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Shaye Archer #3

Diabolical

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Nine years ago, the police found Shaye Archer wandering in the French Quarter, beaten and abused and with no memory of the previous fifteen years, not even her name. Now, at twenty-four, Shaye is a licensed private investigator, determined to get answers for her clients when the police can’t help. But her last case uncovered more than anyone anticipated, and pieces of Shaye’s missing past have surfaced with unexpected consequences.

She’s starting to remember.

Will Shaye unlock the secrets buried deep in her mind? And more importantly, can she handle the truth if she does?

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2016

579 people are currently reading
841 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.

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5 stars
2,582 (62%)
4 stars
1,241 (30%)
3 stars
266 (6%)
2 stars
29 (<1%)
1 star
15 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
Profile Image for Heather.
46 reviews
August 24, 2016
Loved it! Another exciting Shaye Archer story. Finally, Shaye gets answers to her forgotten memories! Jana DeLeon weaves in twists and turns and an unexpected ending. You'll think you've figured it out, but you'll be wrong. Definitely need to read the previous books and don't forget to check out all of her other series.
Profile Image for Dawn Gee.
2,980 reviews11 followers
August 12, 2016
Wow, just wow

This is the most heart pounding, intense and entertaining book I've read in years. I read over 300 books a year so that tells you something. You have to read this series. Jana DeLeon put such a shocking twist that I actually cussed out loud, in public. Jackson is a wonderful man, great cop and an exceptional human being. There no words to describe the strength that courses through Shaye, she's miraculous. Can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Harley.
165 reviews37 followers
October 9, 2016
Amazing!!!

I absolutely love this series! Jana DeLeon is an amazing author. Of three series she has written, I have read two. Highly recommended and I thoroughly enjoy them. I choose this rating because of her talent and the way she writes, especially in this specific series. So intense!!
Profile Image for Pamela(AllHoney).
2,688 reviews376 followers
September 28, 2016
The third book in the series, Shaye Archer, by Jana Deleon. Shaye Archer is a private investigator and now she is investigating herself. She was found 9 years ago without her memory and after learning who her mother was and a few vague facts, Shaye is ready to find out the rest. Meanwhile, it is discovered that another girl was sold and it is a race against time to find her. Jackson LaMotte is there to help in the investigation.

When I started reading this I thought it was the last book in the series but I guess I am wrong. Apparently, there will be more to the series. However, the mystery of who Shaye was is finally uncovered. Good and entertaining but while I know it isn't a romance, I would have loved to have seen a relationship bloom between Jackson and Shaye. Will I continue the series? Quite possibly but its not written in stone so...
Profile Image for JadeShea.
3,235 reviews60 followers
November 20, 2018
Shaye is finally starting to remember bits and pieces of what happened to her. But she's starting to learn that it may be far worse than what she imagined, and another girl has been taken by the same person that took Shaye.

This may have more horrible consequences than Shaye could have imagined. It will come back to haunt her a hundred times more if she isn't careful.

This book was awesome. I adored the plot line, and I really loved Shaye and Jackson. I really hope they get together soon. The ending totally threw me for a loop, talk about a major plot twist, it was crazy. Now, I'm more excited than ever to read more.
129 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2016
This third installment of the Shaye Archer series fills in the details about Shaye’s past. Previously, she’d blocked the memories as a form of self-protection but not dealing with the past affects her ability to form new relationships. As her memory returns, she investigates the clues to put together the pieces her of tragic past. It’s a well-paced and pretty intricately woven story. I only wish the relationship between Shaye and the handsome detective Jackson LaMotte would been explored further.
Profile Image for Mary Eve.
588 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2017
As it happens with some series, I feel like DeLeon's third helping of Shaye Archer lost a bit of steam and bordered on convoluted. Shaye's memory begins to reveal itself with each new clue unraveled. It's that old adage; perhaps some things are best left alone. Will I read WICKED, the fourth book in the series? Of course. I enjoyed the first two books and don't necessarily subscribe to that one-bad-apple kind of thinking. I liked it, but think DeLeon has more to offer.
Profile Image for Shelby.
582 reviews99 followers
February 8, 2018
Took three books and a whole lot of shocking surprises but it didn't disappoint and made for a thrilling ride. On to book 4
Profile Image for Tonya VanWinkle.
Author 5 books14 followers
March 4, 2018
Amazing!

I knew he was involved somehow! I just knew it! You sure love to keep your readers on their toes don't you?
Profile Image for ꧁༺ L̴E̴X̴I̴E̴ ༻꧂.
179 reviews55 followers
March 23, 2021
"We're all broken. Some of us are just in more pieces. It's how we handle it that makes us brave, and from where I'm sitting, you're the bravest person I ever met."


Diabolical picks up right where the last book, Sinister, left off. With a girl's life in the balance, the clock is ticking for Shaye to finally unravel her dark past since the key to solving this most recent kidnapping is to unmask the person responsible for terrorizing Shaye. This book ups the ante as unexpected turns leave Shaye and Detective Jackson wondering who they can trust as betrayals closest to them begin to come to light.

Towards the end of the book, I was racing to figure out who had kidnapped Shaye all those years ago. I was expecting a clear-cut answer but underestimated the depth of this twisted mystery. All of it led to the final big reveal and I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR THAT LAST CHAPTER!
Jana Daleon did a terrific job of weaving all the pieces together as the story reached the denouement. I'm so glad the origins of Shaye's past can finally be put to rest and it's exciting to know that there's still more mysteries in store for her.



Profile Image for Kelly_reads_books22.
270 reviews
January 15, 2020
Little did Shaye Archer know her search for a missing street kid in book 2, Sinister, would directly relate to her own past. Shaye is starting to remember what happened to her 9 years ago and that puts her in a very dangerous situation. If she is starting to remember, she is now a threat to the person who had her.

In book 3 we finally find out what happened to Shaye all those years ago to how she got free. The book doesn't go into great detail regarding the abuse Shaye suffered but we learn more about her captor.

Good book, easy read. Definitely need to read book 2 before reading book 3.



Profile Image for Lisa.
13 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2019
Great book

Great book of who done it with some twists and turns. Great series and can wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Mandy  Smith.
1,023 reviews14 followers
January 5, 2022
Finally get answers for Shaye Archers past in book 3 in the series. the first half was a bit slow and redundant but last 3 hrs or so was really good! I will keep going w/ this series!
Profile Image for Tracey Desourdy.
1 review1 follower
August 1, 2017
Engaging

The series keeps you engaged and I enjoyed reading all three books so far. Looking forward to reading the fourth.
Profile Image for Marsha.
3,053 reviews58 followers
August 15, 2016
My, my, my. I think I just experience a little bit of reading heaven in "Diabolical." This read was like riding a roller coaster at Magic Mountain. The intense turmoil, intrigue, suspense of emotional devastation was all needed to bring about Shaye breaking through the barriers to her past. In short, it was incredible.

This installment is told through a series of flashbacks by different characters points of view. We start out on a plantation in 1936 where several boys who are victims of domestic abuse meet in order to cast a spell that is meant to draw a demon into this realm in the hopes of killing their fathers/abusers. Before they can even draw the pentagram they are approached by an older boy (18) who convinces them that he has the knowledge to complete this spell correctly and that he will do it for them for a small asking price: at a time of his choosing, the will grant him a boon.

Fast forward. Detective Vincent has finally snapped and wants to take Jackson down. In his warped little mind, Jackson Lamotte managed to make him look bad by going behind his back and solving a major case. So, what does he do? He reports that Jackson has been providing insider information to Internal Affairs. Before they bring him in for questioning, they call in Shaye and let me tell you that that woman knows how to put idiots in their place. This scene is priceless!

Meanwhile Detective Grayson and Jackson are assigned to work together to break the code on the Clancy stolen children business. As they begin uncovering the data, Shaye's name pops up. Yep, it ain't pretty. Now she is bound and determined to open up her memories and find out about her past. As she begins to investigate, we meet many of the original people who responsible for helping put Shaye's life back on track like the detective who helped her, the doctor and nurse who tended her as well as others. But it seems that her original captor is not hell bent on trying to make sure that his or her deeds don't come to light. No, I will not reveal who this person is. However, I will say that before they can be taken down a lot of others will go down in that pit of hell as well.

I cannot begin to say enough positive things about this read. It was amazing on every level. In addition to Shaye, I just love the character of Jackson. He is the only one that manages to treat her like a 'whole' person and not some damaged female in need to coddling and protection. Slowly but surely and bit by bit, he is managing to break down her defenses. However, nothing and no one will be able to protect Shaye from the devastation that she will encounter in this storyline. My heart just ached for her.

I cannot believe that I manage to gobble down this series in two or three days and I still want more. Unfortunately for me, I will have to wait until next year for book four to be released. Oh well, this will be a good opportunity for me to give another one of Ms. Deleon's series a try. She certainly hasn't disappointed me yet.
1,383 reviews19 followers
January 24, 2020
More non-stop reading. I cleared my calendar and read through until I was done. This series is irresistible. This book takes us into Shaye’s past, to the evil that left her without a memory of her life before age 15. Jana captures the fear and anticipation of recovering memories. She captures the anxiety and helplessness Shaye’s recovering memories cause for her friends and family. Then Jana builds the suspense to a perfect ending. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Amber.
50 reviews
January 19, 2017
I really like this series, the first book was the best the second book was the worse, and the third brings together everything. The second book is worth reading to get to the third even though I almost ended reading there.
Profile Image for Angelic Fantauzzi-haliga.
13 reviews
November 7, 2016
Amazing!

Amazing plot twists everywhere you read! Shaye and Jackson have their work cut out for them! I cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Booknookie.
309 reviews23 followers
April 4, 2018
You will find more of my reviews at my blog The Book Chick.

In this third book about Shaye Archer, the mystery is finally starting to unravel. Her memories starting to flow back and along the way discovers not only her but every one she love or has helped her, is in danger. A madman is back on the street of New Orleans and no one is safe anymore.

I do not often read series where it take several books to unravel some secret but this has certainly been a great journey. Deleon has a really unique style of writing. It is capturing and explosive. I do however feel that it was a little less this time. Both book one and two got a full five star rating. That is how good they are. This one however never reached that five star. Something was missing. I felt a little detached and the ending was somewhat weird even tough a lot surprising. I love the way the story started of several years before Shaye even was born. Deleon did do a great job with the interweaving the past with the future and the now.

I’m happy that there is more books in the series. I really want to follow Shay some more especially now that the truth is out. I would also love to see how the relationship between her and Jackson is unfolding. I have my own wishes and I really hope that they come true.

It is a great series and I recommend it to everyone who will listen. Its that good. 
Profile Image for Tanya R.
1,027 reviews32 followers
April 30, 2021
I don’t remember who recommended this series to me but I’m so thankful that they did. This is one of those lesser-known authors who writes a solid crime-thriller. The mystery of what has happened to Shaye as a young girl has slowly been unfolding in the first 2 books. In book 3, she’s putting more and more puzzle pieces together and it is at once exhilarating and frightening for both the MC and the reader! And one of my favorite characters from Book 2 is back – Hustle. He makes my heart smile. I hope he has a recurring role throughout the series.

I was pushing through the pages as fast as I could to see if the mystery would be solved in book 3. I want to tell you all so badly…. But I don’t want to spoil the fun! All I can really say is that my jaw was on the floor for the last 15 pages or so!

The characters in the Shaye Archer series are interesting, charismatic, emotion-filled and, at times, a little cheesy sweet. But I love it! A crime thriller with a slew of characters with love and goodness, trying to make the world better? Sign me up! I can’t wait to start reading Book 4!!
1,700 reviews35 followers
February 20, 2018
This is the first book I have ever read that has left me completely speechless.

The sons of three plantation owners plot to get free from their abusive fathers. We learn what happened to their plans, and also the results of those plans several decades later.

After having saved a number of street kids from being kidnapped and sold or killed. Shaye is called into the police dept. to answer question from IA about how she was given information by detective Lamonte.

While still checking on her past, Shaye discovers another young girl has disappeared, and she may be in the same situation Shaye herself was in. It is more imperative than ever that Shaye is able to remember things from her past, to catch this person before it is too late for someone else.

Not one of the main characters in these stories will remain unaffected in one way or the other. This is an extremely intense book, very well written, and great characters.
Profile Image for Biggs_bookshelf.
1,601 reviews27 followers
December 26, 2020
Shay archer has been through a lot and has been trying to recover her memories and find her abuser for 9 years for every step they make they are thrown back another. This thriller is full of ups and downs, close calls and twists you won’t see coming. This series is completely out of my norm but you can’t help but appreciate the vast and tangle web of a world this author creates. Truly a mastermind in her field of thrillers and suspense. I have read some of her lighter stuff and just happened one day to decide to read this series. It requires brain power and the ability to remember some of the smallest details because every clue no matter how small gets you one step closer to the monster. If this is your jam these books are worth the heart pounding, fact finding and often heartbreaking ride they are going to take you on! The narrator has done a fabulous job all the way through letting the emotions seem into her voice and truly wrap you up in the story!
Profile Image for Jacob Peled.
521 reviews11 followers
December 19, 2025
Warning: This series should be read from the first book. Do not start from the 2nd or the 3rd. The reason is simple; there is clear continuity between the books.
I read the first book and found it excellent ( 5 Stars) . The second was very good as well ( 4 Stars) . In this third installment, however, I felt there was too much repetition of material from the earlier books, along with expanded retellings of storylines that had already been covered in the first novel. As a result, I did not enjoy this book as much as the previous ones.
The only reason I did not abandon it after reading the first 20%, which is something I would normally do with a new author, was because I had genuinely liked the first two books. Fortunately, the plot began to gain momentum around the 40% mark, which allowed me to push through and finish it.
My rating is 3.5 stars, and possibly even less.
One thing is certain: I will not rush to read the fourth book in the series. It can wait.
Profile Image for Tracy T..
1,023 reviews24 followers
February 26, 2018
Another great story in this series. We finally get to find out what happened to Shaye but I think there may be more to the story..... Just thinking that. (audible review)

I am enjoying these stories very much, they are fast paced, Shaye is smart and a good PI so far she hasn't had any TSTL moments. LOL I like Jackson the detective, a little romance seems to be brewing here, but it is a very small part of the stories and not taking over the cases Shaye is working on. There are some surprises in this book. And we get more Hustle! Love that kid.

As for the narration, again with I am about to cry or panic voice reading is constant. UGH stop it! at certain times it is required but all the reading like that is not necessary. I do keep listening and it is annoying, but its a good thing the stories are good and fast paced.
3,062 reviews13 followers
July 19, 2021
"Diabolical" sees Shaye Archer finally find out a lot about her past. Clancy's code book reveals that Shaye was one of his trafficked victims - to 'Diabolique'.
It also shows that he has recently sold another girl, remarkably similar to Shaye, to him. Is she still alive?
The search for answers is reasoned and rational but, for some reason that I could not pin down, the book failed to provide much suspense or tension.
The crimes, while shocking in themselves, don't make you want to check that all the doors and windows are locked in your house. Evil, while central to the crimes, is rather dispassionately described and the killer/torturer, while obviously deranged, is logical and mostly effective in his work.
The ending is somewhat rushed and while the broad outline of Sasha's ordeal is made clear there are a lot of unanswered questions.
It's a good read, but flawed.
3.5 Stars
Profile Image for Cindy Riley.
61 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2016
Diabolical (Shaye Archer Series Book 3) by Jana Deleon

The story line in this series I found exciting, Full of suspense, adventure,. I loved the way all the drama kept me wanting to know more,
throughout the story State kept her cool even when she had her worst dreams she could calm herself.
The excitement of finding out what did happen to Shaye, leading her to help the street kids getting her closer to finely know her
own story was so suspenseful and very exciting. I just never wanted to stop reading. Very hard to put the book down lol I just wanted
keep reading to know what happens next.
Great Author, love the way your story's are full of drama, suspense, plus I feel I'm right there watching as the story unfolds and everything comes together.
Profile Image for Lucii Dixon.
1,104 reviews54 followers
September 27, 2017
Another incredible book to add to the series. Finally, we're given the answers to Shaye's past; the horrible and unimaginable past that she had to endure at such a young age.

This one is full of investigative drama, heart-pounding scenes and characters that have more emotions than the world put together. Again, Corinne and Eleanore made me
Chuckle with their conversations and I was really rooting for Shaye to finally have answers... and boy does she get them.

An incredible psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seats, your heart threatening to come out of your chest and your mind to be reeling with information.

Amazing. Talented. This author has a bright future in this genre and I can't wait to see what she brings to the table next.
Profile Image for Sharon.
Author 38 books397 followers
May 29, 2018
The third Shaye Archer book has her learning more about her past -- and racing to find the latest kidnapping victim in the scheme that had once held her captive. We also see her relationship with Jackson Lamotte at least expanding, if not actually being fully romantic.

This time, though, we start to see the history of events that got us to the present situation -- going all the way back to the 1930s. It's a fascinating look at hoodoo, superstition, plantation politics and more.

The "whodunnit" really took me by surprise, as did several other twists and turns in the tale.

This is not a series for the faint of heart; it's a bunch of psychological thrills, police procedurals, and politics all rolled into one. Still, if that's your cup of tea, it's worth checking out.
Profile Image for Paula Galvan.
778 reviews
June 3, 2020
Shaye discovers the truth about her past in this fast-paced thriller, but the cost is high. When Jackson discovers another girl has been kidnapped, and she's a Shaye lookalike, he realizes this can only mean one thing. The monster that tortured Shaye Archer isn't done and has chosen another victim. Together, Shaye and Jackson follow the clues to find her and eventually stumble onto a monster's diabolical plot to make himself immortal by serving the One - and serving means sacrificing innocents. Following the trail clue-by-clue, the mystery is finally unraveled leaving Shaye, and her mother Corine, stunned to learn the story started long ago with Corine's own grandfather. Definitely a page-turner you won't be able to put down until the shocking end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews

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