I have been trying to figure out what it is about this series that doesn’t work for me and I think I have it narrowed down to two different things: the number of characters that are thrown at you and the depth at which we get to know them. I am used to cozies that really develop the characters, even the murdered ones, because it helps you connect to the setting and the series on the whole. This doesn’t do that. I found myself not paying attention very often to the audio, despite the well-done narration. This series, and this author, are not for me.

This sequel to Sleeping with friends, has book editor turned amateur detective and instant NYC society darling, Agnes Nielsen, caught up in the glittering NYC social scene where once again she finds herself investigating a suspicious death when her new friend takes a fatal fall. While the police dismiss the fall as an accident, Agnes has her doubts. Good on audio narrated by Lisa Larsen, this can be read as a standalone and is perfect for fans of cozy mystery series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I was fortunate to listen to Brooklyn Kills Me by Emily Schultz, Pub Date 10/15/24, Audio ARC via Netgalley.

I was intrigued by the cover and description of the book which caught my attention for being a murder mystery type of book. The narration, by Lisa Larson, was GREAT! I know narrators have the ability to enhance readers engagement in a book and Lisa did not disappoint!

The story takes you through piecing together Charlottes murder via amateur "detective" Agnes Nielsen and is more modern than your typical murder mystery. The characters involved are posh, rich, famous, and elite and many have reasons to want Charlotte gone. Personally, I liked that there were AHA moments of wondering what would happen next but I found myself lost in keeping track of who was who in the character pile. Still a fun read for sure though!

Pitched as “sharp and suspenseful,” this one delivers on both counts!

Premise - Bookish introvert Agnes Nielsen reluctantly becomes one of NYC’s who’s who after solving her bff’s attempted murder. Soon she’s hobnobbing with the likes of enigmatic heiress Charlotte Bond… who takes a fatal plunge after a high society party Agnes attends. Agnes, who may have been drugged by someone at the party that night (?!) to incapacitate her, doesn’t buy the police’s theory that the death was an accident. Now she’s back to her amateur sleuthing antics!

I loved Schultz’s voice, which is ultimately what makes or breaks any story. The colorful cast of characters was super fun to follow along with, too, and as a New Yorker it was a treat to see my city through Agnes’ lens. I tend to read thriller over mystery, but this was an engaging blend of both and kept my interest throughout!

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Lisa Larsen. It was a great read, I highly recommend! Larsen’s choices add depth to the characters and infuse the story with additional tension and energy, but never take too many liberties beyond what the text dictates.

Thanks, NetGalley and Brilliance Audio, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.