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Shelby Nichols #5
Trapped by Revenge
How does a mind-reader get framed for murder?
Working for a mob-boss might have something to do with it. Join Shelby in this fast-paced, mystery thriller, where proving her innocence and catching a killer will take more than her mind-reading skills. She'll have to rely on friends from both sides of the law to clear her name. Even then, she finds that her quick wits might not be enough to save her from becoming entangled in a sinister plot of revenge. Can she find her enemy before she ends up in jail for a murder she didn’t commit?
Working for a mob-boss might have something to do with it. Join Shelby in this fast-paced, mystery thriller, where proving her innocence and catching a killer will take more than her mind-reading skills. She'll have to rely on friends from both sides of the law to clear her name. Even then, she finds that her quick wits might not be enough to save her from becoming entangled in a sinister plot of revenge. Can she find her enemy before she ends up in jail for a murder she didn’t commit?
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2013
1192 people are currently reading
535 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 106 reviews
February 2, 2019
Light and partially funny.
I like the concept of the series more than the execution, but it's still enjoyable.
I wish they stop hinting at the attraction between her and Ramos. It's silly...
I like the concept of the series more than the execution, but it's still enjoyable.
I wish they stop hinting at the attraction between her and Ramos. It's silly...
December 1, 2015
When Shelby Nichols gets involved in the simplest activities there is bound to be dead bodies, conspiracies, drama and a roaring good time. That is exactly what the fifth book, "Trapped By Revenge" delivers in spades. Shelby is in the process of enjoying the freedom that comes when you send your kids back to school for the first day after summer. Then, before she can really start enjoying the day she gets a call from Uncle Joey the Knife.
Previously, Shelby discovered that Uncle Joey's chauffeur was secretly spying on him. Now, Joey wants Shelby to go meet with to discover who he is working for and what he actually knows. However, when Shelby shows up 30 minutes early she discovers that the former chauffeur is a private investigator who is sitting dead at his desk with a tablet that has her name on it. Shelby pockets the tablet just as his secretary returns from lunch. The traumatized pair call the police and who shows up but none other than Detective Harris, aka Dimples.
Now Shelby is the number one suspect in the death of the P.I. but she soon learns that her case has similarities to another case where a man is scheduled to be executed in one week's time. With the help of a nosey reporter, Billie Payne, Shelby just may be able to save a man's life or she may end up in the cell right besides him on death row.
This read was a little more serious than the previous ones but more to the point, it seems that things are definitely heating up in the series. Uncle Joey is still his incorrigible self and Ramos is as sexy as ever. I was also glad to see some more female characters introduced since it seemed a little off to me that in previous novels Shelby didn't seem to have any girlfriends. It will be interesting to see what happens next in the written world and mind of Colleen Helme.
Previously, Shelby discovered that Uncle Joey's chauffeur was secretly spying on him. Now, Joey wants Shelby to go meet with to discover who he is working for and what he actually knows. However, when Shelby shows up 30 minutes early she discovers that the former chauffeur is a private investigator who is sitting dead at his desk with a tablet that has her name on it. Shelby pockets the tablet just as his secretary returns from lunch. The traumatized pair call the police and who shows up but none other than Detective Harris, aka Dimples.
Now Shelby is the number one suspect in the death of the P.I. but she soon learns that her case has similarities to another case where a man is scheduled to be executed in one week's time. With the help of a nosey reporter, Billie Payne, Shelby just may be able to save a man's life or she may end up in the cell right besides him on death row.
This read was a little more serious than the previous ones but more to the point, it seems that things are definitely heating up in the series. Uncle Joey is still his incorrigible self and Ramos is as sexy as ever. I was also glad to see some more female characters introduced since it seemed a little off to me that in previous novels Shelby didn't seem to have any girlfriends. It will be interesting to see what happens next in the written world and mind of Colleen Helme.
May 16, 2019
Once again our Shelby gets in a pickle...
Finding the dead PI, all the evidence leads back to Shelby but we know she wouldn't do that. Everyone is trying to help discover the truth but of course, although she finds herself in danger she figures out what's going on, and needs saving!
I like reading the downsides to being able to read minds as well as the pluses, and reading about Chris' issues with his wife knowing what he's thinking I can understand the strain, and that's because of Colleen's writing. Ultimately the love each other, and I love that, but I can't deny that the attraction between Ramos and Shelby keeps me entertained!
Finding the dead PI, all the evidence leads back to Shelby but we know she wouldn't do that. Everyone is trying to help discover the truth but of course, although she finds herself in danger she figures out what's going on, and needs saving!
I like reading the downsides to being able to read minds as well as the pluses, and reading about Chris' issues with his wife knowing what he's thinking I can understand the strain, and that's because of Colleen's writing. Ultimately the love each other, and I love that, but I can't deny that the attraction between Ramos and Shelby keeps me entertained!
November 22, 2014
This review first appeared at Fantasy is More Fun.
4.5 stars.
My Initial Reaction...
Trapped by Revenge was the best Shelby Nichols book thus far! Shelby's landed herself in the worst mess yet and I really wasn't sure if she'd manage to get out of it.
The Narration...
I've teased that Wendy Tremont King isn't very good at Mexican accents (and she's not). But in Trapped by Revenge, I discovered that she does country very well! Plus, she continues to give solid performances for all the characters and I really love her for Shelby. I can't imagine anyone else narrating this series at this point!
The Characters...
I still really love Shelby. She's just so genuine! She may lie plenty when dealing with people - since she has to cover up her ability to read minds - but Shelby doesn't lie to herself. She knows when she's wrong or has done something she shouldn't and owns it! I just wish she felt guiltier about her interaction with Ramos... but I guess it's okay to flirt and lust a bit, as long as she continues to know she loves Chris and will remain faithful to him, right? It would break my heart if Shelby ever did cheat on Chris, though.
I've always liked Shelby and Chris's relationship - it's refreshing to read about a couple in love after years of marriage and two kids. And Chris has only grown in my esteem over the course of the series. He started off not knowing how to deal with the Shelby and her new abilities, but by Trapped by Revenge he fully appreciates her abilities and supports her strength. He's her rock and support, just like a husband should be. Sure he wants to keep her out of trouble, but he doesn't stifle here either.
Ramos and Shelby's relationship changed a bit in the last book and I was nervous about how they would progress. They are openly flirtatious - so much so that Uncle Joey suspects they're having an affair - and I wish it were toned down a bit. But ultimately, I think Ramos respects her and her marriage too much to REALLY try anything. I have to say I enjoy their flirtations, as long as they keep it at that.
Uncle Joey is great as usual. I know he's supposed to be this mob boss bad guy, but I never feared him and by this point I would really be sad to see him get in trouble. He cares deeply about Shelby and I think he's a good guy to have in her corner (as Trapped by Revenge really shows).
It was also nice to be back with Dimples (Detective Harris) in Trapped By Revenge. I missed him in the last book and in Trapped By Revenge he really proves what a good friend he is.
A new character was introduced too - Billy Jo. Billy is a reporter and has a thing for Dimples. She's a good investigator, really country (at least in the audio version) and I like her a lot! I hope we see more of her in future books - I think she adds an interesting dimension to the story.
The Story...
In Trapped By Revenge Shelby's landed in the worst mess of all. She goes to visit a private detective for Uncle Joey and when she gets there he's dead. Worse yet, he's written her name on a piece of paper. Shelby is able to grab the paper, but it doesn't do her much good, because quickly the evidence framing her as the killer escalates. Uncle Joey thinks a judge is involved and Billy Jo recognizes a similar MO between her case and another one she's working on. No matter how you look at it, things are not looking good for Shelby.
I loved seeing the way Shelby had so many people working to help her - if you had doubts about Uncle Joey's intentions toward Shelby before, they're gone now. But regardless of how many powerful people she has on her side, the evidence isn't looking good and Colleen Helme didn't pull any punches. Poor Shelby is going through it and you really don't know when or if she'll get off!
Concluding Sentiments...
I loved Trapped By Revenge and cannot wait for Deep in Death to come to audio!
4.5 stars.
My Initial Reaction...
Trapped by Revenge was the best Shelby Nichols book thus far! Shelby's landed herself in the worst mess yet and I really wasn't sure if she'd manage to get out of it.
The Narration...
I've teased that Wendy Tremont King isn't very good at Mexican accents (and she's not). But in Trapped by Revenge, I discovered that she does country very well! Plus, she continues to give solid performances for all the characters and I really love her for Shelby. I can't imagine anyone else narrating this series at this point!
The Characters...
I still really love Shelby. She's just so genuine! She may lie plenty when dealing with people - since she has to cover up her ability to read minds - but Shelby doesn't lie to herself. She knows when she's wrong or has done something she shouldn't and owns it! I just wish she felt guiltier about her interaction with Ramos... but I guess it's okay to flirt and lust a bit, as long as she continues to know she loves Chris and will remain faithful to him, right? It would break my heart if Shelby ever did cheat on Chris, though.
