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Shelby Nichols #12

Marked for Murder

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Trouble follows Shelby Nichols

Why wouldn't it?

She works for a mob boss.

And the police.

A desperate call from a friend in need turns Shelby’s life upside down. Someone is out to prove that Shelby is a fake, marking her for murder. How far will they go?

As the clock ticks down, she realizes no one is safe, and it’s up to her to stop them. Will she succeed? Let’s hope so, because time is running out...

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.

Book 12 in the Shelby Nichols Adventure Series

PRAISE FOR THE SHELBY NICHOLS SERIES

"The author has such a quirky sense of humor partnered with such creative talent it that really shines on every page!" ~ Amazon Reviewer

"Every Shelby Nichols Adventure is better than the last! The characters are dynamic and the stories are full of twists and turns. Can't wait for the next one!" ~Amazon Reviewer

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2019

914 people are currently reading
176 people want to read

About the author

Colleen Helme

43 books736 followers
Solving 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for Kristine.
3,444 reviews52 followers
April 16, 2021
What can I say....I have a soft spot for a crazy private eye who just happens to be able to read minds and gets into trouble by just waking up?! It is hilarious that in this day and age we can actually read about a happily married woman who is also half in love with her kind of assassin body guard while still being very, very happily married. And that we - the reader- can be just as in love with both her husband AND Ramos(the kind of assassin body guard!) Go figure??!!

This is another great adventure with Shelby and Ramos, and Chris....and...let's not forget Dimples - but he is also already taken, in fact he's getting married himself. This entire series is just one fun adventure after another of a suburban housewife/PI who doesn't take herself seriously at all, but somehow manages to get herself and her gang into one scrape after another. But, she is also so kind and good hearted that she has created relationships with people who should NEVER ever be in the same circles with each other, yet because of Shelby they all form one giant, yet somewhat dysfunctional family.

As we are now at book 12 in this series, you would think that things would start becoming stale, or over used, yet the opposite is actually the case. This was one of my favorite books and instead of becoming stale, Shelby's life is actually becoming more and more exciting. Crazy....yep, just crazy!!

And, as much as I like Ramos (in fact at the beginning of the series, part of me wanted her to leave Chris for Ramos) but now, I realize that that would be the worst thing ever. Their relationship is one of the really great examples of being able to look, enjoy, and even, yep, even drool....without actually throwing away vows and breaking apart a family. That is honestly something that we never see in this day and age. And my oh my...Ramos is definitely drool worthy :) But, somehow I seem to have gotten off topic. What were we talking about? Hmmmmm….

Okay. Oh, another thing I wanted to say was that I enjoy listening to this series on Audible and the narrator is so very distinct as Shelby that I'm not sure if I could ever hear another person try to narrate this series. So...long story short...another great winner!

Can't wait for book 13 :)



Profile Image for Sally.
189 reviews18 followers
July 14, 2019
OH MY GOD! BOOK 12 IS OUT! I’m so happy! So here’s what’s gonna happen.. I’m gonna reread all the books in this series before I start with this one :’) I love Shelby and every single character in this series!


UPDATE:

What can I say?! I loved this book... I especially loved the ending! To be honest, after the espionage and terrorist plots from book 11 and 8, I kinda expected something like that in this book. I love Blake and Gabriel, and I really wanted them to be a part of this book as well. Honestly, I think Helme's books that include spies and international crimes are the best in the series so far. Not to say that this book wasn't any less awesome.. it was great.

What happened to Ethan was just SAD! I really liked his character and I kinda wanted him to be a part of the family somehow.
Chris is a great guy. I think Shelby is very lucky to have such an understanding and loving husband. I know I would marry him in a heartbeat LOL. I love and adore Shelby, but I really think that she needs to stop fangirling every time she sees Ramos. I love Ramos and Shelby together, but Chris doesn't deserves to be cheated on. And let's face it... she cheated on him :(

Anyway,

My favorite part in this book is when Ramos FINALLY meets his brother! :') I was so happy. I've been waiting for this moment since well, I dunno, forever!

Can't wait for book 13!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sara Amore.
14 reviews5 followers
May 24, 2019
I absolutely love Shelby and the gang. I could not put this book down! I was happy to see more of Ramos and Chris. Shelby had so much going on and she handled it like a boss! I love seeing the relationships grow and the new ones she makes along the way. The only problem, I couldn’t put he book down and now have to wait for the next one. 🤣
Profile Image for Betty.
2,004 reviews74 followers
May 30, 2019
I have been a fan Shelby Nichols since I read CARROTS, the first one. The 12th version does not disappoint, it is a fun fast moving, and entertaining read as this plot is very mixed up. Shelby is trying to work with police and Uncle Joey. Ramos has a number of scenes. Shelby is being stalked by a mysterious stranger who is determined to find out about her premonition. Will he succeed? There is a plot to damage Chris so he involves Uncle Joey. One of his junior lawyers has started the action and is MURDERED before Shelby can act. You can read all as a standalone but is better read them in order. I recommend that you read CARROTS first. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,790 reviews9 followers
May 24, 2019
Thrill ride

This book was fantastic. We get a lot of Ramos in this, which I love, but also more of Chris. Several storylines unfolding at once keeps it really exciting. There was a lot of hate, a lot of love and a lot of drama. Lives threatened, someone important framed for murder, weddings interrupted, and yes Shelby is in over her head again. It's a good thing she has so many people in her corner. Highly recommend this fun and thrilling book.
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,003 reviews21 followers
May 25, 2019
Group hug

When you pick up one of Shelby 's books you have to be ready to ride, preferably on the back of Ramos' Harley, through a lot of action, laughter, emotions, romance and more action! The first book in the series, Carrots, will remain my favorite as it introduced the wonderful characters surrounding Shelby and also Colleen Helms style of writing. She brings these exciting stories to life and I'm laughing one minute at Shelby 's dilemnas, choking up over a poignant conversation, escaping everything in a black leather motorcycle jacket, then heading home to be wife, mother and homemaker in a quiet subdivision. Always looking forward to stepping back into Shelby ' s world!
Profile Image for Marsha.
3,053 reviews58 followers
May 28, 2019
I just love the Shelby Nichols series and you would think that after eleven books that the storylines would have gotten stale. Well, let me tell you it is not the case! "Marked for Murder," book twelve is another great installment in the series and it doesn't appear that future installments won't be equally as wonderful.

This time, Dimples and his fiancee are getting married in a week. Shelby has been summoned to Billie's office at the newspaper. When she arrives, she notices a woman acting strangely and manages to thwart a murder attempt as the woman attempts to shoot Billie's boss. Of course, the newspaper wants to do a story on Shelby but she wants no part of it. Additionally, it seems that Billie needs Shelby's assistance with completing her story; however, one of the women being interviewed finds herself in legal trouble when the DNA test comes back stating that she is not the mother of her own child. Billie wants Shelby to use her premonitions to determine if the woman is lying. Shelby is certain the woman is telling the truth and sets out to get her legal assistance and to prove it.

Meanwhile, someone is out to prove that Shelby is a fake. This suspect is none too pleased with her and attempts to go after people who are close to Shelby to prove it. As Dimples, Uncle Joey, Ramos and Chris get involved, they also discover that the special prosecutor at the D.A's office is after Uncle Joey and Chris. Shelby is having none of it. So, she sets out to prove the prosecutor is dirty.

Oh what a tangled web being weaved in this gem of a read! The mystery and intrigue is great and the sexual tension between Shelby and Ramos is off the charts. Even Chris can feel the tension between them and he addresses it with Shelby. Wow, oh wow! There is a lot going on.

If you have not had an opportunity to check out this series, let me tell you that you are missing a great adventure. The only complaint I have is that the books don't come out every week. Lol! I would love to see Hollywood turn this into a weekly series. I would have my eyes glued to the television. Oh well, one can only hope. Until then, I will have to sit and wait patiently for the next book.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
June 9, 2019
This review is for the audio book.
Wow I really enjoyed this story! It was action packed from start to finish with a great plot, explosions gun fights and fire bombs. I just love the characters and the unusual situations they find themselves in. Colleen has a great style of writing that keeps the reader hooked even if this is the first book you have read or if you have read every book in this great series.
Shelby is looking forward to her friends wedding but when a unfortunate incidence thrusts her into the lime light, she gains a stalker with dangerous mind games on his mind. After a few close calls Shelby turns to Uncle Joey for help when the stalker start to leave her unwanted gifts and surprises. She also has to worry about her husband's co-worker who seems to be in some big trouble that somehow involves her husband. But when things start to impact on the wedding Shelby needs the help from both her cop friends and her mob friends to keep everyone alive.
The narrator was very good and has an easy listening style that makes the book enjoyable.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,232 reviews44 followers
May 27, 2019
Okay, now that my heart-rates come back down I can write my review...
Damn that story was intense, with a few shocks, that cause a few melt-downs from me...lol But I kept going because It's Colleen Helme and Shelby and I couldn't put it down but at times I really wanted to look away.
Marked for Murder was a superbly awesome story, seriously I have loved Shelby Nichols from the very beginning and Colleen Helem is a master at making each new mystery better than the previous ones, but Marked for Murder was a step above again, so much adventure, action that was totally unexpected but wow, wow, wow and of course a few Harley rides with Ramos I thought the addition of Uncle Joey in the Tesla was funny...
Thanks, Colleen for another amazing book...
Profile Image for Tracy Trixy.
629 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2019
Wowzer!

I just love these Shelby adventures, and to be honest, what’s not to love?!
This crazy adventure sees Shelby helping a mother claim back her child, a death in Chris’ law firm, and another death threat for Shelby! Once I started reading, I couldn’t put the book down and completely devoured it within hours, especially as Ramos is in this instalment, and OMG 😉
Highly recommend to everyone, Thank you Colleen Helme for another wonderful book ❤️
11 reviews
May 24, 2019
There have been times I'd have loved to read someone's mind, but the reality is it would have to be pretty stressful. And in this book, Shelby is pretty stressed. She's got so much going on, it should just drop her - Billie's wedding, Ethan's big secret at her husband's office, and a stalker. But never fear, she's up to it. With laughs, tears, and lots of suspense you will not be able to put it down (it's for sure I couldn't).

If you want a series that just truly entertains, this is the one for you. You'll love it!
Profile Image for Amanda Tregaskis.
61 reviews4 followers
May 23, 2019
Never a quiet moment for Shelby

Boring is not the life Shelby Nichols lives - like a soccer mom super hero but with mob connections, trouble finds Shelby again. Someone seeking revenge, a wedding and a funeral, like the other Shelby Nochols books, once you start you cannot stop - you just have to read to the end!
Profile Image for Erin.
52 reviews4 followers
June 3, 2019
I couldn't put it down!

Colleen Helme did it again! I absolutely loved reading "Marked for Murder"! The story was interesting, exciting, and riveting! I had no idea how Shelby would be able to figure it out. I don't want to give anything away, but I did shed a few tears while reading this book... I can't wait for the next one!!!
Profile Image for Deborah Boyd.
75 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2019
Another Great Shelby Nichols Adventure!

Worth a credit? Absolutely! Colleen Helme does it again with more mystery and mayhem in this exciting installment of the adventures of Shelby Nichols.
With Ramos by her side, Shelby finds herself very busy with multiple mysteries to solve. From the first book, Carrots 🥕, this series will keep you on the edge of your seat.
18 reviews
June 1, 2019
The best series!

The worst part of this book? When I finished because that meant I was done with the whole series! I loved every book and Colleen? Please say your working on #13! And keep Ramos just as sexy!
Profile Image for Denise Gould.
117 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2019
Wow

How does Colleen think of such good stories. I could not wait to read this book and now I am sad it is finished. It was a thriller from start to end, even tears of happiness/sadness at one point. Thank you Colleen for the pleasure of your writing.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,393 reviews9 followers
May 26, 2019
This latest Shelby Nichols adventure is a thrilling read, full of twists and turns, murder and romance, and the inevitable laughs that come with a Shelby story too! I LOVE this series, and think that this is the best book yet... so far anyway!
Profile Image for Amelia.
103 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2019
The book was good but I’m starting to fade on this series. I have only read three other book series to book 12+ (Stephanie Plum, The Dresden Files & Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman).
Profile Image for Berls.
1,027 reviews44 followers
January 5, 2020
4.5 stars
My favorite in the series so far for sure! The stalker angle was great. My only reason for it not being 5 stars is the relationship with Shelby and Ramos - it keeps pushing further than I'm comfortable with. I wish they would just be friends and stop playing with that line. Someone's going to get hurt. Otherwise loved it as always.
2,425 reviews43 followers
March 2, 2022
There is so much to say about Colleen Helme’s newest Shelby Nichols novel, Marked for Murder: Amazing, Fantastic, Unexpected, Intense, Heart-stopping, Heart-rending, Swoon-worthy. New readers and fans are sure the adore what may be the best book in the series.
I love the fact that Shelby's relationships have grown through the series. I love that she becomes more comfortable with her mind-reading and with all the new roles that it has opened for her. I love the fact that she can have a major crush on Ramos, every dreamers’ drool-worthy book boyfriend, and that Ramos not only respects her love for her husband, but appreciates her integrity.
So much happened in this book, and all of it held me in a grip that kept me frustrated this week because I kept having to stop reading. When we are in the grip of a fascinating book, life just needs to move aside for a bit. From a distraught mother to a vengeful maniac stalking Shelby, the intensity of the book never lets up, but Ms. Helme continues to give up those oh-so-Shelby bits of humor that shine in every book.
71 reviews
June 22, 2019
It is such a pleasure to follow an author, to follow a series like the Shelby Nichols adventures, and to watch an author get better and better at writing. Although I feel like I say this for every new book that Colleen Helme writes in the series, it is absolutely true that she is noticeably improving as she writes. The characters are more realistically described. The dialogue is more taut, more real, more absorbing, exciting and enjoyable. You get to know and like the characters so much that you actually feel like you know them in real life. You certainly care about what happens to them, and the action can only be described as heart-stopping in this latest book, the 12th in the series.
I loved the book, and the story, and how disastrous the whole situation nearly was. I really hope at some point that this book series gets made into a TV show or a movie, and that Colleen is the creative advisor or consultant for it. It certainly deserves to be.
I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of mysteries and adventures. I have read all the books, and feel as though I have gotten to really know Shelby, almost like she’s a person in real life, and all of her family and the characters in the books. One of my favorite things about the characters are they are flawed humans. They are not perfect, they make mistakes, they have human shortcomings.
The books read very quickly because you get so absorbed in them. They are very well edited and proofed, and very professionally written. Read this book! You should really read the whole series in order for maximum enjoyment, starting with Carrots, the very first book. There is an evolution of characters and situations and plots throughout the story line. This is one you should not miss.
Profile Image for Gayle B.
380 reviews
June 20, 2019
I listened to this book in Audible actually but highly recommend it and the series.
This story is an excellent mystery. Very gripping. You won't be able to stop reading (or listening). The story will definitely hold your interest. Shelby's ability is purposely tested by someone who is threatening her friends, family and coworkers with a game of cat and mouse. She is trying to stay two steps ahead of the person responsible but can she do it? There is lots of action. There is also some very interesting side stories. A woman needs help proving she is the mother of her child. DNA tests are not showing it. Dimples and Billie are getting married but will they have to call off the wedding? What is Chris's junior partner up to? It sounds like he is out to ruin Chris's law practice. The relationships of the main characters continue to develop. Hmmmm. Shelby has a desk and a computer finally at the police station. Just another day at the office.
Lots of laughable moments but lots of tension and suspense.

I have not read each and every Shelby Nichols book but have read some. (only because it is fairly new to me) You will be able to follow along if you pick up any book in the series but then go back and start at the beginning.
Profile Image for Stormi (StormReads).
1,940 reviews207 followers
January 27, 2020
This series has been a lot of fun from the very beginning but I really liked this one. The fact that someone was kind of stalking Shelby to try and figure out how she knows the things she knows. In this one someone is putting the lives of others in danger to try and prove she is a fake and things hit pretty close to home.

Shelby is a mind reader because of an accident that happened in book one and it has gotten her in a lot of trouble especially since she works for both sides of the law...lol. (She doesn't have much choice when it comes to the mob boss as she does like living, but she has come to care about 'Uncle Joey'.

The only thing that kept this from getting 5 stars from me is how much the author keeps trying to blur the lines between Ramos and Shelby. Shelby is a happily married woman and the occasional flirting with Ramos is okay, but I think she is starting to get into no turning back territory that I don't like. Someone is going to get hurt. Yes, I get that Ramos is a hunky and dangerous man (works for Uncle Joey) and can see the appeal but she is married with teens. I just didn't like something that happened towards the end.

Overall, I totally recommend this series and I think you need to start with book one to get the full effect!
Profile Image for Claire Mc Partlin.
799 reviews28 followers
April 26, 2021
I just love a Shelby book, one of my favorite series ever that never fails to deliver!

This time someone is out to test Shelby's 'premonition' skills, not believing her, but also out for revenge, but will Shelby figure it all out in time before she or someone else dies?

We also have Dimples (policeman/Shelby's sort of partner) and Billie's wedding, Chris (Shelby's husband) is accused of murder, and Ramos (works for the gangster that Shelby also works for) gets shot!

As usual it's all complete mayhem anywhere Shelby is, but in such a fun yet exciting way. Every book in this series has action and murder and yet makes me laugh too, Shelby is such a fun character.

In a way I hate reading/listening to these books as I know I'll have to wait for the next one! It's one of those sort of series that I always keep a book on the back-burner in case I'm in a reading slump as I know it will never fail to keep my interest, just a great action packed read/listen (I've listened to the whole series on audiobook, and the narrating is first class).

If you've never read one of these books I'd highly recommend it, but start from the beginning so you follow the story through.

Long may Shelby's adventures continue!
399 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2019
This book was so action-packed it was exciting. There were 3 cases going on in Shelby’s life, but even though the cases were woven throughout, I wasn’t confused by who was who, or what was going on. I like Shelby’s character; sweet yet feisty. I have a feeling the first book in this series was such a hit that the author decided to turn it into a series later. I say that because at the end of the first book, she told the mob boss and her husband that she could no longer read minds, and her husband asked her to quit working with the mob. This second book has her working for the mob, her husband was the mob boss’ lawyer, and her husband and mob boss know she can read minds. It’s unfortunate there wasn’t a book written to transition, or an explanation in book 2. I was actually going to rate this book 3 stars because of that, but it was just too darn good to give it less than 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shannon.
759 reviews7 followers
June 18, 2019
I love Shelby

When a mind reader has a tall dark and scarily gorgeous hit man, a menacing mob boss, a strikingly handsome lawyer, a dimpled detective, and an investigative reporter, what could possibly go wrong? In Shelby's world, everything can and does.

This adventure of Shelby Nichols' week has us dealing with a crazed shooter, a menacing madman, and an upcoming wedding. How she manages to make it through everyday is truly spectacular.

Join Shelby and the crew as she just tried to make it through a quick meeting or two without being nearly killed in some fashion or another. If you are new to Shelby's life, start with Carrots. She just needed some carrots for dinner that night and woke up in the hospital, hearing people's innermost thoughts.
82 reviews
June 4, 2019
A great writing style which allows you to read easily and understand everything that is going on

Another great addition to the Shelby series. Possibly not as much adventure/excitement as previous books when more involvement with the Mafia/CIA, but still a good book with lots of different stories going on. I love her writing style which makes her books easy to read even with everything going on. Looking forward to the next book when her family go to New York to see the Aladdin show and she gets a dog. I recently saw the new Aladdin movie which was fun and hope she gets an ex police dog (German shepherd). I would recommend this book and series. Very entertaining as usual.
22 reviews
September 21, 2019
So Good!

I have finally finished this series! I enjoyed ever minute of every book and can't wait for the next one. I couldn't put these books down and read all 13 books in 2 weeks (my house is a mess and my husband is a little miffed!). I read on average 3 books a week and this is the best series I have ever read. Very little cursing and no raunchy scenes. I love every character but especially Shelby and Ramos! My favorite author has always been Linda Howard but Colleen Helme is my new favorite! Colleen you kept me glued to these books and I am dying for the next. I am already planning to re-read this series again. Thank you for writing such clean books!
Profile Image for KeliTheBookClimber Coffman.
96 reviews11 followers
June 14, 2019
Colleen Helm does it again!

What an awesome adventure that was. As usual I CANNOT WAIT for the next one. This is one of my favorite series to read or listen to. The narrator does a splendid job at all the voices, which I know hear when I read the books myself. I highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good laugh with a twist of mystery. Mind reading would definitely come in handy but after reading about Shelby’s adventures with the ability, I think I’ll stick to reading about it.
7,768 reviews50 followers
July 11, 2019
Shelby has a stalker, someone needs her right then, and she drops everything, even an important meeting to go to them. In time she is becoming more assertive,as this book shows. The one thing that the author brings out is that Shelby has a husband,and yet close to Ramos as a friend, Delightful intriguing book, still remember the first one, and they continue to be good. The audio by Wendy King brought the story to life, enjoyed her voice. Given ARC audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews

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