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Miss Fortune Mystery #26
Swamp Spies
Things have reached a critical point in the Middle East. Carter agreed to serve as a consultant for his old Force Recon unit but for reasons unknown to his friends and family, jumped from the command center and into the field. Now he’s MIA, and Fortune is the only one who can put together a rescue mission that has any chance of being successful. But will her skills and connections be enough?
Most Sinful residents are unaware of Carter’s crisis and are going about their daily lives as they always have, including local prankster Gage Babin. Except this time, Gage’s attempt to elicit laughs leaves him on a slab in the medical examiner’s office. Everyone knows how unhealthy he was, but Fortune thinks there’s more to his death than a poorly timed prank that caused his bad heart to give out.
Unfortunately, what she knows and what she can prove are two different things. And unless she can find the evidence to support her theory, someone will get away with murder.
Most Sinful residents are unaware of Carter’s crisis and are going about their daily lives as they always have, including local prankster Gage Babin. Except this time, Gage’s attempt to elicit laughs leaves him on a slab in the medical examiner’s office. Everyone knows how unhealthy he was, but Fortune thinks there’s more to his death than a poorly timed prank that caused his bad heart to give out.
Unfortunately, what she knows and what she can prove are two different things. And unless she can find the evidence to support her theory, someone will get away with murder.
310 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2024
1200 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Jana Deleon
103 books4,236 followersNew 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews
April 9, 2024
I love this series and can always count on one of these books to give me a good laugh and a much-needed break from reality. Somehow, I just didn't feel that this book was firing on all cylinders. Maybe Ida Belle should have given it a tune-up prior to publication. The book started with Carter's rescue from Iran and that went so fast, you yawn, and you would have missed it. What was that all about? The mystery in Sinful just seemed to drag and again the resolution was so fast, it left you scratching your head. This was not one of the better books in the series.
With Carter MIA somewhere in the Middle East and the Marines providing no information, Fortune assembles Swamp Team 3, along with Harrison and Manny, and go after him. Carter is pretty banged up in both body and spirit upon his return to Sinful and Fortune is trying her best to be understanding, but Carter just won't talk about what happened.
When they return it is to a bizarre prank that has gone wrong and left Gage Babin dead. Since he was in poor health, the ME rules natural causes. But Fortune just doesn't think that is the case but try as she might she just can't shake loose a confession or find any evidence to say otherwise. His best friend, his wife and his brother all have reasons to want good ole boy Gage departed from this earth, but did any of them assist him on his way?
3 1/2-Stars
With Carter MIA somewhere in the Middle East and the Marines providing no information, Fortune assembles Swamp Team 3, along with Harrison and Manny, and go after him. Carter is pretty banged up in both body and spirit upon his return to Sinful and Fortune is trying her best to be understanding, but Carter just won't talk about what happened.
When they return it is to a bizarre prank that has gone wrong and left Gage Babin dead. Since he was in poor health, the ME rules natural causes. But Fortune just doesn't think that is the case but try as she might she just can't shake loose a confession or find any evidence to say otherwise. His best friend, his wife and his brother all have reasons to want good ole boy Gage departed from this earth, but did any of them assist him on his way?
3 1/2-Stars
February 21, 2024
It’s ALWAYS a good time when Jana releases another book. I will never tire of this series. I love that the story still continues. I love the development of Fortune and the laughing out loud of moments where Gertie has Gertied. I mean, I knew the moment there was a camel on the cover of the book that that had Gertie written all over it. This book was just released today and I can’t wait for the next.
February 22, 2024
Not one of the better stories
The ongoing story about Carter's mission in Afghanistan is interesting but the bulk of this book is sandwiched between the rescue mission and the decision to investigate.
That story of a murder in Sinful was not ok be of depend better stories. It dragged on way too long with way too many suspects.
The ongoing story about Carter's mission in Afghanistan is interesting but the bulk of this book is sandwiched between the rescue mission and the decision to investigate.
That story of a murder in Sinful was not ok be of depend better stories. It dragged on way too long with way too many suspects.
April 6, 2024
First, I have to say that I am a big fan of the Miss Fortune series; but, there was something truly off about the “Swamp Spies” installment. What I am referring to specifically is that this book initially is about Fortune going to the Middle East to rescue Carter. While this does occur it happens so fast that it left me wanting.
Additionally, this installment confirmed for me that while cozy mysteries are not romantic reads by most standards Ms. Deleon needs to step up her game when it comes to Carter and Fortune’s relationship. It is tepid at best and feels more like a brother sister relationship than a romance.
After the mediocre rescue (except there is one surprise), Fortune, Harrison, Gertie etc are back at home and now are in pursuit of a potential murder where the victim was known for his intoxicated pranks. Was his death natural causes or was it something else entirely? One thing for sure, the ladies won’t stop until they get an answer!
I enjoyed this read but really felt let down by the lack luster rescue of Carter as well as the tepid reunion between the couple. Some heat is needed here if the relationship is going to be sustainable. Come on Jana, take the plunge and add a little bit of spice between Carter and Fortune. It doesn’t need to be “in your face” but it does need to be better than watching paint dry!!!!!
Additionally, this installment confirmed for me that while cozy mysteries are not romantic reads by most standards Ms. Deleon needs to step up her game when it comes to Carter and Fortune’s relationship. It is tepid at best and feels more like a brother sister relationship than a romance.
After the mediocre rescue (except there is one surprise), Fortune, Harrison, Gertie etc are back at home and now are in pursuit of a potential murder where the victim was known for his intoxicated pranks. Was his death natural causes or was it something else entirely? One thing for sure, the ladies won’t stop until they get an answer!
I enjoyed this read but really felt let down by the lack luster rescue of Carter as well as the tepid reunion between the couple. Some heat is needed here if the relationship is going to be sustainable. Come on Jana, take the plunge and add a little bit of spice between Carter and Fortune. It doesn’t need to be “in your face” but it does need to be better than watching paint dry!!!!!
June 14, 2024
Sinful Louisiana is as always filled with fun and mysteries but in Swamp Spies by Jana Deleon miss Fortune and her friends go abroad in a rescue mission as well as solving crime at home. I always have a good time reading this series, it is not like anything else. The character gallery is amazing and the situations that occur is as always off the chart. If you like mystery and a good laugh I can recommend this series.
March 15, 2024
4.5/5 stars
Swamp Spies is book 26 in the Miss Fortune Mysteries series.
I am completely obsessed with these characters. The beginning and end of this book were phenomenal. I did find it a tiny bit slow in the middle. But the mystery was interesting. And everything to do with Carter was especially interesting.
I really love how the author has turned around Ronald's character in the last few books. I am now completely loving him too.
The last scene in Swamp Spies was so illuminating. I absolutely cannot wait to see what Fortune is up to next. Love this series.
Swamp Spies is book 26 in the Miss Fortune Mysteries series.
I am completely obsessed with these characters. The beginning and end of this book were phenomenal. I did find it a tiny bit slow in the middle. But the mystery was interesting. And everything to do with Carter was especially interesting.
I really love how the author has turned around Ronald's character in the last few books. I am now completely loving him too.
The last scene in Swamp Spies was so illuminating. I absolutely cannot wait to see what Fortune is up to next. Love this series.
February 28, 2024
Just keep getting better and better.
It's always fun to visit Sinful and spend time with Fortune, Gertie and IdaBelle. The three of them make the most mismatched friends you could ever meet. Fortune ex C.I.A. Assassin and IdaBelle and Gertie who worked in intelligence during the Vietnam war afterwards coming back to Sinful and starting the Sinful Ladies society with their deceased friend Maude, which leads to them many years later meeting Fortune (for more read the books). Mayhem follows whoever these ladies go, most often caused by Gerite doing "a Gertie" .....check it out it's a real thing........ But at heart the ladies live for mysteries, they love poking their noses where they have no business being and can't stand to see someone get away with a crime. In this instalment a man is found dead and the coroner rules natural causes but Fortune has that feeling not all is as it should be. So even though there's no crime? The ladies begin investigating.............................
It's always fun to visit Sinful and spend time with Fortune, Gertie and IdaBelle. The three of them make the most mismatched friends you could ever meet. Fortune ex C.I.A. Assassin and IdaBelle and Gertie who worked in intelligence during the Vietnam war afterwards coming back to Sinful and starting the Sinful Ladies society with their deceased friend Maude, which leads to them many years later meeting Fortune (for more read the books). Mayhem follows whoever these ladies go, most often caused by Gerite doing "a Gertie" .....check it out it's a real thing........ But at heart the ladies live for mysteries, they love poking their noses where they have no business being and can't stand to see someone get away with a crime. In this instalment a man is found dead and the coroner rules natural causes but Fortune has that feeling not all is as it should be. So even though there's no crime? The ladies begin investigating.............................
July 14, 2024
4.5 stars
I think it goes without saying that if you are twenty six books into a series that you like it. I really enjoyed this one though. The action started almost immediately which I really loved as I like a quick start to my books. I liked the main mystery and maybe I’m bad at solving mysteries (shout out to Barbie detective for the unsolvable challenge it presented to me) but I did not know what happened until right before the big reveal. I thought that it was nice that we got to revisit some characters but I feel like there’s a world that we still haven’t revisited, as previously mentioned this is book twenty six. I want to know about some of the characters from previous books that we don’t usually get to see, that’s why I deducted a half a star. Overall it was a really fun read and I recommend this series to anyone who likes a nice little palate cleanser before diving into something tougher to read.
I think it goes without saying that if you are twenty six books into a series that you like it. I really enjoyed this one though. The action started almost immediately which I really loved as I like a quick start to my books. I liked the main mystery and maybe I’m bad at solving mysteries (shout out to Barbie detective for the unsolvable challenge it presented to me) but I did not know what happened until right before the big reveal. I thought that it was nice that we got to revisit some characters but I feel like there’s a world that we still haven’t revisited, as previously mentioned this is book twenty six. I want to know about some of the characters from previous books that we don’t usually get to see, that’s why I deducted a half a star. Overall it was a really fun read and I recommend this series to anyone who likes a nice little palate cleanser before diving into something tougher to read.
June 23, 2024
Intriguing whodunnit with great characters and a lovely heartwarming show of friendship and loyalty. And I always feel hungry reading this series because they always seem to be eating yummy food LOL.
February 26, 2024
I love this series.
June 15, 2024
OMG Gertie! These books are always incredible! What a hoot!
September 28, 2024
I've liked this series through most of its run, but this was not a good series entry.
DeLeon writes cozy thrillers with quirky characters quite well, but from the evidence here should not try to write the more ordinary sort of thrillers. She doesn't have the background or skills to do them justice.
The story here was muddled and the resolution left ambiguous. That's fine for some genres, but I don't read cozies for ambiguity. And ending a second book in a row with a cliffhanger is more than annoying.
The zaniness that has characterized this series felt rote and a bit hackneyed this time, and when set against a more serious background created by the previous book and the beginning of this one, resulted in discordance.
I can cheerfully recommend the series in general for light reading, but I can't really recommend this book. I hope this trend reverses itself very soon.
DeLeon writes cozy thrillers with quirky characters quite well, but from the evidence here should not try to write the more ordinary sort of thrillers. She doesn't have the background or skills to do them justice.
The story here was muddled and the resolution left ambiguous. That's fine for some genres, but I don't read cozies for ambiguity. And ending a second book in a row with a cliffhanger is more than annoying.
The zaniness that has characterized this series felt rote and a bit hackneyed this time, and when set against a more serious background created by the previous book and the beginning of this one, resulted in discordance.
I can cheerfully recommend the series in general for light reading, but I can't really recommend this book. I hope this trend reverses itself very soon.
May 25, 2024
Back to two stars for this one. Too much Gertie - I really had hoped the author had dialed down on her antics like in the last one but nope, one mishap after the other. And the case was boring. It was clear it was murder, so why spend three quarters or more of the book with that uncertainty? Or rehashing more or less the same questions and suspects over and over again? There just was too much repetition and not enough movement.
At least there were nice moments and sentiments with Carter - though still not enough. The rescue mission of him was a nice change, but over fast. Not that bad, I just wished to have seen more of them together after his return.
At least there were nice moments and sentiments with Carter - though still not enough. The rescue mission of him was a nice change, but over fast. Not that bad, I just wished to have seen more of them together after his return.
February 28, 2024
Jana, if you're reading this: please know I'm just a girl who loves your books, never stop writing them.
