What do you think?
Rate this book
Marsh Mystics
Namaslay all day.
Yoga retreats are supposed to have bodies…just not dead ones. But when Eleanor, the owner of the retreat, turns up dead, Ronald and Gertie know just who to call. Eleanor’s sister, Mildred, is convinced Eleanor’s shady business partner had something to do with her death, but there’s no evidence to prove it.
To add more limitations to the mix, Carter is being audited by the state police due to complaints concerning his conduct, with specific claims that he’s feeding Fortune confidential information. Swamp Team 3 fully intend to help Mildred find out what happened to her sister, but they’ll have to fly below radar to avoid risking Carter’s position as sheriff.
How far can they bend?
Yoga retreats are supposed to have bodies…just not dead ones. But when Eleanor, the owner of the retreat, turns up dead, Ronald and Gertie know just who to call. Eleanor’s sister, Mildred, is convinced Eleanor’s shady business partner had something to do with her death, but there’s no evidence to prove it.
To add more limitations to the mix, Carter is being audited by the state police due to complaints concerning his conduct, with specific claims that he’s feeding Fortune confidential information. Swamp Team 3 fully intend to help Mildred find out what happened to her sister, but they’ll have to fly below radar to avoid risking Carter’s position as sheriff.
How far can they bend?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2026
1039 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Jana Deleon
136 books4,326 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
May 3, 2026
If you aren’t reading the swamp team three series you’re missing something fun. Often with long running series, the books become stale and formulaic. Not the case here.
From the other reviews, you probably know the main characters, Fortune, the retired CIA operative along with her two senior cohorts Gertie and Ida Bell. This mystery focuses around a con man, the victim who becomes his accomplice and a surprise murderer or two. The author is known for her hilarious chaos scenes, for example, from an earlier book where a cat gets entangled in someone’s handbag and manages to discharge the weapon inside it multiple times while it tries to run across the backyard. There are fewer of those in this book than usual, but nevertheless a complicated and satisfying mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next one.
From the other reviews, you probably know the main characters, Fortune, the retired CIA operative along with her two senior cohorts Gertie and Ida Bell. This mystery focuses around a con man, the victim who becomes his accomplice and a surprise murderer or two. The author is known for her hilarious chaos scenes, for example, from an earlier book where a cat gets entangled in someone’s handbag and manages to discharge the weapon inside it multiple times while it tries to run across the backyard. There are fewer of those in this book than usual, but nevertheless a complicated and satisfying mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next one.
April 21, 2026
I just love this series
May 9, 2026
Marsh Mystics really packed a punch!
What a great read. So full of humor, excitement and great plot with a twist. Well played. Jana’s books just keep taking her talent up more notches.
What a great read. So full of humor, excitement and great plot with a twist. Well played. Jana’s books just keep taking her talent up more notches.
April 23, 2026
I've been a big fan of the Miss Fortune Mysteries for a long time. I love the characters and all of the shenanigans of the geriatric townspeople. However, for the past few books, the storyline is beginning to become a little too formulaic and relying less of the interactions of the characters I have grown to love.
I want to know more about Ally & her beau, I want more of the Hueberts, I want a scandal with Celia where she comes to Fortune and asks for her assistance. I want a new, creative storyline instead of outsiders coming to Sinful, getting killed and moving on to the next set of visitors and murders. I want a bigger storyline with Fortune and Carter.
If things don't start to change or improve; then, I do not think I will be continuing on with this series. It is losing it's edge and I am starting to lose interest. Sorry Ms. Leon but change is definitely needed!
I want to know more about Ally & her beau, I want more of the Hueberts, I want a scandal with Celia where she comes to Fortune and asks for her assistance. I want a new, creative storyline instead of outsiders coming to Sinful, getting killed and moving on to the next set of visitors and murders. I want a bigger storyline with Fortune and Carter.
If things don't start to change or improve; then, I do not think I will be continuing on with this series. It is losing it's edge and I am starting to lose interest. Sorry Ms. Leon but change is definitely needed!
April 30, 2026
great read
Marsh Mystics Day by Jana DeLeon was such a fun and entertaining read. Jana DeLeon always does a great job blending humor, mystery, and quirky characters, and this book was no exception. The story kept me interested from beginning to end, with plenty of laughs, small-town charm, and twists that made it hard to put down.
The characters felt lively and memorable, and the dialogue was witty and engaging. I especially loved the atmosphere of the marsh setting—it added so much personality to the story. The balance between mystery and humor was perfect, and the pacing kept everything moving without feeling rushed.
Overall, this was a great book and one I thoroughly enjoyed. If you love cozy mysteries with humor, heart, and entertaining characters, this one is definitely worth reading.
Marsh Mystics Day by Jana DeLeon was such a fun and entertaining read. Jana DeLeon always does a great job blending humor, mystery, and quirky characters, and this book was no exception. The story kept me interested from beginning to end, with plenty of laughs, small-town charm, and twists that made it hard to put down.
The characters felt lively and memorable, and the dialogue was witty and engaging. I especially loved the atmosphere of the marsh setting—it added so much personality to the story. The balance between mystery and humor was perfect, and the pacing kept everything moving without feeling rushed.
Overall, this was a great book and one I thoroughly enjoyed. If you love cozy mysteries with humor, heart, and entertaining characters, this one is definitely worth reading.
May 1, 2026
Gertie goes on a yoga retreat to support an old family friend’s daughter. Things are ok at the retreat until one of the workers is not able to get the owner to answer the door of her cabin as there is a problem in the office. Gertie comes along and after looking at all locked windows, shoots the dead bolt off the door. The owner is found dead in her sauna of a self inflicted gun shot. The owners sister, who works there hires Fortune as the finds out the guy her sister is in business with stands to take possession of the site on the owners death. She has a feeling he is conman. So begins another investigation. Oh and Elia complained to the state police that Carter is talking police business with Fortune so a Guy from the state police is shadowing him. Another great adventure. But there is a twist at the end I didn’t see coming. Definitely a good red.
May 3, 2026
Thanks to my library for providing a copy.
I couldn’t wait to return to Sinful, and this installment was worth the wait! I loved how the Barbies were smarter than they appeared (and the fact they were nicknamed the Barbies). Gertie’s Gerties were hilarious; glitter bomb- enough said. Fortune’s CIA training was in full force.
The only down side was that Ally and Big and Little were just mentioned. I’d love for them to get more scenes- we really haven’t seen them in the last few books. Otherwise this was a great addition to the series!
There are mentions of stories from Fortune’s CIA past, including Fort Knox (in the last book) and Britney as an alias. I would love to read them someday.
I couldn’t wait to return to Sinful, and this installment was worth the wait! I loved how the Barbies were smarter than they appeared (and the fact they were nicknamed the Barbies). Gertie’s Gerties were hilarious; glitter bomb- enough said. Fortune’s CIA training was in full force.
The only down side was that Ally and Big and Little were just mentioned. I’d love for them to get more scenes- we really haven’t seen them in the last few books. Otherwise this was a great addition to the series!
There are mentions of stories from Fortune’s CIA past, including Fort Knox (in the last book) and Britney as an alias. I would love to read them someday.
April 25, 2026
Loved It!
I have been a fan of Ms. Jana seldom since I stumbled across Louisiana Longshot. Her books are funny with enough sass to make them feel realistic. Her character development is top notch. My favorite series is this one. With this being the 30th book in this series her characters are still consistent in behavior with them evolving as anyone would as you get older. Her imagination is phenomenal! Get it's character alone will have you rolling on the floor laughing. The things she does is wild but so her. Read this series. And once you read all 30 books you will be so hooked on these characters you can read all of the Miss Fortune World/Universe books.
I have been a fan of Ms. Jana seldom since I stumbled across Louisiana Longshot. Her books are funny with enough sass to make them feel realistic. Her character development is top notch. My favorite series is this one. With this being the 30th book in this series her characters are still consistent in behavior with them evolving as anyone would as you get older. Her imagination is phenomenal! Get it's character alone will have you rolling on the floor laughing. The things she does is wild but so her. Read this series. And once you read all 30 books you will be so hooked on these characters you can read all of the Miss Fortune World/Universe books.
April 29, 2026
Marsh Mystics
I'm so glad there will be another Swamp Team 3 book coming coming this year. Jana keeps you guessing from the beginning of Marsh Mystics and then continues to layer incidents and probable villains to the end of the book. Each new chapter or two you're sure you know who killed the evil Eleanor, and just how Zion's deceptions will come to haunt him. Of course, there are lots of laughs thanks mostly to Gertie! The IA state trooper, Celia has riled up to audit the good sheriff, is a hilarious jerk. You'll love to see him get his shake down. In the end there is a big reveal you won't see coming! Enjoy!!
I'm so glad there will be another Swamp Team 3 book coming coming this year. Jana keeps you guessing from the beginning of Marsh Mystics and then continues to layer incidents and probable villains to the end of the book. Each new chapter or two you're sure you know who killed the evil Eleanor, and just how Zion's deceptions will come to haunt him. Of course, there are lots of laughs thanks mostly to Gertie! The IA state trooper, Celia has riled up to audit the good sheriff, is a hilarious jerk. You'll love to see him get his shake down. In the end there is a big reveal you won't see coming! Enjoy!!
May 10, 2026
Very enjoyable with a ton of twists and turns that keep the mystery moving. There is quite a bit of investigation in this one, more than usual. Satisfactorily, Fortune with help from Gertie and Ida sets up a very suitable comeuppance for Callahan. That was good for a few laughs indeed. It was interesting to see how much Fortune worked around Carter's job to keep things as above board as possible. Of course, Carter ignores a few things also. The ending was quite interesting and it was very satisfying to get a strong closure on the whole mystery. So much fun and I look forward to the next book in the series.
April 23, 2026
I love this series, however as I was reading this I just found that I wasn’t as enthused about the story as usual. Perhaps it was the mystery itself (or at least the retreat segment), or maybe the lack of Celia front and centre as a source of entertainment and ire, or not seeing all the usual suspects (I do love it when the story stays in Sinful), but I think it was a combination of all three. Now, that’s not to say that this was a bad story, it’s just that it didn’t hit that sweet spot that I enjoy so much. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
3.75 stars
3.75 stars
April 23, 2026
I agree with one of the other readers. I wasn't as excited as I usually am about reading a new book in this series. The book was rather boring in places. I missed Celia's antics. The book just seemed rather ho hum to me. In fact, I have felt the same about the previous 2 books.
I will read the next book in the series with hopes that the book is better than this one. I will say that the author does edit her books, as I did not find editing errors. That is refreshing.
I will read the next book in the series with hopes that the book is better than this one. I will say that the author does edit her books, as I did not find editing errors. That is refreshing.
April 23, 2026
Sinful Bayou Hijinks
Another funny and action filled instalment of Swamp Team 3 in the bayou areas around Sinful. Jana has succeeded again in making us laugh until our sides hurt with all the characters and the disturbingly hilarious results of Gertie and her infamous handbags, Fortunes devious mind and Celia’s unrelenting campaign to get Carter fired. I can’t wait for the next instalment
Another funny and action filled instalment of Swamp Team 3 in the bayou areas around Sinful. Jana has succeeded again in making us laugh until our sides hurt with all the characters and the disturbingly hilarious results of Gertie and her infamous handbags, Fortunes devious mind and Celia’s unrelenting campaign to get Carter fired. I can’t wait for the next instalment
April 28, 2026
5 stars for the latest great wacky mystery from Jana Deleon. I love these books and this entry is a definitely a winner. The mystery was fairly complex and had me guessing for quite a while. I was surprised by the final clue and the twist at the end was fun and not quite what I expected. Can't wait for the next book which was teased on the last page. Hopefully, we will see more of the Sinful locals which have been missing lately.
April 29, 2026
hilarious
If you have never read one of the miss fortune mysteries please do yourself a favor and read them from the beginning starting with Louisiana longshot. I have never enjoyed a series so much and spent the majority of it laughing so hard I cry. In fact, I just might start over and read all 30 books again. And please please please tell me there will be a book about the reality show and Celia and Gertie���s parts in it.
If you have never read one of the miss fortune mysteries please do yourself a favor and read them from the beginning starting with Louisiana longshot. I have never enjoyed a series so much and spent the majority of it laughing so hard I cry. In fact, I just might start over and read all 30 books again. And please please please tell me there will be a book about the reality show and Celia and Gertie���s parts in it.
May 1, 2026
Love me a Good Fortune, and a side of Gertie!
I always love the antics of Gertie, the common sense of Ida Belle and the skills of Fortune. I am glad Fortune and Carter are together, regardless of the usual "required" tension waiting for it to happen. I read a lot of serious murder mysteries and court room drama, but love com8ng back to this series the moment a new one lands! Please keep it going!
I always love the antics of Gertie, the common sense of Ida Belle and the skills of Fortune. I am glad Fortune and Carter are together, regardless of the usual "required" tension waiting for it to happen. I read a lot of serious murder mysteries and court room drama, but love com8ng back to this series the moment a new one lands! Please keep it going!
May 2, 2026
Always A Great Read!
Jana once again brings us a great adventure with our favorite trio of trouble makers! Always fun to head back to Sinful Louisiana and see what Fortune and the gang are getting into. I don't like to give anything away on my reviews, so I will say that Miss Fortune Mysteries are always full of adventure, and hilarious. These are funny, make you feel good books that you can't put down.
Jana once again brings us a great adventure with our favorite trio of trouble makers! Always fun to head back to Sinful Louisiana and see what Fortune and the gang are getting into. I don't like to give anything away on my reviews, so I will say that Miss Fortune Mysteries are always full of adventure, and hilarious. These are funny, make you feel good books that you can't put down.
May 4, 2026
Great mystery couple great Create moments
You know it going have some great Gertie moments when she goes undercover dress as nun. Then her distraction with glitter bomb . need her to get revenge on the porch piraters lol. Then what fortune came up with to do to get Carter some extra time to investigate oh my lol ... Mystery was great glad Rambo did his part in helping solve or find clues. Mystery or the girls case was puzzling one . really enjoyed this book
You know it going have some great Gertie moments when she goes undercover dress as nun. Then her distraction with glitter bomb . need her to get revenge on the porch piraters lol. Then what fortune came up with to do to get Carter some extra time to investigate oh my lol ... Mystery was great glad Rambo did his part in helping solve or find clues. Mystery or the girls case was puzzling one . really enjoyed this book
May 4, 2026
4.5/5 stars
This is book 30 in the Miss Fortune series.
I love these books so much!
Fortune, Ida Belle and Gertie are the best. And I just love seeing them solve cases.
This was another fun case. I loved that we got to see her neighbor Ronald and lots of Carter. But I do wish that we had gotten to see some other favorite supporting characters like Celia, The Herberts., and I love when they go to the diner.
But overall this was another awesome book!
This is book 30 in the Miss Fortune series.
I love these books so much!
Fortune, Ida Belle and Gertie are the best. And I just love seeing them solve cases.
This was another fun case. I loved that we got to see her neighbor Ronald and lots of Carter. But I do wish that we had gotten to see some other favorite supporting characters like Celia, The Herberts., and I love when they go to the diner.
But overall this was another awesome book!
May 5, 2026
Isn't yoga supposed to be restful?
"Marsh Mystics" is another stellar foray into the antics of Fortune, Gertie, and Ida Belle as they investigate a suspicious death at a yoga retreat that Gertie and Ronald were attending. Packed with humor, suspense, and pathos, this book totally satisfied my need for more Sinful. I can't wait for the next book by the incredibly talented Jana DeLeon.
"Marsh Mystics" is another stellar foray into the antics of Fortune, Gertie, and Ida Belle as they investigate a suspicious death at a yoga retreat that Gertie and Ronald were attending. Packed with humor, suspense, and pathos, this book totally satisfied my need for more Sinful. I can't wait for the next book by the incredibly talented Jana DeLeon.
April 21, 2026
We waited a while for this one, but it was worth the wait! Gertie and Ronald attend a yoga retreat where the owner apparently commits suicide in the sauna. She calls Fortune and Ida Belle and they begin to investigate the guru who runs the sessions. To complicate things further, Celia has made a complaint about Carter, and he is being shadowed by a member of the state police.
April 22, 2026
Fabulous hilarity as always!
Just when you think the story ends, it doesn’t! What an intriguing twisted and convoluted plot! Loved the “Barbies.” They added a delightful lightness to the storyline. Another Swamp Team victory with the hilarious takedown of an arrogant, vengeful state cop to boot!
Just when you think the story ends, it doesn’t! What an intriguing twisted and convoluted plot! Loved the “Barbies.” They added a delightful lightness to the storyline. Another Swamp Team victory with the hilarious takedown of an arrogant, vengeful state cop to boot!
April 22, 2026
Miss Fortune series
Jana has done it again. Fortune, Ida Belle and Gertie are on the case. Be prepared to laugh at the antics Gertie gets up to. Celias big plan to bring down Carter also provides some hugh laughs. I highly recommend this series. Can't wait for the next book, I read them in a day because I can't stop until the book is finished.
Jana has done it again. Fortune, Ida Belle and Gertie are on the case. Be prepared to laugh at the antics Gertie gets up to. Celias big plan to bring down Carter also provides some hugh laughs. I highly recommend this series. Can't wait for the next book, I read them in a day because I can't stop until the book is finished.
April 22, 2026
Just as good as the first!
As always, Jana keeps us in suspense while rolling on the floor laughing as Swamp Team 3 investigates another mystery that can only happen in the Sinful universe. The collateral damage to well deserving characters just show that Jana would be a great friend to have and as deadly an enemy to have as Fortune and Friends would be. Can't wait for #31!
As always, Jana keeps us in suspense while rolling on the floor laughing as Swamp Team 3 investigates another mystery that can only happen in the Sinful universe. The collateral damage to well deserving characters just show that Jana would be a great friend to have and as deadly an enemy to have as Fortune and Friends would be. Can't wait for #31!
April 22, 2026
Too much fun
Oh the plot twists in this latest will keep you on your toes
Gertie still has dynamite, Fortune is getting shot at, Ida Belle is buying a yoga retreat, and murder and mayhem abound. Another Tuesday in Sinful. Grab a coffee or a whiskey and settle in for another great read.
Oh the plot twists in this latest will keep you on your toes
Gertie still has dynamite, Fortune is getting shot at, Ida Belle is buying a yoga retreat, and murder and mayhem abound. Another Tuesday in Sinful. Grab a coffee or a whiskey and settle in for another great read.
April 22, 2026
Another wonderful book
So impressed with Jana, to write so well after losing her husband. I fell right back into the world of Fortune, Gertie and IdaBelle. Love characters from previous books and love the new ones we meet in this one. Hope we'll see/hear from "the Barbies" occasionally in future books. Well done!
So impressed with Jana, to write so well after losing her husband. I fell right back into the world of Fortune, Gertie and IdaBelle. Love characters from previous books and love the new ones we meet in this one. Hope we'll see/hear from "the Barbies" occasionally in future books. Well done!
April 26, 2026
So So Good
I’m not sure how she does it. But Ms DeLeon has managed to write another new and fresh Mss Fortune book. We have the usual characters. But it’s so good and funny. This story has yoga and nuns. We meet three new characters that I’m pretty sure at least one will show up in future books. I highly recommend.
I’m not sure how she does it. But Ms DeLeon has managed to write another new and fresh Mss Fortune book. We have the usual characters. But it’s so good and funny. This story has yoga and nuns. We meet three new characters that I’m pretty sure at least one will show up in future books. I highly recommend.
April 26, 2026
There hasn't been a book that I've read by Jana DeLeon that I haven't loved. These books are amazing and I absolutely adore them! I can't wait for more and oh Lord I can only imagine the kind of trouble Gerties gonna get into in the next one. It turned into a story of kill or be killed and I loved every second.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2026
Hard read
I had a hard time reading this book. It just didnt grab me like Janas previous Miss Fortune books. I enjoy the town citizens being included in the storyline. I want more of Ally, Fannie, Big and Little, Emmaline and Alexander, Francie, even Ceila. At Least Harrison and Cassidy had their moment.
Also, time for the sheriff election, this has been going on too long
I had a hard time reading this book. It just didnt grab me like Janas previous Miss Fortune books. I enjoy the town citizens being included in the storyline. I want more of Ally, Fannie, Big and Little, Emmaline and Alexander, Francie, even Ceila. At Least Harrison and Cassidy had their moment.
Also, time for the sheriff election, this has been going on too long
May 7, 2026
Absolutely fabulous story! So many twists and turns it took Fortune awhile to figure them all out. I love listening to these stories, and now I can't wait to read the new ones as soon as Jana gets them written. I'm anxiously awaiting the audio and will buy it as well. If you want a book that grabs you and doesn't let you go until the very end, this is the one! Wonderful job, Jana deLeon!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews