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Miss Fortune Mystery #9
Later Gator
A poacher is at work in Sinful, Louisiana, and Deputy Carter LeBlanc is hot on the trail of the outlaw, trying to apprehend him before the state gets wind of the crime and sends a game warden to take over his investigation. Unfortunately, he’s hindered every step of the way by Sinful’s current mayor and all-around horrible person, Celia Arceneaux, who wants nothing more than to drive Carter to resign.
When a game warden turns up with evidence that implicates a relative of Gertie’s, Carter is left with no choice but to arrest the boy, even though no one thinks he did it. With Carter under the watchful eye of Celia and the state, Fortune, Ida Belle, and Gertie decide to catch a poacher…before he gets away.
When a game warden turns up with evidence that implicates a relative of Gertie’s, Carter is left with no choice but to arrest the boy, even though no one thinks he did it. With Carter under the watchful eye of Celia and the state, Fortune, Ida Belle, and Gertie decide to catch a poacher…before he gets away.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2016
1434 people are currently reading
1289 people want to read
About the author
Jana Deleon
102 books4,233 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
May 18, 2018
I say it every time I write a review for this series: I love it! I won't say it is the best I've ever read, but it is sooooo fun! I love the characters, the setting, the slow heat romance, the lite mystery and the humor. Escapist reading at its' best.
There is a poacher is at work in the bayou near Sinful, Louisiana, and Gertie is afraid her pet alligator, Godzilla, will end up on the BBQ. When a relative of Gertie’s is pinched for the dirty deed, the Swamp Team 3 spring into action. Now that Deputy Carter LeBlanc knows the trio's secrets, he is watching them very closely to make sure they stay out of his business. I really wonder why he bothers, except nasty Celia Arceneaux, the current mayor, is looking for anything she can use to get rid of Carter, discredit Ida Belle and Gertie, and get rid of Fortune.
That the evidence found by the game warden was planted is the starting point for the Team to track down the real poacher. This leads to another hilarious trip to the Swamp Bar and Carter pounding on the door, but coming up with nothing, except a handful of Fortune. With a few suspects it's time to narrow it all down and catch the poacher before he takes off.
There is a poacher is at work in the bayou near Sinful, Louisiana, and Gertie is afraid her pet alligator, Godzilla, will end up on the BBQ. When a relative of Gertie’s is pinched for the dirty deed, the Swamp Team 3 spring into action. Now that Deputy Carter LeBlanc knows the trio's secrets, he is watching them very closely to make sure they stay out of his business. I really wonder why he bothers, except nasty Celia Arceneaux, the current mayor, is looking for anything she can use to get rid of Carter, discredit Ida Belle and Gertie, and get rid of Fortune.
That the evidence found by the game warden was planted is the starting point for the Team to track down the real poacher. This leads to another hilarious trip to the Swamp Bar and Carter pounding on the door, but coming up with nothing, except a handful of Fortune. With a few suspects it's time to narrow it all down and catch the poacher before he takes off.
February 10, 2021
Another delightful, fun airboat ride through the bayou. The town is character all on its own and I love when that happens. It really adds depth, especially to a long-running series. Gertie’s ridiculous is as adorable as ever. Things are heating up between Fortune and Carter. And I’ve decided I want to be Ida Belle when I grow up. I must confess, I want her to give sweet Walter a chance. Already downloaded the next three books in the series. These books are great companions when I’m cooking, cleaning, driving, crafting, and even exercising.
May 3, 2018
This is still over-the-top, superficial fluff and totally lacking in any believability but, hey, it's fun...though Gertie and Godzilla may be a bit much even by fluff standards. I only wish that Fortune and Carter actually spent more time together and that their romance would progress past the strictly G-rated phase it's been stuck in since book two or three.
March 29, 2020
Great for pandemic binge-reading
If you need something to get your mind off current events, jump into this series. Fast cars, fast boats, crazy old ladies walking gators...it really is a lot of fun.
If you need something to get your mind off current events, jump into this series. Fast cars, fast boats, crazy old ladies walking gators...it really is a lot of fun.
December 14, 2016
I didn't want it to end. What fun!
July 3, 2024
Always a nice way to spend a day too hot to do anything else. Almost made me feel like I was in Louisiana with all the humidity outside. Another fun visit with the trio. This time they’re after an alligator poacher and Gertie winds up with one as a pet.
November 4, 2019
Later Gator is book 9 in the Miss Fortune Mystery series. This series is set in Sinful, Louisiana, USA and follows Fortune, who is a CIA assassin in hiding, and old ladies Gertie and Ida Belle, who are lifelong Sinful residents and ex-spy war veterans, as they help solve a string of various crimes and murders.
I stumbled across these books when I decided to check out a new-to-me genre called Cozy Mysteries and someone recommended this series. Once I listened to the first book, I couldn't stop. I have been listening to all of the books back to back.
In Later Gator, someone has been poaching alligators and has set a local boy up to take the fall. Fortune and her crew decide to jump in to do a little investigating when they find out the boy has been arrested. They all know that someone set him up and they won't stand for it. Also, Fortune and Ida Belle discover that Gertie has a pet alligator named Godzilla. And thanks to Gertie and her ridiculous antics, Godzilla has a taste for baked goods.
I recommend this series and suggest that you read each book in order as it builds upon the prior story and makes everything that much more entertaining and enjoyable. If you like your books with a nice dose of humor, this is the series for you. I have found myself laughing out loud too many times to count.
The narrator does a good job. She is the same narrator for the whole series.
I stumbled across these books when I decided to check out a new-to-me genre called Cozy Mysteries and someone recommended this series. Once I listened to the first book, I couldn't stop. I have been listening to all of the books back to back.
In Later Gator, someone has been poaching alligators and has set a local boy up to take the fall. Fortune and her crew decide to jump in to do a little investigating when they find out the boy has been arrested. They all know that someone set him up and they won't stand for it. Also, Fortune and Ida Belle discover that Gertie has a pet alligator named Godzilla. And thanks to Gertie and her ridiculous antics, Godzilla has a taste for baked goods.
I recommend this series and suggest that you read each book in order as it builds upon the prior story and makes everything that much more entertaining and enjoyable. If you like your books with a nice dose of humor, this is the series for you. I have found myself laughing out loud too many times to count.
The narrator does a good job. She is the same narrator for the whole series.
September 24, 2025
I'm not sure what happened - usually Miss Fortune is my very favorite series and I know not everything will be perfect and completely believable but I'll have so much fun along the way I won't mind it a bit. Unfortunatelly this time it didn't work and since I'm not sure if it's just me and my personal situation right now or if the humour became stale (most of the situations I've already read in one variation or another) plus the over-the-top-antics of the 'Troublesome Trio' just appeared too much.
Edit 3/15/20
After continuing the series and re-reading this book I didn't change my mind. In my opinion this is the weakest book in series. It's ok but sadly not more for me. In future re-reads of this series I'll only read this one again if I'm really in the mood for but most likely will leave it out most of the time.
Edit 12/3/21
This time around I took it a bit slower and realised most of the developments (especially concerning Fortune) are much more subtle and not spelled out so I missed them the previous four times looking for action and fun. On the other hand some of those appearing way too over-the-top looking in the perspective of the following books appear not that crass. So I'm changing my rating to 4 stars. It's still my least favorite book in the series but it growed on me with time.
Edit 3/15/20
After continuing the series and re-reading this book I didn't change my mind. In my opinion this is the weakest book in series. It's ok but sadly not more for me. In future re-reads of this series I'll only read this one again if I'm really in the mood for but most likely will leave it out most of the time.
Edit 12/3/21
This time around I took it a bit slower and realised most of the developments (especially concerning Fortune) are much more subtle and not spelled out so I missed them the previous four times looking for action and fun. On the other hand some of those appearing way too over-the-top looking in the perspective of the following books appear not that crass. So I'm changing my rating to 4 stars. It's still my least favorite book in the series but it growed on me with time.
May 19, 2018
The ninth addition to the Miss Fortune Mystery series by Jana Deleon. There is a poacher in Sinful, Louisiana, and it's up to Fortune and the girls to stick their nose in where they don't belong to solve the case.
Another entertaining and very hilarious addition to the series. There was more of a romantic element in this book, as Fortune and Carter are officially a couple. I love this series and I hate that I have to wait for the next book.
Another entertaining and very hilarious addition to the series. There was more of a romantic element in this book, as Fortune and Carter are officially a couple. I love this series and I hate that I have to wait for the next book.
November 30, 2016
Jana does it again!
Honestly, I'm set to buy anything Jana writes. The adventure continues with the Swamp Team 3 and, of course, Gertie's hi-jinks! Their escapades are laugh out loud funny. If they made this series into a show, I would pray that they could capture those moments as perfectly as I see them in my mind as I'm reading it.
Honestly, I'm set to buy anything Jana writes. The adventure continues with the Swamp Team 3 and, of course, Gertie's hi-jinks! Their escapades are laugh out loud funny. If they made this series into a show, I would pray that they could capture those moments as perfectly as I see them in my mind as I'm reading it.
April 27, 2021
A gator being walked on a pink collar and leash; Whats not to love and keep you turning every page to see what the Fortune, Gertie and Ida Belle are up to next. I have to make myself slow down when I read because like the gators in the swamp I want to devour each book in the series.
January 12, 2018
Another great one in this series. I look forward to reading these because they always make me laugh. In this one there is a poacher in Sinful, taking out small alligators. One of the local boys is accused and arrested by the game warden which sends the town into a tizzy. Everyone is mad claiming there is no way Petey is responsible! Fortune, Ida Belle and Gertie are determined to clear Petey's name and find the actual poacher.
November 13, 2017
Another entertaining book in the miss fortune series..!!!
October 6, 2019
Later Gator by Jana Deleon is the 9th book in the Miss Fortune Mystery series. An alligator poacher is at work in Sinful and when a relative of Gerties is arrested, Fortune, Ida Belle and Gertie set off to find the real culprit. Lots of fun and lots of laughs as usual, although a tame, cookie-loving alligator being led on a leash was a bit too unbelievable and over the top. It was nice to see Fortunes and Carters relationship progress a little. Very entertaining and fun.
February 16, 2017
Fun story
This is a laugh out loud book. Carter and fortune are great. Ida and gertie are hilarious. The gator was a nice touch
This is a laugh out loud book. Carter and fortune are great. Ida and gertie are hilarious. The gator was a nice touch
January 4, 2019
A poacher is after alligators in Sinful, Louisiana. The law, Carter, is after the culprit, but, much to his dismay, Fortune, Ida Bell, and Gertie are also on the case.
The 9th book in the Miss Fortune Mystery series by Jana Deleon. This is a humorous, silly, and all-around fun read. Great for anyone looking for a comical and light cozy mystery.
The 9th book in the Miss Fortune Mystery series by Jana Deleon. This is a humorous, silly, and all-around fun read. Great for anyone looking for a comical and light cozy mystery.
March 29, 2017
Jana DeLeon's books are always fun to read. This one doesn't disappoint!
If you are a patron at the Bethalto Public Library and would like to request this title please use the link below:
http://search.illinoisheartland.org/s...
If you are a patron at the Bethalto Public Library and would like to request this title please use the link below:
http://search.illinoisheartland.org/s...
October 17, 2019
I really, really like this series, but as is often the case with long- runners like this one, some books are a miss.
This was, as usual, a funny installment, but I was missing the action that makes for a five star read.
Also, the mystery was a bit boring, for some reason.
Three stars.
This was, as usual, a funny installment, but I was missing the action that makes for a five star read.
Also, the mystery was a bit boring, for some reason.
Three stars.
April 10, 2017
Now, the long wait until the next one is written. Such a fun series.
June 25, 2024
Darum geht’s:
Fortune sucht nach einer neuen Beschäftigung und testet sich als Privatdetektivin. Hinter dem Rücken ihres Freundes, des Deputy Carter LeBlanc, steckt sie ihre Nase in Fälle von Alligatorwilderei, die auch ihn beschäftigen. Ihre beiden Freundinnen Gertie und Ida Belle sind ihr dabei immer auf den Fersen, manchmal hilfreich, meistens schaffen sie aber zusätzliche Komplikationen. Und auch die Bürgermeisterin, die Carter am liebsten einen Fehler nachweisen und ihn loswerden will, als auch die Naturschutzbehörde, die einen Beamten geschickt hat, mischen bei der Suche nach den Wilderern mit.
So fand ich’s:
Den ersten Band der Miss Fortune Reihe mit dem Titel “Weg vom Schuss” habe ich schon vor einer Weile gelesen und sehr genossen. Statt wie üblich in der richtigen Reihenfolge weiterzulesen, bin ich nun zum aktuellsten Band 9 gesprungen. Dass ich die Bücher dazwischen erst einmal ausgelassen habe, hat nicht wirklich gestört – es ist nicht unbedingt nötig, die Reihenfolge einzuhalten.
Fortune als untergetauchte CIA-Agentin ist mit allen Wassern gewaschen, will aber eigentlich nicht auffallen. Da sie sich schnell mit den älteren Damen Gertie und Ida Belle angefreundet hat, ist unauffällig nicht mehr möglich. Die beiden Damen sind exaltiert, schrill und abenteuerlustig und haben vor allen Dingen ein großes Herz.
Fortune, Ida Belle und Gertie stecken überall ihre Nase hinein und haben ein unerschöpfliches Reservoir an Waffen und Ideen. Dabei übertreiben sie es regelmäßig, was aber herrlich spaßig zu lesen ist. Der verschlafene Ort Sinful, Louisiana, wimmelt vor skurrilen und kauzigen Figuren. Dabei sind nicht nur Fortune und ihre Freundinnen liebenswert verschroben, sondern es gibt unter dem komödiantischen Aspekt auch eine gewisse Ernsthaftigkeit, denn die Damen kämpfen für das Gute. Und natürlich für den sexy Deputy, mit dem Fortune mehr oder weniger liiert ist.
Ihre Suche nach dem Wilderer gestaltet sich sehr abenteuerlich und sowohl die lockere Erzählweise als auch eine haarsträubende Situation nach der anderen sorgen für beste Unterhaltung. Ich liebe diese Serie, weil sie einen wirklich wunderbar unterhält und aus dem Alltag holt, sich dümmliche Witze komplett spart, sondern mein Humorzentrum auf die perfekte Art und Weise kitzelt und eine ganze Riege von tollen Figuren zu bieten hat.
Band 1 bis gerade eben Band 9 sind schon auf Deutsch erschienen. Für mich steht fest, dass ich die Lücke aus Band 2 bis 8 erst einmal schließen werde und dann auf schnelle Übersetzung der weiteren Bücher hoffe. Denn im englischen Original ist gerade Band 27 (!) veröffentlicht worden und das bedeutet auch künftig noch ganz viel großen Spaß mit Fortune!
Fortune sucht nach einer neuen Beschäftigung und testet sich als Privatdetektivin. Hinter dem Rücken ihres Freundes, des Deputy Carter LeBlanc, steckt sie ihre Nase in Fälle von Alligatorwilderei, die auch ihn beschäftigen. Ihre beiden Freundinnen Gertie und Ida Belle sind ihr dabei immer auf den Fersen, manchmal hilfreich, meistens schaffen sie aber zusätzliche Komplikationen. Und auch die Bürgermeisterin, die Carter am liebsten einen Fehler nachweisen und ihn loswerden will, als auch die Naturschutzbehörde, die einen Beamten geschickt hat, mischen bei der Suche nach den Wilderern mit.
So fand ich’s:
Den ersten Band der Miss Fortune Reihe mit dem Titel “Weg vom Schuss” habe ich schon vor einer Weile gelesen und sehr genossen. Statt wie üblich in der richtigen Reihenfolge weiterzulesen, bin ich nun zum aktuellsten Band 9 gesprungen. Dass ich die Bücher dazwischen erst einmal ausgelassen habe, hat nicht wirklich gestört – es ist nicht unbedingt nötig, die Reihenfolge einzuhalten.
Fortune als untergetauchte CIA-Agentin ist mit allen Wassern gewaschen, will aber eigentlich nicht auffallen. Da sie sich schnell mit den älteren Damen Gertie und Ida Belle angefreundet hat, ist unauffällig nicht mehr möglich. Die beiden Damen sind exaltiert, schrill und abenteuerlustig und haben vor allen Dingen ein großes Herz.
Fortune, Ida Belle und Gertie stecken überall ihre Nase hinein und haben ein unerschöpfliches Reservoir an Waffen und Ideen. Dabei übertreiben sie es regelmäßig, was aber herrlich spaßig zu lesen ist. Der verschlafene Ort Sinful, Louisiana, wimmelt vor skurrilen und kauzigen Figuren. Dabei sind nicht nur Fortune und ihre Freundinnen liebenswert verschroben, sondern es gibt unter dem komödiantischen Aspekt auch eine gewisse Ernsthaftigkeit, denn die Damen kämpfen für das Gute. Und natürlich für den sexy Deputy, mit dem Fortune mehr oder weniger liiert ist.
Ihre Suche nach dem Wilderer gestaltet sich sehr abenteuerlich und sowohl die lockere Erzählweise als auch eine haarsträubende Situation nach der anderen sorgen für beste Unterhaltung. Ich liebe diese Serie, weil sie einen wirklich wunderbar unterhält und aus dem Alltag holt, sich dümmliche Witze komplett spart, sondern mein Humorzentrum auf die perfekte Art und Weise kitzelt und eine ganze Riege von tollen Figuren zu bieten hat.
Band 1 bis gerade eben Band 9 sind schon auf Deutsch erschienen. Für mich steht fest, dass ich die Lücke aus Band 2 bis 8 erst einmal schließen werde und dann auf schnelle Übersetzung der weiteren Bücher hoffe. Denn im englischen Original ist gerade Band 27 (!) veröffentlicht worden und das bedeutet auch künftig noch ganz viel großen Spaß mit Fortune!
October 5, 2018
Funny but excellent story! Now that Fortune has decided to stay in Sinful, she has to decide what she wants to do. What will her career be? Carter and Fortune are having a hard time staying away from each other given what the ladies keep getting into. Maybe there is a chance for them yet!
Now as the title says this has something to do with gators. There is a new person called Petey and his Father,Quincy. That is a mystery for solving. Who is poaching is another story/mystery. The most interesting and humorous is the selection of people's pets.
The race for who is mayor is still a mystery. So there are a few storylines and lots of action. Read this very interesting story and learn about compassion and understanding! Celia is up to her antics and the people seem to regret her being mayor at this time.
I an ready to react the next book in the series which I throughly enjoy and highly recommend!
Now as the title says this has something to do with gators. There is a new person called Petey and his Father,Quincy. That is a mystery for solving. Who is poaching is another story/mystery. The most interesting and humorous is the selection of people's pets.
The race for who is mayor is still a mystery. So there are a few storylines and lots of action. Read this very interesting story and learn about compassion and understanding! Celia is up to her antics and the people seem to regret her being mayor at this time.
I an ready to react the next book in the series which I throughly enjoy and highly recommend!
August 19, 2021
Miss Fortune Mystery: 9
This book starts a whole entire week after the last one. It's a miracle of peace. Now that Fortune's decided to quit the CIA, she has to figure out where she want to live and what to do once she's no longer an arms dealer's target. Uncertain about her future with Carter, she doesn't want to commit to staying in Sinful. This latest problem with alligator poaching is the perfect opportunity to test her skills at private investigation and attempt to go about things in a more or less legally approved manner. Nice evolution on the relationship front. Ida Belle and Gertie's antics as always keeps Fortune on her toes.
This book starts a whole entire week after the last one. It's a miracle of peace. Now that Fortune's decided to quit the CIA, she has to figure out where she want to live and what to do once she's no longer an arms dealer's target. Uncertain about her future with Carter, she doesn't want to commit to staying in Sinful. This latest problem with alligator poaching is the perfect opportunity to test her skills at private investigation and attempt to go about things in a more or less legally approved manner. Nice evolution on the relationship front. Ida Belle and Gertie's antics as always keeps Fortune on her toes.
August 6, 2022
This was a no brainer pick off the bookshelves given that the Chicago area has seen bits of weather akin to that of Louisiana swamps which is not at all normal. Later Gator isn't as good as others in the series and at times frustrating because the characters that deserved more time didn't get it like the stick skinny redneck in overalls minus a shirt underneath who sells souped up used cars, and others are stuck in a story line rut. This did me giggle a few times when hillbilly hounds got loose and caused chaos, decent enough but not up to its potential.
August 5, 2020
This is a light enjoyable read. Another great story with laugh out loud moments. I got close to solving the mystery but did not get all of the details right.
This time Gertie wants to save an alligator, leading to some very funny scenes. I like that there are a few twists I do not see coming.
When I need to escape from the world and relax, this author is a wonderful choice.
This time Gertie wants to save an alligator, leading to some very funny scenes. I like that there are a few twists I do not see coming.
When I need to escape from the world and relax, this author is a wonderful choice.
December 30, 2022
Once again Fortune, Ida Bell, and Gertie are on another adventure. This time someone has been poaching gators and when the wrong Sinful citizen is arrested they take it upon themselves to find out the true culprit.
This is such a fun series and am loving to see how Fortune's future continues to shake out! Can't wait to see what other trouble the three musketeers can get into!
This is such a fun series and am loving to see how Fortune's future continues to shake out! Can't wait to see what other trouble the three musketeers can get into!
January 15, 2019
As always, Miss Gertie never fails to bring a good laugh. Imagine walking an alligator down the road on a leash. Nothing can go wrong, can it? When the three women of Sinful get together all bets are off.
February 14, 2024
I don't know that I will ever tire of this series. Some of the things that bothered me early in the series, have worked their way out very naturally. Now the things I don't like, I'm supposed to not like, and I love not liking them. That's just good writing.
April 9, 2017
Every time I think nothing more can happen, it does. And it just keeps getting more and more funny. Now though, I have to wait for book 10.
April 24, 2018
I️ just love this series! I️ love the characters and you just have to laugh out loud during this book.
April 9, 2018
Later Gator by Jana Deleon was another fun escapade with Fortune, Ida Belle and Gertie. Once I start one of these books I cannot put it down. Great mystery plots and hilarious chaos with Swamp Team 3. I'm on to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews