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Miss Fortune Universe
The Body in Witch Elm
There's bad news in Sinful. Gertie has a new gentleman friend and Ida Belle doesn't like him. That's not the only bad news. The skeletal remains of a young woman are discovered in the hollow of a two-hundred-year-old elm tree. When the state investigation stalls, Swamp Team 3 jumps into action. There's no shortage of seedy suspects but solving the case proves challenging. As Fortune draws close to the truth, certain interested parties lash out, putting the lives of our three heroes in peril. That's when the fireworks really begin.
What readers have said about Stephen's other Miss Fortune books:
Of the many other authors who contribute to this series Stephen John is one of my favorites. He continues with the main characters and weaves a series of intrigue and chaos into his story.
I have now read a few of these stories by this author and this one I enjoyed most of all. The regular characters are back, joining a couple of newbies who prove to be interesting as well. Once again, the crime solving aspect of the story proves intriguing. It left me fulfilled and more than ready to read the next chapter in this particular writer's Miss Fortune setting. Great stuff.
I absolutely love this series! Fortune has lost a dear friend which broke my heart, but she has also made some new friends as well. As always there is comedy, action, and a dash of love tossed in.
Definitely a must read!
While staying true to Ms. DeLeon's canon, Mr. Mayfield carves out a very nice niche for himself. I've come to really enjoy his stories featuring these characters and this one is a doozy.
A well-structured mystery, and probably the most literary of the Kindle Worlds Miss Fortune Mysteries I've read so far.
I loved this book as much as I loved the original books by Janet DeLeon. I wish he would write more.
I love the Miss Fortune series and love that Stephen John is one of the authors that are writing about Fortune Redding and her life in Sinful. Such a fun Winter get away book!
I love the series. This book was so delightful. I can't wait for it to come out on audible.
This book is the perfect one to kick back and relax with. It'll definitely brighten your day and give you more than a few laughs.
What readers have said about Stephen's other Miss Fortune books:
Of the many other authors who contribute to this series Stephen John is one of my favorites. He continues with the main characters and weaves a series of intrigue and chaos into his story.
I have now read a few of these stories by this author and this one I enjoyed most of all. The regular characters are back, joining a couple of newbies who prove to be interesting as well. Once again, the crime solving aspect of the story proves intriguing. It left me fulfilled and more than ready to read the next chapter in this particular writer's Miss Fortune setting. Great stuff.
I absolutely love this series! Fortune has lost a dear friend which broke my heart, but she has also made some new friends as well. As always there is comedy, action, and a dash of love tossed in.
Definitely a must read!
While staying true to Ms. DeLeon's canon, Mr. Mayfield carves out a very nice niche for himself. I've come to really enjoy his stories featuring these characters and this one is a doozy.
A well-structured mystery, and probably the most literary of the Kindle Worlds Miss Fortune Mysteries I've read so far.
I loved this book as much as I loved the original books by Janet DeLeon. I wish he would write more.
I love the Miss Fortune series and love that Stephen John is one of the authors that are writing about Fortune Redding and her life in Sinful. Such a fun Winter get away book!
I love the series. This book was so delightful. I can't wait for it to come out on audible.
This book is the perfect one to kick back and relax with. It'll definitely brighten your day and give you more than a few laughs.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2020
151 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Stephen John
11 books14 followersSteve is a retired business executive and former sports journalist who now writes cozy mysteries with a twist of sass and suspense. His Miss Fortune novels—set in the beloved world created by Jana DeLeon—blend small-town charm with fast-paced adventure, earning him six #1 rankings in Amazon’s action/adventure category.
Steve’s fiction career began in 2008 with Amazon’s Kindle Worlds, where he was invited to craft stories using established characters. His sharp dialogue and tightly woven plots quickly made him a fan favorite in the Miss Fortune universe.
Beyond cozy mysteries, Steve has co-authored two thrill-packed titles—Devil’s Face and Gray Ghost—with bestselling author David Wood in the Dane Maddock Action Adventure Series. He also collaborated with Jesse Jacobson on Rainhorse, a gritty Western tale of justice and redemption. His standalone novel Night Music showcases his range, blending suspense and emotional depth in a story all his own.
Steve’s first book, Deal Me In, is a nonfiction deep dive into the lives of twenty poker legends, commissioned by Phil Hellmuth himself. His time with poker and sports celebrities—including Doyle Brunson, Jennifer Harman, Johnny Chan, and basketball stars like LeBron James and Rajon Rondo—inspired him to keep telling great stories.
When he’s not writing, Steve enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, children, and grandchildren. You might also catch him performing in the Seattle music scene with his acoustic duo, Latitude 47—proof that good stories and good tunes never go out of style.
Steve’s fiction career began in 2008 with Amazon’s Kindle Worlds, where he was invited to craft stories using established characters. His sharp dialogue and tightly woven plots quickly made him a fan favorite in the Miss Fortune universe.
Beyond cozy mysteries, Steve has co-authored two thrill-packed titles—Devil’s Face and Gray Ghost—with bestselling author David Wood in the Dane Maddock Action Adventure Series. He also collaborated with Jesse Jacobson on Rainhorse, a gritty Western tale of justice and redemption. His standalone novel Night Music showcases his range, blending suspense and emotional depth in a story all his own.
Steve’s first book, Deal Me In, is a nonfiction deep dive into the lives of twenty poker legends, commissioned by Phil Hellmuth himself. His time with poker and sports celebrities—including Doyle Brunson, Jennifer Harman, Johnny Chan, and basketball stars like LeBron James and Rajon Rondo—inspired him to keep telling great stories.
When he’s not writing, Steve enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, children, and grandchildren. You might also catch him performing in the Seattle music scene with his acoustic duo, Latitude 47—proof that good stories and good tunes never go out of style.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 10, 2020
"The Body in Witch Elm," Stephen John's latest in the Miss Fortune World series, hooked me right away. When two young boys discover a body stuffed in the crux of a legendary old haunted tree, Fortune is in on the action almost immediately, due to the fact she's with her police detective boyfriend when he gets the call. Unofficially, and then for a short while officially, she jumps in to try and identify the body and uncover the killer. Along the way, Ida Belle and Gertie make their much loved appearances, and the addition of Butch, a love interest, ends up being more than a help in the case. But for the most part, Fortune is on her own as she goes up against pimps, thugs and creeps, and this story takes a bit darker road than previous entries in this series, which is one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much. I've really come to love these characters, and in this author's skillful hands, I'm hoping there will be many more books to come.
March 23, 2020
This book was such a fun delight! This was my first read in the Miss Fortune World Series and my first by Stephen John and I can honestly say I am definitely hoping to enjoy more of both in the future.
John has an engaging writing style that pulls you into the story from the beginning with his charming characters, fun capers, witty banter, and an exciting murder mystery to solve. Fortune, Gertie, and Ida Belle are fabulous! When I picture Gertie and Ida Belle, I can actually see my own grandmother in each of them and their conversations are a riot. I loved the mystery woven into the story and the pacing of the clues and overall reveal. It kept a constant air of suspense and danger flowing with action, chaos, crazy antics, believable drama, strong friendships, and a touch of love. A must read!
John has an engaging writing style that pulls you into the story from the beginning with his charming characters, fun capers, witty banter, and an exciting murder mystery to solve. Fortune, Gertie, and Ida Belle are fabulous! When I picture Gertie and Ida Belle, I can actually see my own grandmother in each of them and their conversations are a riot. I loved the mystery woven into the story and the pacing of the clues and overall reveal. It kept a constant air of suspense and danger flowing with action, chaos, crazy antics, believable drama, strong friendships, and a touch of love. A must read!
June 26, 2023
An engaging tale
This was a well written and engaging story. It held my attention and kept me up and reading instead of sleeping. The names of the characters were the same as in the original Miss Fortune series but they don't behave anything like those characters. Fortune gets beat up a lot, she does exhibit any of the usual CIA skills or critical thinking. Gertie never "pulls a Gertie" and Ida Belle is essentially a grumpy non entity. You could name these characters any other names and have the same novel. If you read this book and suspend expectations of a Miss Fortune book you will be really happy. Will I read another Miss Fortune World novel by this author? Yes, I will because it *was* well written and engaging, not because it brings me back to Sinful.
This was a well written and engaging story. It held my attention and kept me up and reading instead of sleeping. The names of the characters were the same as in the original Miss Fortune series but they don't behave anything like those characters. Fortune gets beat up a lot, she does exhibit any of the usual CIA skills or critical thinking. Gertie never "pulls a Gertie" and Ida Belle is essentially a grumpy non entity. You could name these characters any other names and have the same novel. If you read this book and suspend expectations of a Miss Fortune book you will be really happy. Will I read another Miss Fortune World novel by this author? Yes, I will because it *was* well written and engaging, not because it brings me back to Sinful.
February 3, 2023
Wow! Murder and mayhem abound.
A boy climbs a tree called witch elm on an old geezers farm and finds a body inside the tree. It is determined the girl died 2 years ago and they need to determine her identity and who murdered her. Fortune gets involved along with help from Ida Belle, Gertie, and Gertie's new friend Buck. Lots of twists and turns to get proof of who killed the girl in witch elm.
A boy climbs a tree called witch elm on an old geezers farm and finds a body inside the tree. It is determined the girl died 2 years ago and they need to determine her identity and who murdered her. Fortune gets involved along with help from Ida Belle, Gertie, and Gertie's new friend Buck. Lots of twists and turns to get proof of who killed the girl in witch elm.
March 11, 2020
This is my first book I've read by Stephen John and I enjoyed it. You have Fortune former CIA and her two friends Gertie and Ida Belle add in Buck and his gun toting friends and a dead body found in a tree and you have the making of a great read. It's full of laughter and drama, and suspense. Loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. Hope to read more from this author.
November 11, 2021
Sweeeeet!!!
Great story!!! You follow along with Fortune and you're not missing any of the clues! The problem is getting things in place and getting justice for the victim. There are twists and surprises and a few typos and missing words, but none to take you in the wrong direction!!! Enjoy!!
Great story!!! You follow along with Fortune and you're not missing any of the clues! The problem is getting things in place and getting justice for the victim. There are twists and surprises and a few typos and missing words, but none to take you in the wrong direction!!! Enjoy!!
June 2, 2024
Wonderful! If you enjoy fast paced, funny, well written books that are very entertaining but not so riveting that you can't put them down, then I highly recommend the Miss Fortune series. This series was created by Jana Deleon and they just cannot be best. She allowed other authors to write books using these characters and Stephen John is one of the top authors. Bravo!
June 5, 2020
Great read
This was another great and fun mystery, with all the crazy characters and happenings one looks for in the lives of Fortune and her cohorts! Can't wait for the next book from Stephen John in this series!
This was another great and fun mystery, with all the crazy characters and happenings one looks for in the lives of Fortune and her cohorts! Can't wait for the next book from Stephen John in this series!
September 20, 2020
The Body in Witch Elm
This was a GOOD one! Lots of scary moments and scary people! I'm in love with the Swamp 3 as well as the rest of Sinful, and hope there will be more books coming! The only downside is doesn't Mr John have any proofreaders? The mistakes just slow me down!
This was a GOOD one! Lots of scary moments and scary people! I'm in love with the Swamp 3 as well as the rest of Sinful, and hope there will be more books coming! The only downside is doesn't Mr John have any proofreaders? The mistakes just slow me down!
October 7, 2020
No way near as good as originals
Acceptable mystery with decent covers of characters but that's as far as the good goes. Only the mystery carries the book as a "Miss Fortune". The finely drawn depth of characters just isn't there. And a proofreader is also really needed.
Acceptable mystery with decent covers of characters but that's as far as the good goes. Only the mystery carries the book as a "Miss Fortune". The finely drawn depth of characters just isn't there. And a proofreader is also really needed.
July 16, 2024
suspense and surprises
I enjoyed this book.
Twists and turns abound.
Fortune finds the one clue
that brings everything together.
Again.
Of course with the help of friends.
Old and new.
I enjoyed this book.
Twists and turns abound.
Fortune finds the one clue
that brings everything together.
Again.
Of course with the help of friends.
Old and new.
May 5, 2020
Another amazing book
Love, love, LOVE this series!!!! I havent laughed so hard in a long time. It was so nice to see Gerdie get some male attention finally!
Love, love, LOVE this series!!!! I havent laughed so hard in a long time. It was so nice to see Gerdie get some male attention finally!
August 31, 2020
Not bad......
Not bad but characters lack DeLeons normal color. Gertie & Ida Belles banter was really off too. May just be missing woman's touch
Not bad but characters lack DeLeons normal color. Gertie & Ida Belles banter was really off too. May just be missing woman's touch
October 27, 2020
Best yet
This book has a first rate mystery that has plenty of twists. Keep you guessing till the end. Has plenty of insight to the characters we love.
This book has a first rate mystery that has plenty of twists. Keep you guessing till the end. Has plenty of insight to the characters we love.
June 25, 2021
Hauntingly beautiful
Stephen is almost as good as the original Miss Jana. Almost! Keep up the good work! Well developed characters and story.
Stephen is almost as good as the original Miss Jana. Almost! Keep up the good work! Well developed characters and story.
January 16, 2022
Entertaining
March 26, 2022
Love this author!
Nice book easy to read hard to put down! I read everyone I can get my hands on. Please continue to write them👍
Nice book easy to read hard to put down! I read everyone I can get my hands on. Please continue to write them👍
March 20, 2022
Again with the plot holes! (Contains SPOILERS)
While the over all premise of this book is good, Mr. John once again has Fortune taken by surprise, over powered, and then once again hospitalized and comatose with another traumatic brain injury.
Once again, Fortune is written as less than Ms. DeLeon has intended. Fortune was not a CIA "agent". She did not do research in an office, nor did she run an asset. She was a totally effective CIA ASSASSIN. She traveled the world, stalking and killing her targets, who were some of the world's most evil and dangerous men. If she could evade detection and death from them and their organizations/countries, why is she easily surprised? Why is she suddenly unable to keep her emotions from showing on her face? Why is she constantly being thrown around by men and getting the worst of it in hand to hand combat, even though she TAUGHT hand to hand at Quantico?
After buying and reading most of Mr. John's books about Miss Fortune, I am starting to wonder if he is up to the task of writing three strong female characters. Fortune, Ida Belle and Gertie are atypical heroines; far more capable than Mr. John allows them to be. I am reading these in quick succession, so perhaps I am more aware of the dichotomies.
This all detracted from what could have been a great book.
While the over all premise of this book is good, Mr. John once again has Fortune taken by surprise, over powered, and then once again hospitalized and comatose with another traumatic brain injury.
Once again, Fortune is written as less than Ms. DeLeon has intended. Fortune was not a CIA "agent". She did not do research in an office, nor did she run an asset. She was a totally effective CIA ASSASSIN. She traveled the world, stalking and killing her targets, who were some of the world's most evil and dangerous men. If she could evade detection and death from them and their organizations/countries, why is she easily surprised? Why is she suddenly unable to keep her emotions from showing on her face? Why is she constantly being thrown around by men and getting the worst of it in hand to hand combat, even though she TAUGHT hand to hand at Quantico?
After buying and reading most of Mr. John's books about Miss Fortune, I am starting to wonder if he is up to the task of writing three strong female characters. Fortune, Ida Belle and Gertie are atypical heroines; far more capable than Mr. John allows them to be. I am reading these in quick succession, so perhaps I am more aware of the dichotomies.
This all detracted from what could have been a great book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews