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Ghost-in-Law #2
Mischief in Mudbug
Sabine LaVeche needs to locate a blood relative fast --her life depends on it. When Helena Henry shows up offering help, Sabine knows she's really in for trouble when it's the best idea she's heard in a while. When private investigator Beau Villeneuve takes on her case, things heat up in more ways than one, but as they begin to uncover the secrets of Sabine's past, the one thing that becomes clear is that someone doesn't want Sabine to get the answers she seeks.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2009
916 people are currently reading
1683 people want to read
About the author
Jana Deleon
102 books4,222 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 371 reviews
December 15, 2022
My Thoughts
I was a bit surprised to find that this book featured Sabine as the main character instead of Maryse. I had been looking forward to more of Maryse and Luc but it didn't take me long to warm up to Sabine and Beau. Maryse, Mildred, Raissa, and of course, Helena, all play important roles in this story. Sabine needs a bone marrow donor so she needs to find her biological family and soon it seems that her life is put into more jeopardy than it was before. Helena has evolved a bit and I liked the fact that she was able to help out a bit more in this story. I liked the mystery quite a bit and thought that the narration was incredibly well done.
Book Source: Purchased
I was a bit surprised to find that this book featured Sabine as the main character instead of Maryse. I had been looking forward to more of Maryse and Luc but it didn't take me long to warm up to Sabine and Beau. Maryse, Mildred, Raissa, and of course, Helena, all play important roles in this story. Sabine needs a bone marrow donor so she needs to find her biological family and soon it seems that her life is put into more jeopardy than it was before. Helena has evolved a bit and I liked the fact that she was able to help out a bit more in this story. I liked the mystery quite a bit and thought that the narration was incredibly well done.
Book Source: Purchased
February 28, 2017
The second book in the Ghost-In-Law series by Jana Deleon. Sabine LeVeche, friend of Maryse of
Trouble in Mudbug
, hears the voice of the late Helena Henry and soon after she learns some devastating news. She has leukemia and needs a bone marrow donor. Sabine realizes she needs to locate her family and hires an investigator, Beau Villeneuve, to find them.
Another fun, amusing, and entertaining book by Jana Deleon. While definitely farfetched, I love reading the ridiculous tale of the residents of Mudbug and the ghost, Helena, who believes she was murdered. The story had some interesting twists and I flew through the story quickly.
Another fun, amusing, and entertaining book by Jana Deleon. While definitely farfetched, I love reading the ridiculous tale of the residents of Mudbug and the ghost, Helena, who believes she was murdered. The story had some interesting twists and I flew through the story quickly.
April 26, 2016
(3.5 Stars)
First and foremost let me say that I am a huge fan of Jana Deleon. However, as much as I enjoyed "Mischief in Mudbug," it was not up to the author's normal creative standards.
In this second book in the Ghost-in-Law series, we find ourselves embroiled in Maryse's bff, Sabine's story to try to locate her long lost family to see if she can get a bone marrow transplant. She has cancer and is desperate for a treatment. So, with the help of her friend, Raissa in New Orleans, she locates a private detective, Beau Velenueve, who specializes in missing persons.
When Beau meets Sabine for the first time she is not what he expected and he certainly didn't want to entertain the lustful thoughts he has been thinking. However, how does he warn her that locating family cause oftentimes cause more misery and pain than most people expect; so be careful what you wish for.
As Beau tracks down Sabine's family, attempts are being made on her life. This is where Ms. Deleon's creativity comes into question for me. The initial plot seems to mirror the plot of the first book only replacing Maryse with Sabine. Both are targets of a murderer and both are attacked by car related mishaps. At times the plot felt almost formulaic.
I will admit that I was entertained. I enjoyed the characters, especially Helena the grumpy ghost. There was also plenty of action, twists and turns as well as intrigue. Every series has a read that is not as stellar as another and this book is it for me. I am hoping book three will put things to rights for me.
First and foremost let me say that I am a huge fan of Jana Deleon. However, as much as I enjoyed "Mischief in Mudbug," it was not up to the author's normal creative standards.
In this second book in the Ghost-in-Law series, we find ourselves embroiled in Maryse's bff, Sabine's story to try to locate her long lost family to see if she can get a bone marrow transplant. She has cancer and is desperate for a treatment. So, with the help of her friend, Raissa in New Orleans, she locates a private detective, Beau Velenueve, who specializes in missing persons.
When Beau meets Sabine for the first time she is not what he expected and he certainly didn't want to entertain the lustful thoughts he has been thinking. However, how does he warn her that locating family cause oftentimes cause more misery and pain than most people expect; so be careful what you wish for.
As Beau tracks down Sabine's family, attempts are being made on her life. This is where Ms. Deleon's creativity comes into question for me. The initial plot seems to mirror the plot of the first book only replacing Maryse with Sabine. Both are targets of a murderer and both are attacked by car related mishaps. At times the plot felt almost formulaic.
I will admit that I was entertained. I enjoyed the characters, especially Helena the grumpy ghost. There was also plenty of action, twists and turns as well as intrigue. Every series has a read that is not as stellar as another and this book is it for me. I am hoping book three will put things to rights for me.
September 30, 2024
Mischief in Mudbug is the second book in the Ghost-in-Law series.
This series is so addictive. This is Sabine's books. She is Maryse's best friend from Trouble In Mudbug. These books should be read in order.
I was definitely surprised when I found out that Maryse was not the narrator of the second book. However she is still in this book a lot as an amazing supporting character. And I absolutely loved Sabine and Beau. And getting their POVs was so great.
I love the premise of the series. I love that mean Helena is now a ghost who helps solve crimes. And the mystery in this book was so good. The series really combines the cozy mystery genre, with romance, paranormal aspects and humor. This was a quick fun read. I can't wait to see what's in store in book three!
February 2, 2015
Did I mention I love this series!! It is part cozy mystery, part contempo romance and a whole lotta ghostie fun!
Helene cracks me up! She is just so much trouble!
The lead this time is Sabine, who we met in the first book and had a tiny taste of what was to come for her.
I love her sassy attitude. She does annoy a touch with her fake psychic job, although she is more of a counselor to her clients.
Beau is a deliciously hunky PI. He is a perfect match for Sabine! Love their dynamic.
This is a open bedroom door, that means at least one scene with a little steamy detail!! Not your typical cozy at all! It is not a full on smexy erotic read, but it is far from squeaky clean. I loved it!
This is a mixed narrative, that flows nicely. We go between the two leads POV for most of the book, with a few supporting spots thrown in throughout. Gives a much fuller read!
The mystery this time was more predictable, well up until the curve-ball. If you see it coming, you are a whole lot wiser than me! Twists can be fun but this was totally left field!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Johanna Parker, who is fantastic. I love the gentle roll to her Southern accents, they are light but distinct. The pace is quick enough to keep the reader engaged and her energy is wonderful. Great voices that stayed distinct and consistent.
I am really enjoying this series and can not wait to see what happens next!!! Super quirky fun series!!!
*** If you found this review at all helpful, please take a moment to let me know. I love reading and sharing my opinions with other readers. Thanks for taking the time to read my review! You can see more audiobook reviews on my blog www.eargasmsaudiobookreviews.com ***
Helene cracks me up! She is just so much trouble!
The lead this time is Sabine, who we met in the first book and had a tiny taste of what was to come for her.
I love her sassy attitude. She does annoy a touch with her fake psychic job, although she is more of a counselor to her clients.
Beau is a deliciously hunky PI. He is a perfect match for Sabine! Love their dynamic.
This is a open bedroom door, that means at least one scene with a little steamy detail!! Not your typical cozy at all! It is not a full on smexy erotic read, but it is far from squeaky clean. I loved it!
This is a mixed narrative, that flows nicely. We go between the two leads POV for most of the book, with a few supporting spots thrown in throughout. Gives a much fuller read!
The mystery this time was more predictable, well up until the curve-ball. If you see it coming, you are a whole lot wiser than me! Twists can be fun but this was totally left field!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Johanna Parker, who is fantastic. I love the gentle roll to her Southern accents, they are light but distinct. The pace is quick enough to keep the reader engaged and her energy is wonderful. Great voices that stayed distinct and consistent.
I am really enjoying this series and can not wait to see what happens next!!! Super quirky fun series!!!
*** If you found this review at all helpful, please take a moment to let me know. I love reading and sharing my opinions with other readers. Thanks for taking the time to read my review! You can see more audiobook reviews on my blog www.eargasmsaudiobookreviews.com ***
November 27, 2019
A fun series. There is a formulaic romance, a zany mystery with twists and turns, as well as a mischievous peckish ghost.
The first book involved Maryse, Helena's daughter-in-law. This book is about her best friend Sabine who is also a good looking woman who meets a hot guy and basically finds love at first sight, same as Maryse.
The good: Helena, the ghost-in-law, is a scream; she is making the most of the afterlife. A mystery that keeps the curve balls coming.
The not so good: Not a fan of cancer plot lines as they are generally unrealistic. A rather large assumption that family members would be a bone marrow match or that they would want to donate to a complete stranger.
Simple, silly, downright funny.
Audio edition, narration: 4 stars.
The first book involved Maryse, Helena's daughter-in-law. This book is about her best friend Sabine who is also a good looking woman who meets a hot guy and basically finds love at first sight, same as Maryse.
The good: Helena, the ghost-in-law, is a scream; she is making the most of the afterlife. A mystery that keeps the curve balls coming.
The not so good: Not a fan of cancer plot lines as they are generally unrealistic. A rather large assumption that family members would be a bone marrow match or that they would want to donate to a complete stranger.
Simple, silly, downright funny.
Audio edition, narration: 4 stars.
January 10, 2013
Despite being a part of the Ghost-in-Law series, this book can be read on it's own - I do recommend reading the first book - not just because it's good but because it gives background on a few of the characters.
I liked this book, the best part of it being the Ghost-in-Law Helena Henry - what a character. Now that I've finished the entire series - she is the glue that holds the series together because each of books revolves around her becoming a part of the lead character's life.
When you can see Helena, trouble has come knocking.
I won't go into the plot, because I don't like ruining books for others - but if you like a light romance mystery to read - I'd suggest this series.
I liked this book, the best part of it being the Ghost-in-Law Helena Henry - what a character. Now that I've finished the entire series - she is the glue that holds the series together because each of books revolves around her becoming a part of the lead character's life.
When you can see Helena, trouble has come knocking.
I won't go into the plot, because I don't like ruining books for others - but if you like a light romance mystery to read - I'd suggest this series.
June 3, 2017
Ghost Helena returns in Jana DeLeon’s Mischief in Mudbug, but this time she focuses on helping Sabine, whom we met in Trouble in Mudbug as the best friend of Maryse, the main character and daughter-in-law of Helena. Orphaned as an infant and raised by a great-aunt who claims no knowledge of any other family members, Sabine has long sought out her family and some knowledge of her parents. Just as she has gained a measure of peace about her background, she learns that she has leukemia, making the search for her family become important once again. Thus, Sabine's mentor, Raisa, hires a private investigator to track down Sabine's family, using a drawing Raisa makes based upon a picture Helena is able to generate from her look into the other side that she can't reach. Beau, a former FBI agent and the hottest man Sabine has ever seen, finds her family in a span of only a couple days, but they clearly have some hidden secrets.
Read the rest of this review, more reviews, and other wonderful, geeky articles on FangirlNation
Read the rest of this review, more reviews, and other wonderful, geeky articles on FangirlNation
April 3, 2020
2020 bk 115. Helena the deceased mother-in-law is back again and this time Marsye's best friend is in her sight. Sabine has no family that she knows of, until she hires P.I. Beau Villeneuve. After finding her long lost family, Beau isn't happy. Her family are the super rich, think they are above the law, and slightly crazy Fortescues and someone isn't happy that the newly found oldest child of an oldest child is being welcomed back into the family. Not at all. It takes Helena, Beau, and Sabine combining their wits to get out of trouble.
February 23, 2018
Great book. Had me guessing until the end. Suspense, romance and comedy all in one. For me, since I only get to read 20 minutes a day on my commute to work, it was hard to keep everyone straight. But in the end, it all gets wrapped up. Will definitely read book 3.
November 26, 2019
This was an improvement on the first in this series and I quite enjoyed it.
I like Sabine and I thought the romance bit was not so bad.
The baddies were especially hideous and I liked how there were a few of them.
I really like Helena.
On to part 3!
I like Sabine and I thought the romance bit was not so bad.
The baddies were especially hideous and I liked how there were a few of them.
I really like Helena.
On to part 3!
January 29, 2022
Another great heavily layered mystery with a zany ghost to mix things up. Really enjoyed it.
December 4, 2019
Wow! It was a great fun to read this book! It's getting even better! I have been guessing all the way what, who and why being right only about small parts. Non stop action full of twists and turns along with my own 7 paralel lines going on in my wild imagination, and I was sure I'm right until proved wrong, ha ha. Love Helena, Maryse, Sabine, Mildred and, of course sexy Beau!
Couldn't put it down! Amazing!
Couldn't put it down! Amazing!
June 26, 2018
I was interested in this because of the first book. I really like the characters and found this book better than the first. Still a light, funny, and easy read.
June 10, 2015
This is book two of the "Ghost-in-Law" mystery series. I would recommend reading the first story "The Trouble in Mudbug" prior to reading this one. It can be read as a stand alone, but it makes more sense with the full back story.
Sabine is the local psychic in the small town of Mudbug Louisiana. She and her best friend Maryse, grew up under the care of a family friend, Mildred. Sabine and Maryse both lost their parents at an early age. Sabine has tried for years and years to find any of her relations. Wanting any information on her family she can get her hands on. After finding nothing she finally gave up.
Then she got the worst news imaginable. She has cancer, and her best chance is a bone marrow transplant. And for that she needs a blood relative. She hires a private detective, Beau. He's an expert in locating missing persons, former FBI, and incredibly good looking. And he and Sabine have an instant attraction to each other. And both have an aversion to relationships. When it appears someone wants Sabine out of the way, Beau makes it his personal goal to keep her safe.
This was a cute, fun, quick read. Not a great mystery as mysteries go, but a fun story.
Sabine is the local psychic in the small town of Mudbug Louisiana. She and her best friend Maryse, grew up under the care of a family friend, Mildred. Sabine and Maryse both lost their parents at an early age. Sabine has tried for years and years to find any of her relations. Wanting any information on her family she can get her hands on. After finding nothing she finally gave up.
Then she got the worst news imaginable. She has cancer, and her best chance is a bone marrow transplant. And for that she needs a blood relative. She hires a private detective, Beau. He's an expert in locating missing persons, former FBI, and incredibly good looking. And he and Sabine have an instant attraction to each other. And both have an aversion to relationships. When it appears someone wants Sabine out of the way, Beau makes it his personal goal to keep her safe.
This was a cute, fun, quick read. Not a great mystery as mysteries go, but a fun story.
March 17, 2016
This was a cozy little mystery with a snarky ghost that kept things light and fluffy. I was curious about Sabine after reading the first book in the series and while I enjoyed getting to know her history, I don't feel like I really got to know her. Regardless, I enjoyed watching Beau and Sabine rattle the skeletons in her long lost family closet. Helena, the ghost, was a riot as usual.
The book ended with a few unanswered questions. I also felt the relationship between Beau and Sabine lacked the depth required for marriage, but I wasn't really reading this for the romance aspect. Hopefully my questions will be answered in the next book. I did expect a little more angst, especially for that reason, but I can't fault the mystery. It was a well thought out and somewhat complicated plot. It was nicely done, well written and the dialogue was very believable. I'd recommend this to any cozy mystery fan.
The book ended with a few unanswered questions. I also felt the relationship between Beau and Sabine lacked the depth required for marriage, but I wasn't really reading this for the romance aspect. Hopefully my questions will be answered in the next book. I did expect a little more angst, especially for that reason, but I can't fault the mystery. It was a well thought out and somewhat complicated plot. It was nicely done, well written and the dialogue was very believable. I'd recommend this to any cozy mystery fan.
July 6, 2015
“Family can be the death of you…..
Sabine LaVeche needs to locate a blood relative fast – her life depends on it.
Then Helena Henry shows up offering to help, and Sabine knows she’s really in trouble when it’s the best idea she’s heard in a while. When private investigator Beau Villeneuve takes on Sabine’s case, things heat up in more ways than one, and Sabine struggles to balance thoughts of a life with Beau against her chances of living at all.
As the investigation proceeds, they begin to uncover the secrets of Sabine’s past and one thing becomes clear – someone doesn’t want Sabine to get the answers she seeks.”
I enjoy this series --- especially Helena the mother-in-law ghost come back to haunt Sabine and her friend. The story is well written, plotted, characters are developed nicely --- a great mystery with some romance, many twists, turns, surprises and often a cute sense of humor! Really nice mystery!
Sabine LaVeche needs to locate a blood relative fast – her life depends on it.
Then Helena Henry shows up offering to help, and Sabine knows she’s really in trouble when it’s the best idea she’s heard in a while. When private investigator Beau Villeneuve takes on Sabine’s case, things heat up in more ways than one, and Sabine struggles to balance thoughts of a life with Beau against her chances of living at all.
As the investigation proceeds, they begin to uncover the secrets of Sabine’s past and one thing becomes clear – someone doesn’t want Sabine to get the answers she seeks.”
I enjoy this series --- especially Helena the mother-in-law ghost come back to haunt Sabine and her friend. The story is well written, plotted, characters are developed nicely --- a great mystery with some romance, many twists, turns, surprises and often a cute sense of humor! Really nice mystery!
January 15, 2015
Lots of fun, humor, romance, and mystery. I love this series about the quirky small town of Mudbug, LA and the interesting people and their resident ghost. You really need to read these books in order because prior characters have big parts in succeeding books.
Sabine is an orphan who has been trying to find her family for most of her life. Now, she really has reason to need them. She hires a PI, Beau, and he comes with his own baggage about searching for lost family. He is also hot and drawn to Sabine. He finds her family, but what a dysfunctional family they are and not in the funny way.
Sabine is an orphan who has been trying to find her family for most of her life. Now, she really has reason to need them. She hires a PI, Beau, and he comes with his own baggage about searching for lost family. He is also hot and drawn to Sabine. He finds her family, but what a dysfunctional family they are and not in the funny way.
July 6, 2018
4.5 Stars... I was hooked into this one right from the start and my attention never wavered throughout... Helena continued to be a lovable nuisance with a sassy attitude and a LARGE appetite; her overall story continues to be revealed in pieces keeping me engrossed into the storyline... Beau and Sabine had great chemistry and intriguing backstories that meshed brilliantly and created the overall mystery which continued to twist and turn until the very end... All of these unique, funny, smart, and charismatic characters come together in a beautifully blended family that I just want to be a part of... I look forward to continuing with this crazy series and seeing how each story unfolds:)
February 15, 2015
I really wasn't sure what to expect with this book and was hugely surprised. The story was well written and interesting. The romance was subtle and initially the story started a bit slow and predictable for me - or so I thought. The twists and turns that followed quickly from one chapter to the next had me staying up late to get to the end and find out who was trying to kill who and why.
This is the 2nd book in the series and I'll be going back for no. 1 and then onto no. 3. I want to see how this all ties together. Well done Jana Deleon for a mystery that really kept me guessing.
This is the 2nd book in the series and I'll be going back for no. 1 and then onto no. 3. I want to see how this all ties together. Well done Jana Deleon for a mystery that really kept me guessing.
November 12, 2013
Humorous mystery that was a bit predictable; however, there were a couple of unexpected twistd. Helena is more amusing in this installment, and she's definitely much nicer in death than she was in life.
October 15, 2015
am enjoying this series so far this is the second book in the series and it just gets better. i love helena henry the ghost she is a hoot if you like a good laugh romance and action this is your book. this book keeps you wanting more.
March 11, 2019
I love Jana Deleon books! They are just so witty with quirky characters and lots of action.
August 21, 2018
I had some editing issues with this book but overall it was a fun and easy light read.
March 21, 2023
Ghost, friends, psychic, and adorable Mudbug! Yeah!
August 7, 2022
I enjoyed this book but must confess I prefer the author's Miss Fortune series better. This book is more focused on the romance side of the story and it takes a while for the mystery to get going. This is book two in the series and with the unusual names it took me a while to work out the main character wasn't the same one from book one. The series seems to focus on a different characters love life and the mystery surrounding her, with the long running mystery of who killed Helena Henry through out them all (so don't expect to find out all the answers surrounding the ghost, as you only find out a few clues ready to continue on in the next book). The main mystery does get solved and once it got going and Sabine discovered who her family was it become more interesting. I can't say I did guess who the killer or would be was because the story wasn't quite what it seemed and throw up some interesting twists. I loved the ghost interaction, especially the way she tried to help which got a few chuckles from me. Off to learn more about Helena with the next book and while waiting for the next fortune book.
Sabine gets the news she has been dreading, her cancer is back and the only way to save her life is from a donation from a Family member. The problem is Sabine is adapted and never knew her family. Then she gets a visit from Helena Henry offering to help and Sabine know is in even more trouble than she thought because Helena is dead. Sabine hires a private investigator and what he discovers complicates things even more. She is related to a rich family, a family with there own secrets to keep. Will they open up there arms to welcome a long lost relative and give Sabine the help she needs or are some secrets to deadly to come out?
Sabine gets the news she has been dreading, her cancer is back and the only way to save her life is from a donation from a Family member. The problem is Sabine is adapted and never knew her family. Then she gets a visit from Helena Henry offering to help and Sabine know is in even more trouble than she thought because Helena is dead. Sabine hires a private investigator and what he discovers complicates things even more. She is related to a rich family, a family with there own secrets to keep. Will they open up there arms to welcome a long lost relative and give Sabine the help she needs or are some secrets to deadly to come out?
February 27, 2025
I am a huge fan of Jana Deleon, and have read all of the "Miss Fortune" series. I started on the "Ghost in Law" series while waiting on a copy of "Marsh Madness". I have found the "Ghost in Law" series to be lacking, and "Mischief in Mudbug," was not up to the author's normal creative standards.
It's also a bummer when you enjoy an author's writing, reading along for a great ride, and then there it is..... fat shaming, political slamming, conspiracy theories, and poor advice. None of this contributed to the story, and would have been better left out of it.
The main character fat shames another character, and states she doesn't want to see her fat rolls.
"Well, what happens if your family doesn't turn out to be the kind of people you hoped they would be?" "You mean they might be Conservatives?"Beau smiled. "That's possible, of course, but what I had in mind was something a little worse.""Fundamrntailists? Yikes."
"Some would also argue that the Holocaust didn't happen and that we never landed on the moon."
"You have to love your family, but you don't have to like them, or want to spend time with them".
The book's numerous characters, and lack of backstory made it challenging to follow, as I struggled to keep track of everyone after being introduced to many characters all at once. If the author had taken the time to develop the characters, provide more context about their past including the circumstances surrounding certain characters' deaths, I would have enjoyed the book more.
It's also a bummer when you enjoy an author's writing, reading along for a great ride, and then there it is..... fat shaming, political slamming, conspiracy theories, and poor advice. None of this contributed to the story, and would have been better left out of it.
The main character fat shames another character, and states she doesn't want to see her fat rolls.
"Well, what happens if your family doesn't turn out to be the kind of people you hoped they would be?" "You mean they might be Conservatives?"Beau smiled. "That's possible, of course, but what I had in mind was something a little worse.""Fundamrntailists? Yikes."
"Some would also argue that the Holocaust didn't happen and that we never landed on the moon."
"You have to love your family, but you don't have to like them, or want to spend time with them".
The book's numerous characters, and lack of backstory made it challenging to follow, as I struggled to keep track of everyone after being introduced to many characters all at once. If the author had taken the time to develop the characters, provide more context about their past including the circumstances surrounding certain characters' deaths, I would have enjoyed the book more.
January 25, 2022
As with the first book, I really liked the story and mystery and character of Sabine. Her motivations were clear, and I never felt like she wasn’t being true to her character. Her chemistry with Beaux was there but this book is about Sabine and her connection to both blood and non-blood family. The mystery of her family was hinted at in the first book and the author kept the mystery going but also didn’t waste a lot of time on finding them and more time on “now what?”
What I really liked was how much Maryse and Mildred were in this book. It really helped to keep the book linked to the series through more than just Helena. I also thought the author did a great job of showing how close these three characters are to each other which I didn’t get in the first book.
The biggest issue I had with this book is that the solution is very obvious, and it makes the characters look stupid by not figuring it out earlier. The author also seemed to throw in a last-minute twist to try and make her characters not look so stupid, but it fails as the twist was so out of left field it seemed almost preposterous.
It was nice to be back in Mudbug with the residents. The author has developed some very well-rounded characters and the matches for the heroine seem appropriate. The narrator did a good job and the voices seemed consistent to the first book.
What I really liked was how much Maryse and Mildred were in this book. It really helped to keep the book linked to the series through more than just Helena. I also thought the author did a great job of showing how close these three characters are to each other which I didn’t get in the first book.
The biggest issue I had with this book is that the solution is very obvious, and it makes the characters look stupid by not figuring it out earlier. The author also seemed to throw in a last-minute twist to try and make her characters not look so stupid, but it fails as the twist was so out of left field it seemed almost preposterous.
It was nice to be back in Mudbug with the residents. The author has developed some very well-rounded characters and the matches for the heroine seem appropriate. The narrator did a good job and the voices seemed consistent to the first book.
June 19, 2018
Good mystery, a lot of the jokes land. Already bought the next one.
The only reason I gave it three stars is because while the mystery plot works the characters are shallow. The universe is also a bit childish, with 'love at first sight' 'amazing sex the first time' 'never fighting couple' 'good guys are good and bad guys are bad and there's no gray area.' 'protagonist is a social recluse but has none of the character flaws associating with an avoidant personality'. I can be forgiving of this in some novels, but.... there's sex and strong language. If a book is exclusively for adults it should carry itself with a mature and nuanced understanding of the world, which this book doesn't have. The first novel was also funnier, which seemed impossible since Maryse was a cancer researcher and our hero in this one is a phony psychic, but for whatever reason the author doesn't actually do anything with the unlimited comedic potential of that set-up. Alas, a missed opportunity.
Overall, very good though. It took me a while to get through because Sabine is so dull, but in the end the mystery had lots of neat twists and reveals.
The only reason I gave it three stars is because while the mystery plot works the characters are shallow. The universe is also a bit childish, with 'love at first sight' 'amazing sex the first time' 'never fighting couple' 'good guys are good and bad guys are bad and there's no gray area.' 'protagonist is a social recluse but has none of the character flaws associating with an avoidant personality'. I can be forgiving of this in some novels, but.... there's sex and strong language. If a book is exclusively for adults it should carry itself with a mature and nuanced understanding of the world, which this book doesn't have. The first novel was also funnier, which seemed impossible since Maryse was a cancer researcher and our hero in this one is a phony psychic, but for whatever reason the author doesn't actually do anything with the unlimited comedic potential of that set-up. Alas, a missed opportunity.
Overall, very good though. It took me a while to get through because Sabine is so dull, but in the end the mystery had lots of neat twists and reveals.
March 9, 2019
Goodreads:
Sabine LeVeche, orphaned at an early age, is in the middle of a medical crisis and needs to find a blood relative STAT. Luckily, she's got a sexy PI and one sassy but determined ghost on her side. Not so luckily, there's a murderer gunning for her just in case her illness doesn't kill her first.
My Review:
Paranormal reads are probably my second to least favorite (horror is my absolute favorite). The Ghost-in-Law series is growing on me. I think it is the sassiness of the characters.
Traditional cozies have very few if any at all curse words and no detailed sex scenes. Mischief in Mudbug has both. I do believe my face is still red from reading the scene between Sabine and Beau. Woo wee, I think I have found my new book boyfriend. He can come to investigate me anytime. This is definitely is not the book for your sweet little grandma.
If you have read the first book in the series, Trouble in Mudbug, you know that the ghost-in-law is Helena and her spirit is stuck in limbo because her death is questionable. We still don't find out what happened to her but there is the promise we will find out in book 3. Helena's character is HILARIOUS. She lets nothing stop her, even in death she eats whatever she wants. Yes, we have a ghost that eats. Just imagine walking in the park and a half-eaten floating hot dog walks by you.
I am definitely keeping this series in my book basket for future book bingos.
Sabine LeVeche, orphaned at an early age, is in the middle of a medical crisis and needs to find a blood relative STAT. Luckily, she's got a sexy PI and one sassy but determined ghost on her side. Not so luckily, there's a murderer gunning for her just in case her illness doesn't kill her first.
My Review:
Paranormal reads are probably my second to least favorite (horror is my absolute favorite). The Ghost-in-Law series is growing on me. I think it is the sassiness of the characters.
Traditional cozies have very few if any at all curse words and no detailed sex scenes. Mischief in Mudbug has both. I do believe my face is still red from reading the scene between Sabine and Beau. Woo wee, I think I have found my new book boyfriend. He can come to investigate me anytime. This is definitely is not the book for your sweet little grandma.
If you have read the first book in the series, Trouble in Mudbug, you know that the ghost-in-law is Helena and her spirit is stuck in limbo because her death is questionable. We still don't find out what happened to her but there is the promise we will find out in book 3. Helena's character is HILARIOUS. She lets nothing stop her, even in death she eats whatever she wants. Yes, we have a ghost that eats. Just imagine walking in the park and a half-eaten floating hot dog walks by you.
I am definitely keeping this series in my book basket for future book bingos.
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