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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I’ve read the whole series, I believe. I didn’t realize this was book 1. Glad I read it to get the backstory along with some entertainment.
This “accountant” gets herself into some crazy situations but somehow she manages to solve the mystery. Amazing!
Pretty good. Liked it well enough to read a sequel.
Loved this book. Very entertaining and easy to follow.
Somewhat surprised that I liked this book so much since I didn’t really like the main character, Charlie, all that well. The author’s writing style really appealed to me and I liked the twist at the end – not it all what I was expecting. I will definitely read more by this author.
I like the way it is written. Very interesting book.
I enjoyed the series!!
Good read. Keeps reader interested and curious
I loved that she is an amateur sleuth. Lots of miss steps added to the my own wrong conclusions . I wanted the murderer to be a scumbag adult but I knew that the suttle clues gave me no pleasure in reaching a similar conclusion.
Enjoyable, well written cozy.
I love Connie Shelton! Her books always make me grab a blanket and lock myself away until I finish. Her stories are always well written and fun to read. She introduces lovable characters and it’s alwaya a cozy read!
This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and I enjoyed it very much. Now I want to read her other ones!
Once again Connie Shelton has written a mystery with a nice twist. I like the fact she tosses in a bit of humor and show compassion and cares for the people around her. The characters and situations feel real. Thank Connie for another good book.
For a girl who is an accountant, she really gets involved . Surprised she was allowed to find and remove evidence without questions or police penalty. Not a deep mystery.
Light reading with some suspense
I got this from the library website Overdrive.com as an audio book and mostly listened to the book while driving to the Community Center to use the treadmill and going shopping after I was done. I could hear the woman that narrated the book turning pages and it distracted me a little.
Charlie Parker doesn’t want to be an investigator, she’s a CPA, a partner in her brother’s private investigation firm. Charlie Parker’s former best friend (the one who had eloped with her fiance) Stacy North approaches her to locate a missing watch, Charlie’s instincts go on red alert. Why on earth would she want to get re-involved with Stacy & with her former fiance, Brad North? Charlie takes pity on Stacy, who is obviously an abused wife, & locates the missing watch for her old friend. In the process, Charlie gets a look at the wealthy lifestyle she might have had with Brad North, glimpses that make her glad she didn’t marry him – especially when the case turns to murder!
a quick and simple read. Entertaining if you don’t have much time to read.
Not great
It was easy to read. I finished it in 2 days. I was trying to figure out who did it, but it kept me wondering until almost the very end.
Plan to read more if this series.