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Nearly Sinful #1
Nearly Departed
You’re invited to one of the hottest happenings in Sinful, Louisiana. It’s Gertie’s Tenth Annual Funeral (because why have a funeral after she’s gone and she can’t hear all the good things people say about her?) and she’s pulling out all the stops, hoping to make this year’s funeral bash the best one yet.
Only this year someone wants to turn Gertie’s fake funeral into a real one.
Who would want to kill Gertie? And why? And can Fortune and the Geritol Mafia find the potential killer before he strikes again?
Only this year someone wants to turn Gertie’s fake funeral into a real one.
Who would want to kill Gertie? And why? And can Fortune and the Geritol Mafia find the potential killer before he strikes again?
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2015
605 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Shari Hearn
19 books64 followersI have written 14 books in the Miss Fortune World, licensed fan fiction of Jana DeLeon's Miss Fortune Mysteries. Currently, I'm writing an original paranormal cozy mystery series featuring two enemies-in-life who team with a living medium to solve crimes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 14, 2021
Well written and a fun mystery. This takes place in the Miss Fortune universe and includes most of the main characters. I liked it. But because it involves characters I know and love, I was a bit disappointed. The laugh-out-loud humour is milder. Gertie is more mature and without her crazy antics. Fortune is weaker and she is the one coming up with the zany ideas instead of Gertie. The rest of the characters are pretty close. If you can read this as a cozy mystery and not as from the Miss Fortune world, it is a pretty good story.
August 25, 2019
This ones a keeper
Even though this short stories is not by Jana Deleon, I found the characters very similar, and it seems like something that could only happen to Gertie.
The insights into Fortunes relationships with Ida Belle and Gertie, as well as Carter, were heartfelt and sweet. I just wish there was more of it.
3.5 stars ⭐️
Even though this short stories is not by Jana Deleon, I found the characters very similar, and it seems like something that could only happen to Gertie.
The insights into Fortunes relationships with Ida Belle and Gertie, as well as Carter, were heartfelt and sweet. I just wish there was more of it.
3.5 stars ⭐️
January 21, 2023
2023 bk 18 - Hearn provides another look at the world of Sinful created by Jana DeLeon. Among those who write in the Miss Fortune World, she does the best job of continuing the create and carry on the three main characters personalities. When Gertie stages her own funeral, Fortune has to face her own mother's death and the impact it has had on her life. A well done book with many a hi-jink on hand.
March 8, 2021
Fun read
The only time I’ve ever laughed out loud while reading a book was reading the Miss Fortune Mystery books - all 19 of them! Until now that is. The Miss Fortune World books are just as funny. Ability to laugh out loud is such a commodity during this COVID time - thank you.
The only time I’ve ever laughed out loud while reading a book was reading the Miss Fortune Mystery books - all 19 of them! Until now that is. The Miss Fortune World books are just as funny. Ability to laugh out loud is such a commodity during this COVID time - thank you.
March 22, 2019
Finished with Nearly Departed by Shari Hearn a Nearly Sinful adventure set in Sinful Louisiana. Once again the terrible trio is out and about creating havoc for the sheriff.
July 12, 2021
I adored this book! I am a HUGE fan of Jana Deleon’s Miss Fortune series and have been curious about some of the fan fiction out there. I actually forgot that I wasn’t reading Jana a few times! There were the same laugh out loud moments and Ms. Hearn just did a fabulous job with our beloved main characters. I will definitely read some of her other work.
June 7, 2015
Most like the series
I've read all of the Miss. Fortune series and also the Novell's. This is the only one that seems to stay true to the characters that we love. The other books had the characters saying or behaving in ways that didn't work.
I enjoyed this book, because I felt I was reading a book that was truly part of the series.
I've read all of the Miss. Fortune series and also the Novell's. This is the only one that seems to stay true to the characters that we love. The other books had the characters saying or behaving in ways that didn't work.
I enjoyed this book, because I felt I was reading a book that was truly part of the series.
