Audio Book Review: Devious Minds

Devious Minds

By:  Colleen Helme

Publish Date:  January 29, 2016, Audiobook February 15, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 9 hrs 6 mins
Narrated By:  Wendy Tremont King

Genre:  Mystery

Series:  8th in Shelby Nichols series

Impression:  Shelby's daring adventure grows dangerous as time goes.

Synopsis:
It’s been almost a year since a near-fatal gunshot wound left Shelby Nichols with the ability to read minds. In that time she’s faced one problem after another. She’s been shot at, framed for murder, and targeted by a serial killer, just to name a few. Now she’s trying to help her lawyer husband win a murder trial that will enable him to become a partner in his law firm. Sounds easy, right? But nothing ever goes as planned when it comes to Shelby Nichols.

When special agent, Blake Beauchaine, shows up to collect a debt from Shelby, things get even more complicated, and Shelby is soon on her way to Paris. A routine meeting with a rogue agent reveals a sinister plot, putting Shelby into the cross-hairs of a known terrorist. Even worse, she doesn’t speak French, so it seems her mind-reading abilities won’t help her this time.

Things go from bad to downright dangerous for Shelby, especially since her usual guardians, Uncle Joey, and his hit-man, Ramos, are back in the states. Lost and on her own in the streets of Paris, can Shelby escape the cold-blooded killer in time to stop his devious plans, or will this be the end of the line for Shelby Nichols?

First Sentence:
The first day of spring arrived, filling me with an overwhelming sense of freedom.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

A past deal Shelby made comes due as Federal Agent Blake shows up while she's helping her husband with a high profile murder case. Blake is going to Paris tomorrow and needs Shelby to come along to help him, with her special knack for knowing. But, one small problem... Shelby can't speak French and she'll be listening to people who think in French. That's not the biggest problem. The biggest is that there seems to be a bio-hazard weapon in hands of a man hired to stop the Conference, and Shelby is in the middle of it.

I've not listened to Wendy narrate before. Why not? She feels as she IS Shelby. She has the feelings through and through in her words spoken. Like with Shelby's thoughts of Ramos, not only what she says but in the infliction of the words as well! (I want to meet the hunk of a man Ramos!) But the infliction and emotion holds true through out the book for all the characters Wendy voices. There are a few accents to fit the characters, southern accent and the trademark mobster leader relaxed accent too. And the French! All sounds natural. I really enjoyed how Wendy took on Shelby's character and acted as her. The recording sounds clear and clean, that Wendy is a professional at putting the audio together. Oh the emotion when Shelby is upset. And then I got to meet Ramos. Wendy did a smooth voice for him. Wendy really does fit Shelby and the story line perfectly!

I adored Shelby. She's is smart and fun. She's human with flaws and still a resourceful woman. Ramos is all I had hoped! And how Shelby can handle being with him and stay married... I have no idea! lol. I love the connection between Shelby and Ramos. Ramos knows she can hear his thoughts and he uses it to their advantage, along with teasing and flirting with her. Shelby struggles with not giving her ability away. It's so easy to do when she hears what people are thinking like the are talking to her. Yet she does her best to keep her secret, along with help from her friends that do know.

I'm one to read a series in order, but this story is easy to pick up and start new with the series. Colleen gives us enough history in the beginning to get us caught up and at a swift pace that keeps us interested to meet everyone. (I sooo couldn't wait to meet the swoon-worthy Ramos.) All of it driving us into the current hard case Shelby's husband, Chris, wants her help on and to Paris with Blake. Even though there is a history with the characters, this book is it's own adventure and I felt like I was familiar with the characters the whole time, never feeling lost.

Wow! Colleen does not waste time or words. We get right in with the case that Shelby is working on, and Shelby wastes no time in getting to investigating. The first chapter dives in to the story line with vivaciousness. In listening to the story, one thing I did notice is that the chapters are longer ones.

This one book has me hooked on Shelby and her daring adventures along with the voice of Wendy. I look forward to getting a chance to listen to the previous books and to continue with the series!



**If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!