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Connie Shelton
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Competition Can Be Murder: A Girl and Her Dog Cozy Mystery (Charlie Parker Mystery Book 8) Kindle Edition

by Connie Shelton (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 311 ratings
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Praise for USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton and the Charlie Parker mysteries:
"Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes." --The Midwest Book Review

Charlie and Drake are spending a few months in Scotland, fulfilling a helicopter contract for a friend. Flying over the frigid North Sea is dangerous enough, but they soon learn that there is an ongoing feud between the helicopter operators in the area and the union-run boat operators. Charlie and Drake find themselves right in the midst of the battle.

The upside of the assignment is that they are experiencing life on a Scottish estate, living in a rented cottage on the elegant grounds of historic Dunworthy Castle. The resident lord and lady of the manor have problems of their own--several valuable lambs from their flock have gone missing and Robert Dunbar wants Charlie to investigate. And then there is the Dunbar's grandson, Richie, who is visiting with two friends. When Richie is kidnapped and the ransom demands begin, Charlie tries to convince the Dunbars to call the police but they resist. Before she knows it, Charlie finds herself pulled into the vortex of that dark mystery.

Editorial comments about the Charlie Parker mysteries:

"...will enthrall purists. Charlie is a fabulous amateur sleuth." -- Midwest Book Review

"Charlie is a good detective and a pleasant companion to unravel a mystery with." -- Mystery News

"Charlie is slick, appealing, and nobody's fool. Just what readers want in an amateur sleuth." --Booklist


* * *
Connie Shelton is the USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen mysteries. Her Charlie Parker series is based in Albuquerque, and her new Samantha Sweet series is set in the northern New Mexico town of Taos. In addition to her full-time writing career, Connie has taught writing, is the creator of the Novel In A Weekend writing course, and was a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul. She and her husband reside in northern New Mexico with their two dogs. Visit her website at connieshelton.com and get her free mystery newsletter.
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  1. Book 8 of 23
    Charlie Parker Mysteries
  2. Print length
    328 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    November 25, 2013
  5. File size
    967 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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  9. See all details
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Charlie Parker Mysteries Book 1 - Book 10
Charlie Parker Mysteries Book 1 - Book 23
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From the Publisher


Connie Shelton, Mystery Author

Deadly Gamble, the first Charlie Parker mystery
The Charlie Parker Cozy Mystery Series

Deadly Gamble launches Albuquerque accountant Charlotte "Charlie" Parker on her crime-fighting path. With her trusty Lab at her side, Charlie is the girl-next-door with a soft spot for those in trouble.

“An impressive debut mystery.” –Albuquerque Journal

“Charlie is a fabulous amateur sleuth.” –Midwest Book Review

“Down to earth and very readable.” –Library Journal

  • Nineteen books in the series ...
  • ... and more to come!

Connie Shelton

USA Today Bestselling Author

Connie Shelton's novels have sold nearly two million copies in more than 115 countries worldwide. In addition to her three cozy mystery series, she has written three non-fiction books and two children's books. She was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul.

She's known for a light touch when it comes to steamy scenes or violence, but is much more lavish with food and chocolate. She and her husband and two dogs live in northern New Mexico.

Check out Connie's other books!

  • The Charlie Parker Mystery Series: A girl and her dog
  • The Samantha Sweet Mystery Series: Cozy bakery mysteries with a paranormal touch
  • The Heist Ladies: They'll steal anything, from the bad guys!
  • Daisy and Maisie Children's Series: Two pups and their adventures

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Shelton's ninth Charlie Parker mystery finds the sleuth far from her Albuquerque home and engaged in a new line of work. Charlie and her husband, Drake Langston, have agreed to help out Brian Swinney, an old friend of Drake's, with his helicopter business in Scotland. After landing a contract to fly men and equipment to and from North Sea oil rigs, Brian must return home to care for his dying mother--so Charlie and Drake sign on as pilots. A much bigger problem than the unpredictable Scottish weather turns out to be the animosity of the union oilmen, who believe that union boats should be used for transport rather than helicopters. Drake and Charlie are harassed, the threats soon escalating to attempted murder. Meanwhile, their temporary landlords--the owners of Dunworthy castle--find out that Charlie is an investigator and solicit her reluctant aid in finding their kidnapped grandson. Fighting off the bad guys with her usual panache, Charlie once again proves she's one tough bird. Jenny McLarin
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

Charlie is slick, appealing, and nobody s fool just what readers want in an amateur sleuth. --Booklist

Shelton s engaging story, likable heroine, and comfortable prose make this a good choice. --Library Journal

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B002T44IKI
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Secret Staircase Books (November 25, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 25, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 967 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 328 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 145369045X
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 311 ratings

About the author

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Connie Shelton

Connie Shelton

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

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

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

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

* * *

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

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

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
311 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's readability, interesting storyline, and well-developed characters. They find it an easy, enjoyable read with smooth writing that flows smoothly. The plot is well-thought-out and the author masters storytelling. Readers appreciate the character development and how the storyline progresses. Overall, they describe the book as entertaining and engrossing.

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ReadabilityStory qualityCharacter developmentWriting qualityComplexityEnjoyment
17 customers mention "Readability"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy reading the book. They find it interesting and relaxing. The series is enjoyable for them.

"...Charlie Parker and Samantha Sweet, I can say this one is the best book she has written...." Read more

"...Can Be Murder (book 4) for me it really smoothed out into a very enjoyable series...." Read more

"Enjoyed reading all of the.......can be murder. It is interesting and enjoyable for an evening read...." Read more

"...This was one of the best in the series so far. Can't wait for the next book." Read more

13 customers mention "Story quality"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find the plots well-thought-out, with interesting settings and likable characters. The author has mastered storytelling, and the storyline is back on track from previous books. The scenery is beautiful, and the suspense is great. The book is entertaining, engrossing, and filled with surprises.

"...The stories are always good, clean fun, and this book has the added bonus of terror that doesn't let up...." Read more

"Enjoyed reading all of the.......can be murder. It is interesting and enjoyable for an evening read...." Read more

"There is a riveting and action packed climax to one of the predicaments...." Read more

"...The scenery is beautiful and the suspense is great. This was one of the best in the series so far. Can't wait for the next book." Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the way the characters evolve interesting.

"...The characters grow with each book, so they really must be read in order. That's not a problem, as Kindle has them all...." Read more

"...is the seventh book I've read by Connie Shelton and I'm really enjoying the characters as well as the helicopter aspect and the southwestern..." Read more

"It was an easy read and I enjoy her characters and the mystery. I read the story on vacation, so it was a nice relaxing book." Read more

"...I LOVED THE WAY THE CHARACTERS ARE EVOLVING AND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSENTION WAS INTERESTING. THERE IS ALWAYS A LOT OS SUSPENSE IN THESE BOOKS...." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality. They find it easy to read and can visualize everything described. The writing flows smoothly and is interesting.

"...The writing is smooth, flows well, the amount of research she has done shows in the detail, and the plot is realistic...." Read more

"...Although I thoroughly enjoy the author's detailed characterization of these players, the flip side is that I don't need details of Charlie brushing..." Read more

"It was an easy read and I enjoy her characters and the mystery. I read the story on vacation, so it was a nice relaxing book." Read more

"...I LOVED THE WAY THE CHARACTERS ARE EVOLVING AND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSENTION WAS INTERESTING. THERE IS ALWAYS A LOT OS SUSPENSE IN THESE BOOKS...." Read more

3 customers mention "Complexity"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's complexity. They find it engaging with many surprises and unexpected twists. However, some readers also mention that the book is not complex or steamy.

"...It is interesting and enjoyable for an evening read. It is not complicated and not steamy sex, a book you could recommend to your friends and family..." Read more

"...Seems a simple enough job. Until you find that someone does not like the idea of helicopter transporting workers...." Read more

"This book is the most complex so far...many surprises and hairpin turns for the reader. Set in Scotland, feels like I just took a mystery trip !" Read more

3 customers mention "Enjoyment"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and enjoyable for an evening read.

"...The stories are always good, clean fun, and this book has the added bonus of terror that doesn't let up...." Read more

"...It is interesting and enjoyable for an evening read...." Read more

"...The story line is back on track from the previous stories - entertaining, engrossing and fun." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Anne
    5.0 out of 5 stars The best of the series
    Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Having read all of Connie Shelton's two series, Charlie Parker and Samantha Sweet, I can say this one is the best book she has written. The writing is smooth, flows well, the amount of research she has done shows in the detail, and the plot is realistic. The stories are always good, clean fun, and this book has the added bonus of terror that doesn't let up. The characters grow with each book, so they really must be read in order. That's not a problem, as Kindle has them all. I would highly recommend this book, this series in fact, to anyone who loves a good story.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Robert Shapiro
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Enjoyable Series
    Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    This is really a wonderful book, I'm really enjoying this series very much. I'm also really impressed with the way the author has segued from her Charlie Parker series beginnings - which were a little rough in book 2 and 3 (I haven't read book 1 yet) and I felt a bit unsettled there especially with book 2 - as it always is for many authors getting started with something that they hope will be a series. By the time it got to Small Towns Can Be Murder (book 4) for me it really smoothed out into a very enjoyable series.

    This is the seventh book I've read by Connie Shelton and I'm really enjoying the characters as well as the helicopter aspect and the southwestern locations.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Bonita L. Rose
    4.0 out of 5 stars Competition can be murder
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyed reading all of the.......can be murder. It is interesting and enjoyable for an evening read. It is not complicated and not steamy sex, a book you could recommend to your friends and family. I am ready for another......can be murder.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • J. C. Sandoval
    5.0 out of 5 stars Scottish work-cation
    Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    There is a riveting and action packed climax to one of the predicaments. The second kidnapping ordeal was a little predictable in my opinion - I suspected who the culprits were. The characters in book 8, both unsavory and pleasant, were well described - I could envision hearing and seeing them. Although I thoroughly enjoy the author's detailed characterization of these players, the flip side is that I don't need details of Charlie brushing her teeth or shaving her legs. I didn't care for the underlying union bashing and elitist themes but I understand that is part of the story line to make the mysteries. Charlie nor Drake are union haters or elite snobs and push through to do the right thing and at the end of the day have each other in spite of the work-cation spoilers. I've already started book 9, hoping it would start off with where the exciting end of book 8 ended - but I won't spoil it for others. Solid 4.8 stars! Go Charlie!
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Connie Shelton has done it again. I couldn't hardly put the book down. Charlie and Drake are in Scotland this time. The scenery is beautiful and the suspense is great. This was one of the best in the series so far. Can't wait for the next book.
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  • Mark S. in NY
    5.0 out of 5 stars Intrigue in Scotland
    Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Charlie and Drake are doing a favor for a friend in Scotland. Charlie gets to meet some local castle dwellers, visit a sheep farm, solve a kidnapping, fly a helicopter to an oil rig, and almost lose her life.

    We have good people doing fairly dumb things, unhappy people doing bad things, and even average people doing things they regret. In short, we find that even in Scotland people are not perfect by a long shot. This makes the story believable, even though it is a little hard to imagine one person being involved in two life threatening mysteries at once.

    Sorry guys. Rusty could not get past the customs officials in Great Britton. However, we have lambs, puppies and a small terrier name Ruffie to fill in for him. No Mexican food either. How did Charlie survive that?

    The interesting thing, in both mysteries, is not so much who did it, as how far are the people involved are actually willing to go. Because in both situations the people involved should have known that it would not end well for them.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Competition Can Be Murder by Connie Shelton
    Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Drake and Charlie helping a friend and exploring another country and tradition. Seems a simple enough job.

    Until you find that someone does not like the idea of helicopter transporting workers. It gets really dicey when Charlie ends up without her helicopter flying and she is all wet and cold. Then the kidnapping and ransom demand.

    Not only competition, but a mystery.

    As always a good read.
    Shirley Ann
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  • Bill King
    5.0 out of 5 stars Charlie and Drake in Scotland
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Charlie and Drake are off to Scotland for a nice 90 day business, pleasure trip Yea right. You know Charlie can't walk around the corner to purchase a paper without getting into Trouble of finding a dead body. Now that she is also a helicopter pilot she and Drake have been hired by a friend 2 shuttle workers to and from oil rigs off the Scotland Coast that does not sit well with boat captains and union workers who used to have exclusive rights to that work. Meanwhile the owners of the cottage that Charlie and Drake are renting live in a giant castle on the same ground are having there own problems with a grandchild teen and his mates. Competition can Be Murder is my 8th in the Charlie Parker series also my favorite to date. One person missing in Scotland is Rusty due to international laws regarding pets. I miss him. OK I don't want to give up too much other than to say great book go ,out ad get it.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Catherine70
    2.0 out of 5 stars Mountain lions in Scotland?
    Reviewed in France on September 18, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I've been reading and enjoying the series -I didn't read the second book because I wasn't tempted with Pacific sea resorts as I much prefer New Mexico. I didn't mind this number 8 being set in Scotland, though, as I like the UK, however I am disappointed in the plot. Too many characters, and the second and third plots are unnecessary. This wouldn't have been too bad if I hadn't noticed an astounding error concerning the two stolen lambs, whose mother has allegedly been killed by a mountain lion...or so says the thief's wife. I was so surprised I checked, just in case I was mistaken in my belief. I was right : Mountain lions aka cougars or pumas don't exist in Europe.A minor mistake, some would say, yet up until now Ms SHELTON has been very good on fauna and flora and it's quite surprising. All in all the book is not up to the author's talent, which doesn't mean I'm not recommending it. I like the series. I only wish the leading character weren't so emotionally crippled at times, and didn't forget to offer condolences to bereaved people before asking them questions. I'm still looking forward to reading the next book, anyway.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Charlie Parker
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 6, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Connie Shelton makes the most of her visit to Scotland with her background to this book( so different to New Mexico which is Charlie's home)
    Two main plots here with Charlie & Drake operating at times alone & then together.
    Very exciting with the helicopter flights over the North Sea to the oil platforms & the wicked perfomances of some of the people on the rig trying to prevent Charlie & Drake completing their flights.
    The other plot is about a kidnap & Charlie solving it.
    Again an enjoyable read.
    Report
  • Rachel
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Iam working my way thoughthis series of books, easy read and enjoyable
    Report
  • Kevin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Charlie Parker mystery
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely loving this series of books. Reading them one after another means you notice certain things which may not stand out reading them as and when they are released, such as being told every time about Rusty the dog being allowed to sit under the table waiting to catch stray bits of food when Charlie goes To Pedro's and the only other guy in is the one who sits alone at the corner of the bar.
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  • Debbie V
    3.0 out of 5 stars Some frustrating inaccuracies in an otherwise excellent series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 31, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoy this series, and would usually rate each one 4-5 stars but sadly I can only give this a 3 star review. The reason? While Connie Shelton has brilliantly captured life in the Highlands (I found the descriptions, culture and the way the characters talk - most of the time - well written and observed), there were several glaring, and embarrassing, errors. Apart from the Americanisms coming from some of the Scottish characters (fine if coming from Charlie and Drake, but not from the locals), the factual errors like mountain lions and wolves in Scotland made me put the book down in frustration. Others have pointed out that the time of year would mean longer periods of daylight and how lambs wouldn’t still be lambs by August. Smaller errors such as Drake searching for ID for his injured assistant for her ‘medical insurance’ (not needed for the NHS) - which could easily have been a culture misunderstanding, but not referred to again to clear it up, and the use of words like ‘trash’ for rubbish and ‘mail’ instead of post - both spoken by a Scottish character, all irritated. A little more research would have gone a long way.
    Report

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