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Friends and Enemies #2

Brooklyn Kills Me

Win a free kindle copy of this book!

14 days and 02:11:43

100 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
In this sharp and suspenseful sequel to Sleeping with Friends, a reluctant detective investigates a suspicious death, the party where it happened—and the secrets no one’s willing to tell.

Book editor Agnes Nielson never anticipated the viral celebrity that would come after solving the attempted murder of her best friend. Suddenly swept up in a world of luxury, she finds herself mingling with New York’s movers, shakers, and moneymakers—among them the enigmatic heiress Charlotte Bond, who takes Agnes under her wing.

But those wings, it turns out, aren’t enough to save Charlotte from a fatal fall.

When police dismiss the death as accidental, Agnes takes on the scions and wannabes of New York society, even if she sometimes doubts her new skill set as a hipster detective. After all, she only has a vague recollection of the party that ended Charlotte’s life, and everyone else has a different story. Or so they say.

As she digs into the details of that night, Agnes finds that the sparkling veneer of wealth and success hides plenty of blemishes…and the cracks below may be deep enough to swallow her whole.

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 15, 2024

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About the author

Emily Schultz

30 books254 followers
Emily Schultz is the co-founder of Joyland Magazine. Her newest novel, Little Threats, is forthcoming from GP Putnam's Sons for November 2020. Her novel, The Blondes, released in the U.S. with St. Martin’s Press and Picador, in France with Editions Asphalte, and in Canada with Doubleday. It was named a Best Book of 2015 by NPR and Kirkus. The Blondes was produced as a scripted podcast starring Madeline Zima, which has also been translated into French.

Schultz's writing has appeared in Elle, Slate, Evergreen Review, Vice, Today's Parent, Hazlitt, Minola Review, Black Warrior Review, and Prairie Schooner. She lives in Brooklyn where she is a producer with the indie media company Heroic Collective.

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for TAYA.
61 reviews17 followers
July 9, 2024
Pub Date 10/15/24
A murder mystery set in NYC.
Who killed the heiress, Charlotte? Agnes intends to find out. The who done it list is a long one because, everyone at the party that night is suspect. Through her interview process, she finds out there’s a murder club - a secret social circle.

The story started out just fine, but then it became very long winded. Too strung out for my taste. I became bored. The story became a struggle to get through.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.



Profile Image for Zoe Lipman.
249 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2024
I would recommend this book for fans of the show Only Murders in the Building. Very similar vibes and atmosphere (New York, fancy people, fancy people, eccentric people, you get the drill...).

I did find this book to be a bit slow going at the beginning, but at the end (where I, personally, think it really matters for this genre), it really picks up.

I did find that some parts were a bit predictable, but I do find that to be a common issue with this type of genre (if you consume a lot of mystery/thriller books, tv shows or movies, you tend to have all of the possible formula options memorized at a certain point). So I don't find that to be a massive deal-breaker or anything.

Some characters did feel a bit two-dimensional to me, but again, that's another common issue I tend to have with this type of genre. The plot and mystery is more important than the characters, and I totally get that, I just prefer to get really invested in the characters I read about. And if you don't give me enough to get invested in, it can make the whole story fall a tad flat for me. But that really does vary person-to-person.

I am in my mystery/thriller girlie era!

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for J Kromrie.
1,366 reviews25 followers
July 31, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In this sequel to “Sleeping with Friends,” Emily Schultz returns us to the streets of Brooklyn. Detective Agnes Morales reluctantly investigates a suspicious death—the kind that leaves a bitter aftertaste at the party where it occurred. But in a neighborhood where secrets are currency and loyalties are tested, Agnes discovers that everyone has something to hide.

Schultz’s writing is as vivid as the graffiti on a subway wall, capturing the pulse of Brooklyn—the late-night diners, the brownstone stoops, and the simmering tension between old friends. The characters are complex, flawed, and achingly real. Agnes, haunted by her past, navigates the labyrinthine relationships with a mix of determination and vulnerability. Zoey, the enigmatic artist, harbors secrets that threaten to unravel her carefully constructed facade. And Mia, the victim, is more than just a casualty; she’s a mirror reflecting the fractured lives around her.

The pacing is relentless, pulling you deeper into the mystery. Schultz masterfully weaves together threads of betrayal, ambition, and desire, leaving you guessing until the final pages. Is it Agnes, driven by unspoken resentments? Or Zoey, who covets everything Mia has? The answers lie in the shadows of Brooklyn, where loyalty is tested, and the truth is a double-edged blade.

“Brooklyn Kills Me” is a noir-infused thriller that pulses with authenticity. Schultz’s prose is sharp, her characters unforgettable, and her portrayal of Brooklyn—both its beauty and its darkness—will linger. Whether you’re a seasoned detective fiction enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this sequel is a must-read.

Emily Schultz’s latest novel is a gripping addition to the Friends and Enemies series. If you enjoyed the first book, “Sleeping with Friends,” you won’t want to miss this sequel. Dive into the heart of Brooklyn, where danger lurks in the shadows, and every secret has consequences. 🌆🔍📖
Profile Image for Danai.
459 reviews11 followers
September 27, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
63 reviews
September 29, 2024
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!
Profile Image for Erin.
4 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2024
“Brooklyn Kills Me” by Emily Schultz is the second book in a series. This could be read as a stand alone book. In the first book “Sleeping with Friends” we meet Agnes Nielsen.

Agnes, an amateur detective meets Charlotte Bond who lives in her new building and Charlotte takes Agnes under her wings. Charlotte invites Agnes into her circle and to her Salon. Charlotte mentions she wants to hire Agnes. Charlotte, an heiress ends up dead and Agnes has to piece together the night to find the murderer.

Honestly I didn’t love the first book but figured I’d give the second one an honest go. I enjoyed this book more. It was a faster read. I enjoyed the story though I found it a slow progression and too many characters to keep track of. It was a good, quick whodunit read.

Thank you Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
6,595 reviews55 followers
May 19, 2024
Brooklyn Kills Me by E. Schultz, published byThomas & Mercer, is the anticipated sequel to Friends and Enemies, Sleeping With Friends.
For best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order.
Agnes never dreamed that becoming a celebrity by solving the attempted murder of her best friend. And heiress Charlotte takes Agnes under her wing.
But suffers a fatal fall, that the police dismisses as accident. Agnes investigates on her own and soon she's tangled up with danger and intrigue.
The story has a slow build up to thrilling, twisty and unexpected turns that had me in suspense till the last page.

133 reviews4 followers
August 11, 2024
I love the premise and setting of this book. I liked the main lead and how she figures out herself post fame as a detective. While a slow burn it kept me hooked. Overall an enjoyable read for people who enjoy mysteries.

Thank you Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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