Rating: 4.75🌈
Penny For Your Thoughts is the fifth book in Nicky James fantastic series , Shadowy Solutions. It’s a series that quickly became a hit with me, surpassing the original series it’s connected with, that of Valor and Doyle. I feel parts of Valor and Doyle became repetitive, although Aslan is a huge hit with me.
But the complexity of the dynamic between Tallus Domingo and deeply damaged PI Diem Krause, each with a legacy of parental violence, family domestic abuse, and childhood trauma. But one who carries the deepest visible scars as well as the emotional traumatic memories. Ongoing pain and PTSD. That’s Diem, who has tremendous anger issues and anxieties as well as substance abuse problems.
Over the course of 5 novels, James has built up, albeit slowly and realistically, a hard won relationship between these two very different men. It’s been compelling to watch and read about as Diem fights with his demons, and both have to devise ways to make their lives work for themselves.
Even here, Diem has to make the decisions about his use of alcohol and cigarettes, even as his father and family life has the greatest impact on his life.
I’m not sure if James is finishing the series with the story or not. I would be happy if this was the finale.
It’s got a terrific storyline. All the crossover characters are here from Valor and Doyle in meaningful scenes. Aslan, Fox, Quaid, Costa and Kitty Lavender.
Then there’s Darcy Gingrick, Echo, and Baby the snake, that actually gives both Tallus and Diem as touching family, of sorts. Especially, Darcy, what an incredible element he turns out to be.
This is one of my favorites of the series. And if it’s the finale, I’m absolutely satisfied with how everyone is left at the end.
There’s an extra bonus story, The Baby Visit, linked at the end of the book. Don’t miss out on this one. Sweet bonus and intimate window into a favorite side character.
Highly recommended.
Cover Artist: Natasha Snow Designs
Same Universe:
Valor and Doyle (8 book series)
Shadowy Solutions (5 book series):
Skeletons in the Closet #1
Power of the Mind #2
Reading Between the Lines #3
A Breath of Life #4
Penny For Your Thoughts #5
Buy link
Book 5 of 5: Shadowy Solutions
Blurb
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.
Amidst the chaos, Diem finds himself bonding with his petulant rescue-teen. Diem is nobody’s role model, but the boy’s incessant questions open Diem’s mind and heart to things he never thought possible.
Things that make him think that maybe life could be… amazing.
*This is the fifth installment in the Shadowy Solution series. It is a same-couple mystery series with mental health rep, size difference, and a sassy vs surly dynamic. The series should be read in order for full enjoyment*
March 26, 2026
Language
English
Print length
461 pages
Book 5 of 5
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 