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Connie Shelton

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Diamonds Aren't Forever (Heist Ladies Caper Mysteries) Paperback – August 14, 2017

by Connie Shelton (Author)

1,101 ratings

Book 1 of 5: Heist Ladies Caper Mysteries

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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

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Connie Shelton's previous novels:

"Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes." -The Midwest Book Review

"Down to earth and very readable." -Library Journal

"Readers can only hope the likable characters, fast-paced plots and local color will continue ..." -Albuquerque Journal

"...a delightfully complex mystery." -Romantic Times (4 out 5 five stars)

About the Author

Connie Shelton is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels and three non-fiction books. An avid mystery reader all her life, she says it was inevitable that this would be the genre she would write. She is the creator of the Novel In A Weekend(TM) writing course and was a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul. She and her husband currently reside in northern New Mexico with their two dogs.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Secret Staircase Books, an imprint of Columbine Publishing Group (August 14, 2017)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 344 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1945422319
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1945422317
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.1 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.86 x 8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,591,603 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #11,349 in International Mystery & Crime (Books)
- #34,928 in Amateur Sleuths
- #54,031 in Women Sleuths (Books)

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1,101 ratings

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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

1,101 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book thoroughly enjoyable with an exciting plot full of twists and turns. They appreciate the well-developed characters, particularly noting the nice blend of personalities in the Heist ladies group, and consider it a wonderful new series. Customers praise the writing quality, with one comparing it to Mary Higgins Clark's style, and value the strong female characters. The book receives positive feedback for its fast pace and resourceful characters.

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Enjoyment Suspenseful plot Character development Series content Writing quality Female content Pace Intelligence

81 customers mention "Enjoyment"81 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thoroughly enjoyable and exciting to read, keeping them engaged throughout.

"...I really enjoyed this book...second one I tried. Going for number 3." Read more

"Fun read! At first, it took me a few chapters to get absorbed into the Heist ladies and their upcoming caper...." Read more

"...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!" Read more

"...So much fun! Delightful characters highlight an action packed adventure including dream worthy travel and I am ready for more!..." Read more

59 customers mention "Suspenseful plot"56 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful plot of the book, describing it as an exciting adventure with many twists and turns.

"...and then an entire ring of jewel thieves made for an impressive fun filled race against time. I really enjoyed this book...second one I tried...." Read more

"...Lots of action, a nice blend of personalities of the Heist ladies as well as the other supporting characters. Nice twists and turns...." Read more

"...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!" Read more

"...So much fun! Delightful characters highlight an action packed adventure including dream worthy travel and I am ready for more!..." Read more

42 customers mention "Character development"38 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the well-blended personalities of the Heist ladies and their mature approach.

"...Lots of action, a nice blend of personalities of the Heist ladies as well as the other supporting characters. Nice twists and turns...." Read more

"...So much fun! Delightful characters highlight an action packed adventure including dream worthy travel and I am ready for more!..." Read more

"...It is extremely well written, the characterizations are perfect and the subject of the heist is amazing...." Read more

"Great characters, working together to right wrongs and make sure the bad guys don't win...." Read more

24 customers mention "Series content"24 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the series content, describing it as wonderful and fun, with one customer highlighting its exciting conclusion.

"...to follow the plan which led to a lot of travel and an exciting conclusion of the book...." Read more

"...That was a terrible decision on my part. The book and series is amazing...." Read more

"...Connie definitely has a super start on a great new series and may she have more books in this series to come and soon!" Read more

"...The Heist Ladies Caper series is exciting, suspenseful and , oh, so gratifying!..." Read more

21 customers mention "Writing quality"21 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting it is reminiscent of Mary Higgins Clark's style.

"...It is extremely well written, the characterizations are perfect and the subject of the heist is amazing...." Read more

"...Well written, good pace and oh most importantly this is clean! I found this read hard to put down, it is just that good." Read more

"...Well written with POV of the principals involved in the heist as well as the Heist Ladies." Read more

"...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..." Read more

20 customers mention "Female content"20 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strong female characters in the book, with one review highlighting their independent nature.

"...The 4 Heist ladies were resourceful, intelligent, brave, and determined...." Read more

"...enjoyed the variety of ages, life situations, and backgrounds of the ladies in this group...." Read more

"...with POV of the principals involved in the heist as well as the Heist Ladies." Read more

"...An action packed, feminine power strong Cozy." Read more

14 customers mention "Pace"11 positive3 negative

Customers find the book fast-paced and easy to read.

"...Well written, good pace and oh most importantly this is clean! I found this read hard to put down, it is just that good." Read more

"...I gave this a 5-star because of the grab, the clutch, the pace, and most of all, because of the characters. Great job!..." Read more

"...Second, this was an innovative cozy. It was a fast read despite traveling from Arizona to the Caymans, Europe and back to Arizona...." Read more

"...I like this a lot for many reasons, fast paced, clever thinking on the Heist ladies parts, good mix of age groups and abilities...." Read more

12 customers mention "Intelligence"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the intelligence of the characters, describing them as smart, resourceful, and good at their work, with one customer noting how they readily help each other.

"...The 4 Heist ladies were resourceful, intelligent, brave, and determined...." Read more

"...of different elements and ages beings delightful fun with a job well done. Well written, good pace and oh most importantly this is clean!..." Read more

"...Great job! (Click on the photo to find out more about Connie and her books.)..." Read more

"...A fun series! Thank you Ms. Shelton, good work!" Read more

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Kath
1st book in series. Great read.
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2025
Verified Purchase

The ladies first time as a Gang, searching for stolen Jewelry. How they met and grew into a small Gang to thwart a con man and then an entire ring of jewel thieves made for an impressive fun filled race against time. I really enjoyed this book...second one I tried. Going for number 3.

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J. C. Sandoval
Feisty Heist Ladies
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2024
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Fun read! At first, it took me a few chapters to get absorbed into the Heist ladies and their upcoming caper. Once the caper became a reality, the story and characters came together nicely. Lots of action, a nice blend of personalities of the Heist ladies as well as the other supporting characters. Nice twists and turns. And a lighthearted humor, too. Strong 4.2 stars.

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Illinois Reader
Great new series!
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2017
Verified Purchase
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!

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4 people found this helpful

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Jeanie Jackson
Exciting new series from Connie Shelton!!!
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2017
Verified Purchase
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.

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9 people found this helpful

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Kathey Coonce
Great new series by Connie Shelton ( a wonderful writer)
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2018
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I bought this book on Kindle immediately when it came out but then put it in my list farther to the bottom than usual because I did not like the cover and did not understand the scope of the book. That was a terrible decision on my part. The book and series is amazing. Connie Shelton's other two series (Samantha Sweet and Charlie Parker) are so good and I always read her from preorders. I started reading this fairly long book three days ago.
I read it in three days (and I do other things besides read!) and couldn't put it down. I'm immediately reading the other to in this series now. It is extremely well written, the characterizations are perfect and the subject of the heist is amazing. I love that it is set in Phoenix and all four of the main characters are so different from her other characters but still super interesting. The descriptions of the European settings appear accurate and the research done on the actual crime was flawless. I recommend it highly.

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Marivale
Not up to her usual standard
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2017
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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!

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9 people found this helpful

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Statistichick
Extremely enjoyable
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2024
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Great characters, working together to right wrongs and make sure the bad guys don't win. I really enjoyed the variety of ages, life situations, and backgrounds of the ladies in this group. You really root for them, and enjoy their adventures vicariously.

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Be
Fun, Adventure in mystery! Must read.
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2023
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This was enjoyable, a mystery with adventure, friends of different elements and ages beings delightful fun with a job well done. Well written, good pace and oh most importantly this is clean! I found this read hard to put down, it is just that good.

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2 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Deepa
Fun read
Reviewed in India on September 4, 2024
Verified Purchase

A fun, fast, justice-served kinda book. I do feel like the author has stretched reality a bit too far in places. Yet once I overlook that aspect, it was a fun ride. Amber, the computer whiz is most certainly the star of the show. Pen, the classy author, was interesting too.

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Marijke F. Blok
The Heist Ladies is a good romp!
Reviewed in Canada on July 17, 2021
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A new sleuth group for Connie Shelton. I enjoyed the book and look forward to more adventures and more character development from this series
The

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Peter Dare
Con Man
Reviewed in Spain on July 2, 2021
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A woman gets her valuable necklace switched and stolen by a phoney investigator.She and her friends try to get it back and get revenge. I am a sucker for these type of stories but this was too simplistic and predictable.

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P. Dunleavy
Good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 28, 2017
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I have read other series by Connie Shelton and thoroughly enjoyed them. I did like this one but it took me a lot longer to get into the novel than I was expecting. The writing is good but I didn't warm up to the main characters as I have with previous of her novels.

It is still a good book but I felt like I had read the basic story or seen it on TV before but without enough differences to make it stand out. I will read the next one to see if it changes my mind.

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Krupa C.
Definitely exciting and entertaining
Reviewed in India on June 25, 2023
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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.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Fun read

5.0 out of 5 stars The Heist Ladies is a good romp!

2.0 out of 5 stars Con Man

4.0 out of 5 stars Good

3.0 out of 5 stars Definitely exciting and entertaining

Fun read

The Heist Ladies is a good romp!

Con Man

Good

Definitely exciting and entertaining