Penny for Your Thoughts

Shadowy Solutions, Book 5

By: Nicky James

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

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

Obsessed!!!

Absolutely love this entire series. Nick J Russo does an amazing job bringing Diem and Tallus to life!

LOVE!!

Nicky James does it again! Another amazing mystery with Diem and Tallus as well as them growing into more than they ever thought possible! I LOVED every minute of this book. The story was so captivating and the narration was fantastic! Nick J Russo brings everything to the next level, so freaking good! I can't recommend this book/series enough!

This is one of my favorites!

I love everything about this audiobook!! Diem and Tallus have overcome so much over their relationship and now they are in the same place together, I love Nick J Russo he really can’t bring this characters to life! Listening Tallus sarcastic shelf is hilarious! This new addition to their duo is a great surprise and I would love to see more of them bickering in the future! So happy for how this audiobook end, can’t wait for the next book in this series!!

Excellent narration!!

Nick J Russo does an amazing job of bringing this story to life. His voice matches Tallus and Diem perfectly, I actually had to confirm with myself that it wasn't duel narration because his voices for these guys is so good.

Tallus and Diem are back with more fun, drama and a new case.

These grumpy/sassy private investigators are still crazy in love. They are not without issues, but their relationship is strong. Diem is finally admitting some hard truths to himself.

As their new case snowballs into something much more than they first thought, they get themselves into and out of more trouble than they anticipated.

I loved the Ruiz and Doyle cameos.

This is a great ending to a fantastic series. I've enjoyed watching Diem adjust and thrive in a healthy loving relationship with Tallus' unending support. They've been on some wild adventures and both grown into much happier men.

I just love them!!!!!

The fact that I have to wait for the next book is CRIMINAL!!! lol I absolutely love these and we have Darcy now and eco? I’m excited for the planning.