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Samantha Sweet #9
Sweet Somethings
“Shelton again has done a superb job in bringing New Mexico to life.” —Albuquerque Journal
“Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes.” —The Midwest Book Review
Two things are weighing on Samantha Sweet’s mind this summer—organizing the Sweet Somethings chocolate festival and tracking down information on the mystical carved wooden box that came into her life nearly two years ago, changing her forever. At last, she believes she has located the person who can give the answers.
The festival is behind schedule, committee members are at each others’ throats, competitors are after the big prize money and hungry crowds will soon be gathering at the gates. A slew of conflicting personalities are going at each other, and Sam is holding her breath, certain that this will not turn out well. When someone does indeed turn up dead, the trick is to find out who among the many parties committed the dirty deed.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Beau has his own set of problems trying to keep order at an encampment of free-spirited hippies who have moved into the area, so Sam is mostly on her own to keep the festival on track and find a killer. And the magic box? What Sam learns is that its powers are greater than she ever imagined, its history much more convoluted.
“Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes.” —The Midwest Book Review
Two things are weighing on Samantha Sweet’s mind this summer—organizing the Sweet Somethings chocolate festival and tracking down information on the mystical carved wooden box that came into her life nearly two years ago, changing her forever. At last, she believes she has located the person who can give the answers.
The festival is behind schedule, committee members are at each others’ throats, competitors are after the big prize money and hungry crowds will soon be gathering at the gates. A slew of conflicting personalities are going at each other, and Sam is holding her breath, certain that this will not turn out well. When someone does indeed turn up dead, the trick is to find out who among the many parties committed the dirty deed.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Beau has his own set of problems trying to keep order at an encampment of free-spirited hippies who have moved into the area, so Sam is mostly on her own to keep the festival on track and find a killer. And the magic box? What Sam learns is that its powers are greater than she ever imagined, its history much more convoluted.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2014
116 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Connie Shelton
95 books310 followersMy love of books started with weekly trips to the library as a child and from the moment I learned to read I can't remember a time that I didn't have at least one book going. For the past 25 years, that list has grown to include what I'm reading and what I'm writing at any given time.
I began writing my Charlie Parker series when my husband and I lived on Kauai, then continued them in my home state of New Mexico. Charlie lives in Albuquerque and manages to travel to a variety of locations, wherever her investigation business and her husband's helicopter business take them. My second series featuring Samantha Sweet, the 50-ish woman who breaks into houses for a living, is set in Taos, New Mexico.
In addition to reading and writing, I've traveled quite a lot, taught writing courses, and been a speaker at a whole lot of mystery conventions and writing conferences. In my spare time I also love to paint, draw, cook and spend time at the beach.
Series:
* Charlie Parker Mystery
I began writing my Charlie Parker series when my husband and I lived on Kauai, then continued them in my home state of New Mexico. Charlie lives in Albuquerque and manages to travel to a variety of locations, wherever her investigation business and her husband's helicopter business take them. My second series featuring Samantha Sweet, the 50-ish woman who breaks into houses for a living, is set in Taos, New Mexico.
In addition to reading and writing, I've traveled quite a lot, taught writing courses, and been a speaker at a whole lot of mystery conventions and writing conferences. In my spare time I also love to paint, draw, cook and spend time at the beach.
Series:
* Charlie Parker Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
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December 9, 2019A few years ago I read all the Connie Shelton's Sweet books and I just discovered that are a few more books that I felt the need to read.This
February 22, 2018
Money is the root of evil
It is in this story, anyway. Sam's long time search for information about her mysterious box expands the chocolate festival is the scene of a murder and a group of new age hippies cause trouble. What more could you ask for in a mystery? Well you get more in this and every book in this series. I'm so glad I took a chance on a new to me author.
It is in this story, anyway. Sam's long time search for information about her mysterious box expands the chocolate festival is the scene of a murder and a group of new age hippies cause trouble. What more could you ask for in a mystery? Well you get more in this and every book in this series. I'm so glad I took a chance on a new to me author.
July 2, 2018
Before I start this #9 book in the Samantha Sweet mystery series I want to commend the author on the cover art. Good job to the artist!
Yes, I read this one in one day. Love this series which I'm reading in order. And all the chocolate goodies! As always the descriptions of the cakes being decorated by Sam and her protégé Becky simple make my mouth water! This story took place in maybe a week's time in the planning and executing a three day chocolate festival. Sam was made chairman of the planning committee by default when the first one was hospitalized. There is a murder of course, and it was great fun seeing how it all played out... a tad fantastical but it worked. On to #10........
