Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Shelby Nichols #11.5

A Midsummer Night's Murder

Rate this book
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

117 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 22, 2018

205 people are currently reading
214 people want to read

About the author

Colleen Helme

43 books736 followers
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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
422 (62%)
4 stars
180 (26%)
3 stars
64 (9%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Lynn.
931 reviews29 followers
January 20, 2024
Saving an Innocent Man

Shelby became a mind reader after being shot in the head during a robbery, and now consults for both sides of the law much to the chagrin of her husband the lawyer.

This time her buddy Detective Harris, a.k.a. Dimples called Shelby in to consult on a murder investigation, because he was certain that the young man did not kill his girlfriend. After listening to Angel’s thoughts Shelby believed that he was innocent and even agreed to go find his dog that was lost the night he was arrested. The dog Pepper went home with Shelby and her family loved him, and Shelby realized that she could sort of read dog’s minds too.

Getting some help from her friend Ramos the handsome hitman, had Shelby walking a fine line between the police and the mob. She did hear some interesting things that would help in the case and maybe keep Uncle Joey the mob boss from being blackmailed.

This was a neat little novella with our little mind reader mom and part time consultant in the world of things soccer mom’s could normally only read about. It was a cute and quick five star read.
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,003 reviews21 followers
February 5, 2019
Another mess

What great characters and always a fun story! At times I laugh out loud and at times the troubles Shelby gets in (hey, it's not her fault, right?) create such tension you just want to help her out. Thank goodness for Ramos! The author has such a quirky sense of humor partnered with such creative talent it really shines on every page!
Profile Image for ✴ Cindy ✴  .
424 reviews
December 28, 2019
I laughed so hard when Shelby used that frying pan. It was the funniest thing I've read in a while.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
November 25, 2018
A takeover that leads to death

Another great read in the series. Okay it's shorter than the norm but the story is complete - with a great look at her life and the life of those around her.
When she gets an early morning call from her police contact she rushes to the station. Did the arrested man really kill his girlfriend. After meeting him, she knows the answer is a definite NO. He's devastated by her death and thinks that it might have something to do with the people his girlfriend tried to help. Add in a missing dog, gangs, a planned takeover of Joey's territory, a kidnapping and a bungled attempt at using a cast-iron frying pan as a weapon. That leads to someone being shot in the bottom. Can they keep Joey's name out of it? Do they have enough to put the real killer away? But what about the Mole in her husband's office??
Profile Image for Melinda.
101 reviews6 followers
November 25, 2018
I love Shelby! (And Ramos)

This was a great Novella to get me through my Shelby/Ramos withdrawals until the next book comes out! I loved the amount of content this Novella has compared to others I have read. Some others leave you feeling like you got gypped on the storyline. Not the case with this one!
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,232 reviews43 followers
January 13, 2019
What an awesome short Shelby can find just as much trouble in a short story as she can in a full-length novel lol I really enjoyed it.
A great story, awesome characters and Shelby at her mind reading best.
71 reviews
December 6, 2018
I have been with Shelby Nichols and chronicler Colleen Helme from the get go, and with each new Shelby Nichols adventure you can actually see the author improving in her storytelling and writing abilities. You can also experience Shelby - and husband Chris, their kids, Uncle Joey the Mob Boss and Ramos the Hitman maturing and growing within the context of the stories as you read (or listen).

Now, this is a wonderful thing. An author improving is always good, but it always feels like I'm experiencing Shelby and company in real time as I journey. That means she is more coming to terms with her mind reading abilities and learning how to manage them. So is her husband, and her friend Dimples the police detective, and Uncle Joey, and Ramos.

No matter how hard she tries to lead a quiet simple life, Shelby likes to help people and she has a very strong sense of right and wrong, and a caring personality, so she constantly gets into trouble no matter how hard she tries to avoid it.
In Midsummer Night’s Murder (which I first got last summer as part of an anthology with many other EXCELLENT cozy mystery authors), Shelby is called by her police detective friend to come and listen to the thoughts of one Angel Molina, accused of murdering his girlfriend Molly. But he didn’t do it. He is overwhelmed with guilt because he had a fight with Molly just before she was killed. His is overcome with worry about his adorable dog Pepper, a black and white lab/beagle mix who went missing when Angel was arrested.

But if he was innocent, who killed Molly? And Why?

As with all Shelby Nichols adventures, the plot thickens quickly, and a few sub-plots and twists emerge. There’s Ethan in Chris’s office who may be double crossing Chris, Shelby’s husband and partner in his law firm. But why would an intern be in cahoots with State Prosecutor Strickland? And why does he have it in for Chris? And are there violent gangs involved with this case? And could it even lead back to Uncle Joey?

When the bullets and the cast iron skillets start flying, you can bet Shelby is in the thick of things, trying not to get brained by the skillet or shot again!

This adventure is like a small 5 hour energy drink: You get a condensed jolt of Shelby with all the trimmings in a smaller package!

One other thing that comes to light in this book is that in addition to getting “impressions” from the spirit world, which apparently Shelby can do, she can also communicate – at least empathically – with animals. Or dogs anyway.
Could there be a doggy companion in Shelby’s future? Maybe even a doggy partner? I guess we’ll have to wait until the New Year to find out.

Why do I like Shelby Nichols so much? Well, first of all, they are extremely well written and I always like good writing and storytelling and engaging characters in any genre. Colleen Helme is top notch. Secondly, the books are so good that even having read the story I can go back to skim and look up certain points and details of the story line and I like it so much that I get sucked into reading it all over again! It is THAT engaging.

I recommend these books for anyone who enjoys a good read, a good mystery, and great writing with outstanding characters who seem to be taken from real life.

If you have not yet gotten hooked on Shelby, this would be a great first read. Just a word of caution, it is going to become a habit by the end of the story!
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews101 followers
June 3, 2020
Detective Drew “Dimples” Harris (Homicide) called for Shelby Nichols (wife, police consultant, mind reader) to help him solve a murderer case.
Molly May was shot and killed during the night.
Angel Molina (Molly’s B/F, former gangbanger) was arrested for past parking tickets.

Savannah Nichols (13, daughter/sister) & Josh Nichols (15, son/brother) loved Pepper (border collie, lab, beagle mix) when Shelby bought her home.
James Strickland is the prosecuting lawyer.
Chris Nichols (Shelby’s husband, lawyer) is representing Angel.
Ramos (hitman) took to see some other gangbanger.
Casey opened the back door & through Shelby in it.
Scorpion insisted she be cuffed.

Will Shelby get away & solve the murder mystery.

I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written cozy murder mystery book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a paid-per-view mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author (s); Manetto Books; AuthorsXP; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
2,523 reviews42 followers
November 25, 2018
Shelby Nichols is your average American housewife, one husband, two children…oh, except for the fact that she can read minds! Shelby was injured when she was on her way to the store to buy carrots (which is the appropriate name of the first book in this wonderful series). She interrupted a robbery at the bank, in the store, and a bullet grazed her head. Since that time, she has been able to read minds. Trouble seems to follow Shelby around as she assists the police with investigations and also works (unwilling at first) for mob boss “Uncle” Joey…and then there is hit-man Ramos (yum). In this adventure, Shelby is assisting “Dimples” (her nickname for her favorite cop) in the murder investigation of a young woman. The woman’s boyfriend has been charged with the murder and Shelby knows that he is innocent. Ms. Helme writes such unique stories with humor and engaging characters, characters that have continued through the series. Another great read in the Shelby Nichols Adventures. This book is part of the “Summer Snoops & Cozy Crimes: 12 Mysteries for the Dog Days of Summer” anthology. I received a free copy of Ms. Helme’s book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
111 reviews
March 21, 2024
I was browsing my Kindle app and cleaning up by deleting downloads that I had finished reading when I came across "A Midsummer Night's Murder". Kindle showed it as read and I had it flagged as read in Goodreads.... The only problem was, I couldn't remember a thing about it. Nothing. I mean no star rating or review or anything. I thought "Wow! Must not have been very interesting or good." So I decided to just read a few pages and see if it jogged my memory or something.

I must say that I am so glad I opened it up and started reading. The plot was good. The story and characters were interesting. A "mind-reading" lead character. How could it not be interesting?

Written in 1st person, Shelby mentioned several things that occurred earlier in her life that wasn't covered in this story and I suddenly realized that this was not the first book in the series but, the 11.5th. I am definitely going to have to go back and get the first in the series and start from scratch.

I found Colleen's style interesting and enjoyable as well as easy to read. I look forward to more of her books.
Profile Image for Claire Mc Partlin.
795 reviews28 followers
December 11, 2018
I read this book in the 'Summer Snoops & Cozy Crimes' anthology, but must admit that I bought it mainly for the Shelby Nicols story by Colleen Helme, as it is one of my favourite series. I did only read this one, but hope to go back to read the others at a later date.

This time Shelby helps out a young guy accused of murder but who didn't do it. Of course as the anthology is all about dogs there is a very cute dog involved - when Angel was arrested from his car the police shot at his dog as he was protecting his owner and he ran off. Don't worry.... the dog is OK!

Shelby gets involved with Dimples again (police) and the lovely Ramos (hitman) and as usual manages to get herself into trouble without even trying! But of course it all works out in the end. I love this series, it's so enjoyable.
Profile Image for Lita.
2,545 reviews7 followers
January 27, 2019
I just love Shelby Nichols. She is a character that speaks to me as a woman, as a mother and as a wife. She has this ability to read minds and uses it to help others. She's real in that she gets into trouble, has doubts, loves her husband dearly and admits to drooling over another hot guy. She loves to ride on the back of a motorcycle and holding on to Ramos (the hot guy) while doing it is simply a perk. She helps the police and a mob boss - walking a fine line between the two, and feeling protective of both. And she an uncanny ability to get herself into trouble that eventually gets out of. In the midst of her busy days, she always thinks about her kids and worries about getting home in time to make dinner. Her stories are always a good read. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
May 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! I just love the characters and the by play between them. The way Shelby has to work between the good and the bad to keep every body happy is fun to listen to or read. I also found the introduction of the dog amusing and can't wait to see how that will develop in the next book.
Shelby is called in when the police arrest a man for murder and 'Dimples' believes they have the wrong man. Of course the case get complicated when she turns to Uncle Joey's right hand man for help. You would think being able to read minds would make life simple but not for Shelby especially in some of the situation she finds herself in.
The narrator was very good and easy to listen to adding to the fun of the book. I would recommend this book.
2,425 reviews43 followers
November 25, 2018
For fans of Shelby Nichols and Colleen Helme, Midsummer Night’s Murder is an exciting visit with a set of characters that we have come to love. I first read this novella in the Summer Snoops anthology but I love the series so much that I wanted a stand-alone copy.
When Dimples asks Shelby to sit in on an interview that looks like a slam dunk but feels off, she begins one of the most dangerous investigations of her career. Dimples is not surprised but neither is he pleased when she turns to Ramos for back up. Excitement, danger, romance, and Ramos…what a magnificent combination!
Profile Image for Gayle B.
380 reviews
November 29, 2018
If you are a Shelby Nichols series fan or thinking about reading the series, this is a great novella to get your Shelby/Ramos mystery fix when you want to read a short book or are thinking about checking out this series. Only seven chapters, this fast paced read is every bit as thrilling as a full length novel. Great plot, great ending.

I am becoming a fan of short stories and novellas recently. Great to have as a"go to" for when you have a little time to kill but don't have time to read more of your current novel.
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,790 reviews9 followers
December 14, 2018
A Midsummer Night's Murder

Loved it. This is one of my favorite series. There is a lot packed into this novella, lots of action. Looking forward to the next full length book.
Shelby finds herself trying to prove a man's Innocence. In the process she runs across Ramos, Manetto, Dimples, and two different gang leaders. She gets herself in the crazy situations. And once again Ramos is there save the day, her hubby is super supportive and Dimples handles the police work.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,388 reviews9 followers
December 17, 2018
This is the latest Shelby Nichols short story, and I really enjoyed it, especially as we got to see lots of my favourite hitman, Ramos! I'm not going to go into the plot (spoilers!), though I loved seeing the new use that Shelby discovered for her mindreading talents, and am interested to see how that will develop in future. But overall? It was just great to read another Shelby adventure (especially with Ramos in it!!) and I can't wait until the next one comes out!
Profile Image for Mary.
486 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2020
A light but entertaining novella. Ms Helmes comes across as a lightweight mix of Charlaine Harris and Janet Evanovich. Tightly written, fast-paced narrative keeps you entertained but not so engrossed as to prevent one from their duties. Her characters are well-developed and likeable without a lot of heavy interpersonal drama. I would read more of her work during those times that life weighs on me and I cannot focus on darker psychological thrillers.
451 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2021
Never a dull moment

Thrills, chills, twists and plenty of laughs can be found in every one of the She,by Nichols Adventures and this one is no exception. As always I enjoyed the adventure, very well written, clean and family friendly. This is a shorter story than usual but it has all the necessary requirements to keep you hanging on to every word and wanting the next one to be released.
Profile Image for Kelly Goode.
Author 15 books39 followers
January 5, 2019
I love the Shelby Nichols series and was happy to see this novella published. It's a short read, but still as fast and frantic as the full-length novels. The second half was better than the first (mainly because that's when Ramos made his appearance :) as I love the banter between him & Shelby. Can't wait for the next instalment.
40 reviews
February 20, 2019
5 days ago I was offered a sample read of Carrots read it and thanks to kindle unlimited have binge read all of the Shelby Nichols books they just kept getting better.
I also recommend The Devil Wears A Black Suit.
For fans who have not read Shelby book 11 read the Devil story it helps with Sloan’s introduction.
I eagerly await book 12.
Profile Image for Carol Cohen.
16 reviews
March 15, 2019
More Shelby, Please?

Usually, when I finish a series, I can go on and find another just as engrossing. The Shelby Nichols books are different. I read all 11 plus the novella with no other books in between. And they were so good, that I can’t find anything new interesting enough to read, and have fallen back on previously read “comfort” books. So please, more Shelby!
Profile Image for Rhonda Jones.
2,794 reviews17 followers
June 27, 2019
Love This Series

I Love Shelby. And I love how She is portrayed. A woman who can read minds. Coerced into working for a mafia boss, but the mafia boss is called Uncle Joey and he actually acts like a beloved uncle to Shelby. But of-course, Shelby is a valuable asset to Uncle Joey. So it behooves him to be nice. Shelby does an excellent job of balancing what she does for Uncle Joey, making sure she does not break laws. Except of-course when it behooves her private investigation business. Shelby is a faithful wife with a crush on a hit man. Such a real girl thing to do. Hot fantasies of a hot man. Then of-course the mysteries are awesome, complex, fast paced, interesting. Great series.
Profile Image for Andrea Latham.
1,347 reviews26 followers
July 25, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book about Shelby Nichols who is a mind reader with connections to the police (she calls one of the detective's Dimples), a mob boss (her uncle), a hit man and a lawyer (her husband, Chris). I will be reading more of this series in the future.
This is one of the books in: (Summer Snoops and Cozy Crimes: 12 Mysteries for Dog Days of Summer)
42 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2022
A mind reader married to defense atty, A gangster and mob boss for an uncle, and a police detective

As a friend and a gangster to drive her on his motorcycle ,2children at home,what could possibly happen in her everyday life? Read one of her best selling novels and find out. If
You are as fond as I am ,your gonna love Sheelby,and her line of "friends and family"
Profile Image for Linda.
1,027 reviews13 followers
January 21, 2024
A short story with a dog

Shelby tries to help an innocent man accused of murder and takes care of his dog in the bargain. The dog doesn't really affect the plot but she was very sweet. It's also nice that Shelby gets something positive from her powers instead of just using her powers for everyone else.
365 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2024
wonderful fun entertaining

I love Shelby Nichols stories. Colleen Nichols is an exciting storyteller with a great imagination. Colleen has written a fun character with heart and an amazing ability to be helpful to both the mob and the police. I look forward to reading more of Shelby Nichols adventures.
Profile Image for Trudy Gleason.
868 reviews6 followers
September 9, 2018
Cute book - I like that the main character works for a mob-boss and the police. No conflict of interest in that. I like how they work to get and forget that they are on opposite side. Looking forward to reading more in this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.