This is an enjoyable read. Tobi Tobias is someone we can all relate with just waiting to pay the bills and get her company off the ground. Ms. Bradford has thrown in several red herrings and loads of misdirection which makes it even better

I had never read anything by Laura Bradford but this first book in her new series changed that. After reading Death in Advertising, I'm ready for the next installment. When it comes out I have no doubt it will race to the top of my mountainous To Be Read pile. A lovable cast of characters, including her wonderful grandfather and a play fair with the reader mystery, I was drawn into the story from the beginning. Tobi is the sort of person I would like to have as a friend. She is real, she is funny and she is up to the challenges that come her way. A great way to escape from the real world for awhile.

Death in Advertising is a great start to Laura Bradford's new series. It is a cozy mystery with some fun characters. Tobi Tobias (main character) has started her own advertising business after becoming disillusioned with the company she was working for. The problem is, she has no clients yet and is almost broke. She works in a pet store on the weekends to make ends meet. When she is approached by Zander Closet Company to create their new slogan, she jumps at the chance. It is highly creative and successful, that is until a dead body tumbles out of a closet during a photo shoot. The slogan is now a joke and if she wants to help the closet company as well as herself, she needs to find the murderer, at least that is what she thinks.

The story was a quick read, with a couple of eccentric characters (her grandfather and upstairs neighbour) as well as two gray parrots who help solve the mystery. The other characters in the story all really like Tobi and she was very grateful for all the helpful people in her life. Tobi is very creative and good at her job, but she needs clients. This is the first book so the character set-up is important. She does this well. We also meet a potential love interest and I hope we get to know him better in the next books if this relationship continues. Clues and motive for the murder were very subtle which meant I did not figure out who the murderer was, which is always good in my book. I look forward to more of this series.

Though I have heard of this author I don't believe I have read any of her work but after this one it really makes me want to look up more. :)

Tobi Tobias is not having a great time of it, she is trying to get her little advertising business going but with no clients it's kind of hard to pay the bills. She eats a lot of Coco Puffs and Chocolate and even works weekends at a pet store to buy a few things that she has. 

Things are about to turn around for Tobi though when the Zander brothers walk into her advertising agency needing a slogan and fast. They have a company called Zander's Closet Company and are unhappy with the large firm they hired first. Tobi comes up with a zinger of a slogan 'When we are done even your skeletons with have a place', and it's like she is an overnight success until a murder takes place and the body is found in...you guessed it the closet. There is a thing as bad publicity when everyone now things your slogans are predictions to what could happen, so now she needs to find a killer to save her reputation.

Death in Advertising is so much fun! I enjoyed the mystery even though I kind of had it pegged, well at least he was one of my suspects though I kind of thought it would have been one of my others more...lol. 

Tobi Tobias is a hoot and I loved her! She is just so much fun and I think I want to be her BFF. :) She is down on her luck but she doesn't really let it get her to down because she has some great friends to help her out. She has known that she wanted to make ads since she was a kid she just needs that one break and boy did she get it...lol. I am hoping we see more of Andy Zander as he just sounds adorable and I love his new roommate. :)

If you like cozies then you really need to try this one!

First in a New Series!

When Tobi Tobias decided to open her own ad agency, having to moonlight in a pet shop wasn’t part of her vision . . . of course, neither was murder.

As far as I'm concerned, Laura Bradford has created another wonderful series.

This is a fun, light cozy mystery, with a good set of characters that I want to learn more about, and see if there are any skeletons hanging in their closets! Well plotted and written, with a good entertaining story line.

Tobi Tobias has struck out on her in the advertising business but lack of clients has her on the edge of failure. A new client walks in and a week later her ad campaign is the talk of the town, not just because of the sensational slogan but that it might have influenced a murder.

The characters need a bit more development but that could happen after a few more installments in this new series. It was fun and well-written leaving some red herrings and other clues for the reader to solve this new whodunnit.

Death in Advertising was a fun, quirky mystery and I loved the humor that was laced throughout the story, which made it an absolute delight to read. Tobi was a great character that you can instantly connect with that is trying to build her advertising business and doing whatever she can to pay the bills. I loved the pet store aspect of this story because it provided me insight on what happens behind the scenes and provided a different background to this new series that I haven’t seen before. The mystery was also well-written and complex making it difficult for me to figure out the killer until the final reveal. I loved Death in Advertising and looking forward to the next book in the series.

Death in Advertising was my first book by Laura Bradford but I am certain it will NOT be my last. I'm definitely going to be reading her other books. I absolutely loved this book! This is a very promising and wonderful start to this series. The author has created a wonderful cast of characters that I'm hoping will continue to make appearances in later books in the series. I really enjoyed Tobi's character. I found myself laughing out loud at a lot of her inner dialogue. She is such a fun person and is very easy to relate to. I picture Tobi as someone that I could definitely be friends with. She has a wonderful support system in her friends and grandfather. I really liked seeing her relationships with those people. Andy is another character that I liked a lot and am hoping (fingers crossed) things go well and we'll see him in future books. The mystery surrounding the murder really drew me in. You definitely learn while reading this book that things aren't always as they appear to be and you shouldn't make assumptions. There were a few different suspects to choose from and the killer ended up being someone that I wouldn't have suspected at all. Everything was explained in a way that made sense and the background storylines were wrapped up as well. I'm so glad I decided to read this book. I've found a new go-to author for mysteries.

I loved this book, talk about a knockout of a first series starter! I very much enjoyed the characters, all of which were likable and real, even if they weren't the most well liked in the story. I also very much enjoyed the story line, it was paced just right and kept me guessing till the end. A truly great start to what looks to be a great series!

The alliterative Tobi Tobias has decided to open her own advertising agency, a dicey proposition in large cities, even more so in smaller markets. As the weeks pass without a big client, Tobi worries she'll have to close up shop. Luckily, the Zander Closet Company stops in, hoping she can deliver a quick and catchy slogan before a big home show type event occurs. Stumbling across a body while shooting a new closet configuration for the client leads Tobi to her amateur sleuthing. Tobi is such a wordsmith, I enjoyed her forays into the world of words and her quirky demeanor and acquaintances. Bradford is always very successful with writing genuine characters, and I admire how she continues to produce so many likable ones. I am looking forward to Tobi's next tale!

Tobi Tobias is trying to make a go of owning her own advertising agency, but the lack of clients is making it very hard. Things are so hard, she’s working in a friend’s pet store to earn some money. Things appear to be turning around when she is hired to do a campaign for the Zander Closet Company. But her winning slogan turns into a nightmare when a dead body is found in one of their closets. Can Tobi find the killer in order to save her business?

This is another winning series from Laura Bradford. The characters are strong right out of the gate, and I fell in love with them. Tobi has a wonderful group of friends and family I’m looking forward to getting to know better in future books. The plot is strong with many secrets on the way to a logical ending.

This book has strong characters and a fun story. I was quickly grabbed, and empathized with Tobi and her troubles. The mystery and romance aspects of the book were well balanced (i.e., more mystery than romance, but not by too wide a margin), and the writing is good.

As usual, I had a few quibbles. I thought too many of the characters (in particular, Tobi's friends) were too perfect. She expresses some aggravation with a few things, but mostly this batch of people is amazing and we should all be jealous that our friends aren't as constantly there for us. I also found that some of the plot elements on which the mystery turned were a little obvious to me (and somehow completely obscure to Tobi). I could have used a little more herring in the red herrings, I think.

All that said, I zipped through the book in a couple of sittings, and enjoyed the whole story. And I loved the parrots and their role in the story. I think the series has real promise, and Tobi has a real career in adverts ahead of her!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

It is always exciting to start a new series. This one introduces us to Tobi Tobias, an ad executive just starting her own firm. She also works part time at a pet store to help pay the bills until she gets more clients. She never intended to steal clients from her old firm, but when they come to her she is not going to turn them away. Zander Closet Company is in a pickle, they need a catchy slogan A.S.A.P. and she delivers a fantastic one. She then needs to put a brochure together for them. What better way than to include pictures of their fixtures in a real home? Unfortunately, she wasn’t ready for a dead body to come out of the closet during the photo shoot. This can’t be happening! Her 1st big break is now all over the news for the worst possible reasons. She needs to save her company by catching the killer and prove that there are no skeletons in her closet. She finally gets the clue she needs from a very unlikely source.

This was a very entertaining read. Tobi and I would be fast friends. She loves Cocoa Puffs and has a unique laugh, I don’t actually snort the way she does, but ask my friends, when I laugh they would know from rooms away it is me. The author has surrounded her with a great group. Her friend, Mary Fran owns the pet store where she works on the weekends. Mary Fran’s teenage son also works there but his real interest is photography. Her assistant, JoAnna, always seems to be two steps ahead of her, but in a good way. She also has some unique neighbors, the victim’s wife is a little bit out there, as is one of the Zander brothers. The other brother is more down to earth and Tobi would love to know him better but she has her reasons for holding back.

Tobi’s investigation of the murder gives us plenty of suspects but for some reason I zeroed in on one person right away and I was amazed when I reached the end that I was actually right, I picked up on all the clues and even knew a key thing about another character well before Tobi. This is unusual for me and I truly wasn’t sure that I had everything right until the very end. The story did try to divert me several times, nicely played, Ms. Bradford or I should say very cleverly written Ms. Bradford, very cleverly written.

This is a delightful debut for this new series. The characters are very engaging and I really love this theme. I am excited for the next installment. Time to restock the Cocoa Puffs 🙂

Light funny cozy with a good intrepid heroine in Tobi. I'd not read Bradford before so thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a fast, entertaining read where you'll get some twists and turns before the murderer is revealed. Loved the pet shop aspects of this. Try it for a relaxing read.

I really enjoy Laura Bradford’s brand of humor, mystery, characters, and romance – and this first book in her newest series is a great example of all four.

Tobi Tobias is a witty, relatable heroine who endears you from the first faces she makes at herself in the mirror to the copious bowls of Cocoa Puffs she consumes over the course of the novel to her enthusiasm for Bruce Springsteen’s music. However, she can’t win for trying, it seems – personally or professionally – and you’ll soon find yourself rooting for her success in both realms. Aiding in both is Andy Zander, the sweet and hunky co-owner of Zander Closet Company and a possible (i hope, i hope) romantic lead in future books.

Rounding out the cast of players are a couple of African grey parrots, her colorful friends Mary Fran and Carter, her Grandpa Stu (who uses the word Yowza!) and Mary Fran’s super sweet son Sam. (Alliteration!) There’s also a sleazy businessman or two, a sparkly Mitzi, faithful employees, and Tobi’s crotchety (and nosy) neighbor Ms. Rapple. Each one is well-defined and unique, and though some are of course more stereotypical than others the ones who are supposed to be fun and endearing… are.

Bottom Line: Death is Advertising by Laura Bradford is nicely plotted and well written. While some aspects of the mystery seem fairly obvious at first, it’s not as cut and dried as it appears. The story keeps a steady pace, and when all is said and done you won’t be quite ready for it to be over. Tobi and the other characters are so likable that you’ll wish you had your hands on book 2 right away – not because there’s a cliffhanger (there isn’t) but because you just want to keep spending time with them.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them immensely, so I was thrilled to hear that she was beginning a new series, and jumped at the chance to read it. I was not disappointed...in fact, I think this is now my favorite of the many series she has written.

The main character, Tobi Tobias, is quirky and fun. She worries about the snort in her laugh, has a minor addiction to Cocoa Puffs and eats at McDonald's--definitely things I can relate to (especially if you substitute Lucky Charms for Cocoa Puffs!). She runs an advertising agency, but is having some trouble getting it off the ground, so she works part-time at a friend's pet shop to help make ends meet. Oh, and because of her name, people who don't know her are generalHly expecting to meet a man, not a woman.

Her circle of friends is full of quirky and relatable characters as well. I love her interactions with her neighbors Carter and Miss Rapple and was impressed with the friendship she has with Sam, the teen photographer. Grandpa Stu is also a real hoot, and I hope we'll see more of him in the future.

The plot of the story is fast paced and well developed. I enjoyed the budding romance--and had a suspicion midway through the book who the mystery man from the pet shop was going to be. The murder mystery was not quite so easy to figure out, however...I went in a couple of wrong directions prior to the reveal.

**I received an ARC of this book with no expectation of a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Cozy mystery fans, boy do I have an entertaining new series for you to read!

In Death In Advertising, the first book in the Tobi Tobias Mysteries Series, author Laura Bradford weaves a thoroughly delightful cozy mystery that follows the amateur sleuth adventures of ad agency owner Tobi Tobias.

Tobi has been struggling to get her advertising agency on its feet, when she finally gets her first break coming up with a campaign slogan for client Zander Closet Company. But when a dead body topples out of a showcase closet at the company, Tobi is determined to solve the murder mystery before bad publicity harms the client's business as well as her own fledgling business.

Death In Advertising is an entertaining cozy whodunit filled with enough humor, drama, and intriguing twists and turns that will easily keep the reader engaged and guessing the identity of the killer. Tobi is a sassy lady who I could relate to, and I really enjoyed following her amateur sleuth adventure filled with crazy antics and trials and tribulations.

With a fun cast of characters witty advertising slogans that Tobi comes up, and plenty of laugh out loud moments, Death In Advertising is an enjoyable cozy mystery that will leave the reader wanting more. I look forward to reading the next adventure in the series.

RATING: 5 STARS

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2017/02/death-in-advertising-by-laura-bradford.html

Entrepreneur Tobi Tobias is ecstatic when a potential new client walks in the front door of her ad agency. With bills piling up and the threat of eviction looming, she's desperate. When Zander Closet Company requests a slogan, brochures, and other advertising materials, Tobi knows this could mean big things for her and the agency. She's especially thrilled to learn that the Zander brothers have recently fired the prominent ad agency that she used to work for. All that excitement fades when the promotion for Zander Closet Company, with the use of the slogan Tobi developed, leads to the discovery of a dead body in the closet being showcased. Now, instead of her name being spread like wildfire due to success, she's dealing with the stigma that her slogan was a premonition....and the new clients she's since gained have now withdrawn and canceled their appointments. Her one big break may actually break her agency for good.

Unless she figures out who killed the man in the closet.

The character and world building done in Death in Advertising was done well and is appropriate for the novel - not overboard or skimpy. Tobi Tobias is a witty and humorous character. She's totally awkward but her character is likable. It's easy to relate to Tobi in many ways and she has a wonderful personality. The supporting characters are also likable and just as witty as Tobi. Their antics are humorous and add so much to Death in Advertising - not that it needed it because the book is fantastic.

The story is fast paced with surprises around every corner. I was engaged from the first chapter and enjoyed following Tobi and her friends as they worked to solve the murder that was dragging her name in the mud. The dialogue between the characters was natural and believable - nothing over the top or uncomfortable. The mystery was kept closely under wraps and the reveal was shocking and caught me by surprise.

I can't wait to see what Laura Bradford has in store for Tobi in Book 2!

Death in Advertising: A Tobi Tobias Mystery
By Laura Bradford
Lyrical Underground Kensington
March 2017

Review by Cynthia Chow

Ever since she designed a lemonade stand slogan as a ten-year-old, Tobi Tobias’s dream has been to work in advertising. The past six months since finally opening the Tobias Ad Agency have been bleak though, and if Tobi doesn’t land a client soon she’s going to be out of business. It seems within her grasp when Tobi creates the perfect marketing campaign for the Zander Closet Company, owned by the almost-as-perfect Andrew Zander and his overly charming brother Gary. The popularity of Tobi’s concept – When we’re done, even your skeletons will have a place – places her on the local news, but it also dunks her into hot water when the phrase becomes horrifically true. For during a brochure photo-shoot at the luxurious home of Preston and Mitzi Holbrook, the very dead body of the Car King himself falls out of the newly renovated Zander closet.

Discovering that there is such a thing as bad publicity, Tobi is desperate to clear herself and solve the mystery before her reputation is further tarnished. Mitzi was not the first Mrs. Holbrook, and rumors swirled amongst the household staff that the new glitzy wife was having an affair. For once Toby is grateful that she has been working a second job at the To Know Them is to Love Them pet store, as it allows her some insight into problematic behavior of the late Preston’s African grey parrot, Baboo. Competing for her attention is the discover that Tobi will be competing against her former bosses for clients, so she’s lucky to also have the support of the grandfather who has been providing her with wisdom since her childhood.

This start of a new series brings in as much laughter as it does background and insight into the world of advertising. Tobi herself is a delight, downing Cocoa Puffs and chocolate when the stress becomes a little too much for her. The pet store itself plays a surprising role, leading not just to a critical clue but introducing its match-making owner and her talented photographer son. Having had a history of bad judgment with men, Tobi distrusts the attraction that is pulling her towards one of the Zander brothers. It is compassion and not romance that motivates Tobi to investigate; she was voted Most Caring in high school, after all. The extremely light tone that starts the novel continues throughout, speeding towards a refreshingly realistic conclusion. Tobi may have an unhealthy addition to sugary cereal, but her investigations never stray out of the realm of believability. The author of many mysteries and romances under the names Laura Bradford and Elizabeth Lynn Casey, she debuts yet another delightful novel featuring a relatable and vulnerable heroine, engaging side characters, and a charming and unique setting.

I love to read new books in a series. You are introduced to the characters and start to really get to know them better. For some reason I started thinking who would be great to play the different characters when the story was made into a movie. The author did such a great job of making the characters so defined in their personality that I found myself casting the parts . The story was fun and full of surprises.

Tobi is a woman with dreams of opening her own advertising agency. She is struggling trying to get clients when she hits the jackpot. One slogan and she starts to see dollar signs. The slogan is funny and catchy and the clients are quite pleased . I did like the whole idea of the closet system and how organized it would be for people. The slogan is genius and I thought the author had such a great sense of humor.

There are hints throughout the book that could have you pointing fingers at the wrong suspect. I did think the author masterfully detoured readers and gave many suspects to choose from. I didn't figure out who the killer was until just a few chapters from the ending. Mitzi who was married to the victim was a great character because she was presented as the trophie wife looking for money. She had an attitude that oozed with confidence and made men take a second glance at her. Did she kill her husband? Maybe it was the faithful maid who adored her employer and was jealous of the new wife?

After reading the book I am looking forward to the next one in the series. The author captured my attention with her creativity and a mystery that is sure to keep you guessing.Grab your copy of this book and get comfy and enjoy an entertaining cast of characters. Don't be surprised when you start craving Cocoa Puffs.

I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my honest opinion.