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Ghost-in-Law #6

Chaos in Mudbug

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The sixth book in the New York Times bestselling Ghost-in-Law series. 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?

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 22, 2014

518 people are currently reading
1042 people want to read

About the author

Jana Deleon

101 books4,177 followers
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.

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5 stars
2,393 (56%)
4 stars
1,380 (32%)
3 stars
446 (10%)
2 stars
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1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
Profile Image for Jeri.
533 reviews26 followers
May 8, 2020
As always I enjoyed this book so much!! I did notice my family has finally gotten used to me snickering and laughing out loud while reading. It would be impossible not to laugh while reading about Helena's antics. Highly recommend this series to anyone needing a little laughter, but start at the beginning so you get the full experience!!!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,286 reviews
October 7, 2024
4.5/5 stars

I loved this book so much. I’m so sad that this is the last book. But this sixth book in the Ghost-in-law series was so good.

While the earlier books were more instalove these last few were more slow burn.

This book featured Jadyn and Colt. But we also got a lot of Maryse and ghost Helena. I really enjoyed the mystery. And I also loved the new character, Taylor.

Overall this series was so good. Definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Carole (Carole's Random Life).
1,937 reviews603 followers
December 15, 2023
My Thoughts
I somehow missed reading this book earlier this year! It was great to see Helena, Jayden, Colt and all of the key character for one final installment. The mystery kept me guessing and I had a few chuckles over Helena's antics. All in all, this made for a fun read! I listened to the audiobook and thought that Johanna Parker did an excellent job with this story.

Book source: Purchased
2,408 reviews40 followers
July 15, 2014
Another wonderful book focusing on Jadyn and Colt, and this time things finally heat up. When a sunken boat is found without anyone around, the people of the area go into search mode to find the captain in case he survived the wreck. At the same time, a new character is introduced and I think we are going to love her. New Orleans private detective is given the job of finding a husband who disappeared or died 30 years ago. Not expecting much but willing to try, Taylor traces a possibility to Mudbug where the two search may overlap. And yes, she can see Helena! Excellent plotting and as always great characters. Love this series.
Profile Image for Dorothy Vandezande.
347 reviews6 followers
July 28, 2023
This series was hilarious and ridiculous and the mysteries were intriguing and well done, even if a little (or extremely) far-fetched at times The first three books each had one inappropriate scene but the last three were clean. The character development in these books is top notch. I'll definitely read more by this author.
Profile Image for Sue Ross.
610 reviews12 followers
July 6, 2014
The latest in the Ghost-in-law series has Helena getting in even more trouble and making an attempt a helping out. This time the group meets a private eye who can see Helena. There are missing dead guys, drug smugglers, and a possible new romance. As always this was a quick and exciting read that was hard to put down.
Profile Image for Jo Ann Reinhold.
424 reviews44 followers
April 27, 2015
If you want a laugh with your mystery than you can't go wrong with Helena and the gang in Mudbug! Once again the small town of Mudbug has a mystery on it's hands and Helena is up to her ghostly eyes in the middle of it! These people have come to be like family and I always return to them to cheer me up!
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,274 reviews
August 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this series! It was a lot of fun to read. The mysteries kept me guessing and I liked how the main characters shifted throughout, but still had the same characters in the books. I wish it would continue! :)
Profile Image for Eden.
2,193 reviews
April 18, 2020
2020 bk 136. The third Jadyn book continues the excellent plotting of the prior book. The humor and the suspense are there. Most of my favorite characters make a re-appearance. AND the author leaves us thinking that maybe there will be a new trilogy coming - one set in New Orleans and built around a private detective who shares some characteristics with Jadyn and who has taken on Helena as her ghostly partner. Another fun read.
Profile Image for Oleander .
446 reviews24 followers
October 30, 2022
What a great finish to the series. Everything wrapped up nicely. The mystery was really tight with the author paying a lot of attention to detail.
Profile Image for April.
2,640 reviews175 followers
January 28, 2015
This is a great cozy mystery/contempo romance. I made the mistake of thinking I could jump into the series with this book. I feel like I have missed a lot. This is definitely not a stand alone or series you should start midway. I definitely need to go back to the beginning and catch up.

The narrative is mixed and moved from the lead characters, supporting characters and the bad guy. This is generally smooth, but there are times it feels jumpy. So many voices giving the POV helps the reader stay on top of things. It cuts down a bit on the mystery, but it does make for a fuller read.

There is a romance here, but it seems to have been building for a bit, again the feeling of missing something arises. I expect I will understand the dynamic when I have read the whole series. It is a fairly clean read, but far from steam free.

I love the supporting cast and expect their stories are in the earlier books. Helena the ghost is a trip!! I love her sass and snarky attitude. She is definitely trouble, but oh so fun at the same time.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Johanna Parker, who has a wonderful read. She keeps the southern accents light, for the most part. I love the swift pace to her read and the energy she brings to the words. All the voices have been distinct and were consistent throughout the book. I hope she is on the whole series, because she has been delightful!

Now I have another series to be addicted to and now I need to go spend all my remaining Audible credits! I don't mind though because they are sure to be just as delightful as this one.

Disclosure - I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts opinions and ratings are my own.
*** If you found this review at all helpful, please take a moment to let me know. I love reading and sharing my opinions with other readers. Thanks for taking the time to read my review! You can see more audiobook reviews on my blog www.eargasmsaudiobookreviews.com ***
2,323 reviews38 followers
July 7, 2014
4 stars

I realized that there was two new books in the series that I had not read yet. So I read them both right after each other.

Helen is back. She has a lot of issues and is stressed. She hates being shot at. Even though she has been dead over a year. She can not control what she wears. Or even if she has mass or not. She will bring lots of laughter as you read about her.

Jadyn is one of the lucky ones that can see and talk to her. Which makes for fun when she tries to ignore her. Jadyn is the game warden in Mudbug. She is pretty new to the area still.

Colt is the sheriff. He has been attracted to Jadyn even kissed her once but after the case they were working he had to leave town. Now he is back and they have to work together again.

A boat has been found damaged, all identifying name has been missing. They don't know who owns it. If they have a missing person or what. As they try and figure out who owns the boat someone tries to kill Jadyn.

This is a fun series that Made me laugh a few times and smile through the book. I hope more books come with these characters. I will read them.
Profile Image for Katie Storer.
666 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2023
4.0 stars

I wondered how Jana DeLeon was going to continue the Mudbug series without the story becoming stale. But she managed it quite nicely! Thanks to Therese Plummer for another excellent narration of these quirky characters!

This is a cross between a cozy mystery and a Keystone Cops comedy. We spend most of our time in the swamps near Mudbug. There are a few new characters who are very nice additions to the town. And, we get a couple of trips into New Orleans which was very well crafted. And, finally, there is Helene. She is definitely the comedy relief, aggravating everyone around her in the most outrageous wardrobes changes we’ve seen to date.

I thank the author and narrator for making me laugh out loud many times. I have one Christmas novella left to read and I’m saving that for December. (I don’t like good series to end.) This is the third series that I have completed by this author. I’m happy to report there are more series and many excellent stand-alone novels by Ms. DeLeon that I haven’t read yet. May I recommend this book to you? It is a fun ride.
Profile Image for Allison Hartman.
63 reviews
September 26, 2018
If this is the last book in this series then I am sadly disappointed. I feel it didn't close things up so well. I mean what happened to sabine and her cancer. After Sabine's book she is very scarce and not another mention of her cancer is made. Are we suppose to assume that Mildred gave her a bone marrow donation and it worked? And about Rassia and Zach going back to the FBI? I thought that rassia was 100% against that but they were on a mission and returned for her to be kidnapped.
Don't get me wrong I liked this series although I'd have to say the miss Fortune series is far better and my favorite by this author. But this series was fun to read and I really liked the characters. I am just disappointed and feel I'm on a ledge without a better ending to the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sharon.
Author 38 books397 followers
May 19, 2018
The last of the six Mudbug books brings several plot lines together: Taylor Beaumont, a private detective from New Orleans, is looking for a missing person. Jadyn and Colt are looking for a missing fisherman in their rounds as game warden and sheriff ... and each still trying to pretend they're not attracted to one another.

And did I mention that the ghost of Helena Henry is still on the loose?

I really was shocked by the whodunnit in this final entry, and delighted by the twists and turns that got us there. I was sorry to see the series end.

Highly recommended for fans of cozies.
Profile Image for Laila Nelke.
366 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2020
I was so happy to revisit Mudbug and meet my old friends from previous books and some new ones too! Another mystery that causes a real chaos in Mudbug. Add a very bored and stressed out extraordinar ghost aka Helena and you find yourself pulled in right in the middle of that disaster guessing, wondering and laughing out loud and splattering whatever you had in your mouth right then.
It's bittersweet to say goodbye to these amazing characters and this small bayou town. Excellent ending to the series with an unexpected surprise to me.
4 reviews
June 2, 2017
A fun read

I just finished reading the (Ghost-in-Law Mystery) collection and enjoyed the authors sense of humor and writing style very much. My husband thought I was losing my marbles because I would suddenly burst out in laughter when reading! The romance portions, while just a little naughty, are written in good taste. I found myself unable to put the book down at times because I had to know what happens next!
60 reviews
December 23, 2022
Jana Seldom makes me want to move to the bayou & become one of her characters

I got hooked on all of this series as well her 1st series. I laughed out loud. I tried to figure out the mystery ahead of time. No such luck. Could picture myself as Helena the mother-in-law ghost. So far I have read 30 of her books. Passed them to friends. Loved the characters & want to be Getting & Helena. Can't wait to read more of her books
539 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2023
Oh wow just brilliant

Who knew .... yeah not sharing you gotta read it cause it’s just such fun and Helena’s escapades fantastic and the clothing well amazing. Highly recommend this series and this author just don’t expect to get much done when you start reading and make sure you got the budget for the whole series cause one chapter in on first book you’ll be buying the series lol
148 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2023
Hiding in the bayou can be hazardous to your health

Taylor is hired by Sophia to track down her husband, missing for 30 years. A friend of hers believes she saw him near Mudbug so the investigator goes to see if it is him. Meanwhile a storm wrecks a boat and Colt and Jaydn set up s search party to try to find the boat captain. Of course the plot thickens and and both scenarios join into one sordid story. A great who done it!
Profile Image for Rhonda Jones.
2,794 reviews17 followers
January 7, 2018
New Twist

An interesting new character was added to this sixth book in the series, a female detective from New Orleans. She is hired for a cold case, that happened 30 years ago. It takes her to Mudbug and the gang, including the fabulously clutsy ghost, Helena. Another great and intricately involved mystery. Many surprises. But this is typical with this wonderful series.
27 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2020
Great story

This has a great storyline. You won't guess who the bad guys are halfway thru the book. The characters are wonderful just like the previous books in this series. It's nice to see how the characters lives have progressed. I'm hoping there are new books coming out because I'm not ready to leave Mudbug yet!
Profile Image for Kelly.
228 reviews20 followers
November 7, 2020
I really like the arc this series is taking... Each of the 1st 3 books centered around one particular character, and how they found the man they were in love with (all in just one book). These last 3 books have centered around the newest character Jaydn, Maryse's cousin & Mudbug's newest game warden. The mystery was intense, the characters varied, and the ending satisfying.
Profile Image for Linda.
2,174 reviews
March 15, 2021
This is the sixth (and last?) appearance of the ghost of Helena Henry in Mudbug, Louisiana.

As usual, beautiful, intelligent woman falls in love with strong, hunky man. Bad guys abound; bad guys get arrested or killed. Helena tries to "help" but usually hinders. Hero and heroine get happy ending.
75 reviews
July 14, 2023
Took a break from more serious PNR books to read Chaos in Mudbug, the final book in Jana Deleon's ghost in law series. They are set in the bayous of Louisiana, light, fluffy, fast moving, funny and not graphically sexual. In other words, a perfect summer read

After the first, you can read them out of order
530 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2024
I listened to this book on Audible. The mystery was good. I am glad that Colt and Jadyn finally got together.

However, I had enough of Helena and her antics. She started wearing on me around the third book. She just wasn't funny anymore. She reminds me of Gertie in the Miss Fortune series. She started out funny, but her antics got old.
26 reviews
August 27, 2017
Wonderful Read

New characters new twists for Helena. Laughed so hard at her flub ups. Helenas clothes problems are hilarious!!! Loved this book. Will be waiting on the new book. Hope there will be several more in the series!!!!
Profile Image for Mary.
209 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book

Chaos and calamity for Colt and Jadyn in Mudbug. While searching for a missing boater they have to deal with an unsub whose intent is to put Jadyn out of action and last but not least Helena .
108 reviews
July 7, 2018
Book

Jayda and Cole lead an exciting life of romance, Murder and mayhem. The book is interesting from start to finish and I hope it isn’t the end of the series. Of course Helena is a trip. Thank you for a great series. Chanda
Profile Image for Silvia.
1,114 reviews7 followers
December 22, 2018
Jana DeLeon definitely nows how to write an entertaining book. She grabs the readers attention at the beginning and keeps it throughout the book. You will laugh and want to know what's coming next. Always a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews

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