Balloons Can Be Murder: The Ninth Charlie Parker Mystery (Charlie Parker Mysteries)

"Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes." --The Midwest Book Review USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton puts her own real-life experience to work in this, the ninth Charlie Parker mystery. Three days before the start of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, balloon pilot Rachael Fairfield walks into the offices of RJP Investigations. She has received threatening notes, which she believes came from her father, a convicted felon whom she sent to prison fifteen years earlier. To complicate matters, her brother has initiated a huge publicity campaign for the world altitude record Rachael plans to attempt on the final Sunday of the Fiesta. It seems simple enough. Charlie and Ron will locate William Fairfield and keep him away from Rachael for the duration of the Fiesta. But as they follow leads on William Fairfield, the threats escalate and Ron and Charlie start to wonder whether he's really the stalker. Amid the color and beauty of the world's largest ballooning event, Charlie also finds herself at odds with her husband and reassessing her life's priorities. Only when she nearly loses her own life do the answers begin to fall into place. Reviews for the Charlie Parker mystery series: "...Shelton's engaging story, likable heroine, and comfortable prose make this a good choice." -- Library Journal "This is a dandy. Don't miss it!" -- Book Talk "Readers can only hope the likable characters, fast-paced plots and local color will continue...." -- Albuquerque Journal

three Days Before The Start Of The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Balloon Pilot Rachael Fairfield Walks Into The Offices Of Rjp Investigations. She Received A Threatening Note, Which She Believes Came From Her Father, A Convicted Felon Whom She Sent To Prison 15 Years Earlier. To Complicate Matters, Her Brother Has Initiated A Huge Publicity Campaign For The World Altitude Record Rachael Plans To Attempt On The Final Sunday Of The Fiesta.

it Seems Simple Enough. Charlie And Her Brother Ron Will Locate William Fairfield And Keep Him Away From Rachael For The Duration Of The Fiesta. But As They Follow Leads On William Fairfield, The Threats Escalate And Ron And Charlie Start To Wonder Whether He's Really The Stalker. Amid The Color And Beauty Of The World's Largest Ballooning Event, Charlie Also Finds Herself At Odds With Her Husband And Reassessing Her Life's Priorities. Only When She Nearly Loses Her Own Life Do The Answers Begin To Fall Into Place.

connie Shelton Is A Lifelong Mystery Fan Who Wanted To Be Nancy Drew When She Grew Up. Now She Relives Her Mystery Fantasies Through Her Charlie Parker Series. In Addition To Writing The Series, She Has Served As President Of Her Local Writers Group, Is Active In Sisters In Crime And Mystery Writers Of America. Shelton Is Also A Frequent Speaker At Writing And Publishing Conferences. She Lives In Northern New Mexico And Central Arizona With Her Husband, Author And Helicopter Pilot Dan Shelton.

kirkus Reviews

albuquerque's Crystal-clear Skies Provide The Perfect Setting For The Yearly Balloon Festival, And A Place Where Danger Lurks For The Latest Client Of Rjp Investigations. Accountant Charlie Parker Has Found Herself Taking Over More Investigative Duties At The Detective Agency She Owns With Her Brother Ron. Their New Client, Balloon Pilot Rachael Fairfield, Is Hoping To Set A New Ladies' Altitude Record, But She's Received Anonymous Letters Intimating Danger If She Tries. She's Convinced The Culprit Is Her Father, Whose Political Aspirations Were Crushed When Rachael's Testimony As A Teen Sent Him To Prison On Molestation Charges. Now Her Banker Brother Hopes For A Political Career Of His Own. His Hunger For Publicity Undercuts Charlie And Ron's Attempt To Keep Their Client In The Shadows. The Siblings Work As Bodyguards, Take Turns Running Down Clues And Dig Into The Past And Present Looking For Others Who Might Want To Harm Rachael. When Bullets Pierce The Balloon, Crew Chief Sam Millson Rushes The Pair To His Ranch In The Hills. Rachael And Charlie Are Stalked And Almost Killed In A Fire Before The Truth Is Revealed. Shelton's Debut Provides Much Information About Hot-air Ballooning, But Not So Much About A Convincing Solution.

Rachael Fairfield is a balloon pilot out to set a world altitude record during the upcoming Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. She's received several threats, though, and wants to hire Charlie and Ron to keep the stalker away from her. It shouldn't be a problem, says Rachael, because she knows who is sending the notes-her own father. Her testimony sent him to prison years ago and now he's out. They agree to take the case, but Charlie begins to suspect that it's not such a simple assignment. Praise for the Charlie Parker mysteries: ''Fans of Southwestern mysteries will find that Shelton's engaging story, likable heroine, and comfortable prose make this a good choice.'' - Library Journal ''Charlie is a good detective and a pleasant companion to unravel a mystery with.'' -- Mystery News ''Shelton continues to combine suspenseful storytelling with sensitive portrayals of complex family relationships.'' --Booklist