I've always liked Shelby and Chris's relationship - it's refreshing to read about a couple in love after years of marriage and two kids. And Chris has only grown in my esteem over the course of the series. He started off not knowing how to deal with the Shelby and her new abilities, but by Trapped by Revenge he fully appreciates her abilities and supports her strength. He's her rock and support, just like a husband should be. Sure he wants to keep her out of trouble, but he doesn't stifle here either.
Ramos and Shelby's relationship changed a bit in the last book and I was nervous about how they would progress. They are openly flirtatious - so much so that Uncle Joey suspects they're having an affair - and I wish it were toned down a bit. But ultimately, I think Ramos respects her and her marriage too much to REALLY try anything. I have to say I enjoy their flirtations, as long as they keep it at that.
Uncle Joey is great as usual. I know he's supposed to be this mob boss bad guy, but I never feared him and by this point I would really be sad to see him get in trouble. He cares deeply about Shelby and I think he's a good guy to have in her corner (as Trapped by Revenge really shows).
It was also nice to be back with Dimples (Detective Harris) in Trapped By Revenge. I missed him in the last book and in Trapped By Revenge he really proves what a good friend he is.
A new character was introduced too - Billy Jo. Billy is a reporter and has a thing for Dimples. She's a good investigator, really country (at least in the audio version) and I like her a lot! I hope we see more of her in future books - I think she adds an interesting dimension to the story.
The Story...
In Trapped By Revenge Shelby's landed in the worst mess of all. She goes to visit a private detective for Uncle Joey and when she gets there he's dead. Worse yet, he's written her name on a piece of paper. Shelby is able to grab the paper, but it doesn't do her much good, because quickly the evidence framing her as the killer escalates. Uncle Joey thinks a judge is involved and Billy Jo recognizes a similar MO between her case and another one she's working on. No matter how you look at it, things are not looking good for Shelby.
I loved seeing the way Shelby had so many people working to help her - if you had doubts about Uncle Joey's intentions toward Shelby before, they're gone now. But regardless of how many powerful people she has on her side, the evidence isn't looking good and Colleen Helme didn't pull any punches. Poor Shelby is going through it and you really don't know when or if she'll get off!
Concluding Sentiments...
I loved Trapped By Revenge and cannot wait for Deep in Death to come to audio!
December 31, 2019
Fun and entertaining series
I like Shelby more with each book. Actually I feel like that about most of the main characters. I've said this in other reviews but just have to repeat it...I like how Helme has written Chris and Shelby's marriage. They remain faithful and loving itto one another. This mystery was a little easier to figure out who was killing people. However it was still a shock the depth the person went into the killings.
I like Shelby more with each book. Actually I feel like that about most of the main characters. I've said this in other reviews but just have to repeat it...I like how Helme has written Chris and Shelby's marriage. They remain faithful and loving itto one another. This mystery was a little easier to figure out who was killing people. However it was still a shock the depth the person went into the killings.
November 11, 2018
Enough Cannot Be Said!
Colleen Helme has done it again in this touch of paranormal mixed with humor and mystery/suspense series. Couple Colleen Helme with Wendy Tremont King as the narrator and you have a great combination for an audio book series to listen and relisten. This is the fifth book in Colleen Helme's Shelby Nichols Adventures, a light mystery / suspense series, all of which are narrated by Wendy Tremont King. Colleen has returned with same cast, though maybe there is a new additional member that will be carried into book six.
Stumbling upon the first book, Carrots, when the eBook was marked down on Amazon. Before finishing the book, I bought it's audio version, the second book and the second book's audio version as they were all temporarily marked down. I have read / listened to each book in the series and completely understand why Ms Helme's ratings on each of these books are high across the board. Ms Helme puts her sensible 40-something average housewife into uncanny dilemmas in which she invariably learns the truth in the nick time. Her books flow well, have a good amount of tongue-in-cheek humor, plausible mystery and well placed reveals that deepen the mystery before the real crime is resolved. Ms Helme has created a lovable cast of characters:
Shelby, a stay-at-home mom, with spunk and grit, turned consultant with the ability to "read" minds and the ability to get herself into binds;
Chris, Shelby's handsome husband who is also an attorney, they have a very strong relationship, despite the adventure-binds Shelby finds herself in that test Chris time and again -- not his faith in her and them, but his sense of being her protector;
Uncle Joey, the mob boss that always has something to do with the sticky situations Shelby finds herself in, but who never fails to help her, this mob boss is also too likable to be threatening;
Ramos, the too-delicious, too-handsome enforcer/hit man with whom I'd also love to ride behind on a motorcycle, and while he and Shelby often have thoughts of their attraction to one another, they are indeed platonic friends and
Dimples, aka Officer Harris, the local law enforcement officer who befriends Shelby after her first wrong-place, wrong-time bind -- he doesn't know the extent of Shelby's gift, believing that she has "premonitions", but, most importantly, he believes in Shelby.
Each of these mysteries are stand alone, but it would be my recommendation that someone new to the collection read the first book first for a good introduction to the characters.
Colleen Helme has done it again in this touch of paranormal mixed with humor and mystery/suspense series. Couple Colleen Helme with Wendy Tremont King as the narrator and you have a great combination for an audio book series to listen and relisten. This is the fifth book in Colleen Helme's Shelby Nichols Adventures, a light mystery / suspense series, all of which are narrated by Wendy Tremont King. Colleen has returned with same cast, though maybe there is a new additional member that will be carried into book six.
Stumbling upon the first book, Carrots, when the eBook was marked down on Amazon. Before finishing the book, I bought it's audio version, the second book and the second book's audio version as they were all temporarily marked down. I have read / listened to each book in the series and completely understand why Ms Helme's ratings on each of these books are high across the board. Ms Helme puts her sensible 40-something average housewife into uncanny dilemmas in which she invariably learns the truth in the nick time. Her books flow well, have a good amount of tongue-in-cheek humor, plausible mystery and well placed reveals that deepen the mystery before the real crime is resolved. Ms Helme has created a lovable cast of characters:
Shelby, a stay-at-home mom, with spunk and grit, turned consultant with the ability to "read" minds and the ability to get herself into binds;
Chris, Shelby's handsome husband who is also an attorney, they have a very strong relationship, despite the adventure-binds Shelby finds herself in that test Chris time and again -- not his faith in her and them, but his sense of being her protector;
Uncle Joey, the mob boss that always has something to do with the sticky situations Shelby finds herself in, but who never fails to help her, this mob boss is also too likable to be threatening;
Ramos, the too-delicious, too-handsome enforcer/hit man with whom I'd also love to ride behind on a motorcycle, and while he and Shelby often have thoughts of their attraction to one another, they are indeed platonic friends and
Dimples, aka Officer Harris, the local law enforcement officer who befriends Shelby after her first wrong-place, wrong-time bind -- he doesn't know the extent of Shelby's gift, believing that she has "premonitions", but, most importantly, he believes in Shelby.
Each of these mysteries are stand alone, but it would be my recommendation that someone new to the collection read the first book first for a good introduction to the characters.
July 24, 2014
This book was a definite page turner! I honestly had no idea how Shelby was going to get out of the mess she got into in this one! Who would have thought listening to a private detective could turn into a nightmare?! And of course, it's all "Uncle" Joey's fault. This book introduced Billie Jo Payne, a newspaper reporter, and a new fun character! I completely enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next one! Too bad it's not out yet! Colleen is an amazing author and I'm so glad she is planning on writing more Shelby Nichols Adventures!
September 9, 2020
I like parts of this series but overall it isn’t amazing or anything, hence the 3 stars. Shelby is kind of annoying. She seems to just keep doing the same dumb things over and over. It always takes me a while to get into each book but by the last 1/3 I am usually pretty into it. So not a bad book but not a great book either. I have so many books I want to read that I’m not sure I will continue with this series. But you never know....I might just miss Shelby if given some time 😏
September 6, 2019
Fantastic!
This is the best series I have ever read and I've read hundreds of books. I usually read romance but wanted to read something with a psychic twist. Theses books are just what I wanted. The pace is fast but well thought out. There is so many things going on that you cannot put the book down. I'm on the sixth book and am neglecting my husband a little because I have to find out what's going to happen. And there is almost no curse words. These books are fantastic! Thank you for writing!
This is the best series I have ever read and I've read hundreds of books. I usually read romance but wanted to read something with a psychic twist. Theses books are just what I wanted. The pace is fast but well thought out. There is so many things going on that you cannot put the book down. I'm on the sixth book and am neglecting my husband a little because I have to find out what's going to happen. And there is almost no curse words. These books are fantastic! Thank you for writing!
June 16, 2019
Another GREAT Shelby Nichols Mystery
I love her characters. Of course the heroine, but there is something special about her stories and characters. They seem so real, although Shelby is a little quirky (which is a great thing), that you want to meet them all and get to know them. You hit it out the park again, Colleen. Thanks for entertaining me. I never want to put your books down. I’m glad a friend introduced me to your cozy mysteries.
I love her characters. Of course the heroine, but there is something special about her stories and characters. They seem so real, although Shelby is a little quirky (which is a great thing), that you want to meet them all and get to know them. You hit it out the park again, Colleen. Thanks for entertaining me. I never want to put your books down. I’m glad a friend introduced me to your cozy mysteries.
July 13, 2017
NARRATOR: Wendy Tremont King
I love this series, it's always fun and light-hearted even though there's always some crime or other running through it, with some really great characters. I really love Shelby, she is always managing to drop herself right in the middle of any hassle going on without even trying! All the books so far have been great fun, but this story was my favourite so far.
This time Shelby is under suspicion of a murder after she finds a Private Investigator she was visiting for Uncle Joey dead in his office when she arrives to visit him. A gun is found nearby that is registered to Shelby, even though she thought it was locked in her safe at home. So that means someone has been in her house too to get the gun. So the usual chaos ensues while Shelby tries to stay out of prison and find out why she is being targeted, and who actually murdered the Private Investigator and why.
You are never bored with a Shelby Nichols story, it's always full of fun and mystery. I've listened to them all on audiobook so far, but don't want to 'read' them all at once so I always have one in back-up when I need a Shelby fix! Long may the series continue. If you haven't read any of these books I would highly recommend them, but start from the first in the series so you understand how the story has developed.
I love this series, it's always fun and light-hearted even though there's always some crime or other running through it, with some really great characters. I really love Shelby, she is always managing to drop herself right in the middle of any hassle going on without even trying! All the books so far have been great fun, but this story was my favourite so far.
This time Shelby is under suspicion of a murder after she finds a Private Investigator she was visiting for Uncle Joey dead in his office when she arrives to visit him. A gun is found nearby that is registered to Shelby, even though she thought it was locked in her safe at home. So that means someone has been in her house too to get the gun. So the usual chaos ensues while Shelby tries to stay out of prison and find out why she is being targeted, and who actually murdered the Private Investigator and why.
You are never bored with a Shelby Nichols story, it's always full of fun and mystery. I've listened to them all on audiobook so far, but don't want to 'read' them all at once so I always have one in back-up when I need a Shelby fix! Long may the series continue. If you haven't read any of these books I would highly recommend them, but start from the first in the series so you understand how the story has developed.
September 29, 2018
“It looks like I’m officially off the hook, right?”
Shelby’s life is never dull, but getting framed for murder is more excitement than she needs. Once again, it’s gonna take all the luck and all the help she can get to figure this one out. Super read! Enjoy!!!
Shelby’s life is never dull, but getting framed for murder is more excitement than she needs. Once again, it’s gonna take all the luck and all the help she can get to figure this one out. Super read! Enjoy!!!
July 19, 2017
The entire time I kept thinking it was Kate because she is treacherous. I was getting anxious about getting to the end of the part to find out who was behind this all. Is it really about Uncle Joey or was it about Shelby.
I really can't wait to see this whole thing body in Bates" face when he find out he was so wrong.
It goes to show that when you do the right thing it does make an impact although it may not show.
It goes to show that Trouble will follow Shelby no matter what.
I really can't wait to see this whole thing body in Bates" face when he find out he was so wrong.
It goes to show that when you do the right thing it does make an impact although it may not show.
It goes to show that Trouble will follow Shelby no matter what.
July 17, 2017
I keep headlining the same thing - Great Story
Once I start reading one of the books in this series, I cannot stop until I finish the book! The storylines are wonderful - complex, fast paced, sometimes bloody, always fascinating. This time Shelby is being set up to take the fall for a murder. And the evidence against her is ironclad. This story is a doozy!
Once I start reading one of the books in this series, I cannot stop until I finish the book! The storylines are wonderful - complex, fast paced, sometimes bloody, always fascinating. This time Shelby is being set up to take the fall for a murder. And the evidence against her is ironclad. This story is a doozy!
October 20, 2017
Judging
Umm caught in a trap she is fighting her way out of jail. Of course Ramos is there and everyone is trying to figure out their relationship. Doo Uncle Joey is at it again. I am caught off guard though by the comedy because it liven up the storyline. I'm glad Chris is helping out more in this one.
Umm caught in a trap she is fighting her way out of jail. Of course Ramos is there and everyone is trying to figure out their relationship. Doo Uncle Joey is at it again. I am caught off guard though by the comedy because it liven up the storyline. I'm glad Chris is helping out more in this one.
June 13, 2018
Schools in but her life might be put out
Wow! Holidays are over and the children are back on school - now she can relax after a gruelling summer. No such luck. A dead PI and her name in the frame. Can she sort out this mess? An amazing read and I think these are better than the Stephanie Plum books. Highly recommended
Wow! Holidays are over and the children are back on school - now she can relax after a gruelling summer. No such luck. A dead PI and her name in the frame. Can she sort out this mess? An amazing read and I think these are better than the Stephanie Plum books. Highly recommended
November 26, 2013
Great new adventure for Shelby. Trouble seems to be right around the corner from her. LOL!!!
Loved the new Adventure. Fun, keep you turning pages, and of course lots of laughs.
Leave it to Shelby to say the wrong thing at the Wrong time.
Loved the new Adventure. Fun, keep you turning pages, and of course lots of laughs.
Leave it to Shelby to say the wrong thing at the Wrong time.
July 30, 2018
When Shelby becomes a suspect in a murder case she finds out who her friends are, and they'll stop at nothing to find the real killer before it's too late. Trapped By Revenge (Shelby Nichols #5) by Colleen Helme is an exciting and thrilling ride. Brilliant narrator!
July 24, 2017
Have enjoyed all of the books so far. This is a great series. I highly recommend.
August 11, 2017
Good one
Always a lot of fun to read about the adventures of Shelby Nichols. Getting ready to read the next book
Always a lot of fun to read about the adventures of Shelby Nichols. Getting ready to read the next book
December 28, 2019
Mostly, I read for those little snippets of the oh so sexy Ramos. Guilty pleasure.
July 17, 2018
Wowza!
Another fun & suspenseful adventure with Shelby in danger thanks to her work for "Uncle" Joey. Well plotted with clues along the way & hard to put down!
Another fun & suspenseful adventure with Shelby in danger thanks to her work for "Uncle" Joey. Well plotted with clues along the way & hard to put down!
February 5, 2023
2.5 star
Note that I haven't read the first 4 books so I don't know that much about the characters. I picked this one up specifically because of the plot (framed for murder) for my research.
In short, the plot is meh, but I still enjoyed the story because of the main character's personality.
Longer version:
This book has so many plot holes. She can read people's minds, but cannot read the killer's when they're right next to her at the beginning? And the unnecessary danger she put herself in closer to the end is like that miscommunication trope that romance authors put in their books just for the sake of tensions. It was so unnecessary. How she found clues and evidence was convenient. I didn't get that much thrill or excitement or be on the edge of my seat because everything just felt too easy. The reason why mysteries is my #1 favorite (genre? I don't know I'd read/watch any genre as long as it has a mystery/crime in it) because of the thrill of finding out the unknown and I just didn't feel that here.
Also not a fan of the flirting between Shelby and Ramos. It would have been cute if she weren't married. Dude kept calling her babe like bro being hot doesn't make you an exception what's wrong with you.
There was one scene when Ramos thought to himself and it went something like "I'm glad that you're married, so I couldn't love you so I wouldn't have to stay away from you." An emotionally unavailable man who can't stop flirting with a woman he knows he can't have. Looks like he needs a therapist, not a girlfriend. Stop 🛑
Anyways, at the end I still enjoyed the book despite its flaws because of the main character. Her personality was pretty much the thing that made me keep reading. I don't like her enough to continue with the series though. I'm a bit disappointed because I was looking for a fun paranormal/urban fantasy mystery series to binge and got very excited when I came across this one. I guess I will just have to keep looking.
Note that I haven't read the first 4 books so I don't know that much about the characters. I picked this one up specifically because of the plot (framed for murder) for my research.
In short, the plot is meh, but I still enjoyed the story because of the main character's personality.
Longer version:
This book has so many plot holes. She can read people's minds, but cannot read the killer's when they're right next to her at the beginning? And the unnecessary danger she put herself in closer to the end is like that miscommunication trope that romance authors put in their books just for the sake of tensions. It was so unnecessary. How she found clues and evidence was convenient. I didn't get that much thrill or excitement or be on the edge of my seat because everything just felt too easy. The reason why mysteries is my #1 favorite (genre? I don't know I'd read/watch any genre as long as it has a mystery/crime in it) because of the thrill of finding out the unknown and I just didn't feel that here.
Also not a fan of the flirting between Shelby and Ramos. It would have been cute if she weren't married. Dude kept calling her babe like bro being hot doesn't make you an exception what's wrong with you.
There was one scene when Ramos thought to himself and it went something like "I'm glad that you're married, so I couldn't love you so I wouldn't have to stay away from you." An emotionally unavailable man who can't stop flirting with a woman he knows he can't have. Looks like he needs a therapist, not a girlfriend. Stop 🛑
Anyways, at the end I still enjoyed the book despite its flaws because of the main character. Her personality was pretty much the thing that made me keep reading. I don't like her enough to continue with the series though. I'm a bit disappointed because I was looking for a fun paranormal/urban fantasy mystery series to binge and got very excited when I came across this one. I guess I will just have to keep looking.
June 23, 2019
I enjoyed this book, however I know Shelby was facing a murder charge for killing a man but I thought she was a bit whiny in this book and not her normal work out the problem self. Don't get me wrong I did enjoy the book and love the characters it was just she was having a nervous break down after an hour in a holding cell.
This book sees Shelby back working for the Mob boss Uncle Joey and on her first assignment she walks in to find the man she was meant to be meeting lying dead at his desk. Luckily she knows the lead detective unfortunately it is not long before he is taken off the case and things get really serious for Shelby as her name in found on a file in the dead man office. With Dimple's side lined she turns for help from another source, a reporter that wants Shelby's help with writing a story on a death row inmate. With help from a reporter, a Mob boss, a hitman and her lawyer husband will Shelby be able to clear her name and avoid jail time?
Wendy did an excellent job narrating and I like the new voice she used to portray the reporter.
This book sees Shelby back working for the Mob boss Uncle Joey and on her first assignment she walks in to find the man she was meant to be meeting lying dead at his desk. Luckily she knows the lead detective unfortunately it is not long before he is taken off the case and things get really serious for Shelby as her name in found on a file in the dead man office. With Dimple's side lined she turns for help from another source, a reporter that wants Shelby's help with writing a story on a death row inmate. With help from a reporter, a Mob boss, a hitman and her lawyer husband will Shelby be able to clear her name and avoid jail time?
Wendy did an excellent job narrating and I like the new voice she used to portray the reporter.
June 17, 2023
Good but
I find it so unbelievable how stupid The main character Shelby can be sometimes. It's almost frustrating that the author threw that in there. There's so many places where she finds something out and doesn't tell her how it's been or doesn't tell any body a very important point of news it just does not make sense and I actually find it and it's so . It's almost frustrating that the author threw that in there. There's so many places where she finds something out and doesn't tell her how it's been or doesn't tell any body a very important point of news it just does not make sense . Also it's kind of ridiculous how many times she almost dies I'm sure she's going to almost die and But I found all of her future books but at least the story is interesting. Ramos Is the best part of the books . The author did write a book just on Ramos But the narration is so bad And disappointing
I find it so unbelievable how stupid The main character Shelby can be sometimes. It's almost frustrating that the author threw that in there. There's so many places where she finds something out and doesn't tell her how it's been or doesn't tell any body a very important point of news it just does not make sense and I actually find it and it's so . It's almost frustrating that the author threw that in there. There's so many places where she finds something out and doesn't tell her how it's been or doesn't tell any body a very important point of news it just does not make sense . Also it's kind of ridiculous how many times she almost dies I'm sure she's going to almost die and But I found all of her future books but at least the story is interesting. Ramos Is the best part of the books . The author did write a book just on Ramos But the narration is so bad And disappointing
January 21, 2021
Excellent
Colleen Helme has written this set of books, Shelby Nichols Adventure that I’ve just recently discovered, I have become enthralled in this series to the point I binge read all 14 start to finish with the extra book, Devil in a Black Suit, in just a few days. They are so addictive, each one could be taken as stand alone, but they are so much more satisfying read together in order.
The characters are incredible and while I don’t ever do spoilers I will say to me, the heroine was like reading a very satisfying mix in soccer mom form of toned down, mature married version of Janet Evanovitch’s Stephanie Plum meets Jana DeLeons Fortune Redding. The antics, male counterparts and plots are wonderful. Yes, I am posting this same review on each of the books, but they are all just that dang good!
Colleen Helme has written this set of books, Shelby Nichols Adventure that I’ve just recently discovered, I have become enthralled in this series to the point I binge read all 14 start to finish with the extra book, Devil in a Black Suit, in just a few days. They are so addictive, each one could be taken as stand alone, but they are so much more satisfying read together in order.
The characters are incredible and while I don’t ever do spoilers I will say to me, the heroine was like reading a very satisfying mix in soccer mom form of toned down, mature married version of Janet Evanovitch’s Stephanie Plum meets Jana DeLeons Fortune Redding. The antics, male counterparts and plots are wonderful. Yes, I am posting this same review on each of the books, but they are all just that dang good!
June 24, 2021
So I decided instead of reviewing each book separately I’d just review the first five and the next five. The first thing I will say is that I love the premise of this series. A housewife and mother of two gets shot in the head during a bank robbery and now she can hear people thoughts. Due to her newfound superpower she finds herself on a lot of adventures, from helping the local mob boss to helping the police. She decided to turn her talent into a PI business. So far she has assisted a bank to find their stolen money, helped solve several murders, including the one that was pinned on her, and who’s loyal to “Uncle Joey” and who’s not.
But what really motivates me to continue the series is just to catch a glimpse of Ramos, then sexy mob hit man that is always there when Shelby needs saving. Actually I have a love/hate relationship with this part of the series. Shelby is happily married but she does admit that she is very attracted to Ramos, but we know she will never cheat. I really don’t like these kind of plot lines because I don’t like my feelings divided. I’m not the biggest fan of the husband, I can take him or leave him. I feel like the author spends too much time getting us invested in Ramos and it makes me feel like I’m cheating and I should be made to feel these strong feeling for the husband, especially since we are viewing life from Shelbys point of view. He comes across as more of a cardboard cutout. Sometimes his thoughts when he’s reminded that Shelby can read his mind are not always flattering to her. I feel like he sees her as being flighty and at times I feel like he talks down to her. I don’t think this was the authors objective but I feel it nonetheless.
Other than that I love many of the other side characters, Uncle Joey, Dimples, and Jackie. Even the sometimes “villain” Kate.
But what really motivates me to continue the series is just to catch a glimpse of Ramos, then sexy mob hit man that is always there when Shelby needs saving. Actually I have a love/hate relationship with this part of the series. Shelby is happily married but she does admit that she is very attracted to Ramos, but we know she will never cheat. I really don’t like these kind of plot lines because I don’t like my feelings divided. I’m not the biggest fan of the husband, I can take him or leave him. I feel like the author spends too much time getting us invested in Ramos and it makes me feel like I’m cheating and I should be made to feel these strong feeling for the husband, especially since we are viewing life from Shelbys point of view. He comes across as more of a cardboard cutout. Sometimes his thoughts when he’s reminded that Shelby can read his mind are not always flattering to her. I feel like he sees her as being flighty and at times I feel like he talks down to her. I don’t think this was the authors objective but I feel it nonetheless.
Other than that I love many of the other side characters, Uncle Joey, Dimples, and Jackie. Even the sometimes “villain” Kate.
November 21, 2018
Oh my lanta is all I can say. My heart is still racing from finishing book 5 in Shelby's adventure. Shelby gets into big trouble in this one, however she is determined to prove her innocence and will stop at nothing to make it right. Colleen knows how to reel in a reader and keep them interested and in the dark until the last page. My heart raced through the entire story, and Ramos just keeps getting sexier. What I love about each book is that Shelby is finding her inner strength and learning to save herself. She is becoming a stronger woman, and I love it!! Must read for all fans if Shelby Nichols.
April 12, 2022
I really kind of like Shelby - and this series is such an easy read...but reading these books back-to-back might just drive me crazy.
Its like reading a series of Bewitched and watching Darren (Chris) beat Samantha (Shelby) over the head and making her feel guilty all the time for using her gift. grrrrr
Add to this - there is a whole Morelly (Chris) vs Ranger (Ramos) sexual tension thing going on and on - ie Stephanie Plum thing going on...
So an ok plot line, but going to have to have a break for bit to re-calibrate!
Its like reading a series of Bewitched and watching Darren (Chris) beat Samantha (Shelby) over the head and making her feel guilty all the time for using her gift. grrrrr
Add to this - there is a whole Morelly (Chris) vs Ranger (Ramos) sexual tension thing going on and on - ie Stephanie Plum thing going on...
So an ok plot line, but going to have to have a break for bit to re-calibrate!
September 4, 2020
Wonderful!
How does Shelby get herself in to much trouble? This time though it could get her arrested. It seems that no matter what she does for Uncle Joey, it always ends up much worse than it seems. This time she finds the dead body of the very person she was sent to question. And now she has a murder to solve. Actually two murders, after meeting an investigative reporter who finds that the two murders are very similar.
How does Shelby get herself in to much trouble? This time though it could get her arrested. It seems that no matter what she does for Uncle Joey, it always ends up much worse than it seems. This time she finds the dead body of the very person she was sent to question. And now she has a murder to solve. Actually two murders, after meeting an investigative reporter who finds that the two murders are very similar.
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