Madison Avery is a young woman with a huge problem. From her penthouse apartment, she witnessed a murder in the building across the street, but by the time the police arrived, the crime scene had been wiped clean. Unfortunately, Madison suffers from prosopagnosia—face blindness—so even though she had a clear view of the murder, she can’t describe the victim or the killer. With no forensic evidence that a crime was committed and no description of the victim to match to a body, the police have no choice but to close the file.
But Shaye Archer doesn’t have the same limitations.
When Shaye hears Madison’s story, she believes the young woman saw exactly what she claims, and even though Shaye knows finding the killer will be next to impossible, she can’t turn down the distraught woman. Especially when she finds out that the killer saw Madison. Soon, the killer turns his attention to Madison, taunting her to heighten her fear, and Shaye is afraid his sights are set on his next victim.
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.
Entertaining! Wow! This series keeps getting better. Shaye Archer is the perfect hero. Vulnerable, strong, empathetic and smart. This story is about a serial killer that hides very, very well and a victim that cannot recognize the bad guy. Jana finds ways to bring previous characters into the story without needing to know their stories, although this series is too good to not read all the books. It is so difficult to wait for the next book in this series!
If you're not already reading her books you're crazy. They are amazing and you have a plethora to choose from. This series is more gritty. She has another series that cracks me up with her exploits with Ida Belle and Gertie in the Miss Fortune series. Can't get enough of Ms DeLeons books.
Oh WOW, Jana Deleon delivers yet again. Unseen is a thrilling, scintillating, suspenseful read that I could not put down. Shay Archer is a true heroine mind you she would deny that if you told her...lol Shay is an amazingly strong woman who get's stronger everyday especially now she has her perfect partner in Jackson Lamotte I really love these 2 together they both have demanding jobs that can stickily over lap at times but the work so well together when they can and they trust each other to do their respective jobs when they can't work together. This thriller was just that totally thrilling from the start to the very end and what an ending it was, a real nail biter I can't wait for more Shay Archer
OMG! Do not let the fact that it took me so long to finish this book give you the wrong impression. This entire series is the best and when I finally had the time to read, this story kept me involved at all times. I highly recommend it!
Another fantastic read by jana DeLeon. The Shay Archer series is my favorites. Absolutely well written Books.
when Madison sees a murder, But lives with prosopagnosia [face blindness] Is unable to identify the face but still able to see figures. Her life is now in danger..
This serial killer, has some issues. In this story. But will he get his next victim. Or will . Mrs Archer get to him first.
Things in this book heat up really fast but shay Archer is on the case this is book 5 and I have read all of them so far I have the next 2. I can't say enough about these books this this is a fabulous series.
If this book was a debut, then great...this author can only get better. But it's not, so no...while the initial premise is not new (murder witnessed through a window from across the street), the face blindness added a whole new layer. But the dialogue is namby pamby...sometimes even eye-rolling...and the story lacks believability which is necessary to feel any connection to the characters or to feel the tension that should build in a murder drama.
I listened to this book on Audible, so I have to add a note about the narrator. I will watch for her name and never listen to another book she narrates. Narration did not help this book AT ALL..had to turn up the speed to avoid the dragging out of each Valley Girl word/sentence.
I still like the series. The story keeps me reading, wanting to know what happens. I am starting to get a little tired of hearing people say the same things over and over about Shaye and other characters. Shaye is nearing Jesus in terms of character, Eleanore is the best therapist that ever lived, Jackson is the perfect man, etc. It gets a little old, especially if you read the books back to back. Overall, good story development, definitely felt the tension. Would recommend if you liked the other books.
The more Shaye Archer installments I read the more I truly appreciate this series. "Unseen" is another great addition. This time a woman, Madison Avery witnesses a murder from her penthouse condo and the murderer sees her. She calls the police but when they investigate the crime scene is clean and the kicker is Madison can't give them a description of the perp because she suffers from prosopagnosia, a condition that interferes with her ability to recognize faces. Yep, I never heard of it either.
Madison goes to Shaye for help and soon it become apparent that the perp not only has Madison on his radar but Shaye as well. Of course Shaye's boyfriend, Detective Jackson Lamotte is not happy with this latest development nor are the higher up at police headquarters. As Shaye investigates she stumbles upon other missing women who worked the streets and she is convinced she is dealing with a serial killer.
Along the way, Shaye does what she does best, fight for the little people who most people refuse to give them the time of day. She used her inheritance to help where she can but the one thing she always does it treat people with respect and dignity. With all of the tragedy in her past. This is what makes Shaye and this series so likeable. Additionally each installment also unlocks another secret from her past.
This read is filling mystery and intrigue. There is also plenty of action and the budding romance between Shaye and Jackson is truly endearing. Needless to say that I definitely will be going on with the next book in this series.
Unseen is book 5 in the Shaye Archer series, and honestly, this series just keeps getting better. Every time I think Jana DeLeon has pushed Shaye to her limits, she throws her into something even darker and more twisted wndddd I eat it up every single time.
This time Shaye is helping Madison, who’s terrified after seeing someone murdered across from her apartment. She can’t give a description because she suffers from prosopagnosia—a condition that makes it impossible for her to recognize faces. Madison turns to Shaye for help, and it quickly becomes clear the perp has his eye on both Madison and Shaye. Detective Jackson is definitely not thrilled about this, and neither are the higher ups at the station. As Shaye digs deeper, she starts connecting dots to other missing women who worked the streets… and becomes convinced she’s dealing with a serial killer.
This one had me glued to the pages. I love how DeLeon balances the mystery with Shaye’s personal growth. Shaye is tough, vulnerable, and stubborn in the best way, and watching her piece things together (while dealing with her own trauma) always hits a little harder than your average thriller. The pacing in Unseen is smooth but tense. You never feel lost, but you’re always on edge.
If you’re already invested in the series, this one totally delivers. And if you haven’t started it yet…honestly, what are you doing? It’s such a bingeable, atmospheric, gritty set of thriller mysteries with a FMC you can’t help rooting for.
Good Story, narration was better too. (audible review)
Another good Shaye Archer story. I liked the mystery in these stories. There sure are a lot of serial killers in New Orleans though.
In this one the witness has an interesting condition where she cant remember/recognize faces. Until this book I had never heard of this prosopagnosia disease before. I feel for those people for sure. Especially those with a killer after them.
These stories are fast paced and easy to follow along. Good mysteries thrillers.
As for the narration, it was better. Either Julie McKay is mellowing out on the "almost crying/panicking" character reading or I am just getting used to it. LOL I hope it is the former. I this this book, Shaye seemed to be talking in more normal tone and not like she was on the verge of crying or panic, which was a relief.
This is a good series and I am enjoying it. I like Jackson and I like that the relationship/romance is not taking over the stories.
What can you do when you can't see trouble coming?
Prosopagnosia--a big word for a scary condition. What if you saw a murder and saw the murderer, but you couldn't describe him because you couldn't recognize faces? And what if he saw you? That's the problem Shaye Archer's client has, and she's justifiably frightened. Shaye tackles the problem, but there's no easy solution since the body disappeared. The police don't have a case because there's no forensic evidence. That doesn't stop Shaye, though. To solve this, she'll need the help of old and new friends. Can she save her client, Madison before it's too late?
Once again, Ms. DeLeon provides a stunning psychological thriller with likeable characters and a scary villain. If you like thrillers that don't emphasize the blood and gore, this series is a good candidate. Each book just gets better. I'm anxious to read the next installment.
Shaye, Hustle, and Jackson Assist Madison in Saving Herself! 5*****
From an unseeing, unwilling eyewitness, Madison, the geeky, socialite programmer, suffering from facial agnosia, became the pawn and target for the deranged , short-lived, serial killer of New Orleans’ prostitutes. She hired Shaye when the police were not willing to help her. The plot revealed the biases many law enforcement departments have towards their disenfranchised citizens. Great plot, characters in this gravity defying novel. I can not wait for the 2018 book #6 release, to see the development of Shaye and Jackson’s relationship, hopefully the discovery and whereabouts of Shaye’s stolen/ sold baby girl, and the development of Corrine’s home for runaway teenagers. Elenore, Hustle, and Corrine, all made cameo appearances, but it was Hustle’s contribution that saved the day and Madison. What a great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The fifth Shaye Archer novel brings us an eyewitness to a murder who has a problem: Madison can't describe the offender because she suffers from prosopagnosia - face blindness. She literally cannot remember what he looks like, other than what he was wearing. To make things more complicated, the murderer has seen her, too -- and because Madison's family is well-to-do, he's able to find out about her condition and stalk her.
Madison brings Shaye into the case because, when she reports the murder, the police don't believeher. Shaye, however, takes on cases as a PI that the police won't ... so pretty soon she's in the murderer's sights as well.
This is one of the best entries in the series thusfar. Without delivering spoilers, I will say that the "whodunnit" took me by surprise despite the antagonist making several appearances throughout the tale. Nicely done.
I don't know how Jenna deLeon moves from the misfortune series to the Shaye Archer series , I love both series for totally different reasons. Shaye Archer series is a dark series , I would classify as mystery thriller . These books are so well written and come together expertly. You get sucked in for the first page . I can finish these books in one sitting because I can't put them down . There was a lot of character development , but some of the personalities were able to be expounded. I'm glad Hustle got to play such a intricate part in this and their gifts to one another were just perfect. I cannot wait for the next book so we can see where Jackson and Shaye find themselves next.
Still a good story but I am getting a little tired of the stupidity of some of the characters. The character that Shaye is helping has an interesting affliction and I have heard of it but she so so fricking hysterical all of the time. I would love to see some of them have a little backbone for Pete’s sake. Who opens a gift wo knowing who its from when you have a stalker...again for Pete’s sake? And Shaye picks it up with her bare hands? Also the book starts off with a startling confession or at least disclosure and then doesn’t say anything else about it? That’s kind of frustrating. Still a good story but reading them one after the other is maybe a mistake bc they are all sounding too much alike in the turn of phrase type of thing.
Even though this story felt a lot like her earlier books, Jana Deleon's newest Shaye Archer novel was a suspenseful story that kept me turning pages. The premise, a woman with the inability to remember faces who witnesses a murder, was interesting. While a bit farfetched it still lent a unique air to the tale. Ms. Deleon wove a fine tale and I enjoyed the book. Shaye Archer mysteries will remain on my "must read" list if for no other reason than to watch her relationship with detective Jackson Lamotte develop. Each book moves the relationship a bit further down the road and I'm anxious to see where it goes. Recommended.
There's no way this book could get less than 5 stars and, just like every other book in this series, I'd give it more if I could! One book left and I'm sad this series will come to an end. She needs to write more. Shaye is such an amazing woman. The things she's been through and is still willing to put herself in harms way to keep others safe and to find justice is wonderful! I'm so glad she took a leap and got with Jackson. Their relationship isn't anything over the top given her background but together they make a wonderful couple. Shaye took a case that was seemingly impossible to solve and never thought once about giving up on helping Madison. What it must be like to walk around everyday with her condition. Wow! Just overall an amazing book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Once again, Jana delivers a quality product that is flawless in its delivery, and pulls you into the story from page one.
Shaye Archer is asked to investigate a crime. Madison Avery enjoyed looking out the windows of her penthouse windows at night, enjoying the way the lights played and lit up the area. This particular night she witnessed a murder. To make things worse, she accidentally turns on the lights to her apartment. And the killer gets a good look at her.
This is Shaye's strangest case yet, the witness to a crime cannot remember a face for longer than it takes her to look away. Now she and Shaye both are on a murderers radar.
I love this author. This series is dark and suspenseful. The main character is strong and in a position to champion those who can't afford to pay. I like the overall evolution of characters introduced in previous books. I look forward to see where everyone will end up. This story deals with a crime with no evidence. The witness hires Shaye to investigate. The villain is not predictable. This series is not at all like Miss Fortune, it is not humorous. It is a completely different type of mystery. It is dark and serious. This book was good and I read it straight through.
This series is my favorite crime thriller. It's not overly gross with gory details and just enough police procedures to keep interest. Shaye and Jackson are likeable, endearing and interesting characters. Shaye always seeks to help those who can't help themselves. They get confirmation on what happened to Shaye when she was imprisoned and tortured. She had dreamed about it in the last book. Jackson has more strength and patience with Shaye. He proves over and over he will wait for her until she's ready.
I never heard of prosopagnosia or face blindness. I always learn something in Shaye Archer's books. This time it was something extra new. Anyway Madison Avery was an interesting victim. She was strong character considering her family drama. What she saw and how she acted was correct and smart. I'm not sure I would hire P.I. in her shoes, this shows what kind of characters she was. Shaye's case was interesting and well developed, I was pulled in Madison dramatic life instantly. In overall great work so far!
I enjoyed this fifth book of the Shay Archer series better than the last one. The action was non-stop and the characters, as always, were engaging. Even though the plot, that was about a deranged serial killer that takes out his mommy issues on prostitutes, wasn't that original, the main victim with a strange affliction called Prosopagnosia was something that I'd never heard of before. Having a client who witnesses a crime but is unable to recognize the murderer kept Shay busier than ever trying to track this killer down.
Jana Deleon is getting better and better as this series matures. The relationship between Shaye and Det. Lamotte is moving at a snail's pace, but it's moving. The bad guys in these books are really really bad, but they are well developed characters who are fleshed out in the body of the books. This book grabbed my attention from the first chapter and didn't let go as I held on for the ride through the story. I suggest reading these in order so you get to fully understand the characters and their back stories. This was a good one.
Shaye is back and on an exciting new case. I don't do spoilers or recaps in my reviews because its a waste of time so let me get to the point. I loved this series and this book fits in perfectly. I really didn't know how she was going to handle this case and where it will take her. The news about her "pregnancy" was heartrending. I cant wait to see how it ends but at the same time I don't want it to end. lol
Wow, it amazes me how Ms Deleon can write such funny, light-hearted books as the Miss Fortune series and then write another series that is very dark and do such a great job with both! Shay Archer continues her PI work as she and her mother come to terms with the fallout from the last book (no spoilers here!). Each book of this series picks up immediately from where the last one finished. Great series, love 'em!
And Jana does it again with another great thriller/murder mystery! I love this series and this one didn't disappoint. What an imaginative story line with the only witness unable to remember faces. A lot of the characters are back and we get to meet some newbies, too. I did miss the mother daughter stuff from previous books, but this one was more focused on the murder and solving it. I can't wait to read how things progress between Shaye and Jackson!
Another great book with Shaye Archer as the heroine. Another killer is keeping the city on edge and Shaye is in the middle as usual. I love how strong of a person she is and how she is so willing to help others. I was in the dark about whom the killer was until almost the end. I do not think anyone can ever discover why someone becomes a killer, we can only hope they get caught and the madness ends.
Audio: in a series which is best read in order. I liked this book but I found all the names of the suspects (men at the motel, who stayed there and worked there) confusing. I wasn’t really sire who they were talking about and still not sure which was the killer. One of the managers? One of the people staying there? The realtor. Confusing which was which. Anyway this was still good and suspenseful. The narrator is fantastic!
Another good read in the Shaye Archer series. Shaye specializes in taking on cases that no one else will. This time the case involves a murder witness who is unable to recognize faces and a missing street walker. Another action filled plot that ends with Shaye and Jackson solving the murder, with a bit of help from some of the other characters in the series. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.