Cutlass Cadaver: The Morelville Mysteries - Book 13

The Morelville Mysteries #13

by Anne Hagan

In the latest installment of the Morelville Mysteries series, Sheriff Mel Crane faces dual mysteries threatening her family and her career.

Called to investigate a body found in her brother-in-law's long lost classic car, Mel digs in to ID the victim and find his killer. Then a family spring break trip turns deadly when Mel's nephew is accused of murdering a young woman at a haunted house convention.

Using her seasoned investigative skills, Mel uncovers scandalous secrets and puts herself at risk to protect her family and close both cases. But the job is taking an increasing toll, making Mel question how much longer she can continue as sheriff.

For now, justice won't wait - and Mel won't rest until the truth is revealed. But the challenges are mounting, forcing Mel to ask herself what matters most - her career or her family?

With two shocking murder mysteries to untangle, only Mel can uncover the cold-blooded killers and bring closure to the victims' families. But her own family may need her even more in this gripping new tale of secrets, lies, and murder.

Genres: LGBT, Mystery

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2023

About the author

Anne Hagan is the author of more than twenty works of fiction in the mystery, romance, and thriller genres. She writes of family, friends, love, murder, and mayhem in no particular order and often all in the same story. She’s a half owner of the weekly discount eBook newsletter, MyQueerSapphFic, the managing director of the non-profit, iReadIndies, a wife, parent, foster parent, and an Army veteran. She draws from all of those experiences when she writes because truth is often stranger than fiction.

Reviews

[Diane (IF U'RE PRIVATE, PLEASE SKIP ME!!!) Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read!
This plotline & twists involved everyone and everybody -- friends, families, in-laws, side-kicks etc. etc. etc..
Recommended book and series!

[Xiaoqing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally finished this latest book in the amazing Morelville Mysteries series and wanting more! I admire the tough and fair sheriff Mel and her smart and understanding wife Dana. Fortunately for this wonderful couple, they are surrounded by their caring extended family, the best relatives anyone can dream of! Their crazy eventful family vacation further showcased their close relationship in the one big family and I wish much more to come of their quirky and nosy in laws.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

this long awaited book fills in some of the blanks for Mel, Dana, their aging families, and some of the challenges facing forty and fifty somethings with aging bodies and parents

it is very hard to keep working full time in first responder jobs as you age, and Sheriff Mel faced some significant challenges related to her kidnapping

health issues with aging parents, and lethal issues with other friends and family connections leave the Rossis and Cranes very dramatically and emotionally occupied, stressed, and under pressure to resolve cases and farm management

intense suspense, drama and action with lots of community and family connections

I really enjoy the mix of action and drama with midlife typical work/life/family balance issues - I am totally jealous of their strong bonds, and have a great time reading these ongoing adventures

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

With plenty of mystery and a plethora of strong characters, this book is a great addition to the series. It ties together all the loose ends culminating in a life-changing decision for our MCs. Mel, strong as ever, leads the group of sleuths to uncover 2 murder mysteries while dealing with the illness of a family member and battling decisions over the direction of her career.

The story is strongly character-driven, and it's the author's ability to write engaging and interesting characters that give extra depth and cohesion to the plot.

If you've enjoyed other tales in this series you will not be disappointed with this one. Highly recommended.

In the interest of disclosure an ARC copy was provided

[L E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow! story aside, I thought this was the last book in this series and am happy to know that the author has 14-16 in the works. I will be waiting with many others that have now fallen for this series and all the intricate characters.

As far as this books story... Wow!!! what a mess and poor James! I for one am happy with Mel's decision and hope that Dana and she open up and investigation agency and can also help there friend in Tennessee with the fraud cases too. What with all the family investigator, this should be an even bigger family operation.

[JoAnn Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book. Mel is one of my favorite characters and Dana is also. The family must work together to solve a crime. Mel has been contemplating a change and she finally makes a decision. I really love this family and look forward to the next one

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books starts with one mystery to solve and then there’s another one. Mysteries just seems to follow Mel, Dana and their family around. I’m glad to see Dana getting some time in this book, because I missed her presence in other recent books, but the whole family was really more present and working together. The story felt like it had three parts: first the mystery of the body in the car, then the family vacation to Tennessee with more bodies, and then back to Morelville to let Mel’s officers shine. I really enjoyed the twists and turns, and the family interactions in this novel.