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Friend for Hire Mystery #2
A Perilous Pal
Entrepreneur Emma Westlake has found that starting a business can be murder in this new Friend for Hire Mystery by USA Today bestselling author Laura Bradford.
Emma Westlake, proprietor of A Friend for Hire, finds a heart-wrenching email from a prospective client in her inbox. The email is from Kim Felder, a woman struggling with empty-nest syndrome and an out of left field divorce. Emma is determined to help get this woman in a better headspace. She suggests that Kim draft a bucket list of things she has always wanted to do in life but has not because of the time she has devoted to being the best mom and wife she could be.
Together, they fill that list (baking classes, traveling, dancing in the middle of the street for no reason) with Kim adding in some hilarious items about getting even with her ex. All laughter ends though, when Kim's ex winds up dead via one of the “funny” ideas Kim proposed. Now, Kim is the lone suspect in the murder with Emma the only person who can prove otherwise.
Emma Westlake, proprietor of A Friend for Hire, finds a heart-wrenching email from a prospective client in her inbox. The email is from Kim Felder, a woman struggling with empty-nest syndrome and an out of left field divorce. Emma is determined to help get this woman in a better headspace. She suggests that Kim draft a bucket list of things she has always wanted to do in life but has not because of the time she has devoted to being the best mom and wife she could be.
Together, they fill that list (baking classes, traveling, dancing in the middle of the street for no reason) with Kim adding in some hilarious items about getting even with her ex. All laughter ends though, when Kim's ex winds up dead via one of the “funny” ideas Kim proposed. Now, Kim is the lone suspect in the murder with Emma the only person who can prove otherwise.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 5, 2022
40 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Laura Bradford
58 books886 followersAka Elizabeth Lynn Casey.
While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.
Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree).
Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.
While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake.
Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO).
It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family.
Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.
While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.
Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree).
Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.
While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake.
Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO).
It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family.
Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
June 4, 2022
Review coming soon.
July 9, 2022
This book was well worth the wait and anticipation of its release . I loved everything about it from the cute cover to the mystery that kept me guessing almost to the end. The cast of characters have worked their way from the pages into my heart. I feel with this second book that they have become my friends. I loved how the author made references to other series and characters from her past books. I found A Perilous Pal to be entertaining, unpredictable, easy to read and a page turner. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Emma Westlake barely has enough time to meet Kim Felder, her new client, when she, Kim, gets arrested for her estranged husband’s murder. Kim’s life has been wrapped up around her two children and husband. She didn’t see it coming when her husband up and left her for his secretary, a woman about the age of her and Roger’s adult children. Kim’s world fell apart and she wrote in her journal her feelings about her husband’s betrayal. It was what she put in her journal that led to her arrest for Roger’s murder. But Emma doesn’t believe that Kim killed Roger and she and her sleuthing friends set out to prove to Deputy Jack Riordan that Kim is innocent . Will Emma, Dottie and Stephanie be able to prove Kim’s innocence and find out who really killed Roger Felder and the motive behind his murder?
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and fans of the author. This is book 2 of Laura Bradford’s A Friend for Hire series. I would recommend reading book one A Plus One for Murder before reading this book because it picks up where book one ended.
Emma Westlake barely has enough time to meet Kim Felder, her new client, when she, Kim, gets arrested for her estranged husband’s murder. Kim’s life has been wrapped up around her two children and husband. She didn’t see it coming when her husband up and left her for his secretary, a woman about the age of her and Roger’s adult children. Kim’s world fell apart and she wrote in her journal her feelings about her husband’s betrayal. It was what she put in her journal that led to her arrest for Roger’s murder. But Emma doesn’t believe that Kim killed Roger and she and her sleuthing friends set out to prove to Deputy Jack Riordan that Kim is innocent . Will Emma, Dottie and Stephanie be able to prove Kim’s innocence and find out who really killed Roger Felder and the motive behind his murder?
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and fans of the author. This is book 2 of Laura Bradford’s A Friend for Hire series. I would recommend reading book one A Plus One for Murder before reading this book because it picks up where book one ended.
April 5, 2022
Emma's new business is called Friend for Hire. She has a way of helping people with whatever they need, from someone who wants a friend to encourage them to go to the gym, to regularly visiting an elderly parent. Her newest client is Kim, a woman whose children are grown and who has been dumped by her husband of 30 years. When Kim is accused of murder, Emma and her adorable golden retriever Scout, octogenarian Dottie, and Nurse Stephanie decide to work to clear her and find the real murderer. It's hard to resist a book with a golden retriever on the cover. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 24, 2022
A Perilous Pal is the second book in this unique cozy mystery series by Laura Bradford.
Emma Westlake is a friend for hire, simply put, she will attend a wedding, a party, go to the gym or movies with you, for a price.
It may seem odd to some, but there are people out there too shy to make friends, and this is a simple solution to awkward situations.
Emma enjoys being a friend for hire, she's met a few quirky, colorful people who she is proud to call friends.
When Kim Felder reaches out to Emma, it breaks her heart to see a woman who appears broken, and terribly sad by the turn of events happening in her life. Her children have left the nest and her husband trades her in for a younger model.
Kim feels destroyed, in her mind she has nothing left, and she turns to Emma in desperation.
In a matter of hours, Kim tells Emma how hurt she was by her husband's actions and jokingly admits to thinking about killing him, making him suffer they way he made her.
Unbeknownst to Emma, Kim's husband is found dead, strangled, and Kim becomes the first and only suspect.
Emma is adamant that Kim is not guilty, and she's determined to prove her innocence, with the help of a few friends.
I read this book in one sitting, it gripped me from the beginning and before long I was looking for clues with Emma, Dottie, and the rest of the gang.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I recommend this series to readers who enjoy a well written story filled with colorful characters.
#APerilousPal #NetGalley #BerkeleyPublishingGroup
Emma Westlake is a friend for hire, simply put, she will attend a wedding, a party, go to the gym or movies with you, for a price.
It may seem odd to some, but there are people out there too shy to make friends, and this is a simple solution to awkward situations.
Emma enjoys being a friend for hire, she's met a few quirky, colorful people who she is proud to call friends.
When Kim Felder reaches out to Emma, it breaks her heart to see a woman who appears broken, and terribly sad by the turn of events happening in her life. Her children have left the nest and her husband trades her in for a younger model.
Kim feels destroyed, in her mind she has nothing left, and she turns to Emma in desperation.
In a matter of hours, Kim tells Emma how hurt she was by her husband's actions and jokingly admits to thinking about killing him, making him suffer they way he made her.
Unbeknownst to Emma, Kim's husband is found dead, strangled, and Kim becomes the first and only suspect.
Emma is adamant that Kim is not guilty, and she's determined to prove her innocence, with the help of a few friends.
I read this book in one sitting, it gripped me from the beginning and before long I was looking for clues with Emma, Dottie, and the rest of the gang.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I recommend this series to readers who enjoy a well written story filled with colorful characters.
#APerilousPal #NetGalley #BerkeleyPublishingGroup
April 24, 2022
A Perilous Pal is the second book in this unique cozy mystery series by Laura Bradford.
Emma Westlake is a friend for hire, simply put, she will attend a wedding, a party, go to the gym or movies with you, for a price.
It may seem odd to some, but there are people out there too shy to make friends, and this is a simple solution to awkward situations.
Emma enjoys being a friend for hire, she's met a few quirky, colorful people who she is proud to call friends.
When Kim Felder reaches out to Emma, it breaks her heart to see a woman who appears broken, and terribly sad by the turn of events happening in her life. Her children have left the nest and her husband trades her in for a younger model.
Kim feels destroyed, in her mind she has nothing left, and she turns to Emma in desperation.
In a matter of hours, Kim tells Emma how hurt she was by her husband's actions and jokingly admits to thinking about killing him, making him suffer they way he made her.
Unbeknownst to Emma, Kim's husband is found dead, strangled, and Kim becomes the first and only suspect.
Emma is adamant that Kim is not guilty, and she's determined to prove her innocence, with the help of a few friends.
I read this book in one sitting, it gripped me from the beginning and before long I was looking for clues with Emna, Dottie, and the rest of the gang.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I recommend this series to readers who enjoy a well written story filled with colorful characters.
#APerilousPal #NetGalley #BerkeleyPublishingGroup
Emma Westlake is a friend for hire, simply put, she will attend a wedding, a party, go to the gym or movies with you, for a price.
It may seem odd to some, but there are people out there too shy to make friends, and this is a simple solution to awkward situations.
Emma enjoys being a friend for hire, she's met a few quirky, colorful people who she is proud to call friends.
When Kim Felder reaches out to Emma, it breaks her heart to see a woman who appears broken, and terribly sad by the turn of events happening in her life. Her children have left the nest and her husband trades her in for a younger model.
Kim feels destroyed, in her mind she has nothing left, and she turns to Emma in desperation.
In a matter of hours, Kim tells Emma how hurt she was by her husband's actions and jokingly admits to thinking about killing him, making him suffer they way he made her.
Unbeknownst to Emma, Kim's husband is found dead, strangled, and Kim becomes the first and only suspect.
Emma is adamant that Kim is not guilty, and she's determined to prove her innocence, with the help of a few friends.
I read this book in one sitting, it gripped me from the beginning and before long I was looking for clues with Emna, Dottie, and the rest of the gang.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I recommend this series to readers who enjoy a well written story filled with colorful characters.
#APerilousPal #NetGalley #BerkeleyPublishingGroup
June 19, 2022
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
A Perilous Pal by Laura Bradford is the second book in her popular Friend for Hire Mystery series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. This cozy mystery had everything I want in a cozy mystery to include a delightful Golden Retriever named Scout.
Emma Westlake has started her own company called A Friend for Hire. She helps lonely people by being their friend and spending time with them. When she meets a new client Kim Felder, they make a list of activities to help Kim recover from her sudden divorce. Kim makes some jokes about hurting her ex-husband, so when he turns up murdered the next day, all fingers point toward Kim. But Emma knows she couldn’t have done it, so she goes and investigates herself.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. The pacing was good, and I enjoyed the mystery. I didn’t figure it out until our sleuth, Emma did. Scout, the golden retriever really stole the show for me, and I adored Emma and Scout together. The book is full of quirky characters in a charming small town. It’s the perfect escape mystery.
I highly recommend A Perilous Pal to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A Perilous Pal by Laura Bradford is the second book in her popular Friend for Hire Mystery series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. This cozy mystery had everything I want in a cozy mystery to include a delightful Golden Retriever named Scout.
Emma Westlake has started her own company called A Friend for Hire. She helps lonely people by being their friend and spending time with them. When she meets a new client Kim Felder, they make a list of activities to help Kim recover from her sudden divorce. Kim makes some jokes about hurting her ex-husband, so when he turns up murdered the next day, all fingers point toward Kim. But Emma knows she couldn’t have done it, so she goes and investigates herself.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. The pacing was good, and I enjoyed the mystery. I didn’t figure it out until our sleuth, Emma did. Scout, the golden retriever really stole the show for me, and I adored Emma and Scout together. The book is full of quirky characters in a charming small town. It’s the perfect escape mystery.
I highly recommend A Perilous Pal to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 14, 2022
Such a great follow up to A Plus One For Murder! I read this while I was waiting for my plane and finished it while I was flying.
September 3, 2022
I love the "friend for hire" premise of this series. I enjoyed getting to know Emma's new client Kim, who quickly gecomes a murder suspect. I also liked catching up with Emma's other clients who have become real friends to her now. The friendships are the highlight of the book.
Emma does a lot of investigating, but I was ablel to figure out who the killer was way before she did. There were two sweet developments unrelated to the murder that were revealed at the end, and I had already figured out one of these as well. However, because I like the rapport between all the characters, I am still interested in reading the next book in the series.
Emma does a lot of investigating, but I was ablel to figure out who the killer was way before she did. There were two sweet developments unrelated to the murder that were revealed at the end, and I had already figured out one of these as well. However, because I like the rapport between all the characters, I am still interested in reading the next book in the series.
March 12, 2023
2.5 stars. it feels a bit mean-spirited to give this such a low rating when it seems everyone else who read it loved it but this just wasn't for me. I'm not a dog person, so reading about someone leaving phone messages for their dog to listen to is just a bit much. The characters kind of irritated me too. There's an incredibly autocratic bossy snobby old woman who looks down on a picnic date in the park but thinks reading cozy mysteries is the ultimate signifier of intelligence. Then there's the murder suspect, a woman who is not just unselfish but completely lacks a self. I also hope real police investigators aren't half as useless as the ones in this book, because if they are 80% of the people in prison are innocent.
July 16, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Emma Westlake’s Friend for Hire business is growing. Her newest client Kim Felder is struggling after her husband divorced her for a younger woman. She is also dealing with empty next syndrome as both of her children are now out on their own. Her family was her whole life and she catered to their every need. She is hoping Emma can help her find a new direction for her life. To help Emma asks Kim to come up with a bucket list . . . things she has always wanted to do but couldn’t because she was taking care of her family. They come up with things like visiting an unusual bakery in Ohio and baking classes. Kim also lists some crazy ideas to get even with her ex. So when the man is killed in a way that was on Kim’s list Deputy Jack Riordan feels he has caught the killer. Emma doesn’t buy that for one second and she going to prove it and even if that means putting her new relationship with Jack on hold.
Look at that face on the cover, it just steals my heart.
All the wonderful characters we met in A Plus One for Murder are back and again Dottie is a force of nature when it comes to getting what she wants. She wants to be an amateur sleuth like all the ladies in the cozy mysteries she reads. She pushes Emma hard to investigate and Stephanie is happy to help as well. Away from the murder, Emma takes Stephanie to visit John and Andy and tries to play the part of matchmaker. Stephanie also got to meet Big Max who also had a connection with Kim. Emma and Jack’s relationship hits a bump in the road but a little boy and a dog set things back on track just by playing together. Scout is such a great dog and Tommy loves him so much. All the core characters Ms. Bradford has created are engaging and continue to grow within the pages of this book.
The mystery was very well-plotted with twists, turns, and red herrings. Emma’s belief in Kim’s innocence did not waiver. I thought I had the killer figured out but then there was a fantastic twist. I really enjoyed the way the ending played out. It gave me some good feels. Emma may be a reluctant sleuth but she is solving the cases. Dottie is a great sounding board even if she is pretty pushy at times.
I love the theme of this series but Emma is going to need to find a constant supply of new clients because she becomes such a good friend to her current ones. It going to be hard to continue to charge them indefinitely. Emma is already feeling guilty so I am very interested in seeing how the author addresses this issue.
A Perilous Pal is an excellent addition to this series. The characters are genuine, the mystery is top-notch, and the theme is unique. The final chapter has me so excited for the third book in this series.
Emma Westlake’s Friend for Hire business is growing. Her newest client Kim Felder is struggling after her husband divorced her for a younger woman. She is also dealing with empty next syndrome as both of her children are now out on their own. Her family was her whole life and she catered to their every need. She is hoping Emma can help her find a new direction for her life. To help Emma asks Kim to come up with a bucket list . . . things she has always wanted to do but couldn’t because she was taking care of her family. They come up with things like visiting an unusual bakery in Ohio and baking classes. Kim also lists some crazy ideas to get even with her ex. So when the man is killed in a way that was on Kim’s list Deputy Jack Riordan feels he has caught the killer. Emma doesn’t buy that for one second and she going to prove it and even if that means putting her new relationship with Jack on hold.
Look at that face on the cover, it just steals my heart.
All the wonderful characters we met in A Plus One for Murder are back and again Dottie is a force of nature when it comes to getting what she wants. She wants to be an amateur sleuth like all the ladies in the cozy mysteries she reads. She pushes Emma hard to investigate and Stephanie is happy to help as well. Away from the murder, Emma takes Stephanie to visit John and Andy and tries to play the part of matchmaker. Stephanie also got to meet Big Max who also had a connection with Kim. Emma and Jack’s relationship hits a bump in the road but a little boy and a dog set things back on track just by playing together. Scout is such a great dog and Tommy loves him so much. All the core characters Ms. Bradford has created are engaging and continue to grow within the pages of this book.
The mystery was very well-plotted with twists, turns, and red herrings. Emma’s belief in Kim’s innocence did not waiver. I thought I had the killer figured out but then there was a fantastic twist. I really enjoyed the way the ending played out. It gave me some good feels. Emma may be a reluctant sleuth but she is solving the cases. Dottie is a great sounding board even if she is pretty pushy at times.
I love the theme of this series but Emma is going to need to find a constant supply of new clients because she becomes such a good friend to her current ones. It going to be hard to continue to charge them indefinitely. Emma is already feeling guilty so I am very interested in seeing how the author addresses this issue.
A Perilous Pal is an excellent addition to this series. The characters are genuine, the mystery is top-notch, and the theme is unique. The final chapter has me so excited for the third book in this series.
July 8, 2022
OMG, I was really looking forward to this second book in the Friend for Hire series, but my expectations were surpassed! There are so many things I like about this series, Emma is a wonderful main character, even though she is in the midst of remaking her life, that doesn't stop her from giving her all to her clients and new friends! I really like all of the characters that are emerging in this series, although I will say Dottie occasionally gets on my nerves, and Kim, her newest client is definitely going to be a great addition to the fold! Emma is a very reluctant sleuth, but something she inadvertently said to her friend/boyfriend Deputy Jack Riordan, puts her newest client on the top of the suspect list and she just has to make it right! Of course trying to get to the truth is central here, but the thing I enjoy the most about this series is that Emma does not do stupid things to get answers. When she does figure it out, she takes it to the authorities, A+ for smarts! The end of this book will make readers really happy and desperate for more. I definitely want more!!!!
July 1, 2022
This was the perfect book to read while being laid up with a serious respiratory infection. It made me forget how bad I felt.
In book two of the Friend for Hire series we meet Kim. Kim is experiencing the empty nest syndrome coupled with her husband of 30 years leaving her for a younger model. She has come to realize she doesn’t know what to do with herself as she gave all to her family. She contacts Emma to hire her as a friend. In the process of getting to know one another, Kim’s husband is murder. Can Emma free Kim before the real murderer gets everything they wanted?
There is so much going on with this series that makes it wonderful. You have Emma, a young lady, learning about life in ways we don’t often take time to explore. She befriends Big Max who is challenged but she sees the love he offers everyone. Dottie, the curmudgeonly octogenarian, is the seasoned grandma she didn’t know she needed who keeps her on her toes. Stephanie is the sister that is more her style than her own. And then you have lovely Jack, the love of her life who offers a ready made family. I always feel happy when I finish a book in this series.
There has to be a third one. The ending was a bombshell in many ways. I need answers! Like now!!!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
In book two of the Friend for Hire series we meet Kim. Kim is experiencing the empty nest syndrome coupled with her husband of 30 years leaving her for a younger model. She has come to realize she doesn’t know what to do with herself as she gave all to her family. She contacts Emma to hire her as a friend. In the process of getting to know one another, Kim’s husband is murder. Can Emma free Kim before the real murderer gets everything they wanted?
There is so much going on with this series that makes it wonderful. You have Emma, a young lady, learning about life in ways we don’t often take time to explore. She befriends Big Max who is challenged but she sees the love he offers everyone. Dottie, the curmudgeonly octogenarian, is the seasoned grandma she didn’t know she needed who keeps her on her toes. Stephanie is the sister that is more her style than her own. And then you have lovely Jack, the love of her life who offers a ready made family. I always feel happy when I finish a book in this series.
There has to be a third one. The ending was a bombshell in many ways. I need answers! Like now!!!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
July 15, 2022
I have enjoyed all of Laura Bradford's books but this series is definitely my favorite. There's something so special about Emma and how she strives to make everyone's life better just by being a good friend. This mystery was a little easier to figure out but the why was what kept me wondering. I love the setting and the surprise at the end. I am dreading the wait until the next one comes out.
April 11, 2022
This is the second book in the friend for hire series. Emma Westlake Is contacted by a new client looking for a friend. When she meets Kim for the first time she finds her situation heartbreaking and vows to do whatever she can to help. She never expected that she would need help proving she is innocent of killing her ex-husband. Thus begins the investigation for a very reluctant amateur sleuth. I really like these books. The friend for hire angle is new and very interesting and brings in varied characters who we would not meet otherwise, I am looking forward to the next book.
I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2022
I was kind of surprised I liked the first book in this series, because it's such an unlikely premise. But somehow, the author makes it work! I do wish her new client in this new case, Kim, didn't come across as quite so pathetic. But other than that, Emma's friends and clients (and clients who become actual friends, etc.) are turning into quite an ensemble cast. I feel like the identity of the murderer was a little bit too obvious in this case, but it's still an enjoyable read--one that actually makes me think a little bit about the nature of friendship and relationships and who we fill our lives with.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2022
This is the second book in the series, but the first one I've read. I loved the premise and look forward to more. The mystery kept me guessing. I liked the characters and seeing what other trouble her clients get into.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2022
This started out slow for me and I started having doubts that I would like it, I’m happy to say, I was wrong. Just to be clear, Dottie still gets in my everlasting last nerves, however, Emma and the gang are back this time trying to clear her latest client, Kim, for the murder of her husband. The book was well written, the clues were constant, I thought I knew who the murderer was and then, bam.. nope I was wrong, so that was cool, best of all NO LOVE TRIANGLE!!
Emma is clever, she’s real, she stubborn, she doubts herself and that can be annoying, but she also forms bonds with her clients and has a hard time not seeing them as true friends. Stephanie is slowly coming out of her shell with Emma’s help and hopefully we will see more of Andy and John.. and Steph :)
Emma and Jack are learning that sometime work and romance don’t mix. Something Emma said to Jack leads to the arrest of her client. Emma doesn’t understand that Jack has to do his job, Jack has a hard time not seeing that Emma isn’t second guessing him. This is a learning experience for them both so it will be interesting going forward to see how that blends with further cases.
Overall this was a great sequel to the first book.
Emma is clever, she’s real, she stubborn, she doubts herself and that can be annoying, but she also forms bonds with her clients and has a hard time not seeing them as true friends. Stephanie is slowly coming out of her shell with Emma’s help and hopefully we will see more of Andy and John.. and Steph :)
Emma and Jack are learning that sometime work and romance don’t mix. Something Emma said to Jack leads to the arrest of her client. Emma doesn’t understand that Jack has to do his job, Jack has a hard time not seeing that Emma isn’t second guessing him. This is a learning experience for them both so it will be interesting going forward to see how that blends with further cases.
Overall this was a great sequel to the first book.
May 27, 2023
ANOTHER FANTASTIC BOOK IN THIS AMAZING SERIES SO FAR (HERE'S HOPING IT'LL BECOME A SERIES).
PREMISE: In this one we continue to follow Emma Westlake and her friend for hire business. One day while at her Octogenarian friend Dotty's house, Emma receives an email from a woman who seems to be quite down on her luck. She'd spent her whole life caring for and indeed living for her husband and two children. But her husband has now left her for somone only a few years older than her son and both children have flown the coop and don't need her anymore. Emma decides to meet up with the woman and the pair discuss things they could potentially do together. The woman suggests things like going to a dessert bar and maybe having a book club and multiple ways they could kill her ex for revenge. The following morning the ex winds up dead and Emma's client is taken into custody for his death. But Emma knows she's innocent and with the persuation of Dotty, they come together to try and solve the case.
THOUGHTS: I LOVE this series so much! It is cozy to the extreme! The idea of 'friend-for-hire' for the cozy side of the book makes so much sense. Add to that Dotty and Emma's dog Scout and it's a receipe for an amazing journey. Im sad that Im up to date with the series and just live on some sort of hope that Laura Bradford releases another book in this series soon.
5 Stars!
xoxo.
PREMISE: In this one we continue to follow Emma Westlake and her friend for hire business. One day while at her Octogenarian friend Dotty's house, Emma receives an email from a woman who seems to be quite down on her luck. She'd spent her whole life caring for and indeed living for her husband and two children. But her husband has now left her for somone only a few years older than her son and both children have flown the coop and don't need her anymore. Emma decides to meet up with the woman and the pair discuss things they could potentially do together. The woman suggests things like going to a dessert bar and maybe having a book club and multiple ways they could kill her ex for revenge. The following morning the ex winds up dead and Emma's client is taken into custody for his death. But Emma knows she's innocent and with the persuation of Dotty, they come together to try and solve the case.
THOUGHTS: I LOVE this series so much! It is cozy to the extreme! The idea of 'friend-for-hire' for the cozy side of the book makes so much sense. Add to that Dotty and Emma's dog Scout and it's a receipe for an amazing journey. Im sad that Im up to date with the series and just live on some sort of hope that Laura Bradford releases another book in this series soon.
5 Stars!
xoxo.
July 10, 2022
This is the second in the Friend for Hire series, and it is every bit as good as the last one. When Emma's brand new client Kim, is arrested for murdering her husband, Emma is sure in her heart that the police have the wrong woman. Of course, since she is a cozy mystery heroine, she initally wants nothing to do with investigating the murder, but is eventually convinced the she needs to figure this out to help Kim.
I will admit that I thought I had figured it out at about 3/4 of the way through, but was wrong! I enjoyed hanging out with these characters again, although I will admit to grinding my teeth over some of Dottie's snide remarks. I am really hoping that the series will continue!!
I will admit that I thought I had figured it out at about 3/4 of the way through, but was wrong! I enjoyed hanging out with these characters again, although I will admit to grinding my teeth over some of Dottie's snide remarks. I am really hoping that the series will continue!!
July 8, 2022
A Great Read
The second installment of A Friend for Hire did not disappoint. Going back to Sweet Falls was a trip worth taking. The characters are real and relatable, and watching them interact with one another was like slipping on your favorite pair of jeans…comfortable and relaxed. I loved it, and while the ending caught me off guard, I am hoping there are more in this series to come. Definitely 5 stars and I would give more if I could.
The second installment of A Friend for Hire did not disappoint. Going back to Sweet Falls was a trip worth taking. The characters are real and relatable, and watching them interact with one another was like slipping on your favorite pair of jeans…comfortable and relaxed. I loved it, and while the ending caught me off guard, I am hoping there are more in this series to come. Definitely 5 stars and I would give more if I could.
September 27, 2022
Emma is still working as "a friend for hire," and her new client really needs a friend. Her long-time husband left her for a younger woman, and her two grown children don't want her help any more. She's devoted herself to her family, and now she has nothing left. But when her husband is murdered, she becomes the chief suspect, and a bone of contention between Emma, who is sure that she is innocent, and her incipient love interest, a local policeman who feels he must go by the facts. With the help of her elderly, opinionated friend Dottie, she tries to investigate, all the while juggling her desire to matchmake for two of her clients, and her own deteriorating love life.
July 13, 2022
Rated 4.5
July 9, 2022
I loved it! Wonderful, fun read that left me wanting more
June 29, 2022
I thought I loved the first book, but I think I like this one even better! It's so awesome how all of Emma's clients so far still play an active part in her life, and that she's come to care about all of them even to the point of being besties with Stephanie. When her newest client was tossed in jail for killing her husband, it didn't seem like the poor woman had any chance of getting out. But with Dottie and Steph's sleuthing help, Emma finally gave way to another investigation.
I get such a kick out of sassy senior Dottie! I wanna be her when I'm eighty! I already have the "only reads cozy mysteries" part down, but I'm not real sure I'd make a very good sleuth. Although I did randomly guess whodunit! ;) I loved the visit with John and Andy and how Emma was trying to matchmake Steph and Andy. I started suspecting something that could end up to be a sweet reunion if it was true...
And Big Max's character is so awesome! He's such a sweetheart, and I love that Steph got to meet him this time. Emma's relationship with Jack was growing, and it was sweet when Scout got to visit with his son Tommy.
This was a mystery full of twists and surprises, and the only thing I was pretty sure of was that Kim wasn't guilty despite her journal ramblings about ways to kill her husband. It was pretty clever how Emma went about proving whodunit then was safely visiting Kim while the police picked up the perp.
The very ending was just awesome! I absolutely can't wait for the next book and what might unfold in it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Berkley Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. If you liked the first book, don't miss this one which releases next week on July 5.
I get such a kick out of sassy senior Dottie! I wanna be her when I'm eighty! I already have the "only reads cozy mysteries" part down, but I'm not real sure I'd make a very good sleuth. Although I did randomly guess whodunit! ;) I loved the visit with John and Andy and how Emma was trying to matchmake Steph and Andy. I started suspecting something that could end up to be a sweet reunion if it was true...
And Big Max's character is so awesome! He's such a sweetheart, and I love that Steph got to meet him this time. Emma's relationship with Jack was growing, and it was sweet when Scout got to visit with his son Tommy.
This was a mystery full of twists and surprises, and the only thing I was pretty sure of was that Kim wasn't guilty despite her journal ramblings about ways to kill her husband. It was pretty clever how Emma went about proving whodunit then was safely visiting Kim while the police picked up the perp.
The very ending was just awesome! I absolutely can't wait for the next book and what might unfold in it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Berkley Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. If you liked the first book, don't miss this one which releases next week on July 5.
May 17, 2022
Entrepreneur Emma Westlake’s new business is booming until her latest client is arrested for murdered. I love this series by Laura Bradford. Emma is a sweet character that has such a heart of gold. She is hired by a woman that has an empty nest that has been a hard adjustment. Then her beloved husband left her for his younger secretary. Emma helps Kim make a bucket list of activities. Then her husband is found murdered and the police are looking at Kim. Emma and her friends take on the case.
#APerilousPal #NetGalley
#APerilousPal #NetGalley
July 26, 2022
A Perilous Pal
Friend For Hire, Book #2
Laura Bradford
5 Stars
Synosis:
Entrepreneur Emma Westlake has found that starting a business can be murder in this new Friend for Hire Mystery by USA Today bestselling author Laura Bradford.
Emma Westlake, proprietor of A Friend for Hire, finds a heart-wrenching email from a prospective client in her inbox. The email is from Kim Felder, a woman struggling with empty-nest syndrome and an out of left field divorce. Emma is determined to help get this woman in a better headspace. She suggests that Kim draft a bucket list of things she has always wanted to do in life but has not because of the time she has devoted to being the best mom and wife she could be.
Together, they fill that list (baking classes, traveling, dancing in the middle of the street for no reason) with Kim adding in some hilarious items about getting even with her ex. All laughter ends though, when Kim's ex winds up dead via one of the “funny” ideas Kim proposed. Now, Kim is the lone suspect in the murder with Emma the only person who can prove otherwise. (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Emma is running her “Friend For Hire” business and she has no lack of potential clients. She meets with Kim, who has gotten divorced after a lengthy marriage, and who feels like her life is over. They start a bucket list of things the client would like to do, including ways to kill her husband. When her husband is murdered, the client is eventually arrested for the crime. Emma and her “partners in crime” Dottie, her elderly friend, and Stephanie, a client that has become a friend, are working with Emma to figure out the culprit.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there watching all the action taking place. I liked the fact that the author made mention of her other books that she has written. The mystery was well plotted and the ending surprised me. And I liked the fact that Emma did not take unnecessary chances.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This book is a good continuation of a great series and I cannot wait to read the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Friend For Hire, Book #2
Laura Bradford
5 Stars
Synosis:
Entrepreneur Emma Westlake has found that starting a business can be murder in this new Friend for Hire Mystery by USA Today bestselling author Laura Bradford.
Emma Westlake, proprietor of A Friend for Hire, finds a heart-wrenching email from a prospective client in her inbox. The email is from Kim Felder, a woman struggling with empty-nest syndrome and an out of left field divorce. Emma is determined to help get this woman in a better headspace. She suggests that Kim draft a bucket list of things she has always wanted to do in life but has not because of the time she has devoted to being the best mom and wife she could be.
Together, they fill that list (baking classes, traveling, dancing in the middle of the street for no reason) with Kim adding in some hilarious items about getting even with her ex. All laughter ends though, when Kim's ex winds up dead via one of the “funny” ideas Kim proposed. Now, Kim is the lone suspect in the murder with Emma the only person who can prove otherwise. (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Emma is running her “Friend For Hire” business and she has no lack of potential clients. She meets with Kim, who has gotten divorced after a lengthy marriage, and who feels like her life is over. They start a bucket list of things the client would like to do, including ways to kill her husband. When her husband is murdered, the client is eventually arrested for the crime. Emma and her “partners in crime” Dottie, her elderly friend, and Stephanie, a client that has become a friend, are working with Emma to figure out the culprit.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there watching all the action taking place. I liked the fact that the author made mention of her other books that she has written. The mystery was well plotted and the ending surprised me. And I liked the fact that Emma did not take unnecessary chances.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This book is a good continuation of a great series and I cannot wait to read the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
September 14, 2022
An excellent and well-written cozy mystery. The main character, Emma, is a delightful and realistic creation, complete with normal idiosyncrasies that all of us have, including a reluctance to investigate crimes. The repartee between Emma and her friends is fun, particularly with Dottie, who needles and pushes Emma to get involved.
I thought the crime and criminal behind it was obvious, but kept reading because it was interesting to see how Emma & co. would figure it out. I was wrong! The author threw in a major and very successful red herring to misdirect everyone at the end. The final scene was hilarious and also intriguing.
“If you’d told me six months ago that I’d be playing detective for the second time in as many months, I’d have thought you were nuts. Yet now, here I am … playing the reluctant sleuth once again.” And we are glad Dottie (and the author) made it happen and will hopefully do so again.
The author has created a very unique way, a business called “friend for hire,” to introduce new people and new crimes for Emma and her friends to investigate. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
Meanwhile, Emma mentioned more than once a cozy series about an Emergency Dessert Squad. Looks like it is a series written by this author. Her writing is so good I need to go check it out.
I thought the crime and criminal behind it was obvious, but kept reading because it was interesting to see how Emma & co. would figure it out. I was wrong! The author threw in a major and very successful red herring to misdirect everyone at the end. The final scene was hilarious and also intriguing.
“If you’d told me six months ago that I’d be playing detective for the second time in as many months, I’d have thought you were nuts. Yet now, here I am … playing the reluctant sleuth once again.” And we are glad Dottie (and the author) made it happen and will hopefully do so again.
The author has created a very unique way, a business called “friend for hire,” to introduce new people and new crimes for Emma and her friends to investigate. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
Meanwhile, Emma mentioned more than once a cozy series about an Emergency Dessert Squad. Looks like it is a series written by this author. Her writing is so good I need to go check it out.
July 2, 2022
This cozy mystery had all the right ingredients - a hot detective who might want to date our main character, an adorable dog named Scout who loved everyone, and a highly-sympathetic ex-wife who may be getting framed.
After the failure of her travel business, Emma's working as a friend-for-hire. When she meets Kim, she immediately has her start on a bucket list of things to do to find joy and meaning again after her husband has left her for a younger woman. But when Kim's husband turns up dead, the hot detective arrests Kim and Emma accidently gives him a key piece of evidence. Determined to make up for her mistake and prove Kim innocent, Emma begins investigating, along with several of her clients - Dottie, an outspoken octogenarian who loves mystery novels and Stephanie, a busy career woman trying to find time for a personal life.
The book had some fun side plots, as Emma attempts to set Stephanie up on a date, as well as going on a few dates herself. Dottie had to be my favorite character, especially after she insisted on claiming Kim as a friend despite never having met her and practically forcing Emma to solve the mystery. I enjoyed the twists and turns, but there were a couple of things I questioned after the big reveal that were never fully explained.
All in all, though, it was a fun, lighthearted read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After the failure of her travel business, Emma's working as a friend-for-hire. When she meets Kim, she immediately has her start on a bucket list of things to do to find joy and meaning again after her husband has left her for a younger woman. But when Kim's husband turns up dead, the hot detective arrests Kim and Emma accidently gives him a key piece of evidence. Determined to make up for her mistake and prove Kim innocent, Emma begins investigating, along with several of her clients - Dottie, an outspoken octogenarian who loves mystery novels and Stephanie, a busy career woman trying to find time for a personal life.
The book had some fun side plots, as Emma attempts to set Stephanie up on a date, as well as going on a few dates herself. Dottie had to be my favorite character, especially after she insisted on claiming Kim as a friend despite never having met her and practically forcing Emma to solve the mystery. I enjoyed the twists and turns, but there were a couple of things I questioned after the big reveal that were never fully explained.
All in all, though, it was a fun, lighthearted read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2022
Emma Westlake has started a new business, which is a friend for hire. Need someone to go to a party with you?, Or, someone to help you get to the gym and start that new workout program? Maybe a plus one for a formal affair of some kind?
Well, this time Emma gets a new client that is struggling with trying to figure out her life after a divorce and the kids have gone off to college.
Emma suggests a bucket list of things that she always wanted to try and never did because her life was her family. Unfortunately for laughs, Kim adds some ways she might kill her husband. He left her for a young secretary.
Meanwhile, the husband ends up dead and Kim is the primary suspect, uh oh!
So Emma and her sleuthing friends, Dottie and Stephanie get to work trying to figure out who really did it.
Well, this time Emma gets a new client that is struggling with trying to figure out her life after a divorce and the kids have gone off to college.
Emma suggests a bucket list of things that she always wanted to try and never did because her life was her family. Unfortunately for laughs, Kim adds some ways she might kill her husband. He left her for a young secretary.
Meanwhile, the husband ends up dead and Kim is the primary suspect, uh oh!
So Emma and her sleuthing friends, Dottie and Stephanie get to work trying to figure out who really did it.
July 31, 2022
I enjoyed this second in the series. Emma's business is taking off and her new client is a woman who's husband has dumped her and her kids are out of the house leaving her at a loss. When her husbands turns up dead and police are looking at Kim, Emma and her friends try and clear her.
I love these characters especially Big Max, he's a sweetheart. The mystery was great with some twists thrown in and the ending has me in high anticipation of the next book. I will continue on with this series.
I love these characters especially Big Max, he's a sweetheart. The mystery was great with some twists thrown in and the ending has me in high anticipation of the next book. I will continue on with this series.
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