"Getting Rid of Bradley" is a contemporary romance novel written by Jennifer Crusie. It was first published in 1994 and published again in 2008. The story follows Lucy Savage, a woman who was left by her husband, Bradley, who is suspected of stealing money. Detective Zachary Warren is trying to find Bradley, especially since someone is now threatening Lucy. The novel won the 1995 RITA Award for Best Short Contemporary.
Background
Jennifer Crusie started her writing career by creating category romances. One of these books was Getting Rid of Bradley, which Harlequin Books published in February 1994. Category romances are not printed in large numbers and are usually available for no more than a month. In 2008, Mira Books reprinted the novel as a mass market paperback.
On her website, Crusie mentioned that writing this novel helped her understand that dogs can be very important in stories.
Plot
The story starts on the worst day of Lucy Savage's life. Her husband does not appear in divorce court, she is shot at, but she believes someone is trying to rob her. She attacks the police officer who helps her, and she unintentionally changes her hair color to green.
Zach Warren, the officer Lucy attacked, believes Lucy's ex-husband, Bradley Porter, is involved in an illegal money scheme with his close high school friend, John Bradley. Zach also thinks the dangerous events happening to Lucy are connected. To keep her safe and to learn more about her, Zach moves into the house with Lucy and her three dogs.
Lucy faces several life-threatening situations, such as a car bomb and an exploding bed. Zach stays with her to protect her throughout these events. Later, John Bradley arrives to retrieve stolen money that the police have already taken. Lucy defends herself and believes the situation is over. However, Bradley later returns to the house and tries to restart their marriage. With Zach's help, Lucy calms the situation.
After this incident, Lucy agrees to marry Zach and allows him to live permanently with her and her four dogs.