This is the second book in the A Friend for Hire Mysteries by one of my fave authors, Laura Bradford who’s managed to incorporate now two of her older series in this particular book. I always think it’s especially cool when an author does that, and now I’m really hoping a future Friend for Hire book has that road trip in it that Emma and Kim were talking about!
And the other series written by this author that Dottie loves so much is always in the background because it’s the basis of her amateur sleuthing. I enjoy Dottie’s character so much. She’s not a huggy-huggy grandmotherly type, but she’s a fiercely loyal friend who cares about Emma a lot even though she never really comes out and says it. They make an unlikely but still well-matched pair of friends, and I sure love their banter!
You could probably still read and enjoy this without reading the first book, but why deny yourself that fun? I recommend reading it and getting to know the characters, then they’ll feel like old friends!
#BerkleyPublishing #LauraBradford
My Goodreads review:
A Perilous Pal by Laura Bradford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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.
Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery 