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Samantha Sweet #13
Sweet Magic
It’s here -- USA Today bestselling author Connie Shelton’s newest Samantha Sweet cozy mystery. With nearly 2 million books sold and downloaded in more than 60 countries, find out what the fuss is all about!
Samantha Sweet’s life is a little crazy right now, beginning with her daughter’s wedding, which coincides with Sam’s receiving a huge new contract for her chocolate factory. The day after the wedding someone takes a shot at Sam and she discovers the bad guys are back. OSM’s henchman, Marcus Fitch, who showed up in Taos once before, is more determined than ever to get his hands on the carved box that gives Sam her unusual powers. But as the sheriff’s department investigates the shooting, it seems Fitch has an airtight alibi.
Meanwhile, Sam’s daughter is honeymooning in England where she and her new husband discover some interesting clues that connect to home. As Kelly learns of her mother’s secrets, she is pulled into the world of the magical artifacts in ways no one could have foreseen. And Sam discovers that her own world is about to change—forever.
~ ~ ~
Praise for Connie Shelton’s previous mysteries:
“Ms. Shelton continues to perfect her craft with every book.” —5 stars, Kindle reader
“LOVE, LOVE these books!” —5 stars, online review
“Shelton again has done a superb job in bringing New Mexico to life.” —Albuquerque Journal
“Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes.” —The Midwest Book Review
Samantha Sweet’s life is a little crazy right now, beginning with her daughter’s wedding, which coincides with Sam’s receiving a huge new contract for her chocolate factory. The day after the wedding someone takes a shot at Sam and she discovers the bad guys are back. OSM’s henchman, Marcus Fitch, who showed up in Taos once before, is more determined than ever to get his hands on the carved box that gives Sam her unusual powers. But as the sheriff’s department investigates the shooting, it seems Fitch has an airtight alibi.
Meanwhile, Sam’s daughter is honeymooning in England where she and her new husband discover some interesting clues that connect to home. As Kelly learns of her mother’s secrets, she is pulled into the world of the magical artifacts in ways no one could have foreseen. And Sam discovers that her own world is about to change—forever.
~ ~ ~
Praise for Connie Shelton’s previous mysteries:
“Ms. Shelton continues to perfect her craft with every book.” —5 stars, Kindle reader
“LOVE, LOVE these books!” —5 stars, online review
“Shelton again has done a superb job in bringing New Mexico to life.” —Albuquerque Journal
“Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes.” —The Midwest Book Review
- GenresMysteryCozyCozy Mystery
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2019
141 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Connie Shelton
95 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 36 reviews
December 2, 2019
Not only was Sweet Magic fantastic, it left me dying to see where life is headed for Samantha and her family! Heart-gripping, fast-paced, and amazing, this 13th entry in Connie Shelton's Samantha Sweet series continues the path of excellence that we have followed for now thirteen books.
The joy of Kelly's beautiful wedding is soon followed by difficult twists and turns as an old enemy returns, murder moves close to home, and two other boxes enter the limelight. An amazing surprise honeymoon trip allows us to spend more time with Kelly and pulls her into the mystery of the box. Sam's delight in Kelly and Scott's lovely wedding fades as she is confronted with murder, danger, and a tragedy that almost destroys her while she still has to deal with business, including a major decision. The book is definitely NOT a cliffhanger, but we are left wondering about possible changes in Sam's life and where they might take the series..
Although it can be read as a standalone, it would be better to read at least some of the earlier books for full appreciation of the characters and the central mystery.
The joy of Kelly's beautiful wedding is soon followed by difficult twists and turns as an old enemy returns, murder moves close to home, and two other boxes enter the limelight. An amazing surprise honeymoon trip allows us to spend more time with Kelly and pulls her into the mystery of the box. Sam's delight in Kelly and Scott's lovely wedding fades as she is confronted with murder, danger, and a tragedy that almost destroys her while she still has to deal with business, including a major decision. The book is definitely NOT a cliffhanger, but we are left wondering about possible changes in Sam's life and where they might take the series..
Although it can be read as a standalone, it would be better to read at least some of the earlier books for full appreciation of the characters and the central mystery.
February 23, 2021
I've read and enjoyed the previous books in this series, and I've got to say that the author bowled me over with this thirteenth installment.
Sam (Samantha) owns a Taos, New Mexico, bakery and chocolate factory. Business has been going gang-busters to the point that she and her staff can barely catch their breath. Her daughter Kelly's wedding has just taken place, and the newlyweds seen off to their honeymoon trip to England, when Sam and her husband, Beau, get caught up with the evil doings of an old enemy.
The story and viewpoints move between the main players in the drama, namely Sam, Kelly, Beau and the villain, and the author did a fantastic job with this. An excellent mystery with a paranormal element.
Sam (Samantha) owns a Taos, New Mexico, bakery and chocolate factory. Business has been going gang-busters to the point that she and her staff can barely catch their breath. Her daughter Kelly's wedding has just taken place, and the newlyweds seen off to their honeymoon trip to England, when Sam and her husband, Beau, get caught up with the evil doings of an old enemy.
The story and viewpoints move between the main players in the drama, namely Sam, Kelly, Beau and the villain, and the author did a fantastic job with this. An excellent mystery with a paranormal element.
February 15, 2025
Best yet!
This book is riveting and delightful. It’s been the best one yet! The story was smooth and kept me reading.
This book is riveting and delightful. It’s been the best one yet! The story was smooth and kept me reading.
April 11, 2024
I have been enjoying this series for the most part, though sometimes Sam really gets on my nerves. For a creative person, she can be a bit slow on the uptake. And some of her reactions are more conservative than I would expect. But this last book disappointed me. ****BEWARE OF SPOILERS AHEAD****
The ending was too pat. She’s trying to figure out what to do with her chocolate company and how to meet the demands and suddenly we jump forward 6 months and it’s all wrapped up, neat as a pin. She’s sold the company and the house and whatever happened to the employees? At one point I’m an earlier book she promised to take care of them. And doesn’t selling the special ingredients break her trust with her mentor Bobul?
And another point—supposedly she’s never met Marcus Fitch, but wasn’t he pretending to be someone’s nephew in an earlier book? Sh she had met him. Also, his demise was a bit too easy as well. And the demise of the Fassener box.
I feel like the author felt she had to make things bigger and bigger and then just wanted to end things cuz it was too much. You don’t need to make things bigger and bigger. The plot of the mystery was all that was needed. In real life, businesses plateau. The author could have let that happen for a few books before exploding everything.
Anyway, those are my thoughts.
The ending was too pat. She’s trying to figure out what to do with her chocolate company and how to meet the demands and suddenly we jump forward 6 months and it’s all wrapped up, neat as a pin. She’s sold the company and the house and whatever happened to the employees? At one point I’m an earlier book she promised to take care of them. And doesn’t selling the special ingredients break her trust with her mentor Bobul?
And another point—supposedly she’s never met Marcus Fitch, but wasn’t he pretending to be someone’s nephew in an earlier book? Sh she had met him. Also, his demise was a bit too easy as well. And the demise of the Fassener box.
I feel like the author felt she had to make things bigger and bigger and then just wanted to end things cuz it was too much. You don’t need to make things bigger and bigger. The plot of the mystery was all that was needed. In real life, businesses plateau. The author could have let that happen for a few books before exploding everything.
Anyway, those are my thoughts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2024
I didn't like this one as much as the other books in the series. The viewpoint changed too many times. I didn't like any of the chapters involving Marcus Fitch. This one was way too dark. Although I'm glad she finally realized her gazillionaire client was causing too much work and stress and sold the chocolate side of the business, it never once mentioned what happened to her employees at the chocolate factory. Did she find places for them at her bakery, or are they just out of luck after putting in so much time, energy, and creativity? Will she still be able to make chocolates for the bakeshop? Will we ever see Boboul again? (not sure of the spelling of his name.) The books are going to have to go in a different direction now that she's back to being a baker. Will Beau recover sufficiently to go back into law enforcement? If not, will that also put an end to Samantha's sleuthing? Or will she and Kelly team up and use the joint powers of their boxes to continue solving crimes?
October 10, 2020
Thanks, everyone, for your generous praise of Sweet Magic. This was one of the most fun books in the series for me to write. Samantha really had to stretch her legs in solving the crime, plus the personal stuff going on in her life....well, I won't leave any spoilers.
This is book 13 in the series, and I've just released #14 (October, 2020). I hope everyone who was wondering what will happen next with Sam and her family will be pleasantly surprised. I'll be revealing more and discussing the whole series at my website and in my newsletter, if anyone wants to drop by and check it out. With tons of love and gratitude for my readers!
This is book 13 in the series, and I've just released #14 (October, 2020). I hope everyone who was wondering what will happen next with Sam and her family will be pleasantly surprised. I'll be revealing more and discussing the whole series at my website and in my newsletter, if anyone wants to drop by and check it out. With tons of love and gratitude for my readers!
November 25, 2022
Trying to remind myself it's just a story
I really enjoy this series, enough that I've bought all of the books, but I wish there was more accuracy when it comes to the medical stuff. I've seen bits and pieces that caught my attention, but in this one.....that's not how visiting nurses work. Because it's not a large part of the story I did give it 4 stars.
I was SO glad to see that Sam finally backed away from all the extra stuff and went back to just having the bakery. I wondered when that would happen.
I really enjoy this series, enough that I've bought all of the books, but I wish there was more accuracy when it comes to the medical stuff. I've seen bits and pieces that caught my attention, but in this one.....that's not how visiting nurses work. Because it's not a large part of the story I did give it 4 stars.
I was SO glad to see that Sam finally backed away from all the extra stuff and went back to just having the bakery. I wondered when that would happen.
July 7, 2021
A tense entry into the Sam Sweet mystery series. The magic box plays a large role and Sam's daughter Kelly is inadvertently drawn into the drama. Feeling overwhelmed by her daughter's wedding, her blossoming chocolate business and the suggestion of bad guys looking for the box again, Sam is shocked when someone is killed in her front yard. She is determined to meet her obligations until someone close to her is threatened and harmed. A suspenseful mystery
May 17, 2024
Samantha Sweet’s chocolate business is.continuing to grow. Her daughter just got married and travels to England for her Honeymoon. Meanwhile, Samantha is trying to work out the logistics that a new contract for her chocolates entails. Then, one incident makes perfectly clear what her priorities are.
April 7, 2025
So different!
I LOVED this book! The tone has changed from vaguely paranormal cozy to paranormal thriller... and I am here for the changes! The mystery is presented well, as are the twists and surprises. The multiple points of view are a welcome change. Adding Kelly as an active character is an interesting idea, and the new reality for all of this family is intriguing.
I LOVED this book! The tone has changed from vaguely paranormal cozy to paranormal thriller... and I am here for the changes! The mystery is presented well, as are the twists and surprises. The multiple points of view are a welcome change. Adding Kelly as an active character is an interesting idea, and the new reality for all of this family is intriguing.
October 23, 2020
Murder and danger
This by far has got to be the best Sweets Sweet book yet. I didn't want to put it down. It left me holding my breath and wanting to tell characters to watch out when danger was near. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This by far has got to be the best Sweets Sweet book yet. I didn't want to put it down. It left me holding my breath and wanting to tell characters to watch out when danger was near. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
November 4, 2021
Magical
The history and mystery of the boxes is revealed within the pages of this book. Read to be enthralled with the exciting tales of Sam and the Sheriff, Kelly and Scott. Are the boxes for good or evil?
The history and mystery of the boxes is revealed within the pages of this book. Read to be enthralled with the exciting tales of Sam and the Sheriff, Kelly and Scott. Are the boxes for good or evil?
April 4, 2023
THE VERY BEST SO FAR
This really was the best in the series so far. I read a review, about this book reading like a thriller mystery, and it does. Many things tied up in a bow. Can't wait to put my eyes on the next book.
This really was the best in the series so far. I read a review, about this book reading like a thriller mystery, and it does. Many things tied up in a bow. Can't wait to put my eyes on the next book.
April 22, 2020
As usual enjoyed the story
May 16, 2020
So so read
All of the good characters were weak in this book. The secret of this type of book is the characters are strong and can overcome all
All of the good characters were weak in this book. The secret of this type of book is the characters are strong and can overcome all
August 15, 2020
Loved this one! Sounds like a lot of new and exciting changes coming! Can’t wait!
September 17, 2020
Great Series
I’ve enjoyed the entire series and as someone else has said this writer’s work just kept getting better! Looking forward to reading the next one.
I’ve enjoyed the entire series and as someone else has said this writer’s work just kept getting better! Looking forward to reading the next one.
March 9, 2021
The best! I’ve grown fond of all the characters and this was the most suspenseful of all.
March 20, 2021
Great read
Hated to put this one down. Brought all the boxes into play, along with Kelly and her new adult life.
Hated to put this one down. Brought all the boxes into play, along with Kelly and her new adult life.
April 25, 2022
I thought this was an okay read. A light and entertaining enough story. Not really a mystery though as the bad guy is named straight away.
May 29, 2022
Love this series!
June 7, 2022
Sweet magic
Connie has another hit. Sam really goes through a lot of different choices she has to make . looking forward for the next one.
Connie has another hit. Sam really goes through a lot of different choices she has to make . looking forward for the next one.
December 17, 2022
Improving
The one before this book was disappointing to me, but the new twists in this one make up for it. On to number 14!
The one before this book was disappointing to me, but the new twists in this one make up for it. On to number 14!
February 17, 2023
Seemed like a wrap up of the story, but there are two more books.
January 9, 2025
Realize anything I want to write here will be a spoiler. Mother and daughter together is a fabulous idea!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2021
As much as I loved this story, with the chocolatier shop/recipes/etc. sold, I wanted to know what happened to Benji, Lisa, and the others. They are now out of a job but where did they go?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2020
The books are ok a year apart, the early ones were better hoopla audio
November 10, 2019
Sweet!
Amazing page turner. I love the transition in the story to a new storyline. I can't wait to see what adventures Sam and Kelly together will encounter!
Amazing page turner. I love the transition in the story to a new storyline. I can't wait to see what adventures Sam and Kelly together will encounter!
October 24, 2019
Sweet Magic
This book is delightful! When Sam’s daughter gets married she and her new Husband are given a wonderful trip to England. While there Kelly happens to find a dusty box that reminds her of Sam’s. She buys it as a gift for her Mother. She and Scott have an awesome time touring Cambridge and the small town they are guests in. While Kelly is shopping alone she is surprised bu Bobul who has helped her Mother in the past. He knows of the box? Kelly has bought and reminds her the box chooses you. When !the couple get home Kelly who also has an old book given by Bobul and she and Sam discover there are three boxes. One box is evil and two are good. Can Sam and Kelly learn to read the book in time to save themselves from a murderer who wants all three boxes! This book was total excitement to the end. I highly recommend!
This book is delightful! When Sam’s daughter gets married she and her new Husband are given a wonderful trip to England. While there Kelly happens to find a dusty box that reminds her of Sam’s. She buys it as a gift for her Mother. She and Scott have an awesome time touring Cambridge and the small town they are guests in. While Kelly is shopping alone she is surprised bu Bobul who has helped her Mother in the past. He knows of the box? Kelly has bought and reminds her the box chooses you. When !the couple get home Kelly who also has an old book given by Bobul and she and Sam discover there are three boxes. One box is evil and two are good. Can Sam and Kelly learn to read the book in time to save themselves from a murderer who wants all three boxes! This book was total excitement to the end. I highly recommend!
October 6, 2019
I thought the book before this was terrific and couldn't imagine how the next one could keep going at such an astonishing level. Boy was I wrong! Book 13, Sweet Magic, is incredible! This wonderful story builds and builds until Beau, Sam, and Kelly are all caught in the tangle of the evil Marcus Fitch. So many mysteries, interrelated yet affecting different family members! A wedding and surprise honeymoon, business so good that it is almost out of control, and a sudden murder add up to the most exciting book I have ever read by Connie Shelton. Don't miss this great series and the most recent addition. I couldn't bear to put it down until the surprising end!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews