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Fenway Stevenson Mysteries #4
The Upstaged Coroner
The local university’s Shakespeare troupe already had plenty of drama. Then their manager was murdered.
The morning after the coroner election, Fenway Stevenson finds herself in the middle of another emotionally charged case. The manager of a renowned Shakespeare group is killed—and there’s no shortage of suspects. Uncovering secret affairs and ties to a deep conspiracy, she gets stonewalled by actors, accountants, and even the university president—who all seem to know more than they admit. Can Fenway solve the murder before she becomes the next victim?
The morning after the coroner election, Fenway Stevenson finds herself in the middle of another emotionally charged case. The manager of a renowned Shakespeare group is killed—and there’s no shortage of suspects. Uncovering secret affairs and ties to a deep conspiracy, she gets stonewalled by actors, accountants, and even the university president—who all seem to know more than they admit. Can Fenway solve the murder before she becomes the next victim?
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2019
216 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Paul Austin Ardoin
32 books126 followersPaul 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 9, 2019
As always an outstanding suspenseful story. Such action that will have you hooked from the beginning to the end.
November 14, 2020
Each book can be a standalone, but it is an ongoing saga and hard to put down. It's getting interesting! On to Book 5.
October 9, 2019
Book #4: Investigations galore!
I loved book #1. Not having read books #2 and #3, I must admit that there were missing pieces to the puzzle. I did not expect these books to not be complete stand-alones. Had the author updated the reader just a little more then I would not have felt a disconnect. And yet, I was able to pick up on the thread. Another reader who hadn’t read #1 would have been at a loss.
Reading a book, to me, should be an experience in and of itself. When I am drawn into the author’s world and, particularly, to the characters it is okay to develop them and their relationships in ongoing volumes but not to create a plethora of unresolved issues. There were just too many loose ends or unanswered questions for me to love this volume as much as the first. However, I do enjoy the characters and realistic dialogue. The writing is good and flows nicely while the plot keeps you on your toes. Would I want to continue this series? You bet!
I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I loved book #1. Not having read books #2 and #3, I must admit that there were missing pieces to the puzzle. I did not expect these books to not be complete stand-alones. Had the author updated the reader just a little more then I would not have felt a disconnect. And yet, I was able to pick up on the thread. Another reader who hadn’t read #1 would have been at a loss.
Reading a book, to me, should be an experience in and of itself. When I am drawn into the author’s world and, particularly, to the characters it is okay to develop them and their relationships in ongoing volumes but not to create a plethora of unresolved issues. There were just too many loose ends or unanswered questions for me to love this volume as much as the first. However, I do enjoy the characters and realistic dialogue. The writing is good and flows nicely while the plot keeps you on your toes. Would I want to continue this series? You bet!
I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 22, 2021
Never Ending Story
I enjoyed the book but was annoyed when it ended on a sentence. I bought the next 2 books and was dismayed to see there is yet another book on this lot.
I resent authors who write little books, a series of short waffling stories one after to collect more money from readers. That seems to be what is happening here and I don't like it!
Get to the point in ONE book, Paul Ardoin. It shouldn't take 6 books (are there more?) to tell a tale. This series has become chapters in what should have been one book. Shame on you.
He writes well but he belongs to a group of writers who do not give value for money.
I enjoyed the book but was annoyed when it ended on a sentence. I bought the next 2 books and was dismayed to see there is yet another book on this lot.
I resent authors who write little books, a series of short waffling stories one after to collect more money from readers. That seems to be what is happening here and I don't like it!
Get to the point in ONE book, Paul Ardoin. It shouldn't take 6 books (are there more?) to tell a tale. This series has become chapters in what should have been one book. Shame on you.
He writes well but he belongs to a group of writers who do not give value for money.
January 28, 2023
Not a very good story…lots of juvenile writing, the plot isn’t the best and the ending happened when I least expected it….Fenway, the heroine, having a masters degree in forensics along with a nurse practioners degree doesn’t seem like a sharp enough knife in the pack… lots of discrepancies in the info…think this will be my last read in this series.
April 16, 2020
Among The Best
Once you start reading this series you won’t be able to put the book down and waiting with anticipation for the next in the series to come. Twist and turns mysteries, action packed and characters credible. One of the best newer authors that you won’t want to miss out on.
Once you start reading this series you won’t be able to put the book down and waiting with anticipation for the next in the series to come. Twist and turns mysteries, action packed and characters credible. One of the best newer authors that you won’t want to miss out on.
July 13, 2022
I DON'T KNOW WHATS WRONG WITH FENWAY IN THIS ONE, SHE SEEMS OFF FOR SOME REASON. SHE'S SO DAMN FORGETFUL, ALL OVER THE PLACE EMOTIONALLY AND MENTALLY. HOPE SHE GETS IT TOGETHER SOON; I WANT THE OLD FENWAY BACK. THIS BEING A SERIES IT DID END BUT NOT ENDED, ENDED. WELL, I'M ON TO BOOK #5 I GOT SOME THINGS I NEED TA' KNOW. SMILE! ;D
January 17, 2023
A page turner:
I have rated the fourth book of this series a five star. I'm looking forward reading the fifth book. Loved the exciting plots twists and turns. Great character's sometimes funny but mostly wondering who done it. Who next is going to die and the question is why. It's like peeling an onion you won't know until the very end.
I have rated the fourth book of this series a five star. I'm looking forward reading the fifth book. Loved the exciting plots twists and turns. Great character's sometimes funny but mostly wondering who done it. Who next is going to die and the question is why. It's like peeling an onion you won't know until the very end.
March 15, 2021
Other than Fenway's daddy issues, she's a really likable character. Flawed and headstrong with a lot of heart. I personally didn't find Professor Cygnus very believable. Can one Really behave like that in a murder investigation?!
Read
July 20, 2021Great reading once again and very entertaining. I did not want to stop reading even though I had other things to do, 'Once You Are Hooked' you can't stop reading until it's finished.
I would thoroughly recommend this book to Fans and newcomers to Fenway Stevenson, Paul Austin Ardoin.
I would thoroughly recommend this book to Fans and newcomers to Fenway Stevenson, Paul Austin Ardoin.
September 10, 2021
Just gets better
When I find an author I really like and they actually have a 7 book series I have felt elated. The majority of the time my disappointment is quick especially by the third in the series. This is the 4th and this author just keeps getting better
When I find an author I really like and they actually have a 7 book series I have felt elated. The majority of the time my disappointment is quick especially by the third in the series. This is the 4th and this author just keeps getting better
August 26, 2023
Four for Four
Another terrific book by Ardion. This book I was surprised to find myself nearing the end and wanting it to go on. The suspects are well filled out and full of surprises. On to book 5!
Another terrific book by Ardion. This book I was surprised to find myself nearing the end and wanting it to go on. The suspects are well filled out and full of surprises. On to book 5!
April 25, 2024
This is the 4th book in the “Coroner” series by Paul Austin Ardoin.
I give it 31/2 stars. I will read all of the remaining books in this engaging series, as I have books 1 - 4. Entertaining and creative.
I give it 31/2 stars. I will read all of the remaining books in this engaging series, as I have books 1 - 4. Entertaining and creative.
July 16, 2020
Wonderful series
Love the Fenway Stevenson series! Turns out she is a wonderful coroner. She has a back for detective work. It’s hard to put the books down.
Love the Fenway Stevenson series! Turns out she is a wonderful coroner. She has a back for detective work. It’s hard to put the books down.
August 6, 2020
Really enjoying every book in this series. Read this in one go. Now on to next one!
October 3, 2020
Really good read!
Another good ‘Fenway’ story. She is refreshing because she speaks her mind. Highly recommend this series by Paul Austin Ardoin.
Another good ‘Fenway’ story. She is refreshing because she speaks her mind. Highly recommend this series by Paul Austin Ardoin.
October 9, 2020
Unfortunately I found the 3rd book in the series not as good as the 2nd.
October 31, 2020
A good story.
Unfortunately, I read the book out of order, so reading book 5 before book 4 spoilt the story somewhat for me.
Unfortunately, I read the book out of order, so reading book 5 before book 4 spoilt the story somewhat for me.
December 20, 2020
This series just keeps getting better!
January 1, 2021
I cannot get enough of Fenway!
May 23, 2021
Hooked and loving it
August 24, 2021
It was an okay story. But the grammatical errors were way too many. Lower case it should have been upper case and upper case it should have been lower case. And the ending was just a tad to abrupt.
June 24, 2025
another interesting case and there is still a lot of background story to be solved
August 27, 2021
Awesome!
October 19, 2019
This series keeps getting better. I love the complexity of the overarching story arcs - Fenway's dad, the seemingly insidious presence of the mysterious Global Advantage Consulting Group, Fenway's romance with Sheriff McVie - while also focusing on the immediate case to solve.
This book picks up immediately after Book 3 ends. Fenway's just won the election for county coroner, and she and McVie are (FINALLY!) able to be together. Then she gets a call that her dad's been arrested for the murder of her skeevy former professor. That effectively kills the romantic, celebratory mood, and the sheriff goes home, only to call a few hours later with the news that there's been a murder at the local university.
Ardoin does a fantastic job of accurately portraying the multitude of personalities, problems, and (pun intended) drama in the theater department. The narcissistic, aloof professor who keeps evading questioning. The romance of the leading lady with her on-stage husband. The department chair who has secret meetings with too-well-dressed benefactors while hiding files and information from the investigation. The jealous, snubbed upperclasswoman playing the supporting role who is all to happy to share everyone's secrets but her own. The reader can't help but become frustrated and confused right along with Fenway and McVie. How much of the suspicious activity is typical pre-show jitters vs. a cover-up for murder? Ardoin had me guessing until the very end.
This book picks up immediately after Book 3 ends. Fenway's just won the election for county coroner, and she and McVie are (FINALLY!) able to be together. Then she gets a call that her dad's been arrested for the murder of her skeevy former professor. That effectively kills the romantic, celebratory mood, and the sheriff goes home, only to call a few hours later with the news that there's been a murder at the local university.
Ardoin does a fantastic job of accurately portraying the multitude of personalities, problems, and (pun intended) drama in the theater department. The narcissistic, aloof professor who keeps evading questioning. The romance of the leading lady with her on-stage husband. The department chair who has secret meetings with too-well-dressed benefactors while hiding files and information from the investigation. The jealous, snubbed upperclasswoman playing the supporting role who is all to happy to share everyone's secrets but her own. The reader can't help but become frustrated and confused right along with Fenway and McVie. How much of the suspicious activity is typical pre-show jitters vs. a cover-up for murder? Ardoin had me guessing until the very end.
October 15, 2019
THE FENWWY...WAY
This story is a little more complex. About the cast of characters, Fenway send to grow up. Her father's issues then, it goes back like an adolescent. Yes, I talk over and over about father-daugther issues and the author start working on it. Thankfully he keeps their interaction short.
The beginning of a more interesting romance between the Sheriff's and Fenway, good. The long story of the Killer, Money Laundering at 1st think is going to be solved. But, No still a long-never-endong-story. Sad about Popped, hope the character returns and also, finally we will know who is the "spy"...from Fenway or Sheriff's office.
This story had many sub-plots that the author weave in a main plot, it feels smooth, another good from Ardroin
Some parts of the book are filled with simple uninterested info. Like...a description of a breakfast or a mental block of the characters.
Still, I like the book and was glad that I choose to read this book for Free (later I buy it) and found out that this author and story is worth it!
This story is a little more complex. About the cast of characters, Fenway send to grow up. Her father's issues then, it goes back like an adolescent. Yes, I talk over and over about father-daugther issues and the author start working on it. Thankfully he keeps their interaction short.
The beginning of a more interesting romance between the Sheriff's and Fenway, good. The long story of the Killer, Money Laundering at 1st think is going to be solved. But, No still a long-never-endong-story. Sad about Popped, hope the character returns and also, finally we will know who is the "spy"...from Fenway or Sheriff's office.
This story had many sub-plots that the author weave in a main plot, it feels smooth, another good from Ardroin
Some parts of the book are filled with simple uninterested info. Like...a description of a breakfast or a mental block of the characters.
Still, I like the book and was glad that I choose to read this book for Free (later I buy it) and found out that this author and story is worth it!
September 4, 2020
I loved this story and couldn’t put it down! It has great characters (especially Fenway and Craig), a complex murder mystery, and excellent dialogue. Reading the previous books in the series fills out the dark corners but is not necessary; The Upstaged Coroner easily stands on its own. The ending is a little weak; nevertheless, this tale earns a definite 5 star rating from this reader!!
October 7, 2019
Another sleepless night, couldn’t put it down
The growing story of the coroner, her life, loves and goals gets better with each new chapter
Once I started this novel I had to read till the end, not without flaw but a good honest story from an author sharpening his game and keeping us hooked
The growing story of the coroner, her life, loves and goals gets better with each new chapter
Once I started this novel I had to read till the end, not without flaw but a good honest story from an author sharpening his game and keeping us hooked
October 14, 2019
Another simply terrific read from Paul. He writes with a special something that creates a movie in my mind as I read, it’s totally addictive reading his books! I love the characters, the town, the crimes, plots, and Fenway best of all. This is another of Paul’s great books, so well worth reading.
October 20, 2019
An interesting series
A series that makes you use both clues and deductive reasoning, as well as just a little luck mixed in too.
A series that makes you use both clues and deductive reasoning, as well as just a little luck mixed in too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews