The Betrayed

Mystere Parish: Family Inheritance #2

by Jana Deleon

A man undercover must reveal the truth in the swamps in the continuation of USA TODAY bestselling author Jana DeLeon's Mystere Parish: Family Inheritance.

One day on the job and contractor Zach Sargent is ready to believe the dilapidated old LeBeau mansion is haunted. Some intruder -- earthly or not -- is threatening the youngest LeBeau sister, back to claim her inheritance. And though Danae keeps her distance from the sexy hired hand, he falls for her in a heartbeat.

Like Danae, Zach has come back to Calais in need of answers to troubling questions about the LeBeau family past. But Danae must never know who he really is and he can't let his attraction to her stop his search…or else a decades-old evil will claim a new victim.

Genres: Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Fiction, Harlequin, Suspense, Contemporary

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jana DeLeon was raised in southwest Louisiana among the bayous and gators. Her hometown is Carlyss, but you probably won't find it on a map. Her family owned a camp located on a bayou just off the Gulf of Mexico that you could only get there by boat. The most important feature was the rope hammock hanging in the shade on a huge deck that stretched out over the water where Jana spent many hours reading books.

Jana and her brother spent thousands of hours combing the bayous in a flat-bottom aluminum boat, studying the natural habitat of many birds, nutria and alligators. She would like you to know that no animals were injured during these "studies," but they kept makers of peroxide in business.

Jana has never stumbled across a mystery or a ghost like her heroines, but she's still hopeful.

She now resides in Dallas, Texas, with the most spoiled Sheltie in the world.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Paranormal Mystery Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Mystere Parish: Family Inheritance series. I have not read the first book in this series before picking up this book, and I think you can read this book as a standalone without any problems. I read this book by listening to the audiobook for this book, and I really enjoyed this audiobook. I really got into this story, and I really loved getting to know the characters in this book. This book is a fast paced book with a lot of suspense with a little bit of romance. There are also a little bit of ghosts throughout this story. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derelict old mansions always give off a gothic vibe, to me at least. Toss in a rumored ghost and you get a spooky element too. Our hero, Zach Sargent, is searching for the reason his father rambled on uneasily about the LeBeau mansion before his death. The heroine, Danae, came to town under a false ID and is actually the youngest of the three missing daughters who are heir to the LeBeau mansion and fortune. Someone is trying to stop Danae from finding the answers she seeks as to why her stepfather separated the girls and sent them away after the death of their mother.

Good plot and good resolution to this particular issue of the story arc. But not all questions were answered because one of the daughters has yet to be found and the total story has yet to be told.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining relationship listening

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book two of three

It turns out the new waitress is one of the missing sisters. She moves into the estate. The lawyer has hired a repair man. They develop a relationship. The sheriff finds all kinds of information leading to the truth and a happy ending 😆.

I would recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 2024 👒🎎

[Debbie Heaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In DeLeon’s romantic suspense novel, contractor Zach Sargent is ready to declare ghosts exist after just one day on the job restoring the old LeBeau mansion. An intruder is threatening Danae LeBeau who has returned to claim her inheritance while other unexplained incidents happen around them as well. Danae is determined to stick out the required two weeks on the estate while investigating her mother’s death when she was only two-years-old. Zach is secretly investigating his father’s connection to the LeBeau family after a death bed declaration of, “I’m sorry.” To find the answers they both seek, they must put their secrets aside or allow a decades-old evil to claim another innocent victim.

Fast-paced, action-packed, awesome addition to the Mystere Parish: Family Inheritance series.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one, but had no idea that it was part of a series until I was well into the book…
I have reserved book #1 from my library, and hope to read it soon… just wish I knew beforehand.

That being said, Danae has relocated to this small town in the bayou… hoping to find out what happened early on in her life. Her mother died young, and her stepfather adopted the kids out…and she wants to know why?? He has now also passed… but found that he was a recluse… rarely, if ever leaving the big old mansion.

She meets up with one of her sisters, and hits it off pretty well.
But, she is tasked with living on the grounds of the estate for a short period…
While there, a construction guy is hired and tasked with ‘fixing up’ the place. Danae really doesn’t want this guy around.

But, once there, they both start experiencing STRANGE things…. And, the house is known for having ghosts!

The story was sweet, and a bit unpredictable, which I enjoyed! And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out…
Well, if you’re like me, you’ll be wrong. 😑

Looking forward to going back to read book #1 and then book #3 as well!

4 spooky, scary, holographic, small-town-vibes stars for me! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

#TheBetrayal by @JanaDeLeon and narrated nicely by @CarlyRobins.

THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! Soooo…..Look 👀👀for it in a few days… on 2/17/26!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Lindy Dierks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did an amazing job crafting this story! This is my first book by her, but it certainly won’t be my last. I need to go back to book one and visit the beginning. Even though I started on book two and there is an overarching series mystery, I felt like the author did a good job of explaining what happened in the past. I was able to jump into the story and not be lost. The series is only enhanced by listening in order. The tension and suspense held on throughout the entire novel. The mystery/plot was very interesting and this was very well written. Carly Robins did a fantastic narrating this book. She’s one of the best narrators out there! This one had all the elements for a 5 star listen! This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys romance, suspense and mystery in their books. It was a quick, satisfying listen! I received this book from Harlequin audio and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I read by Jana Deleon. This book's storyline was okay. I liked the hot 🔥 steamy scenes. I liked Danae's character. Zach's character was okay. I liked the ending.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a standalone audiobook experience… only to discover halfway through that I had accidentally dropped into the middle of a series. Oops.

This is an audiobook release of a book originally published in 2013, and it’s part of a trilogy—even though it can technically be read on its own. While I did enjoy the unsettling atmosphere and the slow-burn mystery that unfolds, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing key emotional and plot context by not having read book one. Knowing that going in would have made for a much smoother experience.

The audio production itself was solid. Carly Robins narrates with confident pacing and does a nice job capturing the prose and tone. Her delivery kept the story moving and helped balance the romance, mystery, and spice in a way that felt engaging rather than chaotic.

That said… while I appreciated the vibes and the genre blend, this one just didn’t hook me enough to want to continue the journey. I didn’t feel compelled to jump ahead to book three—or to backtrack and start from book one.

Final thought: intriguing atmosphere, capable narration, but not enough pull to make me commit to the rest of the series. Sometimes a mystery keeps you guessing… and sometimes it just leaves you shrugging.

I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Harlequin Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

[Marcella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review for all three books in this series: all three books were a fast and enjoyable read. The series plotline was well done, the plot line for each book was a bit contrived at times. All in all a nice series.

[Heather Cluskey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was fairly annoyed that Itunes had book 1 and 3 of this series, but not this book. Found it on Amazon.

[Larae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was so much better than book #1 The accused! On to #3!

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly predictable except for the whodunit.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good continuation of the series. In this book, it is the youngest daughter's turn to claim her inheritance by staying on the mansion's property for two weeks. Everyone hopes that the problems in book one (The Accused) have been resolved and that it will be uneventful. Alas, that is not the case. This book is full of secrets - some will be exposed, and others will not.

Danae got the short end of the stick when her stepfather gave her to a relative to raise. The woman was a drunk and an addict, and Danae's childhood was miserable. When her foster mother died, Danae was only fifteen and spent the next several years on the streets. That experience made it difficult for her to trust anyone. She came to Calais to learn more about her family but did so under an assumed name. After she received an anonymous note saying someone knew who she was, Danae revealed her identity to Alaina and the lawyer and began her claim. But strange happenings make it clear that someone doesn't want their secrets exposed.

Zach was hired to do some renovations on the mansion. No one knows that he has personal reasons for being there. A deathbed semi-confession by Zach's father has him searching for the connection between the two families.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Danae and Zach. Danae is wary and slow to trust most people, but something about Zach says she can trust him. While she cherishes her independence, she also appreciates his help. Zach is attracted to Danae but tries to resist because of his secret. But he can't deny his need to protect her when she is in danger. I liked watching them grow closer as they worked together to find answers. Ultimately, the secrets were less important than their feelings for each other.

The suspense was excellent. I was almost as invested in Danae's search as she was, curious to discover the truth about the mysterious payments. The deeper into the search she got, the more it became apparent that someone was determined to stop her. I was on the edge of my seat during the final confrontation, which had a twist that shocked everyone. The epilogue was a good wrap-up to this book and lead-in to the next with a surprise request.

[Athena 💗 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ A fast paced, easy read with a little bit of spooky, a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance and a whole lot of suspense. The books in this series have been perfect for days like today where I’m just coming out of a heavy read and in need of a palate cleanser.

The Betrayed is the second installment in the Mystere Parish: Family Inheritance series. I recommend starting with book one to get the full experience. This series follows three sisters who have been split up as children. Now, due to the recent death of their evil stepfather they are being brought back together at a chance to collect their mother’s inheritance. The only stipulation is that each daughter must stay in the family home by themselves for two weeks without leaving.

In book two we follow the story of the youngest daughter, Danae who we first meet in book one living under a false identity. The second book feels very much like a repeat of the first but since I don’t read these back to back I honestly don’t mind all that much. However, I wouldn’t consider this a binge-worthy series in any way. The author leaves you with just enough lingering questions about the main plot to keep you reading until the end of the trilogy.

I enjoyed getting some more answers to the final mystery and getting more insight on their stepfather. All in all I enjoyed the book and will continue on to book 3.

I have been enjoying this series for what it is. The books are only a little over 200 pages and the audio is around 6 hours making it something that is very easily digestible but still a fun time.

Thank you, Harlequin Audio and Jana DeLeon for an ALC of The Betrayed in exchange for an honest review.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book by this author, but it appears it is part of a series I have not read. I would recommend reading the previous books in the series prior to tackling this one. Zach was hired to do some renovations on the mansion. No one knows that he has personal reasons for being there. A deathbed semi-confession by Zach's father has him searching for the connection between the two families. In this novel the second LeBeau sister has completed the mandatory two week stay on the LeBeau estate that is required by their late mother's will in order for them to inherit. Denae LeBeau, the youngest of the three siblings, was only two when her mother died and her stepfather shipped her off to live with a relative she knew nothing about. Trenton Purcell, Danae's stepfather, made sure each of the three sisters went somewhere different and allowed no contact so they couldn't find each other. However, it turned out Ophelia LeBeau had an ironclad will and Purcell couldn't inherit. I think reading the previous books in the series would have assisted in the scoring and understanding of the plot/novel but did not know it was a series when I requested. Many thanks though to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second installment of the Mystere family inheritance follows Danae who is the youngest LeBeau sister. After receiving an ominous note, Danae finally steps forward to claim her inheritance. Danae claiming her inheritance isn’t just an easy process and Danae must follow several stipulations that are in the will.
The mansion is in dire need of the construction and Zach is the repairman sent to fix the electrical and construction work. Zach has his own secrets as to why he’s at the LeBeau mansion. Hauntings continue at the LeBeau mansion making matters difficult for Danae and Zach.
As the story continues the suspense, and mystery gets amped up. Their lives are at stake. Will their lives be the next one that the mansion claims?

The narrator, Carly Robins does a wonderful job portraying the characters. The tones and inflections were spot on and the narrator kept me engaged till the very end.

If you love an atmospheric read, secrets, betrayals, protector MMC, mystery and suspense be sure to add this one to your TBR.

A very special thanks to htpbooks_audio + Netgalley for the gifted ALC.

[Carol McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta Love Every DeLeon Novel

Jana DeLeon has a knack for writing the very best stories! I haven't read one that wasn't outstanding. In this novel the second LeBeau sister has completed the mandatory two week stay on the LeBeau estate that is required by their late mother's will in order for them to inherit. Denae LeBeau, the youngest of the three siblings, was only two when her mother died and her stepfather shipped her off to live with a relative she knew nothing about. Trenton Purcell, Danae's stepfather, made sure each of the three sisters went somewhere different and allowed no contact so they couldn't find each other. However, it turned out Ophelia LeBeau had an ironclad will and Purcell couldn't inherit. Grab this novel to discover the why's and wherefore's and see what happens when Danea is supposed to start her two week stay. You won't be disappointed.

[Melinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by the second book of this series. I found that in this book more mysteries and questions are answered compared to book one. Especially when we find out more about the step-father and his mysterious past, plus we are this much closer to finding out why the girls' mother appears every now and then.

Danae has had a rough childhood. It is due to this that she is very secretive and protective of herself, but she definitely feels a connection with her older sister. Zach is in town posing as a contractor for his own reasons, yet he cannot help but feel a chemistry with Danae. Everyone has their secrets, but can they uncover enough secrets to keep from something bad happening to another of the LeBeau sisters?

[PeggySue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Betrayed by Jana DeLeon
Mystere Parrish Family Inheritance Book 2
Narrator Carly Robins
It was a little hard to get into this at first since I had not read book one in this series but that was my own fault. It does all make sense before too long. The writing style of this book reminds me of Heather Graham, short, entertaining but not much of a mental challenge. That’s okay sometimes
since I have read plenty of books by Heather Graham. There is a slight paranormal aspect to this story.
all in all it was short and mildly entertaining with a cliff hanger ending. Which is to be expected since it is a trilogy.
The narrator was okay except for the weird pronunciation of Danae. She says it like Danna-ee. Very annoying
Thanks to NetGalley

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Try to Hide Your Secrets

Danae and Zach both had secrets they wanted to hide, Zach from what his father may have done, and Danae the past of the woman that raised her until 15yr old. Something kept drawing her back to Louisanna never really knowing that was home. Dance had to raise herself on the streets from the age of fifteen and so had become proficient in reading people. Once the two met up and spent time together the magnetic pull between them was too strong to ignore. The evil havoc thier stepfather continued even after his death. Excellent story progression and developement making this a worthy five star

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Mystery

We find out a whole lot more about the evil step dad. Danae is the youngest sister to spend 2 weeks at the property. She meets Zach. Two sisters down; one more to go. Some mysteries appear solved but questions remain. Love Jana DeLeon's writing. This series is a lot more serious than the last series I read with the ex-CIA officer and the 2 older ladies. Highly recommend those books, too. Enjoy the creative concept and the creative writing.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sister #2 is "found" and begins to take her place in the story. Danae meets Zach - a contractor to work on the house - and the supernatural and human threats noted in Book 1 continue. Additional information about both their mother and stepfather are unveiled as both Danae and Alaina (book 1 fmc) with their partners continue to search for reasons behind their mother's death and the overall estate. There are still a few mysteries to solve and sister #3 to locate.

[Bookstabritni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice Rating:🌶️

I recommend reading The Accused first for a better understanding of this story. I was shocked when they revealed who the sister was! This book has a gothic feel to it with a haunted mansion, murder, and a ghost. It has such a great balance of romance, mystery, and suspense. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see how this mystery ends. I listened to the audio book and loved the narrator.

💋 Kisses Only
🫑-🫑🫑🫑 Steamy/Closed Door
🌶️-🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spicy/Open Door

[stewart1485comcast.net · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Mystery from Jane DeLeon

This was another great little mystery from Jana. It kept me busy turning the pages and trying to figure out the mystery.

I was so surprised she used a couple of names which were in the Miss Fortune series. Maybe I need to read Book 1 of Mystery Parish series!

[Tia Lappe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes! Finally a really good book to break my streak of awful books. Loved the characters and the plot. This story had me guessing till the end. Definitely looking forward to the next one in the story. The only negative is how quickly the romance went from meeting each other to "I love yous".

[Sandra Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery continues!

Good read! Mystery, action, thriller with the added bonus of romance! Looking forward to the next book! I love deep thrillers, but sometimes it's nice to slow down just a little!

[Debbie Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series. This second book focused on the youngest sister who was only 2 when the mother died and has a lot of questions and was looking for memories. This book started answering questions and slowing doling out information to help fill in the pieces. Can’t wait to grab book 3.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

the saga continues

A second sister-heir emerges, as the mystery of their mother, their late stepfather, and the curious matter of ghosts, secret passages and family secrets are explored.

[Heather Paulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I like this one better than the first book, and it was amazing. This series is so good. I love the mystery and suspense running through the series. It keeps me turning pages as fast as I can. I cannot wait until the next one.

[Huguette Larochelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

part 2 of 3 books , good intrigue , pretty much the same as book one