Read Jana Deleon Miss Fortune Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 4, 2026

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The world of cozy mysteries has a special way of capturing readers’ hearts: a clever protagonist, a picturesque setting, and a mystery that challenges your wits while keeping the mood light. In this realm, Jana DeLeon’s Miss Fortune series stands out as a delightful blend of humor, suspense, and charm. Centered around the vivacious and quick-witted Josie Fortune, the series whisks readers through the quirky, sun-soaked town of New Orleans, where each chapter brings a fresh twist, an eccentric cast of characters, and an unsolved crime demanding attention. DeLeon’s storytelling manages to strike a rare balance between intrigue and levity, making her books not only mysteries to solve but worlds to escape into.

List Of Jana Deleon Miss Fortune Books In Order

More On Jana Deleon Miss Fortune Books In Chronological Order

1. Louisiana Longshot (2012)

This is the start of everything! In *Louisiana Longshot*, we meet Fortune Redding, a former CIA agent who’s gone undercover in the tiny town of Sinful, Louisiana, to avoid a hitman. The catch? She’s stuck pretending to be a quiet, simple librarian in a town filled with eccentric and colorful characters. Of course, nothing stays calm for long, and soon, she’s caught up in a murder mystery that she just *has* to solve. It’s charming, quirky, and filled with tons of unexpected twists!

2. Swamp Sniper (2013)

Fortune’s back and in *Swamp Sniper*, she’s trying to keep her head down while navigating more than just her daily life in Sinful. When a sniper starts causing trouble in town, she can’t help but get involved, especially when one of the locals becomes a target. Of course, her instincts lead her into the thick of it-along with her hilariously chaotic group of friends, who can’t help but make everything more complicated. There’s a lot more action, a dash of humor, and plenty of small-town Southern charm.

3. Pecan Pie and Deadly Lies (2014)

*Pecan Pie and Deadly Lies* takes us deeper into the quirky, suspense-filled world of Sinful. This time, Fortune’s friend, Ida Belle, becomes a key player in an investigation when she’s framed for a crime she didn’t commit. Fortune’s right in the middle of it, of course-doing her best to juggle her past as a CIA agent and her current role as an accidental detective. The book is full of laugh-out-loud moments and, as always, a good helping of intrigue.

4. Mardi Gras Murder (2015)

Who doesn’t love a little Mardi Gras madness? In *Mardi Gras Murder*, Sinful’s streets are flooded with tourists, parades, and plenty of trouble. When a murder is discovered, Fortune and her team get wrapped up in a case that could ruin the festivities. The tension is high, but with Fortune’s wit and her band of hilarious friends, they dive headfirst into a mystery that threatens the whole town. Expect lots of mischief, a touch of romance, and, of course, all the Southern flair you could want.

5. Bayou Deadly (2015)

In *Bayou Deadly*, Sinful’s swamps are hiding even darker secrets. When a local businesswoman goes missing, Fortune gets swept up in trying to find out what happened. But as always, the deeper she digs, the more complicated things become. Between feisty locals, oddball suspects, and some seriously shady business dealings, Fortune and her friends must use every bit of their cunning to get to the truth. It’s one of those books where the suspense builds and you can’t stop flipping pages!

6. Sinful Deeds (2016)

In *Sinful Deeds*, things get *way* more personal for Fortune. When a local hotel owner is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Fortune’s investigation reveals some shocking connections to her own past. As she unravels the truth, the stakes are higher than ever. The twists and turns keep you on your toes, and the interactions between Fortune and her lovable (but often hilarious) sidekicks are pure gold. It’s a perfect mix of action, mystery, and humor.

7. Grits and Glory (2016)

This one’s a personal favorite. In *Grits and Glory*, Fortune is facing off with a criminal she’s been trying to evade for a long time. The murder mystery element here is as intriguing as it gets, with a mix of old family secrets and present-day danger. The stakes get even higher as Fortune is forced to confront things she’s been running from. Plus, the back-and-forth between her and her team-Ida Belle and Gertie-continues to deliver all the comedy and charm you’d expect from this Southern-set series.

8. Deadly Cajun Devotion (2017)

*Deadly Cajun Devotion* takes Fortune deeper into the Bayou, with a fresh murder case that she’s determined to crack. Between trying to keep her true identity under wraps and battling against a mysterious new threat, it’s one thing after another. The book is a rollercoaster of suspense and humor, with Fortune’s dry wit shining through. And as always, she’s surrounded by her colorful crew of friends who can’t help but complicate things (in the best way possible).

9. Southern Storm (2018)

Things get wild in *Southern Storm*! This time, Fortune faces off against a storm-not just the literal one headed straight for Sinful, but a metaphorical one as well. A long-buried family secret resurfaces, and she’s forced to uncover truths that could shake the town-and her life-forever. As always, the mystery is full of twists, and you’ll be at the edge of your seat, especially as Fortune grapples with both her past and her current life in the most unpredictable ways.

10. A Cajun Christmas Killing (2019)

In *A Cajun Christmas Killing*, Sinful celebrates the holiday season, but of course, Fortune is dealing with a murder mystery that won’t let her enjoy the festivities. It’s a whirlwind of Christmas lights, intrigue, and plenty of Southern cooking. And as always, she’s caught between trying to protect herself and the people she loves, all while trying to solve the crime. There’s lots of heart, humor, and just the right amount of holiday spirit to keep you engaged!

11. Bayou Bombshell (2020)

Another action-packed adventure in *Bayou Bombshell*! This time, Fortune’s investigating a potential bomb threat, and what starts as a small local problem turns into something much bigger. There’s high tension, lots of action, and, of course, more of Fortune’s hilarious (and often misguided) attempts at being a civilian detective. If you’ve been following the series, this one keeps up with the rollercoaster of mystery and laughs that fans love.

12. Secrets and Lies (2021)

*Secrets and Lies* dives deep into some of the most personal aspects of Fortune’s life yet. When a new mystery pops up in Sinful, it forces her to confront some uncomfortable truths about her past. Between the danger of being a former CIA agent and dealing with the murder mystery at hand, this one is as suspenseful as it is revealing. Expect even more crazy antics from Fortune’s crew, who, let’s face it, are always good for a laugh when the tension gets too high.

Background On Jana Deleon Miss Fortune Books

Jana DeLeon, a Texan author with a flair for blending wit, suspense, and Southern charm, launched the Miss Fortune series with the aim of crafting a heroine who could simultaneously make you laugh and keep you on the edge of your seat. Josie Fortune, the titular character, is a professional trouble-shooter with a colorful past, an irrepressible sense of humor, and an uncanny ability to stumble into-yet somehow out of-the stickiest situations.

The series is steeped in the vibrant culture of New Orleans, where every street corner seems to hold a secret, every café serves as a stage for gossip, and the local color is as rich and flavorful as the mysteries themselves. Each installment introduces a new problem-sometimes a murder, sometimes a disappearance, often a convoluted mess that only Josie can untangle-while developing recurring themes such as loyalty, friendship, and personal growth. DeLeon’s experience as a novelist allows her to create multi-dimensional characters whose quirks feel real, ensuring readers become as invested in their lives as in the mysteries they face.

Reading Order Explained

For readers new to the Miss Fortune series, the reading order is more than a suggestion-it enhances the depth and understanding of character arcs and recurring subplots. The books should ideally be read in the sequence they were published:

1. Death by the River – The debut that introduces Josie Fortune, her professional escapades, and the New Orleans setting.
2. The Big Uneasy – Josie faces more complicated mysteries while deeper layers of her personal life are revealed.
3. Who Dat Woman – The series continues to intertwine humor and suspense with a more nuanced exploration of Josie’s character.
4. Bayou Briefs – Later books often increase the stakes, expanding both the scope of the mysteries and the depth of relationships.

While each novel presents a self-contained mystery, reading in order allows for a better grasp of character development, long-running jokes, and subtle foreshadowing that rewards attentive readers. DeLeon weaves recurring secondary characters and plot threads that grow richer with each subsequent book, making chronological reading highly enjoyable.

What I Like About The Series?

There is a lot to love in the Miss Fortune series. First and foremost, Josie Fortune is an unforgettable protagonist. She’s smart, sarcastic, resourceful, and deeply human, complete with vulnerabilities and quirks that make her relatable. The humor in DeLeon’s writing is another standout; her comedic timing is impeccable, making the books genuinely fun without undermining the suspense.

The New Orleans backdrop is practically a character in itself. The city’s music, food, traditions, and eccentric residents all seep into the narrative, creating a vivid sensory experience. Every page feels infused with the atmosphere of the French Quarter, from bustling markets to secret alleyways.

Finally, the balance between mystery and character development is expertly executed. Each book delivers satisfying puzzle-solving moments while deepening your understanding of Josie’s personal journey. Subplots involving friendships, professional challenges, and family dynamics enrich the narrative and give the series emotional resonance that extends beyond the mysteries themselves.

Should You Read Jana Deleon Miss Fortune Books In Order?

The short answer is yes-but with nuance.

Reading the series in order maximizes your understanding of character evolution, running jokes, and recurring plot elements. Josie’s relationships with other characters, particularly those that span multiple books, develop gradually and are more impactful when experienced sequentially. Additionally, certain story arcs and references to past events carry greater weight if you’ve followed the series from the beginning.

That said, each book contains a self-contained mystery that can be enjoyed on its own. If you’re drawn to a particular title for its premise or cover, it won’t leave you completely lost. However, for the full charm, humor, and depth that DeLeon has layered into her work, starting with Death by the River is the ideal approach.