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A Brandy Alexander Mystery #4

No Such Thing As A Free Ride

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Puff piece reporter, Brandy Alexander is determined to win the battle of self improvement. She is eating better (or at least telling people she is) working out (if sparring with a guy who fishes doughnuts out of the gutter and eats them counts) and checking her impulsive behavior at the door. But it's hard to stay on track when her own therapist gives her up as a lost cause. What's even harder for Brandy is turning down someone in trouble.

Enter Crystal, a young teenage runaway whose friend, Star, has gone missing. Star was last seen getting into a mysterious stranger’s car. In her efforts to reunite Crystal with Star, Brandy quickly becomes immersed in the dangerous subculture of homeless youth.

As Brandy gets in over her head with hostile street gangs, pimps and others who prey upon the young teens, she looks to the tough and savvy Nicholas Santiago to help her navigate the mean streets.

Soon, Brandy realizes that there is more behind Star's mysterious disappearance than she thought, and enlists the aid of ex -boyfriend Detective Bobby DiCarlo to help her solve an ever-growing tale of intrigue. Add to an already full plate planning her best friend’s baby shower and nursing a broken heart, courtesy of Nick, and you’ve got the makings for the latest BRANDY ALEXANDER MYSTERY.

316 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2010

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267 people want to read

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Shelly Fredman

11 books139 followers

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5 stars
450 (53%)
4 stars
287 (34%)
3 stars
90 (10%)
2 stars
6 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Cherise.
478 reviews52 followers
March 5, 2010
I have been waiting so impatiently for this fourth book in this series, and it did NOT disappoint. I tore through this book in one setting, greedily taking in every word, and when it was done I did a dance, made a little noise and went to bed grinning ear to ear.

Brandy Alexander, puff piece reporter and trouble magnet, stumbles upon a teenage girl in the streets, bleeding profusely. She rides in the ambulance with the girl and just can’t get her out of her mind. Along comes Crystal, a smart mouthed teenager from the streets with a heart as big as the chip on her shoulder. Brandy finds herself discovering a side of Philly, a side of life she never could imagine. Of course, being Brandy, she soon finds herself in the center of something much bigger, and much more dangerous than she expected.

Luckily, Nick Santiago is back. Nick, the delicious bad boy who in the past books has stolen Brandy’s heart (not to mention mine) and in the last book handed it back to her, is still willing to step in and help Brandy whenever and wherever; which only leaves Brandy loving and wanting him more.

I can not say enough about this series and about this book. I laughed, I cried, it inspired hoots and a little arse shaking dance. They just keep getting better. This is one of those books that when you are done, you just want to grab the first book and re-read the entire series. They’re like comfort food for the soul.

Highly recommended!

Cherise Everhard, March 2010
Profile Image for Brandi.
40 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2019
This series is so awesome. I am going to be so sad when I finish the series. I am really hoping she gets to start dating Nick!!! Nick sounds extremely SEXY....
Profile Image for Carrie.
2,043 reviews92 followers
February 28, 2010
I've enjoyed the Brandy Alexander series from the first one (No Such Thing As a Secret), but even then I had no idea just how good a storyteller Ms. Fredman could be. "Secret" was funny, clever, and full of good dialog and great characters. The mystery was great, and the continuing threads enticing enough to make you want to pick up the second of the series. With each book Ms. Fredman has settled into her craft, and her writing has become more and more polished. In No Such Thing As a Free Ride the author skillfully blends humor, romance, and mystery, for one of the most enjoyable reads I've had in a long time.

Brandy is more than just a zany character getting into scrapes and being saved by one or the other hunky men in her life. In fact, Brandy grows throughout this series, becoming more mature and learning from her mistakes. This simple fact makes this series unique among the humorous romantic mysteries out there. But that's not the only thing that sets the Brandy Alexander series apart. Ms. Fredman has managed to write characters who are both larger than life and real at the same time. Through the four books so far, we've watched each major character make mistakes, do what is right, sacrifice, love, suffer, and grow. I can't imagine anyone reading these books and not taking these characters to heart. And Ms. Fredman doesn't try to wrap everything up in a neat package. Real life is messy, and so is Brandy's.

In this book, the mystery plot revolves around a very true and disturbing phenomenon: homeless teens and their lives on the streets. Again, the author doesn't sugar coat the truth. The details on homeless teens and the mystery plot line are very satisfying, making a great backdrop for the continuing struggles in Brandy's personal life.

While the author gives some background to help make this book stand alone, this book will be more fully enjoyed if the reader is invested in the characters. I highly recommend starting with No Such Thing As a Secret and finishing with No Such Thing As a Free Ride. You will not be disappointed. I rarely give five star reviews, but I think this book is worth every star and more.
Profile Image for Jane Stewart.
2,462 reviews964 followers
July 18, 2010
I was surprised the author could make me laugh and chuckle as much as she did through all four books.

REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This is the 4th book in the Brandy series, and finally there is a romantic ending that I’ve been waiting for. It’s not the perfect typical romance ending, but it’s a good feeling about the couple – and I liked it. I love this series because the character of Brandy is so unique and funny. She acts on impulse and lies all the time to everyone – but she and they know she’s lying.

I liked the mystery-solving plots in books 2 and 3 the best. The plot in book 4 wasn’t as exciting, and I’m not sure why, but it was still good. The important thing to know is that if you liked the first 3 books then go for 4. I believe the author is working on a 5th book. I enjoy being in Brandy’s world.

STORY BRIEF:
This story is about runaway teens living on the street. They avoid anything to do with cops and take care of their own. Their temporary living places are called squats. Many become prostitutes. Brandy sees a girl crumpled on the street and calls an ambulance. Brandy then sees another girl Crystal being attacked by a man and jumps in to help her. Crystal says her friend Star is missing, and Brandy promises to help find Star. Some street teens have died recently, and a case worker was murdered. Brandy investigates in her own unique way.

DATA:
Story length: 305 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: 2. Total number of sex scene pages: 3. Setting: current day Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Copyright: 2010. Genre: humorous female mystery with romance.

OTHER BOOKS:
Following is the Brandy Series in order. You can read any book as a stand-alone, but I think it’s best if you read them in order. The first book sets up important things to know.

4 stars. No Such Thing As A Secret
5 stars. No Such Thing As A Good Blind Date
5 stars. No Such Thing As A Free Lunch
5 stars. No Such Thing As A Free Ride
9 reviews
March 3, 2010
Brandy Alexander and all her friends return in No Such Thing As a Free Ride the 4th book in this laugh-out-loud mystery series. They're dynamic, evolving characters and it's great to see Brandy coming into her own. While the comedy continues through this book, it also delves into darker issues especially homeless runaways. Brandy's courage, convictions and heart of gold see her through the mysteries that arise. While this book can be read as a stand alone, you'll enjoy the series the most if read in order. Loose ends in one book are tied up in later books.
Profile Image for Dee.
2,675 reviews21 followers
April 20, 2013
Two-haiku review:

Brandy's involved in
Homeless girls underculture
Plus two men in life

Serious subject
Handled well by this author
Ebook has errors
Profile Image for Elaine Lucky.
1,128 reviews120 followers
June 12, 2022
Brandy is minding her own business when a girl stumbles and collapses against her car. She gets rushed to the hospital & late dies with no identity as a homeless teen. Brandy is heartbroken and approached by another homeless girl Crystal who's friend Star is missing. Delving into the underworld of homeless and throw away teens is a subculture Brandy knows nothing about. Alphonso and Nick step into help as Brandy is threatened by pimps and street punks. Finding more than she bargained for in her search for Star has Brandy on a deadly path that uncovers and links dead teens apparently dying of overdoses. Nothing is what is seems as she gets in deep. In between all of the investigating she needs to pull off a baby shower for Fran who is so wanting to pop her baby out, examine her relationship with Nick, & comes to terms with Bobby. All in a days work if she lives that long
Profile Image for Wendy.
356 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2019
Grammar and typos aside, this was another solid book to the series. I'm glad that the relationships Brandy has with Nick and Bobby are finally moving along. Really liked the mystery too; it was way darker that I expected.
326 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2021
I did find the book very enjoyable, just like the others, and I have to say, it's nice to see Brandy starting to take better care of herself. But while I'm all for teamwork, I find it annoying how Brandy is always saved by Nick or Bobby. Just once I'd love for her to save herself
Profile Image for ALPHAreader.
1,273 reviews
September 14, 2010

`No Such Thing as a Free Ride' is the fourth and latest in Shelly Fredman's `Brandy Alexander' mystery series. And I LOVED it!

In this instalment Brandy stumbles into the dark, depressing world of teen runaways. Having literally stumbled across a bleeding child in the middle of the street, Brandy becomes all consumed with finding out about the young woman. And in the process of investigating, Brandy discovers something rotten in the state of Philly... pregnant runaways found dead, miscarried babies missing and white collar paedophiles. And of course Brandy Alexander can't let all of this go unpunished.

The mystery plot of `Free Ride' is spectacular and superbly noir. This is perhaps the most uncomfortable but brilliantly sinister of all Fredman's mystery plots. Teen runaways was always going to be an emotional subject for Brandy to explore, but I was shocked/awed by just how dark Fredman goes. It is at times an intensely sad and sore subject to read about - but by God, it's good. The blackness of the story raises the stakes and amps up Brandy's emotional upheaval. I did wonder how Brandy would play in this novel, considering that in `Free Lunch' she had a sort of acknowledged peace with the horrors in her life. That being said, teen runaways were the perfect subject for Brandy to get caught up in, because it ensured that no matter what reconciliations she'd previously reached in her work, this new cause demanded more of her heart.
Brandy's investigation into teen runaways sees her going toe-to-toe with pimps, alpha females and tough-talking street walkers. All together making for some wonderful (and heart-pumping) action scenes;

“Stand still you crazy son of a bitch,” he barked, which only made Alphonso rock harder.
Beyond them lay the kid, curled into a fetal position and rolling around in his own vomit. The whole tableu was like something out of a Quentin Tarantino movie, only without the fun background music.


The runaways also made for important characterization when Brandy learns that the subject is close to Nick Santiago's heart. Nick, mystery man; wanted by the police, untouchable and a drool-worthy bad-boy... also, the love of Brandy's life (even if he doesn't return the feelings). Nick started out bugging me in this book, as all the male characters seem to. Fredman writes real, so her men will not be found spouting long romantic and revealing diatribes. Damn. Nick is the most mysterious and tight-lipped character in the book, but I love the fact that by contrast Brandy is very open (and persistent) in revealing her feelings.

Though Nick is at once closed-off in this book, his and Brandy's romance is gooooooooood. So, so good. I don't want to give anything away, but this is really a turning-point book for Brandy, especially in regards to Nick.

`Free Ride' is hands-down and without a doubt my favourite so far in Shelly Fredman's `Brandy Alexander' mystery series. The book ends on a slight cliff-hanger that has me chomping at the bit for book #5... But that's okay, because `Free Ride' is so darn noir-good and brilliant; I don't mind a little cliff-diving.
Profile Image for ALPHAreader.
1,273 reviews
April 11, 2012
‘No Such Thing as a Free Ride’ is the fourth and latest in Shelly Fredman’s ‘Brandy Alexander’ mystery series. And I LOVED it!

In this instalment Brandy stumbles into the dark, depressing world of teen runaways. Having literally stumbled across a bleeding child in the middle of the street, Brandy becomes all consumed with finding out about the young woman. And in the process of investigating, Brandy discovers something rotten in the state of Philly... pregnant runaways found dead, miscarried babies missing and white collar paedophiles. And of course Brandy Alexander can’t let all of this go unpunished.

The mystery plot of ‘Free Ride’ is spectacular and superbly noir. This is perhaps the most uncomfortable but brilliantly sinister of all Fredman’s mystery plots. Teen runaways was always going to be an emotional subject for Brandy to explore, but I was shocked/awed by just how dark Fredman goes. It is at times an intensely sad and sore subject to read about – but by God, it’s good. The blackness of the story raises the stakes and amps up Brandy’s emotional upheaval. I did wonder how Brandy would play in this novel, considering that in ‘Free Lunch’ she had a sort of acknowledged peace with the horrors in her life. That being said, teen runaways were the perfect subject for Brandy to get caught up in, because it ensured that no matter what reconciliations she’d previously reached in her work, this new cause demanded more of her heart.

Brandy’s investigation into teen runaways sees her going toe-to-toe with pimps, alpha females and tough-talking street walkers. All together making for some wonderful (if heart-pumping) action scenes;

“Stand still you crazy son of a bitch,” he barked, which only made Alphonso rock harder.
Beyond them lay the kid, curled into a fetal position and rolling around in his own vomit. The whole tableu was like something out of a Quentin Tarantino movie, only without the fun background music.


The runaways also made for important characterization when Brandy learns that the subject is close to Nick Santiago’s heart. Nick, mystery man; wanted by the police, untouchable and a drool-worthy bad-boy... also, the love of Brandy’s life (even if he doesn’t return the feelings). Nick started out bugging me in this book, as all the male characters seem to. Fredman writes real, so her men will not be found spouting long romantic and revealing diatribes. Damn. Nick is the most mysterious and tight-lipped character in the book, but I love the fact that by contrast Brandy is very open (and persistent) in revealing her feelings.

Though Nick is at once closed-off in this book, his and Brandy’s romance is gooooooooood. So, so good. I don’t want to give anything away, but this is really a turning-point book for Brandy, especially in regards to Nick.

‘Free Ride’ is hands-down and without a doubt my favourite so far in Shelly Fredman’s ‘Brandy Alexander’ mystery series. The book ends on a slight cliff-hanger that has me chomping at the bit for book #5... But that’s okay, because ‘Free Ride’ is so darn noir-good and brilliant that I don’t mind a little cliff-diving.
1,216 reviews10 followers
December 29, 2011
Brandy Alexander has seen a therapist, learned to defend herself through boxing and has learned to use a handgun. In this story Brandy gets involved with helping a runaway teenager find her friend who suddenly disappeared. She also uncovers a case of pregnant runaway teens giving birth to children and then turning up dead. Of course, there is a crazy person stalking and trying to kill Brandy. Of course, it intertwines with Bobby's homicide case. The funniest part of this book is Brandy getting her thumb stuck in a microwaved potato. The most surprising moment in this story is when Brandy comes to the rescue of Alphonso. The most predicable moment of this story, Nick finally admitting he loves Brandy. What was interesting is Nick telling Brandy of his past, was it a test to see if she would run or a measure of her loyalty. Not surprising is the author leaving the results of the pregnancy testing unknown to sell the next book.
The Brandy Alexander stories are good, mixing the humor with issues that matter.
2,419 reviews43 followers
January 3, 2013
A hilarious, exciting, and tender story with an irreverent, tough, tender, loyal, and mostly intelligent main character. I love Brandi and of course her sexy beyond belief guys. In most books like this the characters get in ridiculous predicaments for no reason. While Brandi does put herself in some tough spots the action fits with the story and her character. I have been impressed with that fact that she learn from her mistakes. The mystery in this one is tougher to read about but the book is such a combination of serious and funny that I can handle the serious stuff. Reread all four books the other day and did not want the last one to end. Best yet of an awesome series. Can't wait for the next one.

Note: I seldom give 5 stars on Goodreads because I am comparing these books to the best I ever read. At other sites, rate just to how much I recommend a book. This is a 5 star recommendation.
Profile Image for Kristin Whitehouse.
1,443 reviews53 followers
January 11, 2012
I read this on my Kindle. Not sure why it doesn't show that edition. What can I say about this book? Shelly Fredman has quickly become my new favorite author. I didn't want to read this yet because I know it will be forever until there is a new one out. Instead, I devoured it in just a few hours.

I love Brandy and her friends and family. And OMG Nick. I want a Nick for my very own. This was a little darker than the first 3 books, but still just as good. I think I'd have to say the first one was my favorite because I had just discovered and fell in love with the characters.

Read this series!
Profile Image for Kristan Kirkreit.
106 reviews4 followers
March 7, 2010
LOVED IT!!!! Its great when you find a book or series that makes you actually laugh like you were watching a movie!!!! From the very first book, you fall in love with Brandy Alexander! Everything about her makes you love the girl. I like how this book ties in a real issue in our country. I am a little nervous about the end of the book and the future of Brandy but I guess I will have to wait another year for the next book. I miss her already. Shes like an old friend that moves away and only comes back once a year!!!! HURRY UP SHELLY IM GOING TO MISS MY FRIEND!!!! lol
34 reviews3 followers
May 1, 2012
Loved it! my favorite by far but without the build up of the first three this one would not be as good! Read em in order and you'll love this one too! i think i read the ending of this one 3 times because it made me so happy! More adventure for Brandy who really is trying to stay out of trouble and away from killers.
After i read this i hoped for more but now that i've had time to let this one sink in a brew i kind of hope that's the end.
Profile Image for Cherie Phillips.
157 reviews29 followers
May 20, 2012
Loved the whole series so far and I have my fingers crossed that there will be more to come. I love the characters in the series they keep me laughing all the way through and it's fun to read Brandy sorting through the mystery. I also loved the fact that the love triangle has sorted itself out in this one but with the cliff hanger at the end there has got to be another book I need to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Sue Ross.
610 reviews11 followers
January 2, 2013
First let me say...WOW!!!! What a great book. I figured out what was going on, but not who was all involved. THe ending left wanting more so I'm starting the next book. Brandy shows another side of herself in this one. The tender caring side. Of course as usual she gets in way over her head and has to ask for help. There's a baby involved in this one...or maybe two??? I can relate to the new phone scene. Bring on the next book. No Such Thing as a Lost Cause. Loved it.
Profile Image for Angie.
54 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2016
I can't stop worth this series is funny, witty and an incredibly easy read. This book is much longer than the first 3 books in the series and the story line, I felt was a lot more serious. My only gripe. Please spell Colombia correctly! I can't wait to start reading the next book!
1 review
March 6, 2010
Wow...This just keeps getting better and better! One of my all time favorite series!! It almost seems like cruel and unusual punishment making us wait for the next Brandy Alexander adventure.
Profile Image for Pamela.
Author 63 books387 followers
June 6, 2011
A blast! I need to read the previous books in Ms. Fredman's very funny series.
23 reviews4 followers
March 23, 2010
The fourth in the series. Brandy is looking for a runaway teen and finally gets Nick to admit how he feels. Now I just want to know when #5 will be published.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
388 reviews9 followers
April 22, 2012
I really like this series. Brandy Alexander is such a great heroine - quirky, funny, and kind - you wish she were real so that you could be friends.
Profile Image for Genji Bailey.
114 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2012
OH! MY! GOD! This book is the best of the series and has the MOST FABULOUS ENDING EVER!!!
Profile Image for Karen Davis.
218 reviews6 followers
January 24, 2013
Love love love this series and don't want it to stop. I'm not going to do any spoilers...so read the book! =)
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