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An Agent to the Paws Mystery #2
Bird, Bath, and Beyond
Kay Powell, theatrical agent to non-human animals, is babysitting—that is, birdsitting—her client, a parrot named Barney, on the set of his new TV show, Dead City. When the show’s charismatic star is shot in his trailer between scenes, the only eyewitness to the crime is—you guessed it—Barney. And even though Kay keeps explaining that even a “talking” parrot doesn’t actually converse with people, the investigators insist on interrogating the bird for information he clearly can’t communicate.
Suspects accumulate like birdseed, and before long it’s clear the killer believes Barney might actually be able to supply useful evidence. Even Barney can’t fly away from this one.
Suspects accumulate like birdseed, and before long it’s clear the killer believes Barney might actually be able to supply useful evidence. Even Barney can’t fly away from this one.
295 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2018
50 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
E.J. Copperman
36 books837 followersLibrarian note: E.J. Copperman is the pen name for author
Jeff Cohen
E.J. Copperman is a mysterious figure, or has a mysterious figure, or writes figuratively in mysteries. In any event, a New Jersey native, E.J. has written for such publications as The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, American Baby and USA Weekend. Night of the Living Deed is the first E.J. Copperman novel. It will be followed in 2011 by An Uninvited Ghost, the second in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series.
E.J., having worked as a newspaper reporter, teacher, magazine editor, and screenwriter, writes stories that combine humor and mystery with just the right amount of spooky supernatural happenings and a large doses of Jersey attitude.
Sound like we’re being evasive? Well, the fact is that E.J. Copperman is the pseudonym of a well-known mystery novelist, now embarking on a new type of story that includes some elements of the supernatural as well as a fair number of laughs. And the Copperman novels will have a different attitude, a different setting and completely different characters than anything that has come before, so E.J. really is a new author.
E.J. Copperman is a mysterious figure, or has a mysterious figure, or writes figuratively in mysteries. In any event, a New Jersey native, E.J. has written for such publications as The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, American Baby and USA Weekend. Night of the Living Deed is the first E.J. Copperman novel. It will be followed in 2011 by An Uninvited Ghost, the second in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series.
E.J., having worked as a newspaper reporter, teacher, magazine editor, and screenwriter, writes stories that combine humor and mystery with just the right amount of spooky supernatural happenings and a large doses of Jersey attitude.
Sound like we’re being evasive? Well, the fact is that E.J. Copperman is the pseudonym of a well-known mystery novelist, now embarking on a new type of story that includes some elements of the supernatural as well as a fair number of laughs. And the Copperman novels will have a different attitude, a different setting and completely different characters than anything that has come before, so E.J. really is a new author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 17, 2025
3.5 stars
In this second comical mystery in 'An Agent to the Paws' series, Kay Powell - the law school graduate/show business agent who represents talented animals - finds herself helping the police when a TV star is killed. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Kay Powell's small New York talent agency represents dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, horses, chimpanzees, snakes.....and if her office manager Consuelo has her way, a flounder who wants to be in "The Little Mermaid."
"I'm sick of being typecast as a rabbit."
As the story opens Kay is wrangling an Amazon parrot named Barney, whose owner is down with the flu. Kay is looking after Barney on the set of 'Dead City', a television series about zombie detectives who investigate crimes committed by anti-zombie racists.
Barney plays Babs, the parrot companion of medical examiner Dr. Banacek, played by handsome Dray Mattone. During Babs' scenes, the parrot is in a cage over Banacek's examination table, where the bird shrieks "Can't kill a zombie".....a catchphrase that has become very popular with the general public.
Amazon parrot
Barney is needed for extra scenes, so Kay leaves him in Dray Mattone's luxurious trailer while she attends a meeting about a dog. When Kay returns, Dray has been shot and killed, and Barney is the only witness. Kay is shocked by the crime, and is even more taken aback when Sergeant Joe Bostwick - the detective in charge of the case - quietly asks, "Can you get the bird to talk?....He heard what was said before the murder."
Kay explains that Barney can only repeats phrases he's been laboriously taught, when the bird seems to contradict her by crying "Put down the gun!", and later on, "A lot of people want you dead, Dray" and "Kill Les Mannix" (the executive producer). Kay can't explain this, and neither can Barney's owner.
Before long a suspect is arrested, who hires Kay as their lawyer. Kay knows nothing about criminal law so she partners with a REAL defense attorney and proceeds to investigate the crime.
Meanwhile, a lot more is happening in Kay's life. Her parents, Jay and Ellie Powell - who perform a variety act in casinos and on cruise ships - are visiting.....and 'helping' with the investigation;
news vans are parked outside Kay's house, anxious to report on Barney's knowledge of the crime;
Kay has three dogs - Eydie, Steve, and Bruno - who need petting and walking;
Kay is nurturing a friendship (and maybe more) with Sam Gibson, who owns the 'Cool Beans Coffee House';
Kay hobnobs with her friend Lorraine Toscadero, who bartends at 'L'Chaim' Kosher Bar and Grill; Kay is maneuvering to give her office manager/assistant, Consuelo, a cat client of her own; and more.
Kay's take on human actors, who she thinks are the most self-involved phonies in the world, is very funny - and along with Kay's other quips and observations, provide a lot of laughs.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it to fans of humorous cozies.
Thanks to Netgalley, E.J. Copperman, and Minotaur Books for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
October 14, 2018
I’ve been meaning to read Dog Dish of Doom for ages. So, when I got a chance to read Number 2 in the series, I jumped at the chance. I needed something light and funny after two more serious mysteries in a row.
And light it is! Kay is an agent for animals. In this case, she’s representing a parrot who is the sole “witness” to a murder on a tv show set. And the police detective doesn’t seem to understand that while parrots can “talk” they can’t converse. But then, Barney the parrot starts repeating sentences he’s never been taught.
This isn’t laugh out loud funny, but more of the small smile variety. It’s cute. You’ve got lots of fun characters. Not just Kay, but her parents and her office manager. And, of course, her dogs.
The murder plot isn’t really believable, but the story is enjoyable. When Kay is dealing with her parents, it really rang true. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries and animals, you’ll probably like this one.
This works fine as a stand alone and here is no need to have read the first book.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
March 28, 2021
This book is just as ridiculous and far-fetched as the title and premise suggest, but it was a lot of fun to read! The main character's inner monologue was especially enjoyable. More thoughts on Booktube: https://youtu.be/Z9HJYZx6p2o
October 3, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing an advanced digital copy of Bird, Bath, and Beyond by E. J. Copperman. This is the second in the ‘An Agent to the Paws Mystery’ series and my first book in the series. The mystery is self-contained and the reader does not need to have read the previous book to enjoy this one. There seem to be some relationships that are continued from the first book, particularly with secondary characters Sam and Lo, but it is easy to understand relationships between these characters and Kay, the protagonist, without having read the first novel in the series.
In this book, Kay, who is a New York talent agent for animals is representing a parrot who has been hired as a character for one episode of a television series. Barney, is accompanied to the set by Kay because his owner is ill with the flu. The book opens with Kay on set, and the premise is believable enough to help the reader with immediate suspension of disbelief.
Throughout the book there is light humor and some self-deprecating comments about being an animal talent agent. Kay clearly loves animals. She has three dogs of her own, one recently acquired (see first book in the series apparently) and is happy to bring Barney home with her at the request of his owner.
Kay’s assistant, Conseulo, is another regular character in the books, and provides some assistance in taking care of Barney. She is also interested in becoming a talent agent and her efforts to this end provides a side storyline and adds depth to her character. The cast of secondary characters is rounded out with Kay’s parents who are currently on hiatus from their typical work as entertainers and the police detective assigned to solve the mystery of who murdered the television star. Actors and production workers for the television provide possible perpetrators and give a framework to the on-set world.
This is a light, cozy mystery that is an easy, breezy read. It is not at all difficult to keep the characters separate and the actual murder was easy for me to solve. There are a few clues and red herrings spread out through the story, but more time is spent relating the set and activities surrounding the filmings, the story of Kay’s parents and whether or not they will split up their act, and the consideration of several animals as potential first clients for Consuelo. Kay’s trips back and forth to the television set as she talks with various people associated with the production provide the primary information offered the reader who may be trying to solve the mystery on their own.
If you like your books light, with limited emphasis on the murder and how it was accomplished, this may be one for you. There is little tension throughout the book and although the reader is told how the victim dies, it is without any description and absolutely no blood and gore. Even the very last few pages, when Kay is about to solve the mystery if she can survive an encounter with the murderer are written without much heart pounding suspense.
In this book, Kay, who is a New York talent agent for animals is representing a parrot who has been hired as a character for one episode of a television series. Barney, is accompanied to the set by Kay because his owner is ill with the flu. The book opens with Kay on set, and the premise is believable enough to help the reader with immediate suspension of disbelief.
Throughout the book there is light humor and some self-deprecating comments about being an animal talent agent. Kay clearly loves animals. She has three dogs of her own, one recently acquired (see first book in the series apparently) and is happy to bring Barney home with her at the request of his owner.
Kay’s assistant, Conseulo, is another regular character in the books, and provides some assistance in taking care of Barney. She is also interested in becoming a talent agent and her efforts to this end provides a side storyline and adds depth to her character. The cast of secondary characters is rounded out with Kay’s parents who are currently on hiatus from their typical work as entertainers and the police detective assigned to solve the mystery of who murdered the television star. Actors and production workers for the television provide possible perpetrators and give a framework to the on-set world.
This is a light, cozy mystery that is an easy, breezy read. It is not at all difficult to keep the characters separate and the actual murder was easy for me to solve. There are a few clues and red herrings spread out through the story, but more time is spent relating the set and activities surrounding the filmings, the story of Kay’s parents and whether or not they will split up their act, and the consideration of several animals as potential first clients for Consuelo. Kay’s trips back and forth to the television set as she talks with various people associated with the production provide the primary information offered the reader who may be trying to solve the mystery on their own.
If you like your books light, with limited emphasis on the murder and how it was accomplished, this may be one for you. There is little tension throughout the book and although the reader is told how the victim dies, it is without any description and absolutely no blood and gore. Even the very last few pages, when Kay is about to solve the mystery if she can survive an encounter with the murderer are written without much heart pounding suspense.
September 6, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC
Ready for a good time? Crew and cue, this book is fun!
Kay, a credible and pleasant character, is a New York agent for movie stars, the furry and feathered ones that is.
In this story she represents Barney the parrot, the bird being nearby when one of the actors gets shot. Suddenly Barney knows lines he's never been taught and the police are having a field day thinking the bird will help them solve the murder. Kay watches from a respected distance as the drama unfolds, meanwhile reaching her own conclusion.
What a wonderful story, hearing the bird say the craziest things, seeing the police make impossible moves, enjoying the company of pets, so well cared for by Kay.
I had a smile on my face all the way, a good chuckle every now and then and an eagerness to see the mystery solved.
Bird, Bath and Beyond is a well crafted, well written, highly entertaining read.
Ready for a good time? Crew and cue, this book is fun!
Kay, a credible and pleasant character, is a New York agent for movie stars, the furry and feathered ones that is.
In this story she represents Barney the parrot, the bird being nearby when one of the actors gets shot. Suddenly Barney knows lines he's never been taught and the police are having a field day thinking the bird will help them solve the murder. Kay watches from a respected distance as the drama unfolds, meanwhile reaching her own conclusion.
What a wonderful story, hearing the bird say the craziest things, seeing the police make impossible moves, enjoying the company of pets, so well cared for by Kay.
I had a smile on my face all the way, a good chuckle every now and then and an eagerness to see the mystery solved.
Bird, Bath and Beyond is a well crafted, well written, highly entertaining read.
June 23, 2019
I absolutely adored Dog Dish of Doom, the first novel in a series that features Kay Powell, an agent for animal actors. While Bird, Bath and Beyond isn’t as funny as the debut for this series, this witty novel was full of laughs and a treat to read.
In this novel, Kay’s client, a parrot named Barney, plays a sidekick to Dray Mattone, the dreamy star of a zombie-inspired TV series Dead City. Unfortunately, Barney is in the star’s trailer when Dray’s murdered. Readers will enjoy Kay’s sleuthing. Those new to the series will love meeting Kay and her offbeat friends and family, and fans will love seeing Kay’s parents, Jay and Eleanor (aging cruise ship performers), her ever-efficient office manager Consuelo and other favorites from Dog Dish of Doom again.
In this novel, Kay’s client, a parrot named Barney, plays a sidekick to Dray Mattone, the dreamy star of a zombie-inspired TV series Dead City. Unfortunately, Barney is in the star’s trailer when Dray’s murdered. Readers will enjoy Kay’s sleuthing. Those new to the series will love meeting Kay and her offbeat friends and family, and fans will love seeing Kay’s parents, Jay and Eleanor (aging cruise ship performers), her ever-efficient office manager Consuelo and other favorites from Dog Dish of Doom again.
January 26, 2023
3.5
Love the snarky humour and the concept of an agent for non human actors. Such a break from the usually cozy mystery heroine's occupations. It's laugh out loud funny from the tongue-in-cheek title to the quirky characters and intriguing mystery. Sad that this is only a two book series.
Love the snarky humour and the concept of an agent for non human actors. Such a break from the usually cozy mystery heroine's occupations. It's laugh out loud funny from the tongue-in-cheek title to the quirky characters and intriguing mystery. Sad that this is only a two book series.
September 4, 2018
This book was my introduction to E.J. Copperman. It's always a bonus finding a new author who has written books I can explore. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The writer has a great sense of humor and used it to give the readers truer picture of what the protagonist thinking versus what she saying. Kay Powell is a talent agent who started her own business. All her clients are animals. You can imagine what her opinion is regarding human actors since she refuses to represent them. Kay has a quick wit and her comments kept me amused throughout the book. The mystery had several layers of deception that kept me guessing right up to the reveal. I plan to check out some of this author''s other books very soon.
I received an ARC of Bird, Bath and Beyond from NetGalley. I'm pleased to voluntarily write this review. All comments are my own. #BirdBathandBeyond #NetGalley
I received an ARC of Bird, Bath and Beyond from NetGalley. I'm pleased to voluntarily write this review. All comments are my own. #BirdBathandBeyond #NetGalley
October 9, 2018
Light and easy cozy mystery set in the world of talent agent, Kay, who provides animal actors to television and film productions. Bird, Bath and Beyond is a nice afternoon’s entertainment with no graphic violence or language.
Celebrity parrot, Barney, is the sole witness to the death of television star, Dray. When Detective Bostwick asks Kay to question the parrot, she explains that it takes hours to teach parrots to speak specific phrases. Immediately, Barney says “Put down the gun.” When Bostwick arrests a suspect, the suspect asks Kay, who is also an attorney, to represent them. Since Kay is an entertainment lawyer, she calls on a defense attorney for help. However, she decides to also try to find the real murderer.
Bird, Bath and Beyond is the second in the Agent to the Paws Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone. The humor and animals are the best part of this cozy mystery. There are many funny sub-plots such as her new gigantic dog, her theatrical parents, her love interest and her aspirational assistant. Despite some red herrings, the mystery was relatively easy to solve.
This book is recommended to readers of Stephanie Plum who want a more family-oriented read. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4!
Thanks to the publisher, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Celebrity parrot, Barney, is the sole witness to the death of television star, Dray. When Detective Bostwick asks Kay to question the parrot, she explains that it takes hours to teach parrots to speak specific phrases. Immediately, Barney says “Put down the gun.” When Bostwick arrests a suspect, the suspect asks Kay, who is also an attorney, to represent them. Since Kay is an entertainment lawyer, she calls on a defense attorney for help. However, she decides to also try to find the real murderer.
Bird, Bath and Beyond is the second in the Agent to the Paws Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone. The humor and animals are the best part of this cozy mystery. There are many funny sub-plots such as her new gigantic dog, her theatrical parents, her love interest and her aspirational assistant. Despite some red herrings, the mystery was relatively easy to solve.
This book is recommended to readers of Stephanie Plum who want a more family-oriented read. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4!
Thanks to the publisher, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2018
This excellent mystery is also a royal snarkfest! Kay is an agent for animals in the TV/film industry, but she was a stage actress with her parents until she went to college and eventually got her law degree and passed the Bar. Her current client is an Amazon Yellow Parrot who became the only witness to the murder of a popular actor who plays the ME named Banacek. Some of the other characters are Mannix, Colombo, and Barnaby. Seeing a pattern here? Her home is in New Jersey and the sets are in NYC, the parents are between gigs and staying with her as are her Tibetan mastiff the size of a Volkswagon, a hyperactive greyhound mix, and a stealth dachshund. The humor is nonstop, the detective assigned to the case is smarter than a fifth grader, and the plot twists and red herrings are totally surprising. Absolutely loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
September 30, 2018
Kay Powell is a talent agent to the stars - to animal stars, that is. Her newest client is Barney, a parrot "starring" in Dead City, a zombie mystery series. When Dray Mattone, the human star of the show is shot in his trailer with Barney as a "witness", the police want to question Barney. No matter how many times Kay tells the police Barney learns lines, he doesn't carry on a conversation, they still want to get him to talk. When Barney starts making startling statements about the murder, Kay decides she needs to solve the case.
October 3, 2018
Loved it! An engaging cozy mystery with lots of humor along the way. Love the references, parenthetical asides, and general feel to the story. The parrot was especially endearing to me as I have one that also talks. Not getting it an agent! Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
October 8, 2018
A lovely cozy mystery, full of humour and really enjoyable.
The plot was sound, kept you hooked since the first pages.
I loved the cast of characters, and I laughed loud more than once.
Recommended!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for this ARC
The plot was sound, kept you hooked since the first pages.
I loved the cast of characters, and I laughed loud more than once.
Recommended!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for this ARC
September 16, 2018
3.5 stars
The premise of this series is unique and allows for lots of quirky characters who can be suspects. Add in a parrot screaming, “Put down the gun!” and the stage is set. The writing is solid in this one, as it was in the first book of the series. I found the actual motive for the murder quite fascinating, but the reveal seemed to take a long time and felt clunky and overcomplicated. I’m not blown away by the series, but I’m interested enough to plan on reading the next one when it arrives.
A side note: While I think the cover is cute, it and the title seem disconnected from the actual story. In this instance, I think they are both misses.
The premise of this series is unique and allows for lots of quirky characters who can be suspects. Add in a parrot screaming, “Put down the gun!” and the stage is set. The writing is solid in this one, as it was in the first book of the series. I found the actual motive for the murder quite fascinating, but the reveal seemed to take a long time and felt clunky and overcomplicated. I’m not blown away by the series, but I’m interested enough to plan on reading the next one when it arrives.
A side note: While I think the cover is cute, it and the title seem disconnected from the actual story. In this instance, I think they are both misses.
June 3, 2020
Popsugar 2020 challenge: A book with a pun in the title.
I wanted to read this for a while, mostly because of the pun. I love puns. getting puns is how you know you mastered a new language, plus it's funny.
This book is so much fun. The narrator is so upbeat and happy and you can't help but be happy as well. It's a pleasure to read her POV.
This is one of those books that are more character-driven than it is focused on the plot. If you like the narrator you'll love the book, if you didn't... I actually have no idea. Give it a go anyway.
I really hope this'll be an ongoing series
I wanted to read this for a while, mostly because of the pun. I love puns. getting puns is how you know you mastered a new language, plus it's funny.
This book is so much fun. The narrator is so upbeat and happy and you can't help but be happy as well. It's a pleasure to read her POV.
This is one of those books that are more character-driven than it is focused on the plot. If you like the narrator you'll love the book, if you didn't... I actually have no idea. Give it a go anyway.
I really hope this'll be an ongoing series
October 15, 2018
Bird, Bath, and Beyond is the second book in E. J. Copperman’s An Agent to the Paws Mystery series. This light and easy read has a well-plotted storyline and relatable and well-developed characters. There are lots of twists, turns, and laugh out loud moments in this cozy mystery.
Kay Powell is the owner of a talent agency that specializes in animal actors, and she has an amazing office manager/assistant, Consuelo, who wants to be an agent. She grew up in a showbiz family, but her heart wasn’t in it. She thought she wanted to be a veterinarian, but ended up in law school. She owns three dogs: Steve, a dachshund, Eyrie, a greyhound mix, and Bruno, a big goofy dog who loves everyone. Jay and Eleanor Powell, Kay’s parents, stay with her when they aren’t performing on cruise ships. Their last cruise ship gig was an unhappy event. Eleanor said that she’s tired, doesn't enjoy being on a cruise ship, and doesn't want to perform anymore, so they’ve decided to break up their act, but not with each other. Patty Basilico, the owner of one of Kay’s clients, a parrot named Barney, was ill and asked her to fill in as his on-set handler during the filming of a TV show, Dead City. During a break in filming, Kay needs to run errands, and the lead actor, Dray Mattone, allows Barney to spend some quiet time in his trailer. Upon her return, she learns Dray was shot and died, and it seems Barney’s the only witness. NYPD Detective Sergeant Joe Bostwick is assigned to the investigation, and no matter how many times she explains it, he just can’t grasp the fact that while Barney can talk, he can’t actually converse with people, he and insists upon interrogating the bird multiple times. For reasons neither Patty nor Kay can explain, Barney suddenly knows and repeats lines he’s never been taught that seem to relate to Dray’s murder, which reinforces Bostwick’s belief that the parrot can help him identify the murderer. Sergeant Bostwick even insists on filming a reenactment of the crime, requesting Barney be present, and using his camera double/stuntman, Gary Norwood. When Patty is taken into custody, she insists Kay represent her, even though she isn’t a criminal attorney.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Kay Powell is the owner of a talent agency that specializes in animal actors, and she has an amazing office manager/assistant, Consuelo, who wants to be an agent. She grew up in a showbiz family, but her heart wasn’t in it. She thought she wanted to be a veterinarian, but ended up in law school. She owns three dogs: Steve, a dachshund, Eyrie, a greyhound mix, and Bruno, a big goofy dog who loves everyone. Jay and Eleanor Powell, Kay’s parents, stay with her when they aren’t performing on cruise ships. Their last cruise ship gig was an unhappy event. Eleanor said that she’s tired, doesn't enjoy being on a cruise ship, and doesn't want to perform anymore, so they’ve decided to break up their act, but not with each other. Patty Basilico, the owner of one of Kay’s clients, a parrot named Barney, was ill and asked her to fill in as his on-set handler during the filming of a TV show, Dead City. During a break in filming, Kay needs to run errands, and the lead actor, Dray Mattone, allows Barney to spend some quiet time in his trailer. Upon her return, she learns Dray was shot and died, and it seems Barney’s the only witness. NYPD Detective Sergeant Joe Bostwick is assigned to the investigation, and no matter how many times she explains it, he just can’t grasp the fact that while Barney can talk, he can’t actually converse with people, he and insists upon interrogating the bird multiple times. For reasons neither Patty nor Kay can explain, Barney suddenly knows and repeats lines he’s never been taught that seem to relate to Dray’s murder, which reinforces Bostwick’s belief that the parrot can help him identify the murderer. Sergeant Bostwick even insists on filming a reenactment of the crime, requesting Barney be present, and using his camera double/stuntman, Gary Norwood. When Patty is taken into custody, she insists Kay represent her, even though she isn’t a criminal attorney.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
November 9, 2018
Kay Powell's theatrical agency is a little different--she only represents animals, not people. It's mostly dogs and cats, of course, but Barney the parrot, one of her newer clients, has a regular gig on a zombie detective show. Since Barney's owner and handler is down with the flu, Kay takes him in for the latest episode, and even meets the (human) star of the show. Barney is resting in the star's trailer when the man is murdered, leading everyone to ask Kay if the parrot can tell them whodunnit. (No, it doesn't work that way.) This is the second book of the Agent to the paws mystery, and the plot is hard to explain, but Kay does help the police find the bad guys. Copperman's wit shines through as usual.
October 12, 2018
Former child performer turned lawyer turned agent to animal talent, Kay Powell, finds herself part of a murder investigation after her client, Barney, an Amazon Parrot “witnesses” the murder. Her parents, performers with bookings at resorts and on cruise ships are staying with her after their latest gig had her mom thinking of retiring and staying with Kay while her father continues on. Add in the running of her business, a houseful of dogs, an off and on relationship and some fun, quirky characters and conversations and you have the recipe for a fun read.
January 5, 2022
My first book by this author. This is the second in a series. It is light and at times far fetched but the characters are all enjoyable. I will look into reading the other in the series to see how things go.
November 14, 2018
As you read this book, suspend belief and be entertained!
This light, cozy mystery revolves around a murder which took place on the set of a Zombie television series. Filled with ample amounts of dysfunctional, funny characters, human and animal varieties, this book will make you smile frequently. As the storyline wandered and meandered, the mystery unfolded.
The narrator, Kay, was more of an observational comedian than a skilled attorney turned talent agent. Reading this book was like watching a light-hearted situational comedy on television with plenty of burlesque and vaudeville type humor thrown in for good measure.
Many of the characters seemed to be written as caricatures. Their exaggerated characteristics resulted in many chuckles and added to my entertainment. I must say, my favorite character was Barney the parrot.
Thank-you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for a copy of this book.
This light, cozy mystery revolves around a murder which took place on the set of a Zombie television series. Filled with ample amounts of dysfunctional, funny characters, human and animal varieties, this book will make you smile frequently. As the storyline wandered and meandered, the mystery unfolded.
The narrator, Kay, was more of an observational comedian than a skilled attorney turned talent agent. Reading this book was like watching a light-hearted situational comedy on television with plenty of burlesque and vaudeville type humor thrown in for good measure.
Many of the characters seemed to be written as caricatures. Their exaggerated characteristics resulted in many chuckles and added to my entertainment. I must say, my favorite character was Barney the parrot.
Thank-you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for a copy of this book.
December 14, 2018
Fun story. I like the dry wit.
February 9, 2019
Barney, a parrot represented by Kay Powell, animal theatrical agent, witnesses the murder of an actor
.
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April 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first in the series. The author has excellent comedic timing and a great way of building the story.
November 3, 2018
Quick mystery (that required suspension of disbelief for me, but I could suspend it), funny narrator, and would read more by Cooperman.
August 13, 2022
Very cozy for a cozy comical mystery although I didn’t laugh much. This was an ok book and I enjoyed it to a degree. Pace of the plot and character development was decent. I’m not interested in exploring any more of the series.
August 19, 2023
I didn’t love this book but it did move along and I was able to finish it through 3 plane rides and a couple hours of my vacation. I like animals and mysteries so this had my interest piqued. I’ll probably recommend this to a couple people but not many.
October 13, 2022
A movie star parrot named Barney witnesses a murder. Can his handler solve the crime?
A cute story, a little long for what it is. The ending was a little goofy.
But Barney is one of my favorite literary characters of all time.
A cute story, a little long for what it is. The ending was a little goofy.
But Barney is one of my favorite literary characters of all time.
March 4, 2019
Confusing ....
October 14, 2018
This is a fun escape read for rainy Fall day. While it is the second in the series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. Kay Powell come from the theatrical world, both of her parents are now entertainers on a cruise ship but that is another side story in this mystery. Kay is an entertainment lawyer and has her own talent agency....for animals only. Dogs, (her dog, Bruno still gets requests for parts), cats, snakes, fish and birds need her services. This time it's a yellow parrot named Barney who has taken over the part formerly filled by Babs, in the tv series Dead City, a zombie series set in New York. Barney is very good delivering his key line "can't kill a zombie". But, unfortunately you can kill the series leading man. Kay has left Barney, in his cage, in Dray's trailer while she runs a very quick errand. Half an hour later she returns to find the place swarming with cops and Dray is dead. Too bad Barney is the only witness and the cops don't know much about parrots. They think it's a great plan to interrogate him. When Kay tries to explain how one goes about training a parrot to talk, Barney turns things upside down and spout phrases that he hasn't been taught, like "Put down the gun". Seriously. So, as Kay deals with that new twist in her life, she also has to deal with the return of her parents, staying in her apartment. Will they or won't they return to their gig on the cruise ship? Will Kay have time for a friendship to become a romance with Sam? Will she solve the crime? Stay tuned, as they say.
I got a kick out of the tv names and references used throughout the book, starting with Herve Lembeck (I'm old enough to remember Harvey Lembeck back in the beach movies) along with Mannix, Banacek and many more. It's a nice touch. The mystery itself cruises along at a slower pace and has a few red herrings with a good ending as Kay confronts the killer. This is a well crafted cozy and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
My thanks to the publisher, St. Martin's Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I got a kick out of the tv names and references used throughout the book, starting with Herve Lembeck (I'm old enough to remember Harvey Lembeck back in the beach movies) along with Mannix, Banacek and many more. It's a nice touch. The mystery itself cruises along at a slower pace and has a few red herrings with a good ending as Kay confronts the killer. This is a well crafted cozy and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
My thanks to the publisher, St. Martin's Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 15, 2024
I read “bird, bath & beyond” (honest, it wasn’t capitalized, first warning) by E.J. Copperman. Second warning: The bird on the cover is NOT a parrot. Third warning: There is no bath.
I can see what Mr. Copperman was trying to do with this character…trying to show her as quirky, I think. But it came off as disjointed. The protagonist is constantly thinking irrelevant thoughts, a very scatterbrained character. This meant I was constantly thinking “wait, what?”. Let me give you an example from the author bio, which he obviously wrote himself: “E.J. Copperman is someone you could sit down and have a beer with, if that’s your thing. Or a hot chocolate. Or a diet soda. Actually, you can have anything you want as long as you don’t care what E.J. is drinking.” Lots of two word sentences. Or one. Or sometimes three. You get the idea. Right? Got it.
One of the main characters is a parrot, and (trying to say this without spoilers)…hmmm…let’s just say the reason I like D1ck Francis mysteries is because his horses ACT like horses. This parrot did not act like a horse, nor like a parrot. This book portends to give many inside glances at how TV shows are made. The author also writes screenplays, so he probably has insight there. There’s a simmering romance that never gets past a single water bubble. So many plot holes you couldn’t mend it with two spools of thread. By the denouement, you were left with, “OK, whatever.”
As I was reading, I realized that this was the second of a series, the first being “Dog Dish of Doom”. Remember, this review is MY view, and you may have loved this book. You do YOU! But for me, it was a solid 2.17 stars, as the only memorable part about it would be the constant sidetracks of thought. And a parrot.
I can see what Mr. Copperman was trying to do with this character…trying to show her as quirky, I think. But it came off as disjointed. The protagonist is constantly thinking irrelevant thoughts, a very scatterbrained character. This meant I was constantly thinking “wait, what?”. Let me give you an example from the author bio, which he obviously wrote himself: “E.J. Copperman is someone you could sit down and have a beer with, if that’s your thing. Or a hot chocolate. Or a diet soda. Actually, you can have anything you want as long as you don’t care what E.J. is drinking.” Lots of two word sentences. Or one. Or sometimes three. You get the idea. Right? Got it.
One of the main characters is a parrot, and (trying to say this without spoilers)…hmmm…let’s just say the reason I like D1ck Francis mysteries is because his horses ACT like horses. This parrot did not act like a horse, nor like a parrot. This book portends to give many inside glances at how TV shows are made. The author also writes screenplays, so he probably has insight there. There’s a simmering romance that never gets past a single water bubble. So many plot holes you couldn’t mend it with two spools of thread. By the denouement, you were left with, “OK, whatever.”
As I was reading, I realized that this was the second of a series, the first being “Dog Dish of Doom”. Remember, this review is MY view, and you may have loved this book. You do YOU! But for me, it was a solid 2.17 stars, as the only memorable part about it would be the constant sidetracks of thought. And a parrot.
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