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Shelby Nichols #17
Grave Duty
After the turmoil of the last few weeks, Shelby is hoping for a little less excitement and drama in her life, but her duty to a mob boss, the police, and her family, make that nearly impossible. Soon, the biggest danger she faces comes from an unexpected source, and she finds that some coincidences are part of a bigger scheme that could lead her to an early grave. Let's hope she can dig her way out, or this adventure might be the last chapter in the life of Shelby Nichols. USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Colleen Helme offers a clever mix of mystery, laugh-out-loud humor, and page-turning adventure in the highly acclaimed Shelby Nichols Adventure Series. PRAISE FOR THE SHELBY NICHOLS SERIES "I cannot get enough from this incredible author! I have followed Shelby from CARROTS to this latest story and have loved every one. I couldn't say which I have liked and enjoyed more; Colleen is an incredibly talented person and her stories tell us why. This collection of stories starring Shelby Nichols is beyond good, and I highly recommend it." ~ Christina Brett - Author "Colleen Helme is one of the greatest authors working independently today." ~Matthew LeDrew, Bestselling author of Infinity "The author has such a quirky sense of humor partnered with such creative talent it that really shines on every page!" ~ Amazon Reviewer Perfect for fans of Jana DeLeon, Elizabeth Hunter, Eve Langlais, Shannon Mayer, and KF Breene.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2023
194 people are currently reading
100 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
December 24, 2023
This book was AMAZING! THE WHOLE SERIES IN FACT! Seriously, I often get bored with series with more than 4 books, but this series IS NOT THAT! I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN! I read them in a binge, BECAUSE I COULDN'T PUT THEM DOWN! I LOVE SHELBY! I was so happy to hear there would be more.. HOPEFULLY ANOTHER 17, OR 27 ( hint hint)
October 27, 2023
I have read all the books in this series and enjoyed every one. This was no exception. It was just fun. It is fast paced, and there is a lot going on so hang on, cause it's quite a ride!
4.5 rounded up
4.5 rounded up
October 26, 2023
Great addition to the series!
I've been with this series almost from the time the first book was published. I eagerly await each new installment. The one dad not disappoint. I love these characters so much! Until next time, thank you, Colleen for another wonderful book!
I've been with this series almost from the time the first book was published. I eagerly await each new installment. The one dad not disappoint. I love these characters so much! Until next time, thank you, Colleen for another wonderful book!
October 8, 2023
Shelby
What's happened to this book series? While I did enjoy the police case and mob case, there were a aspects that l really disliked.. The main character, Shelby, presented some concerning traits:
1. Shelby consistently dismisses advice from others, relying on her abilities as a reason to ignore those smarter than her, which can be quite frustrating.
2. Her tendency to blurt out people's secrets without remorse is far from endearing, especially when it results in someone's death. The lack of guilt or acknowledgment is unsettling.
3. What initially seemed like a humorous infatuation with Ramos has now evolved into a potential betrayal of her marriage. Had Ramos not stopped the kiss, one wonders if she would have went all the way.
4. Shelby often interferes in other people's family matters, overstepping her boundaries, such as offering unsolicited opinions to a stranger's daughter at a cemetery, which felt insensitive.
5. Her gender stereotypes and expectations, like wanting her daughter to help set the table while not asking the same of her son, and promoting traditional gender roles, are concerning in today's world where equality should prevail.
These issues with the protagonist's character development have raised questions about the direction of the series and its messaging.
What's happened to this book series? While I did enjoy the police case and mob case, there were a aspects that l really disliked.. The main character, Shelby, presented some concerning traits:
1. Shelby consistently dismisses advice from others, relying on her abilities as a reason to ignore those smarter than her, which can be quite frustrating.
2. Her tendency to blurt out people's secrets without remorse is far from endearing, especially when it results in someone's death. The lack of guilt or acknowledgment is unsettling.
3. What initially seemed like a humorous infatuation with Ramos has now evolved into a potential betrayal of her marriage. Had Ramos not stopped the kiss, one wonders if she would have went all the way.
4. Shelby often interferes in other people's family matters, overstepping her boundaries, such as offering unsolicited opinions to a stranger's daughter at a cemetery, which felt insensitive.
5. Her gender stereotypes and expectations, like wanting her daughter to help set the table while not asking the same of her son, and promoting traditional gender roles, are concerning in today's world where equality should prevail.
These issues with the protagonist's character development have raised questions about the direction of the series and its messaging.
October 7, 2023
With Grave Duty, the 17th Shelby Nichols Adventure Book, Colleen Helme once brings us an intense but hilarious tale of the delightful Shelby Nichols. It hard to imagine how she keeps coming up with all of the trouble for my favorite mind reader, but she has brought 17 fantastic novels of fun and danger and, Ramos! Between her work as a private investigator, consultant to the police department, and employee of a mob boss, Shelby is juggling 3 challenges cases this time. One of them terrifies the usually calm private investigator, and all three frustrate her almost beyond. AND at the most dangerous time, Ramos is not available to bail her out!
October 12, 2023
You have a duty to yourself to get this book, you won't be disappointed. You would think that at book seventeen the author would have run out of ways to surprise and entertain her listener/readers but this book proves she still has the magic and shows no signs of stopping. So much is going on that it is surprising that Shelby, let alone the reader, can keep it all straight but somehow we all do and each complication gets wrapped up nicely. Shelby is in fact investigating four cases and putting her mind reading skills to good use for both the police and Mafia Boss Uncle Joey, which leads to some complicated and unexpected situations. The characters and banter between them is just as charming and playful as we have come to expect and it was fun/lucky having a guest appearance from the authors other series, sigh of relief. I can't wait for the next book.
Someone is targeting business run by Mafia boss Uncle Joey and he sends Ramos and Shelby to look in to it. It small stuff at first, computer hacking, stopping people going to work, a robbery but it soon escalates to an attempted fire and a murder. Which is when things get very personal. At the same time the police chiefs daughter is getting married and Dimples is tasked with looking into the cold case, where the grooms father was murdered in a robbery. Shelby also has her own case to solve when a client heirs her to find a man and he isn't telling her everything. Can she solve all her cases in time for her sons birthday and a wedding in New York?
I love Wendy Tremont King as the narrator for this series and I can't imagine anybody else doing the characters justice, like she can. She is the voice of Shelby Nichols.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Someone is targeting business run by Mafia boss Uncle Joey and he sends Ramos and Shelby to look in to it. It small stuff at first, computer hacking, stopping people going to work, a robbery but it soon escalates to an attempted fire and a murder. Which is when things get very personal. At the same time the police chiefs daughter is getting married and Dimples is tasked with looking into the cold case, where the grooms father was murdered in a robbery. Shelby also has her own case to solve when a client heirs her to find a man and he isn't telling her everything. Can she solve all her cases in time for her sons birthday and a wedding in New York?
I love Wendy Tremont King as the narrator for this series and I can't imagine anybody else doing the characters justice, like she can. She is the voice of Shelby Nichols.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 12, 2023
Wow!
I absolutely loved this installment of the Shelby Nichols Adventures! I couldn't put it down! I love seeing what trouble Shelby gets up to in each book and this one doesn't disappoint. This is one of my all-time favorite series! The only problem is, how am I going to wait for the next one?!
I absolutely loved this installment of the Shelby Nichols Adventures! I couldn't put it down! I love seeing what trouble Shelby gets up to in each book and this one doesn't disappoint. This is one of my all-time favorite series! The only problem is, how am I going to wait for the next one?!
December 14, 2023
Kris deserves better than this, she's practically cheating on him with her thoughts, emotions and the kissing without even feeling an ounce of guilt.
Either kill Kris sicne he's barely have any role in the books anymore, & make Shelby be with Ramos already or just end this affair.
Besides the usual stupid decisions and moves on Shelby's part, her relationship with Ramos is making me uncomfortable and not feeling right reading about a protagonist who cheats on her husband's. Because if that's not cheating I don't know what, If I was Kris I wouldn't be happy with how my wife/husband is feeling about another person!
Either kill Kris sicne he's barely have any role in the books anymore, & make Shelby be with Ramos already or just end this affair.
Besides the usual stupid decisions and moves on Shelby's part, her relationship with Ramos is making me uncomfortable and not feeling right reading about a protagonist who cheats on her husband's. Because if that's not cheating I don't know what, If I was Kris I wouldn't be happy with how my wife/husband is feeling about another person!
November 10, 2023
Grave Duty
Wow, now we have evolution in convolution. As an overly complex crazy Vietnam Vet, it's fascinating how well physical trauma is depicted.
Having read each one of the series, I am finding myself enjoying the series with characters with whom I can empathise. I have enjoyed the growth of Shelby's character from a mom of teenagers to a much more sophisticated fence straddling psychically gifted PI. I'm not sure if this even fits any genre, but I am enjoying the series. Please continue to do the magic that you do, and regale us all with the mad mix that you have created. This is fun and I'm glad to escape with an enjoyable tale !!!
Justprofessor49
AKA Reverend Loyal
Wow, now we have evolution in convolution. As an overly complex crazy Vietnam Vet, it's fascinating how well physical trauma is depicted.
Having read each one of the series, I am finding myself enjoying the series with characters with whom I can empathise. I have enjoyed the growth of Shelby's character from a mom of teenagers to a much more sophisticated fence straddling psychically gifted PI. I'm not sure if this even fits any genre, but I am enjoying the series. Please continue to do the magic that you do, and regale us all with the mad mix that you have created. This is fun and I'm glad to escape with an enjoyable tale !!!
Justprofessor49
AKA Reverend Loyal
October 31, 2023
Fun story with all the twists and turns I have come to expect when Shelby is involved. The best part is watching (reading) how she untangles the messes she inevitably lands in throughout the story. I always pre-order these when announced and have not been disappointed one single time. Looking forward to seeing what she gets into next.
January 31, 2024
Shelby is targeted by a killer
Shelby gets involved in solving a cold case. She's also hired on a PI case by a man who wants to commit murder. On top of everything, Uncle Joey is also becomes a target of harassment. I loved the way the three crimes were interwoven. I also loved Jackie becoming an author of a steamy romance. Jackie's storyline added a lot of comedy which is usually Shelby's role, but Jackie added a whole new element to the series that I really enjoyed.
Shelby gets involved in solving a cold case. She's also hired on a PI case by a man who wants to commit murder. On top of everything, Uncle Joey is also becomes a target of harassment. I loved the way the three crimes were interwoven. I also loved Jackie becoming an author of a steamy romance. Jackie's storyline added a lot of comedy which is usually Shelby's role, but Jackie added a whole new element to the series that I really enjoyed.
March 29, 2024
Excellent as always
I absolutely love the Shelby Nichols adventure books. The storylines are well thought out, and every book has humor and emotional moments. I love the way they offer a welcome reprieve. Can't wait for the next one. Please don't ever stop writing more
I absolutely love the Shelby Nichols adventure books. The storylines are well thought out, and every book has humor and emotional moments. I love the way they offer a welcome reprieve. Can't wait for the next one. Please don't ever stop writing more
October 25, 2023
I should probably start this review by saying that I absolutely ADORE this series. I have been reading each and every one of the 17 books for years, ever since I found that first book about "carrots" several years ago. I love these characters - I love the zaniness of Shelby, I love Chris and her children, I ADORE Dimples, I ENJOY each and every time Ramos is on the page, and I've even come to like Uncle Joey.
So why am I saying all of this? Well, because for the first time, I had a couple of problems with the direction that I could feel this book moving into. Actually, now that I'm thinking about it, this has actually been happening a bit more often, changes in certain behavior that has been slowly inserted into certain situations and books. I think it was just more blatant and more obvious - or maybe I just caught it more- in this book.
For example, the crush that Shelby has on Ramos. That is nothing new and has been going on since the very beginning of their friendship. One of the reasons that it works (with her being a happily married woman) is because she has not been willing to cross any lines. The two of them can flirt confident in the fact that they both know nothing is going to come of it. I think Ramos gets off seeing if he can get a rise out of Shelby and I think Shelby enjoys being able to have a VERY good looking man compliment her and making her feel "attractive" or "sexy". It is usually just always in good fun. I felt like this time (without going into spoilers, I'm just going to talk in generalities) that not only did they step on the line, they took that first step in crossing it.
Trust me, I'm not a prude. I think Ramos is incredibly ...well, EVERYTHING. Sexy, confident, good looking, and more than anything, AWARE of all of this. Shelby, on the other hand, is a bit naive and has definitely been out of the game for a while since she has been married for close to 20 years.
At the beginning of the series, I WANTED the two of them to get together. In fact I REALLY wanted that to happen. But somehow, as we got into more and more of the series, we got to meet Chris and got to see what an amazing guy he is. There is also her family to consider. She has two teenage children who are not blind. I know that Shelby has the ability to do whatever she wants, but if she eventually chooses to go in that direction, it will completely blow up a pretty awesome family. And THAT would be doubly complicated now that Chris is Uncle Joey's lawyer and the two families have really began to merge as they get closer and closer. So, yes, it scared me that Shelby let things go as far as she did. Yes, I know, it wasn't much, but that's how these things start. Okay...end rant.
The other thing that was odd about this book was that at times, Shelby's character almost felt like a different person. I can understand having an onset of PTSD or anxiety due to all of the close calls she has been having lately, Heck, I would be more surprised if she DIDN'T have lingering effects from all the recent traumas. But instead, she began to have dark/darker thoughts, thoughts that she has never had in the past regarding whether or not "so and so" would be better off dead (and not naturally). Questioning if Ramos or Uncle Joey, or Savage should "take care of" "XXX" to get them out of their hair. That is not the Shelby we have come to know.
And maybe it's just me, but she also had moments of well, of self-centeredness and even some arrogance with certain actions in the police station (not to mention her actions in a certain situation where she left the scene of a crime then downright LIED to Dimples, the ONE man who has had her back through thick and thin). THAT scenario had me in complete shock, because that completely went against everything that we have seen and come to expect from her in the past. I truly hope this is not a path that she is going to start going down because believe me, with her luck and awful lying skills, this might not be good for her (and her actions directly impact her family, Uncle Joey's business, Ramos AND Dimples) Okay, sorry, I THOUGHT I had been done with my rant.
This story line - to me- was not as strong as usual (heck, maybe that's why I noticed everything else). In fact, it was probably one of- if not THE weakest - criminal investigations that we've seen in a while. Somehow, in the end, EVERYTHING was tied in together, even though there really wasn't a good explanation of WHY they would be.
But, even with that being said, I loved following along as Shelby found herself in the middle of a bunch of different situations and yet she managed to juggle everything perfectly (well, maybe NOT perfectly) but managed to do what she does best....find a way out of the shenanigans that she almost always finds herself in :)
After 17 books and a couple of novellas, everyone is entitled to an off book and just the fact that we are almost on the 20th book before I felt like this might be one is a testament to the amazing writing that we consistently get from Ms. Helme.
If you are already a fan of this series, there is way too much fun in this book to pass up so go click the buy button. If this is not a series that you have started yet, go out and find book 1 -Carrots (Shelby Nichols, #1) - you will not be disappointed and actually might just find yourself laughing along, and sometimes even out loud. I can not tell you how many times I have been listening to one of her books on audio and only have one ear pod in my ear while I'm out doing something in public and then just burst out laughing before I could stop it...yep, I've definitely gotten several funny looks and just smiled. I can only imagine the thoughts that followed me after I walked out of the particular place.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely!
So why am I saying all of this? Well, because for the first time, I had a couple of problems with the direction that I could feel this book moving into. Actually, now that I'm thinking about it, this has actually been happening a bit more often, changes in certain behavior that has been slowly inserted into certain situations and books. I think it was just more blatant and more obvious - or maybe I just caught it more- in this book.
For example, the crush that Shelby has on Ramos. That is nothing new and has been going on since the very beginning of their friendship. One of the reasons that it works (with her being a happily married woman) is because she has not been willing to cross any lines. The two of them can flirt confident in the fact that they both know nothing is going to come of it. I think Ramos gets off seeing if he can get a rise out of Shelby and I think Shelby enjoys being able to have a VERY good looking man compliment her and making her feel "attractive" or "sexy". It is usually just always in good fun. I felt like this time (without going into spoilers, I'm just going to talk in generalities) that not only did they step on the line, they took that first step in crossing it.
Trust me, I'm not a prude. I think Ramos is incredibly ...well, EVERYTHING. Sexy, confident, good looking, and more than anything, AWARE of all of this. Shelby, on the other hand, is a bit naive and has definitely been out of the game for a while since she has been married for close to 20 years.
At the beginning of the series, I WANTED the two of them to get together. In fact I REALLY wanted that to happen. But somehow, as we got into more and more of the series, we got to meet Chris and got to see what an amazing guy he is. There is also her family to consider. She has two teenage children who are not blind. I know that Shelby has the ability to do whatever she wants, but if she eventually chooses to go in that direction, it will completely blow up a pretty awesome family. And THAT would be doubly complicated now that Chris is Uncle Joey's lawyer and the two families have really began to merge as they get closer and closer. So, yes, it scared me that Shelby let things go as far as she did. Yes, I know, it wasn't much, but that's how these things start. Okay...end rant.
The other thing that was odd about this book was that at times, Shelby's character almost felt like a different person. I can understand having an onset of PTSD or anxiety due to all of the close calls she has been having lately, Heck, I would be more surprised if she DIDN'T have lingering effects from all the recent traumas. But instead, she began to have dark/darker thoughts, thoughts that she has never had in the past regarding whether or not "so and so" would be better off dead (and not naturally). Questioning if Ramos or Uncle Joey, or Savage should "take care of" "XXX" to get them out of their hair. That is not the Shelby we have come to know.
And maybe it's just me, but she also had moments of well, of self-centeredness and even some arrogance with certain actions in the police station (not to mention her actions in a certain situation where she left the scene of a crime then downright LIED to Dimples, the ONE man who has had her back through thick and thin). THAT scenario had me in complete shock, because that completely went against everything that we have seen and come to expect from her in the past. I truly hope this is not a path that she is going to start going down because believe me, with her luck and awful lying skills, this might not be good for her (and her actions directly impact her family, Uncle Joey's business, Ramos AND Dimples) Okay, sorry, I THOUGHT I had been done with my rant.
This story line - to me- was not as strong as usual (heck, maybe that's why I noticed everything else). In fact, it was probably one of- if not THE weakest - criminal investigations that we've seen in a while. Somehow, in the end, EVERYTHING was tied in together, even though there really wasn't a good explanation of WHY they would be.
But, even with that being said, I loved following along as Shelby found herself in the middle of a bunch of different situations and yet she managed to juggle everything perfectly (well, maybe NOT perfectly) but managed to do what she does best....find a way out of the shenanigans that she almost always finds herself in :)
After 17 books and a couple of novellas, everyone is entitled to an off book and just the fact that we are almost on the 20th book before I felt like this might be one is a testament to the amazing writing that we consistently get from Ms. Helme.
If you are already a fan of this series, there is way too much fun in this book to pass up so go click the buy button. If this is not a series that you have started yet, go out and find book 1 -Carrots (Shelby Nichols, #1) - you will not be disappointed and actually might just find yourself laughing along, and sometimes even out loud. I can not tell you how many times I have been listening to one of her books on audio and only have one ear pod in my ear while I'm out doing something in public and then just burst out laughing before I could stop it...yep, I've definitely gotten several funny looks and just smiled. I can only imagine the thoughts that followed me after I walked out of the particular place.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely!
April 30, 2024
I honestly don't get all the hype about this series. Yes, it's mildly entertaining. Kinda like cotton candy that dissolves and is quickly gone, leaving you disappointed. Shelby is the stereotypical dumb blonde who makes one bad decision after another. She always escapes the consequences, however, mostly because Ramos (the stereotypical bad boy) comes in to save the day. All of the characters are Mary Sues and Marty Stus, with very little character development or growth. Shelby's mom is mentioned a few times, but it's not until book #16 that her father is mentioned (in passing) and readers meet the brother who's never made any other appearance. There's no explanation as to the lack of communication between Shelby, her parents, and her sibling. If the author wrote how Shelby's family was never there for her, then maybe her attachment to Uncle Joey would make more sense. Shelby is constantly getting into trouble, and yet everyone tolerates it. The worst one is her husband. How realistic is it that a man who's wife was almost murdered every week would pat her on the head and send her on her way to her next almost murder? The absurdities don't end there. While a lot of main characters might work for the police OR the mob, Shelby seems to work for everyone. She divides her time between the police, Uncle Joey (mob boss), her own business, her family, and her friends. Is she Superwoman? How DOES she do it all?? Also, there are many instances of a police case also being an Uncle Joey problem. I'm all for the use of coincidences, but there are too many to be realistic. Finally, the use of the phrase "oh baby oh baby" was cute the first time. By the fifth time, it was vomit inducing. The series is really disappointing because I do think the overall plots are interesting. I'm sure many people have imagined what it would be like if they could read minds. But the writing is super sloppy, and I'm honestly bewildered that people like these books as much as they do.
January 4, 2024
Still reeling form the events of the last book, Shelby is struggling to get excited about anything. Duty, however, calls. A client wants her to follow an ex-convict so that they can kill them. Manetto is being targeted by someone who is turning people in his organization against him, hacking his accounts, and harassing his businesses. Detective Harris has been tasked with solving a cold case regarding a gas station who was murdered. As Shelby looks into the different cases, they all start linking and interfering with each other, causing her to have to lie to Detective Harris. Can Shelby fix things with Detective Harris, solve Manetto’s problem, solve a cold case, and keep the deaths, including her own, from happening?
Narrator, Wendy Tremont King’s unique intonations and voices help listeners to easily distinguish characters. Pacing is well done and complements the author’s writing style and pacing. The plot is well-developed, engaging, and humorous. Characters are likable, flawed, and draw the reader into Shelby’s world. World building continues to be masterfully done and mixes the story’s different elements together well. Listeners who like mysteries, other Shelby Nichol novels, humor, and mafia fiction will want to pick this one up.
Narrator, Wendy Tremont King’s unique intonations and voices help listeners to easily distinguish characters. Pacing is well done and complements the author’s writing style and pacing. The plot is well-developed, engaging, and humorous. Characters are likable, flawed, and draw the reader into Shelby’s world. World building continues to be masterfully done and mixes the story’s different elements together well. Listeners who like mysteries, other Shelby Nichol novels, humor, and mafia fiction will want to pick this one up.
October 6, 2023
outstanding
I enjoy this series so very much. This latest book is outstanding. It is fast paced and filled with intrigue and mystery. Never fear, the crew of people in Shelby’s life keep her on track. There is also murder, a felon gets out of jail to cause havoc while Shelby works to prove he murdered someone else long ago. A loved one is injured. Another loved one is married. Her friend Ella make a short appearance at just the right moment. Shelby becomes involved in quite a lot of fast paced action, as always. I look forward to books in this series and they never disappoint. Now I just wait for the book 18. I never thought I would be so captivated by books that did not focus on lovey relationship times. These books focus on the story which includes helping her Uncle and Ramon while she takes care of her husband, two kids and a dog, and the police while working through using her paranormal ability without driving herself and her friends crazy. So glad she needed carrots that day in book 1. Highly recommend the series and especially this book. I hope in gets published in an audible format. Highly Recommend.
I enjoy this series so very much. This latest book is outstanding. It is fast paced and filled with intrigue and mystery. Never fear, the crew of people in Shelby’s life keep her on track. There is also murder, a felon gets out of jail to cause havoc while Shelby works to prove he murdered someone else long ago. A loved one is injured. Another loved one is married. Her friend Ella make a short appearance at just the right moment. Shelby becomes involved in quite a lot of fast paced action, as always. I look forward to books in this series and they never disappoint. Now I just wait for the book 18. I never thought I would be so captivated by books that did not focus on lovey relationship times. These books focus on the story which includes helping her Uncle and Ramon while she takes care of her husband, two kids and a dog, and the police while working through using her paranormal ability without driving herself and her friends crazy. So glad she needed carrots that day in book 1. Highly recommend the series and especially this book. I hope in gets published in an audible format. Highly Recommend.
October 18, 2023
Loved this very exciting installment of Shelby Nichols adventures. Shelby Nichols is a PI who can read minds. For a full background please read Carrots, the first book in this ongoing series.
Between her work with Uncle Joey and Ramos (mafia?), her work with the police and Officer Harris and her home life (husband and two teenagers), Shelby has a full plate. Because she can read minds, she's in high demand.
Working on a cold case with Officer Harris, she manages to anger an incarcerated criminal who may have been the murderer on the cold case. He's getting out in a few days and promises to hunt Shelby down.
Meanwhile Joey is being hit by someone named Dagger who is out to ruin him - causing problems at several businesses he owns and even hacking into a computer system to get some of his files. When someone who was being paid to help set fire to one of Joey's clubs is murdered, a witness steps up and blames Ramos. With Ramos in jail, another murderer being released who wants to hurt or even kill Shelby, the suspense builds to a fulfilling climax.
I really loved reading this story and look forward to Shelby's next adventure.
Between her work with Uncle Joey and Ramos (mafia?), her work with the police and Officer Harris and her home life (husband and two teenagers), Shelby has a full plate. Because she can read minds, she's in high demand.
Working on a cold case with Officer Harris, she manages to anger an incarcerated criminal who may have been the murderer on the cold case. He's getting out in a few days and promises to hunt Shelby down.
Meanwhile Joey is being hit by someone named Dagger who is out to ruin him - causing problems at several businesses he owns and even hacking into a computer system to get some of his files. When someone who was being paid to help set fire to one of Joey's clubs is murdered, a witness steps up and blames Ramos. With Ramos in jail, another murderer being released who wants to hurt or even kill Shelby, the suspense builds to a fulfilling climax.
I really loved reading this story and look forward to Shelby's next adventure.
March 15, 2024
I love this series! That said, I have read (as opposed to listening) all the ones till now, this one was an audio book and I don't know if that's what the issue is, but I just cannot get into it. This has nothing to do with the narrator, she is doing a great job. I think I just had a different voice and different slant on the character than what is portrayed and it is throwing me off.
I started this book months ago and had to quit listening to it for a couple of reasons. 1) As I explained above, the issue with the narrator and the voice in my head not meshing :), 2) Maybe I am just an old fuddyduddy, but I am disappointed in how the relationship between Shelby and Ramos is progressing when she is married to a man who is so in love with her and is trying to do what he can to accept her "gift".
The plots are always good, if not always believable, but they are fun and easy to read. This series is a good break from reality, however, I'm sad to say that if the relationship progresses between Shelby and Ramos to a full blown affair, this author may lose a reader.
I started this book months ago and had to quit listening to it for a couple of reasons. 1) As I explained above, the issue with the narrator and the voice in my head not meshing :), 2) Maybe I am just an old fuddyduddy, but I am disappointed in how the relationship between Shelby and Ramos is progressing when she is married to a man who is so in love with her and is trying to do what he can to accept her "gift".
The plots are always good, if not always believable, but they are fun and easy to read. This series is a good break from reality, however, I'm sad to say that if the relationship progresses between Shelby and Ramos to a full blown affair, this author may lose a reader.
October 21, 2023
Chaos Extraordinaire
What a ride. This story leads Shelby Nichols from one chaotic danger to another. I did not care for her change of character as she let go of her positive attitude and the channeling of Uncle Joey's attitude, nor her police debacle. She seemed so unable to make good decisions in this story and seemed to not only make careless decisions but ones that embraced "dumb blonde" mind set that only furthered the bad sequence of events with deadly results for others. The ending seemed rushed like the author got tired of the chaos she created and could not not bring it to an acceptable close with Shelby's character intact. I recognize this series is sort of based on this chaos concept but never felt she had a self centered, indecisive persona until this story. All that said, the characters are well written I just felt they did not remain true to the past stories and I did not care for this Shelby.
What a ride. This story leads Shelby Nichols from one chaotic danger to another. I did not care for her change of character as she let go of her positive attitude and the channeling of Uncle Joey's attitude, nor her police debacle. She seemed so unable to make good decisions in this story and seemed to not only make careless decisions but ones that embraced "dumb blonde" mind set that only furthered the bad sequence of events with deadly results for others. The ending seemed rushed like the author got tired of the chaos she created and could not not bring it to an acceptable close with Shelby's character intact. I recognize this series is sort of based on this chaos concept but never felt she had a self centered, indecisive persona until this story. All that said, the characters are well written I just felt they did not remain true to the past stories and I did not care for this Shelby.
November 8, 2023
I Love this series , every time read the last book and new ha not been advertised I’m always worried it’s last one
Besides getting great power with always 10 different things going on so make very hard to keep her secret.. this author took a house with insecurities and husband and kids that kind of took for granted… made her heroine to kids and husband also putting fire back in the marriage .. also giving her own life either helping police with cases or mob boss who she has made her extended family… and funny and awkward moments with hot hitman who loves teasing her. I love that she doesn’t see her self as just frumpy house wife like in first book..I know feels crossing lines but she truly cares about all her friends and family.. I think great she started her own PI business and I love her search rescue dog.. if it was up to me-there be 50 more book at least…I’m not the only one my mom and aunt read this series…
Besides getting great power with always 10 different things going on so make very hard to keep her secret.. this author took a house with insecurities and husband and kids that kind of took for granted… made her heroine to kids and husband also putting fire back in the marriage .. also giving her own life either helping police with cases or mob boss who she has made her extended family… and funny and awkward moments with hot hitman who loves teasing her. I love that she doesn’t see her self as just frumpy house wife like in first book..I know feels crossing lines but she truly cares about all her friends and family.. I think great she started her own PI business and I love her search rescue dog.. if it was up to me-there be 50 more book at least…I’m not the only one my mom and aunt read this series…
May 29, 2024
I started this series on my Nook and once I obtained the Audiobooks I started over with those. I liked the narrator but didn't really love the voices she gave to Uncle Joey and some of the other characters.
I loved this series so much and can't wait for the next book! I love how she's grown with each book. I am loving her dog Coco and that she can talk to him! Uncle Joey has also grown so much and isn't the ruthless mob boss that he was in book 1 for sure!
Although I do have some dislikes also. I am sick to death with Shelby's obsession with Ramos and his motorcycle! She kept saying how in love she is with her husband but fantasizes about Ramos and him kissing her all the time! Come on!!
I loved this series so much and can't wait for the next book! I love how she's grown with each book. I am loving her dog Coco and that she can talk to him! Uncle Joey has also grown so much and isn't the ruthless mob boss that he was in book 1 for sure!
Although I do have some dislikes also. I am sick to death with Shelby's obsession with Ramos and his motorcycle! She kept saying how in love she is with her husband but fantasizes about Ramos and him kissing her all the time! Come on!!
October 8, 2023
Excellent to the last word!
Oh my sweet goodness and pass the chocolate to go with!!
I absolutely love the Shelby Nichols series and “grave duty” shows us that Shelby isn’t always sweetness and light.
Colleen Helme has this incredible ability to mix these marvelous characters with heart stopping situations that will either put you on the edge of your seat or have you flying over the cliffs.
Mind reading at its finest, drool worthy hitman, mysteries with a dash of precocious teens and quirky ghosts / spirits there is plenty of action in this fast paced read.
Whether you speed read or savor your books, once you start this one you’ll be there until you finish it.
Oh my sweet goodness and pass the chocolate to go with!!
I absolutely love the Shelby Nichols series and “grave duty” shows us that Shelby isn’t always sweetness and light.
Colleen Helme has this incredible ability to mix these marvelous characters with heart stopping situations that will either put you on the edge of your seat or have you flying over the cliffs.
Mind reading at its finest, drool worthy hitman, mysteries with a dash of precocious teens and quirky ghosts / spirits there is plenty of action in this fast paced read.
Whether you speed read or savor your books, once you start this one you’ll be there until you finish it.
October 8, 2023
Exciting adventure
I was as excited to read #17, Grave Duty, as I have been for each book. This series has everything I enjoy - humor,drama, fast-paced action, and superlative character development.
Shelby Nichols reads minds, a development that brought her to the attention of a local crime boss. In the course of her duty to him, she became embroiled in one of his schemes. At the same time, she's called in to help the local police--- on top of a case Shelby is investigating on her own. The story starts off with a bang and never lets up. I love these characters and this series!
I was as excited to read #17, Grave Duty, as I have been for each book. This series has everything I enjoy - humor,drama, fast-paced action, and superlative character development.
Shelby Nichols reads minds, a development that brought her to the attention of a local crime boss. In the course of her duty to him, she became embroiled in one of his schemes. At the same time, she's called in to help the local police--- on top of a case Shelby is investigating on her own. The story starts off with a bang and never lets up. I love these characters and this series!
October 7, 2023
Grave duty
A blessing or a curse? Imagine being able to hear other people's thoughts. It's another fantastic Shelby Nichols book by Colleen Helme. All our favourite characters are back. Shelby, sexy hitman Ramos, my favourite Uncle Joey and Dimples.
There are cases needing Shelby's unique skillset - for Uncle Joey, Dimples and her own PI agency - and some of these meet in a dangerous intersection.
Lives are on the line. There's a stabbing, shooting, wedding and funeral - and all touched with a little of the crazy that seems to follow Shelby around on the average day.
A blessing or a curse? Imagine being able to hear other people's thoughts. It's another fantastic Shelby Nichols book by Colleen Helme. All our favourite characters are back. Shelby, sexy hitman Ramos, my favourite Uncle Joey and Dimples.
There are cases needing Shelby's unique skillset - for Uncle Joey, Dimples and her own PI agency - and some of these meet in a dangerous intersection.
Lives are on the line. There's a stabbing, shooting, wedding and funeral - and all touched with a little of the crazy that seems to follow Shelby around on the average day.
October 8, 2023
There are few authors out there that can pull off the level of intrigue, dialogue (without resorting to profanity-laced sentences/paragraphs and still get the point across), tension, reader engagement, and plot like Ms. Helme. This is one of my favorite series because i'm guaranteed a few good laughs, mature and witty characters, and a forbidden attraction. I also love that each book ends with the problem solved so I'm not anxiously waiting for closure until the next book. I hope this series continues for a long time and that we get more Ramos time!
October 10, 2023
Absolutely love this series!!
I can't settle on a favorite book in this series as they are all fantastic. I enjoy the interactions between the characters and the issues/situations they face. Lord the things Shelby gets into. It's enough to turn hair gray. The brief encounter with Ella and Creed was unexpected but welcome. I look forward to more adventures with them. Hopefully some will be shared with Shelby, Ramos, and Uncle Joey. This series is at the top of my favorites list. Read the books!
I can't settle on a favorite book in this series as they are all fantastic. I enjoy the interactions between the characters and the issues/situations they face. Lord the things Shelby gets into. It's enough to turn hair gray. The brief encounter with Ella and Creed was unexpected but welcome. I look forward to more adventures with them. Hopefully some will be shared with Shelby, Ramos, and Uncle Joey. This series is at the top of my favorites list. Read the books!
November 18, 2023
This is where get off
I have been fun of Shelby's from carrots ,And I've been reading it and lately I've been disillusioned by her. People change But they still know right from wrong and Shelby knows she's wrong when it comes to Ramos , Who is hajiro and her rescue more than her husband she now compares her life to her husband's life and she's finding him a little bit wanting and dull . I cannot honestly read more books of Shelby Losing her cell phone who she was To become who she thinks she wants to be and I don't see her husband and her kids as part of it.
..
I have been fun of Shelby's from carrots ,And I've been reading it and lately I've been disillusioned by her. People change But they still know right from wrong and Shelby knows she's wrong when it comes to Ramos , Who is hajiro and her rescue more than her husband she now compares her life to her husband's life and she's finding him a little bit wanting and dull . I cannot honestly read more books of Shelby Losing her cell phone who she was To become who she thinks she wants to be and I don't see her husband and her kids as part of it.
..
November 30, 2023
Emotional
I cannot wait wait the next book. This book was an amazing ride, Bates is a character I'd like to see him get his own foot Stuck in his mouth. Sad that Ramos was arrested but glad he wasn't convicted. Shelby again made me laugh especially with her ring tones.
Colleen Helmet is an amazing writer not only does it have laughter, wittiness and suspense she throw in multiple skits I've never read a book that had multiple scenarios as she has. She goes to the top of my list of awesome!
I cannot wait wait the next book. This book was an amazing ride, Bates is a character I'd like to see him get his own foot Stuck in his mouth. Sad that Ramos was arrested but glad he wasn't convicted. Shelby again made me laugh especially with her ring tones.
Colleen Helmet is an amazing writer not only does it have laughter, wittiness and suspense she throw in multiple skits I've never read a book that had multiple scenarios as she has. She goes to the top of my list of awesome!
October 24, 2024
I just don't understand Shelby's luck. She is asked to solve this cold case for Dimples, and it is more than interesting, but the person who committed the initial crime is more heinous than Uncle Joey and Ramos put together. Then you have a new crew person, Salvage, to contend with, who, in the end, put his life on the line to make amends for his past deeds. Let's not talk about the young idiot who wants to commit murder also for the sake of revenge. I am glad the sister was able to finally talk sense into him with Shelby's brand of intervention.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2023
This series doesn’t get old!
I never get tired of reading of Shelby Nichols adventures. Colleen Helme is a wonderful author who knows how to keep you involved in the story while making each book new and exciting. The characters are fresh and real. Shelby’s newest adventure brings both her work for the police and her relationship with Manetto together and a few past characters are brought back into their lives. Everything twists together to become clear at the end.
I never get tired of reading of Shelby Nichols adventures. Colleen Helme is a wonderful author who knows how to keep you involved in the story while making each book new and exciting. The characters are fresh and real. Shelby’s newest adventure brings both her work for the police and her relationship with Manetto together and a few past characters are brought back into their lives. Everything twists together to become clear at the end.
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