I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
High Stakes Crime: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel by Colleen Helme Narrator: Wendy Tremont King
Series: Shelby Nichols #15
Published by Colleen Helme on September 2, 2021
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Science Fiction
Length: 10 hours 42 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Author
Goodreads
Crime, high-stakes poker, and a hidden treasure. Will Shelby survive her most challenging adventure yet?
Mind reader, Shelby Nichols, is determined to take charge of her own destiny, but even the best-laid plans are no match for the high-stakes crime involving a mob boss and his enemies.A simple visit with a nosy reporter leads Shelby to a story with a strong link to her past that she is unable to resist. Uncle Joey is depending on her unique talents to win a poker tournament, and a simple request from Detective Harris may end up costing her life. Now Shelby is in deep trouble all over again. This time, her only way out is with a lot of help, but will it be enough?
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.
My top thoughts:
I’m always eager to pick up the next Shelby book – they always promise a quick, fun read with my favorite characters. And you can be sure Shelby will get into some trouble, it’s like her specialty. This book was no exception!
What I liked/didn’t like:
When I started this book, I immediately picked up that we were going to have some overlapping story line with Angel Falls, the first book of a spin off series I’ve also read and loved – so I was excited to get the story of the $10 Million Vegas Poker Tournament from Shelby’s perspective. Thanks to Shelby’s mind reading abilities, not to mention that there were plenty of times where she wasn’t with the characters from Angel Falls, that part of the story was just as exciting as before – maybe more so because I knew where things were headed and I enjoyed the anticipation of seeing it from Shelby’s point of view.
But the truly exciting part of this book was the part that seemed at first glance the most tame. Shelby ends up going gold prospecting as an investor along with Uncle Joey, Ramos, and Billie – along with the group they are backing. Through a series of really poor decisions and clear inexperience, the mining project ends in disaster for Shelby … like I said she has a special ability, not just for reading minds, but for getting into trouble.
As always, this was a super fast read for me and enjoyed seeing all the characters I’ve grown to love. Shelby’s kids are really growing up and their new dog Cocoa is a real treat as well. This book wasn’t as intense as some of the previous books, but I enjoyed it just the same.
Narrator thoughts:
As always, I listened to the wonderful narration by Wendy Tremont King. I can’t believe we’re 15 books in – she truly is the voice of Shelby and the gang for me and I would be very disappointed if the narrator had to change at this point. I always listen at 2x speed very comfortably, her narration handles the increased speed really well. I can’t wait for another Shelby adventure!
This book qualifies for COYER Fall Scavenger Hunt Item #19 – a book by an author you’ve previously given 5 stars: Dying Wishes.
Glad this next by the author brought a great read for you. How exciting with a big poker tourney.