Bestsellers Can Be Murder: A Girl and Her Dog Cozy Mystery

by Connie Shelton

Charlie receives a spur-of-the-moment invitation, a bucket-list adventure with her beloved Aunt Louisa on a dream vacation to Australia. Among the must-do activities in Sydney is attending a book signing by Lily Davenport, a bestselling British author and old friend of Louisa’s.

But when Charlie, Louisa, and Lily meet for an elegant afternoon high tea, Charlie quickly senses something is wrong. Despite her polished public persona, Lily is rattled and afraid. In every city on her international book tour, she has received handwritten notes that appear courteous at first glance but carry an unmistakable chill beneath the surface. Each note is delivered in person by hotel staff, signed only with a single A. And with every new stop, the messages grow darker.

The police have provided no help since a crime has not been committed—yet. With one final tour stop after Sydney and her fear mounting, Lily turns to the one person who seems both sharp-eyed and compassionate enough to Charlie.

Reluctantly stepping into the role of investigator, Charlie must unravel a puzzle with a faceless threat and a trail that spans luxury hotels and international cities. As the clock ticks down on the stalker’s timeline and the tension rises, Charlie races to uncover the identity behind the ominous signature, fearing the psychological threat will soon turn physical.

Can she unravel the pitifully few clues and catch the perp before the escalating danger spoils their dream vacation?

Praise for this USA Today bestselling

“Charlie is just what readers want.” –Booklist

“Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes.” –The Midwest Book Review

“A page turner!” - K. Coonce, 5 star review (for Escapes Can Be Murder)

“I always love Charlie’s escapades. She keeps me glued to the story, unable to put it down. Love the mixture of humor and suspense. Can’t wait for the next adventure!” – Meg, 5 stars online review

“Memorable details … and an edgy, paranoid atmosphere.” –Booklist

“… superbly crafted story …” – Gothic Journal

“Each book in the series just keeps getting better and better.” – Vine Voice reviewer

“Charlie is a fabulous amateur sleuth!” – Midwest Book Review

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2026

About the author

My love of books started with weekly trips to the library as a child and from the moment I learned to read I can't remember a time that I didn't have at least one book going. For the past 25 years, that list has grown to include what I'm reading and what I'm writing at any given time.

I began writing my Charlie Parker series when my husband and I lived on Kauai, then continued them in my home state of New Mexico. Charlie lives in Albuquerque and manages to travel to a variety of locations, wherever her investigation business and her husband's helicopter business take them. My second series featuring Samantha Sweet, the 50-ish woman who breaks into houses for a living, is set in Taos, New Mexico.

In addition to reading and writing, I've traveled quite a lot, taught writing courses, and been a speaker at a whole lot of mystery conventions and writing conferences. In my spare time I also love to paint, draw, cook and spend time at the beach.

Series:
* Charlie Parker Mystery

Reviews

[Mary Seifert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling

What a great story with such vivid descriptions. I felt as though I had visited Sydney and Rome with Charlie!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much. Write faster Connie, please