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Shaye Archer #7
Damned
When young priest Nicolas Chatry took his vows, he thought the hardest thing he’d have to deal with was accomplishing his duties from a wheelchair. Until a murderer steps into the confessional. Unable to recognize the voice or maneuver quickly enough to get a look at the killer, Nicolas has no way of identifying who admitted to such a horrific deed. And even if he did, his vows prevent him from telling anyone about it.
Unable to live with the knowledge that a predator is walking the streets of New Orleans, Nicolas breaks his vows and hires Shaye to do the impossible—find the killer before he strikes again.
Unable to live with the knowledge that a predator is walking the streets of New Orleans, Nicolas breaks his vows and hires Shaye to do the impossible—find the killer before he strikes again.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2019
406 people are currently reading
560 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 143 reviews
March 29, 2019
As much as I loved the other Shaye Archer books, this one was a little disappointing.
It isn't that the mystery wasn't well-constructed (although I saw the whodunnit coming for quite a ways). It wasn't that the characters were poorly drawn or unbelievable. I think that the book felt rushed, if I'm honest. It just didn't have the same level of engagement for me as other titles in this series.
I felt like Shaye and Jackson were both given short shrift in this book, like they didn't have enough meat to grab on to to make the tale really work.
I still love the books, but this one just didn't do it for me.
It isn't that the mystery wasn't well-constructed (although I saw the whodunnit coming for quite a ways). It wasn't that the characters were poorly drawn or unbelievable. I think that the book felt rushed, if I'm honest. It just didn't have the same level of engagement for me as other titles in this series.
I felt like Shaye and Jackson were both given short shrift in this book, like they didn't have enough meat to grab on to to make the tale really work.
I still love the books, but this one just didn't do it for me.
January 24, 2020
An insane murderer who believes they are doing God's work. A disabled priest who is challenged by his vows. A police case involving a missing girl. Multiple crimes creating an extraordinary puzzle left me sitting on the edge of my seat. The relationships of the main characters continue to develop and grow while the mysteries retain their action, suspense and surprises. I highly recommend this book and this series.
April 29, 2023
Have devoured the Shaye Archer series of books. Hope this was not the last in the series as I want to know what happens next in her life.
January 23, 2019
That was such a fantastic thriller, I really love this series Shaye Archer is an amazing character I also love Jackson he is such a patient and protective partner for Shaye, I especially love how he accepts Shaye as she is and lets her become more comfortable with him at her own pace, its sweet.
I have to say I didn’t see that ending coming at all that last twist was awesome and Father Nicholas is a great new character.
I have to say I didn’t see that ending coming at all that last twist was awesome and Father Nicholas is a great new character.
October 9, 2019
I've read all 7 of the Shaye Archer books. I realized how polite everyone is and how much explaining was done when it wasn't necessary. The subject matter is dark and the setting is spooky New Orleans but it was more like Mr. Rogers' neighborhood. The dialogue was so innocuous and polite. I kept laughing to myself picturing Big Bird trying to pick up a hooker off the block 🤭. Father Nick says" Someone confessed they murdered a young woman to me." Shaye Archer says "I'm so sorry you had to experience that, Father." Very PG. I don't know if I was in a mood while reading this book or what but I couldn't stop laughing. I really liked the books about Shaye getting her memory back and catching the man that hurt her but this one is just so grade school. I can picture it performed by the cast of Glee 🤣.
May 1, 2019
I was a little disappointed by this installment of the Shaye Archer series, especially after anxiously waiting for it.
There is little to no back story for anyone new to this series to entice them into going back to book one and falling into this world.
The mystery was not as intricate as in previous books. I had the baddie pegged at the beginning because it was fairly predictable.
Maybe the series has lost steam now that Shaye has discovered her past and the aftermath is being sorted. It would have been nice to see some of the fall out, more than a passing reference.
Normally there is more Shaye, her family and friends but this split time equally between Shaye and her client.
Reading Hustle is always great, but even his appearance in the book was minimised.
It was great to see Shaye finally ready to move forward with certain aspects of her life.
The ending wrapped up very quickly with very limited explanations for certain characters.
Not the best book n the series, but still enjoyable.
There is little to no back story for anyone new to this series to entice them into going back to book one and falling into this world.
The mystery was not as intricate as in previous books. I had the baddie pegged at the beginning because it was fairly predictable.
