Praise for USA Today bestselling author, Connie Shelton, and her first novel:“An impressive debut mystery!” — Albuquerque Journal“Charlie is slick, appealing and nobody’s fool–just what readers want in an amateur sleuth.” — Booklist“This is a dandy. Don’t miss it!” — Book TalkIn this debut almost-cozy mystery series novel, Charlie Parker, accountant and partner in an Albuquerque private … and partner in an Albuquerque private investigation firm, is visited by her old school friend, Stacy North. Stacy’s Rolex watch is missing and she begs Charlie to help locate it before her husband finds out. Things are complicated by the fact that Stacy had been seeing another man, Gary Detweiller, and he’s the one she suspects of having stolen the watch. With a little detective work, Charlie and her sidekick dog, Rusty, retrieve the missing watch and all should be well. But three days later, Detweiller is murdered. All eyes turn to Stacy as the prime suspect.
Once again, Stacy begs Charlie’s help in proving her innocence. As she begins to ask questions, Charlie learns that Detweiller’s life was not as simple as first perceived and that any number of people had grievances against him. And before she can pinpoint the killer, her own life is in danger as well.
Includes new foreword from the author upon the 20th anniversary of first publication of this ongoing mystery series first title.
Praise for the other books in the Charlie Parker mystery series:
“A well written, by the book who-done-it that will enthrall purists. Charlie is a fabulous amateur sleuth.” — Midwest Book Review
“Shelton has created a lively hero in Charlie and puts her into situations that require prompt action and good common sense. A Charlie Parker mystery is always a good read…” –Southwest Book Views
“Charlie is a good detective and a pleasant companion to unravel a mystery with.” — Mystery News
“Shelton’s engaging story, likable heroine, and comfortable prose make this a good choice.” — Library Journal
“Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes.” –The Midwest Book Review
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Great beach or fireside read. Interesting characters and a story line filled with twists and turns and an unexpected ending. Highly recommend. Looking forward to the next book.
I love the books from Connie Shelton. I am from New Mexico and live close to Albuquerque and have been to Taos often. I get kick out of locations described in her books since I am familiar with the areas.
I enjoyed this book a great deal. I’m not usually a ‘cozy mystery’ reader, but this one caught my attention. It was a good mystery with likable characters. I’d recommend it, and the series, to anyone.
I liked that it seemed to be written from the viewpoint of inside Charlie’s head, all her thoughts, feelings and distractions.
Charlie Parker is an accountant for a private investigation firm along with her side-kick dog Rusty. An old friend from high school–Stacy asks for help to retrieve her stolen Rolex watch before her husband finds out it is missing. Stacy suspects a man she had an affair with– Gary Detweiller. Complications arise when Gary is murdered three days later and Stacy becomes a prime suspect. As Charlie digs dipper into the case she finds her life in danger. This is a great murder mystery and it will surprise you at the end.
Great way to amuse oneself during a wild storm.
Very enjoyable read and al along I thought it was Brad- such a jerk and poor Stacy but I was wrong… Good read.
I love all of Connie Sheltons books. Very relaxing to read. Interesting characters
If you like the character Kinsey Milhone in the Alphabet Murders you will enjoy this book and its main character .
I enjoyed it
Pretty good sleuthing for an accountant!
Charlie Parker has no reason to help her ex-best friend, especially considering that Stacy loped with Charlie’s fiancé, Brad North. Unfortunately, Charlie has always been a pushover for a sob-story and it is obvious that Stacy needs help to recover a valuable item from a thief. Usually Ron, the investigating half of RJP Investigations would be the ideal choice to take on the case instead of Charlie who is the accountant in their partnership, but Ron is out of town and Stacy is desperate so Charlie agrees to help. Things started out well, but then Stacy becomes the prime suspect in a murder and none of the clues are adding up.
This was an enjoyable read for the first book in a series. Sometimes Charlie was a little too disingenuous which is why I only gave it four stars, but overall I liked the book.
I really enjoyed this book. Can’t wait for the next one.
Connie Shelton’s characters are great … a real sense of family as their relationships build.
I really appreciated the foreword/introduction explaining when the book had been written. It helps make sense in why certain events occurred the way they did. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
If you are looking for a story to entertain you on a quiet day, this is it
Kept me up way too late, loved it anyway!
She has a great way of making you like the characters.
I enjoyed the main character, but several things were unbelievable.
Charlie finally realized that her best friend did her a favor when she stole and married Charlie’s fiance. Solving a theft and a murder that the best friend was invoked in was icing on the cake.
I found this book to be enjoyable and entertaining.