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A Helping Hands Mystery #1
Needled to Death
As a colleague of deputy coroner Mattie Winston, social worker Clothilde "Hildy" Schneider is no stranger to unsolved murders at Sorenson General Hospital. Except this time, it's up to her to crack the case…
Motivated by her own difficult past, Hildy has an unparalleled commitment to supporting troubled clients through grief and addiction in Sorenson, Wisconsin. But when a distraught group therapy member reveals disturbing details about her late son's potential murder, Hildy goes from dedicated mental health professional to in-over-her-head amateur sleuth…
Alongside her loyal therapy Golden Retriever, Hildy stumbles through incriminating clues—and an unlikely partnership with Detective Bob Richmond, the irresistibly headstrong cop who shares her passion for helping others. With signs of foul play surfacing all over town, can Hildy and Detective Richmond pinpoint the deadly traits of a sharp-witted killer before another seat gets filled at grief therapy?
Motivated by her own difficult past, Hildy has an unparalleled commitment to supporting troubled clients through grief and addiction in Sorenson, Wisconsin. But when a distraught group therapy member reveals disturbing details about her late son's potential murder, Hildy goes from dedicated mental health professional to in-over-her-head amateur sleuth…
Alongside her loyal therapy Golden Retriever, Hildy stumbles through incriminating clues—and an unlikely partnership with Detective Bob Richmond, the irresistibly headstrong cop who shares her passion for helping others. With signs of foul play surfacing all over town, can Hildy and Detective Richmond pinpoint the deadly traits of a sharp-witted killer before another seat gets filled at grief therapy?
316 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 30, 2019
218 people are currently reading
2637 people want to read
About the author
Annelise Ryan
19 books1,146 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 140 reviews
January 1, 2022
This is a cozy mystery, and this is the first book in A Helping Hands Mystery series. It is not my favorite cozy mystery so far. What I really do not like about this series is that the main character mostly worked with a police officer though out this book. I really love when the cozy mystery main character figure out the puzzle not hand in hand with the cops. The main character is a social worker that works at a hospital. The ending was really good through. I read the second book in this series and I also review that book too.
August 17, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Still dealing with my own grief for a loved one I was a little nervous about reading this book but I really wanted to support the author from my home state. An author whose own books have brightened some of my dark days I decided to push ahead knowing that if it got to be too much I could always stop. I am so glad I started reading because a few uncomfortable moments at the beginning of the story were clearly outweighed by the rest of the story.
Clothilde “Hildy” Schneider works as a social worker at the Sorenson General Hospital. She also leads a grief and addiction support group at the hospital. It is there she meets Sharon Cochran, a mom who lost her son to what the police have ruled a suicide. Sharon doesn’t believe her son took his own life and she begs Hildy and the support group to help her prove it. She feels her son was murdered and no one is paying attention.
First, Hildy checks in with the Medical Examiner’s office and finds some inconsistencies. She then visits Sharon’s home and finds some interesting drawings and the young man’s computer. Armed with both she confronts Detective Bob Richmond in hopes he will share information and reopen the case. He realizes she may be onto something and agrees to work with her to find out what really happened to Toby Cochran.
I immediately liked Hildy and her open heart. She has great instincts and she doesn’t back down. She also has a wonderful golden retriever named Roscoe, who works as a comfort animal when needed. We also meet Hildy’s neighbor P.J., a very adult 11-year-old who walks Roscoe several times a day and even gives Hildy relationship advice and fashion tips. The author also sets up a prospective love triangle with Hildy, Detective Richmond, and evidence technician Jonas Kriedeman. Jonas is raising his 7-year-old daughter on his own. She is also very smart and independent for her young age.
But I really identified with Sharon Cochran. I could feel her pain. No matter how your child died the grief is with you the rest of your life. Life is never normal again. Ms. Ryan portrayed that very well in this character.
All the recurring characters are complex and I am excited to see them evolve as this series continues. Deputy Coroner Mattie Winston from the author’s other series does make a cameo appearance but this series stands completely on its own.
I really enjoyed the way Bob and Hildy worked together and the premise of this series means it is not just a one-time thing. This murder investigation was not an easy solve and had some truly surprising moments that had me holding my breath. My focus was in the right ballpark but I struck out putting everything together until it was clearly spelled out for me.
The icing on the cake was that this series takes place in my home state not too far from where I live. I loved recognizing all the landmarks as we followed along with Hildy and Bob as they chased down clues.
The Helping Hands Mystery series is off to a champion start! Needled to Death was a Perfect Escape and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Still dealing with my own grief for a loved one I was a little nervous about reading this book but I really wanted to support the author from my home state. An author whose own books have brightened some of my dark days I decided to push ahead knowing that if it got to be too much I could always stop. I am so glad I started reading because a few uncomfortable moments at the beginning of the story were clearly outweighed by the rest of the story.
Clothilde “Hildy” Schneider works as a social worker at the Sorenson General Hospital. She also leads a grief and addiction support group at the hospital. It is there she meets Sharon Cochran, a mom who lost her son to what the police have ruled a suicide. Sharon doesn’t believe her son took his own life and she begs Hildy and the support group to help her prove it. She feels her son was murdered and no one is paying attention.
First, Hildy checks in with the Medical Examiner’s office and finds some inconsistencies. She then visits Sharon’s home and finds some interesting drawings and the young man’s computer. Armed with both she confronts Detective Bob Richmond in hopes he will share information and reopen the case. He realizes she may be onto something and agrees to work with her to find out what really happened to Toby Cochran.
I immediately liked Hildy and her open heart. She has great instincts and she doesn’t back down. She also has a wonderful golden retriever named Roscoe, who works as a comfort animal when needed. We also meet Hildy’s neighbor P.J., a very adult 11-year-old who walks Roscoe several times a day and even gives Hildy relationship advice and fashion tips. The author also sets up a prospective love triangle with Hildy, Detective Richmond, and evidence technician Jonas Kriedeman. Jonas is raising his 7-year-old daughter on his own. She is also very smart and independent for her young age.
But I really identified with Sharon Cochran. I could feel her pain. No matter how your child died the grief is with you the rest of your life. Life is never normal again. Ms. Ryan portrayed that very well in this character.
All the recurring characters are complex and I am excited to see them evolve as this series continues. Deputy Coroner Mattie Winston from the author’s other series does make a cameo appearance but this series stands completely on its own.
I really enjoyed the way Bob and Hildy worked together and the premise of this series means it is not just a one-time thing. This murder investigation was not an easy solve and had some truly surprising moments that had me holding my breath. My focus was in the right ballpark but I struck out putting everything together until it was clearly spelled out for me.
The icing on the cake was that this series takes place in my home state not too far from where I live. I loved recognizing all the landmarks as we followed along with Hildy and Bob as they chased down clues.
The Helping Hands Mystery series is off to a champion start! Needled to Death was a Perfect Escape and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
January 4, 2020
Needled to Death by Annelise Ryan is the first book in A Helping Hands Mystery series. Social worker, Hildy Schneider, runs a grief support group when a newcomer enlists the groups help to look into the death of her son which has been put down as a drug overdose but whom she believes was murdered. I loved this spin off from the Mattie Winston series and it was nice to see some cross-over characters as well as meet new ones. The mystery was interesting and engaging and I enjoyed this book very much.
July 19, 2024
Hildy Schneider is a social worker at Sorenson General Hospital in Wisconsin. She also runs Grief Support meetings in her spare time. A new member of the group, Sharon Cochran, is grief stricken over her son's suicide. She tells the group that she doesn't believe her son took his own life. Sharon thinks he was murdered. As Hildy listens to Sharon's story, she decides to investigate Toby Cochran's death. With the help of Detective Bob Richmond, Hildy starts to believe that Sharon is right...Toby did not take his own life.
This is the first book in the Helping Hands series. It is a solid mystery with likeable characters. My favorite character was Hildy's eleven-year-old neighbor P.J. who walks Hildy's dog Roscoe. She is a smart kid who has no filter. I loved some of the things she said.
There were several suspects in this story. I wasn't sure who killed Toby or even why he was killed. As Hildy dug into Toby's life, she uncovered some surprises. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is the first book in the Helping Hands series. It is a solid mystery with likeable characters. My favorite character was Hildy's eleven-year-old neighbor P.J. who walks Hildy's dog Roscoe. She is a smart kid who has no filter. I loved some of the things she said.
There were several suspects in this story. I wasn't sure who killed Toby or even why he was killed. As Hildy dug into Toby's life, she uncovered some surprises. My rating: 4 Stars.
August 3, 2019
I love this whole idea for a storyline, and Hildy was such a fun and funny character. I got a kick out of how she just asserted herself around Bob the detective. She definitely went after whatever it was that she wanted. I really enjoyed the character of PJ, her 11-year-old neighbor who was very faithful about walking Hildy's dog Roscoe. She was more like 11 going on 17 or older, very intelligent but her middle school nature came out when she asked if Hildy was going to date the detective.
The thing I found off-putting about the book was that I am not a fan of present tense writing at all. I've only ever read one cozy mystery that was written that way, and it was a new series. But since this author has another series that this was sort of a spin-off to, I can only guess that it's also written in present tense. I had been hoping to start it. I can get through it, but my brain has to translate the verbs to past tense or it makes me crazy LOL! However, I really enjoyed the characters and storyline in this book so much, and I've made it a policy never to rate a book by the style in which it's written, that I gave it my normal rating for when I really really like a book. I may be totally alone in my thinking on present tense too, but I had to mention it in case others feel the same way. Please don't skip the book because of that though, just use some extra gray cells and pretend it's normal tense ;)
The thing I found off-putting about the book was that I am not a fan of present tense writing at all. I've only ever read one cozy mystery that was written that way, and it was a new series. But since this author has another series that this was sort of a spin-off to, I can only guess that it's also written in present tense. I had been hoping to start it. I can get through it, but my brain has to translate the verbs to past tense or it makes me crazy LOL! However, I really enjoyed the characters and storyline in this book so much, and I've made it a policy never to rate a book by the style in which it's written, that I gave it my normal rating for when I really really like a book. I may be totally alone in my thinking on present tense too, but I had to mention it in case others feel the same way. Please don't skip the book because of that though, just use some extra gray cells and pretend it's normal tense ;)
August 27, 2019
I was really disappointed by this book, I wanted to read a mystery, instead, I got the run of the protagonist social life, her experience in the foster system, and her dog being walked by her teenage neighbor PJ. I am so glad this was a library book.
September 10, 2019
I struggled with this book. It read too long, longer than it needed to have been. This is a cozy mystery, and yes, it does have a death that our main character randomly gets involved in and kind of takes over. She has all the good ideas, two guys wanting to date her (what is it with this stupid trope? I hate this, and this book deals with it worse than others*), and at the end of it, a new job that she wasn’t even looking for but thinks she’s perfect for. She’s not. She’s being hired to be the social worker who goes along to crime scenes, but what she wants to do is investigate. Apply for the job you want, why don’t you?
I don’t know why, but I didn’t find her grief counselor thing sincere. Probably because she does precious little counseling and every bit of the i understand and care she does in the book (what little there is of it) comes across as a performance to get towards an end goal that benefits Hildy. I just did not like her at all - if she’d been anything but a counselor, I think wouldn’t have minded her manipulative nature.
*She pursues a guy she wants, which, good for her. He’s described as shy and not very experienced with relationships, but he’s willing. And then another guy asks her out in a professional setting when the first guy is right freaking there, and she says yes without even considering that the first guy might have feelings. Her tact and empathy could use a lot of work - or she’s not as good a counselor as she thinks she is.
I don’t know why, but I didn’t find her grief counselor thing sincere. Probably because she does precious little counseling and every bit of the i understand and care she does in the book (what little there is of it) comes across as a performance to get towards an end goal that benefits Hildy. I just did not like her at all - if she’d been anything but a counselor, I think wouldn’t have minded her manipulative nature.
*She pursues a guy she wants, which, good for her. He’s described as shy and not very experienced with relationships, but he’s willing. And then another guy asks her out in a professional setting when the first guy is right freaking there, and she says yes without even considering that the first guy might have feelings. Her tact and empathy could use a lot of work - or she’s not as good a counselor as she thinks she is.
June 30, 2019
I have long been a friend of Annelise Ryan and I was pleased to download this book and review it.
The first book in a new A Helping Hands series. The protagonist is a social worker and in charge of Therapy Department of Sorenson Hospital. In her grief forum she learns the murder of the son of grief-stricken Mother. Hildy, a teams up with Bob Richmond, a Sorenson detective who work together to solve the murder. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. opinions are expressed are my own.
The first book in a new A Helping Hands series. The protagonist is a social worker and in charge of Therapy Department of Sorenson Hospital. In her grief forum she learns the murder of the son of grief-stricken Mother. Hildy, a teams up with Bob Richmond, a Sorenson detective who work together to solve the murder. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. opinions are expressed are my own.
July 20, 2019
Annalise Ryan's new Helping Hands series is a winner. As a longtime fan of Ryan's Mattie Winston series, I was excited to read the debut of the new series. To my pleased surprise, this new series focuses on a character introduced in her last book, Hildy Schneider, a hospital social worker. And we meet up again with police officer, Bob Richmond, who plays an important role in this new series. In Hildy's grief counseling group, a new member challenges the group to help her prove her her son's death was murder, not suicide. Hildy, whose mother's murder remains unsolved, can't resist helping. Good mystery with great character. An auspicious start!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I can still see the shadows of death on some of their faces, evident in the droop of their eyes, the taut, thin line of their lips, and the pale, pasty coloring of their skin from spending too much time indoors hiding away from society and life.
