaos wouldn’t be half as entertaining without them.

Mia Hutchinson Shaw’s narration brings every hilarious inner monologue and awkward romantic moment to life. If you liked the first book, you’ll fall head over heels for this one. And Sam Tschida, please, I beg you, don’t make us wait too long for book three. Gabby Greene missions should be an annual event.

Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you loved Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, enjoy cozy mysteries with romantic tension, or want a fast, funny audiobook that delivers both laughs and heart, this needs to be on your TBR. This one’s the perfect blend of cozy mystery, romantic comedy, and spy shenanigans. It’s warm, witty, and as binge-worthy as your favorite TV romcom. Sam Tschida has created something genuinely special with Gabby Greene, and this sequel proves it’s not a one-book wonder.
Add this to your TBR, mark your calendar, and please, someone gently remind Sam Tschida that we need book three soon.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit by Sam Tschida

My sincere thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I give my unbiased opinion of it in the following review.

I need to start out by saying that I did not know that this is the second book in a series. Had I known, I would have read the first book before this one. The main character, Gabby, is a divorced housewife who works as a spy under cover. The first book is about how she comes into this job and introduces the side characters that are also in book two. I did feel like I was missing a lot of information that would have helped me understand and enjoy the book more. I will do my best to leave that feeling out of my review and write the rest based on what I read in Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit.

The author's writing is fun, and the characters are quirky and interesting. There were times when I had to kind of suspend a little disbelief and just lean into the chaos that was unfolding. Some of the scenes totally made me think of Stephanie Plum by Janet Evanovich. I enjoy a good laugh, and this book gave me some good ones. While Gabby is kind of a hot mess, she also shows determination and confidence when she needs to. She is figuring out what it means to be a single mom with a lot of responsibilities out on her own starting a new career. She wants to believe that she can have it all, even romance, but deep down she's not that secure. I loved the romance storyline between Gabby and her partner Markus. I believed their connection and it was nice that it wasn't all smooth sailing for them because that made them more real. I'm hoping for another book where we will get to see where their romance goes and see them work more as a team when they are on an assignment. I did enjoy this, but I plan to look into the first book, Errands & Espionage and, if I have time, do a re-read of this book before book three. Just as a small critique, I noticed a few pop culture references that I'm not sure all readers would connect with. I get why they were used to support the humor, but when I don't get them, it takes me out of the story. If Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit sounds fun and interesting to you, I encourage you to give this series a try.

FYI - One mild to moderate open-door scene. Some mild thriller scenes.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit is the second book of a mystery series. You should know that going in, especially if you're the kind of person who likes to read things in order. I did not know that and spent a decent amount of this book trying to fill in the relationship gaps I missed from not reading the first book.

Gabby Greene is a newly minted spy working for the EOD, a division of the CIA. She's also a divorced mom of two, trying to hold everything together in her new job and with the responsibility of her kids. Add in her meddling mother, oblivious and irritating ex-husband, and her grandmother's deeply weird boyfriend and you have a recipe for pure chaos. Gabby is being sent on her first official mission with her handler-turned-partner, Markus where they'll be infiltrating a wellness cult to locate and extract the president's psychic. Yes, that's right, the president has a psychic. She and Markus will be pretending to be engaged and will get "married" at the luxury resort in Portugal. It should be a straightforward mission but Gabby's ambiguous relationship with Markus, her bothersome family, and her own foibles get in the way, forcing her to improvise her way out of a giant mess.

This book was not for me. I think part of it was that we are dropped into an existing universe where all the core relationships are established in the previous book. Part of it was the madcap plot and irreverent writing style. If I am going to read a mystery, I want it to be a little more serious and for the stakes to be clear from the jump. The mission just didn't have the gravitas I want from a mystery. There were also some substantial continuity issues in the eARC I read. Our main characters are using aliases when they're at the wellness retreat but other characters use their real names and they call each other by the wrong names in public. I found it to be confusing at times.

If you like madcap mysteries this might work for you, it was just not for Pam. 2 stars.

Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley and the author for the advanced audio copy of gabby greene knows whodunit!

prior to reading this, i did not realize that there was a gabby greene prequel so i was reading this as a stand-alone. while the beginning did take a minute to catch up with, i thought that even with just everything in this book i was able to piece together enough about the relationships and get enough insight into what happened previously (enough that i definitely want to check it out!)

i enjoyed all the pop culture references throughout the book and thought the world building in this was great. like, now i want to go see power couple lol! to make my own pop culture reference, this book felt very glass onion to me (my favorite of the knives out movies) but i think all mystery books have a bit of knives out-ness to them, since i say that in nearly every review.

i really liked gabby as a character and i thought that the narrator, mia hutchinson-shaw, did an AMAZING job at characterizing gabby and i enjoyed all of the voices for other characters, especially jasmine. i really want to listen to the first book, since i think mia did such an amazing job with narrating, but unfortunately, my library doesn’t have errands and espionage in ther catalogue.

i really liked how this book leaned into having “crazy” elements (president having a psychic, north korea loving power couple 1, gabby’s mom and ex coming to the retreat, etc.) that just made this book even more fun than it already was.

i also just want to re-emphasize that this book can absolutely be read without reading the first one, and i think that sam tschida did an excellent job of explaining the backstory, while not spoiling the whole thing. i definitely want to check it out (once my library can get a copy in the system). the only other time ive accidentally read a sequel was my 6th grade read-aloud book, tentacles (this was much cooler) shout out mrs. reuter wherever you are!

[Blair Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not realize when I went to go read this that there is another book in this series and it is called Errands and Espionage. What’s that being said I do not feel like I missed out on anything and I really enjoyed my time reading Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit. I am gonna go back and read the other book just because I do want the backstory and to see how Gabby got into this profession. It does say that it is perfect for the people who like Finlay Donovan. And I would have to agree because the whole entire time that I was reading it I was saying that it is Finlay Donovan coded. But different. And I love that. I do love my thriller suspense books, and when they’re more on the side of romance and kind of romcom thriller, I eat it up and I eat it up pretty fast. I really liked Gabby‘s character. She is recently divorced and she’s a single mother and she is given an assignment to go to this island with Markus her handler/somebody she’s trying to have become her work, husband. And the book just takes off from there. It was just so much fun and I like the family dynamic of it too. Her mom did end up making me mad at points of throughout the book. I definitely will be reading other books if they come out by this author in this series and I hope they do.
The audiobook was really good. I enjoyed the narrator. This is my second book that I’ve listened to by Mia. I and I’ve really liked both books that I’ve listened to by her so far I do see that she did errands and espionage so I’m definitely gonna be picking that up. She really makes the time fly by super fast and keeps me really engaged in the book.
Thank you to Forever and Hachette audio for the complementary copies. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book but think if you took out the romance side of the story you wouldn't have a very thick book. Yes I know the blurb describes it as a spy romcom with the main character as a single mom but you would have hardly known she was a mother. I was expecting them to cause more problems than they did. Luckily the ex husband and mother are on the scene to add the mentioned laughs. It did have its humorous moments and was entertaining enough to keep me listening until the very end. I did like the characters but thought the title was miss leading because Gabby Greene certainly didn't know whodunit, a bit like the rest of us. I think this has to be the second book in the series, as the characters already seemed to have a connection to each other and I think I might just have to discover how Gabby became a spy.
Gabby is trying to balance it all, home life, kids, a job as a secret government agent and a work place romance. The problem is, somebody has kidnapped the presidents psychic and is holding her on a remote island under the guise of a yoga retreat. In order to get her back Gabby and her handler Marcus will need to go under cover as a couple about to get married. Unable to give her family a reasonable reason for being away , her mother and ex husband follow her and put the mission on the line. Not to mention the psychic's claims that she wasn't kidnapped. Can Gabby and Marcus work out what is going on before they have to go through with the fake wedding? Especially as Gabby's feeling for Marcus makes her wish it was for real.
I liked the narrator. She even gave the characters some interesting accents to help distinguish them from each other. A fun performance.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this

[Matt (Kaitlin) Kroeger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book (thank you to the author and publisher). My review reflects my honest impressions and neither the author nor publisher solicited my review. Content and pacing may differ slightly from the final published version.

This book was such a delightful surprise. It perfectly blends cozy mystery, rom-com energy, and just enough emotional depth to keep you fully invested. It’s one of those stories that’s fun to read while still delivering an engaging plot and characters you genuinely root for.

The mystery and romance are balanced beautifully. The stakes feel real, but the tone stays light and witty, making it incredibly easy to fly through. The humor lands consistently, and the pacing never drags.

One of my favorite aspects was the main character because it was refreshing to have a middle-aged FMC who feels relatable, capable, and human. The whole vibe honestly gave me a mystery version of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, which I mean as the highest compliment. There’s awkward charm, heart, and just enough chaos to keep things entertaining.

The writing style is smooth and accessible, making this an effortless read. Nothing overly heavy or complicated. Sharp dialogue, good banter, and a story that flows naturally. And yes, there’s some heat!

Overall, this is a cozy, funny, mystery-romance that’s easy to recommend. It’s the kind of book you’d grab for a weekend read or a comfort reread when you want something engaging but not emotionally exhausting. I’d happily return to these characters again. Definitely recommend for readers who love humor, heart, and a little intrigue with their romance.

[Neils Barringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pull up the mini van, throw on your target sweat pants, fuzzy slippers, your clean-ish tee shirt and hair in a pony all while applying your make up AND READ THIS hot mess of a book! I admit it has been a hot minute since I have had this much fun reading a book. Yes I enjoy and love reading, but this was just one of those that had me giggling all the way!
Meet Gabby Greene-a VERY average mid 30 year old divorced mom-who is secretly a government agent, Apprently (my fault here, I did not realize this was book 2-but no worries you get the gist of book 1) was roped into being a spy in the first book. Her secret life as an agent she has kept from her whole meddling family--can't a girl just take down the Russian Mob and make it to soccer practice??

This book was chaos in all the right ways you get:
-The president's psychic (HA) is kidnapped by a possible cult
-A cult leader "Genesis" who is obsessed with "G"
-An all natural beauty company that uses red dye #6--hello flamin hot cheeto face-HA
-Fake Marriage
-Family members showing up to fake wedding
-A hot and steamy co/spy


I promise you some of the lines Gabby spits out cracked me up and for sure left me eager for book #3 and immediately purchasing book #1.
Sam Tschida is a new author to me but it is clear she has a great sense of humor and awesome wit!

I highly reccommend this book if you need a fun breath of fresh air!

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read ad review Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit. I was not paid for my honest and original review.

[Rachel b00ksrmagic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to @readforeverpub and @netgalley for the gifted e-ARC and to @hachetteaudio for the ALC!

Read this book if you like Secret agents, fake dating in paradise, wellness cults, and espionage

Gabby Greene, divorced mom of two and newly minted agent with the CIA, has been assigned her first case—go undercover to find the whereabouts of the President’s personal psychic. Her last known location? A wellness retreat in the Azores. Posing as a rich young couple planning to tie the knot, she and her partner Markus head to the resort where they attempt to blend in and gain the confidence of their celebrity hosts all while fighting their growing attraction to each other. But what happens in paradise stays in paradise, right?

I liked the character of Gabby. Her life was chaotic and stressful in a way that felt relatable. Her traveling to the Azores while trying to juggle her family responsibilities felt real. Her relationship with Markus frustrated me though. The amount of miscommunication and assumption and hot/cold on-again/off-again twists in their relationship left me less than impressed.

I also found the mystery hard to follow. The events on the island seemed very disjointed and the timeline didn’t flow well. The plot moved very slowly until it didn’t. At the end I was still confused as to how they figured it all out.

This is a standalone, but it leans heavily on book one for character development. I feel like I would have had an easier time not getting the characters mixed up if I had read book one first.

The narrator, at least, did a great job with the various voices. And sound quality was excellent even at 2.5x.

I wanted to like this one more than I did. But it was still a fun, lighthearted, chaotic spy thriller.

[Laura Longbottom · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to start by mentioning that I didn't realize this was part of a series until I was writing this review! If you’re worried about jumping in late, don't be—you can definitely read this as a standalone without feeling lost.

However, while the transition into Gabby's world was easy, the story itself ultimately wasn't for me.

The premise actually sounded quite fun: a spy on a secret mission to the Azores to infiltrate a yoga cult while navigating a "fake marriage" with her coworker/crush, Markus. It has all the ingredients for a great rom-com mystery, but the execution was just a bit too over-the-top for my taste. I generally prefer my cozy mysteries to have a more serious edge to them, and unfortunately, this one leaned heavily into silliness. It felt like the author tried to pack in every possible stereotype and trope.

Instead of a tight mystery, the narrative felt a bit convoluted and confusing because the humor seemed to take priority over the actual plot. If you are a reader who loves high-energy comedy and doesn't mind a story that doesn't take itself too seriously, you might find this delightful. But for me, the balance was off; I missed the "grit" of a traditional mystery and found the constant "comedy of errors" a bit exhausting. It’s a solid choice for those who want a light, laughing-out-loud romp, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

*** I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher. ***