Maybe the series has lost steam now that Shaye has discovered her past and the aftermath is being sorted. It would have been nice to see some of the fall out, more than a passing reference.
Normally there is more Shaye, her family and friends but this split time equally between Shaye and her client.
Reading Hustle is always great, but even his appearance in the book was minimised.
It was great to see Shaye finally ready to move forward with certain aspects of her life.
The ending wrapped up very quickly with very limited explanations for certain characters.
Not the best book n the series, but still enjoyable.
December 17, 2025
Book 7 in the Shaye Archer series. Lynsea introduced me to this series and I absolutely loved it! Each book just kept getting better and better.
The damned raises the stakes with an insane murderer who believes they’re doing God’s work, a disabled priest challenged by his vows, and a police case involving a missing girl. The mystery is intense, layered, and full of action, suspense, and surprises that never let up.
What really shines is the continued development of the relationships especially between Shaye and Jackson, whose connection deepens in meaningful ways while never overshadowing the mystery. The supporting cast once again adds charm, chaos, and emotional weight, making the world feel fully lived in.
What I appreciate most is how Damned balances dark subject matter with humor and heart. Beneath the sarcasm and mayhem, there’s real growth, loyalty, and a strong sense of found family that makes the story incredibly satisfying.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series. I’m genuinely sad it’s over, but it went out on a strong, unforgettable note.
The damned raises the stakes with an insane murderer who believes they’re doing God’s work, a disabled priest challenged by his vows, and a police case involving a missing girl. The mystery is intense, layered, and full of action, suspense, and surprises that never let up.
What really shines is the continued development of the relationships especially between Shaye and Jackson, whose connection deepens in meaningful ways while never overshadowing the mystery. The supporting cast once again adds charm, chaos, and emotional weight, making the world feel fully lived in.
What I appreciate most is how Damned balances dark subject matter with humor and heart. Beneath the sarcasm and mayhem, there’s real growth, loyalty, and a strong sense of found family that makes the story incredibly satisfying.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series. I’m genuinely sad it’s over, but it went out on a strong, unforgettable note.
February 4, 2019
Best book in the series but read them all
What a fantastic book! I really like all the Shaye Archer stories but Jana DeLeon has done a great job with this book and the continuing story. Shaye has survived a horrific childhood and with the help of her adoptive mother and her therapist she has carved out a productive place for herself in her recovery. To her mother’s horror Shaye has decided to become a private investigator. She has completed her internship and has hung out her shingle. Thus each story is a mystery solving her latest case. Along the way recurring characters make there presence. My favorite is Detective LaMotte, Shaye ‘s romantic interest. Their relationship is sweet and slow developing. My only sadness is I have to wait for the next book.
What a fantastic book! I really like all the Shaye Archer stories but Jana DeLeon has done a great job with this book and the continuing story. Shaye has survived a horrific childhood and with the help of her adoptive mother and her therapist she has carved out a productive place for herself in her recovery. To her mother’s horror Shaye has decided to become a private investigator. She has completed her internship and has hung out her shingle. Thus each story is a mystery solving her latest case. Along the way recurring characters make there presence. My favorite is Detective LaMotte, Shaye ‘s romantic interest. Their relationship is sweet and slow developing. My only sadness is I have to wait for the next book.
March 4, 2019
Confession Frees the Soul! 4.75*****
Father Nicholas, hearing the confession of a murderer requesting forgiveness, put him at odds with his legal, societal duty and his monastic vows. This led to an interconnected web of victims, suspects, and one least, unlikely murderer. From Sunny’s crucifixion, Hailey’s abduction, and Nicholas’ daily torment, St. Mary’s Church would become the latest nail in the coffin of religious pitfalls.
Great, well- developed, dimensional characters, intricate plot, and captivating writing/editing go into creating this gravity defying novel. So glad Shaye and Jackson are finally moving their relationship up to the next rung on the dating ladder.
A Must- Read novel for ‘whodunit’, mystery novel readers!!
Father Nicholas, hearing the confession of a murderer requesting forgiveness, put him at odds with his legal, societal duty and his monastic vows. This led to an interconnected web of victims, suspects, and one least, unlikely murderer. From Sunny’s crucifixion, Hailey’s abduction, and Nicholas’ daily torment, St. Mary’s Church would become the latest nail in the coffin of religious pitfalls.
Great, well- developed, dimensional characters, intricate plot, and captivating writing/editing go into creating this gravity defying novel. So glad Shaye and Jackson are finally moving their relationship up to the next rung on the dating ladder.
A Must- Read novel for ‘whodunit’, mystery novel readers!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2019
Another must read!
In “Damned” Jana DeLeon has given another excellent Shaye Archer suspense thriller.
She does an excellent job bringing us right into a priest’s dilemma when facing the choice to keep his vows in the confessional or speak out according to his personal moral compass.
Her descriptions of the priests in the story make them real and relatable rather than lofty. They are men who we find to be much like us.
With threads leading to a large list of suspects this one kept me guessing to the end. The suspense was edge of your seat throughout and I found my heart pounding right along with Nicholas.
It was great to revisit some characters from previous books.
Another excellent book by one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this book.
In “Damned” Jana DeLeon has given another excellent Shaye Archer suspense thriller.
She does an excellent job bringing us right into a priest’s dilemma when facing the choice to keep his vows in the confessional or speak out according to his personal moral compass.
Her descriptions of the priests in the story make them real and relatable rather than lofty. They are men who we find to be much like us.
With threads leading to a large list of suspects this one kept me guessing to the end. The suspense was edge of your seat throughout and I found my heart pounding right along with Nicholas.
It was great to revisit some characters from previous books.
Another excellent book by one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this book.
June 23, 2023
This one went someplace I never thought of. What happens when a man of the cloth hears something so evil? Should he break his vow and tell someone or just keep it silent? That is what this one encompasses. Then we have Jackson and Grayson running another missing person which could merge with Shaye’s man of the cloth.
Again another story that shocked me! I really thought I had this one figured out..but NOPE! Surprising to me! I love all these characters and the growth that have went through since the beginning. Hopefully it isnt the end jut if so its a good place to stop.
I listened to this shocker on audio. Julie McKay does such a good job in here and on this whole series. I highly recommend if you love engaging stories that are hard to figure out.
Again another story that shocked me! I really thought I had this one figured out..but NOPE! Surprising to me! I love all these characters and the growth that have went through since the beginning. Hopefully it isnt the end jut if so its a good place to stop.
I listened to this shocker on audio. Julie McKay does such a good job in here and on this whole series. I highly recommend if you love engaging stories that are hard to figure out.
January 19, 2019
This series has me hooked and it's not my usual genre. A compelling storyline with a few teasers and twists. Quick appearances by Corinne, Eleanor and Hustle - loved seeing them. What I missed from this book was delving into Shaye's story. Watching her work through persoanl issues as well as the current. This book focused on the current mystery and Shaye's ability to relate, but no more reveals about her past. Of course there's the last line of the book, which is more of testament to how far she's come.
January 20, 2019
So so good
I love this series and this book is no different. It's a little dark and gritty, intriguing and well written. A priest has to come to terms with his vows concerning confessions and his personal sense of justice. Can he keep quiet? Shay is on the case and per usual, pulls the smallest details out of virtually nothing. I love how the author pieces together clues until the whole picture is formed. I also love that Jackson and Shay seem to be moving forward in their relationship. Can't wait for the next.
I love this series and this book is no different. It's a little dark and gritty, intriguing and well written. A priest has to come to terms with his vows concerning confessions and his personal sense of justice. Can he keep quiet? Shay is on the case and per usual, pulls the smallest details out of virtually nothing. I love how the author pieces together clues until the whole picture is formed. I also love that Jackson and Shay seem to be moving forward in their relationship. Can't wait for the next.
February 4, 2019
Shaye Archer does it again!
Another hit for the Shaye Archer series. As always, the characters are well fleshed and with all the normal human failings and insecurities. The plot hummed right along and kept you savoring each tiny clue. You’re back and forth between characters to figure out who is behind the evil doings. This one was really quite complex. I love that her street kid, her mother and Eleanor are part of the work. I love Jackson’s character strength also. Looking forward to the next one. My only problem now is to go find my next books in the meantime.
Another hit for the Shaye Archer series. As always, the characters are well fleshed and with all the normal human failings and insecurities. The plot hummed right along and kept you savoring each tiny clue. You’re back and forth between characters to figure out who is behind the evil doings. This one was really quite complex. I love that her street kid, her mother and Eleanor are part of the work. I love Jackson’s character strength also. Looking forward to the next one. My only problem now is to go find my next books in the meantime.
March 19, 2019
When a young wheel chair bound priest hears a confession that someone had strangled a girl. His vows will not let him go to the police. But, his conscience will not let him stay silent. He contacts Shaye Archer.
With very little to go on other than a whispered confession, Shaye takes on what will be one of the most difficult cases she has faced. An unknow victim, and unknown perpetrator. She is once again looking for a serial killer, this one with a belief that he is saving people from themselves.
Another page turner from Jana Deleon. These stories just get better as they go.
With very little to go on other than a whispered confession, Shaye takes on what will be one of the most difficult cases she has faced. An unknow victim, and unknown perpetrator. She is once again looking for a serial killer, this one with a belief that he is saving people from themselves.
Another page turner from Jana Deleon. These stories just get better as they go.
June 11, 2019
Wow, so this was a super fast series for me. I think I've read the series in about a week, once I start one I just couldn't put them down. With books 1-3 being tied for my favorite I loved them all. I have to say I missed Corrine, Eleanor and Hustle in this book although Hustle does make a really brief appearance. The comfortable banter between Shaye, her mom and Eleanor really make these books tick. I hope there is a book 8 in the works as I really want to see what awaits Shaye and Jackson.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
July 12, 2019
My first thought when I finished this book... I pray this isn't the last book of this series! I love Shaye. And I love her with Jackson. They've made one heck of a team through this series. This book is no different. This one has a religious case that hits close to home with Shaye's past. Finding out who the killer was was a complete shocker (even for shaye this time). And I mean I had to pick my jaw off the floor shocker! I hope there will be another book in this series cause I miss shaye already!
July 13, 2019
This has been a good series. I have enjoyed it. I don't think this was my favorite book but still an entertaining listen.
I liked the story line and plot. It did seem like Shaye Archer was actually not the star of this book to me.
It was a good mystery and the villain was a psycho for sure. There is a lot of dialogue throughout the entire book, which was great.
As for the narration it was great! I really liked it. Julie McKay does a great job with all the voices and the male voices. Everyone gets their own distinct voice. She has a nice reading voice too.
I liked the story line and plot. It did seem like Shaye Archer was actually not the star of this book to me.
It was a good mystery and the villain was a psycho for sure. There is a lot of dialogue throughout the entire book, which was great.
As for the narration it was great! I really liked it. Julie McKay does a great job with all the voices and the male voices. Everyone gets their own distinct voice. She has a nice reading voice too.
December 11, 2020
I enjoyed this installment of the Shaye Archer series even though the plot was a little predictable. While Shaye starts on a new case, Detective Jackson LaMotte and Detective Grayson are looking for a missing teen. Sooner than later, their investigations overlap, as is usually the case, and they are suddenly working together. The culprit turns out to be a religious fanatic—a seriously overdone theme nowadays—hiding in plain sight. I love the fact that this one ends with a little bit of romance for Shaye and Jackson...and it's about time!
December 9, 2024
Number 7 is the first book in the series that does not revolve around Shaye's past (which was finally resolved in number 6). As a result it was not quite as powerful as all of the previous ones in the series. A priest is privy to a confession in which the confessor tells him that he has committed murder but the priest is required by his vows to tell no one. He is so troubled, however, that he hires Shaye to find out if the confession is true. As she investigates, she finds that other similar murders have taken place. Meanwhile the priest is being stalked and fears for his life. Shaye confides in Jackson despite the secrecy she has promised. But the story is so much about the priest that we don't get the same level of time with Shaye and Jackson as in the other books; we also don't learn as much about what is going on in Shaye's mind which is one of the things I appreciate in the previous books.
January 25, 2019
I totally love this book. Jana hit it out of the park again. This series just keeps getting better. Shaye is one of my favorite book characters. Not much gets her down. After all she gone through, with the help of her mother and her mother's best friend she just keeps going. She is hunting a killer no one knows the identity of. Jana kept me guessing till the end of who really did it. Well worth reading.
January 27, 2019
Exciting, riveting story
If Ms DeLeon had not written such funny, silly books as her Ghost in Law series and Unlucky, I would truly sorry about how in-depth her knowledge is about serial killers and there thought process. Chilling! When I first began reading this series I didn't realize how serious this series would be. Complete turn around from her other books even though their were protagonists in all of them. Wonderful read.
If Ms DeLeon had not written such funny, silly books as her Ghost in Law series and Unlucky, I would truly sorry about how in-depth her knowledge is about serial killers and there thought process. Chilling! When I first began reading this series I didn't realize how serious this series would be. Complete turn around from her other books even though their were protagonists in all of them. Wonderful read.
January 28, 2019
Each book gets better
I could not put this down. I have an early rise in the morning but sleep was out question. I have read 'all the books in this series and hope there are more to come so Jana hurry up and write another one. You are one of my favorite authors and I hope there will be a new fortune book out soon. Thank you for many hours enjoyable reading. You are truly gifted.
I could not put this down. I have an early rise in the morning but sleep was out question. I have read 'all the books in this series and hope there are more to come so Jana hurry up and write another one. You are one of my favorite authors and I hope there will be a new fortune book out soon. Thank you for many hours enjoyable reading. You are truly gifted.
February 20, 2019
Great Mystery Read
I choose this book because I had read and enjoyed the previous books in this series. This new book did not disappoint! I thought for the first time that I had figured out the criminal but yet again there was a twist and I had missed a few clues. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a little scary, edgy, with a little romance thrown in for good measure mystery!
I choose this book because I had read and enjoyed the previous books in this series. This new book did not disappoint! I thought for the first time that I had figured out the criminal but yet again there was a twist and I had missed a few clues. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a little scary, edgy, with a little romance thrown in for good measure mystery!
March 18, 2019
Mysterious, scary, funny, family, friends and love
Wow, U read books 1-7 without stopping. The experiences off Shaye and how she was saved fits so perfectly with her job as a private investigator. I think both her mom Corrine and get counselor Eleanor are great characters till help Shaye lead as life as possible. Detective Jackson Lamotte is quite the hero. And don't forget about Hustle.
Wow, U read books 1-7 without stopping. The experiences off Shaye and how she was saved fits so perfectly with her job as a private investigator. I think both her mom Corrine and get counselor Eleanor are great characters till help Shaye lead as life as possible. Detective Jackson Lamotte is quite the hero. And don't forget about Hustle.
February 9, 2020
This book could be read as a stand alone story. The author does a very good job incorporating enough information about previous character and their back stories to better understand their role but not make the reader feel like they’ve missed something.
This book brings our focus back to Shaye Archer the private investigator. Shaye and Jackson continue to strengthen and solidify their relationship in this book.
This book brings our focus back to Shaye Archer the private investigator. Shaye and Jackson continue to strengthen and solidify their relationship in this book.
December 11, 2020
I love all the Shaye Archer books. Jana DeLeon is a great writer with an incredible mind to think up all the diabolical twists and turns. Start with the first Shaye Archer book and work your way through them. The twists and turns and the horrible impact on the characters are tremendous. The latest rendition is as good as the first. I felt I knew the antagonist has to be a priest, but couldn't figure out which one. The ending was another twist as I did not figure out the outcome. It was a solidly good book from start to finish.
June 6, 2022
A fun ride! I love this series and couldn't put this one down! Well couldn't stop listening to it. Quite many twist and turns and when I thought I knew... I was blown away. I enjoy this series and it always has me on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next. The characters are good and the main character even though she has her flaws and bad past... The author didn't make her annoying or over the top. She isn't perfect and is easy to connect to. I highly recommend this series!
November 1, 2024
3.5 stars
While I'm disappointed that there won't be any more Shaye Archer books after this 7th that didn't offer a very satisfying conclusion, Damned was starting to fall into a repetitive formula: multiple intersecting (though clever!) crimes, with little focus on further developing beloved characters like Shaye, Jackson, Corinne, Eleonore, and Hustle. That being said, the book still delivered on the twist but wasn't as engaging as the previous books in the series.
While I'm disappointed that there won't be any more Shaye Archer books after this 7th that didn't offer a very satisfying conclusion, Damned was starting to fall into a repetitive formula: multiple intersecting (though clever!) crimes, with little focus on further developing beloved characters like Shaye, Jackson, Corinne, Eleonore, and Hustle. That being said, the book still delivered on the twist but wasn't as engaging as the previous books in the series.
January 20, 2019
Brilliant!
This book was brilliant, just like the rest in the series. I can’t believe it’s already number 7, so much has happened and so many excellent mysteries have come from this series. Shaye is a very unique character and this author does her justice. I love every story and even the titles are just perfect.
This book was brilliant, just like the rest in the series. I can’t believe it’s already number 7, so much has happened and so many excellent mysteries have come from this series. Shaye is a very unique character and this author does her justice. I love every story and even the titles are just perfect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews