Trouble in Mudbug

A mix of really good and really bad

This is a cute story with likable characters, and the outstanding reader really brings to life--no pun intended--the dead mother in law. however, from beginning to end the story is filled with plot flaws. To list them would create spoilers, so suffice it to say that you will spend half the time scratching your head, irritated, wondering why on earth they did this or didn't do that. (One example, after a major explosion that's heard throughout town, one which destroys an entire building, the police and fire companies don't show up, none of the people involved ever talk to the police or even file a police report. It just doesn't come up. Arg.) By the end, these flaws sort of outweigh the good. That's a shame too, because the writing itself and the characters are engaging and could've made for a much better story.

My newest addition

This is book one in the series, setting up the ghost/cozy mystery/contempo romance. It is a really fun read with such quirky and engaging characters. Get ready for an eccentric read!

Maryse is such a great character. She is sassy yet endearing at the same time. You really feel for her situation with the disastrous mother in law ghost. I love her analytical mind and how she tries to apply logic to the chaos.

Luc is yummy, he is a bit of a player and you might find him a bit questionable. I had moments where I felt he wasn't good enough for Maryse. Fortunately, he shows true character later and ends up deserving his spot in his gal's heart.

The romance is ore subtle, not a sweet courtship. There are lots of moments to build the relationship, but it isn't all hearts and flowers. It is also not a squeaky clean romance, it has a touch of steam but not the uber hawt details.

The narrative is mixed between the leads and supporting cast. It is mostly smooth, but there are times it gets jumpy. I love the whole crazy dynamic of the town of Mudbug. Such fun!

The mystery is many layered, which keeps you guessing at times. There were some great curve balls that I never expected. I love a mystery that keeps me on my toes.

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 am really enjoying this series and can not wait to see what happens next!!! Super quirky fun series!!!

Disclosure – I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts opinions and ratings are my own.

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The word "butt" is mentioned in every chapter...

I was looking for something light and enjoyable to read, this sounded interesting...a mother-in-law ghost series. I got hooked on the Amelia Peabody Archaeologist Series and thought this might be fun. It had decent reviews, people liked it...big mistake. I tried to like it, I wanted to like it...it did have some good scenes, but overall, it was not very good. After a couple of chapters I noticed that the author mentioned people's butts a lot. He had a cute butt, I looked at the firm butt, she had a big butt, etc. I don't know why I noticed this except it was very sophomoric and out of place. There is a whole part about buying a pink thong that is just stupid. This is one of those authors who have a decent story, but then think that they need to throw in sex innuendo and scenes. I love a good sex scene, but sometimes the story works without one.

The main character also got on my nerves. I hate when educated women are portrayed as whiny and stubborn, rather than confident. She was annoying. There were also many subplots to the story and things kind of drag on in the main plot, then there are all these extra plots we have to wrap up at the end, which I don't get because this is a series...some can continue. It was like a rush to make everything fit together and in doing that, it feels rushed and thrown together.

Oh well, it was one of those books that I listened to before falling asleep. I set the iTunes timer for 25 minutes and if I drifted off before the end, it didn't matter to miss some of the story. I hate leaving books unfinished, so I listened to the entire book, but I wouldn't recommend it. Its one of those books that is appealing on the website, but just doesn't cut it, which is too bad as the idea of a mother-in-law ghost experience had potential.

Very funny! Great start to the series!

I started this series because I loved the narrator! I've listened to all the Sookie books narrated by Johanna Parker, so I was thrilled to see she did these books as well. So glad I did! I love this series. Made me laugh while vexing me with a good mystery. Johanna Parker does a great job of switching between the characters so you always know who is talking.

Already listening to the next book!

Not for me!

I'm a big fan of author Jana DeLeon's Shaye Archer series and Miss Fortune series, so although it is classified as romance and includes a ghost, I decided to give Trouble in Mudbug a try. It's a matter of personal taste, but this series is not for me. I did not finish the book.

Not bad, but falls short of it's potential.

There were both good and bad things going for this story. First off it wasn't boring and I enjoyed the background and the slight mystery. However the romance was barely there, before they were falling in love with each other. I don't mind quick romances, but I don't like them when they are instantly in love. I'm okay if a book ends and they just want to continue the relationship to see where it will go, but unfortunately most books don't do that. Of course you have to read the next book to find out who really killed the bitchy mother-in-law, who the author was trying to get you to like by the end of the book, and she falls a bit short. I liked most of the other characters, but I didn't love them. As for a light cozy mystery/romance this book fit the category and I will probably read the next one, especially since there was a preview of the second book at the end of this book. Which I always think is a good idea to add for books in a series, it makes you listen to it and want the next one more. I have always really liked the narrator. In my opinion Joanna Parker has been good in everything I have listened to and I look forward to more of her readings.

If you like Charlaine Harris you'll like this!

This reminded me a lot of The Sookie Stackhouse Series. It's a light listen with the same narrator as the Sookie Stackhouse series. It's kind of fun, sort of silly, somewhat predictable, but I enjoyed it for the most part. I might listen to the second book in the series after listening to something heavy. It's worth the credit :-)

Bad reader

The story line seemed ok but couldnt stand the person reading the story. Only made it to the third chapter.😦

a formula novel that I gave up on half way through

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

This novel was like a thousand others. The love interest is a bad boy with long hair. The clean cut supposed good boy is a player, etc. No surprises and it follows the script of a thousand other novels in this genre.

Has Trouble in Mudbug turned you off from other books in this genre?

Be original and for once not have the two lover fight on first sight.

Would you be willing to try another one of Johanna Parker’s performances?

no.

What character would you cut from Trouble in Mudbug?

all of them

Any additional comments?

Don't waste your time

The Miss Fortune series is a much better series.

skip this series and read the Miss Fortune series by the same author. it's funnier ans a better story line.