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Mattie Winston Mystery #3
Frozen Stiff
Death is never pretty, and deputy coroner Mattie Winston's latest case is no exception. But this victim certainly was strikingly beautiful. . .before someone stuck that knife into her chest.
Mattie knows everyone in the charmingly small town of Sorenson, Wisconsin, so the deceased is definitely a stranger from out of town. If a woman this attractive had moved into town, the news would have surely hit the gossip mill in record time. So what was the victim doing here, laid out in this desolate field?
Things only get murkier with the arrival at the scene of the usually stoic and dependable detective Steven Hurley; one look at the body and he turns as white as the newly fallen snow. . .and excuses himself from the case. It turns out the victim was a top investigative reporter from Chicago, and Hurley not only knew her. . .they dated a year and a half ago, until she broke it off. While Mattie grapples with her jealousy of a gorgeous dead woman, Hurley swears her to secrecy and tells her. . .that knife in his ex's chest is his!
It's a case with more twists than Maddie's own crazy love life, and it'll take all of her forensic skills to unravel the increasingly bizarre clues and find the killer. . .before she herself becomes just another cold case!
368 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2011
211 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Annelise Ryan
19 books1,131 followersAnnelise Ryan is a pseudonym for Beth Amos, the USA Today bestselling author of 30 novels, including the Monster Hunter Mysteries featuring cryptozoologist and bookstore owner, Morgan Carter, the Mattie Winston mystery series, featuring a wryly cynical nurse-turned-coroner, and the Helping Hands Mysteries featuring social worker Hildy Schneider.
In addition, she is the author of the Mack's Bar Mystery series written as Allyson K. Abbott and five standalone paranormal thrillers written as Beth Amos.
She is a retired emergency room nurse living in Wisconsin. There are several reasons why she decided to use pseudonyms, not the least of which was that her ER patients might not have been comfortable knowing she spent her spare time thinking up clever ways to kill people.
In addition, she is the author of the Mack's Bar Mystery series written as Allyson K. Abbott and five standalone paranormal thrillers written as Beth Amos.
She is a retired emergency room nurse living in Wisconsin. There are several reasons why she decided to use pseudonyms, not the least of which was that her ER patients might not have been comfortable knowing she spent her spare time thinking up clever ways to kill people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
July 18, 2021
I really like Mattie, but in this one I found her way too focused on not just her weight but the weight and eating habits of others. It was annoying and kind of distracting. I also feel like the timeline is a bit rushed with major character/relationship changes happening in a very short period of time. I did like the mystery even if I didn’t love the Mattie hid evidence. It was interesting with some decent twists. I do like that Mattie stood up for herself with David but even now that was resolved didn’t seem believable.
October 23, 2025
Great mysteries!
Frozen Stiff
By Annelise Ryan
Another wonderful mystery with Mattie the Nurse/assistant to the county mortician. It's humorous, mysterious, and great fun to read!
Frozen Stiff
By Annelise Ryan
Another wonderful mystery with Mattie the Nurse/assistant to the county mortician. It's humorous, mysterious, and great fun to read!
December 30, 2019
I really like Mattie. She is a fun, relatable, real character who gets herself into the most interesting situations. Good mystery with lots of action going on. I look forward to reading Mattie’s next adventure. #readforkimberly
March 17, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Winter in Wisconsin can be a pure delight if you like the cold and you don’t find a dead body on the side of the road with a knife plunged into her chest. That is exactly what Deputy Coroner Mattie Winston finds. Detective Steven Hurley catches the case but as soon as he gets there he says he isn’t feeling well and reassigns the case to Bob Richmond, a cranky and almost retired detective. Mattie feels slighted by Hurley as he seems to be avoiding her. That is until he calls her later, swears her to secrecy, and asks for her help. Maddie could lose her job if she agrees, but there is no way she can turn Hurley down. She just hopes Izzy, her boss and friend can forgive her.
Maddie Winston can sure get herself into trouble. She is independent, leaps, before she thinks things through, will do anything for her friends, an even risk her life to save her ex-husband. She is a fantastic protagonist. Steve Hurley is the detective Mattie usually works with and has feelings for. In this story, she learns that a relationship with him may be impossible. Her ex-husband lives in their house right next door. She caught him in a compromising situation at the hospital with another nurse. That is why she is living in her new boss Izzy’s guest house and why she is no longer a nurse. He keeps trying to win her back but she doesn’t back down, she is moving on. All these characters and the rest of the cast is very well written.
The mystery has a nice twist this time that has Mattie still working with Hurley while working the case at the same time with Detective Richmond. I don’t want to give too much away but I really enjoyed the way the whole thing played out. Maddie even gets closer to Richmond, a man she started out despising. I liked the friendship that blossomed and some of their time together was so funny.
Humor again reigns supreme throughout this book. The story a hunter tells when he arrives in the Emergency Room almost had me rolling on the floor, even though I had heard a similar story somewhere else. The dialogues between the characters are funny. Some situations they find themselves in are funny. After just 3 books in this series, I know that when I am having a bad day, picking up a book by this author can pick me up usually within the first few pages.
While there is humor, there are serious situations too. Mattie does put herself in some very dangerous situations and sometimes her dog, Hoover follows right behind or even runs ahead. There were at least two times that had me on the edge of my seat. The author plotted out a great mystery and threw in some very clever turns. I had my “aha moment” right along with Mattie which was almost too late.
I love this series because it is set in Wisconsin and love to read about places I recognize. But I also love this series because these characters keep me as a reader on my toes. Annelise Ryan has written a story that makes me think and keeps me entertained from beginning to end.
*Note – This book does contain some explicit language.
Winter in Wisconsin can be a pure delight if you like the cold and you don’t find a dead body on the side of the road with a knife plunged into her chest. That is exactly what Deputy Coroner Mattie Winston finds. Detective Steven Hurley catches the case but as soon as he gets there he says he isn’t feeling well and reassigns the case to Bob Richmond, a cranky and almost retired detective. Mattie feels slighted by Hurley as he seems to be avoiding her. That is until he calls her later, swears her to secrecy, and asks for her help. Maddie could lose her job if she agrees, but there is no way she can turn Hurley down. She just hopes Izzy, her boss and friend can forgive her.
Maddie Winston can sure get herself into trouble. She is independent, leaps, before she thinks things through, will do anything for her friends, an even risk her life to save her ex-husband. She is a fantastic protagonist. Steve Hurley is the detective Mattie usually works with and has feelings for. In this story, she learns that a relationship with him may be impossible. Her ex-husband lives in their house right next door. She caught him in a compromising situation at the hospital with another nurse. That is why she is living in her new boss Izzy’s guest house and why she is no longer a nurse. He keeps trying to win her back but she doesn’t back down, she is moving on. All these characters and the rest of the cast is very well written.
The mystery has a nice twist this time that has Mattie still working with Hurley while working the case at the same time with Detective Richmond. I don’t want to give too much away but I really enjoyed the way the whole thing played out. Maddie even gets closer to Richmond, a man she started out despising. I liked the friendship that blossomed and some of their time together was so funny.
Humor again reigns supreme throughout this book. The story a hunter tells when he arrives in the Emergency Room almost had me rolling on the floor, even though I had heard a similar story somewhere else. The dialogues between the characters are funny. Some situations they find themselves in are funny. After just 3 books in this series, I know that when I am having a bad day, picking up a book by this author can pick me up usually within the first few pages.
While there is humor, there are serious situations too. Mattie does put herself in some very dangerous situations and sometimes her dog, Hoover follows right behind or even runs ahead. There were at least two times that had me on the edge of my seat. The author plotted out a great mystery and threw in some very clever turns. I had my “aha moment” right along with Mattie which was almost too late.
I love this series because it is set in Wisconsin and love to read about places I recognize. But I also love this series because these characters keep me as a reader on my toes. Annelise Ryan has written a story that makes me think and keeps me entertained from beginning to end.
*Note – This book does contain some explicit language.
October 27, 2015
I struggled with this one because of Mattie. I found her way to focused on her weight AND the weight of others. She devotes entire paragraphs to the way people eat, what they're eating, where they're eating and I just want to slap her and tell her to shut up. We get it, he's a fat, lazy sloth who eats like a pig. You covered that VERY early in the book. No need to return to it.
But in this book, there seems to be no end of unnecessary information and some completely unnecessary scenes that made the middle of the book drag on endlessly.
Finally, I nearly gave up on the book when she declared to Izzy that Steve couldn't turn himself in because then he couldn't investigate the case for himself. Um, what? It should be acknowledged here that the prime suspect, as a police officer, investigating the murders he's suspected of committing is a legal nightmare. The potential for contamination of evidence alone is ridiculous and ANY defence lawyer would have a field day with that. And Izzy's response to Mattie was acceptance. WHAT?????
So why three stars? I actually enjoyed the mystery so long as I skimmed over much of what went on in Mattie's head and pretty much all of the scenes at the cabin with Steve, oh and anything with David (WTF - not every book/series needs a love triangle and forcing one here was beyond ridiculous) and focused on the actual mystery part of the book.
At this point, I'm not sure how Mattie has a job - she shouldn't. I have no idea how she has any friends at all with the way she treats people. And I don't have a clue why either David or Steve wants anything to do with her.
And finally this book happens three weeks after she became medical examiner? So wait, this little town with no people in it has a major hospital with an ER and and OR. It has a medical examiner (uh, what?), but no shopping. And it has had a significant number of murders in THREE WEEKS???? AND in three weeks, she's gotten over her ex-husband, adopted a dog who is perfectly trained and housebroken, her mother has fallen in love with the guy that Mattie had a date with in the last book (a week ago?) and he's spending the night? I just can't buy this timeline.
But in this book, there seems to be no end of unnecessary information and some completely unnecessary scenes that made the middle of the book drag on endlessly.
Finally, I nearly gave up on the book when she declared to Izzy that Steve couldn't turn himself in because then he couldn't investigate the case for himself. Um, what? It should be acknowledged here that the prime suspect, as a police officer, investigating the murders he's suspected of committing is a legal nightmare. The potential for contamination of evidence alone is ridiculous and ANY defence lawyer would have a field day with that. And Izzy's response to Mattie was acceptance. WHAT?????
So why three stars? I actually enjoyed the mystery so long as I skimmed over much of what went on in Mattie's head and pretty much all of the scenes at the cabin with Steve, oh and anything with David (WTF - not every book/series needs a love triangle and forcing one here was beyond ridiculous) and focused on the actual mystery part of the book.
At this point, I'm not sure how Mattie has a job - she shouldn't. I have no idea how she has any friends at all with the way she treats people. And I don't have a clue why either David or Steve wants anything to do with her.
And finally this book happens three weeks after she became medical examiner? So wait, this little town with no people in it has a major hospital with an ER and and OR. It has a medical examiner (uh, what?), but no shopping. And it has had a significant number of murders in THREE WEEKS???? AND in three weeks, she's gotten over her ex-husband, adopted a dog who is perfectly trained and housebroken, her mother has fallen in love with the guy that Mattie had a date with in the last book (a week ago?) and he's spending the night? I just can't buy this timeline.
March 3, 2016
Mattie Winston, assistant to the medical examiner, shows up to a murder scene on a snow covered morning to a cold but lovely corpse. Unfortunately, this dead lady has ties to a certain hot cop of Mattie's complicated acquaintance. While the evidence is piling up against one, Steve Hurley, Mattie tries to find the truth of the murder and her feelings, all while trying to keep her job.
I liked this installment a lot and am so glad I was introduced to this series of cozies.
Mattie Winston is a riot. Her zany antics are funny in and of itself, but as a bonus, she is whip smart. She is cleverly written. Her epiphanies are well plotted and believable and I wasn't begging her to catch up with 'me'. Plus, everyone in the book is so much fun, even the jerks, and none of them take over the spotlight. Typically with multiple players I'm sorta of itching to get back to interaction with a couple specific ones - not so here.
On paper, I would certainly be annoyed by a characters tendency towards constant whining about body type and weight (especially when they are essentially being fought over by two attractive, professional men), but somehow her vulnerabilities sort of work for me because she really keeps them to herself. She acts like a mature human being who doesn't drag all of her personal turmoil out for everyone to react to. I so admire that about her character that I can ignore all the inner angst.
Finally, though the murders tend to be a little over the top (and I wonder how many crazy murders one small town could suffer), there are some moments when the utter fiction swings to utterly realistic so easily - particularly scenes in which Mattie's nursing experience takes over and everything is so RIVETING. So, a really nice balance of wacky and earnest. On to the next, I say!
I liked this installment a lot and am so glad I was introduced to this series of cozies.
Mattie Winston is a riot. Her zany antics are funny in and of itself, but as a bonus, she is whip smart. She is cleverly written. Her epiphanies are well plotted and believable and I wasn't begging her to catch up with 'me'. Plus, everyone in the book is so much fun, even the jerks, and none of them take over the spotlight. Typically with multiple players I'm sorta of itching to get back to interaction with a couple specific ones - not so here.
On paper, I would certainly be annoyed by a characters tendency towards constant whining about body type and weight (especially when they are essentially being fought over by two attractive, professional men), but somehow her vulnerabilities sort of work for me because she really keeps them to herself. She acts like a mature human being who doesn't drag all of her personal turmoil out for everyone to react to. I so admire that about her character that I can ignore all the inner angst.
Finally, though the murders tend to be a little over the top (and I wonder how many crazy murders one small town could suffer), there are some moments when the utter fiction swings to utterly realistic so easily - particularly scenes in which Mattie's nursing experience takes over and everything is so RIVETING. So, a really nice balance of wacky and earnest. On to the next, I say!
July 18, 2018
Mattie Winston, nurse turned deputy coroner, is called to a murder scene on a snowy morning. Down an embankment, they find a lovely woman, dead from a stab wound with a rather rare ivory handled knife. When Steve Hurley, the local detective, shows up, he looks at the corpse, turns white, and claims he is sick and they need to call in someone else. Unfortunately, this dead lady has ties to the hot cop. While the evidence is piling up against one, Steve Hurley, Mattie tries to find the truth of the murder and her feelings, all while trying to keep her job.
Mattie Winston is a smart, dedicated, loyal, confused protagonist. She is cleverly written and her epiphanies are well plotted and believable. She goes with her feelings and gut reactions and they are usually correct. Mattie is a tall, large boned woman who often laments about her size. In this book she begins going to the gym, much to the disbelief of most of the other characters. Her boss, Izzy, is also a great friend, who realizes what he has in Mattie and wants to promote her, but she would have to give up on any relationship with Hurley. His partner Dom likes to take care of people, including Mattie. Richmond, the overweight retired detective has to help out with this crime and as more and more incidents pile up, he is afraid that Hurley is going to be arrested based on the evidence. The more he and Mattie work together, the more likable he becomes. Mattie shames him into joining the gym and it looks like he might begin to take care of himself. These characters, plus Hurley, all work well together in this story to solve the crimes and take care of one another. I liked the mystery and the way the evidence unfolded. I was prepared for the culprit, but the reasons behind it were a bit of a surprise. A good story for any cozy mystery reader.
Mattie Winston is a smart, dedicated, loyal, confused protagonist. She is cleverly written and her epiphanies are well plotted and believable. She goes with her feelings and gut reactions and they are usually correct. Mattie is a tall, large boned woman who often laments about her size. In this book she begins going to the gym, much to the disbelief of most of the other characters. Her boss, Izzy, is also a great friend, who realizes what he has in Mattie and wants to promote her, but she would have to give up on any relationship with Hurley. His partner Dom likes to take care of people, including Mattie. Richmond, the overweight retired detective has to help out with this crime and as more and more incidents pile up, he is afraid that Hurley is going to be arrested based on the evidence. The more he and Mattie work together, the more likable he becomes. Mattie shames him into joining the gym and it looks like he might begin to take care of himself. These characters, plus Hurley, all work well together in this story to solve the crimes and take care of one another. I liked the mystery and the way the evidence unfolded. I was prepared for the culprit, but the reasons behind it were a bit of a surprise. A good story for any cozy mystery reader.
September 19, 2011
It's a little hard to get a grip on just how small a town Sorenson, Wisconsin is, or how close it is to Milwaukee. They seem to have everything a city would have for the police department, but not much for shopping, entertainment, or large residential section.
I found this book a little too light for my personal taste, and the plus size Mattie Winston too concerned with how large she is or if a certain male really likes her. It sounds too much like 6th grade sometimes.
I found this book a little too light for my personal taste, and the plus size Mattie Winston too concerned with how large she is or if a certain male really likes her. It sounds too much like 6th grade sometimes.
February 3, 2020
Fun series, lots of humor and a very likable realistic main character.
February 2, 2016
Mattie New Problems
Hoover is barking and won't stop. Mattie is desperate for him to be quiet. She opens her door and Hoover heads to her home. Mattie wonders if David in the home, calls 119 and rushes toward the house. Hoover by her side. Is David safe? All the evidence points again point to homicide detective Steve Hurley. Two earlier homicides have ties to Steve. Mattie must find answers before she loses her job and Steve ends up convicted of murder.
Hoover is barking and won't stop. Mattie is desperate for him to be quiet. She opens her door and Hoover heads to her home. Mattie wonders if David in the home, calls 119 and rushes toward the house. Hoover by her side. Is David safe? All the evidence points again point to homicide detective Steve Hurley. Two earlier homicides have ties to Steve. Mattie must find answers before she loses her job and Steve ends up convicted of murder.
February 6, 2023
Meh. After 3 books of consistent weight obsession, food shaming and judging herself and others’ weight and physical appearance harshly, I am done with Mattie. It’s a regular theme throughout these books and off putting.
June 11, 2018
Someone's trying to frame Hurley, from killing his ex-girlfriend to burning down David's house with Hurley's gas can to attempting to abduct Mattie. But who and why? Under suspicion, Hurley goes on the run and enlists Mattie's help in figuring out who's behind it all.
Good, but not great. I didn't devour this one like I did the other books in the series. I can't put my finger on why, some momentum was lost after the second book. But there was a lot to like in this one, from more background on Hurley (who is the series's least developed character, IMHO) to the old detective Bob (the gym scene made me laugh out loud!) to the great plot with a surprising twist at the end, there's no way I ever saw that coming. Although enjoyable, I found myself putting it aside in favor of other books more than once.
Good, but not great. I didn't devour this one like I did the other books in the series. I can't put my finger on why, some momentum was lost after the second book. But there was a lot to like in this one, from more background on Hurley (who is the series's least developed character, IMHO) to the old detective Bob (the gym scene made me laugh out loud!) to the great plot with a surprising twist at the end, there's no way I ever saw that coming. Although enjoyable, I found myself putting it aside in favor of other books more than once.
January 20, 2020
Mattie is called to a scene of death to see a beautiful woman has been stabbed and left in a frozen field of snow. When Hurley gets there, he turns white and excuses himself to call Richmond a part time detective to take over the case. Richmond is partly retired and a very large man. Mattie guilts him into joining a gym but has to accompany him, which she admits she needs too.
Hurley continues to be sick so Mattie is stuck with him as more bodies line up. But is Hurley really sick? Why do the bodies seem to all have a connection with Hurley?
I really didn't like Richmond because of his attitude but he really grew on me. He made a good addition to the story. This one was well written but only not as many funny parts as the previous two. I find I look forward to Mattie's klutzy moves and they enliven the story a lot for me. They do get better as the series progresses so kudo's to the author.
Hurley continues to be sick so Mattie is stuck with him as more bodies line up. But is Hurley really sick? Why do the bodies seem to all have a connection with Hurley?
I really didn't like Richmond because of his attitude but he really grew on me. He made a good addition to the story. This one was well written but only not as many funny parts as the previous two. I find I look forward to Mattie's klutzy moves and they enliven the story a lot for me. They do get better as the series progresses so kudo's to the author.
July 23, 2025
I really enjoy the humor mixed into this series and the dynamic between hurley and Mattie. For how well the entire book was doing at building trust between the two and dragging them each all over the place, the ending felt a bit rushed as it all came together in the last twenty or so pages. I at least didn't see the master plan coming, which was nice. My only complaint besides the rushed ending would be that for some reason the main character was very weight/ size focused which seemed a little out of place. 🤷 Other than that, I really enjoyed this one. Love being able to laugh while reading this genre.
March 28, 2016
This mystery is a bit of a stinker. I live in Wisconsin and my mom sent this pulp mystery my way. I finished it only because it is set in Wisconsin. The mystery itself is impossible in many ways. It has so many holes that you could drive a herd of dairy cows through it. In addition the main character, Mattie Winston, participates in so many bone-headed moves that no sane person would undertake all to prove the innocence of a guy she barely knows.
Basically if you like mysteries set in Wisconsin read this book, otherwise don't open the cover because you will be frustrated with it from page 3 to the end. If you choose to read it just remember, "I warned you."
Basically if you like mysteries set in Wisconsin read this book, otherwise don't open the cover because you will be frustrated with it from page 3 to the end. If you choose to read it just remember, "I warned you."
August 26, 2023
Mattie Mess!
Even though Mattie doesn't make it her business to get caught in all the murder mess but this time she invited or more like asked to do a favor which just makes her want to snoop. I have to say she's been pretty helpful with saving lives and smart enough to get the clues added up. I really enjoyable the characters, mom, Izzy, Richard and all the other funny and crazy ones. I thought it was hilarious when she went to the gym. Ex-husband is still a jerk but finally gave up with trying to get Mattie to take him back since he can't stop himself from being a jerk. Can't wait to see who's next and how Mattie is going to get caught up in the murder. Hahaha
Even though Mattie doesn't make it her business to get caught in all the murder mess but this time she invited or more like asked to do a favor which just makes her want to snoop. I have to say she's been pretty helpful with saving lives and smart enough to get the clues added up. I really enjoyable the characters, mom, Izzy, Richard and all the other funny and crazy ones. I thought it was hilarious when she went to the gym. Ex-husband is still a jerk but finally gave up with trying to get Mattie to take him back since he can't stop himself from being a jerk. Can't wait to see who's next and how Mattie is going to get caught up in the murder. Hahaha
January 9, 2020
Death is never pretty and this one is no exception.
Nurse turned deputy medical examiner, Mattie, is back with the usual crew. Recent deaths implicate Hurley as the perp. Mattie goes into full investigative mode to clear his name. Love the characters-human and animal! Enjoy the humor, the angst and the crazy situations! 4 stars!
Nurse turned deputy medical examiner, Mattie, is back with the usual crew. Recent deaths implicate Hurley as the perp. Mattie goes into full investigative mode to clear his name. Love the characters-human and animal! Enjoy the humor, the angst and the crazy situations! 4 stars!
July 1, 2022
3.5 stars. I must admit I was very disappointed in this book, and it took me to about 45% into it that it finally picked up. I’ve no idea why I didn’t connect with it. Solid story though, and good narration, except for the mispronunciation of a few medical words. Lol.
February 10, 2024
3.25 stars
I’m enjoying the mystery aspect of these - but the romance area is killing me.
I’m enjoying the mystery aspect of these - but the romance area is killing me.
September 21, 2022
Damned good series!
June 21, 2024
I was a little disappointed that there were far fewer laughs in this story, but the mystery was complex and engrossing. And the procedural details of the medical and scientific process were so interesting. I love it when I feel like I’m learning something.
September 12, 2015
First of all, "slut shaming" numerous time, not to mention slut shaming a dog - no, no, no!
Even though this book is *just* kitschy mystery -- I still found it implausibly annoying. It took her forever to get to the "no way a [good] cop would leave so much forensic evidence behind linking him to THREE attempted/murders in a small community" argument instead of: "the evidence is damning/seems to say [Hurley killed them]." If Ryan had kept this story at either the neighbor or the ex-girlfriend's murder, okay. But those two plus the fire...enough already!
Also, Mattie was kind of funny and endearing in the first 2 books but I just found her shallow, spineless, and annoying in this one: "I hate David/I'm going to let David stay in my house" ... "I hate David/I'm going to let him call me a bitch" ... "I have so many body issues/I'm going to glare at other women and call them bitches." And Ryan has more than played out the: "I'm not getting back together with David....David still wants to get back together" plot without it actually going anywhere - that story arc is dead already, leave it behind!
Actually, I think that's exactly why I dislike these books more and more with each one I read - because they're soap operas in print - the same basic story line from show to show/book to book (surprise, surprise someone has set someone else up to go down for a murder that they didn't commit!); the story never progresses/only changes at a snail's pace (it's taken 3 books for Mattie and Hurley to only sort of go out on a few dates and kiss); same not-so-dramatic-the-third-time-around ending (Mattie with the killer almost getting killed) - they play at being dramatic without anything new actually happening...
The only teeny, tiny thing that I want to hear is "the nipple incident," but not badly enough to read any more in this series, I'll Google it. Take a lesson from me Mattie Winston - our relationship is over!
Even though this book is *just* kitschy mystery -- I still found it implausibly annoying. It took her forever to get to the "no way a [good] cop would leave so much forensic evidence behind linking him to THREE attempted/murders in a small community" argument instead of: "the evidence is damning/seems to say [Hurley killed them]." If Ryan had kept this story at either the neighbor or the ex-girlfriend's murder, okay. But those two plus the fire...enough already!
Also, Mattie was kind of funny and endearing in the first 2 books but I just found her shallow, spineless, and annoying in this one: "I hate David/I'm going to let David stay in my house" ... "I hate David/I'm going to let him call me a bitch" ... "I have so many body issues/I'm going to glare at other women and call them bitches." And Ryan has more than played out the: "I'm not getting back together with David....David still wants to get back together" plot without it actually going anywhere - that story arc is dead already, leave it behind!
Actually, I think that's exactly why I dislike these books more and more with each one I read - because they're soap operas in print - the same basic story line from show to show/book to book (surprise, surprise someone has set someone else up to go down for a murder that they didn't commit!); the story never progresses/only changes at a snail's pace (it's taken 3 books for Mattie and Hurley to only sort of go out on a few dates and kiss); same not-so-dramatic-the-third-time-around ending (Mattie with the killer almost getting killed) - they play at being dramatic without anything new actually happening...
The only teeny, tiny thing that I want to hear is "the nipple incident," but not badly enough to read any more in this series, I'll Google it. Take a lesson from me Mattie Winston - our relationship is over!
May 31, 2025
Reading these out of order. Ironically, this was the first encountered and had to wait for it, so started reading others.
Came back to this, and so disappointed! The setup is clumsy and unreal. This insults the intelligence of the characters as well as the readers. Yes, it would be tense, yes the proper steps would need to be followed, but even a clever six-year-old wouldn't be taken in.
So the reader has to get past all that just to get 'into' the story. Add that in this one the MC's attention to her own lust is over the top, creating a death-sex link that's very uncomfortable to read.
This one emphasizes how inconsistent the MC is built. Strong enough to be an ER and OR nurse, self-claimed natural lie-catcher, self-admitted nosy person. But not strong enough to look someone in the eye and say, "anyone could commit murder under the right circumstances" or "I don't know you well enough to comment on that"? Can accept the clueless at relationships part, but that's such a given, a HS game.
This is like a bad game of Clue, with the main suspect acting like a baby.
Disappointed, this is formulaic and terribly obvious. Even if it were real life and not a - what - cozy murder mystery? - the parts are all like a flashing neon sign. This one's a force read, get through it asap so there's no wondering 'did I miss anything' curiosity.
Had the series been read in the order published, this would have been the end for this reader. Its bad pulp. Too much stupid and too little reasonable. And sloppy. One might use 'ablutions' for a cat bathing itself - the word does NOT mean a dog taking a squat outside. Seems both the writer and the editor didn't pay much attention to this one.
If this must be read, try to do it in one sitting, so all the endless flaws maybe won't stand out as such glaring trash. This book just uses the sloppiest ideas to get to and through the 'plot outline'. It just gets worse and worse as the book goes on.
Others before and after are somewhat better, but this one makes the MC and MMC more unappealing than usual. Its missing the fun some of the series offers.
Came back to this, and so disappointed! The setup is clumsy and unreal. This insults the intelligence of the characters as well as the readers. Yes, it would be tense, yes the proper steps would need to be followed, but even a clever six-year-old wouldn't be taken in.
So the reader has to get past all that just to get 'into' the story. Add that in this one the MC's attention to her own lust is over the top, creating a death-sex link that's very uncomfortable to read.
This one emphasizes how inconsistent the MC is built. Strong enough to be an ER and OR nurse, self-claimed natural lie-catcher, self-admitted nosy person. But not strong enough to look someone in the eye and say, "anyone could commit murder under the right circumstances" or "I don't know you well enough to comment on that"? Can accept the clueless at relationships part, but that's such a given, a HS game.
This is like a bad game of Clue, with the main suspect acting like a baby.
Disappointed, this is formulaic and terribly obvious. Even if it were real life and not a - what - cozy murder mystery? - the parts are all like a flashing neon sign. This one's a force read, get through it asap so there's no wondering 'did I miss anything' curiosity.
Had the series been read in the order published, this would have been the end for this reader. Its bad pulp. Too much stupid and too little reasonable. And sloppy. One might use 'ablutions' for a cat bathing itself - the word does NOT mean a dog taking a squat outside. Seems both the writer and the editor didn't pay much attention to this one.
If this must be read, try to do it in one sitting, so all the endless flaws maybe won't stand out as such glaring trash. This book just uses the sloppiest ideas to get to and through the 'plot outline'. It just gets worse and worse as the book goes on.
Others before and after are somewhat better, but this one makes the MC and MMC more unappealing than usual. Its missing the fun some of the series offers.
October 15, 2011
Okay, I'll admit it. I read the first two Mattie Winstons, and started reading the third one mainly to find out what happens between Mattie and her love interest, Hurley. If anyone is interested, here's the dish: WTF????? Now, in the third installment, after saying she didn't want or love her ex-husband, she suddenly has "unresolved feelings" toward him; and decides because of working conditions with her semi-boyfriend, Hurley, NOT TO HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM because it might interfere with their working relationship. Huh? Since when can't you work with someone if you're in an open (read: not clandestine) relationship with them? Note to author: it happens all the time. Even married couples work together happily. I'm not sure I'll even finish this book or read another one, if she continues on with this series. Yes, I got it to read the mystery; but these two people are really attracted to each other; practically can't keep their hands off each other; and now - out of the blue - decide because they're going to be working together they shouldn't be dating. I don't see the reason why, and it was a huge disappointment when they announced to everyone that there was 'nothing between them'.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2011
I won a copy on Goodreads first reads.
This is not one of those mysteries that smashes you over the head with dozens of suspects and red herrings.It is a solid amateur procedural.Usually the amateur sleuth would be able to solve the mystery much sooner if they just told the police what they knew.This time, there is good reasons to withhold the info.Also when it is the right time,Mattie does get the police involved instead of trying to catch the killer by herself.All together, a very solid and believable story.
Mattie Winston is great. An intelligent,loving woman who loves to eat,makes references to Star Wars, Star Trek, and comic books.What more could a guy want? The supporting cast are interesting and multi-dimensional.
This is definitely a series I will add to my reading list and will gladly share with others.
This is not one of those mysteries that smashes you over the head with dozens of suspects and red herrings.It is a solid amateur procedural.Usually the amateur sleuth would be able to solve the mystery much sooner if they just told the police what they knew.This time, there is good reasons to withhold the info.Also when it is the right time,Mattie does get the police involved instead of trying to catch the killer by herself.All together, a very solid and believable story.
Mattie Winston is great. An intelligent,loving woman who loves to eat,makes references to Star Wars, Star Trek, and comic books.What more could a guy want? The supporting cast are interesting and multi-dimensional.
This is definitely a series I will add to my reading list and will gladly share with others.
February 16, 2016
Matte is putting her job as Asst. Coroner in jeopardy by helping Detective Steve Hurley (now gone missing) discover who is working to frame him for the murders of Steve's ex-girlfriend, his back fence neighbor, & her soon-to-be ex-husband (attempted).
Her philandering husband refuses to accept the fact that their marriage is over and is doing his best to convince Mattie to come back to him, her hypochondriac mother is making her crazy, and the detective assigned to the investigation has connived Mattie into joining the gym with him....
This wasn't such a good book, in fact, I'm wondering why Mattie would sacrifice her job & her friendship w/ Dom (the Coroner) by hiding evidence of an on-going investigation.... I figured out most of it.... Meh!
Her philandering husband refuses to accept the fact that their marriage is over and is doing his best to convince Mattie to come back to him, her hypochondriac mother is making her crazy, and the detective assigned to the investigation has connived Mattie into joining the gym with him....
This wasn't such a good book, in fact, I'm wondering why Mattie would sacrifice her job & her friendship w/ Dom (the Coroner) by hiding evidence of an on-going investigation.... I figured out most of it.... Meh!
February 23, 2012
This series was not my usual read I'm more a paranormal reader but found it in my recomendations and thought I would give it a go and I was really suprised I bought the first one to try it out and at under $5.00 for the kindle edition I was really please and had all three read in three days. Lot's of fun I mean how many times can one person end up practically naked at a crime scene. The plots are not difficult to follow and it wasn't a real stretch to work out who was involved but it was enjoyable to watch how mattie came to answers.
October 10, 2011
Really great story. A great follow up to the first two very solid stories in this series. The characters are just so likeable, and the plot in this one had me guessing until about 1 paragraph before the author revealed whodunit. I was completely on the wrong track until that point. That doesn't happen very often and it's so much fun when to have that "ah hah!" moment. I look forward to further books in this series.
January 22, 2019
This is the third book of the Mattie Winston mysteries. When a reporter is found dead and then a second body is found all the evidence points to Detective Steve Hurley Mattie's big crush. She is the only one he can trust to keep him out of jail.
I love this book except for the rule now that will keep Steve and Mattie from being able to date. Mattie and the other characters are all so interesting and the story line is full of mystery and is quick paced. A fun and interesting mystery.
I love this book except for the rule now that will keep Steve and Mattie from being able to date. Mattie and the other characters are all so interesting and the story line is full of mystery and is quick paced. A fun and interesting mystery.
April 9, 2016
3.5
Another fun installment of the Mattie Winston series. Mattie becomes entangled in another messy murder investigation. When all evidence points to Detective Hurley being guilty Mattie steps in to help try to prove his innocence. Risking both her life and her job she does what she considers the right thing. One thing I kind of got tired of was the mentions of weight and being fat.
Another fun installment of the Mattie Winston series. Mattie becomes entangled in another messy murder investigation. When all evidence points to Detective Hurley being guilty Mattie steps in to help try to prove his innocence. Risking both her life and her job she does what she considers the right thing. One thing I kind of got tired of was the mentions of weight and being fat.
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