Marsh Mystics

Miss Fortune Mystery #30

by Jana Deleon

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?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Humor, Contemporary, Fiction, Ebooks, Action

308 pages, Paperback

Published April 19, 2026

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

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Number Thirty Fortune and the gang get a locked room mystery to solve. Yeah, it could be a suicide but where's the fun in that. I don't get the name for this book; there is nothing about Mystics in it and the bear doesn't appear until about 75% into the story. Fortune and Carter have their share of problems and the tension between his job as sheriff and hers as a PI cause some difficulties. The story was a little slow in the beginning, but as Fortune digs in and begins to unravel things the pace picks up. These books are always fun, but this one ended on a bit of a downer.

Gertie and Ronald are at a yoga retreat and suddenly a gunshot rings out. Gertie and resort assistant Kim are first on the scene and discover the owner's cabin all locked up. After gaining entry Gertie finds the owner, Eleanor, dead. It looks like a suicide, but Eleanor wouldn't be anyone's nominee for suicidal. Gertie and Roland convince Mildred, Eleanor's sister, to call Fortune. As Fortune talks to the others at the retreat it seems no one liked Eleanor's business partner and yoga instructor, Zion. It appears there were some shady goings on happening.

Big problem is that it really looks like a suicide and Carter is being hounded by an audit being performed the nastiest state police officer who is nothing but a blowhard buffoon, but major comic relief. Carter has to keep the investigation by the book, but Fortune doesn't.

[Carolyn Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nancy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not a favorite. It started out slowly with a whole bunch of truly unlikeable characters and I'm sorry but the death was just flat out wrong. Women rarely shoot themselves and in the chest?? with the gun left off to the side? Implausible. Obviously she was shot. That drove me nuts. And burn those damn nun outfits. The only saving grace was that I was right about the killer in the end. But this really lacked in the key element that would make me pay $8 to read a book. Where was the joy? Not enough Gertie or Ronald--Callahan wasn't treated nearly badly enough. Some of the new characters have potential but I never want to hear about Mildred or Jasper again.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Chele]

Audio book releases July 21st.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[MaKai Magie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy these books. They make me laugh and are a fun read. Lots of plot twists and wild adventures. I mostly read these between much heavier books.

[Margaret Elizabeth Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

Will update and rate once I read more than the synopsis. Which, considering how garbage and misogynistic this series has been since book 1, may not happen.

It's unfortunate that the synopsis opens with "Namaslay all day". It's very uncomfortable. And Carter being under investigation for misconduct and being accused of feeding Fortune confidential information just seems like exactly what he does to me, lol. It's a misstep to explore this plot, in my opinion, because the "cop love interest discusses the case with the main character" trope is such a mainstay of this genre.

Okay, I just started reading it. I might kick it over to DNF because I'm working on self-care. Fortune is still the "I'm Soooo Badass And Tough, Like A Man's Man, But I'm A Woman" Miss Congeniality caricature that she's been since book one. It seems so disproportionate, beyond parody. Miss Congeniality, but possessed by the soul of what conservatives think John Wayne is. It is so beyond I'm-not-like-other-girls that I can only assume she's an alien trying to do reverse psychology to convince people she's human.

"Gertie and Ronald went to a spa retreat. I didn't go. My idea of relaxation is a shower and a cold beer". When Carter mentions that yoga is great for fitness, balance, and exercise, Fortune jumps out of the hammock and throws a knife at his hand. After he jumps out of the way and asks what would have happened if he'd gotten hit, she says that she would have to cook their steaks tonight, because of course they're eating steaks. It's truly beyond parody at this point.

Zero character growth in the main character is such a series killer for me. Other examples of this are Siobhan O'Sullivan from the Irish Village mystery series and Tricia Miles from the Booktown mysteries. They're childish and incompetent (Siobhan) and petulant and judgemental (Tricia). Fortune is obnoxious and way too focused on appearing "badass" and Spartan.

Also, I don't agree with "spa retreat" and "yoga retreat" being used interchangeably. I picture two totally different things. Spas are all about mud baths, massages, and relaxation. Yoga (at least the Westernized version) is about mindfulness, meditation and gentle exercise.

[Traci Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

another fabulously hilarious story.

Some authors write so well you just have to sit back after finishing a book and truly admire their smooth blend of mystery, adventure, action, intrigue and hilarity, it’s a rare author in my experience who blends it all seemlesly each and v.
Book 30 in the Miss Fortune Mysterious was everything and so much more in one story.
Fortune, Ida Belle and Gertie are back in action, there is yoga, questionable wardrobe choices, dynamite distractions and so very much more.
Carter has his work cut out for him with this mystery to solve because it’s definitely more than just a suicide, or is it?
What I always enjoy about this series is the reoccurring characters, how they’ve grown, changed and blended to make this series an all time favourite of mine.
I always excited to see what happens in Sinful next.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Starla · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Judith A Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Dallass · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the Unlawful Thing is the Correct Thing to Do

Mildred and Jasper were both forced into doing something that because of others deception and lies was illegal. Callahan was so full of himself, that he couldn't tell right from wrong, causing untold grief on everyone around him especially Carter by hindering his progress in solving the case. I was captured by this story line more so than any previous books. Jana does a masterful job of weaving the narrative to hold and excite any readers interest. This is a definite five-star book.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual I laughed till I cried while reading this book. The banter between Gertie and Ida Belle is always worth reading. This mystery was really complex; and I never guessed where the new twist or turn would take me. The pacing was excellent and I resisted real life calling so I could keep turning the pages. Gertie had her moments but that's the norm for one of the Miss Fortune novels but always welcome when it happens. This book may be #30 in the series, but the story is as fresh and entertaining as all of the previous ones in the series.

[Garnet Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swamp team 3 gets to investigate a possible suicide involving a scammer targeting vulnerable women

Gertie and Ronald attend a yoga retreat led by Zion when one of the property owners supposedly dies by suicide in a dead bolted sauna. Swamp team 3 tries to figure out if Zion caused Eleanor's death but lots of questions pop up. They know Zion is a scammer and need to get the evidence to prove it. Lots of twists and turns and a great ending. Glad another book is in the works. This series is quite awesome!

[Carie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Excellent Read!

Once more Jana DeLeon serves up a Fortune Redding, Gertie, & Ida Bell mystery. This one complete with a dead-bolted door!

Per usual, there is evil as well as: twists & turns, VERY unexpected allies, & laugh-out-loud humor (some courtesy of, of course, Gertie herself!)

WARNING: Don't not begin without allotting enough time to finish! VERY difficult to put down. Even if you have suspicions about one part of the ending, keep reading; there is another surprise ending. Also, the writing is so good; you don't want to deny yourself!

[Ann C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Helen Dickenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Karen Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Patricia Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Emily Arce · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!