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Mattie Winston Mystery #7
Stiff Competition
A coroner must find a killer out to make a point in this hard-boiled mystery by the USA Today–bestselling author of Dead Even.
Every fall, hunting season in Sorenson, Wisconsin, leads to some accidental injuries. Deputy coroner Mattie Winston just hopes the hunters don’t bring any more business to her office. But somebody seems to have declared open season on land developers. One real estate developer who’s recently come to town has been found dead in the woods with an arrow through his neck. Now it’s up to Mattie to get to the bottom of the killing. That might be easier if she wasn’t also hunting for Detective Hurley’s teenage daughter, Emily, who has suddenly disappeared. With a homicidal William Tell out on the loose, Mattie is desperate to find Emily before the killer notches another arrow . . .
“[Ryan] presents subtle but nonstop humor throughout her books.”—Kings River Life Magazine
Praise for Annelise Ryan and her Mattie Winston series
“Ryan shows growing skill at mixing humor with CSI-style crime.”—Publishers Weekly
“The forensic details will interest Patricia Cornwell readers . . .while the often slapstick humor and the blossoming romance between Mattie and Hurley will draw Evanovich fans.”—Booklist
Every fall, hunting season in Sorenson, Wisconsin, leads to some accidental injuries. Deputy coroner Mattie Winston just hopes the hunters don’t bring any more business to her office. But somebody seems to have declared open season on land developers. One real estate developer who’s recently come to town has been found dead in the woods with an arrow through his neck. Now it’s up to Mattie to get to the bottom of the killing. That might be easier if she wasn’t also hunting for Detective Hurley’s teenage daughter, Emily, who has suddenly disappeared. With a homicidal William Tell out on the loose, Mattie is desperate to find Emily before the killer notches another arrow . . .
“[Ryan] presents subtle but nonstop humor throughout her books.”—Kings River Life Magazine
Praise for Annelise Ryan and her Mattie Winston series
“Ryan shows growing skill at mixing humor with CSI-style crime.”—Publishers Weekly
“The forensic details will interest Patricia Cornwell readers . . .while the often slapstick humor and the blossoming romance between Mattie and Hurley will draw Evanovich fans.”—Booklist
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2016
198 people are currently reading
680 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 113 reviews
February 12, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The crisp autumn air in Wisconsin means there are deer hunters in the woods and fields first for bow hunting, later for gun hunting. Accidents are bound to happen but when a land developer is taken down with an arrow it turns out to be murder. Deputy Coroner Mattie Winston returns to work after the birth of her baby just in time to be put on the case. She starts working the case with her baby’s daddy, Detective Hurley but when Emily his teenage daughter goes missing he hands the case off to another detective to search for her. Mattie would love to help him but her relationship with the teenager is pretty icy. But soon she finds herself both on the trail for Emily and the killer.
Mattie’s life is full and complicated. She is trying to find a balance between work and motherhood. Thankfully she has a great babysitter in Dom but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t show up the first day back at work with baby puke in her hair and on her shirt. She is also hoping to bring her little family together but Hurley’s daughter isn’t having it. She is doing everything she can to keep Mattie and Hurley apart.
Maddie’s first days back at work are truly filled to the brim. Any mother can feel the strain of taking care of a newborn while trying to function through a workday. The author gives a true perspective. I identified with Mattie putting everyone and everything else first. Trying to squeeze in a haircut was a monumental task and then she made a poor decision.
Hurley is dealing with a lot as well. He is in a high-pressure job that requires a lot of hours. His teenage daughter entering his life brings a whole new set of stressors and now he has the baby with Mattie. He is feeling guilty because he feels he is not doing any of the jobs well.
What really drives the books in this series are the many relationships between the characters. There is drama but there is an overwhelming feeling of love. The core characters all care about each other and make up a unique family situation. The characters continue to grow throughout each book and in Stiff Competition, one character has a wonderful awakening. It is so easy to get invested in these characters.
Ms. Ryan gives readers two mysteries to solve. The murder of a shady land developer and the disappearance of Hurley’s daughter. Maddie is up to her neck in both and the author twists both of them together with an expert hand. I was more caught up in Emily’s disappearance because she is a core character but it was fun following the clues to solve the other mystery too. I also enjoy the way humor is placed widely throughout the story. Real true-to-life events befall Mattie time and time again in a funny way.
Of course, this series taking place close to my home always brings extra enjoyment as landmarks and places I know are mentioned. It is easy to see in my mind right where everything is taking place.
Stiff Competition is a nice addition to this series. With the next book, we move out of the “Stiff” phase and into the “DEAD” phase. I am looking forward to continuing on Mattie’s journey with her family and friends. The ending of this book makes me excited to escape into Dead In The Water soon.
The crisp autumn air in Wisconsin means there are deer hunters in the woods and fields first for bow hunting, later for gun hunting. Accidents are bound to happen but when a land developer is taken down with an arrow it turns out to be murder. Deputy Coroner Mattie Winston returns to work after the birth of her baby just in time to be put on the case. She starts working the case with her baby’s daddy, Detective Hurley but when Emily his teenage daughter goes missing he hands the case off to another detective to search for her. Mattie would love to help him but her relationship with the teenager is pretty icy. But soon she finds herself both on the trail for Emily and the killer.
Mattie’s life is full and complicated. She is trying to find a balance between work and motherhood. Thankfully she has a great babysitter in Dom but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t show up the first day back at work with baby puke in her hair and on her shirt. She is also hoping to bring her little family together but Hurley’s daughter isn’t having it. She is doing everything she can to keep Mattie and Hurley apart.
Maddie’s first days back at work are truly filled to the brim. Any mother can feel the strain of taking care of a newborn while trying to function through a workday. The author gives a true perspective. I identified with Mattie putting everyone and everything else first. Trying to squeeze in a haircut was a monumental task and then she made a poor decision.
Hurley is dealing with a lot as well. He is in a high-pressure job that requires a lot of hours. His teenage daughter entering his life brings a whole new set of stressors and now he has the baby with Mattie. He is feeling guilty because he feels he is not doing any of the jobs well.
What really drives the books in this series are the many relationships between the characters. There is drama but there is an overwhelming feeling of love. The core characters all care about each other and make up a unique family situation. The characters continue to grow throughout each book and in Stiff Competition, one character has a wonderful awakening. It is so easy to get invested in these characters.
Ms. Ryan gives readers two mysteries to solve. The murder of a shady land developer and the disappearance of Hurley’s daughter. Maddie is up to her neck in both and the author twists both of them together with an expert hand. I was more caught up in Emily’s disappearance because she is a core character but it was fun following the clues to solve the other mystery too. I also enjoy the way humor is placed widely throughout the story. Real true-to-life events befall Mattie time and time again in a funny way.
Of course, this series taking place close to my home always brings extra enjoyment as landmarks and places I know are mentioned. It is easy to see in my mind right where everything is taking place.
Stiff Competition is a nice addition to this series. With the next book, we move out of the “Stiff” phase and into the “DEAD” phase. I am looking forward to continuing on Mattie’s journey with her family and friends. The ending of this book makes me excited to escape into Dead In The Water soon.
February 17, 2016
Review: STIFF COMPETITION by Annelise Ryan
(Mattie Winston Mysteries #7)
STIFF COMPETITION is an endearing emotional cozy mystery, with protagonist Mattie Winston, deputy coroner of small Sorensen, Wisconsin, coping with issues common, in whole or part, to many American women. As a new mother, she's virtually sleepless, and she's just returned to full-time work. Her son's father, a local detective, struggles with his adolescent daughter, whose mother is deceased, and until recently didn't know her father was alive. Now he and Mattie have a murder to investigate, that of a much-disliked ladies' man land shark developer.
(Mattie Winston Mysteries #7)
STIFF COMPETITION is an endearing emotional cozy mystery, with protagonist Mattie Winston, deputy coroner of small Sorensen, Wisconsin, coping with issues common, in whole or part, to many American women. As a new mother, she's virtually sleepless, and she's just returned to full-time work. Her son's father, a local detective, struggles with his adolescent daughter, whose mother is deceased, and until recently didn't know her father was alive. Now he and Mattie have a murder to investigate, that of a much-disliked ladies' man land shark developer.
November 23, 2020
Stiff competition by Annelise Ryan is the 7th book in the Mattie Winston Mysteries series. Deputy coroner Mattie Winston assists in the investigation of the murder of a real estate developer shot with an arrow during hunting season, as well as the disappearance of Detective Hurley's daughter Emily. Another fabulous book in the series. The best part is catching up with all the quirky characters and their lives. A very entertaining book with a well written and captivating mystery that was fun to read.
February 11, 2017
I really enjoy this series. I like Mattie & Hurley and Hoover & Rubbish. The stories are always good, but this one seemed to be missing something for me. Can't put my finger on just what it was, but it took a long time to get through. Found myself putting it down for long periods before picking it back up. An okay read, just not great.
January 26, 2016
Stiff Competition
Annelise Ryan
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Every fall, hunting season in Sorenson, Wisconsin, leads to some accidental injuries. Deputy coroner Mattie Winston just hopes the hunters don’t bring any more business to her office. But somebody seems to have declared open season on land developers. One real estate developer who’s recently come to town has been found dead in the woods with an arrow through his neck. Now it’s up to Mattie to get to the bottom of the killing. That might be easier if she wasn’t also hunting for Detective Hurley’s teenage daughter, Emily, who has suddenly disappeared. With a homicidal William Tell out on the loose, Mattie is desperate to find Emily before the killer notches another arrow… (Goodreads)
Review:
I remember reading the first two books in this series a while back and really enjoying them. I felt the same way reading this one, I thought it was very good.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. I love the quirky personality of Mattie Winston. She has returned back to work as the Deputy coroner after the birth of her son. Reading about how she tries to juggle her work, her son, her son’s feedings, and her love life made me laugh out loud. The problems she encountered were so realistic and I could completely relate to her woes. I also enjoyed reading about her relationship with her boyfriend (and the father of her son), Hurley, and I appreciated the fact that things were not always rosy. This made it more life-like, which I appreciate.
There are two mysteries to solve, one the death of a land developer and the other the disappearance of Hurley’s teenage daughter. Mattie worked tirelessly to find the answer to both of these mysteries. I felt the variety made the book more interesting and more difficult to figure out the solutions. I just had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in combining mystery, suspense, humor and fantastic characters to create a top-notch cozy mystery. I was pulled into the world that she created and I just wanted to stay there visiting and learning more about all the characters. I would definitely recommend this book (and series) to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery. I now have another favorite series to catch up on and enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Annelise Ryan
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Every fall, hunting season in Sorenson, Wisconsin, leads to some accidental injuries. Deputy coroner Mattie Winston just hopes the hunters don’t bring any more business to her office. But somebody seems to have declared open season on land developers. One real estate developer who’s recently come to town has been found dead in the woods with an arrow through his neck. Now it’s up to Mattie to get to the bottom of the killing. That might be easier if she wasn’t also hunting for Detective Hurley’s teenage daughter, Emily, who has suddenly disappeared. With a homicidal William Tell out on the loose, Mattie is desperate to find Emily before the killer notches another arrow… (Goodreads)
Review:
I remember reading the first two books in this series a while back and really enjoying them. I felt the same way reading this one, I thought it was very good.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. I love the quirky personality of Mattie Winston. She has returned back to work as the Deputy coroner after the birth of her son. Reading about how she tries to juggle her work, her son, her son’s feedings, and her love life made me laugh out loud. The problems she encountered were so realistic and I could completely relate to her woes. I also enjoyed reading about her relationship with her boyfriend (and the father of her son), Hurley, and I appreciated the fact that things were not always rosy. This made it more life-like, which I appreciate.
There are two mysteries to solve, one the death of a land developer and the other the disappearance of Hurley’s teenage daughter. Mattie worked tirelessly to find the answer to both of these mysteries. I felt the variety made the book more interesting and more difficult to figure out the solutions. I just had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in combining mystery, suspense, humor and fantastic characters to create a top-notch cozy mystery. I was pulled into the world that she created and I just wanted to stay there visiting and learning more about all the characters. I would definitely recommend this book (and series) to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery. I now have another favorite series to catch up on and enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 22, 2022
Ok. A little to much obsessive focus on the new baby. Hope that tones down.
January 22, 2016
*I received a free copy of this book from Kensington and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and views stated in this review are entirely my own.*
The Mattie Winston Series has quickly become one of the top mystery series I follow, and this book didn't disappoint! With the hilarious, quirky characters returning and a few new characters to add to the mix, Stiff Competition was a wonderful, enthralling book that both had me on edge and had me rolling in laughter.
If you're looking for hilarious, relatable characters, then the Mattie Winston series is one I would highly recommend. Mattie is one of the most honest, down to earth, funny protagonists I have ever read about, and the situations she gets trapped in are downright hilarious. Her hypochondriac mother, formerly sleazy brother-in-law, put together boyfriend, and crazy kind of step-daughter all make for hilarious characters.
The murder plot in these books is always good. You can count on Mattie doing her job, while investigating the murder, because part of her job IS investigating the murder. She works with the police, so she never thinks that she's better than them, and, best of all, she always brings the murderer to justice. I loved the murder plot in Stiff Competition; it had nail-biting moments, and moments of extreme calm. The killers took me by surprise, though there were clues all along.
All in all, Stiff Competition was a simply amazing addition to a series that I highly recommend. Please do yourself a favor and read this book as soon as you can. You won't regret it!
The Mattie Winston Series has quickly become one of the top mystery series I follow, and this book didn't disappoint! With the hilarious, quirky characters returning and a few new characters to add to the mix, Stiff Competition was a wonderful, enthralling book that both had me on edge and had me rolling in laughter.
If you're looking for hilarious, relatable characters, then the Mattie Winston series is one I would highly recommend. Mattie is one of the most honest, down to earth, funny protagonists I have ever read about, and the situations she gets trapped in are downright hilarious. Her hypochondriac mother, formerly sleazy brother-in-law, put together boyfriend, and crazy kind of step-daughter all make for hilarious characters.
The murder plot in these books is always good. You can count on Mattie doing her job, while investigating the murder, because part of her job IS investigating the murder. She works with the police, so she never thinks that she's better than them, and, best of all, she always brings the murderer to justice. I loved the murder plot in Stiff Competition; it had nail-biting moments, and moments of extreme calm. The killers took me by surprise, though there were clues all along.
All in all, Stiff Competition was a simply amazing addition to a series that I highly recommend. Please do yourself a favor and read this book as soon as you can. You won't regret it!
December 5, 2015
It has been quite a while since I've read this series. I was immediately drawn in to the story and it felt like I was catching up with old friends.
Mattie is trying to find the balance between work, a new baby, and her rocky relationship with Steve Hurley. Not only is Mattie a new mother to her son Matthew, but Hurley is now the sole parent of angst ridden teen Emily.
When a shady community member is killed, it is up to Hurley and Mattie to put the puzzle pieces together. When Emily appears to have run away, Mattie is not sure that a normal family life will ever develop with her and Hurley. With the cards stacked against her, Mattie stays strong and fights to find the answers.
I enjoyed this story very much and I look forward to reading the earlier books in the series.
The author kept me entertained with the witty dialogue and I loved the reactions from the other characters when Mattie opted for a new look. I definitely recommend this book to others.
Mattie is trying to find the balance between work, a new baby, and her rocky relationship with Steve Hurley. Not only is Mattie a new mother to her son Matthew, but Hurley is now the sole parent of angst ridden teen Emily.
When a shady community member is killed, it is up to Hurley and Mattie to put the puzzle pieces together. When Emily appears to have run away, Mattie is not sure that a normal family life will ever develop with her and Hurley. With the cards stacked against her, Mattie stays strong and fights to find the answers.
I enjoyed this story very much and I look forward to reading the earlier books in the series.
The author kept me entertained with the witty dialogue and I loved the reactions from the other characters when Mattie opted for a new look. I definitely recommend this book to others.
January 29, 2016
I thought the series had taken a real down turn with Stiff Penalty, the book before Stiff Competition. Luckily, I liked Stiff Competition more. I definitely don't find the humor that was in the earlier books, perhaps thankfully, because having the same humorous elements such as Mattie getting caught with wardrobe malfunctions gets old quickly. Mattie is more competent and take charge in this book.
Mattie and her various police partners do lots of investigating and there's several possible suspects so I think the mystery was the best in this book. What didn't thrill me was the repetitive internal thoughts Mattie has about Emily, Hurley's daughter. How many times do we have to read that Emily has issues that drive a wedge between Hurley and Mattie, yet Mattie understands why she has these issues? I also think Hurley hasn't been developed as much as he should be. Again, he has a minimal role and is really one dimensional. I just don't see the connection/chemistry between Mattie and him.
After the last book, I wasn't sure I wanted to continue with the series, but I was glad I gave Stiff Competition a chance. The ending leaves me even more upbeat about the next.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Mattie and her various police partners do lots of investigating and there's several possible suspects so I think the mystery was the best in this book. What didn't thrill me was the repetitive internal thoughts Mattie has about Emily, Hurley's daughter. How many times do we have to read that Emily has issues that drive a wedge between Hurley and Mattie, yet Mattie understands why she has these issues? I also think Hurley hasn't been developed as much as he should be. Again, he has a minimal role and is really one dimensional. I just don't see the connection/chemistry between Mattie and him.
After the last book, I wasn't sure I wanted to continue with the series, but I was glad I gave Stiff Competition a chance. The ending leaves me even more upbeat about the next.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
December 14, 2015
Mattie Winston is now a new, mostly single, mom – but still deputy corner. She's embroiled in a murder case her first day back on the job – and the second day, a personal crisis when her boyfriend's daughter goes missing. With Hurley off searching for his daughter, Mattie and Detective Richmond must figure out who had it out for the ruthless property developer and latest dead body. Was it one of his many lovers, or one of the many people he upset with his development and real estate ventures?
Stiff Competition is the seventh book in Annelise Ryan's Mattie Winston series – and it didn't disappoint. We're back to the familiar structure of Mattie's exploits, which the last book deviated from. Mattie keeps having misadventure after misadventure, bad hair days, and almost a whole new nipple incident. There were plenty of suspects, and several VERY strong leads – but woven so well that the conclusion wasn't revealed too soon. I couldn't put the book down – it's definitely my most favorite installment of the series so far!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley, which did not influence my opinion.
Stiff Competition is the seventh book in Annelise Ryan's Mattie Winston series – and it didn't disappoint. We're back to the familiar structure of Mattie's exploits, which the last book deviated from. Mattie keeps having misadventure after misadventure, bad hair days, and almost a whole new nipple incident. There were plenty of suspects, and several VERY strong leads – but woven so well that the conclusion wasn't revealed too soon. I couldn't put the book down – it's definitely my most favorite installment of the series so far!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley, which did not influence my opinion.
February 26, 2016
I've read all the books in this series but I find myself losing interest in continuing. I can say that I liked the ending in this book but it took me forever to get into reading this one because of everything that bothered me in the book. I found myself disliking Mattie's selfishness in the beginning when it came to Hurley's daughter Emily. I got very tried of hearing about how you can buy everything on Amazon and I agree with another review about TMI on breastfeeding. The mystery itself was good.
