Deadly Gamble: A Girl and Her Dog Cozy Mystery (Charlie Parker Mystery Book 1)

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 Talk

In this debut almost-cozy mystery series novel, Charlie Parker, accountant 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

About Connie Shelton

Having fun with my writing, and connecting with readers--that's what being a mystery writer means to me. And I LOVE what I do!

It began in 1985 when I started writing my first novel, without much clue how to go about it. Two years and 500 pages later, when I finally typed 'The End,' I felt a huge rush of excitement. That book took third place in the Southwest Writers competition and began making the rounds of publishers. I simply started writing my second, and then my third books.

After publishing ten of my Charlie Parker mysteries, I decided to branch out with a new cozy mystery series and I created the character of Samantha Sweet. One of the ways in which I earned a little extra pocket money during my high school years was to bake and decorate cakes--hence, a career for Samantha based on my own experiences.

In 2009 I switched publishers and was off on a new adventure, seeing all of my books made available for Kindle as e-books were just beginning to take off in the book world. It's been an exciting time in publishing--high points for me were reaching #1 on Amazon a few times and the Top 50 on the USA Today bestseller list. I'm loving the way e-books allow me to personally connect with readers all over the world via my newsletter and my website at connieshelton.com.

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Besides writing the Charlie Parker and Samantha Sweet mysteries, Connie is an award-winning essayist. Her work has been published in both small and major anthologies, including Chicken Soup For the Writer's Soul, and her short stories have won several prizes. She has also been a commercial hot air balloon pilot and holds the women's world altitude record for size AX-4 balloons. She has been featured in Who's Who and The World Who's Who of Women.

She and her husband live in northern New Mexico with their two dogs, Daisy and Missy, who became stars of their own series of children's books. 

Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OHD1WQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_d_asin_title_o08?ie=UTF8&psc=1