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Shelby Nichols #1
Carrots
A mind-reader, a mob-boss, and a hit-man. What could go wrong? More fun than you can imagine!
"One of the best and rarest gems of the indie book market."~ Matthew LeDrew
Stopping at the grocery store for carrots shouldn't be dangerous, but for Shelby Nichols, it changes her life forever. During a bank robbery, she is caught in the cross-fire and grazed by a bullet to the head, leaving her with the ability to read minds.
Not only is she hearing what everyone thinks about her, but the gunman who shot her is out to silence her forever. In her fight to stay alive she is saved from certain death by a handsome hit-man with ties to organized crime. This pulls Shelby even deeper into danger, where knowing someone's thoughts can not only hurt her feelings, but get her killed.
"One of the best and rarest gems of the indie book market."~ Matthew LeDrew
Stopping at the grocery store for carrots shouldn't be dangerous, but for Shelby Nichols, it changes her life forever. During a bank robbery, she is caught in the cross-fire and grazed by a bullet to the head, leaving her with the ability to read minds.
Not only is she hearing what everyone thinks about her, but the gunman who shot her is out to silence her forever. In her fight to stay alive she is saved from certain death by a handsome hit-man with ties to organized crime. This pulls Shelby even deeper into danger, where knowing someone's thoughts can not only hurt her feelings, but get her killed.
286 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2011
5766 people are currently reading
5006 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Helme
43 books734 followersSolving crimes with sass, suspense, and a splash of the supernatural.
Colleen Helme is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, best known for her fast-paced, laugh-out-loud Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, where cozy mystery meets a dash of the paranormal. With over 19 books in the series and several more in her Sand and Shadow and the Love, Loyalty and Larceny series, she’s built a world in which readers love to escape.
Colleen Helme is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, best known for her fast-paced, laugh-out-loud Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, where cozy mystery meets a dash of the paranormal. With over 19 books in the series and several more in her Sand and Shadow and the Love, Loyalty and Larceny series, she’s built a world in which readers love to escape.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,093 reviews
August 15, 2018
Here goes a bunch of life-changing carrots!
I'm not reviewing the actions of Shelby, which's a good thing since she's all the way on the barmy side :) The only think I'm going to include is a major WARNING: an incredibly talkative telepath klutz in here! Beware!
Q:
My life changed that day because I didn’t have any carrots. ... I was planning on making chicken soup for dinner, but I didn’t have any carrots, and everyone knows you can’t make chicken soup without carrots. ...
It all began because I’d stopped at the grocery store for some carrots. Who would have thought that could be dangerous? (c) Well, yeah!
Q:
The hired gunman mentally agreed with me, and it suddenly made me mad. Since I couldn’t tell him to shut up, I sent him a killer look. You know, the kind I reserve for when my kids are misbehaving. It must have had an effect, because he was struggling not to feel guilty, and he hadn’t felt that way in years. (c)
Q:
I smoothed out my hair, and was delighted when a glob of gunk fell onto his floor. (c)
Q:
Just watching those dimples zoom in and out was enough to keep me around, but on the practical side, I might as well help the good guys too. (c)
Q:
It must be true what they say about wearing a mask. That it gives the wearer a sense of freedom. (c)
Q:
“What makes you think…?”
“Women’s intuition,” I answered.
“Oh.” That was something he didn’t want to touch with a ten-foot pole. (c)
Q:
There was a lot I had to learn. Except that most of it, like stealing, wasn’t what I had in mind. (c)
Q:
What people think determines basically who they are. Putting a voice to thought doesn't change that. But there are times when we say things that aren't true. Not because we want to lie, but because the truth can cause more harm than good. There are times whn a satisfying lie is better than the awful truth. (c)
Q:
Kate... tried to take cover behind a big potted plant. (c)
Q:
After that, I couldn't help staring at him with what I hoped was an 'otherworldly' look. I tried to convey an intimate 'I can see into your soul' moment just to freak him out. (c) LMAO!
I'm not reviewing the actions of Shelby, which's a good thing since she's all the way on the barmy side :) The only think I'm going to include is a major WARNING: an incredibly talkative telepath klutz in here! Beware!
Q:
My life changed that day because I didn’t have any carrots. ... I was planning on making chicken soup for dinner, but I didn’t have any carrots, and everyone knows you can’t make chicken soup without carrots. ...
It all began because I’d stopped at the grocery store for some carrots. Who would have thought that could be dangerous? (c) Well, yeah!
Q:
The hired gunman mentally agreed with me, and it suddenly made me mad. Since I couldn’t tell him to shut up, I sent him a killer look. You know, the kind I reserve for when my kids are misbehaving. It must have had an effect, because he was struggling not to feel guilty, and he hadn’t felt that way in years. (c)
Q:
I smoothed out my hair, and was delighted when a glob of gunk fell onto his floor. (c)
Q:
Just watching those dimples zoom in and out was enough to keep me around, but on the practical side, I might as well help the good guys too. (c)
Q:
It must be true what they say about wearing a mask. That it gives the wearer a sense of freedom. (c)
Q:
“What makes you think…?”
“Women’s intuition,” I answered.
“Oh.” That was something he didn’t want to touch with a ten-foot pole. (c)
Q:
There was a lot I had to learn. Except that most of it, like stealing, wasn’t what I had in mind. (c)
Q:
What people think determines basically who they are. Putting a voice to thought doesn't change that. But there are times when we say things that aren't true. Not because we want to lie, but because the truth can cause more harm than good. There are times whn a satisfying lie is better than the awful truth. (c)
Q:
Kate... tried to take cover behind a big potted plant. (c)
Q:
After that, I couldn't help staring at him with what I hoped was an 'otherworldly' look. I tried to convey an intimate 'I can see into your soul' moment just to freak him out. (c) LMAO!
January 12, 2012
I wanted something light and entertaining to read, and took advantage of Kindle's lending library to check this book out. Though the idea is interesting - what would happen if you could suddenly read people's thoughts - the concept is weighed down with poor characterization, stereotypical characters and a horrendous lack of editing. It reads as if someone used spell check and decided that was sufficient editing.
I got about a third of the way through this book before I gave up. I had no idea who the main character was. Her relationships with her family were barely sketched in, and I have no idea what motivates this character. I was also irritated by her anger at her husband over another woman being interested in him even though he did not reciprocate, while she's being swoony over the police officer.
I remember reading a considerable amount of mommy mysteries about a decade ago so it is not as though I object to the genre, but there are much better examples of this particular type available. Light and entertaining doesn't have to mean brainless.
I got about a third of the way through this book before I gave up. I had no idea who the main character was. Her relationships with her family were barely sketched in, and I have no idea what motivates this character. I was also irritated by her anger at her husband over another woman being interested in him even though he did not reciprocate, while she's being swoony over the police officer.
I remember reading a considerable amount of mommy mysteries about a decade ago so it is not as though I object to the genre, but there are much better examples of this particular type available. Light and entertaining doesn't have to mean brainless.
March 30, 2023
This sounded like a fun idea, and since I had (sadly) bought the Kindle edition I was able to get the Audible edition for cheap.
Unfortunately, neither the book nor the narration wore well. The story itself was fine: Shelby Nichols is caught in the middle of a grocery store bank robbery; a bullet grazes her skull. And of course she shortly discovers that she can hear other people's thoughts. As one does after a bullet grazes one's skull. Hijinks ensue, as they do when one develops rogue psychic powers. Shelby does tell her husband what's going on, which is good; however, this causes almost as much trouble as keeping silent might have, because his anxiety level ramps up and he starts trying to control his thoughts about other women and so on. Then of course Shelby's pre-existing fears about her husband's hot coworker crystallize when she hears her thoughts, and she decides to use her new power to shut the girl down. And of course it ends up turning into a whole adventure involving organized crime, double lives, and frequent costume changes.
The writing started to annoy me as the first person narrator was made to say roughly the same thing over and over: "my stomach dropped" "my heart dropped" "my heart skipped a beat" – aaand she cringes. Constantly. Doors fly open, or burst open. It's all very energetic.
Shelby also drove me insane with her apparent inability – or lack of desire – to remember people's actual names. To the police officer handling her case, Harris, she gives the nickname "Dimples", and then she proceeds to call him this not only to herself but to people who have no way of knowing to whom she's referring, like her husband; to people with whom it's entirely inappropriate, like people who have never met the man or with whom a more formal approach might be preferable, and … to Harris himself. (Did I mention he's a cop?) Along similar lines, since her husband's wannabe girlfriend refers to the local mob boss as "Uncle Joey", so does Shelby – even though it's really, really obvious that this is a moronic thing to do, especially (as with Harris) to his face.
Basically, Shelby's kind of an idiot. I find it incredibly hard to swallow that she could, or would, buy a car without knowing the make or model; I don't know if the author was trying to avoid any kind of use of brand names, or if she is herself ignorant of such things, or if Shelby is really supposed to be that oblivious. I know next to nothing about cars, but I know a Buick from an Audi (which if I recall correctly seems to be what is being used here). There are commercials on tv every twelve minutes unless you're watching PBS, and depending on what the show is up to half of them can be car commercials – you should know roughly what a given make will cost whether you want to or not – and you should certainly be able to make use of the make and model name when the bleeding car is directly in front of you. There are insigniae. The salesman will mention it, and will probably be wearing a badge of some kind. There might be signs up. Again, I don't care about cars – but this was so implausible as to just go straight up my nose.
The narrator was certainly not terrible – but I'm afraid she wasn't great, either. Her enunciation was more precise than the writing called for, to me; a first-person narrative, basically the main character telling you "so that happened" should, I feel, be a little more fast and loose. And then a ways into it she started delivering "Dimples" like William Shatner, and that helped nothing at all.
Spoiler for the end: stuff happens, Shelby is injured again and loses the psychic powers, and tells her husband. He is relieved and happy and looks forward to all going back to normal. Then the powers come back. This she does not tell him. And honestly I think that was a big part of the book's rating being as low as it is. The husband is written as a nice guy, faithful to Shelby despite being drooled over by the hot coworker with no plans to be otherwise, and wants only to have a happy life with Shelby and their kids. It actually offended me a bit (insofar as I could care) that she would plan to completely deceive him for – what, the rest of her life? Also, the woman isn't a great actor – she does a terrible job of covering over the slips she makes responding to people's thoughts instead of their words; how does she propose to pull this off? I'll never know, because I will absolutely not be reading the - whoa. The nine sequels to this book.
I'm not even going to get into the whole mob tie-in. It's fairly ridiculous – as is the sexual tension between Shelby and the boss's bodyguard, which is kind of ironic in light of the husband's hot coworker. By the time I finished the book, Shelby, her powers, the writing, the narration, and everything else that went into the whole mess had irritated me so thoroughly that I returned the audiobook to Audible. And felt better for getting my $1.99 back.
Postscript, four and a half years later. There are now FOURTEEN sequels to this thing. Which means two of the books I loathed the most in all the world, this and the "Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder" excretion, both apparently have sold well enough to have spawned lengthy series. People baffle me. The publishing world makes me queasy. And I'm kind of depressed right now.
Unfortunately, neither the book nor the narration wore well. The story itself was fine: Shelby Nichols is caught in the middle of a grocery store bank robbery; a bullet grazes her skull. And of course she shortly discovers that she can hear other people's thoughts. As one does after a bullet grazes one's skull. Hijinks ensue, as they do when one develops rogue psychic powers. Shelby does tell her husband what's going on, which is good; however, this causes almost as much trouble as keeping silent might have, because his anxiety level ramps up and he starts trying to control his thoughts about other women and so on. Then of course Shelby's pre-existing fears about her husband's hot coworker crystallize when she hears her thoughts, and she decides to use her new power to shut the girl down. And of course it ends up turning into a whole adventure involving organized crime, double lives, and frequent costume changes.
The writing started to annoy me as the first person narrator was made to say roughly the same thing over and over: "my stomach dropped" "my heart dropped" "my heart skipped a beat" – aaand she cringes. Constantly. Doors fly open, or burst open. It's all very energetic.
Shelby also drove me insane with her apparent inability – or lack of desire – to remember people's actual names. To the police officer handling her case, Harris, she gives the nickname "Dimples", and then she proceeds to call him this not only to herself but to people who have no way of knowing to whom she's referring, like her husband; to people with whom it's entirely inappropriate, like people who have never met the man or with whom a more formal approach might be preferable, and … to Harris himself. (Did I mention he's a cop?) Along similar lines, since her husband's wannabe girlfriend refers to the local mob boss as "Uncle Joey", so does Shelby – even though it's really, really obvious that this is a moronic thing to do, especially (as with Harris) to his face.
Basically, Shelby's kind of an idiot. I find it incredibly hard to swallow that she could, or would, buy a car without knowing the make or model; I don't know if the author was trying to avoid any kind of use of brand names, or if she is herself ignorant of such things, or if Shelby is really supposed to be that oblivious. I know next to nothing about cars, but I know a Buick from an Audi (which if I recall correctly seems to be what is being used here). There are commercials on tv every twelve minutes unless you're watching PBS, and depending on what the show is up to half of them can be car commercials – you should know roughly what a given make will cost whether you want to or not – and you should certainly be able to make use of the make and model name when the bleeding car is directly in front of you. There are insigniae. The salesman will mention it, and will probably be wearing a badge of some kind. There might be signs up. Again, I don't care about cars – but this was so implausible as to just go straight up my nose.
The narrator was certainly not terrible – but I'm afraid she wasn't great, either. Her enunciation was more precise than the writing called for, to me; a first-person narrative, basically the main character telling you "so that happened" should, I feel, be a little more fast and loose. And then a ways into it she started delivering "Dimples" like William Shatner, and that helped nothing at all.
Spoiler for the end: stuff happens, Shelby is injured again and loses the psychic powers, and tells her husband. He is relieved and happy and looks forward to all going back to normal. Then the powers come back. This she does not tell him. And honestly I think that was a big part of the book's rating being as low as it is. The husband is written as a nice guy, faithful to Shelby despite being drooled over by the hot coworker with no plans to be otherwise, and wants only to have a happy life with Shelby and their kids. It actually offended me a bit (insofar as I could care) that she would plan to completely deceive him for – what, the rest of her life? Also, the woman isn't a great actor – she does a terrible job of covering over the slips she makes responding to people's thoughts instead of their words; how does she propose to pull this off? I'll never know, because I will absolutely not be reading the - whoa. The nine sequels to this book.
I'm not even going to get into the whole mob tie-in. It's fairly ridiculous – as is the sexual tension between Shelby and the boss's bodyguard, which is kind of ironic in light of the husband's hot coworker. By the time I finished the book, Shelby, her powers, the writing, the narration, and everything else that went into the whole mess had irritated me so thoroughly that I returned the audiobook to Audible. And felt better for getting my $1.99 back.
Postscript, four and a half years later. There are now FOURTEEN sequels to this thing. Which means two of the books I loathed the most in all the world, this and the "Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder" excretion, both apparently have sold well enough to have spawned lengthy series. People baffle me. The publishing world makes me queasy. And I'm kind of depressed right now.
July 13, 2015
Combine Stephanie Plum and Rose Gardner and you've got Shelby Nichols. There is even a scene in this book which could have been taken in its entirety from one of the Rose Gardner books.
You could take pretty much any character from this book and find an almost identical character in the Janet Evanovich or Denise Grover Swank books. It's not bad, apart from the occasional TSTL moment it's pretty good fun but it's not original.
You could take pretty much any character from this book and find an almost identical character in the Janet Evanovich or Denise Grover Swank books. It's not bad, apart from the occasional TSTL moment it's pretty good fun but it's not original.
May 11, 2016
A new author for me which was billed as a mystery and it turn out be an adventure or chick lit. The plot was great and the writing excellent. The end was riveting and I didn't put the book down until I knew end. Shelby is a housewife who forgot to buy carrots for supper. While in the grocery store she encounters a bank robber. The bullet just graces her head. When she awaken realize that she can read other people's minds. A co-worker is trying to entice her husband. In the process a Mob Boss learns her secret and forces her to work for him. The ending is spectacular. The style of the story reminds me of Stephanie Plum. I will read more of this series.
August 28, 2024
The Shelby Nichols series is one that I’ve had my eye on since I featured one of the books on my blog. I was lucky enough to get the eBook Carrots, the first book in the series, for free when it was offered and then I was even more lucky to log onto my Audible app one day and be offered any free audiobook I wanted, so I grabbed Carrots for that offer.
There is a little bit of everything going on in the plot of Carrots, with the mafia, police investigations, and more. It’s humorous and silly, but also predictable. And, the covers for all ten books in the series are very appealing and attractive and the blurb for Carrots explains what happens in the story.
I found that the concept of our heroine getting a paranormal ability, of reading minds, to be cool and I liked that she had gumption and wanted to do something useful and legal with her gift, but then by the time I finished I was frustrated and not sure on how I felt about the story.
I had issues with Shelby: I thought I’d relate to her well, since she’s a stay at home mother and in her mid-thirty’s, but I ended up having a love / hate relationship with her. She seams smart, but she’s actually brainless, transpart, and couldn’t keep her mouth shut, which gets her in more trouble then she’s already in. I kept shacking my head at some of the things she did through out the story and was thinking; “really” and “keep your mouth shut”.
Then theirs her relationships: I couldn’t understand them. We have her family, which those where barely scratched on. Then theirs her husband, which it seams like she clearly loves him and he loves her, but we learn some things and this new ability puts strain on their relationship. I was also irritated by her anger at her husband over another women who is clearly trying to steal him even though he didn’t reciprocate those advances. While this was happening Shelby’s being all swoony over a police officer she calls “dimples” and Ramos “the hit man” who clearly will kill her if the head bad guy gives the orders.
Audio Narration: This is my first experience with narrator Wendy Tremont King. I have to say I enjoyed her narration. Liked her voices, though I will say some of the men weren’t different enough and I thought they sounded alike instead of individuals.
To sum things up I’m done with this series and won’t be trying anymore out. I wanted to be swept away on a cozy fun mystery, but ended up feeling perturbed and frustrated.
Rated: 2.5/3 Stars
Can anyone recommend some mommy mysteries with a paranormal or unique element that I might like to try?
There is a little bit of everything going on in the plot of Carrots, with the mafia, police investigations, and more. It’s humorous and silly, but also predictable. And, the covers for all ten books in the series are very appealing and attractive and the blurb for Carrots explains what happens in the story.
I found that the concept of our heroine getting a paranormal ability, of reading minds, to be cool and I liked that she had gumption and wanted to do something useful and legal with her gift, but then by the time I finished I was frustrated and not sure on how I felt about the story.
I had issues with Shelby: I thought I’d relate to her well, since she’s a stay at home mother and in her mid-thirty’s, but I ended up having a love / hate relationship with her. She seams smart, but she’s actually brainless, transpart, and couldn’t keep her mouth shut, which gets her in more trouble then she’s already in. I kept shacking my head at some of the things she did through out the story and was thinking; “really” and “keep your mouth shut”.
Then theirs her relationships: I couldn’t understand them. We have her family, which those where barely scratched on. Then theirs her husband, which it seams like she clearly loves him and he loves her, but we learn some things and this new ability puts strain on their relationship. I was also irritated by her anger at her husband over another women who is clearly trying to steal him even though he didn’t reciprocate those advances. While this was happening Shelby’s being all swoony over a police officer she calls “dimples” and Ramos “the hit man” who clearly will kill her if the head bad guy gives the orders.
Audio Narration: This is my first experience with narrator Wendy Tremont King. I have to say I enjoyed her narration. Liked her voices, though I will say some of the men weren’t different enough and I thought they sounded alike instead of individuals.
To sum things up I’m done with this series and won’t be trying anymore out. I wanted to be swept away on a cozy fun mystery, but ended up feeling perturbed and frustrated.
Rated: 2.5/3 Stars
Can anyone recommend some mommy mysteries with a paranormal or unique element that I might like to try?
July 6, 2019
I'm not sure what to call this, but it's an amazingly good example of its type. A Premise Novel, maybe? The story, plot, and interest centers on the premise that Shelby was shot in the head (only a graze) during a robbery and ended up able to read minds as a result. She's otherwise a very normal woman with a very normal family and situation. The rest of the story flows from there.
Getting in the way of a scheming woman at her husband's law firm (who wants him for herself), she ends up revealing a connection the woman has that leads ultimately to organized crime. And since they really, really want to know who leaked the connection, Shelby ends up having to convince the local crime lord that she picked it up from the woman's thoughts (knowing that the alternative is that they torture the "truth" out of her because they can't afford leaks). Add that she can't help but give the handsome police officer working on the original robbery some "premonitions" that pan out and you have lots of action and a character that is engaging enough to pull me through it.
To work, I really had to like Shelby. And I did. And I was glad that her husband, Chris, felt realistic (the only other person she revealed her "gift" to) and that he really is in love with her, even as he feels a bit nervous that she can read his mind all the time. I mean, that'd be quite a lot of trust, particularly when he has no recourse or escape and has to rely on her being honest about things with him.
The plot itself is a bit fast and loose, but I didn't mind. I mean, it's Stephanie Plum level of continuity where things make just enough sense for me to suspend disbelief. If I hadn't bought the premise, and/or hadn't liked Shelby, it would have been easy to pick nits. As it was, the secondary characters were at least consistent and their motives made sense and since Shelby can hear them thinking in real-time, the story held together just fine.
Anyway, I was pulled in and enjoyed it a whole lot. Some of that may have been the right mood. So I'm thinking this is a four star read that I'm giving a boost just for the afterglow and good timing.
A note about Chaste: This isn't really a romance and Shelby is devoted to her husband, however much she can appreciate Officer Dimples and the hot goon. They have some married-people sexy times during the course of the story, but Helme doesn't give details—likely because they weren't important. So this is not steamy and I feel like being chaste was a conscious choice and it earned the tag.
Getting in the way of a scheming woman at her husband's law firm (who wants him for herself), she ends up revealing a connection the woman has that leads ultimately to organized crime. And since they really, really want to know who leaked the connection, Shelby ends up having to convince the local crime lord that she picked it up from the woman's thoughts (knowing that the alternative is that they torture the "truth" out of her because they can't afford leaks). Add that she can't help but give the handsome police officer working on the original robbery some "premonitions" that pan out and you have lots of action and a character that is engaging enough to pull me through it.
To work, I really had to like Shelby. And I did. And I was glad that her husband, Chris, felt realistic (the only other person she revealed her "gift" to) and that he really is in love with her, even as he feels a bit nervous that she can read his mind all the time. I mean, that'd be quite a lot of trust, particularly when he has no recourse or escape and has to rely on her being honest about things with him.
The plot itself is a bit fast and loose, but I didn't mind. I mean, it's Stephanie Plum level of continuity where things make just enough sense for me to suspend disbelief. If I hadn't bought the premise, and/or hadn't liked Shelby, it would have been easy to pick nits. As it was, the secondary characters were at least consistent and their motives made sense and since Shelby can hear them thinking in real-time, the story held together just fine.
Anyway, I was pulled in and enjoyed it a whole lot. Some of that may have been the right mood. So I'm thinking this is a four star read that I'm giving a boost just for the afterglow and good timing.
A note about Chaste: This isn't really a romance and Shelby is devoted to her husband, however much she can appreciate Officer Dimples and the hot goon. They have some married-people sexy times during the course of the story, but Helme doesn't give details—likely because they weren't important. So this is not steamy and I feel like being chaste was a conscious choice and it earned the tag.
February 23, 2016
This reminds me a lot of a Janet Evanovich novel if you crossed it with the Mel Gibson movie "What Women Want." In the first book of a series, instead of Stephanie Plum, we have Shelby Nichols. And instead of a guy who can read women's minds, we get a woman (Shelby) who can read EVERYONE's mind.
Shelby's husband really hates that she's developed this ability. Even worse, the only one besides him that learns about it is a local mob boss, "Uncle Joey," and he's threatening her family if she doesn't help him. She knows for a fact that Kate, her husband's coworker, is doing her best to seduce him. Meanwhile, Shelby is stuck sitting in on mob meetings trying to figure out who among the other five is trying to take over Uncle Joey's organization while also trying to figure out how to extricate herself from the entire situation. Uncle Joey's hunky bodyguard, Ramos, she knows is fighting his attraction to her because he's afraid he might be ordered to kill her. Also included in this mix of characters is "Dimples," a police detective she trusts.
Shelby isn't always the sharpest knife in the drawer, but the fact that she's got this sixth sense does work in her favor... usually. If she could only learn to keep her mouth shut instead of blurting out things she's hearing from their thoughts, she'd be much better off. She does have a lot of chutzpah, that's for certain.
This is not stuff to be taken seriously, but a lot of fun to read. The tone of the writing is appropriately light despite the murders, several murder attempts and other mob-related activities. The plot works well, as Shelby's personal life and her husband's professional life effectively intertwine with the Mafia storyline. I have the feeling I'll be returning to check out some other books in this series!
Shelby's husband really hates that she's developed this ability. Even worse, the only one besides him that learns about it is a local mob boss, "Uncle Joey," and he's threatening her family if she doesn't help him. She knows for a fact that Kate, her husband's coworker, is doing her best to seduce him. Meanwhile, Shelby is stuck sitting in on mob meetings trying to figure out who among the other five is trying to take over Uncle Joey's organization while also trying to figure out how to extricate herself from the entire situation. Uncle Joey's hunky bodyguard, Ramos, she knows is fighting his attraction to her because he's afraid he might be ordered to kill her. Also included in this mix of characters is "Dimples," a police detective she trusts.
Shelby isn't always the sharpest knife in the drawer, but the fact that she's got this sixth sense does work in her favor... usually. If she could only learn to keep her mouth shut instead of blurting out things she's hearing from their thoughts, she'd be much better off. She does have a lot of chutzpah, that's for certain.
This is not stuff to be taken seriously, but a lot of fun to read. The tone of the writing is appropriately light despite the murders, several murder attempts and other mob-related activities. The plot works well, as Shelby's personal life and her husband's professional life effectively intertwine with the Mafia storyline. I have the feeling I'll be returning to check out some other books in this series!
September 29, 2014
I did not end up finishing this book, I got about 1/3 to a 1/2 of the way through and gave up. I usually love murder mysteries and sci-fi books that have a little more drama and action, but go for sillier reads pretty often especially when they're free Kindle books. I tried to get more into this book because I hate not finishing books, but I just wasn't into this one.
For me the main character, Shelby, is just not a very likeable character, I really like stronger female leads, or at least smarter ones. Shelby just seems to be jealous and a little dumb all the time, and her husband kind of comes off as a jerk that ignores her a lot of the time. I would hope if I got shot in the head my husband would at least stay home from work the next day! Shelby seems to keep making more trouble for herself and then just being clueless. I wish there was more to her character, it kind of reminds me of what my husband and I call 'lifetime stories', because almost every single movie on lifetime network has a helpless woman that either acts like an idiot which causes terrible things to happen, or just has constant terrible things happen to her.
As an earlier reviewer, Ruth, said 'Light and entertaining doesn't have to mean brainless.'
For me the main character, Shelby, is just not a very likeable character, I really like stronger female leads, or at least smarter ones. Shelby just seems to be jealous and a little dumb all the time, and her husband kind of comes off as a jerk that ignores her a lot of the time. I would hope if I got shot in the head my husband would at least stay home from work the next day! Shelby seems to keep making more trouble for herself and then just being clueless. I wish there was more to her character, it kind of reminds me of what my husband and I call 'lifetime stories', because almost every single movie on lifetime network has a helpless woman that either acts like an idiot which causes terrible things to happen, or just has constant terrible things happen to her.
As an earlier reviewer, Ruth, said 'Light and entertaining doesn't have to mean brainless.'
September 12, 2014
Oh Boy! I found a new author for my Favorite list!
What a great premise. Shelby, a ordinary mother of two, stops at a grocery store for carrots, and gets winged by a bullet during a robbery. When her head clears, she finds out that she can hear other people's thoughts. This is the beginning of a whole lot of problems, dangers and people who want to use her for various reasons. This sounds serious, but the story is delightful as she reads the mind of a female co-worker who is out to get her husband, a mob boss who might kill her, her kids who think she's over the hill, and her confused husband who loves her. This leads to awkward situations that you will need to read to understand. The characters are very human and lovable, including the mob boss. The story is completely resolved in this first book, but I am overjoyed that it is the first of a series.
What a great premise. Shelby, a ordinary mother of two, stops at a grocery store for carrots, and gets winged by a bullet during a robbery. When her head clears, she finds out that she can hear other people's thoughts. This is the beginning of a whole lot of problems, dangers and people who want to use her for various reasons. This sounds serious, but the story is delightful as she reads the mind of a female co-worker who is out to get her husband, a mob boss who might kill her, her kids who think she's over the hill, and her confused husband who loves her. This leads to awkward situations that you will need to read to understand. The characters are very human and lovable, including the mob boss. The story is completely resolved in this first book, but I am overjoyed that it is the first of a series.
October 19, 2019
Shelby runs into the grocery store to grab one thing (carrots!) when she witnesses a robbery and suffers a head injury, leaving her able to hear the thoughts of other people. Shelby's new ability is in some ways cool and delightful, but in some ways it is a huge inconvenience-especially when she finds herself working with both the local police and the local mafia boss. It also causes a little bit of friction with her husband, who doesn't really want to share every thought he has with her.
Fully disclosure, Shelby does do some things that irritate me. BUT this book was a lot of fun to read. It worked especially well when I wanted to read for like 5-10 minutes right before falling asleep or when I found myself waiting for my kids at sports lessons/practices, in the lobby at orthodontist appointments, etc. I love sleuth stories, particularly the ones where the people solving the mysteries are not your typical detectives. Shelby is certainly not trained in case-solving nor interrogation, but she is funny and she kept me entertained enough to move on with the series.
Sidenote: I love the scenes with Shelby and her teenage kids, Josh and Savannah. Shelby's kids are about the same age as my kids, and I laughed at almost everything that Shelby picked out of their thoughts. Pretty much every thought Josh and Savannah had seemed exactly like something my kids would say, and Shelby's reactions to their inner thoughts made me feel seen.
Fully disclosure, Shelby does do some things that irritate me. BUT this book was a lot of fun to read. It worked especially well when I wanted to read for like 5-10 minutes right before falling asleep or when I found myself waiting for my kids at sports lessons/practices, in the lobby at orthodontist appointments, etc. I love sleuth stories, particularly the ones where the people solving the mysteries are not your typical detectives. Shelby is certainly not trained in case-solving nor interrogation, but she is funny and she kept me entertained enough to move on with the series.
Sidenote: I love the scenes with Shelby and her teenage kids, Josh and Savannah. Shelby's kids are about the same age as my kids, and I laughed at almost everything that Shelby picked out of their thoughts. Pretty much every thought Josh and Savannah had seemed exactly like something my kids would say, and Shelby's reactions to their inner thoughts made me feel seen.
April 15, 2022
Carrots by Colleen Helme is the first book in the Shelby Nichols Mystery series. After stopping to buy carrots, Shelby Nichols is shot during a bank robbery sustaining a head wound and finding that when she comes around she is able to hear people's thoughts. With the gunman after her, she also finds herself using her abilities to help a mobster. I loved this book. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I liked Shelby and seeing how she manages her new gift. A lighthearted, entertaining and fun mystery which I found difficult to put down.
May 26, 2012
An okay story, with an incredibly unlikeable main character. She doesn't have an ounce of common sense rattling around in her head and she never learns her lesson. She is also extremely self-centered. Her husband and kids are just background notes that show up every now and then, and every interaction with her husband involves lying on her part.
February 14, 2017
So I won't lie, I picked this one up initially for the cover. Then I read the description and I thought 'Let's risk it for a biscuit'.
The writing is so fluid it made me feel like a pro surfer riding a wave. It was so easy to read that I flew through this book in no time. Apart from one character, (who you're not supposed to like) I liked everyone in this story. There was enough humour without it being a farce; enough tension to carry the plot and a bit of angst thrown in.
Now I don't normally pick books up with married couples or kids in, simply because I like to read about the build-up. This isn't a romance so that's kinda irrelevant here, but still the relationship between Shelby and her husband was realistic and loving, it wasn't over the top and they weren't struggling to stay together - so it worked.
Now I just wish I could click my heels together and magic Ramos into existence. I love that man. Maybe Shelby could stay with her husband and have Ramos as her boyfriend! I know I'd be up for that.
The writing is so fluid it made me feel like a pro surfer riding a wave. It was so easy to read that I flew through this book in no time. Apart from one character, (who you're not supposed to like) I liked everyone in this story. There was enough humour without it being a farce; enough tension to carry the plot and a bit of angst thrown in.
Now I don't normally pick books up with married couples or kids in, simply because I like to read about the build-up. This isn't a romance so that's kinda irrelevant here, but still the relationship between Shelby and her husband was realistic and loving, it wasn't over the top and they weren't struggling to stay together - so it worked.
Now I just wish I could click my heels together and magic Ramos into existence. I love that man. Maybe Shelby could stay with her husband and have Ramos as her boyfriend! I know I'd be up for that.
September 10, 2019
🏆 🏆🏆🏆 🏆
Love this new series. It gives me the same good feeling that the Abby Cooper series does. Can't wait to see where the author takes Shelby.
Love this new series. It gives me the same good feeling that the Abby Cooper series does. Can't wait to see where the author takes Shelby.
April 1, 2013
Finally! A book as fun as it looks. I had a ball with this, and am even contemplating buying the sequel, something I *NEVER* do. That's how much I enjoyed this.
Shelby is housewife. She volunteers at church, runs her 12 and 14 year old kids around, and tries to keep her lawyer husband happy (while worrying about his beautiful new law partner). Mostly she's just a normal 30-something woman... until one night she stops at the mega-mart for carrots on the way home, and the bank up front gets robbed - a man shot. While everyone else ducks, Shelby freezes, and gets a good look at the burgular - just as he shoots her in the head.
From that moment on, nothing is the same. Because the injury to her head has left Shelby with the ability to read minds. Which she does - she reads the bimbo law partner chick's mind, her husband's mind, her kids' minds, the minds of the cops... and when the bad guy comes after her and she's saved by a mob boss and his kindly but tough hired man, she reads their minds, too. And then she tells the mob boss about her gift to try to keep him from killing her, and she finds herself reading the minds of his thugs and 'associates' for him.
And with all that ESP, you *know* something's going to go wrong. In fact, many things go wrong. Which results in a fun, madcap read. The book, I'll admit, has a rather... um 'amateur' tone to it, but it didn't detract at all. In fact, it really suited Shelby well. It was also nice that Shelby had a solid relationship with her husband - this isn't a romance story, it's a story of devotion even when your wife is a little loopy and just put a square of tinfoil on her head. I value that.
I was in need of something shallow and adventurous with the occasional zings of humor, so this book was perfect.
Shelby is housewife. She volunteers at church, runs her 12 and 14 year old kids around, and tries to keep her lawyer husband happy (while worrying about his beautiful new law partner). Mostly she's just a normal 30-something woman... until one night she stops at the mega-mart for carrots on the way home, and the bank up front gets robbed - a man shot. While everyone else ducks, Shelby freezes, and gets a good look at the burgular - just as he shoots her in the head.
From that moment on, nothing is the same. Because the injury to her head has left Shelby with the ability to read minds. Which she does - she reads the bimbo law partner chick's mind, her husband's mind, her kids' minds, the minds of the cops... and when the bad guy comes after her and she's saved by a mob boss and his kindly but tough hired man, she reads their minds, too. And then she tells the mob boss about her gift to try to keep him from killing her, and she finds herself reading the minds of his thugs and 'associates' for him.
And with all that ESP, you *know* something's going to go wrong. In fact, many things go wrong. Which results in a fun, madcap read. The book, I'll admit, has a rather... um 'amateur' tone to it, but it didn't detract at all. In fact, it really suited Shelby well. It was also nice that Shelby had a solid relationship with her husband - this isn't a romance story, it's a story of devotion even when your wife is a little loopy and just put a square of tinfoil on her head. I value that.
I was in need of something shallow and adventurous with the occasional zings of humor, so this book was perfect.
June 21, 2017
This story was something quite different for me but I enjoyed it. It was mainly let down from its 5th star because the author happens to be clueless with apostrophes.
I'll be sticking with the Shelby series, though, because it's like nothing else I've read, really, and I liked the idea. The ending was very good as well.
I loved the character of Ramos and even warmed to Uncle Joe as well. Can't make up my mind about Shelby's Chris.....one minute I thought he was a good guy, then in it up to his neck then back again !! I look forward to seeing what occurs in the next book.
The only bit I wasn't keen on was Shelby's persistence in calling a cop Dimples. That seemed a little silly. There were some properly amusing moments in it, though. I loved the cover on this book, too.
This passage got messed up-"I'd barely hung up the phone when Then they'd probably want to stay as far away from me as possible. it rang again"...oops.
There are loads of apostrophe mistakes throughout, though...ladies, Hodges, Dimples, cents all needed one and EMT's and other's had no need of them or they're misplaced.
Reveling should be revelling and burley should be burly and there was some missing punctuation-speechmarks or fullstops. These should have been spotted and it's a pity they were overlooked. Here's hoping book 2 is tidier but still as good.
I'll be sticking with the Shelby series, though, because it's like nothing else I've read, really, and I liked the idea. The ending was very good as well.
I loved the character of Ramos and even warmed to Uncle Joe as well. Can't make up my mind about Shelby's Chris.....one minute I thought he was a good guy, then in it up to his neck then back again !! I look forward to seeing what occurs in the next book.
The only bit I wasn't keen on was Shelby's persistence in calling a cop Dimples. That seemed a little silly. There were some properly amusing moments in it, though. I loved the cover on this book, too.
This passage got messed up-"I'd barely hung up the phone when Then they'd probably want to stay as far away from me as possible. it rang again"...oops.
There are loads of apostrophe mistakes throughout, though...ladies, Hodges, Dimples, cents all needed one and EMT's and other's had no need of them or they're misplaced.
Reveling should be revelling and burley should be burly and there was some missing punctuation-speechmarks or fullstops. These should have been spotted and it's a pity they were overlooked. Here's hoping book 2 is tidier but still as good.
February 4, 2019
"CARROTS"
series: Shelby Nichols Adventures, book 1
by Colleen Helme
narration by: Wendy Tremont King
A truly fun read with a lot of 'foot in mouth' will get you into a heap of trouble... all starting with being in the wrong place at the right time.
There is love, but it isn't really a romance story... there is mystery or suspense but I wouldn't really call it either genre... Is there a "Cozy Suspense" genre... by the way I meant to listen to this audio book over the course of a few days... but couldn't stop until I couldn't stay awake even for only 30 minutes more to the end. Maybe I will read the e-book now and put my own voices to the characters !!
You will worry a bit about Shelby's safety..
you will laugh at some of her predicaments (self inflicted, of course)
and I am sure....
you will be glad you read this story.
series: Shelby Nichols Adventures, book 1
by Colleen Helme
narration by: Wendy Tremont King
A truly fun read with a lot of 'foot in mouth' will get you into a heap of trouble... all starting with being in the wrong place at the right time.
There is love, but it isn't really a romance story... there is mystery or suspense but I wouldn't really call it either genre... Is there a "Cozy Suspense" genre... by the way I meant to listen to this audio book over the course of a few days... but couldn't stop until I couldn't stay awake even for only 30 minutes more to the end. Maybe I will read the e-book now and put my own voices to the characters !!
You will worry a bit about Shelby's safety..
you will laugh at some of her predicaments (self inflicted, of course)
and I am sure....
you will be glad you read this story.
December 30, 2017
3,5/5 stars
English Review
This story could be referenced as a cozy mystery (light reading and humor) and a thriller (very serious) with a touch of paranormal. It’s an easy read and there is no downtime.
The characters are well described and easy to enjoy, even the mob boss and especially Ramos the hit-man. One exception: you will hate the redhead :)Shelby is a strong woman who fights back and who discovers that reading thoughts has advantages and also disadvantages. She also has a strong tendency to get into trouble.
What is good is that the plot is not super simple and I did not guess the end. The suspense remains whole during all the reading.
This is a read that I recommend if you want something a little different from the usual cozy mystery without wanting a super serious thriller.
Avis en français
Cette histoire se situe entre un cosy mystery (lecture légère et humour) et un thriller (très sérieux) avec une pointe de paranormal. Cela se lit très facilement et il n’y a pas de temps mort.
Les personnages sont bien décrits et faciles à apprécier, même le chef du crime organisé et surtout Ramos le tueur à gages. Une exception: vous allez détester la rousse :) Shelby est une femme forte, qui ne se laisse pas faire, et qui découvre que lire les pensées a des avantages et aussi des inconvénients. Elle a aussi une forte tendance à se retrouver dans le pétrin.
Ce qui est bien c’est que l’intrigue n’est pas super simple et du coup je n’ai rien deviné avant la fin. Le suspense reste donc entier pendant toute la lecture.
C’est donc une lecture que je conseille si vous voulez quelque chose d’un peu différent des cosy mystery habituels sans vouloir un thriller super sérieux.
English Review
This story could be referenced as a cozy mystery (light reading and humor) and a thriller (very serious) with a touch of paranormal. It’s an easy read and there is no downtime.
The characters are well described and easy to enjoy, even the mob boss and especially Ramos the hit-man. One exception: you will hate the redhead :)Shelby is a strong woman who fights back and who discovers that reading thoughts has advantages and also disadvantages. She also has a strong tendency to get into trouble.
What is good is that the plot is not super simple and I did not guess the end. The suspense remains whole during all the reading.
This is a read that I recommend if you want something a little different from the usual cozy mystery without wanting a super serious thriller.
Avis en français
Cette histoire se situe entre un cosy mystery (lecture légère et humour) et un thriller (très sérieux) avec une pointe de paranormal. Cela se lit très facilement et il n’y a pas de temps mort.
Les personnages sont bien décrits et faciles à apprécier, même le chef du crime organisé et surtout Ramos le tueur à gages. Une exception: vous allez détester la rousse :) Shelby est une femme forte, qui ne se laisse pas faire, et qui découvre que lire les pensées a des avantages et aussi des inconvénients. Elle a aussi une forte tendance à se retrouver dans le pétrin.
Ce qui est bien c’est que l’intrigue n’est pas super simple et du coup je n’ai rien deviné avant la fin. Le suspense reste donc entier pendant toute la lecture.
C’est donc une lecture que je conseille si vous voulez quelque chose d’un peu différent des cosy mystery habituels sans vouloir un thriller super sérieux.
December 5, 2015
I've been struggling for awhile now trying to find new series that are truly entertaining and will keep me interested while I wait for updated installments of my favorite reads. I think I just might have found one with "Carrots."
After witnessing a robbery of at bank located I side a grocery store, Shelby is grazed in the head with a bullet. After the pain begins to dissipate, she realizes that she now has the ability to hear people's thoughts. After meeting Kate, the gorgeous new lawyer at her husband's law firm, she realizes that this huzzy wants her man. Shelby inadvertently tells Kate she knows of her relationship with Uncle Joey not realizing that he is The mob boss, Joey the knife Manetto.
Now not only is the bank robber out to get her but Uncle Joey is hot on her tail as well.
Shelby is bound to receive the end of a knife or bullet until she reveals her new ability to Uncle Joey. Now, he plans to use her in his scheme to ferret out the links in his operation. What we have her is a wonderfully written who dunnit' with a paranormal twist and loads of comedic moments. If I can't have a hairy werewolf or a sexy vampire give me a crime busting novel any day of the week. Then, add a paranormal twist, I am sooooo in my element.
I will confess I was not expecting to enjoy this book so much; but I am so glad I did. And since this series has been out for awhile, I will have several good reads to keep me busy for a time. If you are like me and enjoy a little humor, crime solving and paranormal edge in your reads, I would highly recommend that you pick up "Carrots." Well, I am off to read the next book in this series.
After witnessing a robbery of at bank located I side a grocery store, Shelby is grazed in the head with a bullet. After the pain begins to dissipate, she realizes that she now has the ability to hear people's thoughts. After meeting Kate, the gorgeous new lawyer at her husband's law firm, she realizes that this huzzy wants her man. Shelby inadvertently tells Kate she knows of her relationship with Uncle Joey not realizing that he is The mob boss, Joey the knife Manetto.
Now not only is the bank robber out to get her but Uncle Joey is hot on her tail as well.
Shelby is bound to receive the end of a knife or bullet until she reveals her new ability to Uncle Joey. Now, he plans to use her in his scheme to ferret out the links in his operation. What we have her is a wonderfully written who dunnit' with a paranormal twist and loads of comedic moments. If I can't have a hairy werewolf or a sexy vampire give me a crime busting novel any day of the week. Then, add a paranormal twist, I am sooooo in my element.
I will confess I was not expecting to enjoy this book so much; but I am so glad I did. And since this series has been out for awhile, I will have several good reads to keep me busy for a time. If you are like me and enjoy a little humor, crime solving and paranormal edge in your reads, I would highly recommend that you pick up "Carrots." Well, I am off to read the next book in this series.
September 28, 2014
I didn't hate it. In fact, the beginning was very humorous.
The plot is absolutely ridiculous, and in no way whatsoever is it even remotely plausible, but Helme doesn't help things at all. There is no realism to this story. Not one thing that actually takes place in this story felt like it belonged there. It felt very staged (it is, duh), nothing about it felt authentic.
I did appreciate that Helme decided to take the other side of what would happen if someone woke up being able to read minds. I liked the fact that Shelby was hearing things about herself that she didn't really want to hear. It showed the downside. The fact that it got her into trouble was pretty good too.
However, the emotional aspects of this story never reached any sort of potential. It was completely flat. I didn't care how this book turned out. I didn't care if Shelby met a drastic end. I didn't care if she somehow saved everyone's life. I had no emotional attachment to any of the characters.
I didn't really care for Shelby. She's deceitful and a hypocrite. She's desperate for attention and needs everyone else's opinion of her to feel good about herself. There was a scene where she seemed like she had her head on he shoulders when she decides she looks good, no matter what he husband thinks, but then she spends the rest of the book concerned about her weight and looks. She turned out being just like every other female protagonist you have ever read about.
So, naturally, I don't care where this story goes. I won't be reading further.
The plot is absolutely ridiculous, and in no way whatsoever is it even remotely plausible, but Helme doesn't help things at all. There is no realism to this story. Not one thing that actually takes place in this story felt like it belonged there. It felt very staged (it is, duh), nothing about it felt authentic.
I did appreciate that Helme decided to take the other side of what would happen if someone woke up being able to read minds. I liked the fact that Shelby was hearing things about herself that she didn't really want to hear. It showed the downside. The fact that it got her into trouble was pretty good too.
However, the emotional aspects of this story never reached any sort of potential. It was completely flat. I didn't care how this book turned out. I didn't care if Shelby met a drastic end. I didn't care if she somehow saved everyone's life. I had no emotional attachment to any of the characters.
I didn't really care for Shelby. She's deceitful and a hypocrite. She's desperate for attention and needs everyone else's opinion of her to feel good about herself. There was a scene where she seemed like she had her head on he shoulders when she decides she looks good, no matter what he husband thinks, but then she spends the rest of the book concerned about her weight and looks. She turned out being just like every other female protagonist you have ever read about.
So, naturally, I don't care where this story goes. I won't be reading further.
May 14, 2016
I want to be Shelby Nichols when I grow up. She's beautiful, married to a hot guy, has two typical teens (one tweener), lives in a lovely home and she hears what people are thinking about...all the time.
After a trip to the market, for carrots, lands her in the hospital with a head wound, Shelby discovers she can read minds. This new skill will be helpful in keeping her out of trouble and alive since the robber that shot her is still out there and Shelby is the only living witness.
Between consulting for the police to help them solve a case, keeping mob boss "Uncle" Joey "The Knife" Manetto happy; watching herself around the "too hot to handle" bodyguard and hitman for Uncle Joey, Ramos; taking care of her family and last but not least, finding the robber who shot her keeps Shelby on the run!
I loved this book! Shelby always tries to do the right thing and somehow, trouble follows her. She's smart, sexy, soft hearted, funny and the kind of woman you would want for a best friend. The book keeps you guessing what will happen and has humor, romance, adventure (wow!), mystery and a story that you can't stop reading. There are more books in this series and while you can read them out of order, I think it's fun to see how Shelby's relationships and skills grow.
Look what trouble you can get into by going to the market! Try the Carrots, you won't be disappointed!
After a trip to the market, for carrots, lands her in the hospital with a head wound, Shelby discovers she can read minds. This new skill will be helpful in keeping her out of trouble and alive since the robber that shot her is still out there and Shelby is the only living witness.
Between consulting for the police to help them solve a case, keeping mob boss "Uncle" Joey "The Knife" Manetto happy; watching herself around the "too hot to handle" bodyguard and hitman for Uncle Joey, Ramos; taking care of her family and last but not least, finding the robber who shot her keeps Shelby on the run!
I loved this book! Shelby always tries to do the right thing and somehow, trouble follows her. She's smart, sexy, soft hearted, funny and the kind of woman you would want for a best friend. The book keeps you guessing what will happen and has humor, romance, adventure (wow!), mystery and a story that you can't stop reading. There are more books in this series and while you can read them out of order, I think it's fun to see how Shelby's relationships and skills grow.
Look what trouble you can get into by going to the market! Try the Carrots, you won't be disappointed!
May 14, 2019
Our introduction to Shelby Nichols, a normal housewife and mother of two teenagers, who suddenly acquires the ability to read minds after a near death experience.
She is having trouble with her new ability at first and it causes friction in her relationship with her husband whom she confides in, as well as manages to get her in trouble when she comes to the notice of a crime boss determined to use her for his benefit.
Not really having a choice, Shelby finds herself working for the crime boss, while at the same time assisting the police and hoping to find a way to get herself out of the mess she's in and save her marriage.
Enjoyable story about a heroine with an ability that intrigues me greatly. She is happily married and for some reason I wasn't expecting that to be (and remain) the case, especially since we meet a couple of intriguing potential romance interests.
I look forward to Shelby's next adventures in Fast Money.
She is having trouble with her new ability at first and it causes friction in her relationship with her husband whom she confides in, as well as manages to get her in trouble when she comes to the notice of a crime boss determined to use her for his benefit.
Not really having a choice, Shelby finds herself working for the crime boss, while at the same time assisting the police and hoping to find a way to get herself out of the mess she's in and save her marriage.
Enjoyable story about a heroine with an ability that intrigues me greatly. She is happily married and for some reason I wasn't expecting that to be (and remain) the case, especially since we meet a couple of intriguing potential romance interests.
I look forward to Shelby's next adventures in Fast Money.
July 23, 2015
Review: CARROTS by Colleen Helme
Shelby Nichols, wife of a semi-high-powered attorney, and stay-at-home mother of an early adolescent and a pre-order, is one feckless heroine. She is a klutz of fate--if a wrong place or a wrong time exists, Shelby will find it. A rain-soaked grocery stop results in her head being bullet-grazed, a bank robber targeting her and one other witness--and a mind full of psychic power. At least, mind-reading, which turns out to be not as useful as it sounds, and when it leads to contact with a vicious, greedy, mobster--downright dangerous.
Shelby Nichols, wife of a semi-high-powered attorney, and stay-at-home mother of an early adolescent and a pre-order, is one feckless heroine. She is a klutz of fate--if a wrong place or a wrong time exists, Shelby will find it. A rain-soaked grocery stop results in her head being bullet-grazed, a bank robber targeting her and one other witness--and a mind full of psychic power. At least, mind-reading, which turns out to be not as useful as it sounds, and when it leads to contact with a vicious, greedy, mobster--downright dangerous.
August 17, 2015
This was entertaining. All of the characters were vivid and fun, even the bad guys.
Shelby is smart, thinks quick on her feet. The bad guys were everything from murderous robbers, mobster types and hitmen, to the new femme fatale in her husband's law firm. Shelby stood up to them all. It's easy when you know what they're thinking... like, really know exactly what they're thinking.
I'll probably read the whole series, eventually.
Shelby is smart, thinks quick on her feet. The bad guys were everything from murderous robbers, mobster types and hitmen, to the new femme fatale in her husband's law firm. Shelby stood up to them all. It's easy when you know what they're thinking... like, really know exactly what they're thinking.
I'll probably read the whole series, eventually.
October 2, 2017
Well this was a good story for the most part. However, the narration not so much. (audible review)
This book was narrated in 2013 so hopefully, the narrator has gotten better since then. She did not even try to give the men a deeper voice, she just read the book. And I mean just read that is it, no emotion nothing at all.
As for the story line and plot it was decent and has potential for a good series. Shelby needs a bit more maturity even though she is married with two teenage kids, she seemed a bit immature. I liked the mind reading stuff, obviously that is what made this book better than it would have been. I would like to listen to the second book "Fast Money" in this series but I am afraid the narration is the same. Sigh... To listen or not to listen..... But I just realized there are 10 books in this series out on audible. Now I am in a pickle, since there is so much potential...
This book was narrated in 2013 so hopefully, the narrator has gotten better since then. She did not even try to give the men a deeper voice, she just read the book. And I mean just read that is it, no emotion nothing at all.
As for the story line and plot it was decent and has potential for a good series. Shelby needs a bit more maturity even though she is married with two teenage kids, she seemed a bit immature. I liked the mind reading stuff, obviously that is what made this book better than it would have been. I would like to listen to the second book "Fast Money" in this series but I am afraid the narration is the same. Sigh... To listen or not to listen..... But I just realized there are 10 books in this series out on audible. Now I am in a pickle, since there is so much potential...
May 9, 2021
Well I actually enjoyed this in the end. It was perfect but it got me interested and I really wanted to see how it would end. I liked the characters but Shelby was very naive and annoyed me at times. How she didn't really believe she was in danger and she never thought through the consequences of her actions was annoying. I liked the world she had entered and it'll be interesting to see what happens next. Please tell me we get more Ramos.
March 17, 2021
Love this book!!
I admit, I only bought this after I found out what it was about. Colleen Helme was a new author for me, and Carrots? I thought, what the heck? And it took me a while to breakdown and listen. WOW, I'm hooked! On to the rest of the series! LOVED this book. Great story, Love the characters and I read part and listened to part. The narrator does a super job. Thank you both for such great entertainment!!!❤❤
I admit, I only bought this after I found out what it was about. Colleen Helme was a new author for me, and Carrots? I thought, what the heck? And it took me a while to breakdown and listen. WOW, I'm hooked! On to the rest of the series! LOVED this book. Great story, Love the characters and I read part and listened to part. The narrator does a super job. Thank you both for such great entertainment!!!❤❤
October 31, 2018
OMG OMG OMG...This was such an amazing adventure that had me wanting to finish the book in one setting. However, I had to learn to walk away so my brain could process everything that happened to Shelby, and everything that went on in this amazing story! I can't wait until Thursday when the rest of the series I ordered gets here so I can continue Shelby's adventure! To see my in depth review please see my review on my blog at https://iwontsayiminlovewithreading.b...
July 17, 2022
I'm not a big fan of characters creating their own issues by bad choices especially due to lying. I liked it, didn't love it.
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