Cada vez que termino uno de estos libros, no puedo creer que haya llegado al 26 o que esté al día y que no tenga más entregas listas para cuando yo quiera. La espera con este fue especialmente larga luego de que la autora sufriera un accidente, se rompiera el brazo, y me dejara aquí preocupada por lo que sería de la vida de Carter. Al menos mandó un newsletter asegurándonos que nada le pasaría. Y obvio que nada le pasaría: después de todo, es un cozy mystery, pero eso no evitó que el primer 20% del libro me tuviera con el ojo aguado y pegada del techo mientras leía la misión de rescate. Una vez más reitero: amo estos personajes. Y soy honesta, tal vez estos libros jamás se ganarán un Nobel (y el Nobel se lo pierde, tbh) pero igual es una saga que me encanta, me hace sentir abrazada, calma mi ansiedad, y a pesar de todos los desmadres, si me dieran la oportunidad de mudarme a Sinful de manera definitiva, la tomaría en un segundo.
En esta entrega (voy a hacer un proper review para acordarme después de qué pasó) seguimos el asesinate de Gage Babin: su cuerpo fue encontrado en el display de venta de botes, vestido de monja, y con una lata de cerveza en la mano. Los residentes del pueblo creen que solo es una bromita un poco profana, Celia la estaba perdiendo, pero pronto las cosas se ponen más serias cuando se dan cuenta de que no es un maniquí, sino un cuerpo real. Fortune y compañía, ansiosas de volver a su vida real luego de la exitosa (pero muy high stakes) misión de rescate, toman la responsabilidad de encontrar al culpable en sus propias manos. ¿Los principales sospechosos? La esposa, Jenny, a quien Gage le era infiel, y su hermano Graham, que había quedado responsable de su hermano borracho.
En medio de la investigación, también tenemos a una muy preocupada Fortune que se da cuenta de que Carter no era el mismo que era cuando se fue en su misión, pero aunque intenta comprenderlo, no puede evitar preguntarse qué le oculta. El libro termina con una investigación abierta en contra de Harrison, Fortune y Carter y su relación con la misión en Irán.
Ya quiero leer el próximo libro. Nunca no me va a emocionar tener otra entrega. Hasta Roland se ha ganado un especio en mi corazón. Damn, hasta Celia. So I can't wait.
Cada vez que termino uno de estos libros, no puedo creer que haya llegado al 26 o que esté al día y que no tenga más entregas listas para cuando yo quiera. La espera con este fue especialmente larga luego de que la autora sufriera un accidente, se rompiera el brazo, y me dejara aquí preocupada por lo que sería de la vida de Carter. Al menos mandó un newsletter asegurándonos que nada le pasaría. Y obvio que nada le pasaría: después de todo, es un cozy mystery, pero eso no evitó que el primer 20% del libro me tuviera con el ojo aguado y pegada del techo mientras leía la misión de rescate. Una vez más reitero: amo estos personajes. Y soy honesta, tal vez estos libros jamás se ganarán un Nobel (y el Nobel se lo pierde, tbh) pero igual es una saga que me encanta, me hace sentir abrazada, calma mi ansiedad, y a pesar de todos los desmadres, si me dieran la oportunidad de mudarme a Sinful de manera definitiva, la tomaría en un segundo.
En esta entrega (voy a hacer un proper review para acordarme después de qué pasó) seguimos el asesinate de Gage Babin: su cuerpo fue encontrado en el display de venta de botes, vestido de monja, y con una lata de cerveza en la mano. Los residentes del pueblo creen que solo es una bromita un poco profana, Celia la estaba perdiendo, pero pronto las cosas se ponen más serias cuando se dan cuenta de que no es un maniquí, sino un cuerpo real. Fortune y compañía, ansiosas de volver a su vida real luego de la exitosa (pero muy high stakes) misión de rescate, toman la responsabilidad de encontrar al culpable en sus propias manos. ¿Los principales sospechosos? La esposa, Jenny, a quien Gage le era infiel, y su hermano Graham, que había quedado responsable de su hermano borracho.
En medio de la investigación, también tenemos a una muy preocupada Fortune que se da cuenta de que Carter no era el mismo que era cuando se fue en su misión, pero aunque intenta comprenderlo, no puede evitar preguntarse qué le oculta. El libro termina con una investigación abierta en contra de Harrison, Fortune y Carter y su relación con la misión en Irán.
Ya quiero leer el próximo libro. Nunca no me va a emocionar tener otra entrega. Hasta Roland se ha ganado un especio en mi corazón. Damn, hasta Celia. So I can't wait.
March 20, 2024
I didn’t realize how much I’d been missing Swamp Team 3 until I started reading this book and it hit me like a ton of bricks. The shenanigans, the daring feats of physical prowess, the complete and utter absurdity of life in Sinful. They all washed over like a cozy blanket on a cold day and entertained me immensely. The final solution to the murder mystery they were chasing down left me a bit conflicted. It managed to be both satisfying and a bit of a letdown at the same time. However, it’s the very end that has me howling in frustration, because how dare the author leave me there. I’m desperate to learn the final outcome of this development and I NEED to know it NOW!!
January 18, 2025
Swamp Spies by Jana Deleon is the 26th book in the Miss Fortune Mystery series. After returning from a rescue mission in the Middle East, Fortune and her friends come across the body of a local prankster in a suspended boat display. A bit different in that the death is thought to be natural causes although Fortune feels differently. Plenty of laughs and fun as usual but a bit tempered with Carter's slow recovery from his mission. The mystery seemed to progress a bit slower than usual. Not one of the better books in the series but still highly entertaining and enjoyable.
May 26, 2024
Wow. I just finished this. And I have no words, but wow! Having lived on an army base for 3 years (Kwaj) I know a little about some of the the shenanigans, and worked in DOD tech for several years so I know about some of the cut corners. And my imagination can fill in some of the missing facts, but... the story Jana tells is beyond, and is fully believable. frightingly, grotesquely believable.
May 17, 2024
This book was well worth the rate. Plenty of laugh out loud moments. My only comment is that it was mistitled. The spy aspect of the story only really took up about 6 chapters. The rest of the story was gold home spun Southern hillarity and a cleverly told mystery that all begins with a Nun drinking a beer in a bass boat. Except this nun isn’t a manikin as first thought but rather a dead body.
March 16, 2024
Another bullseye!
Another great mystery with a surprise ending! The only thing I didn't like was pushing the Celia slapstick a little too hard. No spoilers but one part was unrealistic even for humor and unfunny. That said, the rest was genius. I hope the next one comes soon!
Another great mystery with a surprise ending! The only thing I didn't like was pushing the Celia slapstick a little too hard. No spoilers but one part was unrealistic even for humor and unfunny. That said, the rest was genius. I hope the next one comes soon!
November 4, 2024
The last book in this series was not really to my liking. Although not bad I think it was at the bottom of the 25 books in the series I had read so far.
I did not like the entire Carter being shipped to some shithole overseas bit and I definitely did not like the Hollywood style cliffhanger it ended with.
This book starts to get this series back on track. The cliffhanger at the end of the last book is resolved pretty much right away with Fortune going over to said shithole and rescuing Carter.
This part of the book, with Fortune going into full assassin mode was fairly cool but it was a very different type of story than what we are used to. At least she didn’t bring Gertie along when the action started which would have made the story absolutely ridiculous.
I am also really happy that the author does not shy away from pointing out who the real depraved terrorist scums are in this world are and which shithole country that are responsible.
Unfortunately the author went down the all too common route of making Carter having “issues” after he came back. Don’t like that at all.
At least we got one of these quaint little Sinful mysteries for most of the rest of the book. One which was as fun to read as the rest of them in this series and which allowed Gertie to go on her usual shenanigans.
The ending of the book doesn’t exactly end in a cliffhanger but it certainly leaves some unresolved business hanging around. Unfortunately it is tied in to Carters escapade in previously mentioned shithole and corrupt officers and government.
I cannot say that I feel too enthusiastic about that. I wish the author would just drop that crap and get back to quaint little murder mysteries.
I did not like the entire Carter being shipped to some shithole overseas bit and I definitely did not like the Hollywood style cliffhanger it ended with.
This book starts to get this series back on track. The cliffhanger at the end of the last book is resolved pretty much right away with Fortune going over to said shithole and rescuing Carter.
This part of the book, with Fortune going into full assassin mode was fairly cool but it was a very different type of story than what we are used to. At least she didn’t bring Gertie along when the action started which would have made the story absolutely ridiculous.
I am also really happy that the author does not shy away from pointing out who the real depraved terrorist scums are in this world are and which shithole country that are responsible.
Unfortunately the author went down the all too common route of making Carter having “issues” after he came back. Don’t like that at all.
At least we got one of these quaint little Sinful mysteries for most of the rest of the book. One which was as fun to read as the rest of them in this series and which allowed Gertie to go on her usual shenanigans.
The ending of the book doesn’t exactly end in a cliffhanger but it certainly leaves some unresolved business hanging around. Unfortunately it is tied in to Carters escapade in previously mentioned shithole and corrupt officers and government.
I cannot say that I feel too enthusiastic about that. I wish the author would just drop that crap and get back to quaint little murder mysteries.
February 24, 2024
I love this series so much. I have been waiting for this one. It did not disappoint.
April 17, 2024
As much as I loved being back with the gang from Sinful, not my favorite. But happy to have Carter back and have Fortune and Co up to their old shenanigans.
March 25, 2025
A fun read!
October 13, 2025
This one didn't really do much for me. No sense of closure and it almost seemed "dialed in." Not terrible, but definitely not among the best in the series.
August 17, 2025
These books are always a great read. This one was no exception- it had a few twists to it but the ladies got there in the end
October 9, 2025
Why not start a series with book #26 or whatever it was?! I read this for a book club I recently joined, and I was a little concerned when I saw it was part of a very long running series. Luckily, there's a quick little overview of the premise of the series at the start, and it was pretty easy to pick up on the main characters and their relationships with each other. There were two hilarious old ladies that help with the crime solving. One of them constantly gets in slapstick, 3 Stooges-esque escapades. There's also frequently shenanigans with pets/alligators. It was a fun book!
The main plot was a mystery that began and ended within this book, but the secondary plot seems to be a multi-book arc, so there was some stuff left unresolved. Hey, that's on me for reading this out of order.
The main plot was a mystery that began and ended within this book, but the secondary plot seems to be a multi-book arc, so there was some stuff left unresolved. Hey, that's on me for reading this out of order.
March 9, 2024
Another great book in the Miss Fortune Series. My only issue is the fact that Marine and Soldier are used as interchangeable terms. A Marine is never anything but a Marine. A soldier is in the Army. The terms are exclusive to each branch, and it is insulting to call a Marine a soldier.
September 20, 2024
Wow, this one is a little bit difficult to rate. The start of the book with rescuing Carter was very good. I don’t know why the Gertie shenanigans needed to happen, but I suppose that’s part of the allure of the series. I would recommend the author read through some of the reviews where people are asking for more depth from our Fortune and Carter relationship, the Gertie antics just aren’t as welcome with the wonderful ongoing relationships and other more exciting and nerve wracking subplot now with the Kitts character. I suppose I feel that way with Janet Evanovich and Stephanie Plum, but I still read those. The mystery here wasn’t as interesting to me for some reason, maybe because the last book was so interesting.
Truly, I love the characters and I want to see more of Fortune and Carter together. They’re never described as being overly affectionate, which is completely fine, nor do I need an open door love scene, but Carter has just been held captive, we get no scenes of them just holding one another sharing the relief and thankful to be together and came home in one piece? Just a bit more depth here by showing a more of their interactions that don’t involve a quick meal and a suggestive comment would be nice. There was a little more here at least with us hearing of them waking up in each other’s house, but I guess after what just happened I was hoping to see more bonding.
Truly, I love the characters and I want to see more of Fortune and Carter together. They’re never described as being overly affectionate, which is completely fine, nor do I need an open door love scene, but Carter has just been held captive, we get no scenes of them just holding one another sharing the relief and thankful to be together and came home in one piece? Just a bit more depth here by showing a more of their interactions that don’t involve a quick meal and a suggestive comment would be nice. There was a little more here at least with us hearing of them waking up in each other’s house, but I guess after what just happened I was hoping to see more bonding.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2024
WOW
Another fabulous installment in this series. Fast-paced from start to finish, an excellent case, and a puzzler I'm still scratching my head over. I have the next book waiting and will be devouring it soon!
Another fabulous installment in this series. Fast-paced from start to finish, an excellent case, and a puzzler I'm still scratching my head over. I have the next book waiting and will be devouring it soon!
March 11, 2025
This tale starts in the Middle East!? What happened to silly, to romcom, to blundering to a win? This author does not shine in the thriller arena. It reads more like a video game, and really that would have been better. As a game, a live exercise, etc.
As written, it is terribly uneven.
And no real tension, beyond stomaching the seemingly endless "we're superheros!" claims, since the MC and her HAE person are guaranteed to be fine.
Not rom-com, not 'action', not 'adventure. Short-sighted politics shoved down the reader's throat. Perhaps the author is exploring writing multiple series?
Maybe this is supposed to be camp, with the old ad line "Failure was not an option" inserted early on. But it's not camp, not funny, not credible. It's not fun. The writing is good, the content fails short. (Its like the author is justifying a tax write-off for a 'research' trip to the Middle East?)
At least this burns only a few chapters, up front. The book does take it back to Sinful shenanigans, and the usual suspects. Yet there's too little continuity between books. Gertie and Ida Belle are barely used for their skills, they are more foils here than actors. Remember Deputy Breaux asking for training in a previous book? That's one of countless threads that got dropped completely. If the author is intent on writing para-military scenes, superhero-type actions where no one else has half the skills, why not have the MC create a training school for police, body guards, etc.? Harrison has the space, the three women have a fabulous range of skills c/o the US Government, need challenges, and are gaining notariety, why not this?
Back to the book as written, who read the galleys? Ch7 specifies that Ida Belle and Gertie 'stay behind to help out', details that MC drops off Carter, Francis, then goes home, and with no transition, MC is serving the ladies tea in her own kitchen. How did they get there? Is it that hard to create a linear sequence? (sigh)
More frustrating nonsense.
Oh no, the author did NOT go there! The 'surprise' is so forced. Just want to scream - so good and also so sloppy.
In all enough moderate fun, with ridiculous leaps of 'intuition' and significant details left open. The 'investigation' results simply from the Swamp Team being bored and nosy. There is no crime identified, just 'feelings'.
The end finally brings the expected steps from the beginning, but its so divorced from the bulk of the events that by then its old news.
This one is not outrageous enough to be great fun, not realistic enough to be likely. The Team is reduced to MC with all others treated as props - even the usual 'costars'. All there great opportunities are presented and left unfulfilled. The story is convoluted, but most characters have a cameo appearance at best. Walter gets a phone call, Ally a one-stop at the bakery, Celia a one-off incident, Carter's mostly absent and silent. Even the shenanigans get mentioned and abandoned. It's 'light'.
As written, it is terribly uneven.
And no real tension, beyond stomaching the seemingly endless "we're superheros!" claims, since the MC and her HAE person are guaranteed to be fine.
Not rom-com, not 'action', not 'adventure. Short-sighted politics shoved down the reader's throat. Perhaps the author is exploring writing multiple series?
Maybe this is supposed to be camp, with the old ad line "Failure was not an option" inserted early on. But it's not camp, not funny, not credible. It's not fun. The writing is good, the content fails short. (Its like the author is justifying a tax write-off for a 'research' trip to the Middle East?)
At least this burns only a few chapters, up front. The book does take it back to Sinful shenanigans, and the usual suspects. Yet there's too little continuity between books. Gertie and Ida Belle are barely used for their skills, they are more foils here than actors. Remember Deputy Breaux asking for training in a previous book? That's one of countless threads that got dropped completely. If the author is intent on writing para-military scenes, superhero-type actions where no one else has half the skills, why not have the MC create a training school for police, body guards, etc.? Harrison has the space, the three women have a fabulous range of skills c/o the US Government, need challenges, and are gaining notariety, why not this?
Back to the book as written, who read the galleys? Ch7 specifies that Ida Belle and Gertie 'stay behind to help out', details that MC drops off Carter, Francis, then goes home, and with no transition, MC is serving the ladies tea in her own kitchen. How did they get there? Is it that hard to create a linear sequence? (sigh)
More frustrating nonsense.
Oh no, the author did NOT go there! The 'surprise' is so forced. Just want to scream - so good and also so sloppy.
In all enough moderate fun, with ridiculous leaps of 'intuition' and significant details left open. The 'investigation' results simply from the Swamp Team being bored and nosy. There is no crime identified, just 'feelings'.
The end finally brings the expected steps from the beginning, but its so divorced from the bulk of the events that by then its old news.
This one is not outrageous enough to be great fun, not realistic enough to be likely. The Team is reduced to MC with all others treated as props - even the usual 'costars'. All there great opportunities are presented and left unfulfilled. The story is convoluted, but most characters have a cameo appearance at best. Walter gets a phone call, Ally a one-stop at the bakery, Celia a one-off incident, Carter's mostly absent and silent. Even the shenanigans get mentioned and abandoned. It's 'light'.
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