Stephen John – författare

This collection examines the uses of quantification in climate science, higher education, and health.  Numbers are both controlling and fragile. They drive public policy, figuring into everything from college rankings to vaccine efficacy rates. At the same time, they are frequent objects of obfuscation, manipulation, or outright denial. This timely collection by a diverse group of humanists and social scientists challenges undue reverence or skepticism toward quantification and offers new ideas about how to harmonize quantitative with qualitative forms of knowledge.   Limits of the Numerical focuses on quantification in several contexts: climate change; university teaching and research; and health, medicine, and well-being more broadly. This volume shows the many ways that qualitative and quantitative approaches can productively interact—how the limits of the numerical can be overcome through equitable partnerships with historical, institutional, and philosophical analysis. The authors show that we can use numbers to hold the powerful to account, but only when those numbers are themselves democratically accountable.

This collection examines the uses of quantification in climate science, higher education, and health.  Numbers are both controlling and fragile. They drive public policy, figuring into everything from college rankings to vaccine efficacy rates. At the same time, they are frequent objects of obfuscation, manipulation, or outright denial. This timely collection by a diverse group of humanists and social scientists challenges undue reverence or skepticism toward quantification and offers new ideas about how to harmonize quantitative with qualitative forms of knowledge.   Limits of the Numerical focuses on quantification in several contexts: climate change; university teaching and research; and health, medicine, and well-being more broadly. This volume shows the many ways that qualitative and quantitative approaches can productively interact—how the limits of the numerical can be overcome through equitable partnerships with historical, institutional, and philosophical analysis. The authors show that we can use numbers to hold the powerful to account, but only when those numbers are themselves democratically accountable.

This collection examines the uses of quantification in climate science, higher education, and health.   Numbers are both controlling and fragile. They drive public policy, figuring into everything from college rankings to vaccine efficacy rates. At the same time, they are frequent objects of obfuscation, manipulation, or outright denial. This timely collection by a diverse group of humanists and social scientists challenges undue reverence or skepticism toward quantification and offers new ideas about how to harmonize quantitative with qualitative forms of knowledge.    Limits of the Numerical focuses on quantification in several contexts: climate change; university teaching and research; and health, medicine, and well-being more broadly. This volume shows the many ways that qualitative and quantitative approaches can productively interact—how the limits of the numerical can be overcome through equitable partnerships with historical, institutional, and philosophical analysis. The authors show that we can use numbers to hold the powerful to account, but only when those numbers are themselves democratically accountable.

Strategic Learning and Leading Change is a practical, inspiring read that challenges business commentators who have doubted the power of HR and presents examples of how HR leaders are leading change to truly earn their seats as business partners at the strategy table. Using real-life examples that take in the intricacies of performance management, talent management and leadership development, the book shows business leaders how to improve strategy execution and interact with the board.Structured in three parts, the book covers: * The globalization of business and its impact on strategy, structure, operating processes and culture* Global team-based organization and change leadership, using the in-depth case study of APC, a company that reinvented the Pharma business model* The reinvention and changing role of HR in today's global organizationsWritten for senior business leaders, HR leaders and managers who are working in or planning to enter a global business environment, Strategic Learning and Leading Change is also ideal for management consultants who advise business and HR leaders on leveraging learning and change with an emphasis on improving strategy execution. It is also a perfect real-world text for students on human resources courses and business MBAs who aspire to drive success in a global business and HR setting.

Objectivity is a key concept both in how we talk about science in everyday life and in the philosophy of science. This Element explores various ways in which recent philosophers of science have thought about the nature, value and achievability of objectivity. The first section explains the general trend in recent philosophy of science away from a notion of objectivity as a 'view from nowhere' to a focus on the relationship between objectivity and trust. Section 2 discusses the relationship between objectivity and recent arguments attacking the viability or desirability of 'value free' science. Section 3 outlines Longino's influential 'social' account of objectivity, suggesting some worries about drawing too strong a link between epistemic and ethical virtues. Section 4 turns to the value of objectivity, exploring concerns that notions of objectivity are politically problematic, and cautiously advocating in response a view of objectivity in terms of invariance.

Objectivity is a key concept both in how we talk about science in everyday life and in the philosophy of science. This Element explores various ways in which recent philosophers of science have thought about the nature, value and achievability of objectivity. The first section explains the general trend in recent philosophy of science away from a notion of objectivity as a ''view from nowhere'' to a focus on the relationship between objectivity and trust. Section 2 discusses the relationship between objectivity and recent arguments attacking the viability or desirability of ''value free'' science. Section 3 outlines Longino''s influential ''social'' account of objectivity, suggesting some worries about drawing too strong a link between epistemic and ethical virtues. Section 4 turns to the value of objectivity, exploring concerns that notions of objectivity are politically problematic, and cautiously advocating in response a view of objectivity in terms of invariance.

Objectivity is a key concept both in how we talk about science in everyday life and in the philosophy of science. This Element explores various ways in which recent philosophers of science have thought about the nature, value and achievability of objectivity. The first section explains the general trend in recent philosophy of science away from a notion of objectivity as a ''view from nowhere'' to a focus on the relationship between objectivity and trust. Section 2 discusses the relationship between objectivity and recent arguments attacking the viability or desirability of ''value free'' science. Section 3 outlines Longino''s influential ''social'' account of objectivity, suggesting some worries about drawing too strong a link between epistemic and ethical virtues. Section 4 turns to the value of objectivity, exploring concerns that notions of objectivity are politically problematic, and cautiously advocating in response a view of objectivity in terms of invariance.

Strategic Learning and Leading Change is a practical, inspiring read that challenges business commentators who have doubted the power of HR and presents examples of how HR leaders are leading change to truly earn their seats as business partners at the strategy table. Using real-life examples that take in the intricacies of performance management, talent management and leadership development, the book shows business leaders how to improve strategy execution and interact with the board.Structured in three parts, the book covers: * The globalization of business and its impact on strategy, structure, operating processes and culture* Global team-based organization and change leadership, using the in-depth case study of APC, a company that reinvented the Pharma business model* The reinvention and changing role of HR in today's global organizationsWritten for senior business leaders, HR leaders and managers who are working in or planning to enter a global business environment, Strategic Learning and Leading Change is also ideal for management consultants who advise business and HR leaders on leveraging learning and change with an emphasis on improving strategy execution. It is also a perfect real-world text for students on human resources courses and business MBAs who aspire to drive success in a global business and HR setting.

NEWEST RELEASES: FAME AND FORTUNE - 2025                                      THE ICE QUEEN'S GAMBIT                                       AVAILABLE NOW! Embark on a heart-pounding journey with Fortune, Ida Belle, and Gertie in the gripping narrative of 'Swamp Team 3'. The story escalates dramatically when Fortune uncovers the long-forgotten case of a young girl's murder in the enigmatic town of Sinful. The chase is on to track down the elusive man in the black fedora, last seen with the victim, leading our intrepid trio on an exhilarating, country-spanning quest for justice. Every lead propels them deeper into a web of intrigue, culminating in a shocking twist: Fortune's moment of insight thrusts her directly into the lair of the murderer. Alone and vulnerable, she faces a perilous race against time, separated from her allies. Will Fortune outwit her captor and unravel the mystery, or will the killer's sinister plan succeed? The clock is ticking in this edge-of-your-seat thriller, where danger lurks in the shadows and loyalty is the only lifeline.   WHAT READERS SAID ABOUT STEPHEN'S OTHER MISS FORTUNE MYSTERIESLove anything to do with Fortune and friends! I was laughing out loud at some points. I am going to read some more of your books! -JLWhat readers have said about Stephen John's other Miss Fortune books:Of the many other authors who contribute to this series Stephen John is one of my favorites. He continues with the main characters and weaves a series of intrigue and chaos into his story.I have now read a few of these stories by this author and this one I enjoyed most of all. The regular characters are back, joining a couple of newbies who prove to be interesting as well. Once again, the crime solving aspect of the story proves intriguing. It left me fulfilled and more than ready to read the next chapter in this particular writer's Miss Fortune setting. Great stuff.I absolutely love this series! Fortune has lost a dear friend which broke my heart, but she has also made some new friends as well. As always there is comedy, action, and a dash of love tossed in.Definitely a must read!While staying true to Ms. DeLeon's canon, Mr. Mayfield carves out a very nice niche for himself. I've come to really enjoy his stories featuring these characters and this one is a doozy.A well-structured mystery, and probably the most literary of the Kindle Worlds Miss Fortune Mysteries I've read so far. I loved this book as much as I loved the original books by Janet DeLeon. I wish he would write more.This book read as if it had been written by Jana Deleon. I thoroughly enjoyed the new characters and the usual characters were as much fun as always. -RSI loved this book! Between the colorful characters and the witty dialogue, I was sucked into the story by page 3. The mystery had suspense, twists, turns and many nail-biting moments. This is a fun read! -JMI loved this book as much as MS Jana DeLeons' original series. The main characters were so well written and I read this book immediately following Fortune Funhouse it was as if this was book #20. Loved it. A must read! I hope more are written in this series. -KC

NEWEST RELEASES: FAME AND FORTUNE - 2025                                      THE ICE QUEEN'S GAMBIT                                       AVAILABLE NOW!When a former Marine buddy goes missing in Seattle, Carter LeBlanc goes undercover to find out what happened and save his friend. Fortune flies to the Emerald City with him but when Carter discovers the level of danger involved, all he wants to do is protect her by sending her home. Instead of heading back to Sinful, Fortune enlists the aid of her friends, Ida Belle and Gertie, and conducts an independent investigation to help Carter without him knowing it. Fortune, Ida Belle and Gertie soon find themselves knee deep in the middle of a dangerous mess of intrigue, murder and deception.   ------------------------------------------------ WHAT READERS SAID ABOUT STEPHEN'S OTHER MISS FORTUNE MYSTERIESLove anything to do with Fortune and friends! I was laughing out loud at some points. I am going to read some more of your books! -JLWhat readers have said about Stephen John's other Miss Fortune books:Of the many other authors who contribute to this series Stephen John is one of my favorites. He continues with the main characters and weaves a series of intrigue and chaos into his story.I have now read a few of these stories by this author and this one I enjoyed most of all. The regular characters are back, joining a couple of newbies who prove to be interesting as well. Once again, the crime solving aspect of the story proves intriguing. It left me fulfilled and more than ready to read the next chapter in this particular writer's Miss Fortune setting. Great stuff.I absolutely love this series! Fortune has lost a dear friend which broke my heart, but she has also made some new friends as well. As always there is comedy, action, and a dash of love tossed in.Definitely a must read!While staying true to Ms. DeLeon's canon, Mr. Mayfield carves out a very nice niche for himself. I've come to really enjoy his stories featuring these characters and this one is a doozy.A well-structured mystery, and probably the most literary of the Kindle Worlds Miss Fortune Mysteries I've read so far. I loved this book as much as I loved the original books by Janet DeLeon. I wish he would write more.This book read as if it had been written by Jana Deleon. I thoroughly enjoyed the new characters and the usual characters were as much fun as always. -RSI loved this book! Between the colorful characters and the witty dialogue, I was sucked into the story by page 3. The mystery had suspense, twists, turns and many nail-biting moments. This is a fun read! -JMI loved this book as much as MS Jana DeLeons' original series. The main characters were so well written and I read this book immediately following Fortune Funhouse it was as if this was book #20. Loved it. A must read! I hope more are written in this series. -KCI just recently discovered this author. The title of the book is what grabbed me. This book drew me into the story right from the start. I found myself totally enjoying it and giggling too. While this book is part of a series, it can definitely be a standalone book. I highly recommend it. -SB

NEWEST RELEASES: FAME AND FORTUNE - 2025                                      THE ICE QUEEN'S GAMBIT                                       AVAILABLE NOW!When a wealthy widow suddenly passes away from a heart attack, Fortune senses foul play. The Swamp Team 3 springs into action. However, before they can identify the murderer, they must first prove that the victim's death was not a result of natural causes. Along the way, Fortune, Ida Bell, and Gertie encounter numerous obstacles until an unexpected source provides assistance. The victim's peculiar brother and sister arrive in Sinful, bringing their own suspicions and unique skills. A Blooming Fortune is a maze of unexpected twists and turns as Fortune and her newfound companions work tirelessly to unravel this perplexing mystery.What readers have said about Stephen John's other Miss Fortune books:Of the many other authors who contribute to this series Stephen John is one of my favorites. He continues with the main characters and weaves a series of intrigue and chaos into his story.I have now read a few of these stories by this author and this one I enjoyed most of all. The regular characters are back, joining a couple of newbies who prove to be interesting as well. Once again, the crime solving aspect of the story proves intriguing. It left me fulfilled and more than ready to read the next chapter in this particular writer's Miss Fortune setting. Great stuff. I absolutely love this series! Fortune has lost a dear friend which broke my heart, but she has also made some new friends as well. As always there is comedy, action, and a dash of love tossed in.Definitely a must read! While staying true to Ms. DeLeon's canon, Mr. Mayfield carves out a very nice niche for himself. I've come to really enjoy his stories featuring these characters and this one is a doozy. A well-structured mystery, and probably the most literary of the Kindle Worlds Miss Fortune Mysteries I've read so far. I loved this book as much as I loved the original books by Janet DeLeon. I wish he would write more. This book read as if it had been written by Jana Deleon. I thoroughly enjoyed the new characters and the usual characters were as much fun as always. -RSI loved this book! Between the colorful characters and the witty dialogue, I was sucked into the story by page 3. The mystery had suspense, twists, turns and many nail-biting moments. This is a fun read! -JM I loved this book as much as MS Jana DeLeons' original series. The main characters were so well written and I read this book immediately following Fortune Funhouse it was as if this was book #20. Loved it. A must read! I hope more are written in this series. -KC I just recently discovered this author. The title of the book is what grabbed me. This book drew me into the story right from the start. I found myself totally enjoying it and giggling too. While this book is part of a series, it can definitely be a standalone book. I highly recommend it. -SB

CHECK OUT THE VERY LATEST MISFORTUNE NOVEL BY STEPHEN JOHN, ENTITLED An Act of Misfortune. In the shadowed depths of a mystical bayou, Swamp Team 3 embarks on what was meant to be a tranquil getaway. However, serenity gives way to suspense as they uncover the unsettling disappearance of a local treasure hunter, now feared dead. The plot thickens with a chilling revelation: the prime suspect is none other than a spectral pirate from two centuries ago, fiercely guarding his hidden loot. As Fortune, Ida Belle, Gertie, and their comrade-in-arms, the charismatic P.I. Brennan Noble, delve deeper, they find themselves entangled in a web of enigmas and high-stakes adventure. Each clue draws them further into a labyrinth of intrigue, where supernatural forces and earthly dangers converge. Join them as they navigate through a series of bewildering rabbit holes in a relentless pursuit of truth, unraveling the mystery of the murder in a realm where the past haunts the present._______________________________What readers said about Fortune Kookies  (5-stars) "e;I was impressed! Action, comedy and twists in all the right places! Recommend this book to everyone who loves the Miss Fortune books!"e;  Carol 4-15-2022 (5-stars) "e;I loved it! It was crazy, fast-paced and full of all the "e;weird"e; stuff expected when Fortune, Ida Belle, as Bertie get together! KC 3-19-2022 (5-stars) This one was especially fun with many twists and turns. Very creative plotline that kept me on my toes trying to figure out who dunnit.  LL 1-27-2022 (5-stars) I have been reading these for years. This author was able to capture the humor and character of our ladies closer than others. The story had many more adventures as with the original author, Deleon. A fun humorous page turner. Polley 1-8-2022 (5 stars) I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I laughed out loud in parts and really appreciated the humor and witty dialogue - especially between the Celia and Gertie. It reminded me a touch of the show Hacks, with it's pacing and cleverly written characters. It's the first cozy mystery book I've read, but now that I have a taste for them I'll surely read more - and from this author, too! Xaymum 12-2-2022 (5-stars) Another fast-paced, funny romp for Fortune and the gang, this time through the small-town amateur comedy clubs of Louisiana. The humor and jokes come quick and fast as archenemies Gertie and Celia face off in a no-holds-barred roast. But of course, murder rears its ugly head and before you know it, it's all hands on deck to apprehend the real culprit. This is another excellent entry in a series that I've come to look forward to. As fast as they are written, I'll read them. DTC 11-24-2021  (5-stars) Hilarious and full of twists. The characters are also amusing and fit just fine in the story. The writing style is also interesting and easy to follow. Highly recommend. AF 11-30-2022

CHECK OUT THE VERY FIRST MISS FORTUNE RELEASED BY STEPHEN JOHN, EXPANDED AND REIMAGINED, FORTUNE AND FAME - 2025    Gertie's arch-rival enters a contest at Kookies Comedy Club, planning to use the prize money to coerce the school board into renaming the high school theater to The Celia Arceneaux Theater. Gertie enters the contest hoping to foil the plan. As it turns out, comedy is not the only thing happening at Kookies. A well-known local celebrity has been murdered and the police make a very quick arrest—but do they have the right man?    When the accused hires Fortune's friend, Brennan Noble, to independently investigate the case, he brings SWAMP TEAM 3 along to help. The team identifies a series of suspects as they systematically investigate the murder. As usual, the team gets caught up in all manner of shenanigans as they uncover clues that help them zero in on the true killer, but as they draw close to the truth, things take a deadly turn. Fortune Kookies is a top-notch cozy murder mystery with humor to keep you chuckling and twists and to keep you guessing. All of Stephen John's Miss Fortune novels are written to be standalones. NOW OUT!  RED, WHITE AND BOOM and BURNING MISTAKES   ---------------------------------------------WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT FORTUNE KOOKIES:I laughed out loud in parts and really appreciated the humor and witty dialogue - especially between Celia and Gertie. It reminded me of the show Hacks, with it's pacing and cleverly written characters. It's the first cozy mystery book I've read, but now that I have a taste for them I'll surely read more. - Xaymum Hilarious and full of twists. The characters are also amusing and fit just fine in the story. The writing style is also interesting and easy to follow. Highly recommend. - AF Stephen John's writing style reminds me a little of Elmore Leonard's. Dialogue-driven plot, full of wit and interesting characters. Throw in a standup comedy contest and you get so caught up in Mr. John's story you can't get too excited if they don't catch the murderer. (But they do.) -jot The antagonist chemistry between Gertie and Celia and the snappy back and forth scene in the comedy club competition is hilarious.-lb This story will pull you in and you laugh so hard you'll cry.  I love the way this amazing author brings the story to life before your eyes an you can feel the characters emotions and their pain. -CD Could be his best yet. The new character, Brennan Noble, fits right in with SWAMP Team 3. Solid storyline, lots of laughs. -S WHAT READERS SAID ABOUT THE WELLY WHEEL MURDER:Love anything to do with Fortune and friends! I was laughing out loud at some points. I am going to read some more of your books! -JL This book read as if it had been written by Jana Deleon. I thoroughly enjoyed the new characters and the usual characters were as much fun as always. -RS I loved this book! Between the colorful characters and the witty dialogue, I was sucked into the story by page 3. This is a fun read! -JM I loved this book as much as MS Jana DeLeons ' original series. The main characters were so well written and I read this book immediately following Fortune Funhouse it was as if this was book #20. Loved it. A must read! I hope more are written in this series. -KC I just recently discovered this author. I found myself totally enjoying it and giggling too. It can definitely be a standalone book. I highly recommend it. -SB An excellent read. -DW

A cribbage tournament should be the most dangerous thing happening in Sinful. It isn't.Before the cards are even dealt, Gertie Hebert has ignited a feud with Celia Arceneaux, triggered a fake dynamite scare, caused a stampede of God's Wives, poisoned half the town, and somehow left Sheriff Carter LeBlanc flattened like a speed bump in a church parking lot. Fortune Redding figures things can only get calmer from here.She is spectacularly wrong.A "e;relaxing"e; bird-watching trip to Baton Rouge ends when Gertie discovers a body at the bottom of a ravine—and accidentally photographs something that might be even bigger news than the murder: an Ivory-billed Woodpecker, a bird science declared extinct decades ago. The dead man was an environmental professor waging a lonely war against a ruthless land developer hellbent on bulldozing the woodpecker's habitat and turning it into a strip mall. Suddenly Fortune, Ida Belle, Gertie, and their gloriously stylish New Orleans investigator friend Brennan Noble are hip-deep in corporate greed, political corruption, a missing murder weapon, and a hired killer who does not share their love of wildlife.With Carter sidelined, Celia scheming, Gertie training for cribbage glory, and Ida Belle weaponizing seafood gumbo for both charity and personal revenge, Fortune has to catch a killer before the park is paved, the tournament implodes spectacularly, and Gertie accidentally starts another stampede.In Sinful, even bird-watching is a full-contact sport. MAY 2026: Just released. "e;Burning Mistakes."e;  Part of the "e;Throwback to the early days of Miss Fortune series."e; Available online today. What readers are saying about An Act of Misfortune Customer5.0 out of 5 stars Good bookReviewed in the United States on March 21, 2023Verified PurchaseThis is the first Fortune book I've read that wasn't Janice Deleon written. I'm surprised it was so good. You can tell the difference but still enjoyable reading. 5.0 out of 5 stars An act of misfortuneReviewed in the United States on March 12, 2023Verified PurchaseWhat a very enjoyable, fun mystery ! You make Fortune and her awesome ! I thank Jana DeLeon for you and others to continue Fortune Stories ! I hope there is another Misfortune mystery real soon! Fun book!!Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2022Verified PurchaseI really enjoyed this book!It'll make you laugh out loud.I found myself absorbed in the characters, and I absolutely loved Brennan!Thank you Stephen.Keep them coming!☺ Love Books5.0 out of 5 stars what a story!Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2023Verified PurchaseI read the story a couple of times so I wouldn't miss the comedy and snarky dialogue between the characters. Read the fabulous beginning to the book a couple times like I did. It's hilarious!  Caitlin5.0 out of 5 stars A fun readReviewed in the United States on February 15, 2023The first thing about this book that stood out to me was the humor. While the suspense/mystery aspect was the main theme of the book, the humor was a nice touch. The story line was creative and kept me engaged. I found it to be one of those books that I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next.

NEWEST RELEASES: FAME AND FORTUNE - 2025                                      THE ICE QUEEN'S GAMBIT                                       AVAILABLE NOW!     In the small, quirky town of Sinful, a senior ladies' softball game sparks off more than just a friendly competition. It sets into motion a series of events that pull the SWAMP TEAM 3 into a mystery where the clues are as abundant as gossip, but hard evidence?    Casey Lawrence, new to town, is still reeling from the loss of her husband in a car "e;accident"e; a year ago. She's convinced there's more to the story, and she's determined to unearth the truth, no matter the cost.   Enter Fortune Redding, an ex-CIA operative who's traded in her high-stakes world for the seemingly quiet life of a small-town sleuth. But quiet isn't in the cards when you've got Ida Belle and Gertie at your side—two feisty ladies who are as sharp as they are unorthodox. Together, they dive headfirst into a web of lies, deceit, and danger that stretches from Sinful's back alleys all the way to the shadowy corners of New Orleans' underbelly.   As they peel back the layers, every clue they uncover ratchets up the tension. When an assassination attempt on Fortune is thwarted by the unexpected arrival of an old ally, the team's determination only hardens. What started as a hunt for answers turns into a race against time, leading them straight to an explosive showdown that no one saw coming.   "e;Tangled Webs"e; is a fast-paced tale of mystery and suspense, laced with humor, heart, and that unmistakable Southern grit. It's a story about women who refuse to back down, no matter how high the stakes, and it'll keep you hooked from the first pitch to the final, jaw-dropping revelation. ALSO, CHECK OUT THE MISS FORTUNE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY, "e;THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS"e; Here's what some readers said about Stephen's previous Miss Fortune books.Polley 5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and entertaining  Verified PurchaseI have been reading these for years. This author was able to capture the humor and character of our ladies closer than others. The story had many more adventures as with the original author, Deleon. A fun humour's page turner.Charleann Davis 5.0 out of 5 stars A light heart cozy murder mystery .This story will pull you in and you laugh so hard you'll cry. The PI and her quirky friends will have you in stitches.I love the way this amazing author brings the story to life before your eyes an you can feel the characters emotions and their pain.The love the two grandma characters the sexy woman pi and the gay pi with his biker boyfriend. Love this story can't wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.jot 5.0 out of 5 stars Loved itStephen John's writing style reminds me a little of Elmore Leonard's. Dialogue-driven plot, full of wit and interesting characters. Throw in a standup comedy contest and you get so caught up in Mr John's story you can't get too excited if they don't catch the murderer. (But they do.)Joyce Giltz.   5.0 out of 5 stars Stephen John does it again.  Verified PurchaseLoved the exchanges between Gertie and Celia. The addition of a new character was excellent. He blends in well with the other characters. Jana Deleon is the best at writing the Fortune Series. Stephen John is the second best.Carol 5.0 out of 5 stars Fun book!! Verified PurchaseI really enjoyed this book! It'll make you laugh out loud. I found myself absorbed in the characters, and I absolutely loved Brennan! Thank you Stephen. Keep them coming!☺

The SWAMP TEAM THREE is back for another exciting holiday adventure. This time, Fortune Redding is on the trail of a stolen treasure—a priceless Wigström egg. With the ever-sarcastic Ida Belle and the wild, unpredictable Gertie by her side, Fortune must navigate a web of secrets and lies to crack the case. Between Gertie's outlandish schemes and Ida Belle's dry wit, the investigation is filled with non-stop action, hilarity, and a few close calls. As the trio races against time to catch the thief, Fortune begins to realize that in Sinful, nothing is ever quite as it seems—and sometimes the biggest mysteries lie closer to home. Full of twists, laughs, and plenty of southern charm, Eggs, Lies & Alibis is an Easter mystery you won't want to miss!

When Fortune, Ida Belle and Gertie stumble on a suspicious 'gold digger' in a roadside diner, the gossip flies faster than Gertie on a scooter—and that's before the body drops.Fortune Redding, known to the locals in Sinful as Sandy Sue Morrow, former beauty queen and new local librarian, was just trying to keep her cover intact, have the occasional serving of banana pudding, and avoid arrest. But when Georgia Fame waltzes into their neck of the woods with a suitcase full of secrets and a smile sharp enough to cut glass, things go from suspicious to downright murderous.With Carter sniffing around her business, Celia always underfoot, and Gertie devising yet another "e;distraction"e; involving dynamite, Fortune doesn't have time to play nice. Especially when the suspect was likely a serial killer she'd read about during her early days as a CIA operative.Now, with Ida Belle and Gertie at her side (armed with baked goods and possibly things that go 'boom'), Fortune has to outwit a killer, outmaneuver the FBI, and outlast Celia's latest campaign to steal the spotlight. It's a whirlwind of secrets, sabotage, and high-stakes hijinks in the swampiest little town in Louisiana.A throwback to Fortune's early days in Sinful, this mystery proves that, while some women are born to stir the pot—others bring the fire. For more books from Stephen John, check out Burning Mistakes and Red, White and Boom.  Reviews for Tangles Webs:5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely fantastic!I loved how Fortune and her cohorts locked onto the bad guys with such intelligence...no pun intended...yet so entertaining. I almost forgot to breathe as the images formed in my mind. I have every Fortune book there is and nearly every one on audio. I play them over and over as I work. Your writing g is special. Thanks for sharing your gift. I'm A forever fan. -happy reader5.0 out of 5 stars ExcellentFantastic, what a wonderful surprise. You have upgraded Misfortune series into a fantastic reading series that I'm looking forward to continue to read. I couldn't put this down.-Polley5.0 out of 5 stars Humorous and thrillingTangled Webs immerses readers in a humorous and thrilling world set in the quirky town of Sinful, Louisiana. Following the escapades of Fortune, a former CIA agent, and her team, the plot is a delightful blend of cozy mystery, crime-solving, and comedy. The cast of eccentric characters sparks plenty of laughs and the twists plenty of gasps.With themes of friendship, loyalty, and resilience woven throughout, Tangled Webs offers a satisfying, well-paced mystery that entertains while keeping readers guessing. -cait5.0 out of 5 stars Brendan Swamp Team 3 plus old & new foesWow great book. Break Dan is my favorite character of any in all the books stories written in this fortune universe or world. The story got every thing rival baseball games the swamp bar dangerous killer old and new foes old foes new characters , bomb guns fights car chases pretty much everything but Gertie purse . oh and Celica being herself. Can't wait to read next one find out who the ice queen is and hopefully more of Red who was introduced at end of this book.-Ruffwyr

A MISS FORTUNE Christmas story with chaos, Moon Pies, case law, and questionable glitter decisions.Hi. I'm Fortune Redding—ex-CIA, current small-town trouble magnet, and the only person you'll ever meet who can weaponize a cookie exchange.Here's the situation: a wandering troubadour with a red fedora wanders into The Pines and wakes up a forgotten chapel with music so pretty even curmudgeons say "e;amen."e; Enter one televangelist wannabe who wants to bulldoze said chapel and replace it with a holy gift shop, a coffee bar, and (I wish I were kidding) Christian mini golf.What follows includes (but is not limited to):·        a courtroom throwdown featuring a cowboy attorney who quotes Mark Twain (and kinda looks like him),·        a town petition powered by caffeine and righteous indignation,·        a zydeco band accidentally glued to their instruments (Gertie + "e;fake snow"e; = OOPS),·        and a Christmas concert that might save the day… if the city inspector, a swarm of news cameras, and my two favorite chaos agents don't sink us first.Also present: Moon Pies and candy canes (medicinal), glitter (regrettable), and one handsome guitarist who makes a chapel remember how to sing—and me remember how to feel.Buy this book if you like small towns with big hearts, found family with loud opinions, mysteries wrapped in tinsel, and heroines who can run an op, wrangle a crowd, and still cry at "e;Silent Night."e;Warning: may cause sudden urges to buy Moon Pies, hug your neighbors and eat something fried. FOREWORD by Michael J. Sullivan, author of The Shattered Cross