Showdown in Mudbug

Ghost-in-Law #3

by Jana Deleon

Who killed Helena Henry? The shorter list may be who didn't want her dead. Psychic Raissa Bordeaux thought she'd left her former life behind, but when a child is kidnapped, she risks her secret identity by offering the police help with the case. New Orleans Detective Zach Blanchard doesn't believe in psychic hooey and is certain Raissa didn't get her facts about the case from a crystal ball. He suspects her of something besides being the most intriguing and attractive woman he's ever come across. But when Raissa's secrets put her in danger, can Zach convince her to trust him with the truth before it's too late?

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery, Humor, Fiction, Ghosts

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2010

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

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts
I enjoyed this audiobook! I liked Raissa and Zach and was quickly hooked by the mystery. Raissa's past was incredibly interesting and I liked seeing her work with Zach as a team. I feel like a lot of questions were finally answered in this book and I liked getting that resolution. Johanna Parker did a fantastic job with the narration.

Book Source: Purchased

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars... This read wavered for me throughout; initially some of the information presented didn't add up entirely making the story somewhat disconnected and unrelatable, but then there were moments of clarity and consistency that allowed me to gear back into the storyline... I enjoyed the romantic aspect of the read except, which I find common in Jana Deleon's writing, it happened quickly and I prefer the slow burn build in romantic relationships... I will say the mystery aspect to the read was thrilling and convoluted enough that it left me guessing until the very end... I never suspected the villain of the story and the means and motivation were intriguing and inventive... Overall, I enjoyed the story and will continue with the series.:)

[Aimee Nicole Walker]

While this isn’t my favorite book in the series, I truly enjoyed the complexity of the investigation and all the moving parts. I did find myself wondering where this was all going and how it was tied to unresolved issues from the first few books. I was happy to see redemption for some characters and sad to see another go. Fortunately, I know it’s a short goodbye based on the title of the next book. This is a very enjoyable series with memorable characters. Looking forward to the next book.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is my current favorite in this series. I love the strong women characters and the wildcard ghost is a hoot.

The plot of this cozy mystery has enough twists and turns to fuel a full blown thriller. It was good to see Hank redeemed after being portrayed as a villain and then a buffoon - way to go Hank!

I really enjoy this series and can’t wait to see what happens next in Mudbug.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

Showdown in Mudbug is the third book in the Ghost-in-Law series. This is Raissa's book.

We met Raissa in the previous books. But I was absolutely stunned by her secrets. That part of the book and the romance were excellent. And I really enjoyed seeing more of Mildred and Maryse and Hank.

Overall this is a wonderful cozy mystery series. The resolution to the mystery in this book was a bit over the top. But otherwise I am so curious to see what will happen in the next book.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still loving this series! This is the third book and this time we get to be front row for Raissa's HEA. I was ready for this after the mystery about her in the end of the last book.

Turns out Raissa is all kinds of awesome!! I am talking seriously cool hacker super spy type fantastic! I think she is my fav heroine so far in the series!

Zach is her match as a yummy detective. Love their banter!! Raissa is a very naughty girl, in all the most fun ways! I had a great time reading their dynamic relationship!

This is a mixed narrative, so you get both the leads POV alternately. There are also bits from the supporting cast and the bad guy.

This is different from most cozy mysteries, it has a large romance quotient and that bedroom door is wide open! Not as much detail as an erotic read, but far from squeaky clean.

The mystery has many levels, it is so strange how everything is so connected. But it is a cozy, so you go with it.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Johanna Parker, who has a wonderful read. She keeps the southern accents light, for the most part. I love the swift pace to her read and the energy she brings to the words. All the voices have been distinct and were consistent throughout the book. She has been a delight throughout the series!

I was a little upset that Hank does not get his own HEA book, but rather a side romance in this book. Boo, he has worked hard to redeem himself and deserved at least a novella.

*** 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. I listen at double speed, all my impressions of the narration are from that setting. Thanks for taking the time to read my review! You can see more audiobook reviews on my blog www.eargasmsaudiobookreviews.com ***

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 Stars)
"Showdown in Mudbug" is Raissa's story. It chronicles how she came to New Orleans and became a psychic. We also finally get to learn who killed Helena and this is where Ms. Deleon shines because I never even had an inkling of the killer's true identity.

It seems our dear friend, Raissa has been hiding the fact that she is a former FBI agent. Her skills in noticing small details is what helps her ruse as a psychic. When one of her customer's daughter is kidnapped, the details surrounding the case mirror a string of kidnapping she worked in years past. She can't afford to reveal her true identity so she goes to the NOPD detective, Zach Blanchard and states she has had a vision. She tells him this kidnapping is related to a string of others and he should check the FBI database. Of course Zach thinks she is a fraud or even involved in the kidnapping so he treads lightly with the sexy woman.

As events unfold the detective and Raissa work together to try and locate the missing girl. Unfortunately, that puts Raissa smack dab in the sights of a mob boss from her past. Attempts on her life are made and time may be running out for the little girl and Raissa too!

This book was much better than book two; so why did I only give it 3.5 Stars? Well, the editing was poor, the overall plot is formulaic mirroring the first two books and the romance was pretty cheesy. Although the ending feels like the end with the resolution of Helena's murder I know there are other books in the series. At this point, I not sure what will hold them together other than the characters but I'm going to take a break before reading any more.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars

POV: 3rd person: Raissa, Zach, Maryse, Hank
Sensuality: Warm
Mystery: Average (with a WTH? that makes no sense)

3rd in the Ghost-in-law series following Trouble in Mudbug and Mischief in Mudbug. Finally the mystery of Helena's death is solved.

I've been looking forward to this one for a while. I really enjoyed the first two books and found them to be funny and sexy with just the right amount of mystery. This book just didn't meet my expectations. I was disappointed in the conclusion and was actually sputtering, "what? but, but, how is that possible?" It just made no sense to me. It was not well developed and just didn't seem plausible at all. I was left frustrated and disappointed.

I still really like DeLeon's writing style and the witty characters. It was nice to see the return of all the characters from the previous books. Having Hank play a bigger role was also an added bonus. It was nice to get to know more about him. I'm truly going to miss Helena. She was the source of plenty of laughs.

Overall, it just wasn't a strong enough ending for the trilogy. I expected a more developed background into the reason for Helena's death.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this cozy-mystery series and it's ongoing mystery: Who killed Helena Henry, the ghost who haunts her 'friends' from her former life. The quirky series is fun, with a little romance and a little mystery. For pure escapist reading it can't be beat.

Helena appears to people who are in danger of dying. She can be very annoying, but very helpful too. This time she appears to Psychic Raissa Bordeaux, a mysterious New Orleans shop owner and friend to Maryse, Sabine and Mildred because Rissa's life is in danger. Raissa has a past filled with secrets and one of them involves the mysterious disappearance of several 6 year old girls. The girls are returned unharmed after a week saying they were abducted by aliens. Raissa knows a lot she isn't telling the hot New Orleans police detective, Zach Blanchard, and he is not buying the psychic thing.

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in Jana Deleon's Ghost-in-Law series. Raissa Bordeaux works as a psychic in New Orleans and when a child goes missing she knows more than she should. She goes to police detective Zach Blanchard with information that this was not an isolated case. Zach is suspicious of this "psychic" and starts investigating Raissa.

Another fun addition. The story takes place more in New Orleans than Mudbug. But we do get to visit Mudbug and the residents. Helena is not around quite as much as she was in the first two books but we still got a good dose of her when she made an appearance. This is a fun series that I would recommend to all romance fans.

[Stef · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast read. Funny, Romance, little bit of sex, suspense, someone is in trouble in each book and who will save them?? will it be Helena or a nice handsome man . . mmm. . .

This series was a lot of fun to read. A lot of suspense, comedy, action packed romance. Some sex all around great series. A lot happening in each book.

**Must read this series in order and the following series that I recommend in order as well:

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Would also recommend:
"Body Mover" Series by Stephanie Bond
"Stephanie Plum" series by Janet Evanowich
"Bobbi Faye" Series by Toni McCausey?
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[FangirlNation · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raissa Bordeaux, the psychic who has mentored Sabine whom we got to know in Mischief in Mudbug, has a past she has been hiding from when events suddenly bring it into the present in Showdown in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon. Hearing that the granddaughter of the mayor, a little girl who has visited Raissa’s shop every month after visiting the local doctor, has been kidnapped, Raissa pays a call on the New Orleans Police Department. There she tells the detective in charge, Zach Blanchard, that this is not the first kidnapping of a young girl like Melissa, naming locations of several similar cases in the past. Zach questions Raissa’s psychic abilities and tries to investigate her, but in the meantime, he learns from the FBI database that Raissa was correct. Raissa also learns she is in danger when Hank, her friend Maryse‘s ex-husband, approaches her to warn her that a member of a major crime syndicate to which he owes money, has ordered him to kill Raissa. However, he has no intention of doing so and wants to alert Raissa to the danger.

Read the rest of this review, more reviews, and other wonderful, geeky articles on FangirlNation

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2020 bk 117: Sabine and Marsye have a friend in New Orleans. Raissa owns a small 'new age' shop and is herself a psychic with an established practice. Established that is until one of her customers, a little girl, is kidnapped. Going out of the police was out of the question, but now she approaches NOPD Detective Zach Blanchard - who blows her off, and then blows her cover. It seems that Raissa isn't who she says she is. After the FBI failed to protect her in the witness program, she found her own cover and established friendships. It is up to Helena, Maryse, Sabine, and Beau to help Raissa as she works to end the pattern of abductions and tries to save her own life. Another fun mystery by DeLeon.

[Patricia Kiyono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helena Henry continues to provide laughs as a crusty ghost who helps to solve mysteries in exchange for food. This time, psychic Raissa Bordeaux is stunned to learn that a young girl who had frequented her shop has been abducted, and the MO matches the cases she investigated during her time as an undercover FBI agent. Her attempts to warn the New Orleans police meet with disdain, except one detective who senses there’s more to the zany woman that meets the eye. The story takes all sorts of twists and turns, involving mobsters, doctors, and politicians, but the action and romance kept me turning the pages. I can’t wait to dive into Book Four!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

#3 in the Ghost-in-law series, but can be read as a standalone.

A little romance, some mystery, and a ghost all rolled in one solid story. A child is kidnapped, and the circumstances are identical to kidnappings that happened about 10 years ago. Too identical to be a coincidence. Raissa had been a Fed who had gotten involved in these earlier kidnappings while undercover and is certain she can help solve the case this time. But she's on the run, and can she do it safely?

The story is well written, and complex. I was able to figure out that the bad guy was involved, but not all the intricacies. I certainly will continue the series.

[Wende · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book. I loved the by play between the characters. This is one of the most laugh out books I have read in a long time. I enjoyed it a lot!

[Anastasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Showdown in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon is the 3rd book in the Ghost-in- Law mystery series. Psychic Raissa Bordeaux reveals her former identity as an FBI agent who is hiding out after being almost killed 9 years previously when a child abduction has similarities to previous cases she was investigating. I have enjoyed this series and I love the various characters although I found this book unbelievable, especially with the medical facts. Leukaemia cannot be cured in a week with a transfusion. These inaccuracies spoilt the book for me. I felt we were being asked to believe too many impossibilities.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a nice distraction, but the plot wasn't very connected and the ghost was just a prop and did not necessarily add to the plot.

[Lois Szymanski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jana Deleon follows a strict formula, one which is obvious if you read all her books, but her writing is full of humor, drama and mystery and I am always captivated.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series. The mysteries have lots of twists and turns, quite a puzzle. But the whole series ties everything together.
Fun, quick read. I have a new favorite author.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't suspend reality and my common sense enough to enjoy this one. Totally and completely ridiculous. At least I was right in who the overall bad guy behind everything was.

[Melissa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this series is a formula but I do enjoy it! 

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. This series focuses around who killed Helena Henry, so it is a long running mystery, you can read them out of order but it does help with the continuity and flow if you read the as they were written. Each book centres around one of Helena's friends, as her life is in danger and she ultimately finds love. Although not as funny as her Fortune series the author does have fun with the havoc a ghost can cause. In this book the story is about Raissa and her mysterious past. We have met Raissa in previous books and she certainly turned out to be a lot different to how she was portrayed in them, it was fun learning more about her and if course the rest of the wonderful characters are there to lend a hand. Her case gets wrapped up nicely. The teaser at the end of the book gives you an idea of what to expect in the next book and I am off to jump right in.
When a young girl goes missing Psychic Raissa Bordeaux can't ignore it. The case is to similar to the disappearances that sent her into hiding, so she goes to the police. The police don't believe her and didn't want her help but when someone tries to shove her under a bus and she can see the ghost of Helena Henry, she knows she is right. She just has to stay alive long enough to prove it. With the help from her friends, Raissa hides out in mudbug as she is hunted by the police and the mob but if she can find the girl it will all be worth it.
I liked the narrator. Each character sounds very different from the last, making them easy to tell apart and Helena's just makes me chuckle but then again that could just be because she is causing trouble.

[Quenya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a good finale to the trilogy for the Mudbug folks. Reza was a great character and loved how the author kept Marice involved in the story. I wasn’t thrilled with the Hank side plot, but the author pulled it all together at the end. I wish Sabine had been a little more involved, but I’ll take Mildred.

For the romance side, I liked how Zach and Reza didn’t hide their attraction to each other or let it take over the whole story. Zach understood Reza’s past and trusted her skills and appreciated her abilities. Didn’t try to place her in the damsel in distress mode.

Helena’s story was also wrapped up very well in this book and it brought the whole story together. I would have liked some more background, but the story was action packed enough you didn’t notice it. The mob side characters were a great addition as they played a role in both Hank and Reza’s past and provided a much-needed connection.

I was disappointed in the epilogue. I don’t see the reason or need to continue the series when this book was a good conclusion.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cute cozy series continues to please in its third volume, with psychic Raissa Bordeaux finding herself in the crosshairs of the New Orleans mafia ... and the police. Why? Because she goes to detective Zach Blanchard with information about a recent kidnapping, and he concludes she could only have that kind of information if she were involved herself.

The ghost of Helena Henry puts in yet another appearance, helping gather evidence in hopes of finding out who murdered her and why.

This is the third book in the initial trilogy, and resolves several issues ... although this time I'd seen the 'whodunnit' coming since the middle of the second book. To be fair, though, the motivation didn't come out until this tale and was something of a surprise in and of itself.

I've picked up the fourth book already (a new trilogy) and can't wait.

[Lisa Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

We finally get to who killed Helena Henry. This story focuses on Raisa, the New Orleans psychic with a past. This go round the past the author came up with for Raisa is implausible on more than one front, but it holds together enough that there's not too much belief to suspend. The mystery works and the story has a happy ending and isn't that what we all want? It is.

The series does continue, but I won't be at this time. Mudbug is a cute little I'm assuming fantasy town filled with quirky inhabitants and strange histories. There's a cancer thread that runs through this series. I thought it would be done in the first book, but it isn't. The subject is handled lightly, I mean this is a cozy mystery, but I am tired of it. It is looking like the next book is going to focus on Helena's son and I have little interest there either.

[Maetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is more to Raissa Bordeaux than anyone in New Orleans or Mudbug knew and everything comes to the fore in this book. A mob boss has a hit out for her and Hank Henry warns her insinuating himself into the fray. A savvy policeman, Zach Blanchard, looks askance as the supposed psychic especially when she has information about kidnapped children that the police do not have and Blanchard takes a closer look at Raissa surprising himself by falling for her.
Helena indulges in her newfound trick of eating more in this book. It reminds me of the old TV show, Topper, with the ghosts gobbling everything up.
Once again a totally unexpected very interesting mystery is involved.

[Shaly · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Finally!! We get all the answers since Helena's first reappearance! Let me just say while Raissa and Zack's story was good, as was the mystery of the disappearances of all those little girls, what I was really after was Helena's story, how and why she was murdered! The whole thing was actually pretty fascinating in a sort of gloomy way. Experimenting on babies and their supposed mother's is just fucking disgusting, I mean you have to be a pretty fucked up individual to try and play God! Plus the culprit behind everything was so sadly disappointing! Can't say I was to shocked as this person was a bit sketchy in book one but I had hopes...sighs.

Overall another great addition to an already fun filled mysterious series! Loved the last scene with Helena, it was very touching...

[Hindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a delightfully charming setting, with the trimmings and trappings that are to be expected in a story about New Orleans. I give the book four stars for that reason almost entirely, as it had such a strong sense of place. While the plot was interesting with lots of twists and turns, there were several aspects of the plot that seemed very far-fetched and not very believable, and this trend occurred so often in the story that it became distracting at points. I felt that the characters lacked depth, which was disappointing because there were the beginnings of complexities and all of the building blocks were there for impressive character-driven arcs. Overall, this book was a fun summertime read, but it did not blow me away.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love happy endings. I will miss Helena. I’m glad she had the 2nd chance to love and be loved by many people. The storyline in this one was quite bizarre but Jana wrapped it up with no loose ends. I’m happy that Helena’s son turned his life around. Hopefully Sonny will keep his unspoken truce with Raissa.

Maryse: I’ve seen that look. What exactly does Just One look like?
Raissa sighed: Hot enough to melt rubber.

Helena is referred to as The Harbinger of Death and The Master of Disaster. Lol!

Raissa: You’ve tucked yourself away for so long that when you go out now, you’re on sensory overload. If you increase your public time slowly, even by five minutes a day, you’ll find the anxiety will start to fade. Then you’ll be left with an awareness, almost a sixth sense, about what’s going on around you.