Yes, I read this one in one day. Love this series which I'm reading in order. And all the chocolate goodies! As always the descriptions of the cakes being decorated by Sam and her protégé Becky simple make my mouth water! This story took place in maybe a week's time in the planning and executing a three day chocolate festival. Sam was made chairman of the planning committee by default when the first one was hospitalized. There is a murder of course, and it was great fun seeing how it all played out... a tad fantastical but it worked. On to #10........
September 4, 2024
I liked finding out more information about the mysterious box, but the mystery itself got a bit too convoluted and confusing. Even the chocolates got a bit confusing. How on earth could you mold bite sized chocolate into the shape of a pueblo?
February 24, 2025
Quite the engaging read!
Sam and Beau are beginning their summer with separate (?) challenges. Sam has artistic personalities and a hard-to-like subordinate to deal with because no good deed goes unpunished. Beau has a destructive, ragtag, hippie community arriving to plague the town... and, of course, a murder! These disparate elements are well-written and perfectly paced, and the red herrings keep reader engagement high.
Finally, the mystery of the box is heating up! Plenty of intrigue, references to the mystical, questionable occurences, and sinister adversaries make for the most interesting read of the series!
Sam and Beau are beginning their summer with separate (?) challenges. Sam has artistic personalities and a hard-to-like subordinate to deal with because no good deed goes unpunished. Beau has a destructive, ragtag, hippie community arriving to plague the town... and, of course, a murder! These disparate elements are well-written and perfectly paced, and the red herrings keep reader engagement high.
Finally, the mystery of the box is heating up! Plenty of intrigue, references to the mystical, questionable occurences, and sinister adversaries make for the most interesting read of the series!
December 7, 2018
Sam is organizing a chocolate festival called Sweet Somethings. One of the committee members is a newcomer to Taos. She puts her hand into pretty much every assignment and causes problems. Then she ends up dead from a knife wound.
There are other complications and the reason behind the woman’s death is a bit unusual.
Sam learns a bit more about her box.
I enjoyed the book for the advancement of the characters lives and the story of the box. The mystery seemed a bit forced and I didn’t feel invested in finding the reason behind the woman’s murder.
There are other complications and the reason behind the woman’s death is a bit unusual.
Sam learns a bit more about her box.
I enjoyed the book for the advancement of the characters lives and the story of the box. The mystery seemed a bit forced and I didn’t feel invested in finding the reason behind the woman’s murder.
October 12, 2021
Chocolate Festival
This book had many different angels going at one, but they emerged separately, mysteries abound, all centered around a chocolate festival. Just reading the chocolate descriptions got my mouth watering. Another great read by Connie Shelton. I am addicted to this series, they are worth the cost. Enjoy
This book had many different angels going at one, but they emerged separately, mysteries abound, all centered around a chocolate festival. Just reading the chocolate descriptions got my mouth watering. Another great read by Connie Shelton. I am addicted to this series, they are worth the cost. Enjoy
November 21, 2018
The thought of going to a festival and it being all about chocolate sounds like a dream come true. The way Connie Shelton has written this novel makes me feel as I've been to the festival on all 3 days it was running..fantastic.
March 25, 2017
Delighting
As usual I so enjoyed another Samantha Sweet mystery. I can't wait each time to find out more about the box. It does get a little Scarry.
As usual I so enjoyed another Samantha Sweet mystery. I can't wait each time to find out more about the box. It does get a little Scarry.
May 12, 2017
Such a good series
I have never read a book that is so well written! Connie has a way with words and has done her research! I really admire and love her writing!
I have never read a book that is so well written! Connie has a way with words and has done her research! I really admire and love her writing!
June 21, 2018
Chocoholics delight
What could be better than mysteries in the middle of a huge chocolate festival?
Delightful read right up to yet another fun surprising emding!
What could be better than mysteries in the middle of a huge chocolate festival?
Delightful read right up to yet another fun surprising emding!
January 4, 2019
IMO, this is the best of the series thus far, hitting the 4-star mark.
March 17, 2020
Sam
Really good book. I have read them all. I love the characters and the plot. Each book brings a new mystery for Sam. Excellent reading!!!
Really good book. I have read them all. I love the characters and the plot. Each book brings a new mystery for Sam. Excellent reading!!!
November 10, 2021
YA mystery with a bit of magic thrown in.
May 22, 2022
Fantastic entertaining series. Great characters plus the magic box. Always a good mystery involved.
July 20, 2022
Awesome!
I love the Samantha Sweets books! Great job, Connie Shelton💗💕 I thoroughly enjoy every one I have read! Thanks for writing them and sharing with the world😃
I love the Samantha Sweets books! Great job, Connie Shelton💗💕 I thoroughly enjoy every one I have read! Thanks for writing them and sharing with the world😃
April 27, 2024
Samantha Sweet is chair of the committee putting on a chocolate festival. Someone is murdered during the festival and Sam and Beau investigate the crime. I really enjoy this series.
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July 12, 2025Wonderful, can't wait to read the next in the series!
November 16, 2025
No library has the next book, guess I'll have to buy it. This series just keeps getting better
July 22, 2014
Here we have the ninth installment of Connie Shelton’s Samantha Sweet series. This book revolves around a Taos dessert and confection festival titled Sweet Somethings. In standard Shelton fashion, the event is overshadowed by a murder, in this case the killing of one of the more colorful and irritating characters in the book. Carinda Carter—a kind of Jekyll & Heidi woman— gets on everyone’s last nerve. Indeed, during her tenure as event coordinator and wearer of several hats—some of which are not her own—Ms Carter not only makes several enemies, she manages the seemingly impossible feat of turning Sweet Somethings into sour grapes, getting herself put on ice in the process. A mysterious box reappears in Sam’s life, a talismanic item that, like the chocolates on display at the festival, attracts intensely curious researchers willing to do almost anything in their hunger to solve its delectable secrets. This Dan Brown-ish device is not new, but a reappearance from previous books.
Shelton’s novels tend to be character driven, and Sweet Somethings is no exception. Carinda, Beau, Sam, daughter Kelly, Danielle and Farrel the fighting dessert purveyors, Isobel, Sarah and alleged nephew Marcus, all these folks enter and depart the various chapters, each leaving the reader wondering if they’re ‘the one.’ Without giving away the true culprits (s), suffice to say that, also like Shelton’s previous works, we never see it coming. “Lightning strikes once; makes three.” The code phrase is given to Sam, and when she hears it again, the resolution is near. Ms Carter, it turns out, is the heiress of a fortune almost sickening sweet in its dollar amount, thus a motive arises for her murder.
The writing is very strong, if a bit formulaic. Characters are developed well, and we can almost smell and taste the delicious, tangy, aromatic delights arrayed on event tables and in various display booths. In one of the more telling phrases, Shelton takes a swipe at her own profession when a character sees a plot line in a tragic outcome. “Writers,” he says. “Sheesh!”
Readers must suspend disbelief a bit. Nothing unusual there. This is fiction, after all. For one thing, husband Beau reveals details about Kaycee Archer, a suspect, not likely something a cop would divulge. It isn’t likely, either, that an event would proceed without a ripple when a brutal murder has happened right outside the door. Shelton likely has a command of Spanish, and her writing demonstrates that, but typical readers won’t be familiar with, for example, caranduera and abuela, terms which were not explained for us gringos. Another nit-picky item: even today fifty billion (with a ‘B’) dollars seems an excessive estate, especially arising as the inheritance supposedly did from an aviation concern, as Shelton likely appreciates.
As one reviewer writes, ‘Connie Shelton gets better with every book.’ Sweet Somethings is proof of that, and the proof is, of course, in the pudding. One last thing: this reviewer accessed the digital book, but it might have been a wonderful addition to read some of those scrumptious dessert recipes. Icing on the cake, one might say.
Byron Edgington, author of The Sky Behind Me: A Memoir of Flying & Life
Shelton’s novels tend to be character driven, and Sweet Somethings is no exception. Carinda, Beau, Sam, daughter Kelly, Danielle and Farrel the fighting dessert purveyors, Isobel, Sarah and alleged nephew Marcus, all these folks enter and depart the various chapters, each leaving the reader wondering if they’re ‘the one.’ Without giving away the true culprits (s), suffice to say that, also like Shelton’s previous works, we never see it coming. “Lightning strikes once; makes three.” The code phrase is given to Sam, and when she hears it again, the resolution is near. Ms Carter, it turns out, is the heiress of a fortune almost sickening sweet in its dollar amount, thus a motive arises for her murder.
The writing is very strong, if a bit formulaic. Characters are developed well, and we can almost smell and taste the delicious, tangy, aromatic delights arrayed on event tables and in various display booths. In one of the more telling phrases, Shelton takes a swipe at her own profession when a character sees a plot line in a tragic outcome. “Writers,” he says. “Sheesh!”
Readers must suspend disbelief a bit. Nothing unusual there. This is fiction, after all. For one thing, husband Beau reveals details about Kaycee Archer, a suspect, not likely something a cop would divulge. It isn’t likely, either, that an event would proceed without a ripple when a brutal murder has happened right outside the door. Shelton likely has a command of Spanish, and her writing demonstrates that, but typical readers won’t be familiar with, for example, caranduera and abuela, terms which were not explained for us gringos. Another nit-picky item: even today fifty billion (with a ‘B’) dollars seems an excessive estate, especially arising as the inheritance supposedly did from an aviation concern, as Shelton likely appreciates.
As one reviewer writes, ‘Connie Shelton gets better with every book.’ Sweet Somethings is proof of that, and the proof is, of course, in the pudding. One last thing: this reviewer accessed the digital book, but it might have been a wonderful addition to read some of those scrumptious dessert recipes. Icing on the cake, one might say.
Byron Edgington, author of The Sky Behind Me: A Memoir of Flying & Life
September 9, 2016
Great read
As usual this author keeps you guessing right to the end about her mysteries and who done its. This is a great read
As usual this author keeps you guessing right to the end about her mysteries and who done its. This is a great read
July 25, 2014
Once again Samantha and Beau work together to bring a killer to justice. Sam is swamped as a late replacement for the chairman of the committee to organize a chocolate festival and as always her life becomes hectic almost beyond bearing. I love that Beau gets it that she sometimes has to work a long and hard as he does. There time together is always my favorite even though it is, of necessity, limited.
The big news in this story is that we learn a bit more about the box and there maybe someone searching for it, someone willing to cross lines.
I enjoy the mysteries, but it is the general interaction among her friends and family that I enjoy the most.
The big news in this story is that we learn a bit more about the box and there maybe someone searching for it, someone willing to cross lines.
I enjoy the mysteries, but it is the general interaction among her friends and family that I enjoy the most.
August 12, 2014
Sam has her hands filled with a bossy committee member who turns up dead during the first chocolate festival. So many people disliked her,so few people knew her secrets. Sam's wooden box has gained the attention of two strangers. One pretending to be some one he's not, the other honest and forthcoming about the history of the box. This is a slow paced mystery, that has many distractions. While most of the story surrounds the chocolate festival and the murder. The real interest is the story of the wooden box and why suddenly people are so interested in getting their hands on it.
December 21, 2015
Another great offering from Ms Shelton! This one is all about a chocolate festival at which one of the committee members that helped set it up is killed. Was it someone from the committee or the festival, or was the murder about something in the woman's past? Sam has her hands full, trying to run the festival, the bakery and help Beau solve the murder. In addition, she is still trying to find some information about her box... Just read it, you'll see why Shelton gets such high reviews and is a bestselling author!
August 18, 2014
2014-08-14. I enjoyed this. The chocolate festival sounded so good but parts of it got a bit tedious. I also wasn't fond of the whole killer chef. It. Mystery was goo, though, and had so interesting twists. I enjoy Sam and her family and friends.
January 11, 2015
Enjoyable read
Very good episode in the Samantha Sweet story. It's great to learn more about the mysterious wooden box as the story progresses without having all revealed in just one book.
Very good episode in the Samantha Sweet story. It's great to learn more about the mysterious wooden box as the story progresses without having all revealed in just one book.
July 18, 2016
Great summer read
This series of books is great. Every day people figuring out how to live their lives, make decisions and handle a murder in a small town. The characters grow in each book so that each book is a little different
This series of books is great. Every day people figuring out how to live their lives, make decisions and handle a murder in a small town. The characters grow in each book so that each book is a little different
July 24, 2014
I actually liked this one better than the previous one, enjoyed it.
April 30, 2016
Organizing a chocolate festival could be deadly. Strange people in town and some not leaving the correct way. Then there's the hippies and possible brush fire.
June 23, 2016
I am not really into the supernatural but I liked the food and chocolate is a favorite and I liked the mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews