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Emerald City #3
The Summer Nanny
It was the perfect summer job—until it turned into her worst nightmare.
Bridgett is enjoying an idyllic summer as the nanny for Leo, the son of Paul and Emily Cooper—a famous actor and renowned charity founder. Not only is she generously compensated to care for Leo at the couple’s Seattle waterfront estate, she develops a special bond with the little boy. In addition to the financial perks of the job, Bridgett has fallen into a summer love affair with Chris, a landscaper who works at the property.
It’s the Fourth of July. Leo’s parents are holding a major event for their charity at the top of the Space Needle. When a masked intruder breaks into the home and takes Leo hostage, Bridgett will do anything to save the boy’s life. She complies with the burglar’s demands to retrieve a multi-million-dollar heirloom necklace from the home, yet she quickly discovers that he hasn’t come for the necklace at all…
Detectives Blake Stephenson and Tess Richards are celebrating the Fourth at the Cooper’s charity gala where Tess is being honored for her volunteer work. However, their evening is dampened when Tess’s younger brother, Chris, fails to show up for the event. As they leave the event early, hoping to find answers, they learn the security system is down at the Cooper’s mansion…and that Chris isn’t the only one missing from the party.
Get ready for chills and thrills in this Emerald City Thriller Novella!
Bridgett is enjoying an idyllic summer as the nanny for Leo, the son of Paul and Emily Cooper—a famous actor and renowned charity founder. Not only is she generously compensated to care for Leo at the couple’s Seattle waterfront estate, she develops a special bond with the little boy. In addition to the financial perks of the job, Bridgett has fallen into a summer love affair with Chris, a landscaper who works at the property.
It’s the Fourth of July. Leo’s parents are holding a major event for their charity at the top of the Space Needle. When a masked intruder breaks into the home and takes Leo hostage, Bridgett will do anything to save the boy’s life. She complies with the burglar’s demands to retrieve a multi-million-dollar heirloom necklace from the home, yet she quickly discovers that he hasn’t come for the necklace at all…
Detectives Blake Stephenson and Tess Richards are celebrating the Fourth at the Cooper’s charity gala where Tess is being honored for her volunteer work. However, their evening is dampened when Tess’s younger brother, Chris, fails to show up for the event. As they leave the event early, hoping to find answers, they learn the security system is down at the Cooper’s mansion…and that Chris isn’t the only one missing from the party.
Get ready for chills and thrills in this Emerald City Thriller Novella!
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2019
885 people are currently reading
791 people want to read
About the author
Audrey J. Cole
23 books1,268 followersAudrey J. Cole is a USA TODAY bestselling thriller author. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. Before writing full time, she worked as a neonatal intensive care nurse for eleven years. She’s also a pilot's daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
May 10, 2022
A nanny’s nightmare for sure - a suspenseful quick paced novella. This nanny puts her life on the line to save Leo (the little boy in her charge). The perpetrator of the break-in, reveals a surprise, and in fact, a set-up to frame the nanny.
The audiobook narrator is not adept at different character voices, but does a good job of proper emotion and modulation.
Audrey J. Cole is quickly becoming one of my fav authors. This is my 3rd book in the series and I’m enjoying it very much. Suitable to read as stand alone.
The audiobook narrator is not adept at different character voices, but does a good job of proper emotion and modulation.
Audrey J. Cole is quickly becoming one of my fav authors. This is my 3rd book in the series and I’m enjoying it very much. Suitable to read as stand alone.
May 28, 2019
Absolutely brilliant read! This is a thriller you won’t want to put down.
I seriously loved this book. From the start, you are pulled right into the story. You get to know the main characters, including the parents and Leo, and you fall for them, even if there are faults. As we get to know them and really see how much our nanny wants the best for Leo. Then as things start to go pear-shaped her care for Leo intensifies, including going as far as to appease the demands, to try and save the boy. I couldn’t help but read right to the end.
The storyline and character development are excellent. The author really created a story that you could feel a part of, as it was so realistic and detailed. It is so important to have a story they is real and believable and this is just that.
I completely recommend this book and I cannot wait to read more!!
I seriously loved this book. From the start, you are pulled right into the story. You get to know the main characters, including the parents and Leo, and you fall for them, even if there are faults. As we get to know them and really see how much our nanny wants the best for Leo. Then as things start to go pear-shaped her care for Leo intensifies, including going as far as to appease the demands, to try and save the boy. I couldn’t help but read right to the end.
The storyline and character development are excellent. The author really created a story that you could feel a part of, as it was so realistic and detailed. It is so important to have a story they is real and believable and this is just that.
I completely recommend this book and I cannot wait to read more!!
April 6, 2023
This is the 3rd in the Emerald City series that feature homicide detectives. A young woman is babysitting at an actor’s home when a masked intruder threatens her and the little boy’s lives. This horror is further complicated when she notices that her boyfriend’s truck is still on the premises. When the antagonist is revealed, we have a shocking tale! There is a dead body that makes this story especially tragic. This is a short story but it still packs a punch!
April 20, 2023
3.5 stars. The events happen in one evening, including murder and fast paced action. Nicely written crime thriller novella with characters from the previous books involved. Can be read as a stand alone.
November 16, 2021
Wow! This is everything a murder mystery should be. It’s terrifying and horrifying. It’s a psychological story as well. What’s next?
June 20, 2025
A quick thriller read but quite worth it.
She's the summer nanny/babysitter to a family she hardly knows.
After kissing her boyfriend and kicking him out the night quickly turns horribly wrong.
She hears something and thinks that someone's in the house.
For a novella it was pretty good and worth a read.
She's the summer nanny/babysitter to a family she hardly knows.
After kissing her boyfriend and kicking him out the night quickly turns horribly wrong.
She hears something and thinks that someone's in the house.
For a novella it was pretty good and worth a read.
June 1, 2021
This is a suspense filled novella and every babysitter's nightmare. A masked intruder after the child, the son of a wealthy Seattle couple. Or is it something else? The theft of the multi-million dollar necklace? But when the knife wielding intruder comes after her, Bridgett fears for her own life.
This novella takes place in a single evening. It is full of action and suspense. Bridgett is happy to have the summer nanny job as it will help fund her graduate work at the University of Washington. But secrets from the past intrude and she must fight for her life.
This is a quick read and a good interlude in the Emerald City Thriller series.
This novella takes place in a single evening. It is full of action and suspense. Bridgett is happy to have the summer nanny job as it will help fund her graduate work at the University of Washington. But secrets from the past intrude and she must fight for her life.
This is a quick read and a good interlude in the Emerald City Thriller series.
June 10, 2024
2.5. The plot of this one was interesting, but it was not well-written.
I said I was going to be done with this series, but the coworker who recommended them to me keeps asking if I’ve read the rest of them. When I told him I had just finished the second one, he said “is that the one with ___________?” Turns out the second book was NOT the one he was thinking of and what he said was such a wild plot that I had to keep reading just to see what he was talking about. Guess I’m locked in now.
I said I was going to be done with this series, but the coworker who recommended them to me keeps asking if I’ve read the rest of them. When I told him I had just finished the second one, he said “is that the one with ___________?” Turns out the second book was NOT the one he was thinking of and what he said was such a wild plot that I had to keep reading just to see what he was talking about. Guess I’m locked in now.
March 20, 2019
Bridgett has the perfect summer job, looking after a young child for a delightful couple. But for Bridgett what starts as a normal evening babysitting 18 month old Leo for Emily and Paul Cooper quickly turns into a nightmare, just after boyfriend Chris leaves.
This novella is a fast paced, well-written thriller.
Received an ARC from the author
This novella is a fast paced, well-written thriller.
Received an ARC from the author
August 24, 2021
Intense
This story gets going from page one. Horrifying and brutal, but you can't stop reading. I had a pit in my stomach the entire time. Open ended finish, hoping for a follow up.....
This story gets going from page one. Horrifying and brutal, but you can't stop reading. I had a pit in my stomach the entire time. Open ended finish, hoping for a follow up.....
November 24, 2022
Another good one. Too bad it was only a short novella. I could have kept reading that story.
January 13, 2026
Good, short book. Finished it in one sitting. Somewhat predictable. Might be a good intro for those looking into murder books
February 1, 2026
eh.
when I babysat the neighborhood kids in middle school and high school, I won't lie and say that this situation did not cross my mind once they went to sleep.
when I babysat the neighborhood kids in middle school and high school, I won't lie and say that this situation did not cross my mind once they went to sleep.
April 9, 2025
About as packed as they come with a novella.
June 4, 2019
What an explosive and exciting read!
I’m not actually a huge fan of novellas as I generally find them a little too short for my taste but The Summer Nanny was definitely worth making an exception for. After a good solid opening chapter, the tension built and the action really started to happen.
The characters created by the author, Audrey J Cole, were fascinating in themselves and the pacing was perfect for the story. With an effortlessly transitioning plot-line, the suspense just built and built as the story progressed, right up until the exciting and nail-biting conclusion. I just had to keep turning those pages and I didn’t guess the identity of the perpetrator in this fantastic thriller.
If you’re looking for a quick read in between your full-length novels, then I heartily recommend The Summer Nanny. I will be looking out for more by this fabulous author, Audrey J Cole.
I’m not actually a huge fan of novellas as I generally find them a little too short for my taste but The Summer Nanny was definitely worth making an exception for. After a good solid opening chapter, the tension built and the action really started to happen.
The characters created by the author, Audrey J Cole, were fascinating in themselves and the pacing was perfect for the story. With an effortlessly transitioning plot-line, the suspense just built and built as the story progressed, right up until the exciting and nail-biting conclusion. I just had to keep turning those pages and I didn’t guess the identity of the perpetrator in this fantastic thriller.
If you’re looking for a quick read in between your full-length novels, then I heartily recommend The Summer Nanny. I will be looking out for more by this fabulous author, Audrey J Cole.
December 8, 2020
Even though this is a short story. It has great characters in books. You learn their faults. It has a fast pace plot that is well developed. Bridgett is like super nanny who outsmart the intruder while still protecting Leo. It is a great book. Well written by Audrey Cole. I would definitely read another book by her.
December 22, 2020
Short and thrilling
A short thriller but worth the read. Edgy and thrilling ride of mystery. Murder and siblings unknown of the other will keep you on the edge.
A short thriller but worth the read. Edgy and thrilling ride of mystery. Murder and siblings unknown of the other will keep you on the edge.
July 27, 2023
Title: The Summer Nanny
Author: Audrey J. Cole
Series: Emerald City #3
Narrator: Veronica Pace
Publisher: Findaway Voices
Genre: Thriller
Pub Date was: June 1, 2019
My Rating: 4 Stars
Bridgett is enjoying the summer and was lucky enough to get a job as a nanny for little Leo who is the son of Paul and Emily Cooper—a famous actor and renowned charity founder.
The job pays well additionally the home is located on the Seattle waterfront estate,
And added perp is that Bridgett has fallen in love affair with Chris, a landscaper who works at the property.
Bridget is alone with little Leo as his parents are holding a major charity event at the top of the Space Needle.
A masked intruder breaks into the home and takes Leo. Bridgett sees the whole thing on the nanny cam. The intruded speaks to her via the camera with demands that Bridget turns over the multi-million-dollar heirloom necklace from the home and Leo will be returned safely.
I was totally clueless as to who intruder could be ~I am a big fan of thrillers and just love when the twists have me fooled.
I love this author! This is my eighth Audrey J. Cole I loved Only One Lie which earned 5 stars from stingy star me!
Author: Audrey J. Cole
Series: Emerald City #3
Narrator: Veronica Pace
Publisher: Findaway Voices
Genre: Thriller
Pub Date was: June 1, 2019
My Rating: 4 Stars
Bridgett is enjoying the summer and was lucky enough to get a job as a nanny for little Leo who is the son of Paul and Emily Cooper—a famous actor and renowned charity founder.
The job pays well additionally the home is located on the Seattle waterfront estate,
And added perp is that Bridgett has fallen in love affair with Chris, a landscaper who works at the property.
Bridget is alone with little Leo as his parents are holding a major charity event at the top of the Space Needle.
A masked intruder breaks into the home and takes Leo. Bridgett sees the whole thing on the nanny cam. The intruded speaks to her via the camera with demands that Bridget turns over the multi-million-dollar heirloom necklace from the home and Leo will be returned safely.
I was totally clueless as to who intruder could be ~I am a big fan of thrillers and just love when the twists have me fooled.
I love this author! This is my eighth Audrey J. Cole I loved Only One Lie which earned 5 stars from stingy star me!
November 24, 2019
Wow, I just loved this book. It was full of suspense and really kept me hooked until the end. I just wish it could have been longer. I have listened to the other stories in this series and they weren't in order so it was nice to find out what happened to Tess's brother. It didn't effect the story not being in the right order and won't make any difference if you haven't heard the rest but I ask you why wouldn't you? All the book are excellent and it is definitely a must listen to series. The characters are like able but it is the plot and suspense that make it so enjoyable as you never know what is going to happen next. It also has plenty of mystery and action.
Bridgette has the ideal summer job working for the perfect couple and there adorable son. That is until the baby monitor clicks on revieling someone in a mask standing over the cot with a knife. Not complying could cost the baby his life but complying could cost Bridgette hers. It is a race to out think a dangerous foe all by herself but is burglary the only thing on the intruders mind?
I really like the narrator she does a good job with the voices, even the little boy and the added effects adds to the tension building up. All in all a great book and an excellent series. I hope there is more to come.
Bridgette has the ideal summer job working for the perfect couple and there adorable son. That is until the baby monitor clicks on revieling someone in a mask standing over the cot with a knife. Not complying could cost the baby his life but complying could cost Bridgette hers. It is a race to out think a dangerous foe all by herself but is burglary the only thing on the intruders mind?
I really like the narrator she does a good job with the voices, even the little boy and the added effects adds to the tension building up. All in all a great book and an excellent series. I hope there is more to come.
March 21, 2019
No mere enthralling page turner, but rather an obsessive one night stand of a fixated read. I could not apply due diligence to focus on sleep till I finished the novella. Once again Cole delivers a smoothly transitioning plotline - an excellently addictive author! My only slight quibble would be the regenerative survival of the unfittest…the demented persistence of the killer left me wanting to step into the last chapter and take a walk on the morally bankrupt side myself. But perhaps that is Cole’s gift…bringing out the inner twist in our own natures…there is more to be unexpected here than what is put to page. And for those readers fond of cinematic snapshots running through the imaginary, this novella has the makings of a Friday the 13th serial…killer read! Pull up a bed and plump the pillows, turn down the lights and crack open the Kindle…a deadly fun evening awaits in the shadows.
May 24, 2019
Sometimes something happens that just seems too good to be true. Even Bridgett the new nanny thought that about her job. This very short page turner tells the story all about her “perfect job”. I would not call this a short story. It isn’t a 300-page book but to me it had all the meat a good story should have. However, I was surprised how such a short book could have as much action in it as this one did.
It was easy to read, had very clearly defined characters and well-described scenes. Almost like a short motion picture. There were so many twists and turns in this book; so much action and lots of surprises. You see what I mean by a lot of storyline in a short novel.
I must admit, this book was like the kind of classical concert I enjoy. Fascinating and over before you know it. Almost a whirlwind of great reading.
Audrey J. Cole has other books published, all with good ratings. Hope we see more.
It was easy to read, had very clearly defined characters and well-described scenes. Almost like a short motion picture. There were so many twists and turns in this book; so much action and lots of surprises. You see what I mean by a lot of storyline in a short novel.
I must admit, this book was like the kind of classical concert I enjoy. Fascinating and over before you know it. Almost a whirlwind of great reading.
Audrey J. Cole has other books published, all with good ratings. Hope we see more.
June 4, 2019
In this short Emerald City Thriller, Audrey Cole has woven a fascinating and suspense filled story that has a surprising twist. Novellas can be challenging, especially one that is only 65 pages long. Cole does a great job in creating a main character that you care about and want to see come through this harrowing experience alive.
If blood and violence isn't your thing, The Summer Nanny might not be your type of story, but it definitely gets the heart pumping as Bridgett works to outwit the intruder.
One aspect that didn't make sense in this story is the introduction of detectives Blake Stephenson and Tess Richards. Other than the fact that Bridgett's boyfriend Chris is Tess' brother, and the detectives attend the gala because they are friends with Leo's parents, they serve little purpose. Maybe we will see them in other books.
Easily read in one sitting, The Summer Nanny is fast paced and exciting from beginning to end.
If blood and violence isn't your thing, The Summer Nanny might not be your type of story, but it definitely gets the heart pumping as Bridgett works to outwit the intruder.
One aspect that didn't make sense in this story is the introduction of detectives Blake Stephenson and Tess Richards. Other than the fact that Bridgett's boyfriend Chris is Tess' brother, and the detectives attend the gala because they are friends with Leo's parents, they serve little purpose. Maybe we will see them in other books.
Easily read in one sitting, The Summer Nanny is fast paced and exciting from beginning to end.
December 15, 2020
This short story in the Emerald City series was just ok. I don't typically care for these stories since I find them way too short to create a compelling tale, unless its a prequel, which this one gives no indication that it is. The characters are thinly drawn, and the premise was a common one, with limited backstory to understand motives. It was pretty obvious who the villian was from almost the beginning. What saves the story is Author Cole's relentless pacing and action packed scenes that made you turn the pages fast. While it was an ok story, Cole keeps it grounded with her long time characters Blake and Tests being involved. I just wish there was more. I don't understand why this was so short and predictable when Cole normally has such a creative way of crafting scenes that leave you breathless. Don't let this one stop you from reading her other novels.
July 31, 2021
A short but not so sweet thriller that kept me hooked until the end. A nanny thought she was just going to babysit a 18-month-old son of a rich family realizes that her night was about to turn into a nightmare when she heard a door close upstairs. But she was alone. This plot line fits perfectly for a short story. I also love the writing and I would definitely check out the author's novels after this.
My only problem is that the motive feels unrealistic to me. I just don't think someone would go this much length to kill someone because of that. I get it if they want that person dead, but the way they want to kill them just seemed over the top to me. But on the other hand, from true crimes I've watched, some people would go in great length to do terrible things to someone they don't even know so 💀I also kinda saw the twist coming but other than that I really liked it!
My only problem is that the motive feels unrealistic to me. I just don't think someone would go this much length to kill someone because of that. I get it if they want that person dead, but the way they want to kill them just seemed over the top to me. But on the other hand, from true crimes I've watched, some people would go in great length to do terrible things to someone they don't even know so 💀I also kinda saw the twist coming but other than that I really liked it!
June 6, 2025
Bridgett has found the perfect summer job being a nanny to a wealthy couple’s young son. One night while they are at a party, she sees a masked figure on the baby monitor, and what follows turns into her worse nightmare…
So this is a novella. I generally don’t like novellas as much as regular length novels because usually novellas feel very thin to me, plot wise and character development wise. And I would say that’s true of this short story. While it is action filled, there wasn’t enough backstory to understand the motivation of the characters, and that left me wanting more. I did enjoy it, I just felt like we needed more to make me care more about what happens to all of the characters. But it was a very quick read (the paperback version is 101 pages, my version with *super* tiny font was less than that). And I’m sure the plot involving the cops is important to the next book. As a bridge book, this worked fine but if you want to try this author, I’d start with a full length novel.
3.5⭐️
So this is a novella. I generally don’t like novellas as much as regular length novels because usually novellas feel very thin to me, plot wise and character development wise. And I would say that’s true of this short story. While it is action filled, there wasn’t enough backstory to understand the motivation of the characters, and that left me wanting more. I did enjoy it, I just felt like we needed more to make me care more about what happens to all of the characters. But it was a very quick read (the paperback version is 101 pages, my version with *super* tiny font was less than that). And I’m sure the plot involving the cops is important to the next book. As a bridge book, this worked fine but if you want to try this author, I’d start with a full length novel.
3.5⭐️
September 15, 2023
A must read
I Emerald City thriller is by far my favorite series I've read in a while. I can't believe how fast I read this book. I didn't even realize that I was almost finished reading the entire series because I was into the characters and finding out how each character ties together.
I enjoy MS. Cole's writing style, it is easy to follow. Also there aren't so many details that they take away from the book. In my opinion, you could read the books out if order and not be lost with the characters and what is going on in thebook.There is a seamless flow from book one until the last book in the series. I only have one more book in the series, I'm not ready to be finished with this series.
I Emerald City thriller is by far my favorite series I've read in a while. I can't believe how fast I read this book. I didn't even realize that I was almost finished reading the entire series because I was into the characters and finding out how each character ties together.
I enjoy MS. Cole's writing style, it is easy to follow. Also there aren't so many details that they take away from the book. In my opinion, you could read the books out if order and not be lost with the characters and what is going on in thebook.There is a seamless flow from book one until the last book in the series. I only have one more book in the series, I'm not ready to be finished with this series.
May 20, 2019
The Summer Nanny is a fabulous read by Audrey J Cole. This quick read is full of thrilling suspense and mystery that kept me wondering what would happen on the following page. There were twists and turns I did not expect.
The Summer Nanny is getting four and a half stars from me. It is most definitely worth a read and recommend it for readers who love to read suspense filled books. I am looking forward to more by this author in the future.
I received this book from publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
The Summer Nanny is getting four and a half stars from me. It is most definitely worth a read and recommend it for readers who love to read suspense filled books. I am looking forward to more by this author in the future.
I received this book from publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
May 31, 2019
This was far too short to leave me this breathless!
Wow! What a terrific beginning to The Emerald City series! This was a fast ride from the first page and you don't want to put it down for fear you'll miss something! I loved it and the characters Ms. Cole created will hopefully be recurring in the other books in the series. I've already purchased the first one; The Recipient, and I'm dying to dig in and visit them again! This is a winner, especially if you like fast paced thrillers!
Wow! What a terrific beginning to The Emerald City series! This was a fast ride from the first page and you don't want to put it down for fear you'll miss something! I loved it and the characters Ms. Cole created will hopefully be recurring in the other books in the series. I've already purchased the first one; The Recipient, and I'm dying to dig in and visit them again! This is a winner, especially if you like fast paced thrillers!
February 2, 2020
The Summer Nanny: An Emerald City Thriller Novella was a great read by Audrey J. Cole. Bridgett has been enjoying her summer job as a nanny for a famous actor. She is very generously compensated but also has a strong bond with the little boy. She has also fallen for Chris, a landscaper on the property. On the Fourth of July, her boss’ hold a major charity event. While Bridgett is working that night, a masked intruder breaks into the home. She will do anything that she can to save the baby. I enjoyed reading this and can’t wait to read more by Audrey J. Cole.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews