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.

Coming soon: The Queen's Gambit

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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