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, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Expected publication 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

[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!

[JJ Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review at www.NerdyNerdyBookBook.com

[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.

[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**

[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

[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.

[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. ***

[Laney Estel · Rating 3 out of 5]

😏 Imagine saving national security between PTA emails… while fake-engaged to a very real crush. Gabby is booked and busy.

First Line: On the way out the door to the airport, Sheridan opened her purse to check for the essentials: driver’s license, Airpods, red lipstick. Sheridan frowned.

Reasons to Read:
🕶️ Mom Spy Life – Recently divorced Gabby is juggling secret missions, school lunches, and a dangerously charming handler all at once.
💍 Fake Fiancée – To expose a shady Power Couples Retreat, Gabby must pose as Markus’s bride-to-be and sell their romance under intense scrutiny.
❤️ Lines Get Blurry – As pretending turns personal, Gabby risks more than national security when real feelings start creeping in.


Thoughts: Last year Undead and Unwed was one of my favorite books, so having a mystery by the same author seemed like a no brainer. But I have to admit, as much as I liked Gabby as a character, and the location was island vacation vibes, I just didn’t really get into this story as much as I should have. I also didn’t realize that there was a first book to this series, or that it even was a series. It probably would have helped to read that one first because I kept having the feeling like I was missing something. Most of the time in this book, I felt like I was chasing after Gabby instead of walking with her to figure out the mystery. Overall though it was a fun time and I might go back and read the first one.

[Danielle - drops.everything.and.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Forever publishing for the eARC; all opinions are my own.

After reading the first Gabby Greene book a few weeks ago, and loving it, I was excited to jump into Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit and see what shenanigans Gabby and her family get up to.
This was a fun read from page one, and I really enjoyed how it took Gabby and Marcus across the ocean to the Azores, which seemingly would give her a break from her meddling family, yet, she finds out that her family is never really that far away.
The mission for the duo requires them to not only take on new personas (Gia and George) but to pose as an engaged couple. And have a fake wedding. All this to infiltrate a possible cult, rescue a psychic who was kidnapped while on her way to provide advice to the President of the United States, and try to figure out the source of scandalous reports emerging from the 'cult' members.

The romance between Gabby and Marcus was further developed and explored, which I think added another layer of fun to the book and really sets up for future books how they will work together and romantically be together.

All this makes for an eventful mission for Gabby and Marcus, with Gabby also trying to figure out if and how she can "have it all."

A fun read, and I'm already excited for book three!

[Elizabeth • LizziePageReads]

Thank you to Hachette Audio for the audiobook copy of Gabby Greene Knows Whodunnit! It’s out January 20th.

The most important thing to know going in: this is book two in a series, and you really should read book one first. A lot of the less than glowing reviews seem to miss that, which honestly feels like a cop-out! This book assumes you already know the characters and dynamics.

As for the book itself, I’m somewhere between liked it and really liked it (lol). It’s part romcom, part mystery, part adventure, which is such a fun genre blend. Gabby Greene is a spy working for an elite unit within the CIA, on an international mission with her partner (who she has unresolved romantic tension with). Oh and their boss just happens to be his ex-wife. Chaos ensues.

You do need to suspend disbelief here. This is not a realistic spy novel, and I don’t think it’s trying to be. It’s fun, moderately paced, and entertaining, with a mystery kept me guessing.

Overall, I had a good time with it. It’s not a must-read, drop everything kind of book, but I f the premise sounds fun to you, I’d recommend starting with book one, Errands and Espionage, and then picking up this one.

🎧: Narrated by Mia Hutchinson Shaw, who performed this author’s last two books as well! That continuity helps — she knows the author’s humor and how jokes should land, and makes for a great listen!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐️

Gabby Greene is a divorced single mother, who works for the CIA, and is sent undercover to an exclusive yoga retreat in the name of national security. The catch? Her cover is that she’s there for her wedding and honeymoon to fellow agent/potential boyfriend Markus.

This was a cozy, funny mystery with very chaotic vibes! Gabby’s character was a bit of a mess which felt intentional and suited the overall tone of the story. You’ve got a slew of eclectic, cooky characters, a potential national scandal, and the possibility of a double agent in the mix.

Unfortunately, this one didn’t fully work for me. Part of the issue was that I didn’t realize this was a sequel, and I was often trying to figure out backstory that had probably been established in the first book. This was also very much a madcap mystery, full of hilarious situations, eccentric characters and some pretty outlandish hijinks! I was expecting a bit more serious tone, but once you realize that, this story turns chaotic in the best way.

Overall, this was a funny, easy, quick albeit chaotic read that fans of madcap mysteries will surely enjoy! If you liked the Finlay Donovan series, you should check this one out!

This one is out January 20th, 2026!

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Ayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit by Sam Tschida

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1/5 🌶️

Thank you to Forever, Grand Central Publishing, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit is a fast-paced, witty, and fun romcom mystery! A charming and unique cozy mystery with interesting characters, an engaging storyline, and plenty of shenanigans throughout!

Gabby Greene, a secret agent and mother of two, never expected to be spying with a hot handler. Balancing romance, espionage, and raising two kids is chaotic though so Gabby will have to keep her distance from Markus as much as possible, which is easier said than done. Gabby’s next mission is to pretend to be Markus’s fiancée so they can infiltrate a couples retreat. To avert a national crisis, Gabby and Markus need to look like they’re in love and Gabby discovers that faking a relationship with the perfect man without actually falling for him isn’t easy.

Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit does a great job at balancing mystery with romance to form an entertaining and humorous story! With a clever mystery, a slow burn romance, and so many laugh-out-loud moments, it feels fresh, fun, and super interesting! Overall, a fantastic read for cozy mystery fans!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an ARC of this book

First things first, I think it’s incredibly important to point out that this is the second book in a series and would probably be slightly confusing if read on its own. If you haven’t read Errands and Espionage, read that first. It would definitely behoove the publisher to note the connection somewhere.

So the book… I found the beginning a little bit slow. But once they actually got to the island and things started happening, I was more invested. I liked Gabby and Markus together. There were certainly plenty of red herrings & twists and turns to throw you off the real criminal and keep you guessing. The book was a lot of fun but I would have loved more shenanigans, and banter. The moments that really leaned into the ridiculousness were a lot of fun.

Gabby and Marcus have good chemistry and the will they wont they was fun to read. The side characters are a lot of fun- except Phil (and possibly her mother) who I would love to never read again. But I get that that is the point of his character.

Overall this one was a fun read that felt a little like it lost its way at points- especially at the end when things felt rushed. The epilogue did make up for some of that though and I’m excited to see what gabby will be up to next. .

[SurfsideSallie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series - you can pick it up and read without having read the previous book, but I would recommend reading the first one if you can get your hands on it.

This is a fun a romcom/spy story with our main character, Gabby, divorced mom of young kids whose secret identity is a bumbling spy that just cannot let somethings go. Gabby and her partner Markus, are assigned to go undercover to a tropical location to recover a kidnapped psychic. There is chemistry between Markus and Gabby and this trip challenges them on keeping their relationship professional.

Gabby and Markus are sent to a Luxury Wellness Retreat on a tropical island with the belief the retreat is actually a cult and the leader is trying to undermine the US Government. Gabby has to adapt a persona of high society and luxury lifestyle when she would rather eat Taco Bell and wear sweatpants - the chaos and fun starts in the first few chapters and continues into the epilogue of the story.

Super fun read and the characters are likable - some of the tropes were far fetched and little hard to buy into - if you can let that slide you will enjoy this story!

I truly enjoyed reading the book, Thank you to Net Gallery for the early copy of this book.

[Juli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabby Greene's new mission is to be the "pretend" wife to her handler, the very handsome, Markus. The two are to infiltrate a Power Couples Retreat to investigate whether national secrets are being sold and to locate the President's psychic who has been kidnapped. Easy, peasy, well maybe not. Gabby is a divorced mom, juggling kids activities, an ex-husband that wants to reconcile, and deciding what to do about her attraction to Markus (it's mutual, right?) It gets chaotic when Gabby's mom and her ex come to the retreat.

This second installment following, Errands & Espionage, is a fun mystery, espionage, rom-com. I recommend reading the first one as it sets up how Gabby was recruited and introduces the characters. Yes, you will have to suspend the notion that some of the things Gabby gets up to are not realistic, but that is the fun. This is a quick read, once you start you want to know what happens next. I can see this series continuing for awhile. It will be fun to watch Gabby and Markus' romance develop.

If you like Finlay Donovan, you will enjoy the Gabby Greene series. Chaotic, messy, characters that make you laugh, and you look forward to more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Forever, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.

[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit by Sam Tschida is a sharp, witty mystery that blends true-crime obsession with a delightfully messy protagonist you can’t help but root for. When Gabby gets pulled into a real-life murder investigation, the story leans into its whodunit vibes, poking fun at the genre while still delivering a genuinely engaging mystery.

The book shines in its voice and pacing. Gabby’s commentary is funny, self-aware, and occasionally chaotic in the best way, making the investigation feel fresh rather than formulaic. The mystery itself is layered with red herrings and suspects that kept me guessing, and the exploration of amateur sleuthing, ambition, and the ethics of true crime adds depth beneath the humor.

While a few plot points felt slightly convenient and the ending didn’t completely knock me off my feet, the journey was so entertaining that it hardly mattered. Clever, modern, and compulsively readable, this is a fun, wonderful whodunit mystery for fans of cozy-adjacent whodunits, true-crime satire, and character-driven storytelling.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Forever for this eARC!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

When last we saw Gabby Greene in ERRANDS & ESPIONAGE, she was a recently divorced mother of two who had been recruited into the CIA and was being trained by a smoking hot handler named Markus. A stretch? Sure, but high energy and fun.

In GABBY GREENE KNOWS WHODUNNIT Gabby and Markus are still a team. Their latest assignment finds them planning a fake wedding at a cult compound in the Azores as a cover for their investigation into the possible abduction of the psychic who is advising the President of the United States. Far fetched? Sure, but still high energy and fun.

This is a mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s written for sheer entertainment and succeeds in being both farcical and suspenseful. Fans of Finlay Donovan and Vera Wong will find this one similar in tone and pacing. It is a bit spicier than those comparables, but the open door scenes work well within the plot.

The audiobook narration by Mia Hutchinson perfectly captures the chaos that surrounds Gabby Greene and the rest of this quirky cast.

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Hachette Audio for the gifted copies. All opinions are my own.

[ThatsSomeGoodSmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and the author for a copy of this audiobook.

3.5 rounded up to 4

This was a fun, chaotic spy romcom that leans hard into fake engagement antics and undercover messiness. Gabby is a newly minted spy and single mom who very much feels like she’s winging it. She is capable, anxious, and frequently overwhelmed, but still determined to get the job done. Her dynamic with Marcus is full of tension, awkward moments, and slow-burn attraction, especially once they’re trapped at a suspicious couples retreat that may or may not be a cult. The banter worked, the romance stayed light, and the tropical setting added to the fun.

There’s a lot going on, and a few threads felt underexplored, especially toward the end. It’s also very much a book two. You can read it on its own, but the story flows better if you already know how Gabby ended up here.

A breezy, humorous spy romcom with chaotic energy and just enough mystery to keep things moving. I enjoyed the narration by Mia Hutchinson Shaw!

[Gabriella Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Sam Tschida for the opportunity to listen to and review Gabby Greene Knows Whodunnit.

This is the second installment in the Gabby Greene series, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone. I had no difficulty following the characters or setting, which is especially important when jumping into a series midstream.

Gabby Greene is a secret spy and a divorced mother of two who, along with her partner, is assigned an undercover mission to rescue a kidnapped psychic. Disguised as Gia and George (Gabby and Markus), the pair host a lavish wedding on a luxury island surrounded by Hollywood’s elite. The story is fast-paced, chaotic in the best way, and genuinely funny, keeping me thoroughly engaged from start to finish.

The narration was excellent and added an extra layer of enjoyment to the listening experience. Overall, this was a highly entertaining rom-com spy audiobook, and I would happily recommend it to fans of humorous mysteries and lighthearted espionage.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4 ⭐️

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you loved Errands and Espionage you're in luck because Gabby is back! This time her and Markus are off to the Azores to spy on a potential cult after the President's psychic was abducted and taken there. And also pretend to be engaged and get married... no big deal right? This one jumps in right where we left off in book 1. Gabby is still trying to figure how to juggle this secret spy life, handle her ongoing (and growing) feeling for Markus and deal with Granny, the kids, and her ex-husband. This was such a fun peek behind the curtain of fancy wellness retreats. I had to laugh at everything including G since the "leader" rebranded everything. No god complex there ;) If you enjoy these single momma spy murder mysteries books (ie Finlay Donovan) I think you'll really enjoy this series too! Thanks NetGalley and Forever for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. Pub Day is Jan 20th!

[Ginny Moring · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit by Sam Tschida is a fun, goofy spy mystery. I went into listening to the audio of this book thinking it was a stand alone title but quickly realized I was missing out on some things. I definitely think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first book in the series first but still enjoyed this book alone. The main character is Gabby, a busy mom, who just happens to be a spy too. Gabby and her spy partner and love interest, Marcus, head off to an exclusive tropical island to solve a mystery together. There are lots of quirky, fun characters and unexpected antics that make this a fun read. Mia Hutchinson Shaw was the narrator and she was amazing, making all the characters unique and interesting. If you're looking for a fun, light audiobook, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a shot!

Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ALC. All opinions are my own.

[LP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

This started out so great, I thought for sure it was going to pass book one and become a 5 star read. And then I hit just over the halfway point and it came to a scratching halt - in the form of Gabby's mom, and Gabby's ex, Phil - and got so over the top ridiculous, I couldn't get past those scenes fast enough. I mean, the series is ridiculous anyway but so laugh out loud funny, and the slow burn is perfect. I was just so disgusted by her family jumping in that it drops to 3 stars. And the mystery itself was really confusing towards the end, I thought it was trying too hard to wrap up all the story lines at once. Good epilogue though. I was happy to see Justin again, he makes me laugh.