Wow! I really enjoyed this second novel in Laura Bradford’s A Tobi Tobias Mystery series! The author has a winning combination of witty dialog between very likable characters, a mind-boggling murder mystery, and romance on the rocks. Oh, and Rudder. Without Rudder, Tobi and Mary Fran would be … truly rudderless in a world with less snorts.

Tobi loves chocolate, adores her family, friends and animals. Her ad agency is successful and she is “wowing” two new clients. Her best friend is Carter; the job he loves is on the line. JoAnna is Tobi’s outstanding, highly efficient, motherly secretary. Mary Fran, Tobi’s friend, owns a unique pet shop threatened by a cranky new neighbor. Her 15-year-old son Sam is a brilliant and talented photographer who understands human nature better than most adults. Rudder, the African Grey Parrot who torments Tobi with imitations of her snorting laugh, is star of the pet shop. Tobi’s motley group is blessed with Grandpa Stu, in her corner since she was born. He seems to be sweet on – horrors! – her mean-spirited neighbor, Ms. Rapple. What more can a girl need? Andy…the exceptional boyfriend who is talking again with his returning ex-girlfriend who once preferred a career to marriage.

Tobi is preparing for a commercial shoot for an upscale spa. Rachel, the art director from the studio who films her TV commercials, is – or was – the female “lead” in the commercial. Rachel, yearning for an acting career, was looking forward to it. Tobi had to change her mind to help Carter, a leading hair sculptor. He had a huge fight with Fiona, actress at the local theater where he works and her Uncle Frank runs. Frank heard the fight. In hopes of Carter keeping his job, Tobi asks Fiona to be in the commercial instead. Rachel says she understands but her behavior denies it. Her right-hand person, Sara, is gunning for Rachel’s job.

Everyone is tired of Fiona the Diva who had loudly proclaimed huge peanut allergy. The final scene is being filmed; Carter is coloring Fiona’s hair to show a salon service. She falls out of the salon chair, dead, at Carter’s feet the cause of death being peanut oil in the hair coloring that he had mixed.

Each character is delightfully complex, designed with care and demonstrated through their actions and dialog and, for Tobi, her internal dialog. Tobi is the embodiment of many young women on the road to success. She has ongoing concerns about her company and appearance, whose insecurities are evident only to JoAnna and a new client, Gina. Of all the characters, I like Tobi and Mary Fran best, and envy her the kind of friends who love her. Except for what he put Tobi through, I would like to pop Andy on the nose!

I like that the author introduces almost all the characters in the beginning of the novel so one can then focus on the crime. The plot is tightly woven with twists that this reader didn’t anticipate. Carter, of course is to blame. I tenaciously suspected a different, conniving bad guy/ gal. I love the way young Sam steals hearts with wisdom beyond his years. I am captivated by Pizza Adventures “experience”! The real killer is a complete surprise, someone I hadn’t even considered. Every situation is resolved, leaving no loose ends. I highly recommend 30 Second Death; it is definitely a worthy sequel to Death in Advertising, and not to be missed!

From a grateful heart: I received this eBook from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Advertising and African Grey parrots are two of my favorite things in this series. There are interesting characters, too. Clever murder mystery. I look forward to reading the next (last) one in this series.

30-Second Death is the second book in the A Tobi Tobias Mystery series.

Another enjoyable visit to the Tobi Tobias Ad Agency. Tobi comes home one evening to find her best friend, Carter McDade eating Cocoa Puffs right out of the box in her apartment. One might ask: really, yes. He is distraught, to say the least. McDade is a hairdresser at a local, community type, theater and the owner’s niece, Fiona Renoir, prima donna personified, is making life difficult for McDade and everyone in the theater. With McDade feeling that his days are numbered at the theater, Tobi has offered to hire Fiona for a commercial for a local spa that is about to go into production. As everyone returns from a break, the scene with Fiona and McDade starts with Fiona get a dye lathered into her hair and soon falls out of the chair, dead. So instead of washing her hands of the whole thing, she starts to look into who wanted Fiona out of the picture the most and to also clear McDade’s name.

At the same time, Tobi is working on a new ad campaign for Dom and Gina Paletti who are renovating a warehouse-like space which Tobi has suggested they call Pizza Adventure, where each room will have a different adventure setting. Gina seems to love the idea, but Dom is going to need a little convincing.

Grandpa Stu, Ms. Rapple, Mary Fran and her son Sam, and Joanna are all back again to help Tobi stay on the straight and narrow. Oh, can’t forget Rudder and his mimicking of Tobi’s snort.

I will be watching for the next book in this delightful series.

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.

Advertising agency owner and admitted chocoholic Tobi Tobias is back in 30 Second Death, a new cozy mystery by Laura Bradford. This is the 2nd book in the Tobi Tobias Mystery series.

The basics: To help out her Bestie, Hair Stylist Carter McDade, Tobi offers a part in a commercial to a problematic local prima donna, Fiona Renoir. Fiona causes problems wherever she goes and has little talent. She refuses to allow Carter to do her hair for a local production of Rapunzel, but happily leaves the cast when offered the commercial. On set, Fiona continues to cause problems. She throws tantrums, yells at the crew, and continues to make Carter's professional life a living hell. When Tobi informs her that she has no choice but to allow Carter to color her hair as part of the commercial, Fiona agrees. Unfortunately, seconds after he applies chemical to her hair, Fiona drops dead. Immediately the police suspect he killed her because of the feud they had going. Tobi jumps right into the case to clear her best friend before he is arrested and charged with murder. With the help of her grandfather and friends, Tobi sifts through suspects to prove Carter's innocence.

Although first person perspective is usually not my favorite, Laura Bradford pulls it off perfectly. The humor, advertising theme, and mystery makes this a fun, enjoyable cozy series! Tobi Tobias is an intelligent, funny and engaging main character. Her cast of supporting friends (and grandfather) add a nice depth to the books. As with most cozies, the mystery portion of the plot is light, but still engaging. No gore, no spurting blood, no cussing. So these books would be appropriate for readers from middle grade on up to adult. I enjoy the interaction between the characters -- a parrot who insists on making snorting noises whenever he sees Tobi, the relationship between Tobi and her grandfather, and Tobi and Carter's ongoing dislike of their elderly, cantankerous neighbor (and their horror when the grandfather wants to date her).

I enjoyed 30 Second Death just as much as the first book in this series (Death in Advertising). The mystery is well-paced, interesting and has plenty of suspects, twists and turns. I enjoy the advertising theme and the humor sprinkled liberally into each story as well. I will definitely be reading more of this series! The next book, And Death Goes To...., will be coming out in December 2017. I can't wait! :)

Laura Bradford is the author of several other cozy series including the Emergency Dessert Squad and An Amish Mystery series. For more information on the author and her books,check out her website: http://www.laurabradford.com/

30 Second Death
A Tobi Tobias Mystery, Book #2
Laura Bradford
5+ Stars


Synopsis:

To help an old friend, Tobi Tobias gets a third-rate thespian a part in a commercial, and learns that in the advertising business, bad acting can lead to murder . . .

When Tobi Tobias opened her own advertising agency, Carter McDade was there for her every step of the way. A brilliant hairdresser, Carter has just landed his dream project: doing hair and makeup for a theatrical production of Rapunzel. But the dream turns into a nightmare when he runs into Fiona Renoir, a cruel, talentless starlet who won’t let Carter touch a hair on her head.

To get Fiona out of Carter’s hair, Tobi hires the difficult actress for a bit part in her latest commercial. But true to character, Fiona is a terror on set, and Tobi is starting to think she’s made the biggest mistake of her life. But things get even worse when Fiona drops dead in the hairdresser’s chair, and the only suspect is the man left holding the tainted hair dye, Carter McDade. And unless Tobi can prove his innocence, he’ll never do hair in this town again. (Goodreads)



Review:

The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Tobi is smart, loyal, clever and very funny. She would do anything for her family and friends. She is a snackaholic, which I can relate to. Mary Fran and Sam, her friend and her friend’s son are such great people and friends to Tobi. They love animals and I enjoyed reading about the pet store and all of the animals within. I loved reading about her interactions with her friends and listening to her conversations with them. And of course you have to love Grandpa Stu and all of his shenanigans.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book, I felt like I was right there watching all of the action taking place. I felt like I was inside the pet shop, To Know Them Is To Love Them (great name for a pet store), hanging out with the animals. Rudder Malone, one cantankerous bird, had me
laughing out loud on more than one occasion.

The mystery was carried on well throughout the book. There were enough suspects to consider and and clues to sift through that it was difficult to figure out who-dunnit. I had an inkling of who the killer was but I did not know for sure until it was revealed at the end.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. With wonderful characters (I so enjoy Tobi and her friends), a great mystery and humor galore, I think this is just about the perfect cozy. When I was not reading it, I wanted to be reading it, to spend time in the world that this author has created. If I could, I would give this book more than 5 Stars.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Advertising agency owner Tobi Tobias is back again in 30 Second Death by Laura Bradford. She thinks she's doing her friend Carter a favor by casting Fiona Renoir in the commercial she's filming for a local salon... then Fiona winds up dead and Carter is the main suspect. When I wrote about the first book in this series, I complained that Tobi complained too much about her financial situation. The writing was great, but I wasn't sure I liked the main character very much. In this book, Tobi's circumstances have improved considerably. Her life is still a bit complicated, but she's happier and a lot more pleasant to read about. The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing and I'm looking forward to the third book in the series.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

All Tobi wants is to help her friend Carter, she never knew what a can of worms she was opening. Fiona was making hairdresser Carter McDade’s life miserable. She thinks she is a talented actress and he doesn’t agree and let’s her know it which gets him in hot water at the theater. Tobi decides to hire Fiona for a commercial to try and smooth the waters much to the displeasure of the person she had already promised the part. Fiona arrives on set and makes a horrible impression. When the actress is found dead after a break everyone on the shoot quickly becomes a suspect but Carter is the prime suspect especially when they learn the hair dye he was applying may be the murder weapon.

I was excited to visit again with my literary friend Tobi Tobias, she and I have a couple of things in common, like an unusual laugh and our diets. She has a huge heart and went way beyond the limits to help Carter this time. Not sure I would have done the same thing. Alive Fiona was a ticking time bomb that started to explode immediately when she tried to tell everyone how to do their jobs. Even if she hadn’t died she could have ruined the commercial and the reputation of Tobi’s firm.

On the romantic front for Tobi, what started looking hopeful in the first book really hit the skids in this one. Mary Fran is also having problems at her pet shop with a neighbor and she ends up with a huge surprise. So murder, romance drama and an upset neighbor. Tobi has her hands full. But my favorite part was Grandpa Stu returns to help clear everything up. These are a superb group of characters. It is so easy to become invested in their lives.

Ms Bradford presents a wonderful plot with an unusual murder weapon and one that hits very close to home for me. Had I been in Fiona’s position I would have been dead too. She gave a a plethora of suspects and they all had the means and after spending time with Fiona motive was spread around liberally. I was totally surprised when the real culprit was revealed.

I really enjoy this series because it gives me everything I want in a cozy mystery. She also includes those moments that make me laugh out loud and would have Tobi snorting as well.

This story is fast paced and a quick read. I do recommend that if you haven’t read Death in Advertising, start with that one first as this one picks up where that one left off.

Laura Bradford has created an enjoyable cozy series that gives readers a peek inside the workings of a new and growing advertising agency. Another delight is the mystery itself. Early on I placed a bet with myself as to the identity of the killer, and nothing really made my antennae twitch enough to change my mind. I should have because I lost my bet. I love it when that happens!

I really enjoy the cast of characters in this series. Tobi is intelligent, funny, and a genuinely caring person. Her Grandpa Stu is her emotional rock, and it's really going to be interesting to see how Tobi adapts to the growing relationship he has with Ms. Rapple, the neighbor Tobi loves to hate. She has a huge blind spot when it comes to the woman, so what's it going to be, Tobi? Your happiness... or your grandfather's? I definitely want to see what's going to happen with this!

Tobi's friend, Mary Fran Wazoli, gets a larger share of the spotlight in this book, and so does Mary Fran's teenage son, Sam. Sam is a talented photographer who works on Tobi's ad campaigns. He's also a good listener and comes up with some wonderful insights, and if I have anything against this young man it's that he's almost too good to be true.

I only had two small quibbles in reading 30 Second Death. One was the fact that romance took control of the action a time or two and I've never made a secret of the fact that I don't care much for romance in my mysteries, especially when it's all about the old flame being back in town.

The second thing that bothered me also bothered me in the first book, Death in Advertising. I'm going to have to re-read that first book to see if any mention is made of Tobi hating her first name. Why? Because there is nickname overload. In Death in Advertising, Grandpa Stu called Tobi "Sugar Lump" so often that I found myself grinding my teeth. In 30 Second Death, Carter calls her "Sunshine" almost every other sentence. (Or it seems that way.) I was dreading the time when both Carter and Grandpa Stu would be in the same room with Tobi. Even Sam chimes in with his "Tobes." I know all this nickname calling must have some deeper meaning, but it escapes me. Isn't it odd the things that bother a person when she's reading?

Small irritations or not, I do enjoy this series: a good setting in the world of advertising; a great cast of characters (including a parrot with a mind of its own), and first-rate mysteries to solve. I'm looking forward to the third book.

30 Second Death by Laura Bradford is the second book in her Tobi Tobias series. This book picked up seamlessly from the first book.

I like Tobi because she is a smart and often funny and a chocoholic which could make her and me friends. She also is devoted to her friends and family. The secondary characters, Mary Fran, Sam, Carter and Grandpa Stu are also back which added several dimensions to the story. Ms. Bradford's descriptive writing and well crafted characters always make me feel that I am right there with them. Tobi is busy with two new clients and dealing with another romantic disappointment. She is also trying to support Mary Fran as she is facing a problem with her new neighbor at her pet store. Then the murder happens and her bff, Carter, is the number one suspect. We all know that Tobi is not going to let that stand. Plenty of suspects and twists kept me turning the pages as I was completely at a loss as to who committed the murder.

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.

Tobi is a character! I love this group of friends and family that all love and support Tobi.

Tobi is determined to find out who killed the nasty Fiona. And clear her BFF at the same time. With so many suspects, Grandpa Stu comes to visit and help her out. Or did he come to hook up with Tobi's nasty neighbor? Lots of mysteries here!

The characters are well developed and  this not your typical cosy mystery. Ms. Bradford has several mystery series out, so check out her Amazon page and see if you find something you like!

Lyrical Underground/Kensingto July 11, 2017

I simply loved this book! Tobi Tobias is a wonderful character whose best friend Carter is being framed for a murder. Tobi is suffering from a break-up with Andy, yet she wholeheartedly jumps into an investigation to save Carter, aided by her beloved Grandpa Stu. I traveled all over the place with suspects, convinced I had the correct one, only to be surprised with the ending. There are delightful side stories involving Mary Fran and Sam, as well as clients of Tobi's. I wish I could just go to the next book in the series I like these people that much!

I am not as happy with book 2 as I was with book 1 in this series.

The success of Tobi Tobias' ad agency brings her opportunities to realize life goals - like owning a car. Actress Fiona is causing grief for Tobi's hairdresser BFF Carter so Tobi casts Fiona in her next commercial. This idea causes a lot of problems for everyone and when Fiona drops dead at Carter's feet he's the prime suspect.

Tobi has to come to grips with a lot of areas in her personal life and proving Carter innocent of murder gets tossed into her emotional load.

I found repetition of background and situational details frustrating. Book 1 was a better read, which isn't the norm in a series. Looking forward to book 3.

Solid characters and an interesting premise, but the whodunit wasn't a 5 star for me.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Awesome Series
30 Second Death is the second book in Laura Bradford’s fabulous Tobi Tobias Mystery series. This whodunit has a great storyline, well-developed and engaging characters, lots of humor, and touches of romance. Ms. Bradford has a witty writing style and I’m looking forward to reading more of her books. There are lots of twists and turns and no shortage of suspects This steadily paced story held my attention throughout the entire book and kept me guessing whodunit. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well-crafted cozy mystery.

Tobi Tobias is a chocoholic and the owner of the Tobias Ad Agency. Her business is taking off and with two new clients, Salonquility and Pizza Adventure, and Tobi is excited about the potential of buying a car but is still feeling sad and insecure ever since Andy’s ex-girlfriend showed up at the restaurant during a recent date. Carter McDade, one of Tobi’s best friends, upstairs neighbor, and talented hairdresser has been hired by a local theater to do the hair and makeup for the actors in the production of Rapunzel. Frank Martindale is Carter’s boss and he hired his niece, Fiona Renoir (who is Carter’s nemesis), to play the lead. Carter can’t take Fiona’s constant complaints and demands any longer and verbally attacks Fiona. Frank overhears Carter and now he’s concerned Frank will fire him. Tobi steps in to help save Carter’s job by hiring Fiona to appear in the commercial she is having filmed for Salonquility. When Fiona dies during the filming, it’s determined she was murdered and Carter may be the prime suspect. Tobi’s Grandpa Stu shows up to help her clear Carter’s name, and much to her displeasure, continues to pursue a relationship with her annoying neighbor, Martha Rapple.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Thanks to Kensington Books/Lyrical Underground and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I really enjoyed this book. It's a great cozy mystery read, and Laura Bradford does a wonderful job bringing her characters to life. It's got some very funny episodes which I really appreciated.

30 Second Death is the second book in Tobi Tobias mystery series, and can be read without reading the first book in the series. Tobi owns an advertising agency, and in the first book, she got her first big client and starting dating one of the owners, Andy. In this book, she is working a new ad for a day spa at Starwood Studios, a standalone studio with a crew and custom sets. Her close friend and neighbor Carter has been working on a new play, but after he chewed out his boss's niece Fiona, a real diva, he may have lost his job.

Tobi tries to save the day by hiring Fiona to appear in her spa commercial. Unfortunately, after a difficult day of shooting, Fiona is found dead. There are suspects galore. Carter was on the set, and the crew had many reasons to dislike Fiona. Tobi has to find the murderer to clear Carter's name.

At the same time, her best friend Mary Fran, who owns a pet store, is facing complaints about her loud parrots, who imitate sounds to people's amusement or annoyance. Mary Fran is also worried about her upcoming high school reunion. Tobi is pulled in all different directions, between Andy, Carter and Mary Fran.

The characters in the book were all entertaining, and made the book more interesting. Tobi's Grandpa Stu makes an appearance, and Tobi's other clients are well described and fun to read about. I didn't guess the identity of the murderer, which is a plus for me in a cozy mystery.

I highly recommend this book and the first one in the series, Death in Advertising.

Writing catchy ads by day and working in the pet store as needed leaves Tobi Tobias some time for fun with new beau Andy.
For those of you who read the first in this series by Laura Bradford, Andy was a client Tobi worked with.

Picking up on the cliffhanger of Andy's ex entering the story, Tobi feels sad and confused and isn't sure what Andy wants.
Working with two new clients has her feeling a bit better, but when her bff finds himself accused of murder, Tobi has no choice but to get involved.

Revenge, secrets and greed will keep you turning the pages in this exciting book.
Once again we are left with a cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the next book.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Tobi Tobias is a strong, feisty intelligent woman who is the owner of her own advertising agency. She lives in the same apartment building as her good friend Carter, who has been there for her during many ups and downs in her life. Carter is the hair stylist for the local theater but when he insults Fiona, an aspiring (but terrible) actress in front of her uncle who is Carter's boss, Carter fears for his job. Tobi decides to help him by casting Fiona in a commercial she is shooting, but when Fiona is later murdered it is Carter who is the main suspect. Tobi rushes to his defense and will not stop until she proves his innocence. This is a fun and compelling read with a twisty plot, great characters, plenty of humor and just enough of a love interest for Tobi. I highly recommend it.