This is the first book in The Helping Hands Mystery series which is a spin off of the Mattie Winston books. Clothilde "Hildy" Schneider is a social worker at Sorenson General Hospital. One of her duties is to lead a grief support group. A new member sends Hildy off investigating after the woman insists that her son was murdered. Through Mattie, Hildy approaches Detective Bob Richmond ans the adventure begins.
This was a very good beginning to a new series. I really liked that characters from the Mattie Winston series are involved. I really enjoyed getting to know Bob Richmond better. I've always like his character and I look forward to seeing where his relationship may go with Hildy.
Hildy's character is multifaceted. She is kind and compassionate with her clients while being a bit of a mess herself. Her upbringing is discussed throughout the book. I felt terrible for the child she was and wanted to cheer for the adult she has become.
Hildy's neighbor and chief dog walker, PJ is very well written. She seems to have Asperger's and is portrayed in a loving knowledgeable way. Her care and concern for Roscoe is evident.
The mystery was interesting. I didn't have a clue what the huge secret was until it was revealed. Everything in the story clicks. I love this small town. I love the new characters that I got to meet outside of the morgue and police station. I enjoyed reading this so much that I picked it up at 3:00am when I couldn't sleep and finished the book.
I look forward to the next book in the series to see where Hildy may lead me.
Release date 07.30.2019
I can still see the shadows of death on some of their faces, evident in the droop of their eyes, the taut, thin line of their lips, and the pale, pasty coloring of their skin from spending too much time indoors hiding away from society and life.
This is the first book in The Helping Hands Mystery series which is a spin off of the Mattie Winston books. Clothilde "Hildy" Schneider is a social worker at Sorenson General Hospital. One of her duties is to lead a grief support group. A new member sends Hildy off investigating after the woman insists that her son was murdered. Through Mattie, Hildy approaches Detective Bob Richmond ans the adventure begins.
This was a very good beginning to a new series. I really liked that characters from the Mattie Winston series are involved. I really enjoyed getting to know Bob Richmond better. I've always like his character and I look forward to seeing where his relationship may go with Hildy.
Hildy's character is multifaceted. She is kind and compassionate with her clients while being a bit of a mess herself. Her upbringing is discussed throughout the book. I felt terrible for the child she was and wanted to cheer for the adult she has become.
Hildy's neighbor and chief dog walker, PJ is very well written. She seems to have Asperger's and is portrayed in a loving knowledgeable way. Her care and concern for Roscoe is evident.
The mystery was interesting. I didn't have a clue what the huge secret was until it was revealed. Everything in the story clicks. I love this small town. I love the new characters that I got to meet outside of the morgue and police station. I enjoyed reading this so much that I picked it up at 3:00am when I couldn't sleep and finished the book.
I look forward to the next book in the series to see where Hildy may lead me.
Release date 07.30.2019
August 4, 2019
Needled to Death is the first book in Annelise Ryan’s A Helping Hands Mystery series. The storyline is well and flows at a steady pace. This is a little grittier than your typical cozy mystery, but it does contain all of the requisite cozy elements and doesn’t include graphic violence, gratuitous adult situations, or harsh adult language.
Clothilde “Hildy” Schneider is a social worker at Sorenson General Hospital and oversees a bereavement support group in Sorenson, Wisconsin where she shares her home with Roscoe, a golden retriever, who not only provides comfort to her but also to patients. Hildy’s insightful young neighbor, PJ, walks Roscoe several times each day. Hildy’s mother was murdered when she was seven, and she experienced a painful upbringing in the foster system. Hildy is hopeful that one day the person who killed her will be caught. A new member of the bereavement support group, Sharon Cochran, who lost her only child, Toby, two weeks ago, tells the group that the authorities believe her son committed suicide or accidentally overdosed on heroin, asks the group to help her prove Toby was murdered. The group is intrigued by Sharon’s story and Hildy agrees to look into the case. She contacts Mattie Winston, who is a death investigator for the ME’s office, who believes there is something a little sketchy about the case. After visiting Sharon’s home and taking possession of Toby’s computer and an intriguing picture he repeatedly drew, she contacts police detective, Bob Richmond, and manages to create enough doubt that he agrees to reopen the case. Hildy has good instincts and works closely with the detective in an effort to learn the truth. Hildy is attracted to Detective Richmond, but when Jonas Kriedeman, an evidence technician and single father of Sofie, his seven-year-old daughter, invites her to dinner, she’s flattered and accepts his invitation.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Clothilde “Hildy” Schneider is a social worker at Sorenson General Hospital and oversees a bereavement support group in Sorenson, Wisconsin where she shares her home with Roscoe, a golden retriever, who not only provides comfort to her but also to patients. Hildy’s insightful young neighbor, PJ, walks Roscoe several times each day. Hildy’s mother was murdered when she was seven, and she experienced a painful upbringing in the foster system. Hildy is hopeful that one day the person who killed her will be caught. A new member of the bereavement support group, Sharon Cochran, who lost her only child, Toby, two weeks ago, tells the group that the authorities believe her son committed suicide or accidentally overdosed on heroin, asks the group to help her prove Toby was murdered. The group is intrigued by Sharon’s story and Hildy agrees to look into the case. She contacts Mattie Winston, who is a death investigator for the ME’s office, who believes there is something a little sketchy about the case. After visiting Sharon’s home and taking possession of Toby’s computer and an intriguing picture he repeatedly drew, she contacts police detective, Bob Richmond, and manages to create enough doubt that he agrees to reopen the case. Hildy has good instincts and works closely with the detective in an effort to learn the truth. Hildy is attracted to Detective Richmond, but when Jonas Kriedeman, an evidence technician and single father of Sofie, his seven-year-old daughter, invites her to dinner, she’s flattered and accepts his invitation.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 25, 2019
I enjoyed this book for the most part. I don't think it really fits the category of cozy mystery though. It was mostly about Hildy the main character and her issues. She even goes to see her therapist to discuss them. The investigation is limited but the ending is fast and answers all the questions. #NeedledToDeath #NetGalley
August 6, 2019
Hildy is a former foster child, who now helps clients through grief and addiction. She has a grief group, when a new woman shows up saying her son died of an overdose but she knows he didn’t do drugs. Hildy decides to look into it. She finds some odd things and gets the police to reopen the case. The author makes Hildy seem like a real person with details about her life, that don’t get in the way of the mystery. Hildy also is trying for a new job working with the police as a ride along to help in some situations. A very good book.
August 24, 2019
NOTE: This should have been a 4* star review but I just read a 1 star that made my blood boil and decided to raise the rating to 5.
It's a new series and it's got a lot of potential but also some of the usual issues of a first instalment.
I loved Hildy: she's damaged, quirky and fun at the same time. A very good an unusual character for a cozy mystery. I also love the rest of the cast of characters, I found them fleshed out and likeable.
The plot is engrossing and entertaining, some parts requires a bit of suspension of belief but it flows without issues.
The mystery was good, full of twists and turns.
i look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's a new series and it's got a lot of potential but also some of the usual issues of a first instalment.
I loved Hildy: she's damaged, quirky and fun at the same time. A very good an unusual character for a cozy mystery. I also love the rest of the cast of characters, I found them fleshed out and likeable.
The plot is engrossing and entertaining, some parts requires a bit of suspension of belief but it flows without issues.
The mystery was good, full of twists and turns.
i look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
July 24, 2019
Sharon, a newcomer in Hildy's bereavement support group, announces her son was murdered and did not commit suicide as the police believe. She begs for their help in proving it was a murder. Hildy then not only finds herself involved in looking into this death but it also brings back her desire to get more information on a decades old murder close to her heart.
I really like the way this story was written. First the author pulls you into the mystery and then introduces the characters. It has mystery, a touch of romance and moments of laugh out loud humor. This is a very good first in a series story and I look forward to more books in the A Helping Hands Mystery series. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really like the way this story was written. First the author pulls you into the mystery and then introduces the characters. It has mystery, a touch of romance and moments of laugh out loud humor. This is a very good first in a series story and I look forward to more books in the A Helping Hands Mystery series. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2019
1 star
Don’t bother reading this book. It is the first in a new series and is just a disjointed mess. I started reading this book not realizing it was the FIRST in the series, I thought it was at least book two or three because Annelise Ryan writes it in such a way that makes you think you have missed important backstory.
There are just so many weird details such as the main character Hildy is apparently very short; however, she doesn’t ever say how short or even why it is such a large part of the storyline. It’s just oddly bizarre. Another example, Hildy is an almost 40-year-old woman with kleptomania tendencies who has never been married and apparently overweight, yet she has two men (both in law enforcement) wanting to date her within the first part of the book, it just doesn’t make much sense. It came off as the author wanted the main character HIldy to mirror the character of Stephanie Plum and/or other like characters.
I just cannot recommend this book. It is just a poorly written mess and it makes me wonder how Needled to Death ever got published.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #NeedledToDeath #NetGalley
Don’t bother reading this book. It is the first in a new series and is just a disjointed mess. I started reading this book not realizing it was the FIRST in the series, I thought it was at least book two or three because Annelise Ryan writes it in such a way that makes you think you have missed important backstory.
There are just so many weird details such as the main character Hildy is apparently very short; however, she doesn’t ever say how short or even why it is such a large part of the storyline. It’s just oddly bizarre. Another example, Hildy is an almost 40-year-old woman with kleptomania tendencies who has never been married and apparently overweight, yet she has two men (both in law enforcement) wanting to date her within the first part of the book, it just doesn’t make much sense. It came off as the author wanted the main character HIldy to mirror the character of Stephanie Plum and/or other like characters.
I just cannot recommend this book. It is just a poorly written mess and it makes me wonder how Needled to Death ever got published.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #NeedledToDeath #NetGalley
June 29, 2019
This was an odd read. I was expecting a book of similar quality to the Mattie Winston books but I was very disappointed. It was choppy and awkward and had some very poorly written passages. I’ve enjoyed the Mattie Winston books for years so I was pretty let down.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.
August 23, 2020
Synopsis:
As a colleague of deputy coroner Mattie Winston, social worker Clothilde "Hildy" Schneider is no stranger to unsolved murders at Sorenson General Hospital. Except this time, it's up to her to crack the case . . .
Motivated by her own difficult past, Hildy has an unparalleled commitment to supporting troubled clients through grief and addiction in Sorenson, Wisconsin. But when a distraught group therapy member reveals disturbing details about her late son's potential murder, Hildy goes from dedicated mental health professional to in-over-her-head amateur sleuth . . .
Alongside her loyal therapy Golden Retriever, Hildy stumbles through incriminating clues--and an unlikely partnership with Detective Bob Richmond, the irresistibly headstrong cop who shares her passion for helping others. With signs of foul play surfacing all over town, can Hildy and Detective Richmond pinpoint the deadly traits of a sharp-witted killer before another seat gets filled at grief therapy?
Praise for Annelise Ryan and her Mattie Winston series
"The funniest deputy coroner to cut up a corpse since, well, ever!"
--Laura Levine, author of Killer Cruise
"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 (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Hildy is hardworking, fair and sympathetic, Her own life has been rough and she wants others to get through their own troubled past like she did. So when a woman at Hildy’s grief therapy group insists that her son did not kill himself but instead was murdered, Hildy wants to help the woman prove it. But it will not be easy.
The mystery was solid and well thought out. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider and it was not easily solved.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. The fact that Hildy is a social worker should provide a lot of murderous possibilities.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
As a colleague of deputy coroner Mattie Winston, social worker Clothilde "Hildy" Schneider is no stranger to unsolved murders at Sorenson General Hospital. Except this time, it's up to her to crack the case . . .
Motivated by her own difficult past, Hildy has an unparalleled commitment to supporting troubled clients through grief and addiction in Sorenson, Wisconsin. But when a distraught group therapy member reveals disturbing details about her late son's potential murder, Hildy goes from dedicated mental health professional to in-over-her-head amateur sleuth . . .
Alongside her loyal therapy Golden Retriever, Hildy stumbles through incriminating clues--and an unlikely partnership with Detective Bob Richmond, the irresistibly headstrong cop who shares her passion for helping others. With signs of foul play surfacing all over town, can Hildy and Detective Richmond pinpoint the deadly traits of a sharp-witted killer before another seat gets filled at grief therapy?
Praise for Annelise Ryan and her Mattie Winston series
"The funniest deputy coroner to cut up a corpse since, well, ever!"
--Laura Levine, author of Killer Cruise
"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 (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Hildy is hardworking, fair and sympathetic, Her own life has been rough and she wants others to get through their own troubled past like she did. So when a woman at Hildy’s grief therapy group insists that her son did not kill himself but instead was murdered, Hildy wants to help the woman prove it. But it will not be easy.
The mystery was solid and well thought out. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider and it was not easily solved.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. The fact that Hildy is a social worker should provide a lot of murderous possibilities.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
July 17, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
First of all, I liked how this took a different approach to the wholesleuth/detective theme most cozies have going on. There is usually a distinct difference, but in this one the Police are using social workers to help solve crimes or offer a different perspective, and Hildy gets to see more of the background of police work. At the same time it retains a cozy feel without violence (although there IS mentions of drug use and sexual abuse later on) so it both conforms to the genre but skirts being something completely different at the same time.
I really liked Hildy as a character; especially refreshing is her attitude to men, if she likes someone she just sees where it goes without pressure. She has a few good contacts as well that help round out that usual cozy network, and I can see it building with her police friends as well.
I really did enjoy this one, even if it technically ends up darker than I'd normally like. Five stars.
First of all, I liked how this took a different approach to the wholesleuth/detective theme most cozies have going on. There is usually a distinct difference, but in this one the Police are using social workers to help solve crimes or offer a different perspective, and Hildy gets to see more of the background of police work. At the same time it retains a cozy feel without violence (although there IS mentions of drug use and sexual abuse later on) so it both conforms to the genre but skirts being something completely different at the same time.
I really liked Hildy as a character; especially refreshing is her attitude to men, if she likes someone she just sees where it goes without pressure. She has a few good contacts as well that help round out that usual cozy network, and I can see it building with her police friends as well.
I really did enjoy this one, even if it technically ends up darker than I'd normally like. Five stars.
July 21, 2019
"Needled to Death" by Annelise Ryan is the first in "A Helping Hands Mystery Series". This is a new to me author and I found it to be a good beginning to a new series.
Annelise Ryan is the pseudonym for the author of the Mattie Winston Mysteries written as Allyson K. Abbott and this is a spin off featuring one of its characters social worker Clothilde “Hildy” Schneider. I enjoyed this book and the setting of Sorenson, Wisconsin.
Protagonist Hildy is a complicated, messed up but loyal, and likable character and her sidekick Roscoe a golden retriever therapy dog is adorable.
There are plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out whodunit. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
Annelise Ryan is the pseudonym for the author of the Mattie Winston Mysteries written as Allyson K. Abbott and this is a spin off featuring one of its characters social worker Clothilde “Hildy” Schneider. I enjoyed this book and the setting of Sorenson, Wisconsin.
Protagonist Hildy is a complicated, messed up but loyal, and likable character and her sidekick Roscoe a golden retriever therapy dog is adorable.
There are plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out whodunit. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
November 1, 2020
It was slow going to start with but then characters showed up from the Mattie Winston series and I was hooked. I loved the story and the characters. A great read.
August 26, 2019
Loved it!
September 13, 2019
https://openbooksociety.com/article/n...
Needled to Death
A Helping Hands Mystery #1
By Annelise Ryan
ISBN#9781496719430
Author’s Website: facebook.com/AuthorAnneliseRyan
amazon.com/Annelise-Ryan
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
As a colleague of deputy coroner Mattie Winston, social worker Clothilde “Hildy” Schneider is no stranger to unsolved murders at Sorenson General Hospital. Except this time, it’s up to her to crack the case . . .
Motivated by her own difficult past, Hildy has an unparalleled commitment to supporting troubled clients through grief and addiction in Sorenson, Wisconsin. But when a distraught group therapy member reveals disturbing details about her late son’s potential murder, Hildy goes from dedicated mental health professional to in-over-her-head amateur sleuth . . .
Alongside her loyal therapy Golden Retriever, Hildy stumbles through incriminating clues–and an unlikely partnership with Detective Bob Richmond, the irresistibly headstrong cop who shares her passion for helping others. With signs of foul play surfacing all over town, can Hildy and Detective Richmond pinpoint the deadly traits of a sharp-witted killer before another seat gets filled at grief therapy? (Goodreads)
Review:
Needled to Death is the first book in the Helping Hands Mystery series by Annelise Ryan and a spinoff of the author’s Mattie Winston series. Not having read any Mattie Winston books, I was unsure whether that would deter my enjoyment of this book, but I am pleased that Needled to Death stands on its own. The series shows good potential.
Based on the cover art of the book, featuring an adorable Golden Retriever that readers learn is comfort/therapy animal Roscoe, I fully expected this to be a traditional cozy mystery. While it does possess some elements, like the amateur sleuth protagonist and pet, it does not feel very cozy. It is somewhat gritty and reads more like a police procedural. Disappointingly, Roscoe is barely featured (I do like pet themed cozy mysteries). Though the mystery is engaging, most of the book is really about the main character Hildy, her backstory, and quirks. And, perhaps the most discouraging aspect of the book is the setup of a love triangle between Hildy, Detective Bob Richmond, and evidence technician Jonas.
As I mentioned, Hildy is quirky. Her mother’s unsolved murder weighs heavily on her, and she spent her childhood from age seven forward in the foster care system. She has OCD tendencies and is somewhat of a kleptomaniac; she is definitely flawed. She is also admirably tenacious, tough, and has good instincts. She does not strike me as a good people person, but she must be “off page” since she is a competent and well liked hospital social worker and grief support group facilitator. I guess I just fail to see what not one, but two, men find so instantly appealing about her. The other characters, including Bob, Jonas, and her eleven year-old neighbor P.J. are all well drawn and well developed . I can appreciate that P.J. is unconventional and in many ways older than her years (perhaps she is on the autism spectrum), but Jonas’s daughter Sophia, to whom we are also introduced, also acts older than her age, and I am not sure how realistic that is.
The mystery surrounding college student Toby Cochran’s supposed suicide/overdose is well executed. It is easy to feel for Toby’s mother Sharon, and her grief and desperation to find out the truth is a great motivator for Hildy. Even though I think Hildy really does care about the Cochrans, at times she comes across as being more into solving the puzzle than the people. I look forward to seeing how she handles her new role with the police going forward. It is fairly easy to pick out the bad guys in the story, but I did not have it all figured out before the book’s climax. There are plenty of clues though, and everything is tied up nicely to provide a satisfactory ending.
I do not yet love Hildy and her friends, but I am willing to give the next book in the series a try when it is released. I recommend Needled to Death to author Ryan’s fans and cozy readers looking for something that stretches the definition of the genre.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Needled to Death
A Helping Hands Mystery #1
By Annelise Ryan
ISBN#9781496719430
Author’s Website: facebook.com/AuthorAnneliseRyan
amazon.com/Annelise-Ryan
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
As a colleague of deputy coroner Mattie Winston, social worker Clothilde “Hildy” Schneider is no stranger to unsolved murders at Sorenson General Hospital. Except this time, it’s up to her to crack the case . . .
Motivated by her own difficult past, Hildy has an unparalleled commitment to supporting troubled clients through grief and addiction in Sorenson, Wisconsin. But when a distraught group therapy member reveals disturbing details about her late son’s potential murder, Hildy goes from dedicated mental health professional to in-over-her-head amateur sleuth . . .
Alongside her loyal therapy Golden Retriever, Hildy stumbles through incriminating clues–and an unlikely partnership with Detective Bob Richmond, the irresistibly headstrong cop who shares her passion for helping others. With signs of foul play surfacing all over town, can Hildy and Detective Richmond pinpoint the deadly traits of a sharp-witted killer before another seat gets filled at grief therapy? (Goodreads)
Review:
Needled to Death is the first book in the Helping Hands Mystery series by Annelise Ryan and a spinoff of the author’s Mattie Winston series. Not having read any Mattie Winston books, I was unsure whether that would deter my enjoyment of this book, but I am pleased that Needled to Death stands on its own. The series shows good potential.
Based on the cover art of the book, featuring an adorable Golden Retriever that readers learn is comfort/therapy animal Roscoe, I fully expected this to be a traditional cozy mystery. While it does possess some elements, like the amateur sleuth protagonist and pet, it does not feel very cozy. It is somewhat gritty and reads more like a police procedural. Disappointingly, Roscoe is barely featured (I do like pet themed cozy mysteries). Though the mystery is engaging, most of the book is really about the main character Hildy, her backstory, and quirks. And, perhaps the most discouraging aspect of the book is the setup of a love triangle between Hildy, Detective Bob Richmond, and evidence technician Jonas.
As I mentioned, Hildy is quirky. Her mother’s unsolved murder weighs heavily on her, and she spent her childhood from age seven forward in the foster care system. She has OCD tendencies and is somewhat of a kleptomaniac; she is definitely flawed. She is also admirably tenacious, tough, and has good instincts. She does not strike me as a good people person, but she must be “off page” since she is a competent and well liked hospital social worker and grief support group facilitator. I guess I just fail to see what not one, but two, men find so instantly appealing about her. The other characters, including Bob, Jonas, and her eleven year-old neighbor P.J. are all well drawn and well developed . I can appreciate that P.J. is unconventional and in many ways older than her years (perhaps she is on the autism spectrum), but Jonas’s daughter Sophia, to whom we are also introduced, also acts older than her age, and I am not sure how realistic that is.
The mystery surrounding college student Toby Cochran’s supposed suicide/overdose is well executed. It is easy to feel for Toby’s mother Sharon, and her grief and desperation to find out the truth is a great motivator for Hildy. Even though I think Hildy really does care about the Cochrans, at times she comes across as being more into solving the puzzle than the people. I look forward to seeing how she handles her new role with the police going forward. It is fairly easy to pick out the bad guys in the story, but I did not have it all figured out before the book’s climax. There are plenty of clues though, and everything is tied up nicely to provide a satisfactory ending.
I do not yet love Hildy and her friends, but I am willing to give the next book in the series a try when it is released. I recommend Needled to Death to author Ryan’s fans and cozy readers looking for something that stretches the definition of the genre.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
August 10, 2019
I don't remember reading this author in the past, but I might have.
While I can understand Sharon Cochran going to a grief support group after losing her son, I have no idea why she would think a grief support group could help her investigate the case and/or find something that the police didn't. (It turns out she's right, but . . .) For that reason, I struggled with the beginning of this novel--and at one point,I wondered if I'd give up on it.
WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILERS (READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION)
Hildy is a social worker and the facilitator of the grief support group. (I like that she's short, like me, and could relate to many of the things related to her height--clothes that don't fit right, having to hurry to keep up with taller people, etc.) I was glad to see Bob get her started working out. I also appreciated learning about Hildy's past and why she has some of the quirks she has.
Apparently, this book is a spin off of another series by this author, so maybe it is no surprise that the supporting characters are fairly well fleshed out even though this is the first book of the series. I'm not so sure about the two child characters (PJ and Sofie) though--they both seem to be "older than their years" which makes me wonder if the author isn't able to write true child characters for some reason.
Hildy ends up with 2 potential love interests--Detective Bob Richmond and Forensic Expert Jonas--a bit awkward since the two men work together.
Hildy seems to enjoy her job through the hospital (not that we get to see her do much of it), but she also seems to have some desire to investigate crimes/injustices. It seems she may get to do both in her new role (assuming she gets the job that's hinted at toward the end of the novel). I wonder if that job will eventually become full-time or more full-time (given that we are told the hospital is cutting back). I also am not sure I can see Hildy continuing to work for her boss when the boss tried to get the position with the police department that Hildy wanted--and that Hildy had told her about.
I wonder what the police chief thought when Hildy's boss applied for a position that hadn't even been advertised?
On the one hand, I can't blame her for applying. She knows the hospital is cutting back and as she said, no one's job there is secure--perhaps she was even rattled by the fact that her department was affected when she thought it would not be. It does make me wonder if the questions she asked Hildy about how she would handle working two jobs were to try to figure out how to do it herself, rather than because she was truly worried about Hildy or about Hildy's job performance if she was burning the candle at both ends.
On the other hand, I thought she was disloyal to Hildy by applying for a job that Hildy told her about and obviously wanted--at least without mentioning she was going to do so to Hildy prior to putting her application in.
I did guess there was some traumatic event in young Cochran's life that led to his breaking up with his girlfriend--but I didn't guess exactly what it was. I also guessed that he was planning to reveal what he knew and that someone killed him to prevent that--but again, I didn't guess correctly about who the murderer(s) was(were).
While I can understand Sharon Cochran going to a grief support group after losing her son, I have no idea why she would think a grief support group could help her investigate the case and/or find something that the police didn't. (It turns out she's right, but . . .) For that reason, I struggled with the beginning of this novel--and at one point,I wondered if I'd give up on it.
WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILERS (READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION)
Hildy is a social worker and the facilitator of the grief support group. (I like that she's short, like me, and could relate to many of the things related to her height--clothes that don't fit right, having to hurry to keep up with taller people, etc.) I was glad to see Bob get her started working out. I also appreciated learning about Hildy's past and why she has some of the quirks she has.
Apparently, this book is a spin off of another series by this author, so maybe it is no surprise that the supporting characters are fairly well fleshed out even though this is the first book of the series. I'm not so sure about the two child characters (PJ and Sofie) though--they both seem to be "older than their years" which makes me wonder if the author isn't able to write true child characters for some reason.
Hildy ends up with 2 potential love interests--Detective Bob Richmond and Forensic Expert Jonas--a bit awkward since the two men work together.
Hildy seems to enjoy her job through the hospital (not that we get to see her do much of it), but she also seems to have some desire to investigate crimes/injustices. It seems she may get to do both in her new role (assuming she gets the job that's hinted at toward the end of the novel). I wonder if that job will eventually become full-time or more full-time (given that we are told the hospital is cutting back). I also am not sure I can see Hildy continuing to work for her boss when the boss tried to get the position with the police department that Hildy wanted--and that Hildy had told her about.
I wonder what the police chief thought when Hildy's boss applied for a position that hadn't even been advertised?
On the one hand, I can't blame her for applying. She knows the hospital is cutting back and as she said, no one's job there is secure--perhaps she was even rattled by the fact that her department was affected when she thought it would not be. It does make me wonder if the questions she asked Hildy about how she would handle working two jobs were to try to figure out how to do it herself, rather than because she was truly worried about Hildy or about Hildy's job performance if she was burning the candle at both ends.
On the other hand, I thought she was disloyal to Hildy by applying for a job that Hildy told her about and obviously wanted--at least without mentioning she was going to do so to Hildy prior to putting her application in.
I did guess there was some traumatic event in young Cochran's life that led to his breaking up with his girlfriend--but I didn't guess exactly what it was. I also guessed that he was planning to reveal what he knew and that someone killed him to prevent that--but again, I didn't guess correctly about who the murderer(s) was(were).
August 13, 2019
Needled to Death is the first book in A Helping Hands Mystery series which is a spin-off of A Mattie Winston Mystery series. Needled to Death can be read as a standalone though. Hildy Schneider is a social worker, pleasantly plump, single, and has some quirks. Hildy’s mother was murdered when she was seven years old. She then found herself in the foster care system where Hildy was a less than an ideal child. She moved from home to home until she aged out of the system. Being in the foster care system left Hildy with an odd habit or two that she has been unable to shed. When Sharon Cochran asks for the grief support group’s assistance in proving her son was murdered, Hildy wants to help because her mother’s case is still unsolved. Hildy talks with Mattie Winston and then teams up with Detective Bob Richmond. Hildy became assertive with Bob regarding the case and also worked up the courage to ask him out on a date. Bob is a handsome and has been working out since he was shot. Hildy is surprised to learn he is fifty-two (he does not look his age). Jonas Kriedeman, an evidence technician, is attracted to Hildy and invites her to dinner. The mystery is multilayered with a twist or two. Hildy stumbles upon an interesting find that, in my opinion, was the best part of the mystery. I was happy that all the details of the case are revealed providing a satisfying conclusion. I found it fascinating when Hildy was trying to lift a print and how she was able to utilize it. I did find Needled to Death to be a slow starter and I did not like the repetitive details (that Hildy was in the foster care system, bad homes, she has no family, her mother’s history). I like that the author took the time to establish the main characters and there are descriptive details on each character. I did not like that Needled to Death is written in the first person (it was unappealing to me). P.J., the neighbor’s daughter, was a delightful addition to the book. I liked her frank nature. Roscoe, Hildy’s golden retriever, is a protective and comforting dog. He was a sweetie. Those readers who enjoy A Mattie Winston Mystery series will be delighted with A Helping Hands Mystery series. Needled to Death has a protective pooch, a dashing detective, a cold case, a perplexing puzzle and a caring counselor.
July 26, 2020
* The narrator was horrible. Mystery books should not be read by someone who talks like they are narrating a porn movie.
* Thankful that the book was on Hoopla as the print in the physical copy I bought was TEENY, so I was able to dump said horrible narrator and just read the book.
* "Titillating" is not a word that should be used over and over again.
* There is a potential FREAKING LOVE TRIANGLE and I am not happy. As I really like Hildy as a MC [she is deeply flawed and is aware that she is as she is also aware that makes her who she is and why she is good with her job and she is VERY relatable. Especially to someone who has OCD. Though odd food items have never ever ended up in my pocket without me knowing it] and I actually really like Bob [the first suitor] and think they work well together [as he too is flawed and is very open about that and is open to the fact that Hildy has issues]. I despise love triangles; they are lazy writing and I really hope this isn't headed down that path. Hildy and Bob and Jonas are better characters than that and deserve more than a stupid triangle that will ONLY end in heartbreak and it won't be the adults.
* PJ is an awesome character and the author writes her very well. I love her.
Overall, this was just okay for me. The book kind of dragged on [though there were parts that were really good] and I kind of felt I should have read the Mattie Winston book that introduces Hildy, but wasn't aware until I was actually READING this one. Sigh. It wasn't bad, it wasn't great. It was okay. I have the next one from NetGalley and I am hoping that it will be better, as second books often are in a new series. I like Hildy enough to keep going, but I am not sure I will go past #2 - depends on what happens with that read.
* Thankful that the book was on Hoopla as the print in the physical copy I bought was TEENY, so I was able to dump said horrible narrator and just read the book.
* "Titillating" is not a word that should be used over and over again.
* There is a potential FREAKING LOVE TRIANGLE and I am not happy. As I really like Hildy as a MC [she is deeply flawed and is aware that she is as she is also aware that makes her who she is and why she is good with her job and she is VERY relatable. Especially to someone who has OCD. Though odd food items have never ever ended up in my pocket without me knowing it] and I actually really like Bob [the first suitor] and think they work well together [as he too is flawed and is very open about that and is open to the fact that Hildy has issues]. I despise love triangles; they are lazy writing and I really hope this isn't headed down that path. Hildy and Bob and Jonas are better characters than that and deserve more than a stupid triangle that will ONLY end in heartbreak and it won't be the adults.
* PJ is an awesome character and the author writes her very well. I love her.
Overall, this was just okay for me. The book kind of dragged on [though there were parts that were really good] and I kind of felt I should have read the Mattie Winston book that introduces Hildy, but wasn't aware until I was actually READING this one. Sigh. It wasn't bad, it wasn't great. It was okay. I have the next one from NetGalley and I am hoping that it will be better, as second books often are in a new series. I like Hildy enough to keep going, but I am not sure I will go past #2 - depends on what happens with that read.
December 31, 2019
A super mystery with some interesting characters and a great beginning to a new series.
Needled to Death is the first book in the 'A Helping Hands Mystery' series by Annelise Ryan. There were several levels to this mystery with quite a lot of depth and grittiness for a cozy. The story was extremely satisfying with some very good twists that kept me guessing throughout. I'm already very keen to read the next in the series!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Needled to Death is the first book in the 'A Helping Hands Mystery' series by Annelise Ryan. There were several levels to this mystery with quite a lot of depth and grittiness for a cozy. The story was extremely satisfying with some very good twists that kept me guessing throughout. I'm already very keen to read the next in the series!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
June 22, 2019
Hospital social worker Hildy Schneider leads a bereavement support group. She is surprised when new member Sharon Cochran makes is clear she is there not only to seek comfort, but also to ask for help in finding her son’s murderer. Hildy has a couple of contacts in law enforcement and learns Toby’s death was determined to be a suicide, but there were a few things that didn’t add up. Hildy takes this information and runs with it and is convinced the young man did not take his own life. Soon, Hildy is working with Sorenson, Wisconsin police detective Bob Richmond to catch a killer.
“Needled to Death” is the first in a new series. However, it is really a spin-off of her Mattie Winston series. Mattie works for the Medical Examiner’s office and had dealings with Hildy on a prior case. Mattie makes a brief appearance in this book, but it’s Hildy that takes center stage, working side-by-side with Bob Richmond to learn more about Toby’s suspicious death. I like that Hildy is not a perfect character. She is perceptive, caring, and quirky and can even be a bit manipulative to get what she wants. However, she uses her insights into people, gained through schooling and getting through a tough childhood, to help others. I love the fact that although she isn’t a beauty queen, Bob isn’t the only one who seems to be interested in Hildy romantically since. I don’t know if there will be triangle in future books or if her relationship with Jonah, the evidence technician for the police department, will become more of a friend. Either way, I like her interactions with both men.
In addition to a refreshing main character, the case itself is also interesting. The book deals with serious topics like suicide and drug abuse, but has a sense of humor without being too silly. Something seems off about Toby’s death and I recognized some of the clues introduced by the author, but I would never have guessed the truth about what really happened. Hildy puts herself in danger to get the evidence needed to solve the case, but luckily she’s not alone in her sleuthing. I wish there had been a scene or at least an epilogue with Hildy sharing information about the case with her bereavement group, but I still really liked the book. This case seems to be opening new doors for Hildy in both her career and her personal life, and I look forward to reading more books featuring Hildy.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Kensington Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
“Needled to Death” is the first in a new series. However, it is really a spin-off of her Mattie Winston series. Mattie works for the Medical Examiner’s office and had dealings with Hildy on a prior case. Mattie makes a brief appearance in this book, but it’s Hildy that takes center stage, working side-by-side with Bob Richmond to learn more about Toby’s suspicious death. I like that Hildy is not a perfect character. She is perceptive, caring, and quirky and can even be a bit manipulative to get what she wants. However, she uses her insights into people, gained through schooling and getting through a tough childhood, to help others. I love the fact that although she isn’t a beauty queen, Bob isn’t the only one who seems to be interested in Hildy romantically since. I don’t know if there will be triangle in future books or if her relationship with Jonah, the evidence technician for the police department, will become more of a friend. Either way, I like her interactions with both men.
In addition to a refreshing main character, the case itself is also interesting. The book deals with serious topics like suicide and drug abuse, but has a sense of humor without being too silly. Something seems off about Toby’s death and I recognized some of the clues introduced by the author, but I would never have guessed the truth about what really happened. Hildy puts herself in danger to get the evidence needed to solve the case, but luckily she’s not alone in her sleuthing. I wish there had been a scene or at least an epilogue with Hildy sharing information about the case with her bereavement group, but I still really liked the book. This case seems to be opening new doors for Hildy in both her career and her personal life, and I look forward to reading more books featuring Hildy.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Kensington Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2020
This is the first book in a new series that spun off of the Mattie Winston Mysteries that I enjoy. Hildy is a therapist who runs a bereavement group as well as working at the local hospital. At one of her group meeting, a bereaved mother tells the group that she doesn't believe her son committed suicide, but that someone killed him. Hildy offers to help her find out what happened, but it might not be what the mother wants to hear. Hildy contacts her friend Mattie at the coronor's office and gets the idea that Mattie believes there is more to his death as well. Hildy asks Mattie to contact the local detective on her behalf and Hildy's investigation begins.
I really enjoyed the characters in this story. Hildy is great. She has a lot of background history that comes to play in this story and helps her in her investigation, but you will have to read it to find out what it is. Her neighbour, 11 year old PJ, who walks her dog and does odd jobs is great. A bit different, again you will need to meet her to understand, but she gives the story a great human piece. Bob Richmond, the local detective she works with is another wonderful part of the story. Whether he is really allowing Hidly to coerce him into working together or he wants to work with her will be up to you to decide. The mystery is quite complex and requires a lot of leg work, a lot of interviews and research to move forward. Of course, Hildy is the one to discover a lead to solve the whole thing, but puts herself in danger, accidentally, while following it. I liked the ending and was quite surprised with the motive and culprit. I will definitely read more in this series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I really enjoyed the characters in this story. Hildy is great. She has a lot of background history that comes to play in this story and helps her in her investigation, but you will have to read it to find out what it is. Her neighbour, 11 year old PJ, who walks her dog and does odd jobs is great. A bit different, again you will need to meet her to understand, but she gives the story a great human piece. Bob Richmond, the local detective she works with is another wonderful part of the story. Whether he is really allowing Hidly to coerce him into working together or he wants to work with her will be up to you to decide. The mystery is quite complex and requires a lot of leg work, a lot of interviews and research to move forward. Of course, Hildy is the one to discover a lead to solve the whole thing, but puts herself in danger, accidentally, while following it. I liked the ending and was quite surprised with the motive and culprit. I will definitely read more in this series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
September 9, 2020
3 1/2 stars for this first in series.
Hildy is a social worker running a grief support meeting, when a new person shows up. Sharon's son died, they say by suicide, but she feels he was murdered. After telling her story, Hildy feels that it was no suicide either. She vows to help Sharon get to the bottom of her son's death.
Along the way, she enlists the help of a police detective, Bob, who she also likes and has a date with. I thought it was funny, and honest, when, after she asked Bob out on a date, she went to her car and threw up! That's something I can relate to.
This book is a spin-off of the author's successful Mattie Winston series. Mattie plays a very minor role in this book.
Our MC spent many years in foster care, and this thread carries throughout the book. She also is a bit of a klepto, taking small things like mustard packets and candy from baskets, and having no recollection of taking them. She's short...and these three factors are repeated throughout the book multiple times. After a while, it got annoying, which is why only 3 stars and not 4.
The mystery overall was good. I figured out one who person who was involved in the murder, but not the why or how. It was way more far reaching than I imagined. I thought that the whole ending was a bit far fetched, which again kept me from 4 stars.
Overall though, it kept my interest, and the writing style was crisp. Our MC is a bit stubborn at times, but is written with smarts.
Overall a good first start, and I'll read at least the second in the series.
Hildy is a social worker running a grief support meeting, when a new person shows up. Sharon's son died, they say by suicide, but she feels he was murdered. After telling her story, Hildy feels that it was no suicide either. She vows to help Sharon get to the bottom of her son's death.
Along the way, she enlists the help of a police detective, Bob, who she also likes and has a date with. I thought it was funny, and honest, when, after she asked Bob out on a date, she went to her car and threw up! That's something I can relate to.
This book is a spin-off of the author's successful Mattie Winston series. Mattie plays a very minor role in this book.
Our MC spent many years in foster care, and this thread carries throughout the book. She also is a bit of a klepto, taking small things like mustard packets and candy from baskets, and having no recollection of taking them. She's short...and these three factors are repeated throughout the book multiple times. After a while, it got annoying, which is why only 3 stars and not 4.
The mystery overall was good. I figured out one who person who was involved in the murder, but not the why or how. It was way more far reaching than I imagined. I thought that the whole ending was a bit far fetched, which again kept me from 4 stars.
Overall though, it kept my interest, and the writing style was crisp. Our MC is a bit stubborn at times, but is written with smarts.
Overall a good first start, and I'll read at least the second in the series.
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