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Heist Ladies Caper Mystery #1
Diamonds Aren't Forever
A nearly flawless museum robbery, a missing million-dollar necklace, a stalled police investigation. For the victim of the crime, the situation calls for desperate measures.
Penelope Fitzpatrick wasn’t born to wealth. Her grandfather fed the family by selling his small stash of gemstones smuggled from tsarist Russia when the monarchy fell. Now, Pen has done well for herself as a successful novelist. But when the final jewel in her family legacy becomes the target of a cunning band of thieves, and the priceless piece is stolen, the police have many excuses why they can’t solve the crime. Not one to accept defeat, Pen does the only thing she can do—gather a group of friends to help catch the crooks and steal back the necklace.
It becomes apparent the thief is a master con man who is likely working with an international theft ring. The chase takes the Ladies far from home and into elegant European enclaves as they attempt to face him down. Close calls and near misses—it’s never quite certain whether the women will be able to pull their own spectacular heist and see justice done.
Fans of Janet Evanovich and Jana DeLeon will love this daring and spunky group of women friends in their first mystery caper.
Praise for Connie Shelton’s previous novels:
“Readers can only hope the likable characters, fast-paced plots and local color will continue …” –Albuquerque Journal
“Down to earth and very readable.” –Library Journal
“…a delightfully complex mystery.” –Romantic Times (4 out 5 five stars)
“Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes.” –The Midwest Book Review
Penelope Fitzpatrick wasn’t born to wealth. Her grandfather fed the family by selling his small stash of gemstones smuggled from tsarist Russia when the monarchy fell. Now, Pen has done well for herself as a successful novelist. But when the final jewel in her family legacy becomes the target of a cunning band of thieves, and the priceless piece is stolen, the police have many excuses why they can’t solve the crime. Not one to accept defeat, Pen does the only thing she can do—gather a group of friends to help catch the crooks and steal back the necklace.
It becomes apparent the thief is a master con man who is likely working with an international theft ring. The chase takes the Ladies far from home and into elegant European enclaves as they attempt to face him down. Close calls and near misses—it’s never quite certain whether the women will be able to pull their own spectacular heist and see justice done.
Fans of Janet Evanovich and Jana DeLeon will love this daring and spunky group of women friends in their first mystery caper.
Praise for Connie Shelton’s previous novels:
“Readers can only hope the likable characters, fast-paced plots and local color will continue …” –Albuquerque Journal
“Down to earth and very readable.” –Library Journal
“…a delightfully complex mystery.” –Romantic Times (4 out 5 five stars)
“Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes.” –The Midwest Book Review
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2017
351 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Connie Shelton
94 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 77 reviews
June 8, 2018
This is not the most well written book I’ve ever read. The storyline was interesting, but the characters didn’t grab me and the dialogue was pretty cheesy.
May 29, 2020
This sounded like a good series to check out, with a group of older ladies banding together to reclaim a valuable heirloom necklace that was stolen from a museum exhibit.
The immediate problem for me was that the only copy available was an audiobook. And the reader was really bad. Lots of mispronunciations, and the voices didn't sound realistic.
I continued anyway to get an idea of what the author was actually writing. It was okay, but I didn't sense a lot of humor in it. I see most reviewers gave it a pretty high rating, so maybe I should give another of Connie Shelton's books a try. But not in audio.
The immediate problem for me was that the only copy available was an audiobook. And the reader was really bad. Lots of mispronunciations, and the voices didn't sound realistic.
I continued anyway to get an idea of what the author was actually writing. It was okay, but I didn't sense a lot of humor in it. I see most reviewers gave it a pretty high rating, so maybe I should give another of Connie Shelton's books a try. But not in audio.
August 31, 2020
Diamonds Aren't Forever by Connie Shelton is a fun romp from Arizona to the Cayman Islands and then on to Europe. The ladies are all from different backgrounds but they work together smoothly as they chase a con man who has stolen a family heirloom.
June 26, 2021
Novelist Penelope Fitzpatrick has been hit by a double whammy: first, her family legacy (a million-dollar necklace smuggled out of Russia during the 1917 rebellion) is stolen while it is on loan to a museum then she is conned out of a massive finder's fee paid to a detective who returns a facsimile to her. With the police disinclined to investigate, it's up to Pen and her newfound friends to solve the crimes and recover the treasure.
It shocked me to realize that while there were a few scenes of violence, not a drop of blood was spilt during this novel. I'm not a vampire (or ghoul) but usually, a mystery without a murder seems somehow lacklustre. This was not the case in Diamonds Aren't Forever. As I mentioned, this "missing" ingredient didn't occur to me until I sat down to write a review.
A new Connie Shelton series is a treat and it was with pleasure that I wend my way through this story. The camaraderie between the four unlikely friends was both heartwarming and genuine setting the vibe of the tale. It proves that while diamonds might not be forever, true friendship certainly is!
Recommended.
It shocked me to realize that while there were a few scenes of violence, not a drop of blood was spilt during this novel. I'm not a vampire (or ghoul) but usually, a mystery without a murder seems somehow lacklustre. This was not the case in Diamonds Aren't Forever. As I mentioned, this "missing" ingredient didn't occur to me until I sat down to write a review.
A new Connie Shelton series is a treat and it was with pleasure that I wend my way through this story. The camaraderie between the four unlikely friends was both heartwarming and genuine setting the vibe of the tale. It proves that while diamonds might not be forever, true friendship certainly is!
Recommended.
August 1, 2017
This book will be released 8/14/2017. You can pre-order at all major online retailers for just $.99 but on 8/21/2017 the price will go up to $4.99 so get your order in now!
Diamonds Aren't Forever - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of: Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; and A Book and A Dish
The whole story spilled out. The necklace going on loan to the Philpont Museum for a show on the royal jewels of Europe, the robbery six months ago where three armed men took the night guards by surprise and were able to bypass the museum's supposedly state-of-the-art security system. The police working the case for the few months but leads petered out quickly. Penelope's desperate hope that the private investigator might have better luck, not being constrained by the complexities of a bureaucracy. Dick Stone's call yesterday that he had located her piece and would deliver it today.
Penelope Fitzpatrick put all of her faith in Dick Stone. He has found the necklace that her grandfather had made many years before for the last tsar of Russia. He has now returned it to Pen who decided the best place for this million dollar necklace was in her safety deposit box at the bank. That was the day that she thought this nightmare would end only to find that it had just begun.
Author Connie Shelton held my attention as 72 year old Pen is joined by 3 other ladies that became the 'Heist Ladies.' Their travels to find the man known as Dick Stone, which is only one of his many names, takes them to the Cayman Islands where 'Mr. Stone' posing under another alias is working his next mark. They follow him to Zurich where he is to meet with a shady jeweler. And on to Nice where one of the largest jewelry exhibits was to be held. It was also the location where plans for one of the largest jewelry heists were being made.
As I read Diamonds Aren't Forever I pictured this little 72 year old lady and her 3 companions in my mind. I admired her spiff and determination. This was a book that was entertaining, humorous at times, and very enjoyable.
Diamonds Aren't Forever - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of: Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; and A Book and A Dish
The whole story spilled out. The necklace going on loan to the Philpont Museum for a show on the royal jewels of Europe, the robbery six months ago where three armed men took the night guards by surprise and were able to bypass the museum's supposedly state-of-the-art security system. The police working the case for the few months but leads petered out quickly. Penelope's desperate hope that the private investigator might have better luck, not being constrained by the complexities of a bureaucracy. Dick Stone's call yesterday that he had located her piece and would deliver it today.
Penelope Fitzpatrick put all of her faith in Dick Stone. He has found the necklace that her grandfather had made many years before for the last tsar of Russia. He has now returned it to Pen who decided the best place for this million dollar necklace was in her safety deposit box at the bank. That was the day that she thought this nightmare would end only to find that it had just begun.
Author Connie Shelton held my attention as 72 year old Pen is joined by 3 other ladies that became the 'Heist Ladies.' Their travels to find the man known as Dick Stone, which is only one of his many names, takes them to the Cayman Islands where 'Mr. Stone' posing under another alias is working his next mark. They follow him to Zurich where he is to meet with a shady jeweler. And on to Nice where one of the largest jewelry exhibits was to be held. It was also the location where plans for one of the largest jewelry heists were being made.
As I read Diamonds Aren't Forever I pictured this little 72 year old lady and her 3 companions in my mind. I admired her spiff and determination. This was a book that was entertaining, humorous at times, and very enjoyable.
October 10, 2020
This is a fun vacation read. When Pen's priceless heirloom is stolen, she gets no support from the local authorities and thinks it is gone forever. However, she soon teams up with three tenacious women who won't let the thief get away. Their investigation takes them half-way around the world on some fun adventures. There are flaws with the story, but on the whole it is entertaining and I wouldn't mind picking up another in the series.
I would skip the audio version, however. The reader is not great at accents, giving the Arizona teller a Southern drawl, and Pen, who was born in England, a midwestern accent. She also mispronounces too many words. Some of the more obscure are understandable, but a famous French resort shouldn't be a problem, and I've never heard Zurich pronounced as Surich (though, I'm sure by now, she has heard from several listeners).
I would skip the audio version, however. The reader is not great at accents, giving the Arizona teller a Southern drawl, and Pen, who was born in England, a midwestern accent. She also mispronounces too many words. Some of the more obscure are understandable, but a famous French resort shouldn't be a problem, and I've never heard Zurich pronounced as Surich (though, I'm sure by now, she has heard from several listeners).
April 18, 2023
2.5-3 stars. Started good , the middle dragged on foreverrrrrr and the ending wasn’t too bad. An oddball team comes together to track down a conman who stole a priceless heirloom. Ranging from early 20’s to 60’s-70’s the ladies cross the continents in search of this conman while a crooked but maybe redeemable detective also dodges the conman’s heels. I enjoyed parts of the story, other parts were just skippable. Overall good concept that lacked a bit in execution.
July 24, 2019
So glad I finally plucked this off my staggering TBR! A fun romp from Arizona to the Cayman Islands and Europe, tracking a con man/jewel thief.
May 2, 2021
well paced adventure with a diverse cast of characters. Lovely to read about friendships across decades apart in age.
August 14, 2017
I can see Diamond Aren’t Forever as the beginning of a series of movies. So much fun! Delightful characters highlight an action packed adventure including dream worthy travel and I am ready for more!
When a con hits a wealthy woman of senior age twice, four strangers come together to recover the necklace that is not only her heritage but a historical artifact created by her grandfather and preserved by her family even through the toughest of conditions. Each woman has a different reason for participating and each brings a different skill set, but they want to right a wrong. They represent the heart of all we appreciate and admire in the American spirit.
Not only does Pen provide the financing to recover the necklace who loss what heartbreaking but as a mystery author she has a few skills that surprise the younger women. Bank manager Sandy has knowledge about laws and criminals and is an extremely intelligent woman. Gracie first seems to be a bored housewife and mother who is only looking for adventure but her enthusiasm and heart alone are a great asset to the group. Finally, Gracie brings in Amber, a young woman whose skills on the internet are a little frightening and totally awesome. Her youth, quick mind and initiative make the difference between success and dead ends at several points along their adventure. These seemingly dissimilar women race around the globe tracking down a brilliant con man to recover Pen’s heritage.
It appears that this book is only the beginning and I truly hope so. This escapade was fun and I loved getting to know these women and watching them get to know each other.
When a con hits a wealthy woman of senior age twice, four strangers come together to recover the necklace that is not only her heritage but a historical artifact created by her grandfather and preserved by her family even through the toughest of conditions. Each woman has a different reason for participating and each brings a different skill set, but they want to right a wrong. They represent the heart of all we appreciate and admire in the American spirit.
Not only does Pen provide the financing to recover the necklace who loss what heartbreaking but as a mystery author she has a few skills that surprise the younger women. Bank manager Sandy has knowledge about laws and criminals and is an extremely intelligent woman. Gracie first seems to be a bored housewife and mother who is only looking for adventure but her enthusiasm and heart alone are a great asset to the group. Finally, Gracie brings in Amber, a young woman whose skills on the internet are a little frightening and totally awesome. Her youth, quick mind and initiative make the difference between success and dead ends at several points along their adventure. These seemingly dissimilar women race around the globe tracking down a brilliant con man to recover Pen’s heritage.
It appears that this book is only the beginning and I truly hope so. This escapade was fun and I loved getting to know these women and watching them get to know each other.
August 25, 2017
Overall, I liked this book. It is the first book in a new series and they always seem to have a few flaws. I felt sad for Pen's situation and liked the multiple perspectives of the characters involved in the mystery. I enjoy the puzzles and frustrations of "con" mysteries so my emotions were immediately engaged. However, the start was better than the rest. I think the series has potential depending on how Connie develops these characters and their relationships. In this book we don't really learn anything about any of the characters. There is a limited backstory for Pen but nothing about the other characters. The relationships between the women are not discussed and they don't grow. But I do like the characters and I do see their potential for growth, back stories and some zany relationships. I understood this book was an action novel but I found the action very odd. Usually action speeds up the story to the climax and conclusion. There was no speeding up and not much action. There was lots of travel and the narrative switched between the three main storylines but not very much actually happened. This made the story seem to drag and feel like it was too long. I have enjoyed many of Connie's other books so I am hoping she will find her way with this series as well.
August 20, 2017
Not up to her usual standard
I've been reading Connie Shelton's books since 2011 and have greatly enjoyed both the Samantha Sweet and Charlie Parker series. I looked forward to the first book in a new series but was seriously disappointed in this one. The plot is totally improbable, there is very little character development so the characters were one-dimensional and not very interesting. Also, both the characters and the plot were completely unbelievable. I hate to say it but I will not buy a second book in this series . What a disappointment!
I've been reading Connie Shelton's books since 2011 and have greatly enjoyed both the Samantha Sweet and Charlie Parker series. I looked forward to the first book in a new series but was seriously disappointed in this one. The plot is totally improbable, there is very little character development so the characters were one-dimensional and not very interesting. Also, both the characters and the plot were completely unbelievable. I hate to say it but I will not buy a second book in this series . What a disappointment!
September 29, 2017
When Penelope Fitzpatrick loans her family jewels (a necklace her grandfather made for the Tsarina of Russia around the time of the Russian Revolution) to a reputable museum for exhibit, she never dreamt they would be stolen from the museum! When police failed to find the jewels, she hired a private detective who was recommended by the police detective in charge of her case. He recovered her necklace and she willingly paid him over $100,000. But the ink was barely dry on the check when she realized she had been duped and had a poor imitation of the original necklace. Fortunately for Pen, she met with a bank manager she had known for quite awhile. When the manager, Sandy, realizes the extent of the problem, she befriends Pen and offers to help recover the original necklace and go after the "private detective" who was obviously a con man. With Sandy's help and friendships, they put together a 4 woman team dubbed the Heist Ladies. Plans were made and Pen's wealth came in handy to buy airfare and hotels. And they were off chasing after the con man and hoping to steal back her necklace with just 4 ladies-1 victim, 1 bank manager, 1 housewife, and one young computer genius.
This book is totally different from the many other books written by the author. The 4 Heist ladies were resourceful, intelligent, brave, and determined. They were willing to follow the plan which led to a lot of travel and an exciting conclusion of the book. The story was easy to follow as the voice changed from the Heist ladies to the con-man to the police detective. Fascinating and full of details relevant to the storyline, this is a book that mystery lovers who like a little extra adventure are sure to enjoy!
This book is totally different from the many other books written by the author. The 4 Heist ladies were resourceful, intelligent, brave, and determined. They were willing to follow the plan which led to a lot of travel and an exciting conclusion of the book. The story was easy to follow as the voice changed from the Heist ladies to the con-man to the police detective. Fascinating and full of details relevant to the storyline, this is a book that mystery lovers who like a little extra adventure are sure to enjoy!
September 8, 2017
Loved Every Facet Of This Story!
What I loved most is the international flair of this story, the broad and well-written scope that takes us from the Cayman to London, and to Nice on the French Riviera.
Penelope Fitzpatrick gets caught in a con by a crook who has been stealing away people’s money for years. This time, the con man walks away with the necklace her grandfather brought from Russia, the one he designed for the Tzarina Alexandra, the last remains of his jewelry business before the Bolsheviks took over.
A famous author, Penelope, called Pen, has achieved a certain amount of notoriety, and when she walks into the branch of her Bank, the bank manager, Sandy Werner examines the neckless she wishes to put into the vault. Thus originates the discovery Pen is holding a fake. Someone conned her.
She tries to put a stop on the what she paid the detective Dick Stone to retrieve her piece, but he’s already cashed the check.
Sandy decides to help Penelope and suggests a couple of friends’ help as well. Amber, the twenty-year-old computer whizz, and Gracie, a friend with a lot of energy and spunk. The Heist Ladies Book 1 is born.
The way Connie Shelton laid out this story kept me up two late nights, and a whole afternoon when I should have been working. What can I tell you? I don’t speed read or skip lines. I read through as fast as I could, the story filling my mind, anticipation rising whenever I found time to get back to it. I gave this a 5-star because of the grab, the clutch, the pace, and most of all, because of the characters. Great job!
What I loved most is the international flair of this story, the broad and well-written scope that takes us from the Cayman to London, and to Nice on the French Riviera.
Penelope Fitzpatrick gets caught in a con by a crook who has been stealing away people’s money for years. This time, the con man walks away with the necklace her grandfather brought from Russia, the one he designed for the Tzarina Alexandra, the last remains of his jewelry business before the Bolsheviks took over.
A famous author, Penelope, called Pen, has achieved a certain amount of notoriety, and when she walks into the branch of her Bank, the bank manager, Sandy Werner examines the neckless she wishes to put into the vault. Thus originates the discovery Pen is holding a fake. Someone conned her.
She tries to put a stop on the what she paid the detective Dick Stone to retrieve her piece, but he’s already cashed the check.
Sandy decides to help Penelope and suggests a couple of friends’ help as well. Amber, the twenty-year-old computer whizz, and Gracie, a friend with a lot of energy and spunk. The Heist Ladies Book 1 is born.
The way Connie Shelton laid out this story kept me up two late nights, and a whole afternoon when I should have been working. What can I tell you? I don’t speed read or skip lines. I read through as fast as I could, the story filling my mind, anticipation rising whenever I found time to get back to it. I gave this a 5-star because of the grab, the clutch, the pace, and most of all, because of the characters. Great job!
February 15, 2022
My disbelief doesn't suspend THAT much
I'll accept any premise. Sentient meatloaf? No problem, as long as people behave appropriately. Unfortunately, The Heist Ladies are caricatures of humans. They are very myopic in their goal to help Pen, despite two recently meeting her. None of the characters had arcs. They remained the cutout characters they started as. Attacked and beaten in the streets? Big deal. They're soccer moms and inexplicably savant-like hackers.
Another gripe is all the lucky breaks the team gets. Almost a dozen time, someone noticed an enemy, at random, in a busy city. It's not like Nice, France or the Cayman Islands only have a dozen residents.
Finally, the people are gullible. Ever heard of jurisdiction? Phoenix cops aren't international. Pen is in her seventies, yet knocks out a burly, armed thug with one blow from a random tree branch. She even comments on it. She wouldn't knock him out. If she did, he probably had brain damage. She broke in and did it; so it was just one more crime in a series of crimes the ladies committed with zero reservations. Shouldn't Gracie worry what her kids would think? The ones she never mentions once as she enjoys her week of petty crimes.
I can't believe there are four more books. The heroes have it so easy, it felt like the intended audience is middle grade readers. Though, protagonists in those books are usually plucky teenagers versus privileged women in their seventies.
I'll accept any premise. Sentient meatloaf? No problem, as long as people behave appropriately. Unfortunately, The Heist Ladies are caricatures of humans. They are very myopic in their goal to help Pen, despite two recently meeting her. None of the characters had arcs. They remained the cutout characters they started as. Attacked and beaten in the streets? Big deal. They're soccer moms and inexplicably savant-like hackers.
Another gripe is all the lucky breaks the team gets. Almost a dozen time, someone noticed an enemy, at random, in a busy city. It's not like Nice, France or the Cayman Islands only have a dozen residents.
Finally, the people are gullible. Ever heard of jurisdiction? Phoenix cops aren't international. Pen is in her seventies, yet knocks out a burly, armed thug with one blow from a random tree branch. She even comments on it. She wouldn't knock him out. If she did, he probably had brain damage. She broke in and did it; so it was just one more crime in a series of crimes the ladies committed with zero reservations. Shouldn't Gracie worry what her kids would think? The ones she never mentions once as she enjoys her week of petty crimes.
I can't believe there are four more books. The heroes have it so easy, it felt like the intended audience is middle grade readers. Though, protagonists in those books are usually plucky teenagers versus privileged women in their seventies.
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November 10, 2021I have no idea if this book is any good, because the audiobook narrator was so, so atrocious. Why did I listen all the way through? That's a good question. At first I was just annoyed and confused at the various jarring accents that didn't seem to fit their respective characters at all. But then, very unfortunately, the location of Nice, France started to figure prominently, and I listened to the narrator pronounce "Nice" as if it rhymed with "mice" about a thousand times and I threw my phone against the wall and broke it. Okay, not really, but I wasn't far from that. Anyway, this is a sort of anti-heist novel in which an older woman has been robbed of her very precious family jewelry and she teams up with some younger women that she barely knows to con the con man who stole from her. They become fast friends, the good guys win, etc. There are more books in the series. I will not be listening to them. I probably won't be reading them either, because I'm kind of scarred from this experience. No rating because it wouldn't be fair, I really can't judge the book on its own merits. But I think it was pretty meh even without the narrator issue.
September 4, 2017
Diamonds Aren't Forever. Or are they?
Penelope owns a fabulous heirloom diamond as emerald necklace made by her grandfather, one of the last jewelers to the Tsar of Russia. Penelope loaned her necklace to a museum for a showing of European royal jewelry. However, the museum was robbed and Penelope's necklace has disappeared. Six months later there has been news of her necklace and the police don't seem to be interested in
tracking it down, or going after the thieves. Pen will do anything to get her necklace back, including giving a reward for its return. Unfortunately she falls prey to a con man who produces a fake necklace and now she is also out a large sum of money. What follows is Pen and three other women, who quickly become friends, decide to catch the man that conned Pen and get back her necklace. More cons are pulled, more thievery happens as near misses lead this merry band of women from Arizona to Europe and home again.
Penelope owns a fabulous heirloom diamond as emerald necklace made by her grandfather, one of the last jewelers to the Tsar of Russia. Penelope loaned her necklace to a museum for a showing of European royal jewelry. However, the museum was robbed and Penelope's necklace has disappeared. Six months later there has been news of her necklace and the police don't seem to be interested in
tracking it down, or going after the thieves. Pen will do anything to get her necklace back, including giving a reward for its return. Unfortunately she falls prey to a con man who produces a fake necklace and now she is also out a large sum of money. What follows is Pen and three other women, who quickly become friends, decide to catch the man that conned Pen and get back her necklace. More cons are pulled, more thievery happens as near misses lead this merry band of women from Arizona to Europe and home again.
May 15, 2019
A priceless necklace, a heist, a damsel in distress. Diamonds Aren’t Forever begins with all the key elements for an old-fashioned fairytale of a princess who needs a prince to rescue her. Think again! All she needs is a few friends who are as intrepid, savvy, and determined as any hero of old. A few friends who just happen to be women and quite willing to do a little continent-jumping if that’s what it takes to catch their thief and retrieve the filched necklace. This one gets a five-star review from me for clever writing, intriguing characters, and a never-a-dull moment plot! Do you yourself a favor and enjoy the ride. I did!
I LOVE old (really old) movies. Diamonds Aren’t Forever reminded me a bit of the Alfred Hitchcock-directed classic To Catch A Thief which starred Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Different plot, different era, different vibe but, oh my, there’s just something about a con man. And when the tables are turned, it’s ‘game on’!
I LOVE old (really old) movies. Diamonds Aren’t Forever reminded me a bit of the Alfred Hitchcock-directed classic To Catch A Thief which starred Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Different plot, different era, different vibe but, oh my, there’s just something about a con man. And when the tables are turned, it’s ‘game on’!
June 25, 2023
Definitely exciting and entertaining
It's a cosy mystery, and as such it was racy and entertaining. However, I couldn't get myself to like the main character herself - Penelope. For all the selfless and generous help she was getting from the other three, she was busy judging them in her head, for their circumstances, financial and social standing etc.
Then, I didn't like it that the younger two of the group were doing all the heavy-lifting of solving the crime.
Also, I didn't understand how Gracie, who had just injured her arm badly a few days ago was able to haul Amber up a wall and lug some heavy ladder around bushes etc.
And in the end, I was hoping that the ladies would pick up as their next assignment Gracie's sister's cause, the very reason that she joined Pen's caper in the first place.
Anyhow, for a single book, it was okay for me. For a series, no.
It's a cosy mystery, and as such it was racy and entertaining. However, I couldn't get myself to like the main character herself - Penelope. For all the selfless and generous help she was getting from the other three, she was busy judging them in her head, for their circumstances, financial and social standing etc.
Then, I didn't like it that the younger two of the group were doing all the heavy-lifting of solving the crime.
Also, I didn't understand how Gracie, who had just injured her arm badly a few days ago was able to haul Amber up a wall and lug some heavy ladder around bushes etc.
And in the end, I was hoping that the ladies would pick up as their next assignment Gracie's sister's cause, the very reason that she joined Pen's caper in the first place.
Anyhow, for a single book, it was okay for me. For a series, no.
July 21, 2023
A pretty good representative of the genre. A fun read with not a lot of redeeming social value, but that's what cozy mysteries are.
This one has a multi-generational cast, which is good, but I really couldn't tell you even after finishing which character is which. I know Pen is the author, and Shelly the bank manager, but the other two are somewhat interchangeable; I couldn't tell you who is who and I only finished it a few hours ago.
A few suspensions of disbelief -- the bank manager is the one who spots the jewelry is fake? When the owner didn't? Unlikely. A bad guy who's proficient at disguises being spotted in the airport?
I'm generally not a fan of the technique of telling the story from both the good guys' and the bad guys' viewpoints. I expect the main character's story to be sufficient, but that's personal preference.
This one has a multi-generational cast, which is good, but I really couldn't tell you even after finishing which character is which. I know Pen is the author, and Shelly the bank manager, but the other two are somewhat interchangeable; I couldn't tell you who is who and I only finished it a few hours ago.
A few suspensions of disbelief -- the bank manager is the one who spots the jewelry is fake? When the owner didn't? Unlikely. A bad guy who's proficient at disguises being spotted in the airport?
I'm generally not a fan of the technique of telling the story from both the good guys' and the bad guys' viewpoints. I expect the main character's story to be sufficient, but that's personal preference.
September 2, 2017
Diamonds Aren't Forever
Wow, that was an amazing adventure! I really feel like I just got off the plane myself after being on a whirlwind of hunting down Men's fabulous Emerald necklace. If this first book is an indication of what's to come then I can't wait! The Heist Ladies series is going to be off the charts! I'm so glad they came out on too and got the guy, but I kinda wished he had gotten away so that he might have popped up in another book, but I won't forget him anytime soon. Thank you Connie Shelton for such an awesome book.
Wow, that was an amazing adventure! I really feel like I just got off the plane myself after being on a whirlwind of hunting down Men's fabulous Emerald necklace. If this first book is an indication of what's to come then I can't wait! The Heist Ladies series is going to be off the charts! I'm so glad they came out on too and got the guy, but I kinda wished he had gotten away so that he might have popped up in another book, but I won't forget him anytime soon. Thank you Connie Shelton for such an awesome book.
October 8, 2021
Coincidences a plenty
If you don't believe in them, don’t bother with this book, but if you don't, you'll do yourself a disservice. This is a great story, well told, and entertaining the whole way. Money is no object when four ladies travel the world to catch a conman jewel thief who the policeman says is not worth chasing. Of course, the policeman is a little jaded and looking for an easy score that will allow him to retire early. Just as well one of the ladies is a young computer hacker who manages to keep them hot on the trail ...
If you don't believe in them, don’t bother with this book, but if you don't, you'll do yourself a disservice. This is a great story, well told, and entertaining the whole way. Money is no object when four ladies travel the world to catch a conman jewel thief who the policeman says is not worth chasing. Of course, the policeman is a little jaded and looking for an easy score that will allow him to retire early. Just as well one of the ladies is a young computer hacker who manages to keep them hot on the trail ...
