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A Bridesmaid’s Guide to the Things People Hide: An Emelia Walsh Cozy Mystery
Her cover is author. Her job is the bride's happy ending. Her weekend just became a crime scene.
Part of a #1 Amazon Bestselling Series!
The Hartwell family has billions in the bank, a stunning New Hampshire estate, and a tragic legacy that's claimed every family member before age fifty. While Emmy is no stranger to wedding-day chaos, the Hartwell Estate is on another level, with a guest list that includes—senators, governors, and helicopter arrivals,people who offer diamonds to apologize for messing up your hair,the world’s most competitive wedding party,and a bride who’s one second away from fleeing.Her cover? Author. Her real job? Quietly using her skills as a professional bridesmaid to make sure the bride gets her happy ending. Emmy thinks she’s got things under control…until a string of alarming incidents turn the weekend upside down.
Emmy finds herself working alongside John Sutton again—now a Detective Sergeant but just as infuriating and magnetic as ever—when he reappears in the most unexpected way possible. This time, her butterflies have become caffeinated bees.
And through it all, she needs to figure out why this man, nicknamed “The Fairytale” by her friends, despises weddings so much.
With her sharp eye for detail and a knack for unlocking secrets (literally—she can pick any lock), Emmy must read the room the way she always does—watching what people reach for, what they hide, and what they’re willing to lose—to uncover a culprit in a world where everything looks perfect from the driveway.
Why Readers Love
--A glamorous, high-stakes setting—where wealth hides the darkest secrets.
--Emmy’s return—witty, warm, and utterly human as she unravels another mystery.
--A detective that doesn't just give butterflies, he gives caffeinated bees.
--Perfect for lovers of Agatha Raisin, Hannah Swensen, and cozy tales with a touch of romance.
Part of a #1 Amazon Bestselling Series!
The Hartwell family has billions in the bank, a stunning New Hampshire estate, and a tragic legacy that's claimed every family member before age fifty. While Emmy is no stranger to wedding-day chaos, the Hartwell Estate is on another level, with a guest list that includes—senators, governors, and helicopter arrivals,people who offer diamonds to apologize for messing up your hair,the world’s most competitive wedding party,and a bride who’s one second away from fleeing.Her cover? Author. Her real job? Quietly using her skills as a professional bridesmaid to make sure the bride gets her happy ending. Emmy thinks she’s got things under control…until a string of alarming incidents turn the weekend upside down.
Emmy finds herself working alongside John Sutton again—now a Detective Sergeant but just as infuriating and magnetic as ever—when he reappears in the most unexpected way possible. This time, her butterflies have become caffeinated bees.
And through it all, she needs to figure out why this man, nicknamed “The Fairytale” by her friends, despises weddings so much.
With her sharp eye for detail and a knack for unlocking secrets (literally—she can pick any lock), Emmy must read the room the way she always does—watching what people reach for, what they hide, and what they’re willing to lose—to uncover a culprit in a world where everything looks perfect from the driveway.
Why Readers Love
--A glamorous, high-stakes setting—where wealth hides the darkest secrets.
--Emmy’s return—witty, warm, and utterly human as she unravels another mystery.
--A detective that doesn't just give butterflies, he gives caffeinated bees.
--Perfect for lovers of Agatha Raisin, Hannah Swensen, and cozy tales with a touch of romance.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 19, 2026
John and Emilia are the best match between slow pining and solving a murder. This was so close to home, in a way, for John since it involved extended family. It just so happened that Emilia was hired to be there for a wedding. I feel as if this had more twists and turns than book 1 because of all the major guests that were involved. There were times I got confused because of that but I didn’t let it ruin my ability to finish this. Honestly love and hate how this author manages to end a book that ropes me into wanting to read the next installment! If I didn’t have to review another book, I’d be doing that right now 😂 Definitely swinging back as soon as I can!
November 28, 2025
Love this series
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in the series. I was surprised at the “bad” person. My favorite part is the video chat which was priceless. Eagerly looking forward to book 3 which I hope will be out soon.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in the series. I was surprised at the “bad” person. My favorite part is the video chat which was priceless. Eagerly looking forward to book 3 which I hope will be out soon.
November 4, 2025
this is another thriller. i think this author does a super great job at not being super obvious at who the killer is. and lordieeeee did this one make my heart pump
January 15, 2026
I jumped into A Bridesmaid’s Guide to the Things People Hide as soon as I finished A Bridesmaid’s Guide to Murder, the first book in the series, and it picks up pretty soon after the first book ended. You by no means have to read the first book in the series as this is a perfect standalone, but I do think that when you do read it in succession, it adds to the nuances between Abigail and John.
I definitely didn’t feel as endeared to this novel as much as I did the first one. Maybe I shouldn’t have read them in succession, but the first novel had so much promise I couldn’t help myself. To be fair, I am a mood reader, and I read this novel while dealing with a very painful illness, which could’ve added to my reading experience. I will say, I did enjoy the off-color banter in this family as it eerily reminded me of my own family antics, which was oddly comforting, and the high-brow family squabbles and snark were entertaining. There was also one particularly intense moment near the end that pulled me in hard, but other than that, I never really connected with the characters or overall storyline.
Still, there is a charm to this series as a whole, and I did enjoy my reading time as this is an entertaining story. Being newer to cozy mysteries, this series is near the top of my list, and I can’t wait to read the third installment to see where this series takes us next.
I definitely didn’t feel as endeared to this novel as much as I did the first one. Maybe I shouldn’t have read them in succession, but the first novel had so much promise I couldn’t help myself. To be fair, I am a mood reader, and I read this novel while dealing with a very painful illness, which could’ve added to my reading experience. I will say, I did enjoy the off-color banter in this family as it eerily reminded me of my own family antics, which was oddly comforting, and the high-brow family squabbles and snark were entertaining. There was also one particularly intense moment near the end that pulled me in hard, but other than that, I never really connected with the characters or overall storyline.
Still, there is a charm to this series as a whole, and I did enjoy my reading time as this is an entertaining story. Being newer to cozy mysteries, this series is near the top of my list, and I can’t wait to read the third installment to see where this series takes us next.
February 3, 2026
Excellent follow up to the first book
I enjoyed reading books 1 and 2. Great characters and engaging plot lines. This series is really interesting. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
I enjoyed reading books 1 and 2. Great characters and engaging plot lines. This series is really interesting. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
February 15, 2026
E Walsh 2
Still reading but these books need help. Too many mistakes, inconsistencies and confusion. Well drawn characters that switch from reasonably intelligent to ridiculously juvenile.
Still reading but these books need help. Too many mistakes, inconsistencies and confusion. Well drawn characters that switch from reasonably intelligent to ridiculously juvenile.
February 20, 2026
An interesting, twisting mystery
I like the characters Emelia and John as they navigate through a mucky double murder investigation as well as potential relationship.
The end provided a real twister. I would not have guessed the culprit.
Well done Abigail Scott.
I like the characters Emelia and John as they navigate through a mucky double murder investigation as well as potential relationship.
The end provided a real twister. I would not have guessed the culprit.
Well done Abigail Scott.
November 10, 2025
I love the way it's written and I'm so excited for the next book!
November 16, 2025
4⭐️
I liked this one more than the first one! Another who done it mystery novel that was a fun quick read.
I liked this one more than the first one! Another who done it mystery novel that was a fun quick read.
February 6, 2026
Fun read
I really enjoyed this book. I sped through it in 2 days. I am really looking forward to the next book.
I really enjoyed this book. I sped through it in 2 days. I am really looking forward to the next book.
March 15, 2026
More murders
So much happening in this book!! The family dynamics are outrageous. Multiple deaths. And John is back, and won't leave Emmy in this house of horrors. Really good!
So much happening in this book!! The family dynamics are outrageous. Multiple deaths. And John is back, and won't leave Emmy in this house of horrors. Really good!
April 27, 2026
Great read but,
Fun read and exciting but this book should have been proof read before publication. Lots and lot of spelling errors.
Fun read and exciting but this book should have been proof read before publication. Lots and lot of spelling errors.
April 8, 2026
✨
Really enjoying this series. Plan to continue with the series
Really enjoying this series. Plan to continue with the series
October 15, 2025
4.25/5. I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and different enough from the first book in the series that I remained interested. I loved seeing our repeat characters while getting to meet so many more.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews