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Charlie Parker #1
Deadly Gamble
This is an Alternate Cover Edition to this edition.
In this debut mystery series novel, Charlie Parker, accountant and partner in an Albuquerque private investigation firm, is visited by her old school friend, Stacy North. Stacy's Rolex watch is missing and she begs Charlie to help locate it before her husband finds out. Things are complicated by the fact that Stacy had been seeing another man, Gary Detweiller, and he's the one she suspects of having stolen the watch. With a little detective work, Charlie and her sidekick dog, Rusty, retrieve the missing watch and all should be well. But three days later, Detweiller is murdered. All eyes turn to Stacy as the prime suspect.
Once again, Stacy begs Charlie's help in proving her innocence. As she begins to ask questions, Charlie learns that Detweiller's life was not as simple as first perceived and that any number of people had grievances against him. And before she can pinpoint the killer, her own life is in danger as well.
Includes new foreword from the author upon the 20th anniversary of first publication of this ongoing series' first title.
In this debut mystery series novel, Charlie Parker, accountant and partner in an Albuquerque private investigation firm, is visited by her old school friend, Stacy North. Stacy's Rolex watch is missing and she begs Charlie to help locate it before her husband finds out. Things are complicated by the fact that Stacy had been seeing another man, Gary Detweiller, and he's the one she suspects of having stolen the watch. With a little detective work, Charlie and her sidekick dog, Rusty, retrieve the missing watch and all should be well. But three days later, Detweiller is murdered. All eyes turn to Stacy as the prime suspect.
Once again, Stacy begs Charlie's help in proving her innocence. As she begins to ask questions, Charlie learns that Detweiller's life was not as simple as first perceived and that any number of people had grievances against him. And before she can pinpoint the killer, her own life is in danger as well.
Includes new foreword from the author upon the 20th anniversary of first publication of this ongoing series' first title.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1995
2795 people are currently reading
2819 people want to read
About the author
Connie Shelton
94 books310 followersMy 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
March 11, 2010
Disclaimer: I am the author. This was my first mystery and I had a great time writing it. I was thrilled when I got great reviews on Deadly Gamble (the Albuquerque Journal called it "an impressive debut mystery"). Those good reviews encouraged me to keep writing the Charlie Parker series.
June 25, 2016
A lot better than many of the cozy mysteries I have read as it concentrated more on the mystery and not so much on the every day details of the life of the amateur sleuth.
November 11, 2012
I enjoyed the book itself. Charlie reminded me of a sort of Kinsey Millhone "light". I love books with a female lead who is a detective so it was right up my alley. Also the fact that it was set in Albuquerque was a big part of why I picked it up, and why I liked it. I actually listened to the audiobook and if I had one major problem it was the production value. I mostly listen to my murder/mystery books on CD or MP3 and this one was maybe one of the worst. I could actually hear the pages of the book turning in the background! However it didn't detract so much that it made me dislike the book. I would say anyone who is looking for a light fun read would enjoy this.
September 16, 2017
2.5 stars - I liked it well enough but not enough for 3 stars
E-book freebie
Charlie Parker, age 30, works for her brother's private detective firm. Single, no kids, with only a dog to tie her down, Charlie likes her work and has few regrets that her boyfriend eloped with her best friend. That was 10 years ago and she's moved on- or has she? When her former best friend, Stacy North, reenters her life, Charlie is surprised. Stacy has come to Charlie for help. Stacy is missing a Rolex watch Brad gave her. It's half of a his and hers set and he'll know if she buys a replacement. Stacy believes the watch was taken by a man in her home, a man with whom she had a one night stand affair. Stacy wants Charlie's help to get the watch back. While Charlie isn't really a detective, her brother has taught her a few things that help her in her investigation. When the man turns up dead, Stacy is beside herself with worry that the police will come calling and Brad will find out what she did. Stacy needs Charlie to investigate the murder and clear her name before the police discover Stacy's affair. Stacy was there for Charlie when Charlie needed her and though she repaid Charlie by stealing Brad, it sounds as if she did Charlie a favor. Charlie has just enough friendly feelings left for Stacy to try to clear her old friend of suspicion.
This mystery wasn't bad. I didn't care for the writing style. Charlie is very detached, as if she's giving a briefing after the fact. She is a very unemotional storyteller. I give the author a little leeway since this was her first novel written over 20 years ago. Young readers prepare to be amazed by such quaint things as phone books, pay phones and maps. (Before Google and Smart Phones? *gasp*) The mystery itself isn't bad. I was interested enough to stick with it after the initial boring search for Stacy's watch. I wondered who killed Gary all the way to the end. I was so certain it was one person so I was very surprised by the reveal. That thought had not even crossed my mind!
This story is also not cozy enough for me. It lacks small town charm and quirky characters. Charlie's dog, Rusty, comes along for the ride but plays no major role in the story. I was sadly disappointed. Charlie may be unemotional from the death of her parents and the betrayal of her best friend and boyfriend. She doesn't have much backstory here yet except for her relationship with Stacy.
The other probable recurring characters are Charlie's divorced brother Ron and his doughnut bringing receptionist Sally. Neither is in the story long enough to get to know them or like them. Charlie's other brother, Paul, and his family show up for comic relief. The author completely nailed the behavior of small children and their frazzled parents. I felt like my own sister was visiting with her young children! They do add some light humor to the story. Detective Kent, Ron's friend, will probably also be a recurring character. He's a very by the book cop and doesn't have any charming interactions with Charlie. He doesn't reveal much about the investigation or in personality.
None of the secondary characters are appealing. Brad sounds like a horrible abuser and Charlie was lucky to escape him. While I felt bad for Stacy, I don't condone what she did. I'm not sure I would have been as patient as Charlie. Gary Detweiller sounds like a real prize (not!) too. The wealthy people, aside from the lawyer, are all annoyingly stereotypical. The poor people are also annoying stereotypical : beer drinking, rich people hating, lazy slobs. I did feel sorry for Jean and I kind of liked her. I didn't understand why she was still with Gary if he was such a loser and a bad influence on their son.
Overall, this wasn't a bad first effort. The characters didn't charm me into wanting to read more of the series, but the library does have them (aside from this first one-go figure) so I may end up picking up the series later on.
E-book freebie
Charlie Parker, age 30, works for her brother's private detective firm. Single, no kids, with only a dog to tie her down, Charlie likes her work and has few regrets that her boyfriend eloped with her best friend. That was 10 years ago and she's moved on- or has she? When her former best friend, Stacy North, reenters her life, Charlie is surprised. Stacy has come to Charlie for help. Stacy is missing a Rolex watch Brad gave her. It's half of a his and hers set and he'll know if she buys a replacement. Stacy believes the watch was taken by a man in her home, a man with whom she had a one night stand affair. Stacy wants Charlie's help to get the watch back. While Charlie isn't really a detective, her brother has taught her a few things that help her in her investigation. When the man turns up dead, Stacy is beside herself with worry that the police will come calling and Brad will find out what she did. Stacy needs Charlie to investigate the murder and clear her name before the police discover Stacy's affair. Stacy was there for Charlie when Charlie needed her and though she repaid Charlie by stealing Brad, it sounds as if she did Charlie a favor. Charlie has just enough friendly feelings left for Stacy to try to clear her old friend of suspicion.
This mystery wasn't bad. I didn't care for the writing style. Charlie is very detached, as if she's giving a briefing after the fact. She is a very unemotional storyteller. I give the author a little leeway since this was her first novel written over 20 years ago. Young readers prepare to be amazed by such quaint things as phone books, pay phones and maps. (Before Google and Smart Phones? *gasp*) The mystery itself isn't bad. I was interested enough to stick with it after the initial boring search for Stacy's watch. I wondered who killed Gary all the way to the end. I was so certain it was one person so I was very surprised by the reveal. That thought had not even crossed my mind!
This story is also not cozy enough for me. It lacks small town charm and quirky characters. Charlie's dog, Rusty, comes along for the ride but plays no major role in the story. I was sadly disappointed. Charlie may be unemotional from the death of her parents and the betrayal of her best friend and boyfriend. She doesn't have much backstory here yet except for her relationship with Stacy.
The other probable recurring characters are Charlie's divorced brother Ron and his doughnut bringing receptionist Sally. Neither is in the story long enough to get to know them or like them. Charlie's other brother, Paul, and his family show up for comic relief. The author completely nailed the behavior of small children and their frazzled parents. I felt like my own sister was visiting with her young children! They do add some light humor to the story. Detective Kent, Ron's friend, will probably also be a recurring character. He's a very by the book cop and doesn't have any charming interactions with Charlie. He doesn't reveal much about the investigation or in personality.
None of the secondary characters are appealing. Brad sounds like a horrible abuser and Charlie was lucky to escape him. While I felt bad for Stacy, I don't condone what she did. I'm not sure I would have been as patient as Charlie. Gary Detweiller sounds like a real prize (not!) too. The wealthy people, aside from the lawyer, are all annoyingly stereotypical. The poor people are also annoying stereotypical : beer drinking, rich people hating, lazy slobs. I did feel sorry for Jean and I kind of liked her. I didn't understand why she was still with Gary if he was such a loser and a bad influence on their son.
Overall, this wasn't a bad first effort. The characters didn't charm me into wanting to read more of the series, but the library does have them (aside from this first one-go figure) so I may end up picking up the series later on.
January 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this new cozy mystery series I found with Charlie Parker as a somewhat unofficial investigator. It's set in Albuquerqie New Mexico and an old friend of Charlie's comes by the office and asks her to help find a rolex that was stolen from her. Everything turns into a big mess, and Charlie is pulled into multiple murders and finance schemes. But she finds the real killer in the end!
January 15, 2026
I enjoyed the mystery which did surprise me in the end. Yes it’s faintly reminiscent of Kinsey Milhome but is that a bad thing? I think not😊
January 25, 2018
A pretty good cozy mystery by a new author for me. Charley Parker is a woman who is in the investigation business with her brother. Usually, Ron, her brother, does the investigating, and Charley handles the accounting and taxes. But when an old friend of Charley's comes asking for help in finding a Rolex watch that was stolen, with Ron out of town, Charley decides to handle this simple case. However, things done stay simple and soon there is murder involved. It's an easy read, and I enjoyed the audio version.
November 30, 2019
Easy to read, quick finish cozy mystery. This is the first book in the series which was written about 20 years ago. Introduces Charlie Parker who is the bookkeeper for her brother's investigative company. When her best friend may be accused of murder, Charlie decides to do some investigating herself. A few red herrings, but I basically figured out the murderer about halfway through the book.
November 4, 2018
Great book
The mystery was very well written and the plot developed at a good and steady pace. Great characters that I look forward to visit with again.
The mystery was very well written and the plot developed at a good and steady pace. Great characters that I look forward to visit with again.
May 22, 2011
I had an enjoyable read through Connie Shelton's Deadly Gamble, the first in her Charlie Parker mystery series. Charlie is a female amateur investigator (her brother has the agency, she's "just" the bookkeeper) who gets involved in a minor mystery handed to her by an old school chum. Turns out, the chum has had an expensive watch stolen and her husband in very jealous ... the man who jilted Charlie and ran off with the "best friend". By the end of the first chapter we learn the man who stole the watch has been murdered. Ok, I was hooked.
This is a basic whodunit tale with clues and revelations in fairly neat order; it wasn't much of a surprise whodunit in the end, but the characters are sympathetic and it's a breezy diversion. Don't expect Christie or Rankin and you'll be perfectly content. There are another ten in the series and probably more on the away.
This is a basic whodunit tale with clues and revelations in fairly neat order; it wasn't much of a surprise whodunit in the end, but the characters are sympathetic and it's a breezy diversion. Don't expect Christie or Rankin and you'll be perfectly content. There are another ten in the series and probably more on the away.
March 10, 2017
Although the mystery is one of those where the investigator discovers who committed the crime when she is attacked by the culprit, I enjoyed this book for it's amusing descriptions; for example a man with "polystyrene hair". I found the book worth reading just for the chuckles.
October 7, 2018
This is a pretty good cozy mystery. Nothing spectacular, just a good quick read.
February 11, 2019
Very American and I wasn't enthralled, easy to skip and not really read the text. I will not bother to read any more
July 4, 2024
Deadly Gamble( A Girl and her dog CozyMystery), by Connie Shelton.
Charlie Parker works with her brother at their investigations firm. Charlie is the accountant while her brother Ron investigates. Out of the blue one of Charlie’s former friend, seeks out her help in locating a rather an expensive watch. Charlie finds it at a pawn shop. Jen everything goes crazy from there. Next hung Staci, Charlie’s client is arrested with the murder of the man who took Staci’s watch. A few weeks later the man’s wife is killed after her work shift. Charlie is looking into the clues to clear her friend and to find the weapon not tied to Staci.
Charlie Parker works with her brother at their investigations firm. Charlie is the accountant while her brother Ron investigates. Out of the blue one of Charlie’s former friend, seeks out her help in locating a rather an expensive watch. Charlie finds it at a pawn shop. Jen everything goes crazy from there. Next hung Staci, Charlie’s client is arrested with the murder of the man who took Staci’s watch. A few weeks later the man’s wife is killed after her work shift. Charlie is looking into the clues to clear her friend and to find the weapon not tied to Staci.
April 14, 2019
Good cozy mystery!
I've read books from another series by this author, and this one did not disappoint!
I did have to look up the copyright date (1995) when I thought to myself, "Why didn't she just use her cellphone?" a couple of times :)
I've read books from another series by this author, and this one did not disappoint!
I did have to look up the copyright date (1995) when I thought to myself, "Why didn't she just use her cellphone?" a couple of times :)
May 7, 2022
It was fine - a trip back to the 80s. And I was amused that you can hear the audiobook reader turning pages. The early days of audiobooks weren't as polished!
February 25, 2025
Enjoyable cozy mystery.
May 19, 2019
DEADLY GAMBLE
Charlie Parker Mysteries
CONNIE SHELTON
Review by Roy Murry, Author
This novel is the first in a charming series about an accountant who gets involved in a murder case because of her ex-best friend's request. Quite unusual, but her and the real detective, her brother, own an Investigation Agency and he is out of town on another job.
Charlie is her name; however, sleuthing is not. In this instance, the police didn't do their due diligence. She falls into the mystery, and it solves itself because of her kindness.
Accountants do have cognitive abilities. However, Charlie has another one that is needed to become a real detective - she asks great questions, some of which get her in trouble, that adds suspense to the novel.
The characters are well defined, including her dog, which will help the series move on to solve new cases. I may return.
However, I felt something was missing in the plot. Maybe you can find it. The story was enjoyable.
Charlie Parker Mysteries
CONNIE SHELTON
Review by Roy Murry, Author
This novel is the first in a charming series about an accountant who gets involved in a murder case because of her ex-best friend's request. Quite unusual, but her and the real detective, her brother, own an Investigation Agency and he is out of town on another job.
Charlie is her name; however, sleuthing is not. In this instance, the police didn't do their due diligence. She falls into the mystery, and it solves itself because of her kindness.
Accountants do have cognitive abilities. However, Charlie has another one that is needed to become a real detective - she asks great questions, some of which get her in trouble, that adds suspense to the novel.
The characters are well defined, including her dog, which will help the series move on to solve new cases. I may return.
However, I felt something was missing in the plot. Maybe you can find it. The story was enjoyable.
March 20, 2021
Very enjoyable read and al along I thought it was Brad- such a jerk and poor Stacy but I was wrong... Good read.
Read
February 6, 2012Deadly Gamble, No. 1 in the Charlie Parker Series, by Connie Shelton, B. Narrated by Lynda Evans, Produced by Books in Motion, Downloaded from audible.com.
Charlie Parker is an accountant who runs a business with her brother, Ron Parker, a private eye. Charlie is surprised when her former best friend, Stacey, walks into her office. They haven’t seen each other for ten years, although they grew up together as best friends, because ten years ago, Stacey stole Charley’s fiancéand married him. Stacey is very upset because a Rolex watch, given to her by her husband two weeks earlier, has disappeared. Stacey had a one-night stand with a guy who she believes stole the watch. Charley has the bright idea to look for the watch in a pawnshop. She finds it and gets it back to Stacey, and that should have been the end to it, except that two weeks later, the sleazy man in question turns up dead and Stacey is the main suspect. This book is a definite cozy, but it has some of the worst aspects of a cozy, including tons for “fem jep” a female putting herself in unnecessary danger doing thingsno one would do. In Charlie’s case, she keeps showing up at the homes of people, interviewing them without being able to show any reason why they should let her interview them, and snooping in the personal belongings of, and removing things from, those persons. It surpasses credibility to think she’d get away with things she does. Books in Motion is a newer smaller production company, and they still have some things to work out, such as background noise in the recording studio.
Charlie Parker is an accountant who runs a business with her brother, Ron Parker, a private eye. Charlie is surprised when her former best friend, Stacey, walks into her office. They haven’t seen each other for ten years, although they grew up together as best friends, because ten years ago, Stacey stole Charley’s fiancéand married him. Stacey is very upset because a Rolex watch, given to her by her husband two weeks earlier, has disappeared. Stacey had a one-night stand with a guy who she believes stole the watch. Charley has the bright idea to look for the watch in a pawnshop. She finds it and gets it back to Stacey, and that should have been the end to it, except that two weeks later, the sleazy man in question turns up dead and Stacey is the main suspect. This book is a definite cozy, but it has some of the worst aspects of a cozy, including tons for “fem jep” a female putting herself in unnecessary danger doing thingsno one would do. In Charlie’s case, she keeps showing up at the homes of people, interviewing them without being able to show any reason why they should let her interview them, and snooping in the personal belongings of, and removing things from, those persons. It surpasses credibility to think she’d get away with things she does. Books in Motion is a newer smaller production company, and they still have some things to work out, such as background noise in the recording studio.
July 10, 2011
I just read Deadly Gamble, the first Charlie Parker mystery novel, last night and couldn't wait to get back on Amazon to review it. I found the book to be thoroughly entertaining. The mystery was compelling, contained several twists, and ended with a surprise. Along the way I grew to care about both Charlie, a simple CPA who takes on sleuthing for a friend, and her dog Rusty.
The mystery plays out against the backdrop of Albuquerque, New Mexico, which the author brings to life with descriptions of local haunts and the odd weather (the last time I was there, it snowed on me in May). Food is also discussed which made me have to eat huevos rancheros this morning.
Looking for a simple, comfortable mystery without the lurid details, this may be the book for you.
The mystery plays out against the backdrop of Albuquerque, New Mexico, which the author brings to life with descriptions of local haunts and the odd weather (the last time I was there, it snowed on me in May). Food is also discussed which made me have to eat huevos rancheros this morning.
Looking for a simple, comfortable mystery without the lurid details, this may be the book for you.
March 8, 2012
Deadly Gamble: Charley Parker Series by Connie Shelton
As the first in the Charley Parker series, I can see why Connie Shelton has gathered thousands of fans who anxiously await her next book. This is not only a charming witty read, but Ms. Shelton ramps up the danger with some incredibly sleazy characters, and she’s not afraid to have her protagonist do the work to solve the mystery.
RPDahlke, Good Reads author of:
A DEAD RED CADILLAC
A DEAD RED HEART
A Dead Red Oleander coming in 2012
As the first in the Charley Parker series, I can see why Connie Shelton has gathered thousands of fans who anxiously await her next book. This is not only a charming witty read, but Ms. Shelton ramps up the danger with some incredibly sleazy characters, and she’s not afraid to have her protagonist do the work to solve the mystery.
RPDahlke, Good Reads author of:
A DEAD RED CADILLAC
A DEAD RED HEART
A Dead Red Oleander coming in 2012
June 28, 2016
Deadly Gamble was a very good read! I loved the character of Charlie. I liked the writing and the fact that she was the office person in a PI office who gets into investigating. The crime seems out of today’s headlines, so very current. The characters actions made sense, in other words she wasn’t going off half cocked and chasing around willy nilly. The mystery was well plotted with some hints that I suspected what had happened but was glad to see it confirmed. I would classify this as a cozy, so recommended for cozy readers.
January 16, 2017
"A gamble that paid off"
This one took a bit of time to get going. As the Sam Sweet story I read recently came from the successful Charlie Parker series, I thought I'd start at the beginning. It takes time for a writer to 'find their feet' and the difference between the two books is marked. Nevertheless, the strong characterisation and good story line shine through. If I had found Connie Shelton twenty years ago, I would have suggested she was going to be an author to watch. Hindsight's a wonderful thing; but I would have been proved right, wouldn't I?
This one took a bit of time to get going. As the Sam Sweet story I read recently came from the successful Charlie Parker series, I thought I'd start at the beginning. It takes time for a writer to 'find their feet' and the difference between the two books is marked. Nevertheless, the strong characterisation and good story line shine through. If I had found Connie Shelton twenty years ago, I would have suggested she was going to be an author to watch. Hindsight's a wonderful thing; but I would have been proved right, wouldn't I?
October 7, 2019
The curious case of the missing editor
This book reads like a writing group attempt at a book. Clearly unedited. The flow was horrendous and often nonsensical. For example, how could someone slash the tires of a car with a dog inside and no one hear barking? And all the writer talks about is tea. I kept hoping it would get better but I’d rather have root canal than read this again. I gave it two stars because there were some good elements. The writer just seems to have misplaced her editor. Maybe she stepped out for a cup of tea?
This book reads like a writing group attempt at a book. Clearly unedited. The flow was horrendous and often nonsensical. For example, how could someone slash the tires of a car with a dog inside and no one hear barking? And all the writer talks about is tea. I kept hoping it would get better but I’d rather have root canal than read this again. I gave it two stars because there were some good elements. The writer just seems to have misplaced her editor. Maybe she stepped out for a cup of tea?
September 5, 2018
Well written, good main character & a decent plot but not at all gripping or a page turner. A leisurely read to fill in time.
Read
May 29, 2016This is a good first in the series book and I'm looking forward to reading on.
November 14, 2016
The narrator was did not keep my attention. The sound of pages turning was very annoying and distracting. I don't know if I will listen to rest of this series.
February 16, 2024
Really enjoyed this book and didn't think I would. Definitely have to read more of this series, when I'm not so busy and have more time to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews