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Shelby Nichols
Series · 22
books · 1886-2025

Books in series

Carrots book cover
#1

Carrots

2011

Older cover edition of ASIN B004PYDGBM Shelby Nichols is an average woman who is married to the only guy she ever fell for. Her life is organized and predictable, revolving around her husband and two children. All that changes the day she stops at the grocery store for some carrots. As the cashier rings up her purchases, a gunman is busy robbing the bank inside the store. When a customer grabs the robber's mask, he is shot and everyone runs for cover. Everyone except Shelby, who finds herself face to face with the killer. The next thing she knows, she's lying on the floor with a bullet wound to her head. Luckily, the bullet only grazes her scalp, and she doesn't suspect any lasting affects until later, when she suddenly 'hears' what people are thinking. With this uncanny ability, her life takes on a whole new dimension. Her kids think she's bossy and too old to understand them, but that's nothing compared to her husband. He says he loves her, but what is it about the redhead at work that he doesn't want her to know? As if that isn't enough, the gunman knows she can identify him, and he's out to silence her forever. In her fight to stay alive, she is saved from certain death by a handsome hit-man with ties to organized crime. This pulls Shelby even deeper into danger, where knowing someone's thoughts can not only hurt her feelings, but get her killed.
Fast Money book cover
#2

Fast Money

2011

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.
Lie or Die book cover
#3

Lie or Die

2012

Shelby has her hands full managing her new agency, but she’s determined to make it work. Her first case to track down stolen money leads her into the lingerie business where nothing is as it appears. She also finds plenty to keep her busy with the police department and Detective Harris. But all that pales in comparison to what she must do to help Uncle Joey, the local mob boss. When Chris receives threatening notes, and Hodges turns up dead, it is up to Shelby to determine what is going on and who is behind it all. It seems the past has a way of catching up with her. Soon, Shelby must use all her wits to stay alive, and her only option? Lie or Die.
Secrets That Kill book cover
#4

Secrets That Kill

2013

As a “favor” to Uncle Joey, Shelby must deliver a letter to his associate in Orlando where she has been vacationing with her family. When things go terribly wrong, Shelby finds herself being pursued by a Florida Kingpin for the information he thinks she stole. On her own and in trouble, Uncle Joey sends Ramos to her rescue. As Shelby and Ramos take care of unfinished business, Shelby uncovers information about Ramos and a secret that could change his life. On a path of revenge and intrigue, Shelby finds that some secrets are meant to be kept…and others? They can kill.
Trapped by Revenge book cover
#5

Trapped by Revenge

2013

With summer over Shelby is looking forward to having some time to herself while the kids are back in school. A phone call from Uncle Joey ruins her plans, but she manages to take it in stride. After lunch with her friend, she promises to meet with the private investigator who was spying on Uncle Joey, but this simple task turns into a disaster. Not only does she find the P.I. dead, but a slip of paper with her name on it under his lifeless hand implicates her for his murder. Desperate to prove her innocence and find the person who killed him, Shelby begins a frantic search. She enlists the aid of the local mob boss, Uncle Joey, his hit-man, Ramos, and her police detective friend, Dimples, but soon finds that nothing can save her from becoming entangled in a sinister plot. With her life on the line and no way out, she finds herself trapped by revenge, and realizes it will take all her skills to escape. Now she must choose where her loyalties lie, and hope she doesn’t trade something bad, for something even worse.
Deep In Death book cover
#6

Deep In Death

2014

Running “errands” for her mob-boss employer, Joey “The Knife” Manetto, often ends with Shelby in trouble, making her cautious about continuing her association with him. Instead, she focuses on a new client who hires Shelby to find her missing mother. What seems like a routine case turns into something more sinister and deadly than she ever imagined. In the meantime, Uncle Joey has summoned Shelby to his office, where she runs into her former nemesis. Shelby inadvertently hears something that makes her fear for the lives of Uncle Joey and his hit-man, Ramos. This time, Uncle Joey is not sure he wants to involve Shelby in something he knows could get her killed. Keeping Shelby’s involvement to a minimum has disastrous results, sending Shelby on a dangerous path. As her investigation unfolds, Shelby finds death at every turn, and soon realizes she is in over her head. Can she escape from danger in time? Or will she find herself deep in death?
Crossing Danger book cover
#7

Crossing Danger

2015

Shelby Nichols isn’t your average soccer-mom turned private investigator. She’s more on the quirky side with a little wild thrown in. That’s because a near-fatal gunshot wound to the head left her with the ability to read minds. This lands her in all kinds of trouble, and this time is no exception. Helping a reporter, Billie Jo, get the low-down on a case is just the tip of the iceberg. When her best friend’s niece goes missing, Shelby is pulled into a conspiracy that involves the police and the leader of a violent drug ring. Add to that a stranger in town with ties to the mob-boss she works for, along with a known assassin out to kill him, and Shelby is crossing danger at every turn. Will she find the answers in time? Or will this be her last adventure?
Devil in a Black Suit book cover
#7.5

Devil in a Black Suit

A Shelby Nichols Adventure

2018

More than sparks fly when a hit-man and a spy join forces. Ramos' job as the right-hand man to a mobster takes a turn when a government agent from his past shows up wanting a favor. This leads him into a dangerous alliance where helping an agent takes him to Cuba and his troubled past. Wanting to find out what happened to his father pulls him into the job, but the cost just might be his life. Will this be the place he dies? Read it now and find out. This book is a stand-alone novel from Ramos' point of view and is based on the characters from the Shelby Nichols Series. For readers of the series, this book takes place between book seven, Crossing Danger, and book eight, Devious Minds . USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Colleen Helme offers a clever mix of mystery, laugh-out-loud humor, and thrilling adventure in the highly acclaimed Shelby Nichols Adventure Series. \\\\\* Did this book about Ramos live up to my expectations? Yes 100 times! Another win for Colleen and the Shelby World! Cannot wait for more! ~ Berls at Because Reading This is a true stand-alone story, and a thrilling roller coaster ride for Ramos and Agent Sloan. ~Amazon Reviewer Devil in a Black Suit is a Shelby spin-off, and she's not in it a ton. However to me, that makes each mention of her even sweeter. It was a fun journey to take off the beaten path of the Shelby universe, and I loved every step of it! A great, refreshing Ramos-centered mystery thriller! I hope Colleen Helme writes more stories about my favorite hit-man!! ~Amazon Reviewer Perfect for fans of Leslie Wolfe, Russell Blake, Camilla Chafer, and Jana DeLeon.
Devious Minds book cover
#8

Devious Minds

1886

It’s been almost a year since a near-fatal gunshot wound left Shelby Nichols with the ability to read minds. In that time she’s faced one problem after another. She’s been shot at, framed for murder, and targeted by a serial killer, just to name a few. Now she’s trying to help her lawyer husband win a murder trial that will enable him to become a partner in his law firm. Sounds easy, right? But nothing ever goes as planned when it comes to Shelby Nichols. When special agent, Blake Beauchaine, shows up to collect a debt from Shelby, things get even more complicated, and Shelby is soon on her way to Paris. A routine meeting with a rogue agent reveals a sinister plot, putting Shelby into the cross-hairs of a known terrorist. Even worse, she doesn’t speak French, so it seems her mind-reading abilities won’t help her this time. Things go from bad to downright dangerous for Shelby, especially since her usual guardians, Uncle Joey, and his hit-man, Ramos, are back in the states. Lost and on her own in the streets of Paris, can Shelby escape the cold-blooded killer in time to stop his devious plans, or will this be the end of the line for Shelby Nichols?
Hidden Deception book cover
#9

Hidden Deception

2016

Book 9 in the Shelby Nichols Adventure Series Just back from Paris, Shelby barely has time to get over her jet lag before she is right back in the thick of things. Uncle Joey, the local mob boss, needs her help to find out what his son is hiding from him. Detective Harris, AKA Dimples, has an unsolved homicide on his hands, along with a missing engagement ring. Shelby's husband, Chris, just got promoted to partner in his law firm, and she has yet to see his new office or meet his new secretary. Add to that the opportunity to purchase a beautiful home, and Shelby is racing from one thing to the next while trying to keep them all straight. When a courier in Uncle Joey’s organization turns up dead, it’s up to Shelby and her mind-reading powers to find out who killed him and why. The house Shelby wants to buy has a few problems that go beyond the building code, and the murder she’s helping Dimples solve has ties to Chris’ law firm. Even using all of her skills, Shelby finds one hidden deception after another. And if she’s not careful, it might be the one she least expects that will kill her.
Laced In Lies book cover
#10

Laced In Lies

2017

Meet Shelby Nichols, mind reader extraordinaire. A typical day in the life of Shelby Nichols involves cheating husbands, solving the hardest cases for the police, and working for a big time mob-boss, all because of her little secret that she can read minds. It can get complicated, especially considering she has a husband and two kids. Ramos, Uncle Joey’s hit-man, is reluctant to involve Shelby when an acquaintance from his past comes into town. Uncle Joey has a favor to ask Shelby which involves heading to New York City and meeting his estranged relatives. Then there’s Dimples, a police detective, who needs her help finding the person behind a deadly new drug. It’s no wonder Shelby has a hard time keeping everything straight. But the worst is deciding how to explain her crazy, mixed-up life to her kids. So far, her explanations have all been laced in lies, and she worries that, if the truth ever comes out, they will never trust her again. Of course, none of that matters if she doesn’t escape the deadly enemy that takes her by surprise. Facing death has a way of putting things into perspective, if only she can stay alive long enough to appreciate it…
Deadly Escape book cover
#11

Deadly Escape

2018

Book 11 in the Shelby Nichols Adventure Series How many times can a person escape death? Shelby Nichols may be one lucky gal, but this time, her luck is about to run out. Working for a mob-boss has danger written all over it, but when an escaped convict with a lust for revenge goes after him, it’s up to Shelby and her mind-reading skills to keep Uncle Joey alive. Not only that, but a federal agent from her past has an agenda with her name on it, and he won’t take no for an answer. What’s a mind-reading soccer mom to do? If you’re Shelby Nichols, you jump in with your mind wide open and hope for the best.
A Midsummer Night's Murder book cover
#11.5

A Midsummer Night's Murder

2018

A Shelby Nichols Novella For a mind-reader like Shelby Nichols, finding a murderer should be a piece of cake. But add an overzealous prosecuting attorney with a grudge against her, and the wrong person could end up in jail. Can Shelby find the real killer before he strikes again? (From the Summer Snoops Anthology) 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. \\\\\* "Excitement, danger, romance and Ramos...what a magnificent combination!" ~Amazon Reviewer Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Darynda Jones, Amy Vansant, and JB Lynn
Marked for Murder book cover
#12

Marked for Murder

2019

Trouble follows Shelby Nichols Why wouldn't it? She works for a mob boss. And the police. A desperate call from a friend in need turns Shelby’s life upside down. Someone is out to prove that Shelby is a fake, marking her for murder. How far will they go? As the clock ticks down, she realizes no one is safe, and it’s up to her to stop them. Will she succeed? Let’s hope so, because time is running out... 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. Book 12 in the Shelby Nichols Adventure Series PRAISE FOR THE SHELBY NICHOLS SERIES "The author has such a quirky sense of humor partnered with such creative talent it that really shines on every page!" ~ Amazon Reviewer "Every Shelby Nichols Adventure is better than the last! The characters are dynamic and the stories are full of twists and turns. Can't wait for the next one!" ~Amazon Reviewer
Ghostly Serenade book cover
#13

Ghostly Serenade

2020

An unsolved murder, a mob boss out for revenge, and a message from a ghost? Just another day in the life of Shelby Nichols. Shelby's family trip to meet the New York Manettos is not turning out to be the enjoyable break she'd hoped for. Being recruited by the NYPD to help with a murder case doesn't seem so bad, but threats from a rival mob, against Uncle Joey and the whole Manetto family, take things to a whole new level. How can she reason with a mob boss out for revenge? Even her mind reading skills might not be enough to save the day this time. Join Shelby in her best adventure yet! 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. PRAISE FOR THE SHELBY NICHOLS SERIES "The author has such a quirky sense of humor partnered with such creative talent it that really shines on every page!" ~ Amazon Reviewer "Every Shelby Nichols Adventure is better than the last! The characters are dynamic and the stories are full of twists and turns. Can't wait for the next one!" ~Amazon Reviewer Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Lyndee Walker, Denise Grover Swank, and Lisa Regan
Dying Wishes book cover
#14

Dying Wishes

2020

Shelby Nichols needs some time off, but for a mind-reader with ties to the police and the mob, is that even possible? Her kids want the dog she's promised them, the police need her to talk to a counselor, and Uncle Joey has unexpected news that could change her life. Is Shelby up to the task? Let's hope so, because solving a murder might be easier than granting a dying wish.
High Stakes Crime book cover
#15

High Stakes Crime

A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel

2021

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?
Ties That Bind book cover
#16

Ties That Bind

2022

What do explosions, murder, and cryptocurrency have in common? You guessed it – Shelby Nichols. Who knew that dabbling in cryptocurrency could be life-threatening? In a game of cat and mouse, it’s not always obvious who is chasing whom, especially when it involves a mind-reading soccer mom like Shelby Nichols. It’s hard to fool a mind-reader, but that doesn’t mean finding a killer is easy, especially when the killer disappears into thin air. But threatening her family changes everything. Now, nothing will keep Shelby from finding the truth, and it soon becomes apparent that it’s never a good idea to mess with Shelby Nichols.
Grave Duty book cover
#17

Grave Duty

2023

After the turmoil of the last few weeks, Shelby is hoping for a little less excitement and drama in her life, but her duty to a mob boss, the police, and her family, make that nearly impossible. Soon, the biggest danger she faces comes from an unexpected source, and she finds that some coincidences are part of a bigger scheme that could lead her to an early grave. Let's hope she can dig her way out, or this adventure might be the last chapter in the life of Shelby Nichols. 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. PRAISE FOR THE SHELBY NICHOLS SERIES "I cannot get enough from this incredible author! I have followed Shelby from CARROTS to this latest story and have loved every one. I couldn't say which I have liked and enjoyed more; Colleen is an incredibly talented person and her stories tell us why. This collection of stories starring Shelby Nichols is beyond good, and I highly recommend it." ~ Christina Brett - Author "Colleen Helme is one of the greatest authors working independently today." ~Matthew LeDrew, Bestselling author of Infinity "The author has such a quirky sense of humor partnered with such creative talent it that really shines on every page!" ~ Amazon Reviewer Perfect for fans of Jana DeLeon, Elizabeth Hunter, Eve Langlais, Shannon Mayer, and KF Breene.
Presumed Dead book cover
#18

Presumed Dead

2024

The stakes have never been higher. Shelby must save the man she loves... or die trying. A simple search-and-rescue mission sends Shelby into the woods, where she stumbles on a long-dead secret. Add a spur-of-the-moment trip to San Francisco that goes horribly wrong, and Shelby is in a race against time. Good thing she’s got friends who are willing to help, but even that may not be enough to save the man she loves. In a game of secrets and shadows, Shelby must trust her instincts, or lose everything. 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. I have read the whole series at least four times and will read it again and again. It is one of the best series I have ever read. I really love Ramos. I can't wait for the next book!! - Amazon Reviewer I’ve really had a good time with this series. There are so many “serious” or “heavy” books out there, and this series is a break. It’s popcorn lit, and sometimes, that’s what we need. Light, fun, and sometimes a little improbable, but it’s definitely a series I look forward to reading. I like the family dynamic, the tension, and the crazy situations. I’m looking forward to Shelby’s next adventure. - Amazon Reviewer This series has elements of paranormal, mob, comedy, romance, action, and family drama. I love all the characters, and I highly recommend this series. Colleen Helme has become one of my favorite authors. - Amazon Reviewer Perfect for fans of Dawn Merriman, Amanda M Lee, Wendy Wang, and Lily Harper Hart.
The Life and Times of Shelby Nichols book cover
#21

The Life and Times of Shelby Nichols

2025

A hilarious collection of journal entries from Shelby Nichols, telling us just what it's like to read minds in everyday life. A mob boss, a hitman, and a mind reader. What could go wrong?
#22

Behind Blue Eyes

2025

Author

Colleen Helme
Colleen Helme
Author · 29 books
***USA Today Bestselling Author***Colleen Helme is the author of the bestselling Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, a wildly entertaining and highly humorous series about Shelby Nichols, a woman with the ability to read minds. She is also the author of the Sand and Shadow Series, a spin-off from the Shelby Nichols Series featuring Ella St. John, a woman with a special ‘healing’ touch. Between writing about these two friends, Colleen has her hands full, but is enjoying every minute of it, especially when they appear in books together. When not writing, Colleen spends most of her time thinking about new ways to get her characters in and out of trouble. She loves to connect with readers and admits that fans of her books keep her writing.
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Shelby Nichols