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Abernathy & Crane #2
Devoted Friends
Grouchy former librarian Irwin Abernathy, presently the co-owner of Abernathy & Crane, is busy preparing the bookshop for the holidays. Meanwhile, his neighbor and nemesis, Alastair Brooke, lays dying next door. It’s no secret that Irwin and most of the town dislike the irritating antique dealer, but Irwin can’t imagine what nasty deed the vile little man did to deserve being murdered!
Then again...
Within moments of their arrival, the police suspect Irwin’s friend, ex-convict Darren Crane. His arrest launches everyone and everything at Abernathy & Crane into utter chaos. While poor, innocent Darren wallows away inside a jail cell, Irwin and his incorrigible friends are busy doing whatever it takes to prove his innocence––which frankly terrifies Darren almost as much as being hauled back to prison!
Devoted Friends is a heartwarming story about the compassion and humor required when one is confronted by life’s many unpredictable obstacles. It is also about friendships driven by courage, dignity, and the unrelenting fortitude necessary when facing grief and heartbreak in a sometimes unfair, perfectly, imperfect world.
Then again...
Within moments of their arrival, the police suspect Irwin’s friend, ex-convict Darren Crane. His arrest launches everyone and everything at Abernathy & Crane into utter chaos. While poor, innocent Darren wallows away inside a jail cell, Irwin and his incorrigible friends are busy doing whatever it takes to prove his innocence––which frankly terrifies Darren almost as much as being hauled back to prison!
Devoted Friends is a heartwarming story about the compassion and humor required when one is confronted by life’s many unpredictable obstacles. It is also about friendships driven by courage, dignity, and the unrelenting fortitude necessary when facing grief and heartbreak in a sometimes unfair, perfectly, imperfect world.
338 pages, Paperback
Published August 9, 2020
7 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Sahar Abdulaziz
21 books90 followers2025 Winner: Fofky’s Reader’s Choice Award, Thriller category
2025 The Bookfest Awards Fall 2025 Second Place Fiction-Humor-Relationships
2025 The Bookfest Awards Fall 2025 Second Place, Fiction-Detective-Amateur Sleuths
2025 Finalist: The Book Excellence Award
2023 Finalist: Best Thriller Book Awards
2023 Semifinalist: Mystery, The Best of Indie 12th Annual Kindle Book Awards
2022 Winner, Firebird Book Award
2020 Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Award
2019 Winner of the Daybreak Press Book Award for Muslim Fiction
2019: Essay Winner, Women in Scrutiny Anthology; Brooklyn Girls Books
2019 Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Award
2019: Winner, Fofky’s Reader’s Choice Award
2016 Winner of the Community Written Expression Award
2016 Winner, AAN Sistah Chat Radio Women of Distinction Award
2016 Winner, Monroe County Image Awards Sistah Chat Radio Media Communication
“Abdulaziz is a master at crafting a thriller paced by truth.”
Suspense writer Sahar Abdulaziz is the author of seventeen books—including, But You LOOK Just Fine, The Broken Half, Tight Rope, Secrets That Find Us, The Gatekeeper’s Notebook, Unlikely Friends, Devoted Friends, Unexpected Friends, Forever Friends, Who Killed Gary?, Ashes, Dust, Who Killed Gary?; and her most recent, 2025 release: Who Killed Karen? Most of her work is in realistic fiction: psychological thrillers, suspense, and satire. She writes about characters facing complicated life challenges and is determined to tell their stories, eager to put pen to paper to share their compelling accounts.
Rep’d by Shaggy Dog Publications
2025 The Bookfest Awards Fall 2025 Second Place Fiction-Humor-Relationships
2025 The Bookfest Awards Fall 2025 Second Place, Fiction-Detective-Amateur Sleuths
2025 Finalist: The Book Excellence Award
2023 Finalist: Best Thriller Book Awards
2023 Semifinalist: Mystery, The Best of Indie 12th Annual Kindle Book Awards
2022 Winner, Firebird Book Award
2020 Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Award
2019 Winner of the Daybreak Press Book Award for Muslim Fiction
2019: Essay Winner, Women in Scrutiny Anthology; Brooklyn Girls Books
2019 Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Award
2019: Winner, Fofky’s Reader’s Choice Award
2016 Winner of the Community Written Expression Award
2016 Winner, AAN Sistah Chat Radio Women of Distinction Award
2016 Winner, Monroe County Image Awards Sistah Chat Radio Media Communication
“Abdulaziz is a master at crafting a thriller paced by truth.”
Suspense writer Sahar Abdulaziz is the author of seventeen books—including, But You LOOK Just Fine, The Broken Half, Tight Rope, Secrets That Find Us, The Gatekeeper’s Notebook, Unlikely Friends, Devoted Friends, Unexpected Friends, Forever Friends, Who Killed Gary?, Ashes, Dust, Who Killed Gary?; and her most recent, 2025 release: Who Killed Karen? Most of her work is in realistic fiction: psychological thrillers, suspense, and satire. She writes about characters facing complicated life challenges and is determined to tell their stories, eager to put pen to paper to share their compelling accounts.
Rep’d by Shaggy Dog Publications
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 12, 2021
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Devoted Friends
Author: Sahar Abdulaziz
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 19 readers:
19 would read another book by this author.
17 thought the cover was good or excellent.
19 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
18 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
19 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This is such a wonderful novel. I liked the how the author filled the book with so many comic moments, and I thought the characters were wonderfully charismatic.” Male reader, aged 42
“I understand this is the second book of the set. I enjoyed this so much, I’m going to hunt out the other one now. Anybody looking for a well-crafted murder/mystery with lots of laugh-out-loud moments, will be gripped by this.” Female reader, aged 66
“This is a character-led story. Yes, there’s an exciting plot, but it's how the characters face and overcome the problems which is most entertaining. The writing style is perfect for this genre with plenty of pace and excellent comic timing.” Female reader, aged 52
To Sum It Up:
‘A superbly crafted murder/mystery with a strong cast of characters and a ton of humor. A finalist and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Devoted Friends
Author: Sahar Abdulaziz
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 19 readers:
19 would read another book by this author.
17 thought the cover was good or excellent.
19 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
18 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
19 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This is such a wonderful novel. I liked the how the author filled the book with so many comic moments, and I thought the characters were wonderfully charismatic.” Male reader, aged 42
“I understand this is the second book of the set. I enjoyed this so much, I’m going to hunt out the other one now. Anybody looking for a well-crafted murder/mystery with lots of laugh-out-loud moments, will be gripped by this.” Female reader, aged 66
“This is a character-led story. Yes, there’s an exciting plot, but it's how the characters face and overcome the problems which is most entertaining. The writing style is perfect for this genre with plenty of pace and excellent comic timing.” Female reader, aged 52
To Sum It Up:
‘A superbly crafted murder/mystery with a strong cast of characters and a ton of humor. A finalist and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
August 21, 2020
Irwin and his unlikely but devoted friends return in this delicious, humorous and moving sequel to " Unlikely Friends ". A completely diverse cast of characters make up this "family" who prove that blood does not equate to actually being a family. It is love, tolerance, understanding and acceptance that create that bond.
The characters honestly and unashamedly show their affection for one another, even if that affection is sometimes wrapped in sarcasm or accompanied with numerous eye rolls.
If you read " Unlikely Friends" and were entertained you will be even more so with "Devoted Friends" though I must warn you you just might get misty as these characters face their greatest challenge yet, losing a devoted friend.
The characters honestly and unashamedly show their affection for one another, even if that affection is sometimes wrapped in sarcasm or accompanied with numerous eye rolls.
If you read " Unlikely Friends" and were entertained you will be even more so with "Devoted Friends" though I must warn you you just might get misty as these characters face their greatest challenge yet, losing a devoted friend.
August 21, 2020
In the first novel in this series, we met cantankerous, gloomy, reclusive librarian, Irwin Abernathy, and his group of “Unlikely Friends”—and grew to love all of them. At the end of that book, Irwin had bought a building in his home town and the plan was to open a bookstore.
In the second installment, “Devoted Friends,” members of the gang are living in and running Irwin’s bookstore, named Abernathy and Crane—the Crane being Harper, the young girl who brought this wonderful group together and is now helping to run the shop, along with her parents, Darren and Olivia. Irwin’s dear friend Cornelia isn’t living at the bookstore but spends most of her time there where her “family” can keep an eye on her as her dementia worsens. And one of my favorite characters in this series, a cat named Bones, is in the thick of things.
Right at the beginning of the book, a neighboring shopkeeper is found dead in his antique store, and Darren is arrested under suspicion of committing the deed. The friends bend all their energy to proving Darren’s innocence and freeing him from jail, with the help of the final member of the group, Christopher, a law student.
With dementia and a possible murder, it’s hard to believe this book is filled with humor, but it definitely is. Cornelia herself makes light of her growing disability, and Abdulaziz handles a difficult subject with sensitivity and compassion. As for the murder, there are a number of laugh-out-loud sections as the friends’ attempts at sleuthing provide a good deal of levity. A blossoming romance between Christopher and Harper is icing on the cake. The plot is so much fun I don’t want to say too much and give it away.
Abdulaziz is a skillful writer and her characters spring to life as you are drawn into their shenanigans. There is poignancy as well, especially as the book draws to a close. A highly recommended, engrossing and entertaining read.
In the second installment, “Devoted Friends,” members of the gang are living in and running Irwin’s bookstore, named Abernathy and Crane—the Crane being Harper, the young girl who brought this wonderful group together and is now helping to run the shop, along with her parents, Darren and Olivia. Irwin’s dear friend Cornelia isn’t living at the bookstore but spends most of her time there where her “family” can keep an eye on her as her dementia worsens. And one of my favorite characters in this series, a cat named Bones, is in the thick of things.
Right at the beginning of the book, a neighboring shopkeeper is found dead in his antique store, and Darren is arrested under suspicion of committing the deed. The friends bend all their energy to proving Darren’s innocence and freeing him from jail, with the help of the final member of the group, Christopher, a law student.
With dementia and a possible murder, it’s hard to believe this book is filled with humor, but it definitely is. Cornelia herself makes light of her growing disability, and Abdulaziz handles a difficult subject with sensitivity and compassion. As for the murder, there are a number of laugh-out-loud sections as the friends’ attempts at sleuthing provide a good deal of levity. A blossoming romance between Christopher and Harper is icing on the cake. The plot is so much fun I don’t want to say too much and give it away.
Abdulaziz is a skillful writer and her characters spring to life as you are drawn into their shenanigans. There is poignancy as well, especially as the book draws to a close. A highly recommended, engrossing and entertaining read.
February 4, 2021
I'm a sucker for small-town heartwarmers, so I was delighted to learn that grumpy Irwin Abernathy and his group of 'unlikely friends' were back to entertain us in the next instalment of this entertaining series. The drama begins when the snooty neighbour to Irwin and gang's bookstore winds up dead in suspicious circumstances. The wretched man was generally disliked by everyone in town, but who would've gone to the extent of murder? When law enforcement points the finger at ex-con Darren, who's trying his best to turn his life around, the group of friends, including Irwin, Harper, Olivia and Cornelia, stop at nothing to find the culprit.
Aziz has once again written a charming story about how different people deal with life's challenges and how friendship can be found in the most unlikely of conditions. Devoted Friends is a story about second chances, friendship, hope, and even the art of saying goodbye. I thoroughly enjoyed this touching and uplifting story, and highly recommend it to those who love a feel-good, cozy, community tale.
Aziz has once again written a charming story about how different people deal with life's challenges and how friendship can be found in the most unlikely of conditions. Devoted Friends is a story about second chances, friendship, hope, and even the art of saying goodbye. I thoroughly enjoyed this touching and uplifting story, and highly recommend it to those who love a feel-good, cozy, community tale.
November 27, 2020
Devoted Friends is the spinoff sequel to Unlikely Friends, the book where we first meet Harper, Irwin and company. It's a pleasure to meet these quirky characters again in Devoted Friends, a cozy mystery that will make you laugh even as you wonder what's going to happen next. The book starts off with Harper and the crew decorating the bookshop for the holiday season. Then a murder most foul occurs next door and Darren, Harper's father is arrested. Harper is in agony as she, her mother and their friends do everything they can to clear her father of a crime they know he didn't commit. In the midst of this ordeal, Harper has to deal with her feelings for Christopher, Cornelia's deteriorating condition and the possibility that her father will be imprisoned again. Will the crew succeed in catching the real murderer and freeing Darren? Find out in this exciting and exhilarating read from Sahar Abdulaziz.
November 24, 2020
It’s fun and funny, and then it’s sad ‘cause you grow so close to these characters and they have to experience grief and loss. How can one book have it all? From love to letting go, this story manages to weave it all together into a beautiful fabric of “found family” with challenges and sadness, highs and lows. If you love this book as much as I do, I recommend you also read Unlikely Friends by the same author. They go together like soup and sandwich! Great pair of books, whether we’re in a pandemic or not! We all need a little escapism once in awhile …
September 28, 2020
This the book that I needed to read during this pandemic when being friends and family is so difficult. Like the first book in this series Unlikely Friends, the characters are people you want to know and or may already know. They make you reflect on your life and your friendships and how we handling one another in these cold times. If you're looking for something to take the chill off and warm the heart Devoted Friends does just that.
November 22, 2020
I enjoyed the warmth and feeling of the friends in how they are devoted to one friend is jail and another who is slowly succumbing to dementia. It shows the feeling s of the victim as well a s a falsely accused individual. The outcome is not what I was expecting which made the story more fun as well as interesting.
January 2, 2021
A sequel to Unlikely Friends, we are once again drawn to the characters in the book. It is funny ,fun and then it is sad. With dementia, handled with sensitivity, compassion , and a possible murder it is still filled with humor. Once again it makes us realize to be thankful for our friends who are the family we choose.
February 20, 2021
Love, heartache and crimes. Oh. My!
Love, heartache and crimes. Oh. My! Devoted Friends book two in the series will keep you on your toes that’s for sure with these characters. If you like tight families and crimes this is the series for you to pick up. I recommend all of this he authors books and can’t wait to read book three in this series.
Love, heartache and crimes. Oh. My! Devoted Friends book two in the series will keep you on your toes that’s for sure with these characters. If you like tight families and crimes this is the series for you to pick up. I recommend all of this he authors books and can’t wait to read book three in this series.
December 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. At times,I had a hard time putting it down. I loved the growth of Harper and the budding romance between her and Christopher. I liked how the other characters had grown as well, especially when dealing with Cornelia's disease progression. Bones was great as usual. My only dislike had to be the character of Beatrice. She seemed flat and only added because she murdered Alastair. Even though she didn't murder him. He died of natural causes. She seemed flat and predictable. Other than her, the book was great. I can't wait to get the rest in the series and read them.
I have met Sahar a few times. We both attend the same local writing group. I have also seen her at author expos/adult book fairs. She's great to talk to.
I have met Sahar a few times. We both attend the same local writing group. I have also seen her at author expos/adult book fairs. She's great to talk to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2022
And the story continues
It was nice to see the whole crew back together and continuing with their antics. We move forward in time and see how relationships evolve. I prefer a few more steamy scenes but otherwise it’s a great book. You’ll like it if you liked the first one.
It was nice to see the whole crew back together and continuing with their antics. We move forward in time and see how relationships evolve. I prefer a few more steamy scenes but otherwise it’s a great book. You’ll like it if you liked the first one.
August 17, 2021
Good series, however it's very distracting with the author switching from the European (British) I assume and American language.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews