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Penny for Your Thoughts

Shadowy Solutions, Book 5

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Penny for Your Thoughts

By: Nicky James
Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
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Diem never thought he would have a steady boyfriend and enough cases to keep his business in the green. He never thought his nana would live to be ninety-three. Life is, dare he say, good? He could do to drink less, and he still needs to quit smoking, but he’s getting there. He’s happy. In love. If he could manage his stress, life might even turn out to be… great?

But then Tallus arranges dinner with his parents, where Diem faces questions about commitment and weddings and a weekend bonding trip with a stepfather he doesn’t know.

And a resident of Nana’s nursing home ends up involved in a twisted version of a grandparent scheme, so Diem agrees to investigate. The police clearly aren’t doing their job.

It’s all downhill from there.

The case somehow leads to Diem figuratively adopting the most obnoxious teenager imaginable. A boy whose troubled life reflects Diem’s past. A boy who is deeply entwined in a con far more complex than he realizes.

One misstep tips their hand. The hunter becomes the hunted. Diem and Tallus—and their unfortunate sidekick—are in a race against the clock, desperate to nail the person responsible before he skips the country… or seeks revenge. So much for reducing stress.

©2026 Nicky James (P)2026 Nicky James Mystery Romance Romantic Suspense
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All stars
Most relevant
Enjoyable story that is well written with likeable characters and good world building. The narration is very good as well.

Enjoyable story

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Love Diem & Talis
Didn’t want this story to end.
Can’t wait for the next Shadowy solutions book.

Love Diem & Talis

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Listener received this title free

OH..... WOW.... Another Absolutely Brilliant edition to the Shadowy Solutions Series by Nicky James love the relationship growth between Diem & Tallus it's simply amazing and emotional a gripping new case for them to solve and Diem meets another broken soul Darcy love the fun & banter between him and Tallus its so much fun and the way Nick J Russo brings this to life is truly Outstanding as always the vulnerable and emotional moments with Diem asking for help with is addictions and the sponsor wow Loved it..... Recommend it so much simply Fantastic.

Penny For Your Thoughts Brilliant ❤️

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Listener received this title free

Every chapter of Diem and Tallus's journey brings fresh excitement, and this time their case hit close to home with a grandparent scam at Nana's nursing home. As always, Nicky James drew me into the narrative with just enough information to pique my interest, then took Tallus and Diem on a roundabout adventure to put the rest of the pieces together. In this particular instance, we were introduced to nursing home staff, a rough-around-the-edges teen named Darcy, and a convoluted sequence of events that hinted at a millions of dollars operation. Tallus and Diem got up to their usual fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants investigative work, this time with the occasional addition of Darcy to keep everyone on their toes. In true Shadowy Solutions fashion, the case had its gritty, dangerous moments to make my heart beat out of its chest, coupled with clever desk work that made me marvel at how insightful the pair were. I wasn't expecting to fall in love with the teen as much as I did, but the caretaker side Darcy brought out in Diem was too heart-warming to resist. This book also featured an unforgettable meet-the-parents scene, plenty of Nana and Diem moments, cameos from Ruiz and my favorite detective couple, and a brave first step towards Diem conquering his addictions. Tallus and Diem's relationship feels more solid than ever before, to the point that growly, jealous Diem made far fewer appearances than usual, and I adored every quiet moment at home I got to experience with them. It's been such a joy to watch the evolution of their relationship, Diem's self-worth and communication skills, and Tallus's ability to compromise. The two of them have come such a long way from the grunting PI and independent records clerk, and I couldn't be more excited for where their lives and careers are headed.

Tallus and Diem with a fresh case!

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