Red, White and Boom

It's Zany, Explosive, Funny, Felony-adjacent. Fast-Paced, Chaotic, Hilarious, Suspenseful, Wild, Twisty, Outrageous. Glitter covered.

It's Sinful on the 4th of July.

A throwback to the early days of Miss Fortune, Red, White, and Boom takes place one year after the events of Soldier of Fortune—and Fortune Redding has one simple goal for Sinful's Fourth of July celebration: no explosions, no bodies, no felony-level chaos, and absolutely no reason for Carter to use that disappointed lawman stare. Unfortunately, this is Sinful, Louisiana, where "simple" usually means Gertie has already packed snacks, Ida Belle has a plan she refuses to call illegal, and Celia Arceneaux has found a way to turn patriotism into a committee-supervised hostage situation. 

When suspicious fireworks, a historic strongbox, old family secrets, and a costume known only as Liberty Hell collide, Fortune finds herself trapped in a red-white-and-blue disaster with bells on—literally. What follows is a fast, funny, high-energy romp packed with small-town scheming, bayou trouble, questionable transportation, public humiliation, and the kind of zany mayhem only Sinful can deliver. If you miss the wild, laugh-out-loud intensity of Fortune's earliest adventures, this Fourth of July caper is ready to light the fuse. 

This is part of the Throwback to Miss Fortune Series, but is meant to be read as a standalone.

Ready for a Thanksgiving Holiday mystery. Try Stephen John's latest Miss Fortune Holiday adventure: Feast and Fowl Play. Available today!

    
5.0 out of 5 stars Red white boom
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This is an awesome read lots of funny incidents great story Stephen John writes great stories read it you will love it Gertie, Ida Belle & fortune are awesome - bobbie
    
5.0 out of 5 stars What is the 4th of July without fireworks?
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
A plot of land and a bunch of crooks all become involved in the Sinful celebration plans. Swamp team 3 teams up to uncover the plan to steal the land. Antics all start happening to find out who owns the questionable property and how are the crooks trying to get hold of the land. Plenty of laugh out loud moments when Gertie is involved!-GGH

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Funny and Perfect for America's 250th!
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I thoroughly enjoyed "Red, White and Boom," and laughed aloud several times. With towns and cities across America planning small or elaborate celebrations to celebrate our 250th birthday, (we're still a newborn compared to most countries in the world) this is a hilarious glimpse of what Celia Arcenaux's plans might look like for Sinful, LA this year. PS

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 reader

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent

Fantastic, 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.-Polley