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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
30 Second Death by Laura Bradford is the second book in A Tobi Tobias Mystery series. Tobi’s friend Carter McDade needs a little help. He is a hairdresser for the Central West End Theater and has been having a hard time with the temperamental and troublesome Fiona Renoir. Carter ended up having an extremely vocal argument with her at the theater and is afraid of losing his job (which he loves). Frank Martindale, the theater’s owner, will not go against Fiona, because she is his niece (which is why she has a job along with the fact that no one else would put up with her antics and diva attitude). Tobi decides to help Carter by giving Fiona a role in the Salonquility commercial. Tobi immediately regrets her act of kindness when Fiona causes drama on the set (upsetting the crew). They get through the first two segments of the commercial and take a short break before they start the hair dying portion of the commercial. Tobi is getting ready to return to the set when she hears Carter scream. She rushes in and finds him staring at Fiona on the floor—dead! Thanks to the very public argument Carter had with Fiona, he is suspect number one. Grandpa Stu returns to town to help Tobi with the investigation and spend a little quality time with Martha Rapple (which makes Tobi cringe). Tobi, with Grandpa Stu’s assistance, needs to whittle down the long suspect list (no one liked Fiona) and find the killer. Will she be able to clear Carter’s name before the cops slap him behind bars?
30 Second Death is an easy to read book. There are some cute moments in the story and the details the author allowed me to envision it in my head (an example is Rudder described in pj’s, nightcap and slippers). I wish, though, that the author had devoted more time and effort into the mystery. It was obvious who would be murdered and how (the nasty person is always bumped off). I identified the killer early in the novel (very limited suspect pool). I am rating 30 Second Death 3 out of 5 stars. Tobi has the maturity of a teenager girl at times (with regard to her personal life). Grandpa Stu’s relationship with Martha Rapple makes her want to throw up. This fact is frequently mentioned. Then the parrot, Rudder makes fun of her laugh (snort, snort). She gets annoyed with the bird (over and over). I admit that I got annoyed with it being mentioned every single time she called the pet store or visited it (repetition of details seems to be a common theme). The whodunit took a backseat in 30 Second Death. More time was devoted to Tobi’s relationship with Andy (and the current problem they are experiencing), Mary Fran’s noise problem at the pet store, Tobi’s need to have sweets and chocolate on hand, and Mary Fran’s high school reunion (and getting the chance to reconnect with the guy she liked in high school). I just felt 30 Second Death was lacking (I wanted more, but that is me). Readers who prefer a light, humorous “cozy” mystery will enjoy 30 Second Death.
30 Second Death is an easy to read book. There are some cute moments in the story and the details the author allowed me to envision it in my head (an example is Rudder described in pj’s, nightcap and slippers). I wish, though, that the author had devoted more time and effort into the mystery. It was obvious who would be murdered and how (the nasty person is always bumped off). I identified the killer early in the novel (very limited suspect pool). I am rating 30 Second Death 3 out of 5 stars. Tobi has the maturity of a teenager girl at times (with regard to her personal life). Grandpa Stu’s relationship with Martha Rapple makes her want to throw up. This fact is frequently mentioned. Then the parrot, Rudder makes fun of her laugh (snort, snort). She gets annoyed with the bird (over and over). I admit that I got annoyed with it being mentioned every single time she called the pet store or visited it (repetition of details seems to be a common theme). The whodunit took a backseat in 30 Second Death. More time was devoted to Tobi’s relationship with Andy (and the current problem they are experiencing), Mary Fran’s noise problem at the pet store, Tobi’s need to have sweets and chocolate on hand, and Mary Fran’s high school reunion (and getting the chance to reconnect with the guy she liked in high school). I just felt 30 Second Death was lacking (I wanted more, but that is me). Readers who prefer a light, humorous “cozy” mystery will enjoy 30 Second Death.
kimdavishb's review against another edition
5.0
Author Laura Bradford writes a variety of series but I was completely smitten with her Tobi Tobias Mystery series and was thrilled when 30 SECOND DEATH, the second book in the series, became available! From the opening page to the very end I was struck again and again at how creatively funny this author is! Writing humor is a gift and Laura is gifted in spades. The protagonist, Tobi Tobias, is a proud chocoholic, addicted to Cocoa Puffs, and owns a fledgling advertising agency. The agency allows the author another avenue for developing punny sayings and slogans along with creating interesting companies for Tobi to work on… I’d actually like to frequent some of the companies she mentions :)
The characters surrounding Tobi are varied and just as developed and entertaining on their own as the main protagonist. Tobi’s upstairs neighbor and friend, Carter McDade, is the focal point of 30 SECOND DEATH. He tends to be a drama queen but still has a smile and kind word for everyone. That is until he is a murder suspect in the death of his nemesis and the theater manager’s niece, Fiona. As Carter’s world comes crashing down, Tobi steps in and starts trying to figure out who the real killer is, despite her problems going on with her sweetheart, Andy. Laura Bradford expertly juggles a variety of story-lines and plots between Tobi and the characters and weaves them together in one entertaining story that will keep you guessing “whodunit”!
The characters surrounding Tobi are varied and just as developed and entertaining on their own as the main protagonist. Tobi’s upstairs neighbor and friend, Carter McDade, is the focal point of 30 SECOND DEATH. He tends to be a drama queen but still has a smile and kind word for everyone. That is until he is a murder suspect in the death of his nemesis and the theater manager’s niece, Fiona. As Carter’s world comes crashing down, Tobi steps in and starts trying to figure out who the real killer is, despite her problems going on with her sweetheart, Andy. Laura Bradford expertly juggles a variety of story-lines and plots between Tobi and the characters and weaves them together in one entertaining story that will keep you guessing “whodunit”!
katreader's review against another edition
4.0
30 SECOND DEATH by Laura Bradford
The Second Tobi Tobias Mystery
Business is booming for Tobi Tobias, unfortunately, her personal life isn't faring so well. Andy's ex has come back into his life and in trying to help her good friend, she may just have set Carter up for a murder charge! A diva at Carter's theatre company has made the mellow Carter lose his cool, so in order to save his job, Tobi rescinds the acting offer she gave the Art Director and gives the job to the Diva. A nightmare on the set, Fiona angers everyone, but it's only after Carter works on her hair that she drops dead. Now Carter's the prime suspect, but plenty of people had motive. Will Tobi be able to prove Carter's innocence when even Mary Fran doubts him? Will she work out her relationship with Andy? And just what is Rudder getting up to at night that the police are called for a noise disturbance?
Tobi's junk food diet makes my eating habits look positively healthy and her snorting, along with her reaction to it, gets on my nerves. Despite the fact that I find Tobi annoying at times, her deep rooted kindness makes me appreciate her as a person and as a character. And although poor decisions abound, if better choices were made there'd be no mystery.
I really enjoyed the mystery in 30 SECOND DEATH. Laura Bradford is quite adept at misdirecting readers, leading us toward what seem like the logical conclusion. When the mystery is solved we're reminded of all those well placed clues we may have glossed over which now make us say, "Well, of course. It all makes sense now!" The romantic anticipations and troubles of both Tobi and Mary Fran add to the angst of the story, heightening the drama.The mood is lightened, however, with plenty of humor, from Tobi's new clients, Dom and Gina Paletti, but especially from Rudder, wise words from teenager, Sam, and those quirky traits of Tobi.
30 SECOND DEATH is a well rounded mystery that provides a pleasurable mixture of laughter and drama while highlighting the importance of love and friendship.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Second Tobi Tobias Mystery
Business is booming for Tobi Tobias, unfortunately, her personal life isn't faring so well. Andy's ex has come back into his life and in trying to help her good friend, she may just have set Carter up for a murder charge! A diva at Carter's theatre company has made the mellow Carter lose his cool, so in order to save his job, Tobi rescinds the acting offer she gave the Art Director and gives the job to the Diva. A nightmare on the set, Fiona angers everyone, but it's only after Carter works on her hair that she drops dead. Now Carter's the prime suspect, but plenty of people had motive. Will Tobi be able to prove Carter's innocence when even Mary Fran doubts him? Will she work out her relationship with Andy? And just what is Rudder getting up to at night that the police are called for a noise disturbance?
Tobi's junk food diet makes my eating habits look positively healthy and her snorting, along with her reaction to it, gets on my nerves. Despite the fact that I find Tobi annoying at times, her deep rooted kindness makes me appreciate her as a person and as a character. And although poor decisions abound, if better choices were made there'd be no mystery.
I really enjoyed the mystery in 30 SECOND DEATH. Laura Bradford is quite adept at misdirecting readers, leading us toward what seem like the logical conclusion. When the mystery is solved we're reminded of all those well placed clues we may have glossed over which now make us say, "Well, of course. It all makes sense now!" The romantic anticipations and troubles of both Tobi and Mary Fran add to the angst of the story, heightening the drama.The mood is lightened, however, with plenty of humor, from Tobi's new clients, Dom and Gina Paletti, but especially from Rudder, wise words from teenager, Sam, and those quirky traits of Tobi.
30 SECOND DEATH is a well rounded mystery that provides a pleasurable mixture of laughter and drama while highlighting the importance of love and friendship.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
peggyemi's review against another edition
4.0
If you enjoyed the first book in this series then do yourself a favor and make sure to add this one to the TBR list. The second installment in the Tobi Tobais Mystery is another page turning read filled with great characters and what I thought was a terrific mystery. Tobi is such a great character. For only the second book in the series she is complex, multi-dimensional and layered. I find her to be an independent spirit who loves her family and friends and has a terrific wit and sense of humor that will make you chuckle several times throughout the book (at least I did). The rest of the cast is back and ready to go as they have to help clear Carter of suspicion of murder. The mystery is well plotted, fast paced and had a twist that I just did not expect.
This is quickly becoming a series that I really look forward to reading and can't wait to see what is in stall for the group in the next book.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book which was provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
This is quickly becoming a series that I really look forward to reading and can't wait to see what is in stall for the group in the next book.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book which was provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
Tobi Tobias is delightfully layered and realistically flawed. She places great stock in friendships and has an endearing narrative voice. I sort-of see her as Sandra Bullock in “While You Were Sleeping” or “Miss Congeniality” – a little awkward, a lot lovable, and a good heart. She’s witty and smart, she snort-laughs, she has stand-offs with parrots, and she is a total junk food addict.
In 30 Second Death, the main supporting characters are back and Tobi has her hands full! She must solve a murder to save Carter and solve a business problem to save Mary Fran. All while maintaining her own advertising business and trying not to gag at the thought of her beloved Grandpa Stu’s simmering romance with Tobi’s hated neighbor. You can imagine the hilarity that ensues.
The mystery isn’t so much about solving who did it as it is about proving who didn’t. The victim is so obnoxious that’s it’s almost a relief when she’s killed (i know… that’s awful. But you haven’t met her yet! Trust me.) but then the dread sets in as you realize that Tobi’s best friend Carter (another fave character of mine) is the number one suspect.
Bottom Line: Humor, heart, and a well-plotted mystery. It doesn’t get much better. Tobi Tobias is a heroine you’d want as a friend – and she’ll feel like one after you’ve read a book in this series. 30 Second Death is the second book but it can work as a standalone if you haven’t read Death in Advertising yet. Emphasis on ‘yet’ because you should, even just for the enjoyment factor. And the ending of this book has me eagerly waiting for And Death Goes To… to see how both revelations will play out in Mary Fran’s life. (Not a cliffhanger, per se, so don’t panic.) If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, make sure this series is on your TBR list!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
In 30 Second Death, the main supporting characters are back and Tobi has her hands full! She must solve a murder to save Carter and solve a business problem to save Mary Fran. All while maintaining her own advertising business and trying not to gag at the thought of her beloved Grandpa Stu’s simmering romance with Tobi’s hated neighbor. You can imagine the hilarity that ensues.
The mystery isn’t so much about solving who did it as it is about proving who didn’t. The victim is so obnoxious that’s it’s almost a relief when she’s killed (i know… that’s awful. But you haven’t met her yet! Trust me.) but then the dread sets in as you realize that Tobi’s best friend Carter (another fave character of mine) is the number one suspect.
Bottom Line: Humor, heart, and a well-plotted mystery. It doesn’t get much better. Tobi Tobias is a heroine you’d want as a friend – and she’ll feel like one after you’ve read a book in this series. 30 Second Death is the second book but it can work as a standalone if you haven’t read Death in Advertising yet. Emphasis on ‘yet’ because you should, even just for the enjoyment factor. And the ending of this book has me eagerly waiting for And Death Goes To… to see how both revelations will play out in Mary Fran’s life. (Not a cliffhanger, per se, so don’t panic.) If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, make sure this series is on your TBR list!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
cj_mo_2222's review against another edition
4.0
Tobi Tobias enjoys running her own advertising agency, and she couldn’t have done it without the help of her friend Carter McDade. Carter is a talented hairdresser who is thrilled to be doing the hair and make-up for a production of “Rapunzel”, but his job is on the line because of one temperamental actress whose family connections can make or break Carter’s career. To help out her friend, Tobi offers the actress, Fiona Renoir, a job in a commercial for her newest client. That turns out to be a catastrophe when Fiona is murdered and Carter becomes the only suspect. Tobi vows to find the real killer to prevent Carter from going to prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
I have read books in other series by Laura Bradford, but this is the first book I’ve read in this series. “30 Second Death” is actually the second book in this new series, but I missed the first one. I had no tubule figuring out who was who, so that wasn’t a problem. I like Tobi and her friends and enjoyed the glimpse into the advertising business as well as the theater. I enjoy Tobi and Carter’s friendship and how loyal they are to each other.
I like the even-pacing of the book, but was disappointed in the rushed ending. When the true murderer is discovered, the stage is well-set, but then most of the confrontation is described by Tobi to a friend after the fact, and the reader doesn’t get to see the scene unfold first hand. Hopefully, in future books the reader won’t be cheated out of the big reveal because otherwise this is an entertaining mystery with a touch of romance as well. Fans of Laura Levine will enjoy this light-hearted cozy.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Lyrical Underground. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I have read books in other series by Laura Bradford, but this is the first book I’ve read in this series. “30 Second Death” is actually the second book in this new series, but I missed the first one. I had no tubule figuring out who was who, so that wasn’t a problem. I like Tobi and her friends and enjoyed the glimpse into the advertising business as well as the theater. I enjoy Tobi and Carter’s friendship and how loyal they are to each other.
I like the even-pacing of the book, but was disappointed in the rushed ending. When the true murderer is discovered, the stage is well-set, but then most of the confrontation is described by Tobi to a friend after the fact, and the reader doesn’t get to see the scene unfold first hand. Hopefully, in future books the reader won’t be cheated out of the big reveal because otherwise this is an entertaining mystery with a touch of romance as well. Fans of Laura Levine will enjoy this light-hearted cozy.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Lyrical Underground. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
lunifur's review against another edition
5.0
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
I absolutely love this series! This was another book that I have been impatiently waiting for since I finished the first book, and now I'm anxiously awaiting book three. The romantic bits were a bit predictable, but oh my gosh that mystery! I loved it! There were so many suspects and some good motives. Add in a visit from her grandpa and the plot was jam-packed from beginning to end.
I absolutely love this series! This was another book that I have been impatiently waiting for since I finished the first book, and now I'm anxiously awaiting book three. The romantic bits were a bit predictable, but oh my gosh that mystery! I loved it! There were so many suspects and some good motives. Add in a visit from her grandpa and the plot was jam-packed from beginning to end.
jackielizn's review against another edition
4.0
I'm happy to say that all of the things that I loved about the first book in this series were present in this book also. Tobi's humor had me laughing out loud on many occasions. She has a small but wonderful tight-knit group of friends that anyone would be lucky to have. Carter, Mary-Fran, and Sam bring a lot of enjoyment into these books. I also love the parts with Tobi's Grandpa Stu.
The mystery had me hooked from the very beginning and had me completely stumped. Just as I thought I figured out who the killer was, my suspicion would shift to someone else. The killer was a complete surprise and someone that wasn't on my suspect list at all. I really love when an author is able to stump me like that and keep me thinking and guessing throughout the book.
I was a little frustrated with Andy in this book, but I'm happy with how things turned out in the end.
Really my only complaint about the book is that I wish there had been just a little more sleuthing. The sleuthing that was mentioned though covered a lot of ground and was able to let the reader understand how the killer was found and revealed.
This was a great, quick read, full of suspense, mystery, and intrigue along with the humor that I loved so much in the first book. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
*I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The mystery had me hooked from the very beginning and had me completely stumped. Just as I thought I figured out who the killer was, my suspicion would shift to someone else. The killer was a complete surprise and someone that wasn't on my suspect list at all. I really love when an author is able to stump me like that and keep me thinking and guessing throughout the book.
I was a little frustrated with Andy in this book, but I'm happy with how things turned out in the end.
Really my only complaint about the book is that I wish there had been just a little more sleuthing. The sleuthing that was mentioned though covered a lot of ground and was able to let the reader understand how the killer was found and revealed.
This was a great, quick read, full of suspense, mystery, and intrigue along with the humor that I loved so much in the first book. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
*I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
pugmomsbookblog's review against another edition
5.0
Tobi Tobias seems to be having a streak of bad luck. It looks like her boyfriend has flown the coop, her friend Mary Fran's pet shop is in trouble (thanks to overly chit chatty birds!!), and her best friend Carter is accused of Murder!
She might not be able to do anything about her boyfriend troubles or Mary Fran's avian woes but you can bet your last bowl of cocoa puffs that she'll clear Carter's name and find out who really killed the high strung and overbearing Fiona!
With several suspects to choose from and lots of twists and turns, you will be turning the pages pretty quickly to find out who Tobi has uncovered as the killer. Luckily, she has Sam and Grandpa Stu to help her! Another well-rounded and fast paced mystery by Laura Bradford! I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!
I voluntarily reviewed this book via NetGalley.
She might not be able to do anything about her boyfriend troubles or Mary Fran's avian woes but you can bet your last bowl of cocoa puffs that she'll clear Carter's name and find out who really killed the high strung and overbearing Fiona!
With several suspects to choose from and lots of twists and turns, you will be turning the pages pretty quickly to find out who Tobi has uncovered as the killer. Luckily, she has Sam and Grandpa Stu to help her! Another well-rounded and fast paced mystery by Laura Bradford! I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!
I voluntarily reviewed this book via NetGalley.
pguynn64's review
5.0
I received a free copy for an honest review and I love this series by Laura Bradford!!!! This is the 2nd book in the Tobi Tobias series and it is a great fun read. If you like cozy mysteries then you will really love this series!!