March 21, 2018
In this book, the story is of one professional case of murder and a case of a missing teenager who Mattie hopes will be her step-daughter. The main character is Mattie Winston,deputy coroner in Sorenson, Wisconsin. Mattie has just returned to her job after maternity leave. She and her fiance,Hurley, have a dead body in a field during hunting season. Personally Hurley's daughter has gone missing but unlike before there is no communication from her. The book follows both story lines to the end. The book was a quick easy read.
December 23, 2017
In questo libro ci sono due misteri: la morte di un tizio che appare tutto fuorché simpatico e la scomparsa della futura (?) figliastra della protagonista. Confesso che ho apprezzato soprattutto questa seconda storia, che mi ha fatto trepidare molto per una soluzione positiva. Poi ci sono sempre i soliti momenti che, in questa serie, ti fanno perlomeno sorridere, se non proprio scoppiare a ridere.
May 1, 2021
🐶 Good Boy, Hoover 🐕
I found myself rushing through the A-mystery to find out what happened with Mattie’s step-daughter. Having a kid disappear on you like that - jeez, what a nightmare.
I found myself rushing through the A-mystery to find out what happened with Mattie’s step-daughter. Having a kid disappear on you like that - jeez, what a nightmare.
February 28, 2018
I really like this series and it never seems to disappoint. Another good one.
September 11, 2021
Love this series. Mattie is such a fun character and such a normal person. I enjoyed both mysteries and am looking forward to reading more in the series.
January 6, 2022
Great series of intriguing mysteries that are solved in a variety of methods and tools.
February 11, 2024
3.75 stars
October 10, 2022
More! More of this series!
January 19, 2023
Enjoying this series, this one moved a little slower for me.
January 20, 2016
Annelise Ryan's Mattie Winston Mysteries are such fun reads that I look forward to each and every one. Stiff Competition is no disappointment; in fact, it may be the best of the series so far. The book picks up eight weeks after it's predecessor, Stiff Penalty, left off. It's Mattie's first day back at work as Deputy Coroner after the birth of her son, Matthew. She and her son's father, Detective Hurley, are still living apart and unmarried for a lot of reasons. Hurley's teenage daughter, Emily, who recently moved in with him after the death of her mother, still hates Mattie. Emily also seems very jealous of Matthew and Mattie is not entirely sure that Hurley is ready to take on another responsibility.
Her first day back starts with a dead body in the woods on the first day of hunting season, a very important day in Wisconsin. The body is that of a newly arrived land developer who has made a lot of enemies in town. The price of his dealings is an arrow through the neck and a long list of suspects. Meanwhile, Emily has gone missing. It isn't the first time but she has always been available through her cell phone. The cell phone only goes to voice mail and Hurley is getting very worried. So worried in fact that Hurley hands off the murder case to his associate, Bob Richmond, and Mattie to work. Both of the plot lines are intriguing but I have to admit I was much more interested in Emily's disappearance. Annelise Ryan manages to inject her trademark humor and her real life medical expertise into what could be a very dark book. I really enjoy all the colorful characters that have played a part in the books and in Mattie's chaotic and frequently hilarious life.
I highly recommend the Mattie Winston Mysteries to "cozy" fans. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley.com for an advance digital copy.
RATING- 4 Stars
Her first day back starts with a dead body in the woods on the first day of hunting season, a very important day in Wisconsin. The body is that of a newly arrived land developer who has made a lot of enemies in town. The price of his dealings is an arrow through the neck and a long list of suspects. Meanwhile, Emily has gone missing. It isn't the first time but she has always been available through her cell phone. The cell phone only goes to voice mail and Hurley is getting very worried. So worried in fact that Hurley hands off the murder case to his associate, Bob Richmond, and Mattie to work. Both of the plot lines are intriguing but I have to admit I was much more interested in Emily's disappearance. Annelise Ryan manages to inject her trademark humor and her real life medical expertise into what could be a very dark book. I really enjoy all the colorful characters that have played a part in the books and in Mattie's chaotic and frequently hilarious life.
I highly recommend the Mattie Winston Mysteries to "cozy" fans. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley.com for an advance digital copy.
RATING- 4 Stars
Read
January 23, 2016Basically, there are 2 mysteries going on concurrently. I wanted to know who killed Lars, but he wasn't a very likeable character. And we only got to know him from other's points of view after his death. Emily's disappearance gets a little less page play until about 80% through, but it is key to character development for both Mattie and Emily. Even Hurley's character benefits from this mystery in terms of growth.
The one thing I could have done without in this book was the amount of description given to Mattie's breastfeeding and the details as to what it involved. The rest of the book was fine. And I have nothing against breastfeeding, it just was too much information. I really didn't need to know what made her milk let down.
I gave this book 3.5 stars instead of 4 stars because of all the breastfeeding details going on. I still would read another book by this author. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
The one thing I could have done without in this book was the amount of description given to Mattie's breastfeeding and the details as to what it involved. The rest of the book was fine. And I have nothing against breastfeeding, it just was too much information. I really didn't need to know what made her milk let down.
I gave this book 3.5 stars instead of 4 stars because of all the breastfeeding details going on. I still would read another book by this author. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 1, 2016
Book review for Summer Reading 2016 at Tempe Public Library
Mattie Winston is an assistant medical examiner with a messy life. A single mom of an infant, she is back at work from maternity leave when a local developer gets an arrow through the neck. She solves the case with less help from her boy friend, a police detective, because his teenage daughter goes missing. Kidnapped?!
I find it hard to believe someone from the medical examiner's office spends this much time on police ride alongs. Also, her personal vehicle in a used hearse?! Seriously?! Her kid spends more time with the babysitter than her. She madly pumps her breastmilk. Says he is a lazy eater, so she bottle feeds him?! Who wrote this book? I know from personal experience that it is way easier to breastfeed especially in the middle of the night. She gets up , heats a bottle while her baby screams when all she has to do is pick up the baby. Where are the lactation consultants in Wisconsin?!
Mattie Winston is an assistant medical examiner with a messy life. A single mom of an infant, she is back at work from maternity leave when a local developer gets an arrow through the neck. She solves the case with less help from her boy friend, a police detective, because his teenage daughter goes missing. Kidnapped?!
I find it hard to believe someone from the medical examiner's office spends this much time on police ride alongs. Also, her personal vehicle in a used hearse?! Seriously?! Her kid spends more time with the babysitter than her. She madly pumps her breastmilk. Says he is a lazy eater, so she bottle feeds him?! Who wrote this book? I know from personal experience that it is way easier to breastfeed especially in the middle of the night. She gets up , heats a bottle while her baby screams when all she has to do is pick up the baby. Where are the lactation consultants in Wisconsin?!
January 26, 2016
I love visiting with Mattie and Hurley. This is the second book I have read and the earlier ones are high on my TBR list. Mattie has recovered from having the baby and is back to work. She is still refusing to marry Hurley because of Emily. The first case is a dislike developer because is ethics is found murdered in the rural area during hunting season. He was shot with an arrow. Mattie and Hurley have just started the investigation when Emily turns up missing again. Hurley turns his case over to another detective and starts hunting for Emily. Has Emily run away or has she fallen into the clutches of a predator?
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
February 2, 2016
This was the first book that I have read in the Mattie Winston series. I really enjoyed it and want to go back and start with book 1 in the series.
I liked the characters and although this was book 7, I never felt lost as to who was who in the story. The author gave a brief background on each person which I liked. I hate to read a book in a series and not have a clue what is going on.
There was the mystery, of course, but there was also the side story that was very sweet and touching involving teenager, Emily.
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, I would definitely recommend this book!
* I was provided a copy of this book to read from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the characters and although this was book 7, I never felt lost as to who was who in the story. The author gave a brief background on each person which I liked. I hate to read a book in a series and not have a clue what is going on.
There was the mystery, of course, but there was also the side story that was very sweet and touching involving teenager, Emily.
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, I would definitely recommend this book!
* I was provided a copy of this book to read from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2018
Mean girls
I almost stopped reading at 50% complete. Too much useless prattle that did not suffice for humor or furthering the narrative made me want to stop multiple times: the over-emphasis on her hormones, the breast pump, and her milk letting down; her Amazon orders, the baby barf left in her hair and on her clothes, her obsessive description food and meals, her hair and jealousy issues, etc. The last 30-40% improved with Mattie acting more rational, professional, and grown up instead of like a teenager.
I almost stopped reading at 50% complete. Too much useless prattle that did not suffice for humor or furthering the narrative made me want to stop multiple times: the over-emphasis on her hormones, the breast pump, and her milk letting down; her Amazon orders, the baby barf left in her hair and on her clothes, her obsessive description food and meals, her hair and jealousy issues, etc. The last 30-40% improved with Mattie acting more rational, professional, and grown up instead of like a teenager.
January 22, 2016
5 stars
Huge thanks to Annelise Ryan, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun cosy for me, I wanted to be a forensic pathologist when I was younger and anything that involves an ME's office and dead bodies is a thumbs up for me.
Interesting characters, intriguing mysteries and some good humour, can't believe I haven't picked up any of this series before. I definitely will be on the look out for the rest now though.
Huge thanks to Annelise Ryan, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun cosy for me, I wanted to be a forensic pathologist when I was younger and anything that involves an ME's office and dead bodies is a thumbs up for me.
Interesting characters, intriguing mysteries and some good humour, can't believe I haven't picked up any of this series before. I definitely will be on the look out for the rest now though.
December 29, 2015
This is a wonderful series and it keeps getting better with each book. Mattie is an assistant medical coroner in Wisconsin and she and boyfriend, Chief of police, Hurley now have a baby boy along with his daughter Emily. A dead body in the woods is her first case as she returns from maternity leave and a few days later, Emily disappears. This cozy series is becoming one of my favorites.
May 21, 2025
Better than the last in the series, but SO tired of books that allow children to RUN things. Is this a YA series?
The MC is supposed to be a nurse, with years in the ER and OR. She notices an older-middle-aged man's hands trembling, and doesn't consider a neurologic cause? Is she incompetent?
Ah, at last the MCs think to talk to the tenager's teachers - that only took, what, 2 books? But again, so many not-credible tricks.
Generally enjoyed this, despite some of the 'speed bumps' it is overall enjoyable, well-paced, with plenty of interesting characters.
The MC is supposed to be a nurse, with years in the ER and OR. She notices an older-middle-aged man's hands trembling, and doesn't consider a neurologic cause? Is she incompetent?
Ah, at last the MCs think to talk to the tenager's teachers - that only took, what, 2 books? But again, so many not-credible tricks.
Generally enjoyed this, despite some of the 'speed bumps' it is overall enjoyable, well-paced, with plenty of interesting characters.
November 4, 2018
Mattie Winston has just recently returned to work after having a baby. Mattie works in the Medical Examiners office (does autopsies etc.) at the Sorenson, Wisconsin, police department. (All books in this series have the word “Stiff” in the title – Stiff = corpse) She and Detective Hurley were to be married –and still want to get married --but the arrival of Hurley’s previously unknown daughter (age 15) put a temporary hold on that matter. Meanwhile, the discovery of a dead hunter in the nearby woods –and the fact that the dead man had an arrow through his neck, created a new case to be solved. And, complicating things, in the middle of investigating this case, Hurley’s daughter goes missing. …. A better than average cozy mystery.
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