November 22, 2018
A tribute series
This book (and series) takes place in the world of Sinful, Louisiana, created by Jana DeLeon. Tribute stories are good because they reflect the respect the current author has for the original author. There's enough similar to the original characters that I can easily recognize them (which is a good thing); however, they seem a little off center. Fortune is less take-charge and more cling in this story, while Ida Belle and Gertie are coarser and crustier. The story is interesting and well-paced. It's also well-written, with the OneNote exception. In fact, it is one of the better written fan-fiction tribute stories I've read. By all means, give this series a try if you're fans of the original, but be ready to make allowances for deviations in characterization.
This book (and series) takes place in the world of Sinful, Louisiana, created by Jana DeLeon. Tribute stories are good because they reflect the respect the current author has for the original author. There's enough similar to the original characters that I can easily recognize them (which is a good thing); however, they seem a little off center. Fortune is less take-charge and more cling in this story, while Ida Belle and Gertie are coarser and crustier. The story is interesting and well-paced. It's also well-written, with the OneNote exception. In fact, it is one of the better written fan-fiction tribute stories I've read. By all means, give this series a try if you're fans of the original, but be ready to make allowances for deviations in characterization.
March 16, 2023
Gertie's annual funeral party cranks up a few notches
Every year Gertie throws a fake funeral party since people should be able to tell the person how they care about them while they are still alive. Gertie in her camo casket at the rec center as people parade by. Fortune is supposed to give the eulogy but gets all choked up thinking about her mother and can only say she doesn't want Gertie to go. Then Gertie whispers that she hears ticking. They find a bomb under the casket. They scream for everyone to leave the rec center while they have to slam the casket through the locked back door. Now they have to find who tried to kill Gertie. Or were they really after Fortune?
Every year Gertie throws a fake funeral party since people should be able to tell the person how they care about them while they are still alive. Gertie in her camo casket at the rec center as people parade by. Fortune is supposed to give the eulogy but gets all choked up thinking about her mother and can only say she doesn't want Gertie to go. Then Gertie whispers that she hears ticking. They find a bomb under the casket. They scream for everyone to leave the rec center while they have to slam the casket through the locked back door. Now they have to find who tried to kill Gertie. Or were they really after Fortune?
August 14, 2022
Now THIS is a fitting Fortune World Spinoff
I recently read a book by a some guy trying to do Fortunes POV in this world and thought he was completely out of his mind or just hadn’t actually read the OG books - Fortune was a whiny wimpy pushover in his writing but it’s EXTREMELY clear that this author has DONE HER HOMEWORK and captured Fortunes essence perfectly. She is once again the badass with attitude and heart. The storyline is funny, witty and just perfectly balanced with what we already signed on for, WELL DONE SHARI HARN!! YAY!!!!!
I recently read a book by a some guy trying to do Fortunes POV in this world and thought he was completely out of his mind or just hadn’t actually read the OG books - Fortune was a whiny wimpy pushover in his writing but it’s EXTREMELY clear that this author has DONE HER HOMEWORK and captured Fortunes essence perfectly. She is once again the badass with attitude and heart. The storyline is funny, witty and just perfectly balanced with what we already signed on for, WELL DONE SHARI HARN!! YAY!!!!!
February 4, 2019
Bombs and problems from the past
A fake funeral and a old haunt, who likes to make his own
bombs. What a way to keep the girls hopping, like junpplng
beans on espresso. Then talk about walking on egg shells,
while trying to find the crazy mad bomber. The girls will crack
you up on their high jinks as they go about Sinfull trying to
get ahead of the bombers twenty. Read this crazy caper to
find out who is the bomber and if Fourtune has to leave Sinfull
Or not.
Debra H.
A fake funeral and a old haunt, who likes to make his own
bombs. What a way to keep the girls hopping, like junpplng
beans on espresso. Then talk about walking on egg shells,
while trying to find the crazy mad bomber. The girls will crack
you up on their high jinks as they go about Sinfull trying to
get ahead of the bombers twenty. Read this crazy caper to
find out who is the bomber and if Fourtune has to leave Sinfull
Or not.
Debra H.
September 6, 2019
Good book
I was dubious about trying the book not written by JANA DELEON; however, I was pleasantly surprised. Shari Hearn captured the characters flavor as well as the story line and environment of Sinful Louisiana. It was a good read and I would recommend this to anyone familiar with the series.
I was dubious about trying the book not written by JANA DELEON; however, I was pleasantly surprised. Shari Hearn captured the characters flavor as well as the story line and environment of Sinful Louisiana. It was a good read and I would recommend this to anyone familiar with the series.
January 7, 2020
This is a great spin off! All.of our main characters (& there are many), are faithfully reproduced! My only regret is the fact that I discovered this when I was book deep in the original series, because it's now out of sync - but it's still a great read and highly recommended, especially if you're new to the Miss Fortune world!
February 23, 2020
Yes!! Now THIS is great fan fic!!! Shari Hearn has a similar style of writing as Jana Deleon has which made this novella blend in with the series effortlessly. Unlike previous fan fic that I have read for the Fortune series, Ms. Hearn has forgotten none of the little details that make a Fortune story.
October 19, 2017
Hilarious & Heartwarming
Any book set in the town of Sinful and filled with these characters is a must read for those that love comedy with their action/romance. These books will entertain and delight your spirit. Enjoy.
Any book set in the town of Sinful and filled with these characters is a must read for those that love comedy with their action/romance. These books will entertain and delight your spirit. Enjoy.
November 8, 2021
Nearly departed
Fortune is a CIA assassin who is in hiding in Sinful Louisiana. During Gerties fake funeral, her coffin has a bomb. Can they figure out who is trying to kill Gertie and why before it's too late? I loved this book by Shari Hearn.
Fortune is a CIA assassin who is in hiding in Sinful Louisiana. During Gerties fake funeral, her coffin has a bomb. Can they figure out who is trying to kill Gertie and why before it's too late? I loved this book by Shari Hearn.
May 9, 2024
Different
Nearly Departed is full of weird characters doing weird things. The description of the characters and the antics they pulled were comical. The author has a great imagination.
Nearly Departed is full of weird characters doing weird things. The description of the characters and the antics they pulled were comical. The author has a great imagination.
June 20, 2024
As a stand alone series it is a really good. As one who read Jana DeLeons series first it doesn’t hit the mark. The characters are just different enough that it loses something. I would definitely read this series before the Jana DeLeon series if you really want to enjoy the books.
October 6, 2025
Always Good
I’ve never read a Fortune Redding book that wasn’t fun. First one by this author but her style is so Jana Deleon you don’t notice a difference from the original. Will be reading more.
I’ve never read a Fortune Redding book that wasn’t fun. First one by this author but her style is so Jana Deleon you don’t notice a difference from the original. Will be reading more.
February 3, 2019
What a hoot.
Captured the characters perfectly. Well done cannot wait to read the next in the series. Well done keep up the good work.
Captured the characters perfectly. Well done cannot wait to read the next in the series. Well done keep up the good work.
August 12, 2019
The plot is good, but there is no depth. The conversations, the thoughts - all superficial. Good try, but after reading the Miss Fortune series, this leaves me empty. Only read half.
October 6, 2019
These books have it all! Suspense, thrills, and good humor too! I really like the older ladies and all their antics! If you just try one book you will be hooked! Totally delightful!!
May 8, 2020
I love having these books involving my favorite people from Sinful. Some of the antics in this one had me laughing out loud!
July 11, 2020
Familiar characters in familiar settings. Fun to read but the editing is awful. What does the word 'ei' mean? And 'buys' does not have the same meaning as 'guys'.
July 17, 2020
This was an excellent interpretation of the Sinful Louisiana stories originated by Jana Deleon. Like the originals, it is just pleasant reading that makes you sile.
August 8, 2020
Enjoyable day series
Highly recommended series, enjoyable laugh out loud book, looking forward to the next one in this series, great chareters throughout
Highly recommended series, enjoyable laugh out loud book, looking forward to the next one in this series, great chareters throughout
December 26, 2020
This are spin offs of the original series by Jana Deleon. They are not as involved and feel much more like a romance novel. Quick reads - do not pay a lot for them.
September 13, 2021
Fun. Enjoyed the characters Jana Deleon created & Shari Hearn continues to develop in new stories
May 22, 2023
love Fortune
So glad to read more of Fortune’s world…really a touching story! Shari does a nice job with the folks in Sinfull
So glad to read more of Fortune’s world…really a touching story! Shari does a nice job with the folks in Sinfull
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews