142) Rose & Helena Save Christmas by Jana DeLeon & Denise Grover Swank

The Blurb :

Rose Gardner and Neely Kate Colson are thrilled with Mason’s early present to Rose — a trip for the two of them to New Orleans for shopping, great food, and awesome seats to Wicked. Neely Kate plans to use the opportunity to visit a psychic and find out once and for all what her paranormal ability is. But when the psychic is murdered, and Neely Kate and Rose were the last people to see her alive, they find themselves the main suspects in a Christmas killing.

Taylor Beaumont has exhausted all resources in trying to figure out her new ghostly roommate, Helena. Seeing a psychic is the last resort. Taylor hoped for answers about Helena’s worldly existence but, instead, finds herself embroiled on the wrong side of a murder investigation. Seeing no other option, Taylor and Helena combine forces with Rose and Neely Kate to clear their names.

But can they solve the mystery in time to save Christmas?

My Thoughts :

I have gulped up the Ghost-in-Law series over the last few months and was hoping there was some more releasing soon.  When checking out Amazon I came across this novella and quickly pre-ordered it.  Not knowing the other author involved or her series I was a little worried that this short Christmas story would be a flop but I love Helena's wild and crazy ghost life and knew this one would at least be good for a few laughs.

In reality this one turned out to be hilariously good!  The other author has been added to my wishlist and I can't wait to check out the other characters Rose & Neely.  This was a very well written story and the plot was easy to follow but with a mystery that wasn't too easy to solve.  Just how I like them!  The Christmas angle wasn't overwhelming but it was there and Helena was her typical self.

This was a great Christmas read and a wonderful present from the authors.  I can only recommend this one highly and suggest giving it a try.  For anyone who isn't familiar with one or both of the series involved in this novella, well I don't think it hurts to read this one first.  It certainly gives you a good impression of the Ghost-in-Law series without giving too much away and I am definitely trying the Rose Gardner Mysteries after this adventure!

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135) Chaos in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon

The Blurb :

Jadyn St. James hopes that the two-week quiet period in Mudbug means things in the small bayou town are back to normal…whatever that is. But when a fisherman finds a sunken shrimp boat, and the boat captain is missing, Jadyn wonders if the damage to the boat was caused by a storm, or if something far more nefarious happened.

Colt Bertrand has been fighting his attraction to the sexy game warden since he first laid eyes on her. Once more, their jobs have forced them together, but when a stalker sets his sights on Jadyn, Colt’s emotions launch into overdrive.

Can he protect the bayou beauty and also protect his heart?

My Thoughts :

The Ghost-in-Law had never been on my radar and somehow I came across the first book and decided for one reason or another to try it out.  I found myself listening to the other books in quick succession and was disappointed to find that the sixth book, Chaos in Mudbug wasn't available on Audible.  So I kept checking back.  The series had been a joy to listen to with Johanna Parker, the same narrator on the Sookie Stackhouse books, doing an amazing job bringing the characters to life.  I was tempted to give up and just get the Kindle copy but finally the sixth installment popped up and I snapped it up straight away with no doubt in my mind that it was going to be the next book I listened to.

It only took a few days to complete the book but it was a very enjoyable few days.  Once again I loved the story, the characters and plot.  I laughed and rolled my eyes as Helena continued to get up to some ghostly shenanigans and the others tried to cover up the fact that they can all see and talk with a ghost.  The mystery angle was exciting and kept me guessing till the very end and the chance of romance between Jayden and Colt was a nice sideline in the already packed story.

Somehow the ending felt like it could have been the last in the series but I can't find anything to support that.  I really hope there will be more books in the series but it is hilarious, serious and romantic all in one without being too silly or over the top.  I have come to love the residents of Mudbug and it would be shame not to have a few more mysteries to solve in the bayou with that crazy ghost and the lovely women who are like friends.

Even if this isn't the last book, I am obviously now up to date with the series and hope to read some more books by Jana DeLeon.  I haven't had any luck finding any more on Audible so I may have to give Kindle versions a go.  Although that will take me longer to get to but I really want to see what other books this author has to offer because this series has really made a great impression!

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98) Missing in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon

The Blurb :

After an eventful first week on the job, Game Warden Jadyn St. James is happy the small bayou town of Mudbug, Louisiana, seems to have fallen back into its normal routine. But when FBI agent Raissa Bordeaux is kidnapped, Jadyn is certain the short-lived peace has come to an abrupt end. Statistics don’t lie, and Jadyn knows that the longer Raissa remains missing, the less likely she’ll be found alive.

Sheriff Colt Bertrand knows the FBI won’t let him participate in their investigation, but is certain the federal agents aren’t as qualified as he is to locate someone missing in the swamps surrounding Mudbug. And although he’s been avoiding the beautiful game warden, Colt is sure that teaming up with Jadyn gives him the best chance of finding Raissa.

With the clock ticking, Colt and Jadyn defy FBI orders and launch their search, but can they find Raissa before it’s too late?

My Thoughts :

Yes there hasn't been much action over here lately and I am sure there aren't many people left who actually read the blog but there are lots of reasons for the lack of posts but be happy in the knowledge that I am still reading and am definitely still listening to books!  While I haven't had much time to actually sit and read I have had time to listen to the next Mudbug book while on my way to and from work.  Book five in the Ghost-in-Law series was just as good as the previous four and it has made my travel time really fly by and my work week more enjoyable.

I am still loving Mudbug with its fun bunch of characters and resident ghost!  Once again I was not disappointed in the continuing story of the Mudbug residents and it was nice to be following Jayden and Colt once more but once again it was a bit of a joint effort with other characters telling their side of the story when needed.  Sometimes this doesn't work very well and can end up giving the reader a headache.  Jana DeLeon has written this series so well that you won't be reaching for an aspirin.  Having spent so much time with all the characters it is easy to keep track.  If you listen to the audio versions, like I have been doing, then it is the great narrator who keeps things straight and stops you from getting a sore head.

There was, as always, a lot of action and mystery.  Helena was funny as always and Mildred really does keep the group focused and cared for.  The other characters added tons of support and it was great to see Jayden and Colt tiptoeing around their attraction instead of getting together quickly like the previous couples.  It will be interesting to see what happens with them, as well as the rest of the characters, in the next installment.

Once again I loved the plot with its very interesting and dramatic twists and turns.  It could be seen as over the top but it always makes for great reading.  The author manages to make the story light and fun but also keep it serious.  I find myself shocked and amazed and then giggling the next minute as I listen to this well narrated audiobook.

My stay in Mudbug, Louisianna seems to be over for now! I would have downloaded the sixth installment ready to start on Monday but it doesn't look like there is an audio version yet!  I am loving this series so much and I am very disappointed that the next book isn't available on audio despite being released back in June.  I would have expected it to be out already.  I could give in and read the sixth part but Johanna Parker does such an amazing job of narrating the books that I can't switch to another format.

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97) Resurrection in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon

The Blurb :

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the bayou…

Jadyn St. James is excited to start her job as game warden in Mudbug, Louisiana, and hopes it is the beginning of a new and improved life. She expected to run across any number of odd occurrences in the small bayou town, but she never thought her life would be in danger within a matter of days. And that’s not even the worst thing.
Helena Henry was hell on wheels—both alive and dead—when she resided in Mudbug, and a year in heaven hasn’t improved her one bit. Now, she’s back and has brought trouble with her.

When it becomes apparent that a major crime is occurring in Mudbug, Colt Bertrand is more than frustrated to be saddled with an inexperienced game warden, especially one who looks like Jadyn. But it soon becomes apparent that they need to put their differences aside if they expect to solve the crime, and more importantly, stay alive.

My Thoughts :

My lack of posts may make you all believe that I am not reading anything but in fact I am.  The fresh new school year has, as usual, sucked away all my reading time and I am way behind on my reading goal for this year.  While I haven't had much time to actually sit and read I have had time to listen to the next Mudbug book while on my way to and from work.  Book five in the Ghost-in-Law series was just as good as the previous four and it has made my travel time really fly by.

 I am absolutely loving Mudbug!  Once again I was not disappointed in the continuing story of the Mudbug residents and all the secrets they hold.  The Ghost-In-Law twist this time around was funny because everyone thought Helena Henry was gone and the story took place a year later.  The POV in this book was a new character but now and again a couple of other characters took the reins.  More of a joint effort and a great way to catch up with what all the previous characters are up to.

This time around the plot centered around Jaydn the new game warden and the local police detective Colt.  The majority of the other characters from the previous books were all present as they both try and stop the new trouble in the Bayou which starts with money flying around and continues with some dead bodies turning up.

I loved the plot with its very interesting and dramatic twists and turns.  It could be seen as over the top but it made for great reading.  The author manages to make the story light and fun but also keep it serious.  I find myself shocked and amazed and then giggling the next minute as I listen to this well narrated audiobook.

My stay in Mudbug, Louisianna isn't over! I have the fifth installment ready to start tomorrow and hope that part six will also appear on the audible site soon!  I am loving this series so much that I can't stop myself from continuing.  This cozy paranormal mystery is a hoot and if you like Molly Harper's books then you will also love what Jana DeLeon has going on in Mudbug.  Well worth checking out and definitely worth listening to with Johanna Parker (Sookie Stackhouse Audibles) reading this story like a pro!

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94) Showdown in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon

The Blurb :

Who killed Helena Henry? The shorter list may be who didn’t want her dead.

Psychic Raissa Bordeaux thought she’d left her former life behind, but when a child is kidnapped, she risks her secret identity by offering the police help with the case.

New Orleans Detective Zach Blanchard doesn’t believe in psychic hooey and is certain Raissa didn’t get her facts about the case from a crystal ball. He suspects her of something besides being the most intriguing and attractive woman he’s ever come across. But when Raissa’s secrets put her in danger, can Zach convince her to trust him with the truth before it’s too late?

My Thoughts :

I continue to enjoy my visit to Mudbug while listening to this third installment!  I am absolutely loving it!  Once again I was not disappointed in the continuing story of the Mudbug residents and all the secrets they hold.  The Ghost-In-Law twist is just the icing on a very delicious story that changes POV in each book.  Now I wonder who the fourth book will revolve around.

This time around the plot centered around Raissa as her past catches up with her.  The other characters from the previous book were all present as she drops her cover to help look for a kidnapped girl.   The new guy on the scene for this story was Zach, a detective, and it was fun following his and Raissa's mystery filled adventure.

There was also some other bits and bobs thrown into this third book.  Mainly Helena's continuing search for her killer and her finding out why and how Hank isn't her son.  There was also alot of Hank appearances with some developments in his story.  Which leads me to believe that he may have one of the main roles in the next book.

I loved the plot with its very interesting and dramatic twists and turns.  It could be seen as over the top but it made for great reading.  The author manages to make the story light and fun but also keep it serious.  I find myself shocked and amazed and then giggling the next as I listen to this well narrated audiobook.

My stay in Mudbug, Louisianna isn't over!  I am, as I type this, already putting the fourth and fifth installments onto my iPod.  I am loving this series so much that I can't stop myself from continuing.  This cozy paranormal mystery is a hoot and if you like Molly Harper's books then you will also love what Jana DeLeon has going on in Mudbug.  Well worth checking out and definitely worth listening to with Johanna Parker (Sookie Stackhouse Audibles) reading this story like a pro!

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89) Mischief in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon

The Blurb :

Sabine LeVeche, orphaned at an early age, is in the middle of a medical crisis and needs to find a blood relative STAT. Luckily, she's got a sexy PI and one sassy but determined ghost on her side. Not so luckily, there's a murderer gunning for her just in case her illness doesn't kill her first.

My Thoughts :

To say I am enjoying my visit to Mudbug is an understatement!  I am absolutely loving it!  I couldn't wait to listen to this second installment and I was not disappointed in the continuing story of the Mudbug residents and all the secrets they hold.  However the Ghost-In-Law twist is just the icing on a very delicious story.

This time around the plot centered around Sabine's quest to find her parents.  The other characters from the previous book were all present except for Luc who only got mentioned.   However I suppose the new guy on the scene, Beau, is enough male hotness for one book.  Anyway it was great getting to catch up with Maryse again but even better to find out more about Sabine's story.  This actually turned out to be Mildred's story too and there is also some more details about Raissa who I believe will be the main character in the next book.

I loved the plot with its very interesting and dramatic twists and turns.  It could be seen as over the top but it made for great reading.  The author manages to make the story light and fun but also keep it serious.  I find myself shocked and amazed and then giggling the next as I listen to this well narrated audiobook.

My stay in Mudbug, Louisianna isn't over!  I am, as I type this, already putting the third installment onto my iPod.  I am loving this series so much that I can't stop myself from continuing.  This cozy paranormal mystery is a hoot and if you like Molly Harper's books then you will also love what Jana DeLeon has going on in Mudbug.  Well worth checking out and definitely worth listening to with Johanna Parker (Sookie Stackhouse Audibles) reading this story like a pro!

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88) The Helena Diaries by Jana DeLeon

The Blurb :

Do you love Helena Henry?

Did you wonder what she was thinking during Trouble in Mudbug, or what she was up to when she was off-page in the novel?

If so, then this novella is for you. All of Helena’s thoughts and actions during Trouble in Mudbug, compiled in a diary for you to enjoy.

My Thoughts :

WARNING: This novella is a companion book to TROUBLE IN MUDBUG. You should not read this novella prior to completing Trouble in Mudbug. The novella contains major spoilers for the novel and would not make sense if read beforehand.

Believe the warning because this book would make no sense to anyone who has not read Trouble in Mudbug.  If you have already read the first book in the Ghost-in-Law series or maybe even further then think twice about reading this short story.  Usually I encourage fans to read these short stories that fit inbetween the ful length books but this one didn't really offer much to the series or my opinion of Helena.

A quick read this novella offers nothing new to the story or explain anything you can't read about in book one.  All this offers is a chance to see things from the otherside.  Helena's experiences as a ghost are amusing but nothing special stands out in her diaries.  After being really impressed by the first book I wanted to read this one to keep things in order.  However it was basically a recap of the story I had just finished.

Despite this one being a bit of a dud I already downloaded the second book in the series and already started listening to it.  The series really is fun and I recommend trying it but don't waste any money on this short piece.  Just nab it if it is free.

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86) Trouble in Mudbug by Jana Deleon

The Blurb :

Scientist Maryse Robicheaux thought that a lot of her problems had gone away with her mother-in-law’s death. The woman was rude, pushy, manipulative and used her considerable wealth to run herd over the entire town of Mudbug, Louisiana.

Unfortunately, death doesn’t slow down Helena one bit.

DEA Agent Luc LeJeune is wondering what his undercover assignment investigating the sexy scientist has gotten him into – especially as it seems someone wants her dead. Keeping his secrets while protecting Maryse proves to be easier than fighting his attraction for the brainy beauty.

My Thoughts :

I believe I came across this author when I read a novella of hers at Christmas.   I looked up her other books and remembering that this Ghost-in-Law series looked like something I would like.  Then the other week while I was over at Audible I saw this one cheap.  Not sure why the price was lower but I decided to snap it up.

Now I seem to be spending a lot of time in the state of Louisianna lately.  True Detective and True Blood have been on my TV and now this series (narrator is the same reader as in the Sookie books).   All combined I have decided that Louisanna is not only a strange and dangerous place but also one I definitely want to at least drive through one day.   It sounds like it is unusually beautiful.

Anyway back to Mudbug!  I liked Maryse straight away and having her be able to see the ghost of her mother-in-law was a great idea!  What a hoot!  The love interest is there and the best friend is also around.  Parental figures and some other interesting extras all make up a nice selection of interesting characters that I am looking forward to catching up with again sometime soon.

The plot was well thought out and kept you guessing to the end.  Nice twists and turns in the story and more than just your general murder mystery.  It was a pleasure to listen to and I am highly tempted to go and download the second book now and start listening to it straight away.  The whole concept was so welcoming and enjoyable that I don't really want to wait to continue but stay in Mudbug and see what else is in store for the town.

If you like a cozy mystery with a little paranormal then this is a good one to try.  Don't get put off by the colourful cover.  This one has wit, laughs and some really dangerous situations.  The ghostly mother-in-law makes this one interesting and fun but all in all it is the truth behind it all, that comes out during the story, that makes this one even better than the blurb or I can get across.

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168) Eight Maids a' Missing by Jana Deleon

The Blurb :


When college student Lexie Clairmont is summoned to the sleepy gated community in the Louisiana Bayou where her melodramatic Aunt Sophia lives, she figures she’s in for more of the usual hysterics. But when she discovers that eight housemaids have disappeared without a trace, Lexie will have to play amateur detective to help her aunt get to the bottom of the pre-Christmas crisis. In a town where nothing is as it seems, Lexie’s investigation could land her smack-dab in the middle of very real danger. Will she uncover the truth before it’s too late?

My Thoughts :

Jana Deleon is a completely new author for me.  Reading through the blurbs of the Twelve Days of Killer Fiction, I decided to take a chance on this one because it sounded interesting.  I wasn't wrong!  I have now added a few more of Deleon's books to my reading list.

Well written with good interesting characters, this story wasn't hard to get into.  The location is fun and the plot was nicely thought out.  I managed to figure out what had happened quite early on in this short story but it was the how and why that kept me reading to the end.

This cozy mystery left me very excited about the rest of the authors work and I hope to try some of her other books soon.  Especially as she has one featuring ghosts.  Actually the first books in both of her series were very low priced/free on Kindle and have super reviews.  So if you are looking for a nice quick and fun read then give this one a try.  Maybe you will find a new author to add to your reading list for next year!





 

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