Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Street kids are disappearing, but how do you report that to the police when, from their standpoint, the missing people didn’t exist to begin with? Hustle is certain that something bad has happened to his friend Jinx, and the only person he can turn to for help is private investigator Shaye Archer.

Because Hustle helped the young PI while she was investigating her first case, Shaye has already formed an opinion as to his character and believes he’s telling the truth. As she digs deeper into Jinx’s disappearance, she discovers that Hustle’s friend isn’t the only one missing. As a frightening pattern emerges, Shaye wonders if she can find the missing kids… before it’s too late.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 18, 2016

814 people are currently reading
1239 people want to read

About the author

Jana Deleon

102 books4,228 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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
2,814 (60%)
4 stars
1,488 (31%)
3 stars
306 (6%)
2 stars
36 (<1%)
1 star
19 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
Profile Image for Mary Eve.
588 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2017
Five stars!! Here's why:

1.) Just as good as the first book, MALEVOLENT.
2.) Shaye Archer is a badazz.
3.) Plenty of moments left my heart beating wildly. I'm not kidding! It's not just one of those things a reviewer writes but doesn't mean. Had this been a movie I'd have been white knuckled, easing towards the edge of my seat. And, I like that DeLeon doesn't drag things on and on.

The plot is good, rife with evil and bad intentions. Sinister? Heck, yea!! So frightening to think that this new case Shaye has taken on could actually be reality. With all the evil present in the world we now inhabit, it isn't hard to imagine. Book Two in the Shaye Archer series created real nightmares for me, nightmares so scary that I actually took a short break from reading. Seriously. Of course, I don't normally read books that terrorize me. I've had nightmares since I was a little girl. I try to steer clear from stories that add to my fear, but for Jana DeLeon's Shaye Archer, I'll happily lose a few winks. Did I mention that Shaye Archer was a badazz?! Good thing, too. Shaye's going to be facing her own nightmares head-on in Book Three, DIABOLICAL. Can't wait!

P.S.- Movie option, Ms. DeLeon? Would be most excellent. ;)

*Jana DeLeon recently released the fourth book in the series, WICKED, which currently sits at the top of my TBR wishlist.
Profile Image for Marguerite (M).
767 reviews654 followers
August 23, 2021
two-and-a-half
I really enjoyed the first book, but I almost DNF'ed this one.

+ Some repetition, sometimes two sentences away, and multiple comparisons with Fort Knox's security.
+ The characters are starting to make eyes at each other. I like romantic subplot a lot but it's just not what I wanted to see from Shaye Archer's character.
+ The overly understanding characters are frustrating. Whether they are grieving or unconcerned, they all feel like genuinely good people who care about something other than themselves.
"I understand why you would ask about a missing kid from another city when mine just killed himself. Would you fancy a cup of tea?" It's really hard to believe people are that selfless, especially in a thriller...

But what I really don't like is how the author doesn't show me anything.
The plot is about finding missing street kids and the characters spend most of their time in the streets. Yet, I have no idea whatsoever what New Orleans looks like; there is a swamp, docks, and kids skating. A little thin for a series entirely based in one city.

> 24 years old main character
> Romantic subplot
> Semi-cliffhanger (not related to the current investigation but to another ongoing one)


Trigger warning:
Stalking, kidnapping, suicide, mention of abuse, drugs, and alcoholism. Shaye, the heroine, has a tragic past but she doesn't remember anything and everything is rather "descriptively soft".
Profile Image for Glory.
350 reviews55 followers
May 5, 2016
После прочтения первой книги меня одолевали смешанные чувства, там было как хорошее, так и плохое (на мой вкус, ессно), но главное все же свершилось - я ждала продолжение.
И оно заставило меня окончательно влюбиться в серию.

Пафос все еще мелькает, но именно мелькает, по-мелочи и вполне терпимо. Зато герои раскрываются точно цветы по весне. И атмосфера невероятная (обожаю Новый Орлеан в исполнении Делеон). И само расследование...
Жуткое, напряженное, но не беспросветное и грязное, как зачастую можно встретить в подобных триллерах.
Да, исчезают беспризорники, однако автор не нагнетает, не проливает лишнюю кровь. Всего ровно столько, чтобы читатель поверил.

Мне все больше нравится Шэй и прочие "сильные женщины" ее окружающие. И Джексон.
И пусть юмор здесь совсем не тот, что в серии про Фортуну, а суховатый, местами едкий, но он добавляет истории красок и очень хорошо подходит к описанной атмосфере.

И наконец, прошлое Шэй. В конце оставлена не просто замануха, а тикающая бомба. Подозреваю, третья часть будет целиком посвящена этому вопросу, и даже примерно не представляю, куда все это приведет. Кусаю локти. Благо, роман выходит уже осенью.
Profile Image for Jennifer Foor.
Author 105 books3,002 followers
October 8, 2021
Another Great Read

I’m so enthralled in this series. Lots of deep secrets have come to life with this book. I am eager to know where life will take Shaye now. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,228 reviews40 followers
January 22, 2016
Shaye, Jackson and Hustle are back. Talk about exciting characters Shaye is strong, independent and a damn good PI, Jackson is charming, charismatic and a brilliant detective and Hustle is street smart but he also has a soft side he tries to hide. When street kids start going missing no ones going to notice right?? Wrong when Hustles good friend Jinx goes missing he notices and even though he doesn't trust easily Hustle knows he can trust Shaye he has helped her out before and she has always kept her word. When Shaye and Hustles missing street kid case collides head on with Jacksons murder case they really have no idea what they've uncovered but when they pull at the threads it all comes crashing around them.
I loved all the twists and turns I didn't pick the bad guy at all which was exciting the storyline keeps you guessing just when you think you've figured it out there is another twist and your right back where you started from, then because of brilliant writing it all comes together in the end and wraps up nicely and you even get a glimpse of what's coming next.
Profile Image for JadeShea.
3,235 reviews60 followers
November 20, 2018
Shaye's friend Hustle is worried about a friend of his that has gone missing. He knows that no one is going to care about a bunch of street kids, but Shaye may be his only hope. As these two do their best to figure out what is going on, and who is taking these kids, things get more dangerous. Shaye's friend at the police station also has a case that may be related to Shaye's case, so they do what they can to work together to figure out what is going on.

This book was really good. It had a great dose of mystery, and thrill in it as well. I thought it was pretty awesome, and seriously sick at times. The bad guys in this book were some crazy twisted people, and I'm starting to wonder if we haven't even heard the worst of it yet.

This book also gave us some clues about Shaye's past, and the fact that we will probably learn more in the next book, so I'm super excited for that.
Profile Image for Pamela(AllHoney).
2,690 reviews376 followers
September 26, 2016
The second book in Jana Deleon's Shaye Archer series. Shaye is approached by homeless teen, Hustle, about his missing friend, Jinx. The investigation reveals more street kids are missing. Shaye and her police officer friend, Jackson LaMotte, seek to uncover the truth.

The story is mainly about the missing children but there is also mention of Shaye's past. One mystery is complete but one is not. Like I said in the review of the first book in the series, this is not like the humorous series I have read by Jana Deleon. This has a dark and serious tone. But it is a good, entertaining read.
129 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2016
The second installment ends with a cliff hanger for Shaye Archer. What happened to her? Why can't she remember? Is her attacker still at large? Will she let the handsome detective Jackson Lamotte into her heart? I'll have to read the third installment to find out. Nice little murder mystery.
Profile Image for Lisa.
13 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2019
Good story!

Love the story. I can't wait for the writer to reveal Shaye's past. And maybe her love life with the detective.
Profile Image for ꧁༺ L̴E̴X̴I̴E̴ ༻꧂.
179 reviews55 followers
March 22, 2021
4 STARS!!!!

Another fantastic book from Jana Daleon! From the start, Sinister plunges you right into another chilling mystery. This time, it will require the all the efforts of Private Investigator, Shaye Archer, and Detective Jackson Lamotte, along with the help of a street smart kid named Hustle.

This second Shaye Archer book is a dark and gripping novel that will have your attention from the start. When Hustle approaches her to help find his friend, Jinx, she and Jackson soon find themselves deeper than they ever expected in the perverse plot and as homeless kids begin disappearing off the street, it soon becomes clear to Shaye that something sinister is behind it. The case also takes a personal turn for Shaye as the present soon entangles with the past as the questions about her own origins are brought to light.
Profile Image for Bettie.
9,977 reviews5 followers
October 9, 2018
08:13:18

Description: Street kids are disappearing, but how do you report that to the police when, from their standpoint, the missing people didn’t exist to begin with? Hustle is certain that something bad has happened to his friend Jinx, and the only person he can turn to for help is private investigator Shaye Archer.

Because Hustle helped the young PI while she was investigating her first case, Shaye has already formed an opinion as to his character and believes he’s telling the truth. As she digs deeper into Jinx’s disappearance, she discovers that Hustle’s friend isn’t the only one missing. As a frightening pattern emerges, Shaye wonders if she can find the missing kids… before it’s too late.


Some real white knuckle moments in here, and given the abrupt ending, it has left me wanting more.
3.5*

The Specials - Ghost Town
14 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2019
I started reading Jana Deleon’s Fortune Redding novels, which are a total hoot. Captivated by her writing, I started her Shaye Archer series. Malevolent hooked me. Set in New Orleans, she shows both its beauty and its gritty underbelly. Her second in this series, Sinister, doesn’t disappoint. The characters continue to develop, and we learn more about her past as she discovers answers, herself. I just started Diabolical and can hardly wait to see what it reveals.
Profile Image for Justin Gonzalez.
15 reviews
November 1, 2018
May have been my fault for picking this up and putting it down so many times, but I didn’t feel the mystery or the draw to the plot like I did the first.
But definitely a good story, just not 5 stars for me ;)
Profile Image for Susan.
1,135 reviews21 followers
February 18, 2021
I thought this was better than the first. A page turner from start to finish. Some hints on Shaye's past come in and it looks like we may get some answers in book 3?
Profile Image for Kristy.
96 reviews
July 11, 2022
This was great! I didn't pick the bad guy although I did suspect the big reveal at the end.
Profile Image for tcallowaybooks.
3 reviews16 followers
August 11, 2017
SPOILER ALERT!!

Holy Moly…ok. This is the second book in the Shaye Archer series by Jana DeLeon. I was not completely sold on this series when I read the first installment, Malevolent. Now, I love, love, love, a good detective story. I am Alex Cross’ number one fan and adore the girls of the Women’s Murder Club. Although the story was a pretty entertaining one, it just seemed like the plot of Malevolent and the characters were all over the place. I kind of like it when the bad guys are right under our noses the whole time and with Malevolent, I felt that we didn’t have enough time with our crazy, psycho, cross-dressing killer. It was kind of like…”Surprise, here is the murderer…some random person that we hardly even talked about in the story.” But, it was a page turner because I can hardly ever wait for the grand finale of any book. The great thing about the Shaye Archer series is that each book ends with a shocking piece of the, who is Shaye Archer, puzzle. And the ending of Sinister, Book #2, completely blew me away!

Throughout the story, Shaye is searching for missing homeless kids. They are, one by one, being sold into an underground ring for God knows what. In this second book, Ms. DeLeon has gotten the hang of the character development and we really get to know who we are working with. I think it just takes me awhile to get to know Shaye and Detective Jackson enough to care whether they live or not. Not to mention the fact that kids are going missing. Let’s just say by book two, I was completely invested. So, by then end of the story, Shaye and Jackson save the kids only to find out that the underground baby selling ring has been going on for at least twenty years. And here is the kicker…Shaye was one of the sold babies!!!! I know, I know!!! Book #3, here I come!
Profile Image for Suzie Seibel.
42 reviews
January 24, 2016
Great characters

Big fan of Jana DeLeon and I love her sense of humor in her other series, so I wasn't sure how I would I would feel about this series but I am completely hooked. I read this one without too many breaks and the only ones I took were this one without too many breaks and the only ones I took were this one without too many breaks and the only ones I took we're forced on me. I love the strong , intelligent women she writes about. But the best part of the characters is that they believable. They are flawed but manage to pull things together. This one is chilling and sad at times but a great story. She is a great story teller. She also gives us examples of how we can overcome and become more powerful by doing so.
770 reviews
Read
January 21, 2016
wow, what a page turner. I started it yesterday afternoon and just couldn't put it down. I had to know what was coming next and how they were going to get out of it. This is a gut wrenching story with very little of Jana's trademark humor. What a surprise ending.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I would suggest you read book one although I do not think it is totally necessary. I think after book 3 comes out. i will probably have to read the whole series again.

I cant say enough good things about this book. wow
36 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2016
I loved this book. Love the series. Their is a touch of dry humor, the kind we have all experienced. The characters. The plot, the excitement and figuring out what is happening is outstanding. Jana has a way with telling a story that draws you right into the book. You feel the suspense, you are tied up in knots to solve the case right along with the characters. Yes s suspense book but not like any other out there. No one can spin a tale like Jana, no one!
1,383 reviews19 followers
January 24, 2020
Another breath-taking read by Jana DeLeon. I love the Shaye Archer series. This book takes us back to one of the minor characters from Malevolent, to a street kid named Hustle. In this book we look into two worlds most of us never see. The life of kids on the street and the evil of those who prey on them. This book is complete. It has a wonderful mystery, evil characters to defeat, good guys to root for, action, romance, humour and characters to fall in love with. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Diane Perry.
1,280 reviews38 followers
January 24, 2016
Interesting and Fascinating

Love this series! I'm already a huge fan of Jana, but this series is really something special. Not her normal cozy mysteries. This is intense and full of strong characters and great storylines. This book we really get to learn more about Shaye and this going to be one fascinating character to follow. Can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Kim Page.
321 reviews15 followers
October 11, 2016
A 'Gasp' worthy thriller!!!
Honestly, I thought the Malevolent was great but Sinister is even better...Unbelievable!! I can't get enough of Shaye, Jackson, Hustle...every one of Jana Deleon's characters is SO well written and complex you can't help but be invested! The 'Bad Guys' are scary, dangerous and soulless...what nightmares are made of!!
Profile Image for Sandi Blaylock.
265 reviews4 followers
September 9, 2024
Can't put down

I just finished the second in the Shaye Archer series. I hate I have to wait for fall for the next one. Great series Marie Force is fabulous. These mystery/suspense books of hers are awesome.
Profile Image for Anne.
450 reviews8 followers
May 7, 2016
Ms DeLeon didn't disappoint as usual. Even though the subject matter is truthfully horrible it was handled with class and grace. The story moved quickly and held up well. I'm looking forward to the next in the series. With a few Mudbugs and Miss Fortunes in the interim.
Profile Image for Nina.
436 reviews47 followers
July 11, 2017
wow what a great Book2 to the Shaye Archer Series. Could not stop till 4 a.m to finish this. I really like the character development and the story development of Shaye and all the others.
Jana Deleon has you hooked till the end. I strongly recommend this series to thriller lovers.
Profile Image for Nellie Neves.
Author 29 books80 followers
October 1, 2016
Couldn't stop reading.

I liked the first book, but this one was amazing. Tension built throughout the book. The ongoing story is building. I read until 4 am. Loved loved loved it.
450 reviews4 followers
March 8, 2018
The Shaye Archer series is much darker than Deleon's usual fare though still "tame" enough that you can read it in the evening before going to bed. If you rated suspense novels on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being cozies and 10 being thrillers were the author describes every torture the victim is subjected to in intimate detail, then the Shaye Archer's are approximately a 4.

Hustle approaches Shaye, because his friend Jinx has disappeared and asks for help to find her. As with the last one, the reader gets insight into the criminal's mind (and thus, more information than Shaye to solve the case), but also into Jinx. This is used to heighten the suspense, because the reader realizes that Jinx will die in only two days time, unless Shaye manages to find her first. Parallel to this case more clues to Shaye's past are revealed. In many ways, the Shaye Archer series reminds me of a TV show. The close calls, the mystery spanning more than one book/episode etc.

I really liked the second book, actually more than the first, though I have to reproach Deleon with a certain lack of originality. Offhand I can think of two TV shows and at least one movie that used the hunting human beings scenario before. The first one also seemed to copy other ideas.

Another minor criticism would be the perpetrator. While reading the book, I basically only had two suspects. A minor character that you only met in one scene and the actual one. And even though the chances for him being the perpetrator, I still would have preferred the minor character, because it always bothered me, that a person who had been buying and stealing kids for at least a decade without ever getting caught, would be stupid enough to kidnap someone that had a direct connection to him. Even if he never believed that someone would start looking for homeless children, he had to prepare for the possibility.

Other than that, it was a good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.