The Incumbent Coroner

Fenway Stevenson Mysteries #2

by Paul Austin Ardoin

A beloved mayor. A seedy motel room. One baffling murder.

The bizarre circumstances of Fenway Stevenson’s latest case as county coroner drag her to the center of one very dangerous game. With one suspect in custody, an attempt on the life of the key witness leads to her disappearance and more unanswered questions. Fenway must race to solve the mystery before anyone else dies while also juggling an upcoming election and her overbearing father’s meddling.

As summer temperatures rise, so do the stakes. What will Fenway have to sacrifice to ensure the safety of everyone in her idyllic coastal town?

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction

584 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2018

About the author

Paul Austin Ardoin is the author of the Fenway Stevenson Mysteries. A California native with a degree in creative writing from UC Santa Barbara, Ardoin has also published short fiction and humorous essays in Bottomfish and Sweet Fancy Moses. His non-fiction articles about computer security have appeared in California Computer News and European Communications. He lives in the Sacramento area with his wife, two teenagers, and a menagerie of animals.

Reviews

[Leiah Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good concept and characters

There are many good things about the two first books in this series. The characters are diverse and well-rounded. The story line moves quickly, and is highly readable.

The main character has serious daddy issues, and daddy himself is a spoild, self-serving jerk who thinks the world revolves around every breath he takes. Fenway 's daddy issues and emotional immaturity were an issue for me, and blunted my enjoyment of the story. I found her cop friend Dez to be the better written character. She is more emotionally mature, and has other characteristics that make her more interesting. The author also needs an editor for story flow. He relies on a very "See Spot, see Spot run" narrative style I find irritating, 'Fenway got her clothes. Fenway went into the bathroom. Fenway got dressed.' That sort of thing that breaks the storytelling. Fix rhese issues and we are looking at 4 stars.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guy knows how to write

Perhaps the plots are a little predictable after all the characters have been introduced, but the path to the solutions are entertaining. Some authors throw many people in the mix but they get lost and are only red herrings with no character development. Not his.

[Michelle Damiani · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. Fenway Stevenson is a complicated sleuth, but you can’t help but root for her even as she makes terrible relationship decisions. Ardoin even infuses his bad guys with heart and wit, making it easy to understand what makes them tick. I love how obstacles keep getting thrown in Fenway’s path toward finding the murderer, and I especially love the tenacity she shows to get past them—and the messy humanity the journey reveals about her. (And ultimately, about the reader, too.)

I do wish that we could see more camaraderie between Fenway’s co-workers, like we did in the first book, but we do get to spend a lot of time with Dez, a sergeant in the coroner’s office, who is clearly the moral center of the Fenway universe. She’s easily the best character in the series.

The Incumbent Coroner is the rarest of murder mysteries: one that not only delivers an immensely satisfying ending, but also leaves you begging for the next book. Ardoin is the master of the propulsive plot. I only stopped turning pages when there were no pages left to turn. Highly recommended, whether or not murder mysteries are your thing.

[Cheryl Shoults · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, the heart of any book is the characters. There can be the most surprising plot twists, heated love scenes, or heart-pounding action, but none of that matters if you don’t care about the characters. Paul Austin Ardoin has nailed the balance with this series –- well-rounded characters (yep, flaws and all) that compel you to be whole-heartedly invested in the plot.
Obviously, we dive deep into Fenway’s psyche, but she’s observant and empathetic enough that we understand the emotions and motivations for the secondary characters as well. We get to know Dez and Ferris even better in this book, and several new faces pull at our heartstrings. Even the baddies are relatable people.
But don’t let the well-developed characters lull you into a cozy mindset – there’s plenty of action to go around! And without the need to set the scene and introduce everyone, Ardoin jumps right in. It’s fast-paced, with plenty of twists and misdirection that the mystery had me guessing right along with Fenway.

[Alexis PM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s start with this: This is the most fun I’ve had reading this genre. Ever.

And I read a lot.

I haven’t actually finished the first book, because I shelved it to read this one. It was worth it. Fenway Stevenson is an incredible main character, with believable flaws that just make her even more lovable. Even minor characters have enough of a personality that I have a million opinions on them.

The plot is so engaging I stayed up until 4am reading it, fell asleep, then woke up at 8am out of my sleep because I wanted to know what happened next.

I’m also going to mention that Fenway is biracial and I haven’t read an explicitly biracial main character in a very long time. This book is diverse both in ethnic background and sexual orientation, if you’re looking for that kind of read.

I could say a lot more about this novel, but I’m just going to highly recommend you read it.

[Slugpuppy3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve found a new favorite (well, one of my favorites) author. This Fenway Stevenson series is superfantastic! Each book so far has exactly the right amount of mystery, thriller, humor, romance, angst, and action. How does he DO that?!

[Denise Zendel · Rating 2 out of 5]

The death of the town’s beloved mayor in a seedy motel causes Fenway Stevenson to turn over a lot of rocks to get to the truth, including some deeply buried rocks of her own. The usual suspect is located quickly, but is he the right suspect? Then someone tries to kill a key witness, who disappears, further complicating the case. Fenway has to solve the mystery while facing an upcoming election, and the meddling of her annoying J.R. Ewing type father.

I enjoyed this book, although less so than the first in the series. The plot in this one was too pat – while interviewing the dead woman’s son, Fenway finds a note saying “if you’re convicted, she lives, no cops.” Fenway and her not-boyfriend, the sheriff, figure out one of the man’s children has been kidnapped, and agree to keep law enforcement out of it for the time being. Wait, what??? A thoroughly law and order sheriff willy-nilly decides to “keep the cops out of it” on the thinnest of reasons? Excuse me, you are the cops, sir. Then a hole opens up in his schedule when he’s placed on administrative leave for killing a man during a hostage crisis. Now he has lots of time to investigate the potential kidnapping. Two more drawbacks: the author used “smirk” (my least favorite descriptive term ever) at least nine times, which is about eight times too many; and he repetitive use of “Eric The [sic] Sommelier’ three times in five pages when describing a tertiary character in the same scene. I think the author could have used a better editor.

But the plot still held my interest. Watching Fenway work while fending off her annoying father and dealing with intense personal feelings the case brings up was entertaining. Fenway does take stupid chances, which made me want to slap her, but her actions do stir up an action-packed ending that made the time on the recumbent bike fly by.

There are things I like about this series – a racially/sociologically balanced cast of characters that reflect real life; the balanced and not heavy-handed way of dealing with societal issues, the likeability of the characters, and seeing Fenway come into her own. This particular story just felt a little too .. convenient and like the author had a decently formed story, but couldn’t come up with a believable hook to move the plot along, so plucked something from Column A in a how-to-write-a-mystery book to kick the party off. Will I read more in this series? Maybe, if I come across them, but I won’t go out of my way to get the next one.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul Austin Ardoin’s The Incumbent Coroner was a good mystery read. I only gave it four stars because I guessed some of the events before they happened. I wonder if it is more difficult to write a series than to write stand alone books. If I hadn’t known some information because of the titles in this series, perhaps the mystery would have been more puzzling. In any case, Ardoin does a great job writing about women with courage and smarts (and enough not so smarts), I enjoyed the characters and look forward to the rest of the series.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

As Fenway's saga continues, she solves the murder of the mayor, the kidnapping of a child, the disappearance of a friend and brings down a drug lord. Some relationships struggle, some die, and some blossom as the story unfolds. And while Fenway's father tries to do the right things to help her, in what he believes are the best intentions, he finds that for Finley, money doesn't solve everything.

[Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series. I like Fenway despite her sometimes questionable decisions. I do agree with her that she became a liability but I like her enthusiasm. The support characters are pretty good too. I'm hoping they get more fleshed out as I continue in the series. I know I'm nit picking but at one point the dangerous drug was referred to as Blue Skies rather than Red. It pulled me right out of the story.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I got the first book for free and I bought the next one. Good stories and well written characters. I want the next ones! Fenway is a great woman who has been given a hard life and will not let it stop her. I understand having Father issues only too well and I think she handles them very well.

[Mizunderstood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Rollercoaster ride

This series is great, but this second book in it is a serious Rollercoaster ride from start to finish. Lots of touch and go and give and take happening between the characters and events in this book, so pick yourself up a copy. I read it start to finish in one day, just like the first one!

[Marrissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Wow! I love both of these books. The coroner job the complex relationship between her and her father. The friend/lover relationship with the sheriff. I was just a fantastic all around read. Keep them coming!

[Liana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the characters (well, the innocent ones at least). Well-paced mystery which makes me wonder how the rule-bending actions by law enforcement would actually stand up in court. Also, where did the hash browns come from? Another mystery...

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t typically read mystery but I enjoyed the twists and turns in this book! It was a fun and engaging story that takes the reader on Fenway’s personal journey as coroner, friend, daughter, and more.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book, and the second is even better. Ardoin has a way with character development, even the minor characters. A good read... recommended.

[Janice Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! Thought I had figured it out and while I got part of it right, the ending was a complete surprise. This series makes for an exciting read.

[Jettiep Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm addicted can't put them down. It has been years since I've enjoyed a series so much .

Don't start reading this series unless you have the time to finish it. I just can't put it down until a book is finished

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading the second book in the series.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins with Fenway starting a vacation, but she gets a call and is asked to come back in reference to a murder. When she arrives, she is quickly brought to the scene and discovers that the mayor has been killed. Her body is found in a seedy motel and questions arise as to why she was there. Following leads, they eventually arrest the mayor's son. When questioned a 2nd time, he confessed. Fenway while going to through her gum out, discovers a note in the trash.

At the same time, Rachel, the PR for the county has been discovered barely alive, and the original indication is suicide. Rachel is brought to the hospital and while there, there was an attempt on her life and the sheriff wound up killing the shooter. As a result, the sheriff was placed on administrative leave. Fenway did not accept the fact that Rachel had attempted suicide and she also was skeptical of the confession by the mayor's son.

She convinced the sheriff that it seemed that one of the daughters of the son was kidnapped and that is why he confessed. In addition, Rachel had disappeared from the hospital at the time of the shooting. Fenway believed that there was a connection between the attempt on Rachel's life and the death of the mayor. She had her suspension that Rachel's admin assistant was involved and she went to find out if Rachel was hiding there. Once Fenway discovered Rachel, a group of individuals wound up attacking the house.

To discover what the reason and who was behind the death of the mayor as well as Rachel's murder attempt, you must read this book. Fenway's stint as the coroner was coming to an end and she did not plan on running. Discover who was running instead and why Fenway's father was supporting him.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author needs a good editor and a capable proof reader. Missing words, incorrect, though commonly used idioms - if they were coming out of Fenway's mouth it would be better though still not great. As commentary in the book - that isn't really good enough.

They're predictable, and you'll figure it out before Fenway does, but it's an entertaining summer read.

I just think that this author is capable of better. So first book got 4 stars, this one gets three because it isn't really an improvement over the first one. I suspect that the third book will get 2 stars and then I will give up on expecting more or better from this author. It's like horror movies where the actors make the predictably bad choices. That kind of predictability is sheer laziness on the part of the writer. Fenway doesn't seem to learn from her mistakes. Too bad. To me it's a waste of this writer's talent - settling for the quick and dirty instead of challenging themselves to write better. A sign of our times, I guess.

[paula sumner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read of a nurse coroner

As a retired RN and NP I was quite interested in how the heroine is a also a nurse and a coroner. I was kept intrigued by how the mysteries came together. My quibble is that she kept saying she had to take Boards to be licensed in CA when she is already licensed in Washington state. A further review by the author would show him that is not true unless she let her registration in WA state lapse. Otherwise a good story.

Form CA board of nursing: To qualify for endorsement (reciprocity) into California as an RN, you must hold a current and active RN license in another state, U.S. territory, or Canada, have completed an educational program meeting all California requirements, and have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) or the State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE). The Canadian Comprehensive Examination is not acceptable. If you do not possess these qualifications, you do not qualify for licensure by endorsement and must apply for Licensure by Examination instead.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. The mystery is well done and keeps you guessing but Fenway's character is supposed to be a very intelligent adult but is written more like an immature teenager. She has a lot of "daddy" issues and spends a lot of time thinking about sex. Not to be sexist but women don't spend as much time thinking about sex as men do. The author might consider collaborating with a female author to get a more authentic character.

I do own the next audio book in the series so I will decide after that if it's worth continuing.

[SylviaV · Rating 4 out of 5]

The incumbent Coroner Fenway Stevenson #2) by Paul Austin Ardoin.

This is Book 2 in the series about a woman nurse practitioner who has a troubled relationship with her estranged father whose company is the major employer in the district. After the death of her mother, Fenway moves to the town her father calls home. She needs a job and her father pulls some strings, sets her up in an apartment he owns. Fenway gets the job based on her qualifications but not everyone agrees with that sentiment. After being thrown in the deep end and with the help of her team she finds the job of coroner suits her skill set.
The crime and mystery element of the story is fast paced and sprinkled with the details that are being shared of Fenway's personal life, it is a page turning read. Excellent plot. What makes this series a great read is the flawed human behaviours of the many diverse characters.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the series and I enjoyed it as much as the first one. The author has a slightly different style to many others I have read. He introduces these characters and then fleshes them out as the story moves along. He doesn't go into great detailed descriptions each time he introduces a character. It is sort of like when you meet a person. You don't know everything immediately. He gives us a good story with plenty of twists and turns. Then he gives us a surprise ending. I definitely enjoyed this book.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing into the role

Fenway has had more cases under her belt and is settling into the job, town and some friendships. The writing is as good as ever and I flew through the story. I enjoyed seeing a new case with multiple facets and so many characters at play. This story had murder, attempted murder, assignation attempts, family drama, romance potential, secrets uncovered and so much more! The ending was not quite an HEA but I liked the direction it was taking with the department support to keep Fenway in her role, the first official date. Ready to dive into the next book!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul Ardoin does not let us down in this sequel to The Reluctant Coroner. Fenway Stevenson still keeps us on our toes doing those things she does best. She's been formally elected Coroner and now must deal with all the political intricacies of the city. It's no walk in the park as there is a lot of intrigue going on! Oh and murder - did I not mention that?

Fenway does her usual fantastic job of detective work despite all the blocks thrown in her way. Read it to find out who dunnit!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike the first book in this series, I found the culprit obvious early on and kept wondering how the "mystery" could be drawn out for nearly 400 pages. Surprisingly, the author competently pulled this off with well-written characters and multiple diversions. This would be a 5-star story if only Fenway used the common sense of a professional rather than behaving like a busybody more commonly found in a cozy mystery.

[Darel Krieger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to Fenway Stevenson's further adventures. However, while in book 2 the plot was good the characters all seemed to whine around especially Fenway. She hates her father until she needs something from him and then reluctantly makes him feel like a heel if he does or doesn't help her. I bought book 3 some time ago and if I didn't already have it I probably wouldn't bother to read about Fenway's run for the coroner's position.

[muriel somervell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Writing

Just finished the 2nd book in the Fenway Stevenson series. I'm very impressed with the book. Read the first and loved it so much I barely took a breath and started book 2. Kept me reading didn't want to put the book down. I like Fenway and her coworkers. Good plot and well written. Story flows and is smart. Can't wait to start the third book in series. Impressed the male writer dealt with a lead female and did it well. Please keep writing so I can keep reading!