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Ghost-in-Law #5
Missing in Mudbug
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jana DeLeon, a new release in the Ghost-in-Law series.
After an eventful first week on the job, Game Warden Jadyn St. James is happy the small bayou town of Mudbug, Louisiana, seems to have fallen back into its normal routine. But when FBI agent Raissa Bordeaux is kidnapped, Jadyn is certain the short-lived peace has come to an abrupt end. Statistics don’t lie, and Jadyn knows that the longer Raissa remains missing, the less likely she’ll be found alive.
Sheriff Colt Bertrand knows the FBI won’t let him participate in their investigation, but is certain the federal agents aren’t as qualified as he is to locate someone missing in the swamps surrounding Mudbug. And although he’s been avoiding the beautiful game warden, Colt is sure that teaming up with Jadyn gives him the best chance of finding Raissa.
With the clock ticking, Colt and Jadyn defy FBI orders and launch their search, but can they find Raissa before it’s too late?
Praise for Jana DeLeon:
“DeLeon is excellent at weaving comedy, suspense and spicy romance into one compelling story.� � RT Book Reviews
“I don’t know where she comes up with this funny stuff, but I can’t wait to read the next book…� � Night Owl Reviews
“Jana DeLeon has a breezy style with enough of a comic touch to leave you smiling.� � The Romance Reader
“Son of a gun, we’re having fun in the bayou!� � Fresh Fiction
“The quirky characters keep the action moving…� � Barbara Vey, Publisher’s Weekly Blogger
To learn more about Jana and her books visit her at these places:
http://janadeleon.com
http://facebook.com/janadeleonauthor
@JanaDeLeon
After an eventful first week on the job, Game Warden Jadyn St. James is happy the small bayou town of Mudbug, Louisiana, seems to have fallen back into its normal routine. But when FBI agent Raissa Bordeaux is kidnapped, Jadyn is certain the short-lived peace has come to an abrupt end. Statistics don’t lie, and Jadyn knows that the longer Raissa remains missing, the less likely she’ll be found alive.
Sheriff Colt Bertrand knows the FBI won’t let him participate in their investigation, but is certain the federal agents aren’t as qualified as he is to locate someone missing in the swamps surrounding Mudbug. And although he’s been avoiding the beautiful game warden, Colt is sure that teaming up with Jadyn gives him the best chance of finding Raissa.
With the clock ticking, Colt and Jadyn defy FBI orders and launch their search, but can they find Raissa before it’s too late?
Praise for Jana DeLeon:
“DeLeon is excellent at weaving comedy, suspense and spicy romance into one compelling story.� � RT Book Reviews
“I don’t know where she comes up with this funny stuff, but I can’t wait to read the next book…� � Night Owl Reviews
“Jana DeLeon has a breezy style with enough of a comic touch to leave you smiling.� � The Romance Reader
“Son of a gun, we’re having fun in the bayou!� � Fresh Fiction
“The quirky characters keep the action moving…� � Barbara Vey, Publisher’s Weekly Blogger
To learn more about Jana and her books visit her at these places:
http://janadeleon.com
http://facebook.com/janadeleonauthor
@JanaDeLeon
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2013
641 people are currently reading
1098 people want to read
About the author
Jana Deleon
117Ìýbooks4,082ÌýfollowersNew 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 149 reviews
May 1, 2023
Initial Thoughts
This was good but I don't think that these last couple of books have been quite as charming as the first three in the series. The mystery was engaging and I liked checking in with some of the characters that I have grown to love in the series. The relationship between Jayden and Colt is progressing very slowly. I listened to the audiobook and thought that Johanna Parker did a great job with the story.
Book source: Purchased
This was good but I don't think that these last couple of books have been quite as charming as the first three in the series. The mystery was engaging and I liked checking in with some of the characters that I have grown to love in the series. The relationship between Jayden and Colt is progressing very slowly. I listened to the audiobook and thought that Johanna Parker did a great job with the story.
Book source: Purchased
October 6, 2024
4.5/5 stars
This is the fifth book in the Ghost-in-law series.
I love this series so much. Maryse and Jadyn are the main heroines of this book. But we also get to see Colt and Mildred a lot.
I just adore Helena. She is the funniest ghost.
This series is so perfect for this time of year. I can’t wait to read book six.
This is the fifth book in the Ghost-in-law series.
I love this series so much. Maryse and Jadyn are the main heroines of this book. But we also get to see Colt and Mildred a lot.
I just adore Helena. She is the funniest ghost.
This series is so perfect for this time of year. I can’t wait to read book six.
April 28, 2021
It was really great revisiting all our old friends in this one. Also, the mystery was well done. Loved it.
February 2, 2015
So, this book revisits many of our favorite characters from Mudbug. It is more cozy mystery than romance, I guess that is the new direction of the series. I kind of liked the romance/cozy theme, but I enjoyed this read as well.
The fat bashing is top a minimum, although two instances in this story still. I am not sure why we have to make such a big deal about Helena's size. It just isn't key to the story and makes you dislike the characters. I would rather this be an element that is dropped instead of the romances.
We have Jayden and Colt dancing around each other, but still only feeling a flirtation. Most of the narrative comes from them, but your do have supporting cast popping up to give their POV from time to time.
Once again the mystery is not really easily solvable, but that has been the way with this series. Total Scooby Doo endings, completely left field as to who the bad guy is.
There are some consistency errors along the way Luc, Zach and Raissa all seem to have had major job changes with no real explanation. Maybe it is just me reading the series all in a row, it is super fresh in my mind. It isn't major, except for Raissa, who made it clear at the end of her book she was not interested in working for the FBI again, suddenly that is her job?
I feel like the whole series took a turn in the last book and is nothing like the series I enjoyed in the first three books. It is a good thing I started with the sixth book, because I probably would have dropped things after this book.
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 really loved the first three books in the series and kind of wish I had stopped there. I am not a fan of all the changes to the 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 ***
The fat bashing is top a minimum, although two instances in this story still. I am not sure why we have to make such a big deal about Helena's size. It just isn't key to the story and makes you dislike the characters. I would rather this be an element that is dropped instead of the romances.
We have Jayden and Colt dancing around each other, but still only feeling a flirtation. Most of the narrative comes from them, but your do have supporting cast popping up to give their POV from time to time.
Once again the mystery is not really easily solvable, but that has been the way with this series. Total Scooby Doo endings, completely left field as to who the bad guy is.
There are some consistency errors along the way Luc, Zach and Raissa all seem to have had major job changes with no real explanation. Maybe it is just me reading the series all in a row, it is super fresh in my mind. It isn't major, except for Raissa, who made it clear at the end of her book she was not interested in working for the FBI again, suddenly that is her job?
I feel like the whole series took a turn in the last book and is nothing like the series I enjoyed in the first three books. It is a good thing I started with the sixth book, because I probably would have dropped things after this book.
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 really loved the first three books in the series and kind of wish I had stopped there. I am not a fan of all the changes to the 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 ***
February 4, 2014
I've read the earlier books in this series and thought they were ok, but I just couldn't get past the flat lack of editing in this one. Story was ok, but seriously distracted by typos and grammatical errors and it just made me crazy. Could've been so much better.
July 7, 2014
4 STARS
I love this series. It is light, fun cozy mystery. The characters I love.
The ghost-in-law is Helen. She reminds me of lucy in I love Lucy. Always causing a mess of trouble that makes you laugh. She wears weird outfits, she can't always control. She can't control sometimes if she has mass or not always at the wrong moments. She is always stealing food.
Only a few women can see her. Helen used to be rich.
Jadyn St. James is the new game warden. She is Maryse's cousin. She has not been to the area for too long. Has issues with her mother. She can see Helen.
Maryse Robicheaux was the daughter-in-law to Helen. She was the first to see and hear Helen at the funeral. They did not get along. Helen left her most everything because she knew Maryse would protect the land. She is now married to Luc a DEA Agent.
Sheriff Colt Bertrand is attracted to Jadyn. Colt is tricky. He wants to help find his friend even if she is not found in his area.
One FBI Agent was run over by hit and run on his way back to town. His wife another FBI Agent Raissa Bordeaux is missing. The two agents are married. They had just finished a undercover assignment.
The FBI Agent in charge wants everyone not FBI to stay out of the swampland. Maryse actually owns the land and leases it to the state. Jadyn has authority over the swamp. Colt figures out if he takes his vacation and can be a private contractor working under Jadyn they can search the cabins in the swampland and look to see if someone has been using one to keep Raissa.
I laughed a lot reading this book. I am glad to see more of these characters.
I bought it on amazon.
I love this series. It is light, fun cozy mystery. The characters I love.
The ghost-in-law is Helen. She reminds me of lucy in I love Lucy. Always causing a mess of trouble that makes you laugh. She wears weird outfits, she can't always control. She can't control sometimes if she has mass or not always at the wrong moments. She is always stealing food.
Only a few women can see her. Helen used to be rich.
Jadyn St. James is the new game warden. She is Maryse's cousin. She has not been to the area for too long. Has issues with her mother. She can see Helen.
Maryse Robicheaux was the daughter-in-law to Helen. She was the first to see and hear Helen at the funeral. They did not get along. Helen left her most everything because she knew Maryse would protect the land. She is now married to Luc a DEA Agent.
Sheriff Colt Bertrand is attracted to Jadyn. Colt is tricky. He wants to help find his friend even if she is not found in his area.
One FBI Agent was run over by hit and run on his way back to town. His wife another FBI Agent Raissa Bordeaux is missing. The two agents are married. They had just finished a undercover assignment.
The FBI Agent in charge wants everyone not FBI to stay out of the swampland. Maryse actually owns the land and leases it to the state. Jadyn has authority over the swamp. Colt figures out if he takes his vacation and can be a private contractor working under Jadyn they can search the cabins in the swampland and look to see if someone has been using one to keep Raissa.
I laughed a lot reading this book. I am glad to see more of these characters.
I bought it on amazon.
April 18, 2020
2020 bk 135: At last, it arrived. In the trilogy of books that feature Marsye's cousin Jadyn - I must say that the second book was better plotted, better edited, and overall, just better put together than the first of the trilogy. Jadyn comes more into her own in this comedic mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tale.
January 28, 2021
Lots of funny parts just like in the other books in this series.
November 6, 2020
"Well sh*t fire and save the matches!" That little nugget pretty much sums up this hootenanny of a hilarious mystery!
December 31, 2013
Epub edition. The best book yet.
Luc finds Zach in a comma, spent cartridges all around and Raisa is nowhere to be found! Jayden and Colt have to work around the FBI to try to find her fast; there is no doubt that she had been kidnapped and her life is in grave danger. Of course, Maryse has to get involved even with a threat from Luc's job hanging over her, she can not stand doing nothing.
I wonder if the next book will continue to focus on Jayden and Colt or if the danger to Maryse will be the focus of the next book in the series. I don't care as long as we get another story and soon!
I would like to see a little progress in Helene. In the first book we discovered that she had a secret caring nature and she did help some. In this book she is completely self-absorbed and does not contribute anything to solving the problem. I realize that was the outward persona of the living Helena, but I think her caring nature should show through a little, after all she made it to heaven even if she didn't get to stay there.
Luc finds Zach in a comma, spent cartridges all around and Raisa is nowhere to be found! Jayden and Colt have to work around the FBI to try to find her fast; there is no doubt that she had been kidnapped and her life is in grave danger. Of course, Maryse has to get involved even with a threat from Luc's job hanging over her, she can not stand doing nothing.
I wonder if the next book will continue to focus on Jayden and Colt or if the danger to Maryse will be the focus of the next book in the series. I don't care as long as we get another story and soon!
I would like to see a little progress in Helene. In the first book we discovered that she had a secret caring nature and she did help some. In this book she is completely self-absorbed and does not contribute anything to solving the problem. I realize that was the outward persona of the living Helena, but I think her caring nature should show through a little, after all she made it to heaven even if she didn't get to stay there.
October 11, 2015
I love this series, even the cozy romance aspect. It has suspense, mystery and the relationship between Jadyn and Cole is taking its' time heating up. Maybe for the next book we will get more than steamy kisses. The series also has a ghost and a feel of the bayou that I find fascinating, not to mention characters that have appeared in all the books and who are like family to each other. I admire how Jana Deleon incorporates them in the stories without hitting you over the head with their backstories.
This is the second Ghost-in-Law book to feature Jadyn, the game warden, and Cole, Mudbug's police chief. This time they have to discover who kidnapped Rissa and why while avoiding a nasty FBI agent who won't let them assist.
This is the second Ghost-in-Law book to feature Jadyn, the game warden, and Cole, Mudbug's police chief. This time they have to discover who kidnapped Rissa and why while avoiding a nasty FBI agent who won't let them assist.
March 24, 2016
Jadyn and Colt continue as the main characters in book 5 of the Ghost-in-law series although the main characters in book 3, Raissa and Zach are the victims in this one and Maryse and Luc are also involved. Raissa is missing, presumed kidnapped and Zach is in a coma from an attach that occurs right outside Mudbug. Since they are FBI agents, the FBI tries to take over the case. Colt and Jadyn find a way to stay involved as the investigation involves the game preserve and several locals. They become targets as they start to piece things together. Heaven rejected ghost, Helena, can be depended upon to add humor and screw up the action. Jadyn and Colt are still circling each other so they will probably head up the next in the series.
August 18, 2017
This is one of the best "Ghost-in-Law" books. I liked the story line and especially the characters. Can't wait for next one to arrive. Awesome book, Jana!
November 27, 2020
Jayden St. James has been on the job as the Game Warden for only one week, but she’s already seen far more than she ever expected in the tiny southern Louisiana town. In Book Four, she helped solve a murder and earned the respect of most of the town’s residents as a sharpshooter. She also got the attention of the handsome sheriff, but both Jayden and Colt Bertrand have sworn off relationships. This time, they’re both called into action when Raissa (from Book Three) is kidnapped and her husband Zach has been injured and left on the side of the highway. Since Raissa and Zach are both FBI agents, the feds come in to investigate. Colt and Jayden have been warned off the case, but as locals they know they have a better chance of success finding her. And as the mystery heats up, so do the sparks between Jayden and Colt. Helena the ghost continues to provide laughs as she “helps� by providing a set of eyes and ears when they need them - in exchange for blackberry pie.
May 24, 2023
Wow…a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.
In Chapter 17, Colt was thinking: Everything from start to finish had gone down so quickly that he hadn’t had time to process it all, much less dwell on the meanings and implications of everything that had happened. But in the quiet of his bedroom, it all came crashing back in a jumble, begging him to put it all into perspective.
Well, this is how I feel a lot of times after reading a book well done like this one. Sometimes I have to read it again just to fully process the complete story.
Can’t wait to read the next one. Lol!
I still can’t figure out who was shooting at them and sunk the Sheriff’s boat.
Note: This novel had the most grammatical errors out of all of Jana’s novels. She should fire her editor.
In Chapter 17, Colt was thinking: Everything from start to finish had gone down so quickly that he hadn’t had time to process it all, much less dwell on the meanings and implications of everything that had happened. But in the quiet of his bedroom, it all came crashing back in a jumble, begging him to put it all into perspective.
Well, this is how I feel a lot of times after reading a book well done like this one. Sometimes I have to read it again just to fully process the complete story.
Can’t wait to read the next one. Lol!
I still can’t figure out who was shooting at them and sunk the Sheriff’s boat.
Note: This novel had the most grammatical errors out of all of Jana’s novels. She should fire her editor.
May 14, 2018
You've got to feel sorry for Jadyn St. James. She's trying to have a quieter second week on the job as Mudbug's game warden ... and an FBI agent (Raissa Bordeaux, from the third book in the series) is kidnapped. So, the FBI's in town, and cute sheriff Colt Bertrand is deep in the action as well.
And so, of course, is the ghost of Helena Henry.
The plot has more twists and turns than the bayous after a hurricane, and the "whodunnit" took me completely by surprise.
There's only one book left in the series, and I'll be sorry to see it end.
And so, of course, is the ghost of Helena Henry.
The plot has more twists and turns than the bayous after a hurricane, and the "whodunnit" took me completely by surprise.
There's only one book left in the series, and I'll be sorry to see it end.
April 2, 2025
This book was unimpressive, lacking excitement and feeling flat. The plot was predictable with the villain's identity being fairly obvious. The story seemed rushed possibly due to a tight deadline. Additionally, inconsistencies, such as unexplained job changes for characters like Luc, Zach, and Raissa, detracted from the narrative. Raissa's career change was particularly jarring given her previous stance on working for the FBI. The numerous grammatical and spelling errors, as well as awkward sentence structures, further hindered my reading experience.
August 11, 2019
Love this series!
This such a fun cozy mystery series. The characters are intertwined from book to book even though each book settles mostly on one pair. Because there us so much connection between books, it really is helpful to read them in order. There is always a twist or two for each story & mystery which is what makes it fun. Helena & the antics that surround her are hilarious. I find myself laughing out loud frequently. Enjoy this sweet, southern series. Thanks, Jana!
This such a fun cozy mystery series. The characters are intertwined from book to book even though each book settles mostly on one pair. Because there us so much connection between books, it really is helpful to read them in order. There is always a twist or two for each story & mystery which is what makes it fun. Helena & the antics that surround her are hilarious. I find myself laughing out loud frequently. Enjoy this sweet, southern series. Thanks, Jana!
December 7, 2019
It wasn’t terrible but it didn’t light my world on fire either.
I’m a little bit over the fat shaming too... just leave Helena’s weight out of this ok?
Also, is it actually possible for so many hot and beautiful people to be in a town of such a tiny population???
Any way, I’m interested to see how the story of Jaydn develops.
One other small whinge - what’s with the names??? “Jaydn� “Colt�???
Give me strength.
I’m a little bit over the fat shaming too... just leave Helena’s weight out of this ok?
Also, is it actually possible for so many hot and beautiful people to be in a town of such a tiny population???
Any way, I’m interested to see how the story of Jaydn develops.
One other small whinge - what’s with the names??? “Jaydn� “Colt�???
Give me strength.
March 13, 2021
FBI agent Raissa Bordeaux is missing, and her husband, FBI agent Zach Blanchard, is at the hospital in a coma. Law enforcement has found their car, at the bottom of a bayou, but no one has a clue as to Raissa's whereabouts.
Did Raissa's abduction have something to do with the case Raissa and Zach were working on? Or was it a random carjacking? Mildred, Maryse, Jadyn, and the ghost of Helena Henry decide to investigate ... and both disaster and hilarity ensue.
Did Raissa's abduction have something to do with the case Raissa and Zach were working on? Or was it a random carjacking? Mildred, Maryse, Jadyn, and the ghost of Helena Henry decide to investigate ... and both disaster and hilarity ensue.
September 10, 2023
Kidnapping, attempted murder and stolen cars - how do they all link?
Raissa is kidnapped and someone tries to kill Zack. Because they are FBI, other agents try to solve the case. Agent Ross is always a step behind. Colt, Jaydn and the group run their own team to find Raissa. They find cars stripped and dumped in the bayou. Now they have to get the pieces of the puzzle to fit together. Another great adventure by Jana DeLeon!
Raissa is kidnapped and someone tries to kill Zack. Because they are FBI, other agents try to solve the case. Agent Ross is always a step behind. Colt, Jaydn and the group run their own team to find Raissa. They find cars stripped and dumped in the bayou. Now they have to get the pieces of the puzzle to fit together. Another great adventure by Jana DeLeon!
January 12, 2019
I just haven’t bonded with the folk of Mudbug like I have those of Sinful. And I find Helena obnoxious and annoying. I know she is meant to be but I really don’t think she adds to the story, especially at this stage. Also as Jayden had never met Raissa (indeed she had only just met Marise) the way she took the search so personally didn't ring true.
August 4, 2021
Helena strikes again
Zach gets hit by a car and Raisa gets kidnapped in the latest mystery in Mudbug. Helena is still hit or miss with her ghost skills and hurts as much as she helps but she, Jadyn and Colt find Raisa and solve the two related cases in time. Another cute and enjoyable mystery from DeLeon.
Zach gets hit by a car and Raisa gets kidnapped in the latest mystery in Mudbug. Helena is still hit or miss with her ghost skills and hurts as much as she helps but she, Jadyn and Colt find Raisa and solve the two related cases in time. Another cute and enjoyable mystery from DeLeon.
August 6, 2021
The action and suspense are done well enough, the cozy/romance is a bit flat. Regardless, these are enjoyable to listen to during a long commute. I don’t worry about missing a part, and it keeps me entertained enough. I am getting a bit tired of Helena, hoping she gets some real development in the next book.
November 4, 2024
I finished the Audible edition of Missing in Mudbug. I did enjoy the mystery, but Helena has worn out her welcome for me. Her antics are just not funny anymore.
I do not like the fact that Jadyn and Cole still have not gotten together. Dragging on a romance for 3 books is just not what I like. I like a book to end.
I do not like the fact that Jadyn and Cole still have not gotten together. Dragging on a romance for 3 books is just not what I like. I like a book to end.
October 8, 2017
Love love love these books!
This is the most fun series... I enjoy the ghostly antics of Helen and all the funny comments everyone makes. I've laughed my way through every book...time to read book 6...
This is the most fun series... I enjoy the ghostly antics of Helen and all the funny comments everyone makes. I've laughed my way through every book...time to read book 6...
June 18, 2018
Please tell me there will be #7
Bless your English teacher for teaching objective and subjective pronouns. Really. I bite my tongue a lot with so many authors...or their proofreaders.. Thank you, Jana .
Really fun, reads. You really know your locale.
Bless your English teacher for teaching objective and subjective pronouns. Really. I bite my tongue a lot with so many authors...or their proofreaders.. Thank you, Jana .
Really fun, reads. You really know your locale.
November 19, 2018
Missing in Mudbug is incredibly written. There are lots of unsuspecting twists along the way. The story continues to follow Maryse's cousin Jayden. I am looking forward to see what happens in the next book.
February 22, 2019
Helena keeps showing up.
Just another fun read from Jana. She never disappoints. I'm hooked to find out why Helena really got kicked out of heaven. The answer is in this episode of Mudbug.😃😃😃
Just another fun read from Jana. She never disappoints. I'm hooked to find out why Helena really got kicked out of heaven. The answer is in this episode of Mudbug.😃😃😃
March 29, 2019
I am loving this series. I find myself laughing out loud at some of the antics of the characters. I am definitely going to follow them to the end...I have to know how they're doing. They're my friends in Mudbug, Louisiana!
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