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Morgue Mama Mysteries #1
Morgue Mama: The Cross Kisses Back
In the world of newspapers, the morgue is the place - usually somewhere in the bowels of the building - where old story clippings are filed away. Dolly Madison Sprowls has been in charge of The Hannawa Herald-Union's morgue for more than 40 years. She is gruff and salty, well past the age of retirement, and the unchallenged queen of her ink-stained domain. Reporters call her Morgue Mama - but only behind her back.
Maddy's well-ordered world is turned upside-down when the paper hires 24-year-old Aubrey McGinty for its police beat. Aubrey loses no time in questioning the conviction of Sissy James for the murder of TV evangelist Buddy Wing. Sissy had confessed live on television, and the evidence seems overwhelming, but the ambitious young reporter doesn't believe she did it. But why did Sissy embrace guilt? Aubrey enlists Maddy's help and together they begin a harrowing search for the truth. Digging into the files, they soon - dangerously - uncover enough suspects to fill a studio with those who do the devil's work.
Maddy's well-ordered world is turned upside-down when the paper hires 24-year-old Aubrey McGinty for its police beat. Aubrey loses no time in questioning the conviction of Sissy James for the murder of TV evangelist Buddy Wing. Sissy had confessed live on television, and the evidence seems overwhelming, but the ambitious young reporter doesn't believe she did it. But why did Sissy embrace guilt? Aubrey enlists Maddy's help and together they begin a harrowing search for the truth. Digging into the files, they soon - dangerously - uncover enough suspects to fill a studio with those who do the devil's work.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
230 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 21, 2010
For a while, I've had the idea that you could do a great mystery or detective novel about a newspaper reporter in northeast Ohio. Well, it turns out someone already beat me to it--sort of.
This is the first in a three-book series about Dolly Madison Sprowls, a.k.a. "Morgue Mama," the 67-year-old librarian of a mid-sized Ohio paper that's more or less modeled on the Akron Beacon-Journal. Sprowls lords over the newspaper's archive (the "morgue," hence her reviled nickname), and teams up with an ambitious 24-year-old reporter to try to solve the murder of a flamboyant televangelist.
Written by former Medina Gazette reporter Robert Levandoski under the pen name C.R. Corwin, the book is witty, engaging, and filled with compelling characters. Both Morgue Mama and her young sidekick, Aubrey, are likable and fun to follow. The book also gets a lot of the details about the newspaper business and Ohio life correct. (Although a lot of newspapers these days no longer have librarians.)
But just when I thought I had found a hidden gem, Corwin spoils the whole thing with a ridiculous and contrived ending that would have had me throwing it up against the wall--if I hadn't been reading it on my nook. There's a way that he could have pulled this off, but it would require more style and grace--not the type of narrative trickery which screams "amateur."
Ah well. Since Corwin went on to write two more entries in the series, and the reviews seem generally positive, so maybe my reaction is unique. It's a quick and easy read, so if you're REALLY into newspaper stories, mysteries, or Ohio, it might be worth a shot. Otherwise, my recommendation is to stay away.
NOTE: This was the first book I read on a nook, Barnes and Noble's e-book reader. I found the experience to be so similar to old paper reading that I almost forgot I was using a different format. And since this is a relatively obscure book, I doubt I would have ever found a paper copy. Even though it turned out to be a disappointment, I'm glad to have the chance to explore.
This is the first in a three-book series about Dolly Madison Sprowls, a.k.a. "Morgue Mama," the 67-year-old librarian of a mid-sized Ohio paper that's more or less modeled on the Akron Beacon-Journal. Sprowls lords over the newspaper's archive (the "morgue," hence her reviled nickname), and teams up with an ambitious 24-year-old reporter to try to solve the murder of a flamboyant televangelist.
Written by former Medina Gazette reporter Robert Levandoski under the pen name C.R. Corwin, the book is witty, engaging, and filled with compelling characters. Both Morgue Mama and her young sidekick, Aubrey, are likable and fun to follow. The book also gets a lot of the details about the newspaper business and Ohio life correct. (Although a lot of newspapers these days no longer have librarians.)
But just when I thought I had found a hidden gem, Corwin spoils the whole thing with a ridiculous and contrived ending that would have had me throwing it up against the wall--if I hadn't been reading it on my nook. There's a way that he could have pulled this off, but it would require more style and grace--not the type of narrative trickery which screams "amateur."
Ah well. Since Corwin went on to write two more entries in the series, and the reviews seem generally positive, so maybe my reaction is unique. It's a quick and easy read, so if you're REALLY into newspaper stories, mysteries, or Ohio, it might be worth a shot. Otherwise, my recommendation is to stay away.
NOTE: This was the first book I read on a nook, Barnes and Noble's e-book reader. I found the experience to be so similar to old paper reading that I almost forgot I was using a different format. And since this is a relatively obscure book, I doubt I would have ever found a paper copy. Even though it turned out to be a disappointment, I'm glad to have the chance to explore.
August 1, 2014
This is a cute book. I listened to it in the car on my way upnorth and it is a fun read.
October 7, 2017
Morgue Mama: The Cross Kisses Back by C.R. Corwin is the first book of the Morgue Mama mystery series set in contemporary Ohio. The "morgue" in this story doesn't have body-bags; it is a newspaper's archive. "Morgue Mama" is a behind-her-back nickname for Maddy Sprowls, the seasoned veteran who rules over the newspaper's morgue. Maddy cherishes records and research so much, she brings home the original newspaper issues after they've been copied to digital media.
Cub reporter Aubrey arrives and takes over the crime beat. She's ambitious; does not want to merely cover her assigned stories; she wants a sensational story to forward her career. Aubrey's budding career has leap-frogged by publishing big headlines. In high school, she revealed a coach's indiscretions; at Kent State, she covered an epidemic of dead squirrels. For her big scoop at this newspaper, Aubrey intends to reveal that the convicted murderer of a televangelist killing was actually innocent.
Aubrey and Maddy investigate together, interviewing those closest to the victim; uncovering convincing evidence that keeps them digging. They discover a secret the convicted killer does not want made public, which actually clears her of guilt. They set up a confrontational interview between rival evangelists, with explosive results. They blast supposed alibis. Then...when Aubrey writes her big story...I enjoyed the surprise ending more than the rest of the book. Maddy may be older than Aubrey, but she certainly hasn't lost her keen intelligence and investigative skill. Go Maddy! I look forward to reading her next adventure.
Cub reporter Aubrey arrives and takes over the crime beat. She's ambitious; does not want to merely cover her assigned stories; she wants a sensational story to forward her career. Aubrey's budding career has leap-frogged by publishing big headlines. In high school, she revealed a coach's indiscretions; at Kent State, she covered an epidemic of dead squirrels. For her big scoop at this newspaper, Aubrey intends to reveal that the convicted murderer of a televangelist killing was actually innocent.
Aubrey and Maddy investigate together, interviewing those closest to the victim; uncovering convincing evidence that keeps them digging. They discover a secret the convicted killer does not want made public, which actually clears her of guilt. They set up a confrontational interview between rival evangelists, with explosive results. They blast supposed alibis. Then...when Aubrey writes her big story...I enjoyed the surprise ending more than the rest of the book. Maddy may be older than Aubrey, but she certainly hasn't lost her keen intelligence and investigative skill. Go Maddy! I look forward to reading her next adventure.
March 6, 2026
OMG the audiobook narration was hilarious (Lorna Raver). This is labeled as a mystery but they should have also added Humor.
Maddy, the Morgue Mama, is a gruff, wisecracking, zingy one-liner slinging 67 year old librarian at the paper and in charge of the morgue. She's flying under the radar being a super sleuth. She also put me in the mood for meatloaf!
Reporter Aubrey was more focused on clearing the name of the girl convicted of the murder then solving the crime. Maddy, on the other hand, was way ahead of her in that department.
I enjoyed the heck out of Maddy but wasn't invested in the murder mystery.
Maddy, the Morgue Mama, is a gruff, wisecracking, zingy one-liner slinging 67 year old librarian at the paper and in charge of the morgue. She's flying under the radar being a super sleuth. She also put me in the mood for meatloaf!
Reporter Aubrey was more focused on clearing the name of the girl convicted of the murder then solving the crime. Maddy, on the other hand, was way ahead of her in that department.
I enjoyed the heck out of Maddy but wasn't invested in the murder mystery.
Read
March 17, 2025I couldn't get into this one. I tried a couple times and gave up. The protagonist is a cranky librarian who works in a small-town Ohio (fictitious)town as the librarian in a local newspaper morgue. She was just cranky all the time with everyone, I mean everyone has moods, but there are things to be happy about in life so why be cranky and mean all the time? I wasn't enjoying it so I gave up. Not my cup of tea. No star rating because I did not really get far enough to say.
April 26, 2019
Mystery series whose narrator is the librarian of a small Ohio newspaper. Lots of insights into the newspaper business, an unexpected motive for the murders, and interesting cast of characters.
Unreliable narrator--and obviously the author can't keep repeating that throughout the series--Christie's Murder of Roger Ackroyd was a one-off for a reason. And no, the morgue mama is not the killer.
Unreliable narrator--and obviously the author can't keep repeating that throughout the series--Christie's Murder of Roger Ackroyd was a one-off for a reason. And no, the morgue mama is not the killer.
November 11, 2024
surprise
Such an interesting twist on a mystery novel. I didn’t have a clue until the very end which I totally loved! I also loved the way the author just led you on, then BAM! what a surprise!
Such an interesting twist on a mystery novel. I didn’t have a clue until the very end which I totally loved! I also loved the way the author just led you on, then BAM! what a surprise!
April 10, 2023
A fun cozy mystery, and I really liked the twist at the end, but I didn't fall in love with the characters.
February 11, 2026
Fantastic read, the characters were approachable and the TWIST….wow!
July 13, 2026
The plot of this cozy mystery was highly contrived and unbelievable. That said, I liked the characters and enjoyed reading the book anyway.
September 30, 2026
Doesn't play fair with the reader.
August 25, 2012
*Morgue Mama by C.R. Corwin is a light, mystery novel; quick, easy read, sometimes fun, such as when:
"Dale started twirling his felt-tip pen through his fingers like a majorette's baton."
"I watched his felt-tip fly across the aisle and land under a table of old women who'd already gotten their food. He looked at the tangle of support-hosed legs and winced."
Towards the end of the novel, when the killer is identified, the characters rehashed just about everything readers learned earlier in the book. It seemed almost a summation of the story, least readers forgot.
Morgue Mama is not the type book I would read a second time, except the surprise ending, does make me want to reread it, to pay more attention to the killer, Dolly and a few other character's actions, and words.
*The cover of library book titles this book simply: Morgue Mama. Author copyright is given as 2003, 2006 with first trade paper back edition listed as 2006. The title page inside the book gives the title as: Morgue Mama, The Cross Kisses back. Goodreads cover illustration for Morgue Mama The Cross Kisses Back is different than cover of copy I read.
"Dale started twirling his felt-tip pen through his fingers like a majorette's baton."
"I watched his felt-tip fly across the aisle and land under a table of old women who'd already gotten their food. He looked at the tangle of support-hosed legs and winced."
Towards the end of the novel, when the killer is identified, the characters rehashed just about everything readers learned earlier in the book. It seemed almost a summation of the story, least readers forgot.
Morgue Mama is not the type book I would read a second time, except the surprise ending, does make me want to reread it, to pay more attention to the killer, Dolly and a few other character's actions, and words.
*The cover of library book titles this book simply: Morgue Mama. Author copyright is given as 2003, 2006 with first trade paper back edition listed as 2006. The title page inside the book gives the title as: Morgue Mama, The Cross Kisses back. Goodreads cover illustration for Morgue Mama The Cross Kisses Back is different than cover of copy I read.
September 7, 2007
MORGUE MAMA: THE CROSS KISSES BACK – G
Corwin, C.R. – 1st book
Dolly Madison Sprowls, 67-year-old keeper of the newspaper morgue, and a determined cub reporter, Aubrey McGinty, team up to investigate the poisoning of TV evangelist Buddy Wing at the Heaven Bound Cathedral in "the Hallelujah city" of Hannawa, Ohio. However, Aubrey, rather than finding the culprit, seems bent only on clearing the name of convict Sissy James, the badly abused ex-girlfriend of a rival preacher.
Not a bad first book although I enjoyed the character of Dolly more than the story itself. She’s a smart, well-drawn character and I would probably look to see what will happen next to her.
Corwin, C.R. – 1st book
Dolly Madison Sprowls, 67-year-old keeper of the newspaper morgue, and a determined cub reporter, Aubrey McGinty, team up to investigate the poisoning of TV evangelist Buddy Wing at the Heaven Bound Cathedral in "the Hallelujah city" of Hannawa, Ohio. However, Aubrey, rather than finding the culprit, seems bent only on clearing the name of convict Sissy James, the badly abused ex-girlfriend of a rival preacher.
Not a bad first book although I enjoyed the character of Dolly more than the story itself. She’s a smart, well-drawn character and I would probably look to see what will happen next to her.
Read
December 28, 2014Publisher
Blackstone Audio, Inc.
OverDrive MP3 Audiobook
File size:
245787 KB
Number of parts:
8
Duration:
8 hours, 44 minutes
ISBN:
9781624609015
Release date:
Jun 27, 2012
interesting mystery -- i had picked out the murderer early on, got caught up in the huge number of possible suspects and forgot about my choice, decided the set of suspects was too complicated and things had to be simpler (as agatha christie keeps telling us -- when it is complicated it is because someone has made it complicated) and still forgot my elected suspect and began to suspect someone else ... so, it was a bit gratifying in the end to find out the who of the whodunit ...
Blackstone Audio, Inc.
OverDrive MP3 Audiobook
File size:
245787 KB
Number of parts:
8
Duration:
8 hours, 44 minutes
ISBN:
9781624609015
Release date:
Jun 27, 2012
interesting mystery -- i had picked out the murderer early on, got caught up in the huge number of possible suspects and forgot about my choice, decided the set of suspects was too complicated and things had to be simpler (as agatha christie keeps telling us -- when it is complicated it is because someone has made it complicated) and still forgot my elected suspect and began to suspect someone else ... so, it was a bit gratifying in the end to find out the who of the whodunit ...
July 31, 2013
When TV evangelist buddy wing is poisoned newspaper archivist Dolly Madison (morgue mama) and reporter Aubrey McGinty team up to uncover the truth. Their in investigation will lead them to a multitude of suspects, and the true killer. This book was great! The ending completely surprised me. I love Dolly's personality, she is awesome. I like how the author portrayed the killer as a real person, with feelings and understandable motives. I was able to empathize with the killer, even though I did not agree. I will definitely be reading more in this series, can't wait for the second book :-).
July 17, 2008
this was fun, a good twisty mystery. The "morgue mama" in question is 68-year-old head librarian of the archives/back files, i.e. the "morgue" of a small town newspaper. As we librarians know, research is necessary and and Dolly Madison Sprowl id the queen of the vertical file. The touch is light w/out being too fluffy and the story perks along. I am now reading the second book and enjoying that as well.
July 27, 2008
* #1 in Morgue Mama mystery series *
Good cozy mystery, set in Ohio in a newspaper. "Morgue Mama" is 67 y/o Dolly Madison Sprouls, the paper's file archives maven.
Young, ambitious reporter Aubrey joins the paper. She stumbles onto clues in a TV evangelist's murder case that lead her and Morgue Mama to investigate whether the police & DA convicted the true murderer.
Great surprise ending!
Thanks CheesyGiraffe, for listing this book at G/R so we found out about it :-)
Good cozy mystery, set in Ohio in a newspaper. "Morgue Mama" is 67 y/o Dolly Madison Sprouls, the paper's file archives maven.
Young, ambitious reporter Aubrey joins the paper. She stumbles onto clues in a TV evangelist's murder case that lead her and Morgue Mama to investigate whether the police & DA convicted the true murderer.
Great surprise ending!
Thanks CheesyGiraffe, for listing this book at G/R so we found out about it :-)
January 27, 2009
The main characters are a young crime reporter and a 67 year old newspaper morgue librarian. They team up to prove Sissy did not kill evangelist Buddy to protect her married lover - a former Buddy understudy. Excellent story, great writing style, extremely surprising ending. Aubrey McGinty, the young reporter, is the murderer. Loved this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2008
i enjoyed this mystery. well-written, fast-paced and much of it takes place in my favorite locale, the newsroom. this is the first one with this character -- a divorced woman in her 60s who zealously guards her curmudgeonly reputation.
January 7, 2011
A quick read. Interesting twists. I like that the author leaves the reader out of the loop (we don't see the protagonist really getting the details...just an overview) but gives us enough to make us think in the right direction.
February 18, 2008
Super story!! Looking for more!
June 23, 2008
This was a good mystery. I loved the twist at the end. Can't wait to get my hands on the second in the series.
August 7, 2008
I thought the "plot twist" simultaneously predictable and far-fetched. But I liked the "morgue mama" character and would read others in the series.
May 20, 2009
I learned there is life after romance--morge mama is a fiesty older woman-working in a young person's world-but she does way more than survive!
August 30, 2009
Great new series for me to read.
Read
August 18, 2011good, and an interesting twist at the end
June 16, 2012
First book I have found set in Ohio.
April 22, 2013
Had to laugh about the title after the surprising ending to a good puzzle.
May 23, 2014
what fun characters
February 14, 2016
Much of this book is the set up - identify and describing the characters who will surface in subsequent Morgue Mama books. It was a fast read with a surprise twist at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews