Poisoned Truth

Shelby Nichols #19

by Colleen Helme

When the truth is poisoned, everyone's a suspect.Reading minds should make life easier, but Shelby Nichols knows better. Between poisoned pastries, cyber-attacks, and killers on the loose, her so-called “psychic” gig is turning deadly. Everyone's lying and the truth is more dangerous than she ever imagined. Good thing Shelby's got sass, smarts, and zero plans to die anytime soon.

Psychic consultant. Mob asset. Mom. Multitasking has never been this deadly.

Colleen Helme is the bestselling author of the Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, packed with cozy mystery, heart, and a touch of the paranormal. With quick wit and suspenseful twists, her stories keep readers hooked.

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 Janet Evanovich, Jana DeLeon, Gemma Halliday, and Charlaine Harris.

Genres: Mystery

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

About the author

Solving crimes with sass, suspense, and a splash of the supernatural.
Colleen Helme is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, best known for her fast-paced, laugh-out-loud Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, where cozy mystery meets a dash of the paranormal. With over 19 books in the series and several more in her Sand and Shadow and the Love, Loyalty and Larceny series, she’s built a world in which readers love to escape.

Reviews

[Patricia Rupell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a ride! Like the other books in the series, it was fast paced and a lot of fun. Looking forward to the next one.

[Brenda Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wild ride in the Shelby Nichols adventures!!❤️

I have been a Shelby Nichols fan from the beginning. Colleen Helme has done a fantastic job with this 19 book series and I have enjoyed every single one! The books have everything to hold your attention, suspense, murders to be solved, paranormal elements and a slow burn sexual tension that will keep you from being able to put these books down! The Poisoned Truth is book #19 and I have enjoyed every one beginning with the first book Carrots. Do yourself a favor and start reading this series today! You won’t be sorry! Now, I’m just waiting on #20. Great job, Colleen!

[Candy Galindo · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is the latest book in a series about a mindreader who works for a mob boss, the police, and has a p.i business. she is also married to a successful lawyer and has two kids. these books are not only filled with multiple adventures at a time, but also shows how she successfully fulfills all of her roles. these books are always fun and are highly entertaining, quick reads

note: if you have not read these books before, you need to read in order, as all the relationships get fleshed out as the series continues. carrots is the first book in the series

[Anita Haag · Rating 5 out of 5]

another crazy ride with mind reading Shelby

I absolutely love this series! They are light and fun with the perfect mix of intrigue, danger, a sexy man, and Shelby. They are never too serious so I don’t lose sleep over Shelby’s involvement with crime & murder. If you like brave/slightly nutty heroines, you’ll love this series!

[Jean Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT STORY!

I adore the Shelby Nichols series and this novel was just as wonderful as all the previous ones. Shelby is an awesome mother, wife, PI, police consultant and niece to Uncle Joey. This was a great mystery, what an adventure! Highly recommend. No cliffhanger so it could be read as a standalone, but why would you want to! Read from the series!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 stars would t be enough with this one. Incredible all the twists and turns in the adventure with Shelby. The personal life makes it complete with our love for her and her characters. Ramos ? Babe, what can I say ❤️

[Kay Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous series!!

I am completely hooked on this series. The characters are unique to say the least. This is not the same old same old series. The storylines are interesting and definitely different. I like the fast paced tempo relieved with a bit of humor and the paranormal throughout each adventure. The interaction and genuine affection that has developed between this unlikely group is unexpected. It just adds to the unique development and growth of the series. This is an awesome series! I highly recommend it.

[Denise Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you

Each book gets better, it arrived in my kindle today and I finished reading it today. Colleen Helme keeps you reading her books, her story lines and characters keep you wanting to know more. Problem is now I want the next book in the series.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read

The latest instalment in the Shelby Nichols adventures series is a brilliant read, with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, and more assassination attempts than a political rally! It made me laugh out loud many times and I loved the ending. And I’m REALLY looking forward to the next book now!

[Pamela Falls Eyraud · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't missed a book in this series since I first stumbled upon "Carrots," the one that started it all. "Poisoned Truth" follows the same formula as its predecessors. I did see the final plot twist coming very early on. However, it was still an enjoyable read, and I will read the next one, and the next one and...

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Although that's not a great surprise with such a great series. Who would have thought buying carrots would have given you enough plot materials for nineteen books and the series is still going strong.
If you don't know what I am going on about, then where have you been? Shelby stopped off to buy carrots and ended up getting shot in the head during a robbery. Since then (book one) her mind reading skills has her working for both the police and a Mob Boss. All of which leads to a few hairy situations, near death encounters and a number a motorbike rides. Skip ahead to this book and you get all that and so much more, which is why I loved it. The characters are so much more than characters and feel like family, especially as we know them so well. As for the adventure, with Shelby working three case/problems the entertainment never stops.

When somebody barges in accusing Uncle Joey of trying to kill him, the Mob Boss puts his best man ...sorry woman on the job. Shelby needs to use her mind reading skills to find out the connection between the two man and find out who would want to take them both down. Framing one for the others death takes a lot of planning and somebody at one of the companies must know something. At the same time Shelby is also facing a fight to save her own reputation at the police department, when a photo of her buying drugs comes to light. Can she clear her name and still help officer Dimples work his case? She also has her own cases to work as a private investigator but following a man's cheating wife has her getting involved with her husband Chris's case. A whistle blower is struggling to find the proof that will help save lives and Chris needs Shelby to help keep his informant safe. Can Shelby over come all the problems and guns going off to get her motorbike ride and finish Jackie's book.

I like the narrator. She puts her all into the story and it shows in an entertaining and fun way.
I can't wait to join the gang on there next adventure
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Gskm · Rating 5 out of 5]

outstanding

I can’t believe how much I love this series. Just the premise of someone reading minds is intriguing to me. The characters stole my heart and every books just gets better and better. There are several cases the crew work through in this story. It is a busy one for Shelby to solve. They have a food poisoning case, an assassin to uncover, determine why the police are investigating Shelby, her, find out how to stop a drug company from releasing a new product that does not work and is extremely harmful, and lastly, find out why someone is trying to kill her Uncle.

There are some injuries to our beloved crew. As always, Shelly helps save the day along with Ramos and her husband (even he is involved in helping a whistleblower. Highly recommend this book as well as the series. Enjoy this one!

[ConniW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get this book!

This one is a strong contender for the top spot in the series. The characters as always in Colleen Helme's books are top notch and well thought out making sure you love them dearly or love to hate them completely.
The hijinks are crazy in this one and so many spinning plates going it was amazing how well Shelby juggled the family drama. I am still blown away with the world building involved in the scenes.
Family friendly read, collection worthy!!!

[Ac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never gets old

OMG I love this series! It is a guilty pleasure with a love triangle that shouldn’t exist but, satisfyingly, it does. *sigh*
I am such a picky reader and lose interest in books and series quickly if they are not special. This series is special because I read every word. No speed reading, no page skipping…every-single-word!
And when she added a German shepherd to the mix several books ago, I was toast.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I am torn between asking the author to please hurry or telling her to take her time to make it just as good!

[Kathleen Bohle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the BEST!

I love Shelby Nichols character. From the first book in this series, where Shelby gets her abiotic read minds, through all the ups and downs of working for a mob boss. Which if you have read this series, it isn’t all about working for the mob, but it’s just Shelby herself. Colleen Helme has written a wonderful series of books, but Shelby Nichols is the one I love the best! I’m looking forward to reading more and for Shelby and Ramos and all the other wonderfully written characters! Thank you Colleen.

[Daphn1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Love, Loved This Book.

I love this series! I’ve read every single one of the Shelby Nichols Adventure books, and every one is so good! These characters feel like family to me. The mystery, adventures, and the edge of your seat drama, makes for a page turner of a book! Add in the humor, and fun dialog makes this my most favorite series, hands down! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelby is a warrior

The poison was so strategic that even I was caught off guard by how malicious it was done. We have an assassin within our midst and it seems they are always one step ahead. Shelby has all of these resources but doesn’t seem to be going anywhere however she is being pulled in different directions. Who is doing this to her? Will she find out in time to save herself?

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous addition to this series

Each of the Shelby Nichols books get better and better. There is so much going on with multiple unrelated investigations, it's hard to keep up. But Shelby manages to both get herself in trouble and save the day at the same time. I couldn't put the book down and enjoyed every second.

[Marie Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a hard time waiting for the next book to appear in this series. Shelby is a wonderful character with a great supporting cast. She can find more ways to get in trouble than most people. This book keeps her string going. I love her stories which include a lot of humor. I’m anxiously awaiting Shelby’s next adventure.

[Karen Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

No surprise

Shelby out did herself again. No surprise! At 75 I so look forward to all her news books. Her writing is supreme. This book as all her books I've read are clean and fun. I feel even 13 year olds would enjoy it. This one was so full of action and mystery I didn't want to put it down.

[Debra Chiaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

It's truly amazing how much trouble one P.I. can get into! But, I love, love, love this series and have a tough time waiting for the next book. I recommend all readers to start at the beginning. I'm sure they will find it just as intriguing as I have. I do hope Colleen that you will continue with the series. Thanks much!

[Cindy Rippentrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chaos be thy middle name

I just love this series. The community it has built and the ROM COM has me laughing. The characters are flawed and believable. The stories the author weaves within the story keeps me engaged. I would highly recommend this book and this whole series if you have it yet read them. Another hit Colleen Helme thanks for sharing your genius.

[Nicole Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most exciting adventure yet

This really was the most exciting adventure in the entire series so far. Everybody on the team was at risk during this outing. A new character has been added to Minetto‘s office and her name is Circe. She really likes Ramos and he had a brief I think one night stand with her. She’s jealous of Shelby, so I am eager to see what happens in the future.

[Ilene G> · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story

Colleen does not disappoint. Lots of action , some paranormal , humor ,and twists in this story. Shelby and her friends are good characters. This is a good series , and I like all 19 books.

[Brenda Cromer · Rating 5 out of 5]

lots of action

Shelby has to balance 3 men, a husband, a mob boss and a police detective. She also has a dog 2 teenagers, and a very hot sidekick.
Shelby risks death by almost being bombed, shot, crushed.... all while trying to solve some PI cases.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

absolutely crazy convoluted plotting

Extreme rollercoaster ride, 1000x crazier than any prior Shelby adventure (and the last one was already wacked-out)!

Somehow both a tech bro and Uncle Joey are being targeted….cops, conman, crook….and a deadly showdown - Yikes!!!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about Shelby Nicholls. She manages to get in so much trouble but has a lot of fun doing along the way. Glad the latest book is just as good as the previous ones and looking forward to the next one

[DEBORAH JOHNSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beat goes on!

Fast action. Great plot. One of the few authors that consistently gives a great story … from first book to 19 or so. The characters are big and solid. I have to read some lines twice to be sure I keep them straight.

[Tracey Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit

Another amazing book in this series.
Just like the rest in the series this book keeps your attention from the beginning to the end. The characters are well written and have you invested on what is going to happen to them.

[Ginger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and filled with mysteries seemingly all connected

Fast paced mysteries that seem to multiply with each new clue.

Didn't care for main character - married with teenaged children - and her childish crush on a co worker.