Marsh Madness

Miss Fortune Mystery #28

by Jana Deleon

Dying to fit in.

High school wasn’t a grand time for everyone, but when a group of friends decide to meet up at a B and B ahead of their ten-year reunion, old grudges resurface, and one of them ends up dead. Now the owners, a kindly older couple, are on the hook for the accidental death due to anaphylaxis, but they insist no mistakes were made on their part.

Fortune is asked to look into the situation before the inept local sheriff railroads the couple or simply allows gossip to run them out of business, which will cost them their home. Swamp Team 3 heads to Voodoo Island to find a way to clear the couple and finds a complicated mess of locked doors and old secrets awaiting them. Is Voodoo Island really cursed? Or can Fortune unravel the mystery and lead her team to victory?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Humor, Audiobook, Fiction, Romance, Cozy

349 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2024

About the author

New 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.

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gertie, Gertie, Gertie. No character in fiction can get herself into such impossible situations and come out on top. She is absolutely the best comic relief. Not even Lulu comes close to touching the antics Gertie can get into and she simply outdid herself this time around. I don't know how Jana Deleon is going to top this. What started out as a serious time for Fortune and company quickly devolved and I can't wait for the next book.

Fortune Redding and Ida Belle and Gertie are fondly known as Swamp Team 3. They are PI's and take cases as they choose. One of their contacts is Shadow Chaser, manager of a seedy motel where a lot of action has taken place. When Shadow calls Fortune for help, she feels that they just owe him one for all the grief they have caused in the past. Someone died at Shadow's aunt Petunia and uncle Corn Dog's B and B on Voodoo Island, and it could be Corn Dog's fault.

A group of friends are getting together after ten years to reminisce about the good old days, except they weren't so good for one of the friends. When the man everyone despised turns up dead due to anaphylaxis because of his peanut allergy everyone assumed that Corn Dog had made a mistake and served him something he shouldn't have had. But as Fortune digs deeper into the group's dynamics, she discovers that they all had reason to despise Justin and maybe one of them is a murderer.

An inept local sheriff with a deep hatred for Carter and an incompetent ME makes the job of solving this crime both difficult and annoying for Fortune. And the classic "Locked Door" mystery is a complication too. The shady sheriff is doing his best to pin the death on Corn Dog, but he has his own motives for doing that. Swamp Team 3 has their work cut out for them, but nobody is better at peeling away the lies and secrets than Fortune, Ida Belle and Gertie.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not going to lie. My interest in this series had started to wane because of the lack of romance especially between Fortune and Carter. While together time between the who was light in “Marsh Madness” the romance was definitely on the upswing.

This time, Carter, Gertie, Ida Belle and Fortune make short work of the investigative Senate committee regarding Carter’s rescue. It was truly comedy at its finest without Celia showing off her underwear.

Then, Fortune receives a call from Shadow Chaser asking for her help with her Uncle and Aunt. There was a death at their B&B on Voodoo Island and he is afraid they are going to lose the place. Of course things are complicated because that island is smack in the middle of a sheriff who is Carter’s nemesis, a spoiled and incompetent toad. Leave it to Fortune to never let a little challenge slow her down.

The storyline and plot was one of the most unique ones in a long time. As I stated earlier, the author has also ramped up the romance a bit while has helped me to decide to continue with the series. Now, I just wish Ms. DeLeon would delve a little bit deeper into Fortune and Carter’s sexy time. It doesn’t have to be graphic but it needs to be more than cursory.

After the ending in this book, I am looking forward to seeing how the author plans to handle the relationship between the two main characters. Only time will tell.

[Sonia With an I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love ❤️

[Abibliofob · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is always fun visiting Sinful, Louisiana and Swamp team 3 and Marsh Madness by jana Deleon is the 28th time for me. I did however find this one a little thin compared to the earlier adventures but still enjoyable. It must be hard coming up with all this stuff. I can recommend this series to all that wants something different.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

Marsh Madness is book 28 in the series.

In this book Fortune, Ida Belle and Gertie try to solve another case.

I am so fond of these characters. And I just love Fortune and Carter. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[Ann C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave the book a rating of 4 but considered lower. The book was almost 400 pages. A little long in my opinion. The book started out great, but once the trio got to Voodoo Island, things started to drag. I think the book would have been better if shorter as a lot of stuff could probably have been left out. By the middle of the book I was ready for it to be finished.

I think it was rather far fetched that Fortune could punch an alligator in the nose and get away. One of the readers wrote that her interest was starting to wan. The reader was starting to lose interest because of the lack of romance. I agree. I also think some of the antics of the trio, especially Gertie's, are starting to get old. They don't seem to be as funny anymore.

Of course, a lot of questions were answered at the end. However, I would have liked to know the outcome of the ME and Bryce's jobs. Carter said that Fortune exposed the corrupt sheriff, but nothing was said about what happened to him.

I was surprised to see a few editing mistakes. There was part of a sentence that was repeated, first wrongly then corrected. I reread that sentence 4 or 5 times before I figured out what was wrong. It was something about Corndog and Petunia being cleared.

I come to the name 'Corndog.' I was born and raised in the South. To me, the nickname 'Corndog' is insulting. I don't know what it is about the name, but to me it is just offensive. I know it had to be a nickname but it was still bad. I realize the author is trying to be funny, but no it was not. Even the name 'Petunia' was off. Maybe Virgil and Ethel would have been better. The names would still be stereotypical.

I will of course read the next book. There was no need for a lousy cliffhanger. There wasn't one in the last book, there was no need for one this time.

[Ginger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Madness

I always love the Miss Fortune books, but I had a little trouble getting into this one. It was different somehow, not as funny as usual for sure. I usually finish these books in one or two days, but this one took me three weeks to get through it! Anyone else have this problem? I think maybe it was just me being a little "off".

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, an enjoyable adventure with the gang, and yes, Gertie devises yet another way to cause trouble. The cliffhanger ending was the best part, and it left me eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.

[Luisa Rua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im giving it 3 stars just for the ending. I was not a fan of this mystery, to be honest, it was not as exciting as previous books (at least in ny opinion) BUT THE ENDING. Got me tearing up a little. I’ll always come back to this books no matter what, and I can’t wait for the next one

[Mary Heron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww what a place to.end.it!!!!!!

Another.hit from Jana DeLeon how she consistently keeps this series as fresh as she does I don't know but there isn't a bad book in the bunch. This one has a locked door mystery and while the clues are there as to how the crime.was accomplished it doesn't deter from your enjoyment of the story. As usual we have our Gertie moment's, Fortunes punching a crocodile is.particularly memorable and what Gertie does.to IdaBelle, well it's hilarious. I won't say more as i.don't want.to.spoil the plot for.anyone but for.anybody unfamiliar with The Swamp Team Three pick up book one..........you will not be disappointed this series is unlike anything else out there.......

[Susan K.Dzubay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Truly disappointed in this book. What made this series fun was the goofiness of Gertie, the stability of Ida & the intrigue of Fortune’s talents & her relationship with Carter & the other characters in town.
This book was like reading a story written by one of my high school student’s.
Don’t waste money buying this book.
Truly disappointed in DeLeon & will have to seriously consider if I will even continue to follow DeLeon’s Fortune series.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt this one was very slow in the middle. The beginning started off with a bang and the ending was wrapped up quickly and left you on a cliffhanger, but the middle dragged on. Still a favorite series of mine and definitely looking forward to the next adventure!

[Tracy Smyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books they are such an easy read, and Gertie what can one say about her. She is such a great character and the mischief she gets up to. She is a great side kick for Ida Belle and Fortune cause they are always so serious.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. I love this series but just can’t with the peanut oil.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the characters and will continue to read the series however, The writing felt off… the ending was exciting and I enjoyed the plotline but it felt like this book was rushed to be published?

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marsh Madness by Jana Deleon is the 28th book in the Miss Fortune Mystery series. A guest at the Voodoo Island Inn allegedly dies of anaphylactic shock and when the corrupt inept local sheriff tries to blame the owners, Fortune and her team are asked to investigate. Lots of laughs and plenty of fun especially with Gertie's antics. The audio is particularly superb and although we are given a short recap and introduction to the characters at the start of the book, I would recommend reading the series in order. One of my favourite series. A very entertaining cozy mystery.

[Penny Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marsh Madness

Awesome read. Jana outdid herself with this book. Even with the antics of Gertie the storyline had a more serious edge than previous books. Loved the ending..... Patiently awaiting 2025 for the next one!

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

The swamp team’s interaction with the government for their rescue of Carter comes to a head when the rotten Colonel is arrested and then murdered in prison. Too bad all his dastardly deeds leading to the deaths of hundreds of Marines will never aired.
So when Shadow rings up Fortune to ask. That she help is aunt and uncle who’ve had a death in their Band B she and Gertie and Ida Belle go undercover to a high school reunion gathering at the b and b they get embroiled in a lock room mystery. An excellent read with a very satisfying ending.

[Bobby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps getting better

From the first page to the last great. As always you laugh until you cry at what he girls do.Couldn't put it down and loved it. From the first to this one MS DeLeon has not let her readers down. I was born and raised in Louisiana and believe me she had he people down pat. I sometimes think she must have ran into some of my kin.

[Gina M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great episode

As always, DeLeon has produced a tale of ups, downs, lefts, rights, and Gerties! The storyline is great, and leaves you wanting more. The bad guy got the shaft, and the good ones prevailed, all with some fashion, animals, and romance thrown in. Can't wait for the next installment of the Miss Fortune Series!

[Tom Sullenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This was different as there were no car chases or boat wrecks. No bombs or gun fights just good old fashioned following the clues. Not as funny as other books but a good who done it anyway.

[Marci · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been patiently awaiting this in audiobook for a couple of months now. After reading/listening to the entire series from the end of July through the beginning of September to catch up to my sister and a mutual friend, I was underwhelmed by this installment, honestly. I know you can’t keep having all of this death and such a small town, but keep it closer. I mean, it was a good mystery and all, but I hate being away from Sinful. I don’t really care about this clique of high school friends from a town that was far enough away from Sinful Fortune, Gertie and Ida Belle stay overnight away from Sinful, we can’t even catch a glimpse of the wonderful cast of characters and found family we’ve come to know and love. I applaud the author for making me fall in love with the craziness of Sinful, but it makes things tricky when none of the people we love are in the book or just a small part. Like, Mannie made a very small cameo, we didn’t get Ally even though they went to her bakery to grab treats on the way out of Sinful. Walter makes a very small appearance, and even Carter doesn’t fill many pages even if we do get some quality time with him and see how close Fortune and Carter have become and Carter seems to have worked through his capture. Ronald made a small appearance, but there were no Herberts, Francine’s, Marie has been MIA for several books, Officer Breaux, The Swamp Bar, Whiskey and his brother. While I realize part of the appeal of this series is what Gertie gets up to, I’d prefer less of the Gertie show and more of pretty much any of the other supporting characters.

As I said, the mystery was fine, it was ultimately pretty sad, but I didn’t care about any of them and became somewhat bored starting around 30% in until 90% or so. I do not understand for one minute why Brittney would have invited Justin to this party where they all were alone on what was essentially a secluded island. Why? Even if it wasn’t known just how awful Justin was, no one liked him, no one kept in contact with him socially. Although I believe there is something about Justin doing some shady business with Daniel, but even that was negative. I mean, if none of them even cared the guy died, it would have made sense to exclude him from the Voodoo Island part of the reunion weekend! Even taking all of those suppressed memories we learn about at the end, it makes zero sense.

I give the story 2 stars, and the relationship stuff an additional star. Please, Ms DeLeon, please read more of the lower ratings that provide a review, pretty much all of them have a similar statement of wanting more of Fortune and Carter’s relationship. I want more of Ida Belle and Walter, too. Good lord, these people have loved each other for several DECADES, and we barely see Walter anymore.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series. I cannot say enough good things.

I have fallen in love with the characters, their humor, antics and the stories.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for yet another great romp with Swamp Team 3. This book has it all - a few shenanigans for humor, lots of tense moments for thrills, a well plotted murder for mystery and one heck of a cliffhanger to keep the tension ramped up and me going crazy for the next book. No need to say more for the diehard Miss Fortune fans.

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

come for the laughs but read till the end

Another thrill ride with a side of giggles from Jana DeLeon. This one has everything you love about this series and more. What I wouldn’t give to hang out with Swamp Team 3 and friends for just one day.

[Melanie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series and author

This was another great mystery that fortune solved with the help of Ida Belle and Gertie. There were a lot of twists and turns in solving this case but it was well worth the read. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Charly Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had me until the end

I couldn’t put this one down. This book had me guessing right up until the last three chapters. I was wrong I couldn’t figure out who done it.

This series is an amazing read. Each book will keep you going and not want to quit reading.

Jana is an excellent author and I can’t wait for the next book. Thank you Jana for strong characters and especially for Gertie. I hope to be more like her with the attitude of age is just a number

[Jean Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Adventure

I love these 3 women.As a senior citizen they give me fun entertainment. I also like the story line. Who goes to Voodoo Island and not expect trouble?

[Jenifer Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reunion vengeance

The ladies are in true form. Their antics are entertaining. The mystery is believable. The resolution isn't very satisfying, but true to life.

[Colleen Pascavage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite author! Love this series!

Waited for this book to come out. Always a suspense worth reading. This one story line has been a long time coming. Can't wait for it to come out! Have read every book in this series!