August 6, 2020
Thanks to Susan Y Tanner I was given the opportunity to read Diamonds Aren't Forever by Connie Shelton. It was a nice exciting read with many twists and turns. I liked the idea of the multi generational characters working together to retrieve the stolen necklace of one of the woman. Good thing she had money because this retrieval took them to across the pond.
I'm looking forward to reading more about the "Heist Ladies".
Great job Connie
Cheers
Lynn
I'm looking forward to reading more about the "Heist Ladies".
Great job Connie
Cheers
Lynn
May 23, 2023
Smart and Gutsy Women!
I thoroughly enjoyed this crime story even if these women did make some stupid mistakes. :-). Also, Pen should have made sure she got the money back that she paid for the fake necklace. To bad the storyline had the detective divorce - the relationship with his wife could have been an interesting and positive side. All in all however, I enjoyed this read! */**/***/**/*
I thoroughly enjoyed this crime story even if these women did make some stupid mistakes. :-). Also, Pen should have made sure she got the money back that she paid for the fake necklace. To bad the storyline had the detective divorce - the relationship with his wife could have been an interesting and positive side. All in all however, I enjoyed this read! */**/***/**/*
September 30, 2023
Whew, it's over! I can't believe there are more books in the series. It was ok but the plot was much too contrived for my sense of suspension of disbelief. I liked one of the secondary characters (Sandy) more than the primary character. And a note on the narrator, she was really bad. I couldn't believe her narration made it through editing. She was pronouncing Nice, France as you would say, "Have a nice day." The accent she used for Amber was distracting and annoying.
September 19, 2024
The necklace
It all started when Pen loaned an heirloom necklace to the museum. It was stolen. When the case was closed, she hired a P.I. on the advice of the lead detective. The necklace was recovered but, it was a fake!
Pen and three friends set out to find the conman and get the necklace back. They follow the trail to Europe becoming great friends along the way.
Well written with POV of the principals involved in the heist as well as the Heist Ladies.
It all started when Pen loaned an heirloom necklace to the museum. It was stolen. When the case was closed, she hired a P.I. on the advice of the lead detective. The necklace was recovered but, it was a fake!
Pen and three friends set out to find the conman and get the necklace back. They follow the trail to Europe becoming great friends along the way.
Well written with POV of the principals involved in the heist as well as the Heist Ladies.
August 17, 2017
It tough trying to start a new series this one didn't grab me so I had to push through the first few pages. I came this close to tossing it aside, but I am glad I push on. It is a good story...no spoilers (I dislike them so much)...and definitely laid a foundation for the next book. No big intrigue so don't go looking for Jack Reacher, but it is a fun storyline and a great read. Enjoy!
August 18, 2017
A little disappointed. This had been described as appealing to fans of Janet Evanovich and Jana Deleon. I absolutely love Jana Deleon's books and this one in no way measured up to them. Where I did keep reading to find out how it came together, I did not find any of the characters endearing enough to look forward to the next book and certainly not much humor.
August 18, 2017
SUPERB
Excellent fun exciting exotic action adventure. A great read for everyone. So much to say about this first in what should be a long fun series for the heist ladies. Don't miss this one. It is filled with intrigue and exotic locales. Great story. Can't wait for the next one. Way to go Connie!!!!!
Excellent fun exciting exotic action adventure. A great read for everyone. So much to say about this first in what should be a long fun series for the heist ladies. Don't miss this one. It is filled with intrigue and exotic locales. Great story. Can't wait for the next one. Way to go Connie!!!!!
October 21, 2017
Diamond of a story
First, I'm a cozy mystery fan and enjoy Connie Shelton's books. Second, this was an innovative cozy. It was a fast read despite traveling from Arizona to the Caymans, Europe and back to Arizona. I'm feeling a little dizzy. Instead of the usual murder mystery, four women band together to foil a conman and retrieve a priceless heirloom necklace. This is the perfect book for a fun read. Will be looking forward to the next in the series.
First, I'm a cozy mystery fan and enjoy Connie Shelton's books. Second, this was an innovative cozy. It was a fast read despite traveling from Arizona to the Caymans, Europe and back to Arizona. I'm feeling a little dizzy. Instead of the usual murder mystery, four women band together to foil a conman and retrieve a priceless heirloom necklace. This is the perfect book for a fun read. Will be looking forward to the next in the series.
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