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Ghost-in-Law #1.5
The Helena Diaries - Trouble in Mudbug
Listening length: 2 hours, 5 minutes
WARNING: This novella is a companion book to TROUBLE IN MUDBUG. You should not read this novella prior to completing Trouble in Mudbug. The novella contains major spoilers for the novel and would not make sense if read beforehand.
Do you love Helena Henry?
Did you wonder what she was thinking during Trouble in Mudbug, or what she was up to when she was off-page in the novel?
If so, then this novella is for you. All of Helena’s thoughts and actions during Trouble in Mudbug, compiled in a diary for you to enjoy.
WARNING: This novella is a companion book to TROUBLE IN MUDBUG. You should not read this novella prior to completing Trouble in Mudbug. The novella contains major spoilers for the novel and would not make sense if read beforehand.
Do you love Helena Henry?
Did you wonder what she was thinking during Trouble in Mudbug, or what she was up to when she was off-page in the novel?
If so, then this novella is for you. All of Helena’s thoughts and actions during Trouble in Mudbug, compiled in a diary for you to enjoy.
3 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 1, 2013
About the author
Jana Deleon
118 books4,391 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 81 reviews
December 13, 2022
My Thoughts
I don't think that this novella added much to the story. It is really just a collection of scenes from Helena's point of view. If you hadn't recently read Trouble in Mudbug, it wouldn't make any sense because the scenes aren't really linked. I thought that the narration was well done and there was one scene about tube socks that made me laugh out loud. I think that it would be safe to skip this one and still enjoy the rest of the series.
Book Source: Purchased
I don't think that this novella added much to the story. It is really just a collection of scenes from Helena's point of view. If you hadn't recently read Trouble in Mudbug, it wouldn't make any sense because the scenes aren't really linked. I thought that the narration was well done and there was one scene about tube socks that made me laugh out loud. I think that it would be safe to skip this one and still enjoy the rest of the series.
Book Source: Purchased
Read
June 21, 2021This was a fun novella from Helena’s POV. I really love the complexity of Helena and wouldn’t mind her tagging along with me. We could create all kinds of mischief. My inner voice (the one I use to curse myself when I do something dumb like start the coffee pot without filling it with water) sounds like the narrator’s portrayal of Helena. It’s quite comical. Moving onto GIL book 2.
June 21, 2013
If you like the Mudbug series, you'll love knowing exactly what makes Helena tick!!!! This was such an easy read I read it all in one day. Didn't want to put it down and life didn't interfere this time. I hear rumors there will be more to her diary to come. Can't wait for the next entries :)
April 25, 2013
I loved this but wish it was longer. It is the story from the first Ghost In Law mystery told from Helena's point of view. It's hilarious the things that she seems to notice while at the same time, she's not too broken up about being murdered.
April 2, 2020
2020 bk 113. A novella - this tells the story of Trouble in Mudbug (the first in the series) from the point of view of Helena, the ghost. I enjoyed this opportunity to see what all happened from Helena's point of view. It was fun, quirky, but with no real mystery - since we knew what had happened in the first book already. It was a very quick read - taking about an hour and a half for me.
April 29, 2026
This could have been labeled as Ghost in law 1.1 instead of 1.5. I thought it might be a continuation at Trouble In Mudbug. Or, telling how Helena not only came to be the Helena everyone hated, but what happened right before she was murdered.
This is really a condensed version of Trouble in Mudbug told from Helena's POV chapter by Chapter. If you have read Trouble in Mudbug, I really don't see any point in you reading this book. I can think of anything that stood out in this book that was different from book 1.
Considering I thought Helena was the best part of book 1, I kind of wish I had read this first.
This is really a condensed version of Trouble in Mudbug told from Helena's POV chapter by Chapter. If you have read Trouble in Mudbug, I really don't see any point in you reading this book. I can think of anything that stood out in this book that was different from book 1.
Considering I thought Helena was the best part of book 1, I kind of wish I had read this first.
September 27, 2015
This is the same story as Trouble in Mudbug but told from Helena’s, the ghost’s, viewpoint. I don’t think this really added a lot that we didn’t already know; perhaps a few insights. But I think the humor was better in the original.
March 17, 2025
This was described as Ghost-in-law 1.5 book. Normally that would mean a continuation of book 1 but before book 2. This was pretty much a chapter by chapter brief description of what happened in book 1. Really?!
I don’t recommend it.
I don’t recommend it.
January 14, 2014
Please heed the WARNING listed with this novella! You will not make heads or tails of it if you don't!
The "The Helena Dairies" is the perfect compliment to Jana Deleon's "Mudbug" series. It explains, Helena's view of what is going on in "Trouble in Mudbug". If you haven't read any of the series and enjoy an easy, chuckle to yourself and sometimes out loud laugh, read, pick it up today.
The "The Helena Dairies" is the perfect compliment to Jana Deleon's "Mudbug" series. It explains, Helena's view of what is going on in "Trouble in Mudbug". If you haven't read any of the series and enjoy an easy, chuckle to yourself and sometimes out loud laugh, read, pick it up today.
August 13, 2017
Nice Check of the Other Side of the Story
I really enjoyed the quick read from Helena's side of the story. This gave great insight into Helena's story. I cannot wait to find out who killed Helena.
I really enjoyed the quick read from Helena's side of the story. This gave great insight into Helena's story. I cannot wait to find out who killed Helena.
August 31, 2017
What fun! This is such an original idea, to tell the story from the ghost's point of view. It is well written, funny and fast paced. I truly hope that more of these are coming. They really fill in the blanks, even when I didn't realize there were blanks to fill.
December 27, 2016
Great!
Loved reading Helena's point of view from Trouble in Mudbug. I will be reading more Jana DeLeon books. Great author and she gives you characters you can't get enough of.
Loved reading Helena's point of view from Trouble in Mudbug. I will be reading more Jana DeLeon books. Great author and she gives you characters you can't get enough of.
March 17, 2017
Super fun read
Now we know more about Helena!! The goofy, spirited lady who is funny and demanding! Such fun books to read!
Now we know more about Helena!! The goofy, spirited lady who is funny and demanding! Such fun books to read!
August 27, 2018
Just okay
I enjoyed it but I thought we would see more of what happened with the ghost and less of what happened in the first book.
I enjoyed it but I thought we would see more of what happened with the ghost and less of what happened in the first book.
May 12, 2026
I love the Mudbug series, and was thoroughly entertained by TROUBLE IN MUDBUG, but this accompanying novella didn't really add much to the storyline. It's basically TROUBLE IN MUDBUG from ghostly mother-in-law Helena's point of view. I suppose it was meant to 'flesh her out' a little more (sorry...) but Helena has enough character already in the main story. The highlight of this short story, to me, was her description of trying to learn how to walk through walls and automatically change her attire. Cute story, but not necessary...
This series, and the swamp town in it, has grown on me. I'm already on the next book...
This series, and the swamp town in it, has grown on me. I'm already on the next book...
January 23, 2018
Fantastic!
Having read the first three Mudbug books, when I saw this book, I had to read it. I was not disappointed! It was humorously engaging, and kind of touching in a not too mushy way. Knowing Helena's side of things makes the series really come into sharper focus. If you read Trouble in Mudbug, please treat yourself to this as well. How can you not? A town named "Mudbug"? A ghost with issues? Total enjoyment!
Having read the first three Mudbug books, when I saw this book, I had to read it. I was not disappointed! It was humorously engaging, and kind of touching in a not too mushy way. Knowing Helena's side of things makes the series really come into sharper focus. If you read Trouble in Mudbug, please treat yourself to this as well. How can you not? A town named "Mudbug"? A ghost with issues? Total enjoyment!
August 17, 2018
Gotta love Helena..
She really wasn't the mean bitch everyone made her out to be, I actually don't blame her for her cold attitude and behavior towards the Mudbug residents. When people only want to befriend you because they want something from you, its kind of hard to be a lovable person. She took her stoicism a little to far but its understandable.
I still think she has a great sense of humor and enjoyed reading her personal thoughts and feelings...
She really wasn't the mean bitch everyone made her out to be, I actually don't blame her for her cold attitude and behavior towards the Mudbug residents. When people only want to befriend you because they want something from you, its kind of hard to be a lovable person. She took her stoicism a little to far but its understandable.
I still think she has a great sense of humor and enjoyed reading her personal thoughts and feelings...
April 19, 2024
“The Helena Diaries” is a very strange novella.
The first book in the series, “Trouble in Mudbug”, told a story about death, a ghost, divorce, a will, etc.
This is the very same story, just this time from the viewpoint of the self-absorbed ghost, Helena Henry.
There's a couple of slightly amusing moments but absolutely nothing new.
It's pointless.
1.5 Stars, raised to 2 Stars.
The first book in the series, “Trouble in Mudbug”, told a story about death, a ghost, divorce, a will, etc.
This is the very same story, just this time from the viewpoint of the self-absorbed ghost, Helena Henry.
There's a couple of slightly amusing moments but absolutely nothing new.
It's pointless.
1.5 Stars, raised to 2 Stars.
November 4, 2025
What fun!
Seeing the Trouble in Mudbug story from Helena's point of view was a treat! I read all the Mudbug books years ago and loved them, but this I was my first reading of the diaries. It did add to the experience of the original book. I recommend reading the diaries soon after Trouble. You'll follow along a bit easier.
Seeing the Trouble in Mudbug story from Helena's point of view was a treat! I read all the Mudbug books years ago and loved them, but this I was my first reading of the diaries. It did add to the experience of the original book. I recommend reading the diaries soon after Trouble. You'll follow along a bit easier.
August 3, 2018
Filling in the spaces of Jana's delightful series.
Summer has been an exceptionally fun reading time with Jana DeLeon adding humor by the bucketsfull. How did I ever survive without her in my library?
Summer has been an exceptionally fun reading time with Jana DeLeon adding humor by the bucketsfull. How did I ever survive without her in my library?
September 14, 2018
Chapters don't count.
I'm thrilled I got to read this, seeing things from Helenas point of view was interesting. Reading it this late in the series had me hard pressed remembering what the living side were up to during the investigation. Another wonderful Mudbug story.
I'm thrilled I got to read this, seeing things from Helenas point of view was interesting. Reading it this late in the series had me hard pressed remembering what the living side were up to during the investigation. Another wonderful Mudbug story.
February 15, 2023
Basically a Synopsis of Trouble in Mudbug.
This short novella is a good story outlining all the key events in the first book. So definitely don't read before if you don't like to have the endings spoiled.
This short novella is a good story outlining all the key events in the first book. So definitely don't read before if you don't like to have the endings spoiled.
May 8, 2025
Expensive read
I thought this would be a regular book. It seemed more like a rough draft\ work in progress . I like this idea of hearing the ghost's viewpoint. Would be better if less jumbled
I thought this would be a regular book. It seemed more like a rough draft\ work in progress . I like this idea of hearing the ghost's viewpoint. Would be better if less jumbled
August 21, 2017
A Great Read !!
I really enjoyed all of the books before this one. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it.!!
I really enjoyed all of the books before this one. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it.!!
August 30, 2017
Really cute addition
Ms. Deleon could bring a smile to a demon's face. She seems to a wonderfully warped sense of humor. Love her!
Ms. Deleon could bring a smile to a demon's face. She seems to a wonderfully warped sense of humor. Love her!
November 14, 2017
This was surprisingly funnier than Trouble in Mudbug (Ghost-in-Law #1).
January 3, 2018
WARNING: companion book to TROUBLE IN MUDBUG. Do not read this novella prior to reading TROUBLE IN MUDBUG!
Cute novella sharing some personal information of Helena Henry.
Cute novella sharing some personal information of Helena Henry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2018
SO FUNNY!! Helena's snark was from start to finish, just the way I like it.
very short: 2 hours, 7 minutes of listening.
very short: 2 hours, 7 minutes of listening.
August 10, 2018
I like the way this book was written. Since it is written from the dead POV. Helena is a riot albeit she is the most troublesome ghost ever.
August 31, 2018
Freaking hilarious 😆 however highly recommend to read trouble in mudbug since this is the companion book
Lovable characters!
Lovable characters!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews