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She expected popcorn and cheap prizes -- not a front-row seat to crime and conspiracy...

When Brent's brother Carter, unexpectedly arrives in Phoenix bearing important intel, Brent disappears into their world of espionage and world-saving, leaving Emily feeling left out. Telling herself she doesn't really belong in their world anyway, she determines to enjoy her afternoon at the state fair with Izzy.

But as she sees more and more familiar faces in the crowds and among the vendors, and when Izzy is arrested by security on trumped-up charges, it becomes clear something more is going on. She's never been happier to accidentally run into Brent Peterson, but finding Izzy might come down to her own determination more than either of them expect.

"The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott" is a series of clean spy-comedies set in Phoenix, Arizona.

Season 1:
1. Red Rover, Red Rover
2. Plan to Fail
3. Bad Things, Small Packages
4. Tutor, Nanny, Spit-Up, Spy
5. A-Spying We Will Go
6. Once Upon a Dime

Season 2:
7. Five Star Spy
8. Fair in War

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2020

6 people are currently reading
85 people want to read

About the author

Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick

29 books199 followers
Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick lives in an undisclosed location outside of Phoenix where she and her husband chase their four little boys and an escape-artist dog. They don't chase their cats, however, because cats hate that. She is the author of "The Kitten Files" mysteries, "The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott" spy series, and multiple short stories.

In addition to her writing, Perry enjoys graphic design, playing a number of musical instruments, and watching movies that make her laugh.

Find her books, newsletter, and free stories at www.perrykirkpatrick.com.

Perry's fantastical alter-ego is Denver Evans, author of the Shallows trilogy.

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5 stars
96 (64%)
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39 (26%)
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12 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Katja Labonté.
Author 31 books342 followers
May 21, 2023
5+ stars (8/10 hearts). Okay, so did I read this in maybe 30 minutes flat? Yes. Did I freak out at the end? Yes. Am I more hooked than ever? YES!!

Oh, man, I LOVED the interaction between Brent + Carter!! It was sooo awesome. Emily & Brent were as fun as ever. Santa + Dad barely showed up but they were pretty cool. XD

BUT CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT HER REMEMBERING TO TALK TO GOD ABOUT THE ISSUE AND BEING SORRY SHE CALLED BRENT BEFORE SHE PRAYED???

*deep breath* Yeah, um, I REALLY love this. It was a very intense story with a crazy plot but so, so cool and snaps some more pieces from the past 7 books into place. And the cliffhanger is literally. the. worst. Book 9 can’t get here quick enough.

Content: This one does deal with a sensitive/triggering/intense issue, so recommended for ages 14-16+ depending on sensitivity.

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Carter glared at Brent. ‘But this  mission? Surely you can see why this is possibly the worst idea you’ve had since you decided to try making a candle out of pieces of straw tied together with baling twine.’
“Brent rubbed the back of his neck. ‘Look, she was already here at the fair…. I didn’t ask her here. And at this point, it’s safest for her to be where I can keep an eye on her—don’t you think? This is nothing like the candle incident. That was literally 20 years ago.’”


*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Profile Image for Kacie.
267 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2022
Uhm....how am I supposed to wait who knows how long for *hopefully *another book?????
Profile Image for Rebekah Morris.
Author 119 books266 followers
June 24, 2024
3.5 stars
2024 reread
Still not my favorite of the series, but I enjoyed it more since I knew what was coming. But of all the books, this one doesn't end in a way to make you very patient for the next book! I NEED to know what happens!

2021
Since I was more prepared for this book and the darker, though real aspects of this story, I enjoyed it a bit more. Another code name, more spy things, and Izzy. Now I will try to wait patiently for the next book.

2020
I was disappointed.
While the writing is still wonderful, the relationship between Emily, Izzy, and Brent is still just as good, I didn’t care for the topic of the story. The other books all seemed vague in the sense of what the bad guys did or were planning, but this one was too real for me to fully enjoy. It didn’t give me the light, enjoyable moments that I’d come to expect with this series. Perhaps it will be better the second time around when life isn’t so stressful for me. I don’t know.
I did like the parts about Emily and her dad. Finally, some answers! And I’d been suspicious of that guy in the ending since he first showed up! Glad to know my instincts were right.
Profile Image for Kaytlin Phillips.
Author 17 books249 followers
May 23, 2023
Ack! Ack! I need book 9! *sobs*

Characters:
Emily was so awesome and stubborn and I love this girl!
Brent as always amazing!
Carter was funny and cool and yes!
Izzy! It was so fun to see her again!
And wow! Some of the side characters and plot twist...ack!

Language:
N/A

Romance:
Omgoodness! Growing and acka yes!

Overall:
That ending...my heart! I can't believe what just happened and I need book 9! Now! Ack! That was just....ack! Wow! I can't...you need to read this series!
Profile Image for M.L. Milligan.
Author 12 books104 followers
November 19, 2022
Yep. They really do keep getting better and better. This one was a bit more serious and a tad more frightening due to the gravity of the situation and some of the things Emily did. But I still love it!! I love her and Brent. Perry, I hope you know how much we want book #9!!
Profile Image for Grace Elizabeth.
141 reviews20 followers
June 17, 2021
Aaahhhh! That cliffhanger is just as bad the second time through the book!!
Profile Image for R.A..
Author 32 books87 followers
October 30, 2020
First of all, I'm so glad I'm in Perry's review team to be able to read this book before it's released (by the way, it comes out on November 9th..you can preorder it now!!) Secondly, I really need this whole series in book form!! And thirdly, where's book 9? xD

This book was brilliant, about the same brilliance as the other ones have! :P I really liked the fair atmosphere of the whole story! The twist in the storyline really added to it too! ;) When you get a chance, grab up this book and give it a read (you might want to read the other ones firs though)..I guarantee you will not be disappointed!

I really can't review this properly without giving everything away! Sorry ;)
Profile Image for Ellen Senechal.
Author 1 book75 followers
November 15, 2020
I've been waiting and waiting and WAITING for this moment, when I could finally read Emily's 8th accidental adventure and watch her and Brent's relationship deepen just an eensy, weensy bit more. *happy squeals*

Fair in War deals with a slightly harder case for our spies: human trafficking. As soon as Brent acknowledged this, I could feel my skin prickle. But I think Mrs. Kirkpatrick handled the topic well, and I *cough, cough* loved seeing the returns of some very important characters from previous books who, to prevent spoilers, will remain unnamed in this review. ;) My age recommendation for reading Fair in War would probably be 13 years and older, or younger with parental guidance.

Aaaaand now . . . I would try to end with a flourish, but that'll only take up the time that could be spent READING THIS BOOK. So, c'mon already! Grab your copy (whether it be in paperback or Kindle edition), find a comfy spot to curl up in (I did this while on an eight-hour road trip w/ my family), and begin! ((oh, and be prepared for a nasty cliffhanger at the end. *wink, wink*))
Profile Image for Perry.
Author 29 books199 followers
Read
November 12, 2020
I'm so thrilled to have gotten to share this story in the midst of a crazy year. Thank you all for enjoying the story with me! <3

Small content note on this one: deals with kidnapping of teens/adults. General trafficking is mentioned (but in no detail).
Profile Image for Mikayla.
1,199 reviews
May 8, 2023
My first Emily Abbot 3 star rating. That made me sad. While I appreciate authors taking up hard subjects in books, this one I hated. The humor kept it light hearted, but the subject was still really dark and creepy (and made me want to avoid fairs forever), but it also took away the kid-friendly aspect of the series up till this time.
I loved Brent in this book, he was just fantastic. Him with the shirt. <3
Her dad on the other hand? Everyone has to have secrets in spy books I guess.
Overall, this book left me on a sour note. I will definitely be reading future books in the series, but will no longer be sharing them with more sensitive readers.
Profile Image for Amanda Tero.
Author 28 books544 followers
November 13, 2020
Did I stay up a little too late last night for this quick read?

Maybe.

But it was an Emily Abbott book. Maybe I’m getting into it, but it seemed slightly less cheesy, more in depth (new characters and realization of who old characters really are!), and a little more of a spiritual emphasis in one place.

This series is just perfect for a chill read that you don’t have to take seriously but just enjoy fully.

Human trafficking is mentioned, but in no way expounded on.
Profile Image for Jayna Baas.
Author 4 books569 followers
July 8, 2022
This one was a bit more intense and a bit less lighthearted due to the subject matter, but it still had some great Brent–Emily banter and neatly tied up some loose threads. I always like Izzy, and it was fun seeing Brent with his brother. Such a great sibling relationship! Maybe not the best installment for younger readers, but handled well overall. I also love the slow, steady progression of Brent and Emily’s relationship—just right. How long must I wait for the next one?!
Profile Image for S.G. Willoughby.
Author 11 books127 followers
November 10, 2020
Read this one sitting on a fight to Phoenix... exactly what I needed. :D
Profile Image for Angie Thompson.
Author 49 books1,112 followers
January 9, 2021
No, it did not take me this long to read this book, but since the reading slump that it originally interrupted was also a reviewing slump, it's taken me this long to review it. Going to remedy that now...

What can I say? It's an Emily Abbott book! Of course it was amazing! Time with Izzy, time with Brent, time with Brent's brother Carter--okay, the brother banter was the best, you guys! Still grinning over here... Of course I laughed out loud in several places, but the best was probably when one of Brent's quirks started to rub off on Santa! X'D

There was definitely a bit of a serious tone to the mystery, but I appreciated that the subject matter wasn't dwelt on and the atmosphere didn't get too dark even with everything that was going on. Human trafficking and slavery was mentioned in general terms, but there were literally no details or even any name put to the specific threat the girls probably faced, so I wouldn't have any qualms about letting a teen read it. It did seem like they were a little slow to put some of the pieces together at first, but I guess even a super-spy can't be 100% on the ball all the time... Also, the bit with Emily's dad--whoa, I was expecting something to happen at some point, but I did NOT see that coming!!!

And once again, the epilogue has spun everything on its head, and I don't know how I've waited this long without another installment! Things may never be the same for our accidental spy, but as long as she gets to stick with Brent somehow, I'm sure she'll be okay. <3 Another two thumbs up!

Content--mentions of kidnapping, human trafficking, and slavery (no details); threats and some violence
Profile Image for Lydia Willcock.
Author 2 books26 followers
May 20, 2023
Another amazing Emily Abbot book!
Carter was such fun, and he and Brent together were hilarious. And I ship him and another certain side character so much... ;);)
My favourite scene was probably when Brent was radioing Santa. I love Santa, and *Mild spoilers*
Those t-shirts are so clever. *End of mild spoilers* Poor Izzy! XD It seems like every time she meets Emily, things happen which make no sense... and 'Outdoorsy Brandon' always seems to be at the bottom of everything!
And the twist... actually, the TWO twists... I did NOT see coming. *Big Spoilers**End of big spoilers*
I know this isn't much of a review, as I've had to put spoiler tags on almost everything :D But I don't want to give ANYTHING away! I love this series so much, and this book was no exception!
That cliffhanger, though!! *sobs* I can't wait for Book 9!! :)
Profile Image for Olivia.
699 reviews138 followers
November 29, 2020
That ending tho 😌 but I mean it's just because I don't have the next one to read when all the others ended the same way and I could carry on with the next available story. I loved the intensity of this story and some little surprised along the way. Also, Carter needs to be in more books 😉
Profile Image for Sarah Rhomberg.
Author 1 book23 followers
Read
June 7, 2021
This was the first book that was not quite as “innocent” as all the others. I did enjoy reading it, especially from a character point-of-view, but it seemed a little out-of-place in the series. The topic mentioned is very, very important, but it did make the book seem a little dark in contrast to the fun books before it. As one of my friends said, it would have been better to have a semi-dark book before this, instead of getting one suddenly and out of nowhere. So – important topic, but a little unexpected.

There were, however, some really light and fun things in this book as well (such as those T-shirts – loved them! Quote Brent: “‘I keep trying to work out if it’s a coded message or something.’”). I also loved the new character and the character interaction . I also really appreciated what we found out about Emily’s dad. And I was also liked that Izzy found out a little about it all. I didn’t love all the hiding Emily was doing.

One of my favourite parts in “Fair in War” was that prayer was more than a I'm-stuck-so-I-pray thing! Prayer is communication with God for all circumstances, not just when we’re in trouble. (Quote: “Sorry, Lord. I just took off – went on autopilot. Tried to solve the problem on my own. Called on a human person before You.”)

I did feel like the spies were a little slow at connecting the dots – I’d partly done it before they did.

The ending of this book seemed like one of those “this is only the beginning” endings, so I hope there’s more to the story.


Favourite quotes:

“‘I’m not as tall as you think I am, Brent.’”

“‘Humans need – shouldn’t go too long without a hug,’ Emily shrugged with one shoulder. She snuck a glance up at Brent. He didn’t look embarrassed or amused or confused. He just looked sad. And sad wasn’t an expression she was sued to seeing on Brent Peterson’s face.”

“It’s hard to completely leave a war behind when it’s still being fought.”
958 reviews5 followers
December 28, 2020
Awesome

I love Emily and Brent and Izzy adventures!! This was a fun one... Though they're always too short :) I want to read more!!!
Profile Image for Erika Mathews.
Author 29 books175 followers
December 22, 2020
Excellent as always. I felt Brent was a little slow in this one... I put the pieces together long before they did. ;)
Profile Image for Elisabeth Joy.
Author 8 books27 followers
October 17, 2022
I don't often give a book five stars, much less a whole series, but The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbot earned them. The humor was laugh-out-loud, the plots twisting and never boring, and the characters great--execpt for the bad guys, of course.
Fair in War went a deeper than the previous seven books, which was a bit unexpected. It answered a few questions, but ended up raising more (including the wherabouts of book #9).
Profile Image for Abigail Hawthorne.
193 reviews38 followers
April 26, 2021
Just realized I never marked this on Goodreads! :0
But - this one was amazing. Maybe the very best yet. *star eyes* A little more content, since this one has some very well-handled . It's not detailed at allll though, and I didn't have any qualms about handing it to my little sister.

And the good parts? Just everything about this story. *star eyes* Brent's brother, the mystery, Emily's father, the suspense (wow, some danger and high stakes!!), and the hints that there will be something more between Brent and Emily . . . (Horray for Bremily!!!!!). It's just awesome.

Yes, this is a somewhat vague review because, when I wait to review a book for more than a few days, I forget a lot. XD

In short? If you like this series, keep reading, for sure!!!! This is an amazing start to Season 2 (which is shaping up to be even better than Season 1).
Profile Image for Kay.
38 reviews7 followers
November 9, 2020
Yes! This was so good! I love these guys! :) It was really fun to see the interaction between Brent and his brother and also to find out more about Emily's Dad! And the ending!!! I so need a book #9 now!!! :)
Profile Image for Anna |This Curly Girl Reads|.
406 reviews67 followers
April 23, 2023
5 ⭐️ first… I love these characters! Emily is so realistic—and I can relate to her cautious side warring with her curiosity! Izzy. She is so fun and reminds me of my childhood best friend 😊 Quirky Brent, “Santa”, Mr. Abbott, Carter, and Rash—so many fantastic people who I would love to know.

Second, (TRIGGER WARNING) this story does deal with human trafficking and subtly points to sex trafficking though she never actually says that. But can I just say how IMPRESSED I was with how the author handled the tough topic? 👏 👏👏 She wrote realistically without going into great (or unnecessary) detail. I really appreciated that. There is definitely more suspense and sit on the edge of your seats/border line scary moments, but there are also a lot of really sweet and funny/ happy moments as well!

The food truck was a nice twist, those “Nothing Makes Sense When We are Apart” tshirts? So fun 😊 I love how Emily reminds us how the Lord is ready to help us even before we ask❤️

Each story leads into the next…and this one really left me ready for book 9! The suspense is killing me!

Funny quote/teaser for your enjoyment 😉:

“What about her friend, though? The one … wouldn’t look me in the face? I was just trying to be nice, … but she thought it was weird, I think. Or maybe I laid on the Russian accent too thick?” He frowned.

“Ohhh…” Emily exclaimed. “That makes perfect sense—it was you I felt watching me! Yeah, you definitely gave her weird vibes.”

“Sounds like you’ve had a long, productive day of creeping out women, broski!” Brent quipped.
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
November 11, 2020
How does Emily manage to take an innocent thing and end up in a case? What can happen at the fair that Izzy takes her to for some fun?

Hard to believe this is book 8 in the series. Same people from the previous books and a new one. Brent has a brother?

If you are starting here, then go ahead and start. You will want to catch up by reading previous books. Reason why is because each book starts where last one left off. Enjoy, they are just as fun as this one.

Fast, fun, and easy to read cozy book for everyone.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
Profile Image for Mikaylah.
23 reviews3 followers
November 9, 2020
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!

I loved this series already... But OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I was pretty much having a heart attack at the end! (In a good way) I’ve got 2 friends hooked on the series as well, and can’t wait to lend this book to them. Thank you Ms. Kirkpatrick for writing amazing books like this! 📚❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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