What do you think?
Rate this book
Shelby Nichols #2
Fast Money
A trip to the mall gives Shelby the shock of her life when she finds an extra five million dollars in the bank account Uncle Joey set up for her. She thought he was out of her life for good, but with this fast money, she’s not so sure. Now she must decide if she will tell her husband the truth that she can still read people’s minds. Including his. How will he feel when he finds out she lied to him?
When the Mexican Police tell her that Uncle Joey’s been kidnapped and look to her for the ransom, she knows she’s in big trouble. As if that isn’t enough the police detective she worked with needs her help to solve a case, and she unwittingly becomes a witness to murder. In her fight to stay alive, she finds that everyone wants a piece of the money, and just how far they will go to get it, can be a matter of life and death. She just hopes it’s not hers.
When the Mexican Police tell her that Uncle Joey’s been kidnapped and look to her for the ransom, she knows she’s in big trouble. As if that isn’t enough the police detective she worked with needs her help to solve a case, and she unwittingly becomes a witness to murder. In her fight to stay alive, she finds that everyone wants a piece of the money, and just how far they will go to get it, can be a matter of life and death. She just hopes it’s not hers.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2011
2231 people are currently reading
819 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
September 26, 2025
I used to listen to books as I walked and have switched to bike riding for exercise, so my audio collection has been sorely neglected, and this is one of those books. I read the first book and liked it so much that I bought the second. The book was written in 2011, and the series continues currently. I enjoyed the book and may continue with the series, but I was able to put it down for weeks at a time. The plot had several threads, and none were complex. This is a series about how Shelby can read minds and the pluses and minuses of this ability. I didn't need my full concentration for the mystery and did listen while doing chores. 3.25*
June 6, 2021
It has been so long since I've been this excited about a series;however, Colleen Helme has sparked my reading interest to the point I can safely say I believe that I've stumbled upon a new favorite series with the "Shelby Nichols Adventures."
In the second installment, "Fast Money," Shelby is out shopping and stumbles upon a great pair of boots. So, she does what any self respecting shoe-aholic does and checks her bank balance only to discover that five million dollars is now sitting in the account
Shelby has no doubt as to where the money came from so she sets off to contact Uncle Joey Manetto aka Joey the knife. His assistant tells her he is out of town in Mexico running down a lead on his missing niece, former client and missed money. Meanwhile, Shelby is called in to help the police track down some stolen art work from the local gallery.
As Shelby goes down to the court house to see her husband, she notices that something is extremely wrong. She alerts the deputies to the possibility of the escape of a bank robber currently in court on trial. When the deputies make an arrest, they also discover that the robber has been murdered and the man they arrested, Mercer, is actually an assassin. After twenty seven hits, Mercer has never been fingered for any one of them until Shelby came along. Now, he wants nothing more than to rid himself of the one woman who might bring him down.
As if that is not enough, Shelby is visited by the CIA, and receives phone calls from the Mexican Drug cartel. Just what has Uncle Joey gotten himself into this time? It's going to take more than Shelby to figure things out but will Chris, her husband understand or even support what she is doing?
One of the things I love most about this series is the variety of deliciously flawed characters. With names like Dimples and Joey the Knife what's not to like? Additionally, Ms. Helme keeps the reader on their toes. The relationships are complicated and it is not easy to figure out who the bad guys are and that you like them anyway; yet, she manages to reel you in on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and I for one loved every minute of it! I enjoy the character of Chris and the complicated attraction that seems to be brewing between Shelby and Ramos. Oh boy, we are heading for trouble. Yum! Well, I am off to read book three but this series is definitely one you want to put on your to read list.
In the second installment, "Fast Money," Shelby is out shopping and stumbles upon a great pair of boots. So, she does what any self respecting shoe-aholic does and checks her bank balance only to discover that five million dollars is now sitting in the account
Shelby has no doubt as to where the money came from so she sets off to contact Uncle Joey Manetto aka Joey the knife. His assistant tells her he is out of town in Mexico running down a lead on his missing niece, former client and missed money. Meanwhile, Shelby is called in to help the police track down some stolen art work from the local gallery.
As Shelby goes down to the court house to see her husband, she notices that something is extremely wrong. She alerts the deputies to the possibility of the escape of a bank robber currently in court on trial. When the deputies make an arrest, they also discover that the robber has been murdered and the man they arrested, Mercer, is actually an assassin. After twenty seven hits, Mercer has never been fingered for any one of them until Shelby came along. Now, he wants nothing more than to rid himself of the one woman who might bring him down.
As if that is not enough, Shelby is visited by the CIA, and receives phone calls from the Mexican Drug cartel. Just what has Uncle Joey gotten himself into this time? It's going to take more than Shelby to figure things out but will Chris, her husband understand or even support what she is doing?
One of the things I love most about this series is the variety of deliciously flawed characters. With names like Dimples and Joey the Knife what's not to like? Additionally, Ms. Helme keeps the reader on their toes. The relationships are complicated and it is not easy to figure out who the bad guys are and that you like them anyway; yet, she manages to reel you in on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and I for one loved every minute of it! I enjoy the character of Chris and the complicated attraction that seems to be brewing between Shelby and Ramos. Oh boy, we are heading for trouble. Yum! Well, I am off to read book three but this series is definitely one you want to put on your to read list.
September 16, 2018
If I could i'd give more stars!
Am loving this series and it's only the second book! I love the character Shelby and the trouble she finds herself in!
I don't envy her husband but they seem good together :) tho am loving Ramos, and I'm hoping I see trouble ahead!
Once again, no issues at all with the writing, very clear and easy to read, we're slowly learning about the characters, and uncle Joey is certainly and interesting character :)
Loving Ramos and certainly Shelby.... Bring on the next adventure!
Am loving this series and it's only the second book! I love the character Shelby and the trouble she finds herself in!
I don't envy her husband but they seem good together :) tho am loving Ramos, and I'm hoping I see trouble ahead!
Once again, no issues at all with the writing, very clear and easy to read, we're slowly learning about the characters, and uncle Joey is certainly and interesting character :)
Loving Ramos and certainly Shelby.... Bring on the next adventure!
June 9, 2015
Shelby thought things might quiet down now that Uncle Joey thinks she can't read minds any more, but when she went to dip into her account Uncle Joey had set up for her, she finds quite the surprise. A 5 million dollar surprise! She knows that Uncle Joey must have stashed it with her but she is not sure why, and right from the start it causes problems.
Not only that but she had to tell her husband that she could still read minds but he takes it a bit better than she thought he would and knows it has come in handy a few times. Now she has to tell him about 5 million dollars and how it's Uncle Joeys. Uncle Joey also tells her not to tell anyone cause it's not safe and all of a sudden she has Mexican baddies, CIA, FBI and sort wanting to know things. She has to rely on her mind reading to get her out of trouble once more!
Fast Money was another fun listen in the Shelby Nichols Adventure series! I love Shelby she is so funny and always getting herself into trouble with her mind reading cause she some times answers what people are thinking. Her mind reading abilities help her stay alive but she probably wouldn't have such problems if she was normal! She is starting to get use to the fact that her life might never be normal and opens her own consulting business.
The side characters in the books are great too and I really like Ramos. Ramos is Uncle Joey's bodyguard and he has taken a liking to Shelby. He is also pretty sure she can read his mind but not for sure, but he know she has to be able to do something special to have Uncle Joey always wanting her around.
Dimples aka Detective Harris is a lot of fun and very impressed with her premonitions and helps her get a job consulting for the police.
If you are looking for something fun, light fun and full of a bit of mystery then you should give The Shelby Nichols series a try. I have already finished book 3 and can't wait to get into book 4 as I am sort of binging Shelby Nichols right at the moment..lol. It's so easy to finish one and want to grab the next one. I recommend them for those who are into cozy mysteries or just wants a light mystery with lots of fun.
Not only that but she had to tell her husband that she could still read minds but he takes it a bit better than she thought he would and knows it has come in handy a few times. Now she has to tell him about 5 million dollars and how it's Uncle Joeys. Uncle Joey also tells her not to tell anyone cause it's not safe and all of a sudden she has Mexican baddies, CIA, FBI and sort wanting to know things. She has to rely on her mind reading to get her out of trouble once more!
Fast Money was another fun listen in the Shelby Nichols Adventure series! I love Shelby she is so funny and always getting herself into trouble with her mind reading cause she some times answers what people are thinking. Her mind reading abilities help her stay alive but she probably wouldn't have such problems if she was normal! She is starting to get use to the fact that her life might never be normal and opens her own consulting business.
The side characters in the books are great too and I really like Ramos. Ramos is Uncle Joey's bodyguard and he has taken a liking to Shelby. He is also pretty sure she can read his mind but not for sure, but he know she has to be able to do something special to have Uncle Joey always wanting her around.
Dimples aka Detective Harris is a lot of fun and very impressed with her premonitions and helps her get a job consulting for the police.
If you are looking for something fun, light fun and full of a bit of mystery then you should give The Shelby Nichols series a try. I have already finished book 3 and can't wait to get into book 4 as I am sort of binging Shelby Nichols right at the moment..lol. It's so easy to finish one and want to grab the next one. I recommend them for those who are into cozy mysteries or just wants a light mystery with lots of fun.
December 28, 2019
I love the series but wish Chris was more supportive.
January 11, 2024
Fast Money by Colleen Helme is the 2nd book in the Shelby Nichols mystery series. Mind reader Shelby Nichols discovers 5 million dollars deposited in her account by mob boss Joe Manetto and becomes a target while also helping the police with an art theft. There is a lot going on with Shelby unsuccessfully hiding her abilities and deciding instead to try to use them to set up a consulting business. I like the way her husband stands by her and is supportive despite being frustrated with her abilities and the danger they bring. Great characters and a fun mystery.
August 7, 2016
I wanted to listen to this story in one sitting. I listen while at work, and the work day just wasn't long enough. Seriously! Who says that?!? Lol. I just had to get through all the events to find out how it would all end. I had to know! Oh, how these events all string together and work out. I loved every minute of it! I was curious as to who was behind what and how. I got those answers and it slowly uncovered more and more of the underlining cause and how it's all tied together.
Some great crafting by Colleen in this cozy little mystery story! If I wasn't hooked before, this story would have sealed the deal!
I really am a fan of Shelby and her adventures.
****FULL REVIEW****
Shelby helps stop a murderer, after killing a dangerous burglar, when at the courthouse to see her husband. Which puts Shelby in the line of sight for danger from this man, whom she learns is a hired gun. Uncle Joey's in Mexico, and his troubles find Shelby by following the money he hide in her account. Shelby worries about the letter and the five million dollars from Uncle Joey when the CIA show up asking questions. Then the Mexicans show up too! So why is the CIA working with an arms dealer in Mexico and how is Joey connected? It doesn't matter when Shelby's put in the center of it all.
Wendy voices Shelby again. And I'm thankful! She has embodied Shelby and become her vocally. Wendy brings a whole new dimension to Colleen's written words. We feel as we get Shelby, in the flesh, talking to use through Wendy. Shelby's feelings are truly evident in Wendy's voice, giving Shelby a full range to her personality.
I love how situations happen around Shelby and where she's at, especially when she's in a courthouse full of dangerous people who are hiding all sorts of things. All those things that she finds herself involved in. I love it! And with her husbands job as a lawyer, oh the things she hears and stops at the courthouse. Wow! Uncle Joey isn't quite out of her life yet, as she thought.
Shelby is a caring person. She also picks up things that feel off, which is good. She's smart! Which would be why Uncle Joey trusts her. And the same with Dimples, erm, Detective Harris of the police department that she's helping as a consultant. She can feel out a situation and puts the pieces together. Yet Shelby is a little ... I hate to say ditsy because she's not, even flaky. She not either but has a lightness to her that is fun and enjoyable to listen to her as she works through all the crazy happenings around her. She takes it all in stride, even when stressed or worried about it and her life. I really love her reactions and actions.
Shelby struggles with whether she should tell her husband her ability to read minds is back. But wanting to be part of his world and he in hers, she decides no more lying. She tells Chris the truth. Chris is a great guy. He struggles with Shelby's ability but he is there for her and loves her. He's even found the mind reading can come in handy. They really do have a wonderful relationship and it shines in this book. Where I was nervous about him, even though I liked him, in the first book, he's starting to come to terms and past the comfortableness with Shelby's mind reading.
We don't get as much with the sexy muscle, Ramos, in the beginning. He's someone I look forward to arriving on the page, waiting anxiously. And when he arrives, you know things are getting bad. Shelby's in serious trouble for Ramos to come, and come he does!
I wanted to listen to this story in one sitting. I listen while at work, and the work day just wasn't long enough. Seriously! Who says that?!? Lol. I just had to get through all the events to find out how it would all end. I had to know! Oh, how these events all string together and work out. I loved every minute of it! I was curious as to who was behind what and how. I got those answers and it slowly uncovered more and more of the underlining cause and how it's all tied together.
Some great crafting by Colleen in this cozy little mystery story! If I wasn't hooked before, this story would have sealed the deal!
I really am a fan of Shelby and her adventures.
Some great crafting by Colleen in this cozy little mystery story! If I wasn't hooked before, this story would have sealed the deal!
I really am a fan of Shelby and her adventures.
****FULL REVIEW****
Shelby helps stop a murderer, after killing a dangerous burglar, when at the courthouse to see her husband. Which puts Shelby in the line of sight for danger from this man, whom she learns is a hired gun. Uncle Joey's in Mexico, and his troubles find Shelby by following the money he hide in her account. Shelby worries about the letter and the five million dollars from Uncle Joey when the CIA show up asking questions. Then the Mexicans show up too! So why is the CIA working with an arms dealer in Mexico and how is Joey connected? It doesn't matter when Shelby's put in the center of it all.
Wendy voices Shelby again. And I'm thankful! She has embodied Shelby and become her vocally. Wendy brings a whole new dimension to Colleen's written words. We feel as we get Shelby, in the flesh, talking to use through Wendy. Shelby's feelings are truly evident in Wendy's voice, giving Shelby a full range to her personality.
I love how situations happen around Shelby and where she's at, especially when she's in a courthouse full of dangerous people who are hiding all sorts of things. All those things that she finds herself involved in. I love it! And with her husbands job as a lawyer, oh the things she hears and stops at the courthouse. Wow! Uncle Joey isn't quite out of her life yet, as she thought.
Shelby is a caring person. She also picks up things that feel off, which is good. She's smart! Which would be why Uncle Joey trusts her. And the same with Dimples, erm, Detective Harris of the police department that she's helping as a consultant. She can feel out a situation and puts the pieces together. Yet Shelby is a little ... I hate to say ditsy because she's not, even flaky. She not either but has a lightness to her that is fun and enjoyable to listen to her as she works through all the crazy happenings around her. She takes it all in stride, even when stressed or worried about it and her life. I really love her reactions and actions.
Shelby struggles with whether she should tell her husband her ability to read minds is back. But wanting to be part of his world and he in hers, she decides no more lying. She tells Chris the truth. Chris is a great guy. He struggles with Shelby's ability but he is there for her and loves her. He's even found the mind reading can come in handy. They really do have a wonderful relationship and it shines in this book. Where I was nervous about him, even though I liked him, in the first book, he's starting to come to terms and past the comfortableness with Shelby's mind reading.
We don't get as much with the sexy muscle, Ramos, in the beginning. He's someone I look forward to arriving on the page, waiting anxiously. And when he arrives, you know things are getting bad. Shelby's in serious trouble for Ramos to come, and come he does!
I wanted to listen to this story in one sitting. I listen while at work, and the work day just wasn't long enough. Seriously! Who says that?!? Lol. I just had to get through all the events to find out how it would all end. I had to know! Oh, how these events all string together and work out. I loved every minute of it! I was curious as to who was behind what and how. I got those answers and it slowly uncovered more and more of the underlining cause and how it's all tied together.
Some great crafting by Colleen in this cozy little mystery story! If I wasn't hooked before, this story would have sealed the deal!
I really am a fan of Shelby and her adventures.
January 3, 2012
I absolutely loved reading "Fast Money" by Colleen Helme!!! I couldn't put it down! One of the reasons I love to read is so I can escape reality. I can definitely do that with the Shelby Nichols Series. I can't wait to see what kind of trouble Shelby gets into in the next book! The writing was supurb and easy to read. There is definitely a lot of voice in these books and I feel like I know Shelby. I love all the characters in this book. There were twists and turns and it kept me guessing till the end. All I can say is WOW... and I can't wait to read the next book! I hope it comes out soon!!!
October 18, 2012
I am enjoying this series. Shelby is a stay at home mum, who recently whilst shopping for carrots was caught amidst an armed robbery, in which she was injured and as a consequence following her recovery found that she could read minds. This series is an account of her escapades following this misadventure, including assisiting the mob, the police as well as balancing her relationship with her family with her new powers. This series remnds me of the Stephanie Plum series, just as much fun, light-hearterd with some blood, danger and mystery thrown in too!
October 4, 2014
I enjoyed Fast Money as much as Carrots. I really love Shelby and Ramos and everyone else.
I'm glad I stumbled over this series and I hope I will read a lot more about Shelby in the future.
My full review can be found here (in german, sorry guys)
I'm glad I stumbled over this series and I hope I will read a lot more about Shelby in the future.
My full review can be found here (in german, sorry guys)
June 13, 2015
Not as good as the first book in the series but still entertaining! Just found the main story lines to be a little less interesting than in the first book and the fact that Joey and Ramos were hardly in the book until the end left it a little less exciting.
March 12, 2019
Love it
Love Shelby and all the other great characters. Love Colleens writing style. Its got to be really hard to pull off a story like this and yet have the story flow so well as if youre a natural. Theres a reason Colleen can do this and thats because she is a natural. A natural story teller. Anyone who hasnt read her books yet are really missing out! Love her!!!
Love Shelby and all the other great characters. Love Colleens writing style. Its got to be really hard to pull off a story like this and yet have the story flow so well as if youre a natural. Theres a reason Colleen can do this and thats because she is a natural. A natural story teller. Anyone who hasnt read her books yet are really missing out! Love her!!!
March 13, 2022
Listened to the audio of this installment. It was light and fun (though a bit unbelievable) and I enjoyed it.
July 31, 2014
I received this book for free from Audiobook Jukebox in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
My Initial Reaction...
I beginning to understand what people like about cozy mysteries! I didn't actually know what they were before starting on this series, but I'm really enjoying my adventures with Shelby and Fast Money was another fun mystery to watch Shelby solve!
The Narration...
Wendy Tremont King is an okay narrator, but this was not her finest hour. I think Colleen Helme surprised her by throwing some Mexicans into the mix and she just couldn't handle it. Her Mexican accents were really really bad - I laughed pretty hard actually. Now, my BF is Mexican and I live in Texas so I may be extremely aware of this accent and thus a pretty hard judge. But that aside (which was a small part of the overall book) the narration was fine and Wendy is a good match for Shelby. Her male characters are even fairly solid.
The Characters...
I read this series because of Shelby quite frankly. There's several things I love about her - she's not super young. She's a middle aged mother of 2, stay at home mom, married to a lawyer. She's a bit more high middle class than I am and because of a weird accident she can read minds - but other than that, Shelby feels so normal and real. I could be friends with Shelby. I love that, despite being so incredibly ordinary (other than the mind reading thing), Shelby has spunk and some serious guts! She's going head to head with killers, mob bosses, kidnappers, FBI agents, etc and holding her own. Hell, she's making them squirm! And it's not really because of her mind reading ability - it's because of who she is. She's smart, clever, and resourceful.
I wish her husband, Chris, saw Shelby for all that she is. Don't get me wrong - I also really like Chris. I love that they're still so incredibly happily married. It's so nice to read a series about a couple who aren't just falling in love or getting divorced. They're dealing with a long term commitment and it's many bumps, while remaining 100% in love. That said- Chris can be just a bit too paternalistic for my taste. He has a protective streak, which I understand and respect, but sometimes he goes too far and forgets that Shelby is quite capable.
I continue to enjoy the characters that Shelby interacts with. However, Uncle Joey and some of the other bad guys that show up continue to be non-threats in my mind. They just seem a bit too soft for me to see them as really dangerous. Some are downright ridiculous (and I'm sure the accents didn't help with this perception). Only one bad guy really truly worried me. But that makes this fun, rather than scary, and I like that.
The Story...
So in Fast Money Shelby is landing herself in all kinds of predicaments again. But first, Uncle Joey is putting her in one giant one. In the amount of 5 million dollars. 5 million dollars that Shelby discovers in her bank account when she stops at the ATM before splurging on a pair of boots. The very next day she receives a note from Uncle Joey telling her about the money and that she shouldn't tell anyone about it. That it could be a matter of life and death. And that if he dies before returning from Mexico, she gets to keep the money. Can I just say - who does that?!?! Really?!? Despite how ridiculous it is that Uncle Joey would trust Shelby with that money, it certainly landed Shelby in the middle of it. Next thing she knows, she's on the FBI & CIA's radar, not to mention the Mexican Cartel's.
But that's not the only problem Shelby has. Nope, Shelby landed herself in it too. When visiting her husband Chris at the courthouse she overhears the thoughts of several people involved with a bank robbery and when the robber on trial gets killed, she ids the killer. Of course, reading thoughts doesn't exactly stand as evidence - so things get tricky there. And then there's the art theft that she's helping the police with. It seems like a simple case, one quick mind read and she knows who did it. But in Shelby's world, it's never that simple. I enjoyed these two storylines, because while the mystery was solved easily, how Shelby could deal with it was complicated.
Concluding Sentiments...
Fast Money was a fun, quick read. It's lighthearted mystery and action with lovable characters and I look forward to listening to the next one!
My Initial Reaction...
I beginning to understand what people like about cozy mysteries! I didn't actually know what they were before starting on this series, but I'm really enjoying my adventures with Shelby and Fast Money was another fun mystery to watch Shelby solve!
The Narration...
Wendy Tremont King is an okay narrator, but this was not her finest hour. I think Colleen Helme surprised her by throwing some Mexicans into the mix and she just couldn't handle it. Her Mexican accents were really really bad - I laughed pretty hard actually. Now, my BF is Mexican and I live in Texas so I may be extremely aware of this accent and thus a pretty hard judge. But that aside (which was a small part of the overall book) the narration was fine and Wendy is a good match for Shelby. Her male characters are even fairly solid.
The Characters...
I read this series because of Shelby quite frankly. There's several things I love about her - she's not super young. She's a middle aged mother of 2, stay at home mom, married to a lawyer. She's a bit more high middle class than I am and because of a weird accident she can read minds - but other than that, Shelby feels so normal and real. I could be friends with Shelby. I love that, despite being so incredibly ordinary (other than the mind reading thing), Shelby has spunk and some serious guts! She's going head to head with killers, mob bosses, kidnappers, FBI agents, etc and holding her own. Hell, she's making them squirm! And it's not really because of her mind reading ability - it's because of who she is. She's smart, clever, and resourceful.
I wish her husband, Chris, saw Shelby for all that she is. Don't get me wrong - I also really like Chris. I love that they're still so incredibly happily married. It's so nice to read a series about a couple who aren't just falling in love or getting divorced. They're dealing with a long term commitment and it's many bumps, while remaining 100% in love. That said- Chris can be just a bit too paternalistic for my taste. He has a protective streak, which I understand and respect, but sometimes he goes too far and forgets that Shelby is quite capable.
I continue to enjoy the characters that Shelby interacts with. However, Uncle Joey and some of the other bad guys that show up continue to be non-threats in my mind. They just seem a bit too soft for me to see them as really dangerous. Some are downright ridiculous (and I'm sure the accents didn't help with this perception). Only one bad guy really truly worried me. But that makes this fun, rather than scary, and I like that.
The Story...
So in Fast Money Shelby is landing herself in all kinds of predicaments again. But first, Uncle Joey is putting her in one giant one. In the amount of 5 million dollars. 5 million dollars that Shelby discovers in her bank account when she stops at the ATM before splurging on a pair of boots. The very next day she receives a note from Uncle Joey telling her about the money and that she shouldn't tell anyone about it. That it could be a matter of life and death. And that if he dies before returning from Mexico, she gets to keep the money. Can I just say - who does that?!?! Really?!? Despite how ridiculous it is that Uncle Joey would trust Shelby with that money, it certainly landed Shelby in the middle of it. Next thing she knows, she's on the FBI & CIA's radar, not to mention the Mexican Cartel's.
But that's not the only problem Shelby has. Nope, Shelby landed herself in it too. When visiting her husband Chris at the courthouse she overhears the thoughts of several people involved with a bank robbery and when the robber on trial gets killed, she ids the killer. Of course, reading thoughts doesn't exactly stand as evidence - so things get tricky there. And then there's the art theft that she's helping the police with. It seems like a simple case, one quick mind read and she knows who did it. But in Shelby's world, it's never that simple. I enjoyed these two storylines, because while the mystery was solved easily, how Shelby could deal with it was complicated.
Concluding Sentiments...
Fast Money was a fun, quick read. It's lighthearted mystery and action with lovable characters and I look forward to listening to the next one!
April 6, 2021
I love that the heroine is a mom with a life well outside of her kids. She’s also quite happily married which is super unusual too. A couple of the bad guys curse but overall, not too bad language wise. She is funny and sarcastic and falls down a lot which I find endearing in a heroine. Start with the first book “Carrots”. This is the second. I’m currently reading the third.
November 8, 2025
A fun read from beginning to end. This book has it all. You will laugh and wonder just what is going to happen next in the book. Thoroughly enjoy her books.
December 22, 2019
Very good mystery
Shelby is still having trouble with blurring out responses when she heard a person's thoughts. I think that would be true for most people because it's just not normal to read minds so slipping up by not realizing something isn't said aloud would happen to anyone. However, Shelby has got to work on her abilities before they get her killed. I love how Helme writes Shelby and Chris as a couple. They have some bad moments but in the end they truly love one another. Uncle Joey is a freaking mess, Ramos is a freaking badas$, and Dimples (Harrison) wants to put bad guys away. I would kind of like to see more with the kids other than the periphery.
Shelby is still having trouble with blurring out responses when she heard a person's thoughts. I think that would be true for most people because it's just not normal to read minds so slipping up by not realizing something isn't said aloud would happen to anyone. However, Shelby has got to work on her abilities before they get her killed. I love how Helme writes Shelby and Chris as a couple. They have some bad moments but in the end they truly love one another. Uncle Joey is a freaking mess, Ramos is a freaking badas$, and Dimples (Harrison) wants to put bad guys away. I would kind of like to see more with the kids other than the periphery.
July 2, 2025
Interesting Enough
The only reason I see as a downside to this book is that you have to read the books in order. I'm used to rom-coms where you can pick up book 3 (by accident), and the story still made sense. However, I also appreciate the flow of these books because every time I read a new one, I'm already immersed in who the characters are, so it's like welcoming "old friends."
The only reason I see as a downside to this book is that you have to read the books in order. I'm used to rom-coms where you can pick up book 3 (by accident), and the story still made sense. However, I also appreciate the flow of these books because every time I read a new one, I'm already immersed in who the characters are, so it's like welcoming "old friends."
March 16, 2014
"A trip to the mall gives Shelby the shock of her life when she finds an extra five million dollars in the bank account Uncle Joey set up for her. She thought he was out of her life for good, but with this fast money, she’s not so sure. Now she must decide if she will tell her husband the truth that she can still read people’s minds. Including his. How will he feel when he finds out she lied to him?
When the Mexican Police tell her that Uncle Joey’s been kidnapped and look to her for the ransom, she knows she’s in big trouble. As if that isn’t enough the police detective she worked with needs her help to solve a case, and she unwittingly becomes a witness to murder. In her fight to stay alive, she finds that everyone wants a piece of the money, and just how far they will go to get it, can be a matter of life and death. She just hopes it’s not hers."
This book was a pure delight to read! It caught my attention from the 1st sentence to the last page. The plot was just one continuous adventure with all sorts of twists and turns everywhere. Shelby's family helps to make the plot and story just more fun. There was more than one adventure going on all at the same time and it amazed me that at the end every little detail had been taken care of by the author with a marvelous sense of humor involved also. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this story and I'm off to find more by Colleen Helme!
When the Mexican Police tell her that Uncle Joey’s been kidnapped and look to her for the ransom, she knows she’s in big trouble. As if that isn’t enough the police detective she worked with needs her help to solve a case, and she unwittingly becomes a witness to murder. In her fight to stay alive, she finds that everyone wants a piece of the money, and just how far they will go to get it, can be a matter of life and death. She just hopes it’s not hers."
This book was a pure delight to read! It caught my attention from the 1st sentence to the last page. The plot was just one continuous adventure with all sorts of twists and turns everywhere. Shelby's family helps to make the plot and story just more fun. There was more than one adventure going on all at the same time and it amazed me that at the end every little detail had been taken care of by the author with a marvelous sense of humor involved also. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this story and I'm off to find more by Colleen Helme!
January 11, 2014
4 STARS
I am still enjoying reading this series. This is the second book of the series. It has a good mixture of action, mystery, humor, danger, good guys and bad guys. It even has a touch of paranormal.
In Carrots Shelby got shot in the head during a bank robbery and it has left her being able to read minds. Shelby has worked with police and told Detective Dimples (Harris) that she sometimes sees things before they happen or in the past if she in room. She has helped in a few cases. On the other hand local mob boss Uncle Joey knows and has made her help him.
Uncle Joey has sent Shelby 5 million dollars to her online account. Later tells her not to tell anyone about it is a matter of life and death. If he does not come back she can keep the money.
CIA agents come to Shelby's house and asks her if she has talked to Joey. They bug her house. Then she gets a phone call from detective in Mexico asking her to pay ransom of 1 million dollars to get her Uncle back.
With helping police with a murder case she fingered the murder case. He is out right now and wants to kill her.
Shelby is trying to keep alive, not sure who to trust. A few times she is rescued by the bad guys from other bad guys.
I got to admit I like some of the bad guys over the CIA agents.
I bought this on Amazon and have already bought the next ebook in the series.
I am still enjoying reading this series. This is the second book of the series. It has a good mixture of action, mystery, humor, danger, good guys and bad guys. It even has a touch of paranormal.
In Carrots Shelby got shot in the head during a bank robbery and it has left her being able to read minds. Shelby has worked with police and told Detective Dimples (Harris) that she sometimes sees things before they happen or in the past if she in room. She has helped in a few cases. On the other hand local mob boss Uncle Joey knows and has made her help him.
Uncle Joey has sent Shelby 5 million dollars to her online account. Later tells her not to tell anyone about it is a matter of life and death. If he does not come back she can keep the money.
CIA agents come to Shelby's house and asks her if she has talked to Joey. They bug her house. Then she gets a phone call from detective in Mexico asking her to pay ransom of 1 million dollars to get her Uncle back.
With helping police with a murder case she fingered the murder case. He is out right now and wants to kill her.
Shelby is trying to keep alive, not sure who to trust. A few times she is rescued by the bad guys from other bad guys.
I got to admit I like some of the bad guys over the CIA agents.
I bought this on Amazon and have already bought the next ebook in the series.
March 29, 2015
Colleen Helme, you have another follower.
Fast Money picks up where Carrots left off. Shelby finds herself dealing with the CIA, Ramos, the FBI, local police, Uncle Joey, five million dollars, a hired assassin, some Mexicans - drug cartel? police?, missing paintings - the list just goes on. With Chris being a little more understanding and her handy dandy stungun/flashlight easy to use, she thinks she may be okay. Funny how things get out of hand sometimes.
The writing makes it so simple to fall into the story, a little trickier to just put the book down. Shelby comes to life on page one, being in the right place at the wrongest of times, gathering often unwanted information in spite of trying to block people out. She is getting extremely tired of people trying to kill her. What about all that money...
Have to go acquire the rest of the books in this series and read them. Slowly. Enjoying every page.
Fast Money picks up where Carrots left off. Shelby finds herself dealing with the CIA, Ramos, the FBI, local police, Uncle Joey, five million dollars, a hired assassin, some Mexicans - drug cartel? police?, missing paintings - the list just goes on. With Chris being a little more understanding and her handy dandy stungun/flashlight easy to use, she thinks she may be okay. Funny how things get out of hand sometimes.
The writing makes it so simple to fall into the story, a little trickier to just put the book down. Shelby comes to life on page one, being in the right place at the wrongest of times, gathering often unwanted information in spite of trying to block people out. She is getting extremely tired of people trying to kill her. What about all that money...
Have to go acquire the rest of the books in this series and read them. Slowly. Enjoying every page.
January 9, 2012
This book was another great adventure which continues the story of Shelby Nichols, a married woman with two children and the ability to read minds. I loved the humor and laugh-out-loud moments almost as much as all the trouble Shelby gets into. Her relationship with her husband is on the line when she finds five million dollars in her bank account. She must decide how much to tell him, and how to handle Uncle Joey. I rate this book five stars because it kept my interest, was a real page-turner, and made me eager for more. I hope the next book comes out soon! If you're looking for humor, fun, and a good read, don't miss this series.
July 13, 2017
This is the 2nd book in the Shelby Nichols Adventures that began with [Carrots]. The author lets her imagination fly and gets her heroine in and out of many absurd and fantastical situations for her local mob boss, while keeping her lawyer husband somewhat informed of the life and death happenings occurring around her.
I enjoyed the escapism of the story but think her husband is an A class jerk. He supports her when it suits him otherwise he punishes her with his silences and grimaces.
I could only rate this 3 stars not because of the fantastical elements but because the tone is anti-woman and this is the type of tale that a young adult would pick up for entertainment.
I enjoyed the escapism of the story but think her husband is an A class jerk. He supports her when it suits him otherwise he punishes her with his silences and grimaces.
I could only rate this 3 stars not because of the fantastical elements but because the tone is anti-woman and this is the type of tale that a young adult would pick up for entertainment.
August 11, 2025
Amazing action
Wow what a thrilling ride! This story had more twists and turns that left me exhausted. I love how Shelby keeps getting in hair raising predicaments and escapes unharmed. There is such rich content I can’t wait to dive into the next story.
Wow what a thrilling ride! This story had more twists and turns that left me exhausted. I love how Shelby keeps getting in hair raising predicaments and escapes unharmed. There is such rich content I can’t wait to dive into the next story.
August 12, 2016
Just finished listening to the audio version of this book.I like that the title of the book includes "A Shelby Nichols Adventure" which is exactly what this book is. Shelby is like Stephanie Plum and Lula rolled into one person. She bumbles her way through situations and has a handy flashlight stunner. Add the mom card, abductions, mind reading and a few people turning up dead and you have a great adventure.
I will be looking for the first book and hope to see many more adventures with Shelby,
I will be looking for the first book and hope to see many more adventures with Shelby,
April 27, 2016
Another brilliant Shelby Nichols story. I love Shelby she is so much more than I expected and she grows with each story, even her hubby Chris showed more depth in this book, he came off more protective at times instead of just putting Shelby down but he still has a way to go in my mind.
Shelby is coming into her own and learning how to use her new gift to help and I am excited to read more.
Shelby is coming into her own and learning how to use her new gift to help and I am excited to read more.
August 26, 2014
Oh Shelby. You're a more likable psychic than Sookie Stackhouse ever was.
July 17, 2019
Re-read
4.5
4.5
March 19, 2016
3.++. I didn't find it quite as entertaining as the first one, "Carrots", but I still like Shelby. I will probably read the third one in the series, but not right away. Rainy day, perhaps.
June 18, 2017
Shelby :). Colleen Helme created Shelby just to tell the world that we had enough of James Bond and now it was the turn for the women to pick up the gun!
Fast money starts where Carrots stops. The fluidity with which it picks up, makes me forget that I have read Carrots sometime ago. Shelby does not want anyone to know that her mind reading ability is back. But fate had other plans for her. After all, if you have a gift of this magnitude surely you cannot hide it.
A pair of expensive boots makes her look into the account Uncle Joey had set up for her. This starts the adventure again. An adventure worth 5,000,243 and 75c. This amount was lying in her account and she has no idea where it has come from. Chris as usual is surprised at her powers coming back. I love the way, Chris is supportive of her ability. Even if he doesn’t like a, he’s supports till the very end. But he is worried too. The drug lords behind her and the law enforcement is suspicious of her motives. They think that she is connected to Uncle Joey. They even are hidden bugs in their house. And Chris was getting a bit fed up of living a life in tenterhooks.
The adventure starts with Shelby hearing the thoughts of a serial killer. This has her going through hell and she almost died had it not been for ‘yours truly’ :) saving her. But where is uncle Joey in all this drama. Is he missing? Or killed? Kidnapped a simply the brains behind all this? Well, that can only be revealed after you listen to this book.
Listen? Are you guys wandering now that if I have lost my senses?:) No Dearies’s, I didn’t listen to this wonderful read for dear Colleen was generous enough to give me a copy of this. Thank you Colleen for introducing me to this world of audible books. I listen to this spoke even while driving and it does not require constant streaming. So wow! Did I enjoy this experience. You betcha!!
Now coming back to the story. Great story. Great characters. Shelby, Uncle Joey, Chris (love the confidence this guy has as a hobby), all of them hold up their end to catch a reader’s attention. But if you take your attention away even for a minute, the story is stormed with different characters. The fast pace of this novel keeps my attention glued to the read. Ramos is back! (I have a secret wish to see him in love with Shelby. What a bloody home breaker I am. Sorry Chris!) The FBI agents, the drug lords all come together to keep the fast pace of the read. This is from a person who has an ASD (attention span deficiency) it is like a meditation to keep my attention focused. Shelby is no more a woman doubting the ability like she did in Carrots.
www.rubinaramesh.com
Fast money starts where Carrots stops. The fluidity with which it picks up, makes me forget that I have read Carrots sometime ago. Shelby does not want anyone to know that her mind reading ability is back. But fate had other plans for her. After all, if you have a gift of this magnitude surely you cannot hide it.
A pair of expensive boots makes her look into the account Uncle Joey had set up for her. This starts the adventure again. An adventure worth 5,000,243 and 75c. This amount was lying in her account and she has no idea where it has come from. Chris as usual is surprised at her powers coming back. I love the way, Chris is supportive of her ability. Even if he doesn’t like a, he’s supports till the very end. But he is worried too. The drug lords behind her and the law enforcement is suspicious of her motives. They think that she is connected to Uncle Joey. They even are hidden bugs in their house. And Chris was getting a bit fed up of living a life in tenterhooks.
The adventure starts with Shelby hearing the thoughts of a serial killer. This has her going through hell and she almost died had it not been for ‘yours truly’ :) saving her. But where is uncle Joey in all this drama. Is he missing? Or killed? Kidnapped a simply the brains behind all this? Well, that can only be revealed after you listen to this book.
Listen? Are you guys wandering now that if I have lost my senses?:) No Dearies’s, I didn’t listen to this wonderful read for dear Colleen was generous enough to give me a copy of this. Thank you Colleen for introducing me to this world of audible books. I listen to this spoke even while driving and it does not require constant streaming. So wow! Did I enjoy this experience. You betcha!!
Now coming back to the story. Great story. Great characters. Shelby, Uncle Joey, Chris (love the confidence this guy has as a hobby), all of them hold up their end to catch a reader’s attention. But if you take your attention away even for a minute, the story is stormed with different characters. The fast pace of this novel keeps my attention glued to the read. Ramos is back! (I have a secret wish to see him in love with Shelby. What a bloody home breaker I am. Sorry Chris!) The FBI agents, the drug lords all come together to keep the fast pace of the read. This is from a person who has an ASD (attention span deficiency) it is like a meditation to keep my attention focused. Shelby is no more a woman doubting the ability like she did in Carrots.
www.rubinaramesh.com
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews