Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Camping doesn't lead to kidnapping... usually.

When Emily goes on a group camping trip in Northern Arizona, she suspects her biggest danger will be mosquito bites and bear-sightings. The trip becomes far from relaxing, however, when she hears from a family friend that they can't get in touch with her dad. Unable to call, due to spotty cell phone reception, she manages to send a text asking for Brent's help in checking on her dad.

But the spy has been incommunicado for several days, and it turns out he's up North too--trying to locate a missing ICS agent with information about the Ten Thousand.

Not everything is as it seems. More than bears roam the woods, and information could cost a life.

"The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott" is a series of clean spy-comedies set in Phoenix, Arizona.
1. Red Rover, Red Rover - May 6, 2019
2. Plan to Fail - May 13, 2019
3. Bad Things, Small Packages - May 27, 2019
4. Tutor, Nanny, Spit-up, Spy - June 17, 2019
5. A-Spying We Will Go - July 2019
6. Once Upon a Dime - August 2019

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

8 people are currently reading
103 people want to read

About the author

Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick

29 books199 followers
Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick lives in an undisclosed location outside of Phoenix where she and her husband chase their four little boys and an escape-artist dog. They don't chase their cats, however, because cats hate that. She is the author of "The Kitten Files" mysteries, "The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott" spy series, and multiple short stories.

In addition to her writing, Perry enjoys graphic design, playing a number of musical instruments, and watching movies that make her laugh.

Find her books, newsletter, and free stories at www.perrykirkpatrick.com.

Perry's fantastical alter-ego is Denver Evans, author of the Shallows trilogy.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
113 (61%)
4 stars
54 (29%)
3 stars
18 (9%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Rebekah Morris.
Author 121 books272 followers
January 7, 2026
2026 Reread
Such a fun, exciting, humorous, and delightful story! Izzy, Br-andon, and everything as just what I needed.

2024 Reread
Oh, I do love Izzy! And getting more about Emily dad is good. I'm also upping my rating.

2023
Yes, I reread this all this afternoon, and yes, it was just as much fun as the other times I've read it. I still like Izzy, and Emily, and Brent. Maybe I'll wait until tomorrow to read the next book . . . Maybe . . .

2021
I love Izzy. She's so nosy and fun, and friendly. And watching Brent and Emily out in the mountains was just extra fun. So glad I have the next book sitting on my shelf to reread now.

2019
This was oh, so much fun to read! And I had trouble putting it down to do other things.

It didn’t take place in the city as the first three books did, but out in the mountains, which added a totally different element of delight to the story. (And made me want to go camping. But maybe not with Emily and Brent.) Oh, and Emily made a friend! That part made me smile. Brent, what can I say? At least his code names for Emily are growing, but he really should know better than to sneak up on Emily!
This story kept me reading, laughing, on the edge of my seat, and smirking at Emily and Brent.

I will be reading this book again. But I want the next book right now!
Profile Image for Kaytlin Phillips.
Author 18 books259 followers
May 20, 2023
Okay, this one was sooooooo cool! I loved it! It was so much fun and so suspenseful, and the ending.....

Characters:
I love that we keep learning things about Emily and Brent that's so much fun!
Izzy was a cool addition to the story...she's so funny and sweet! I love her character already!

Language:
N/A

Romance:
I think Brent is the first one to realize he likes Emily as more than a friend...ack! It's so cute! They are so cute!

Overall:
This story was so much fun! I just loved the whole outdoor aspect and everything was so much fun!
Profile Image for Mary Herceg.
151 reviews
December 8, 2019
Possibly my favorite of the series so far! Even more exciting and intense than usual, plus all the Brent and Emily awesomeness, and everything else I loved in the rest of the series. 😄

That epilogue, though.... 😭

I bought the first five books, but not the last one. Oops! I intended to borrow it, but I may just buy it, cause I need it NOW. 😉

RTC!
Profile Image for Jayna Baas.
Author 7 books587 followers
March 7, 2022
I read most of this while waiting for a doctor’s appointment, and I kept almost laughing out loud. The ham radio scene just cracked me up—I love those moments when I (and Emily) suddenly realize, Wait a minute, was that just Brent? I love seeing Brent doing actual movie-stuff spy work. It’s so much fun. Izzy was a great addition, and the camping-trip scenario reminded me of some church trips I’ve been on. (Especially the guy pretending to be a chicken. I know some people…) I felt like Emily made some not-so-smart moves in her dealings with the enemy, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t do any better. Also, maybe it was just me, or maybe it was setup for another book, but the storyline about her dad didn’t really resolve itself to my personal satisfaction. I still have a hard time with some of the situations Emily gets herself into (and that North Pole lets her get herself into), but perhaps that’s half of why I enjoy these so much.
Profile Image for Sarah Rhomberg.
Author 1 book24 followers
Read
May 10, 2021
This book started off a little differently to the rest of the series, which gave depth to the characters. Something I appreciated was that this book mentioned prayer and God a little more than the other books (even if still not a ton).

I loved Emily’s new friend Izzy; I hope she is mentioned in the rest of the series! Another things I loved both in this story and in the previous ones are Emily’s inner monologues. Sometimes her thoughts even made me laugh out loud.

Maybe I missed it, but I .


In total, it was another unputdownable addition to the series. (Okay, yes, to be exact, it was a case of I’ll-just-start-reading-it-while-I-brush-my-teeth and then staying up late to finish it.) I can’t wait to read the rest of the books.


Favourite quotes:

“Was making friends really this easy? She decided she should have attempted it sooner.”

“All around her, the trees whispered and then rushed with each new gust of wind.”

“I wish we could develop a sudden gift for telepathy like in all the Young Adult fantasy novels.”
Profile Image for Hannah.
3,004 reviews1,451 followers
August 15, 2019
This intense yet light-hearted spy novella was such a treat! The worst thing about this series is that the stories aren’t long enough. I just can’t get enough Brent and Emily. One of my favorite things was Emily going “Br—andon” several times...too funny as she tried to cover his real name in public.
Profile Image for Kate Willis.
Author 27 books574 followers
August 27, 2019
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Juuusssttt The Emily Abbott series making this a record-breaking good book year for me. Nothing new.

This one started out slightly differently from the others in that Brent and Emily weren’t together for a few chapters. I know that sounds horrible to our shippy hearts, but it was actually really fun to see her make interact with her church family, make a new (absolutely crazy and best ever) friend, and talk to Brent in her head of course. XD

Once Brent did show up (minor spoiler) things got realllly crazy. Crazier than they’ve gotten in the series so far, and it was fun to see Brent’s spy skills (and tech!) and Emily’s street smarts/ordinariness/special skills learned from her dad complement each other once again. (When in doubt, quote movies. :P) I especially liked how the unpredictable monsoon weather added an extra element of danger to their adventure. Without giving away too many spoilers, the ending did feel like they had failed somewhat in their mission, but there were some big reveals about the 10,000 and ICS itself and they did do some good. ;)

Just a note, there was more peril in this one, including death threats. There was also a mention of murder.

Best quotes: “Finally!” Emily murmured. “Someone who gets my spy movie references.”

I wish we would develop a sudden gift for telepathy like in all the Young Adult fantasy novels.

“It was all a big ruse.” “Yes, yes. Of course.”

Altogether, this was a great adventure. I’ll have another! ;)

Also, THAT EPILOGUE.



Series stats so far...
Codenames: eleven
Car crashes: still two
Awesomeness level: 105%
Profile Image for Angie Thompson.
Author 51 books1,115 followers
July 18, 2019
Oh, my word! Things just got real!!! O.O

This may have been Emily's most exciting mission so far! Not that I can talk about it without spoilers, but--wow!!! We're talking serious (and totally unplanned) spy danger--stun guns, real guns, the threat of rogue agents, the works! And I liked seeing Brent have to lean on Emily for a few things, even though he's still as adorably protective as ever. <3 The church group was fun, too, for the pieces where we saw them, and I got a kick out of Izzy! Wondering if she'll show up again in future books... (Hint, hint.)

I still have questions about a couple things that happened, but I'm assuming they may be answered in later books, so no issues there. Also, apologies, Brent, but you're living a movie right now! X'D

And okay--that epilogue, though!!! Must have the next book!!! Also wondering if Brent is starting to realize that Emily means more to him than he thought. <3

I received a free copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Content--people knocked out, drugged, and threatened with guns; mention of a murder
Profile Image for Kacie.
269 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2021
Definitely my favorite so far!!! I love Brent and Emily so much!! This is legit like the happiest series I've ever read in my life 🤣
Profile Image for R.A..
Author 32 books87 followers
October 22, 2020
Ahh this was SO good! It was a lot more action-packed and brought out some things that were really interesting and entertaining! I love the characters personalities too! :D Although I don't understand all that the agents have to do, it's still SO interesting.

Perry writes such neat books and I love that she can catch the reader so intently! I'm looking forward to book 6!

That epilogue though.... *heart eyes*
Profile Image for Mikayla.
1,246 reviews
April 18, 2023
Wow. That was... intense. I don't know what to say that wouldn't be major spoilers, but this may have been the best Emily Abbott book yet. O.o That ending has really got me freaked out.

2020>> Yup, this one was definitely my favorite from season one. The Brent-Emily interaction was just about the best. The tension was great, and I loved the setting. The ending just was not a good thing to read right before I went to bed.
Profile Image for S.G. Willoughby.
Author 11 books131 followers
June 21, 2020
WARNING: This book is not conducive to sleeping. Which I knew. But I thought I could just read the first few chapters... and yeah, read the whole thing last night. Sue me.

It was worth it, despite having to get up early in the morning. I love this series so much. In my reviews for the last 4 books I always felt the need to say it's "cheesy and unbelievable" so not one would judge me but who cares? I love these characters and the plots and the settings and I'm not ashamed. XD

In this one, I especially loved the setting. I live in Northern Arizona (though not quite all the way up to the trees) and everything felt so real and accurate. The author *had* to have been there. Even the monsoons and camping to escape the heat (which seems counterproductive but it's not). So yeah. That was one point

Ahhh! And Brent and Emily. So cute. <3 It was fun to see Emily on her own a little -- she's been slightly glued to Brent for most of the rest of the series so far. And I mean, when a girl starts talking to a guy in her head and he's not even there... XD But of course, they didn't stay apart for long, and as always I love thier banter. :D I also enjoyed how this spying adventure was even more accidental than some of the other ones.

I also enjoyed the plot twist -- it truly wasn't what I was expecting, which is sadly rare for me. And as always, some fun side characters. Emily needed another friend. And the radio thing. Okay, sorry, I better stop until I just tell you everything that happened. ;)
Profile Image for Sarah.
Author 46 books460 followers
August 29, 2019
Age Appropriate For: All Ages
Best for Ages: 13 and up

I am so enjoying this series. This book was so good. I would say a favorite, but I don’t know how to pick a favorite from this series. Each story is so fun and good. In this story, we get to go on a camping trip, see a taser in action, and play around with a HAM radio.
I know I’ve said it in my other reviews, but I have to say it again: I’m really grateful to have a character that has real money struggles. Emily gets to go on a trip, but it’s a very low budget, camping trip with her church. It’s nice to have a character that I feel like I can relate to in that area of life.
This novella has a lot of awesome elements. There is some family drama (who else wonders what is going on with Emily and her Dad?), there is question about who is telling the truth, and… oh yeah, a ending that leaves your heart pounding and needing the next book. Before you get irritated, the book wraps up fairly nicely, but…it also doesn’t. Sound complicated? Well, it’s spy stuff.
I highly recommend this novella to those who like light suspense, fun characters, and spy books that are just a lot of fun.
Profile Image for Chautona Havig.
Author 280 books1,871 followers
July 19, 2019
And What’s the Verdict on A Spying We Will Go?

Oh… where to begin and how to get this into my five-answer review? EEP! Okay… I loved that this “episode” ramped up the tension exponentially—in all directions. I hated that I didn’t get to find out something I am becoming curious about (but I loved it, too! Squee!). Additionally, I laughed at myself for all the episodes I kept coming up with for Ms. Kirkpatrick, and I “cried” at the thought of having to wait a whole month to read the next one. Seriously, torture, folks!!!

This is going to sound redundant, but I can’t help it. I recommend A Spying We Will Go and the rest of this series to anyone who just loves good, fun reading that doesn’t take itself too seriously. No, it’s not realistic, but yes, you can so easily suspend that disbelief and become wrapped up in the world of Phoenix spies and baristas who are almost a little too enthusiastic about “helping out” now and then.

I’m sending my Kindle loaded with them with my 14-year-old daughter on Saturday so she can read them on vacation. She’s going to love them!
Profile Image for M.L. Milligan.
Author 12 books104 followers
November 4, 2022
What happens when you have an eager barista and an overprotective spy high in the Arizona mountains? You get an adventure that hooks you from the start and leaves you begging for more! Especially after that epilogue. . . . Eek!!
Profile Image for Jes Drew.
Author 72 books537 followers
October 25, 2019
The fifth book of the series, and my second favorite of them. Emily hasn't seen Brett for a while, and it's strange for her- and us, her readers- to be so alone like this. And now there's something wrong with her dad, and she's in a dead-zone with her church youth group in the woods. But not alone. Brett appears, as does another agent, and everything they'd been trying to figure out grows into a bigger danger to deal with. If they can get out of the woods alive. Because it's not just bad guys and some well-meaning good guys- nature wants a piece of them.

And that epilogue, man. That epilogue...

First posted on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
Profile Image for Amanda Matthews.
Author 33 books557 followers
July 15, 2019
This series is perfect for a cute, quick read with likeable characters, roll-your-eyes moments, and a hint of spy-ism.

It is totally corny but adorably so, and I can’t help but like it. That being said, I’m not gonna bash a few plot points or characters that were unrealistic. Because it just all fits the style.

Spiritually there wasn’t much. She was with a church camp, they mentioned praying for her dad, and one or two other comments about God or prayer, but not really a spiritual lesson woven in.

It’s squeaky clean. Hints of romance are barely picking up.
Profile Image for Els.
299 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2019
*approaching the end, certain that there are only five books, looking forward to a breathtaking series finale & also for Brent & Emily to realize they are in love because I SHIP*
*hits end of final chapter*
*dies inside*
*realizes there is an epilogue*
OH YES HE’S FIGURED IT OUT, HE’S -
“Next book arriving August 26!”
*uninhibited screaming of a thwarted soul*
Profile Image for Virginia Henderson.
Author 15 books85 followers
June 24, 2022
This series tho! Just when you think you know what to expect, Perry throws in a few surprises. One of which is Izzy. I really hope we haven't seen the last of her. Brent and Emily were great, per usual, and I love seeing their relationship grow with each book. The church camping adventure was nice-I was glad to see more Christian elements. The agent Scorpion part was obvious to me, but it was still interesting watching Brent and Emily work through it.

I had trouble staying focused due to a lot of other things going on. That said, I didn't enjoy this as much as I know I would have otherwise. I needed more closure when it came to Emily's dad- it was too unresolved for me.

That dramatic ending!! Already started the next book :)
Profile Image for Bella Raine.
143 reviews41 followers
September 22, 2025
Eeeek! That one was the most intense of all of them and I LOVED it!! It had me squealing, gasping, and laughing out loud! My poor siblings were so confused. 😂

Content: Spy stuff. 😉 Like guns, fighting, stun-guns, kidnapping, etc.

✨ 5 Stars ✨
Profile Image for Rosy Long.
106 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2022
This is my favorite book so far! I really, really enjoyed it. That ending though! I might be mad if I didn't have the the next book in hand. XD
Profile Image for Judy.
43 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2019
Enjoyed this new adventure very much. I like that Emily is getting out and making friends . I hope we see more of Izzy, she is full of life and laughter. She will make a wonderful friend. Can't say much about the book without spoilers but I do have to say that " things" seem to be getting clearer and someone may soon see the light.
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
July 18, 2019
Laugh out loud if you get all the movie and oldie references. And more. Just the relief, you need to read for fun.

Cannot say much because it happens so fast and would give it away. There is a trick in the book that you will want to tryout and see if it really works.

Really fast read. Can do in a day. Probably can read by itself but at this point miss the references from previous books.

Note these books are like the old serials. It ends but has the what will happen next, however not a cliffhanger. Guess showing my age, but that is how they go. Love it.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
Profile Image for Katja Labonté.
Author 30 books362 followers
May 21, 2023
5+ stars (8/10 hearts). Whew!! This story started off a little bit slow, but by 30% I was hurled into something I had never imagined. Talk about intense!!

Emily & Brent were as awesome as ever, and their friendship just gets more splendid. I enjoyed learning more of Emily’s dad, and Izzy is such a wonderful new sidekick! And the Scorpions were also great new characters. ;)

The plot was EPICCCC. I loved all the spy-stuff and how Emily amazed Brent with her zip-tie knowledge... and the scene where she holds the gun! xD AND THE HUMOUR oh myyyy!! It also just gets better and better! The epilogue is a horrible cliffhanger… but I love it so much! I’m so so eager for the sixth book. The climax is arriving and I’m so eager to see everything tied together! This is just one of the best series ever!

Content: kidnapping, recurring threat of death, violence, a mention of a bathroom break.

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “I can’t wait to get home. I need to check on my dad, too. We can’t have all the Abbotts go missing all at once, you know?”
“Oh, about that,” Brent said, giving her a grin, “I called his number. I think I may have woken him. He sounded groggy and, well, a little put-out to have to answer his phone at one in the morning.”
“You got through to him? … Is he all right?”
“Considering he’d been asleep in his own bed, I’m going to assume he is. I did ask him that, but I don’t think he speaks Korean, so he didn’t exactly answer.”
Emily chortled. “You prank-called my dad in Korean? You'd do that for me?”
Brent threw back his head and laughed. “It was more of a welfare check—in Korean.”


*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Profile Image for Abigail Hawthorne.
193 reviews38 followers
April 21, 2020
Another great Emily Abbott book!
After the AMAZING book 4 (Tutor, Nanny, Spit-up, Spy), this one didn't seem quite as good (trust me, it had something incredible to live up to), but the epilogue almost made up for the parts I didn't like! Ohhh...that was wonderful! I love a good cliffhanger :-)
The main thing that I didn't like was the pacing...the book just seemed a little slow for the first little bit. And the incident with Emily's father seemed to turn out...well, not very interesting (Korean telemarketer, though? Man, Brent has versatility!). But I won't judge it yet, since it might very well be revised later. Anyway, the main plot mostly made up for that.
Content: I think these get a little more dangerous each time, but I love it! Still perfectly clean. No gory violence.
Wonderful book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews