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On the run. Accused of murder—with no way out.Coroner Fenway Stevenson is accused of a homicide she didn't commit—but all the evidence points to her. Staying one step ahead of the police, she discovers one secret after another about not only the victim, but about her mother's mysterious past. With the body count rising and the killer still on the loose, can Fenway find the truth and prove her innocence before she becomes the next victim?

397 pages, ebook

First published March 9, 2021

100 people are currently reading
106 people want to read

About the author

Paul Austin Ardoin

32 books126 followers
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.

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5 stars
299 (67%)
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111 (25%)
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26 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Jesse Vivian.
8 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2021
The seventh book in the Fenway Stevenson series about a young African-American nurse practitioner who finds herself appointed to and then ran for re-election to the county Coroner’s job in southern California, Through the six prior novels that put her in a variety of harrowing and finely tuned positions, she has earned the town's support and interest in her exploits.

Throughout the texts, she is looking into the death of her mother and trying to figure out where she fits into her estranged filthy rich oil magnate father's relationship with his second trophy wife's marriage and his position as the county's live-hate benefactor. She develops a on and off trist with the former sheriff and now private investigator who is dedicated to making their encounters into a settled federation.

In the opening of this installment, Fenway, while attending the funeral of her biological grandmother in Los Angeles. learns she is accused of murdering the Mayor of her hometown, Estancia. While her support group does not believe anything about the otherwise overwhelming evidence against her, Fenway goes on the run while she attempts to clear her name and prove her innocence.

This book, like the others before it, is really good. For a new writer, the author demonstrates his control over the difficulties of writing a murder-thriller mystery. He clearly has the intellect to write a complex series with a relatively long list of well developed characters. Even though the series is long and visits a number of interesting sceneries, the reading is compelling. Wanting to get to the resolution of the story is always demanding.

In the spirit of full disclosure, the first book in the series, The Reluctant Coroner, was downloaded free from one of the book sites that provide such services. I was impressed enough to write the author a short note of congratulations. I bought the next five books online at the going price. The author invited me to be in his advance reader group and sent the latest book reviewed here to me in exchange for publishing a review online.

While each book could be read independently, full appreciation for the whole series will be better developed if they are read in order. There is a fair amount of interdependence between each installment.

Happy reading and best wishes.
1,746 reviews13 followers
February 23, 2021
This book has your attention right from the start. Fenway has gone to her grandmother's funeral where she finds out that she has been accused of murdering the mayor and a warrant has been issued for her arrest. She receives this information from one of her prior employees. Fenway's 1st thought is to go back and fight, but she is advised to go into hiding. With the assistance of a cousin she just met, she changes her appearance. She begins looking into the investigation from the outside and is lucky to receive assistance from others in her town.

As Fenway searches, she discovers information related to an incident that happened 30 years prior which may have a bearing on this case. She decides ultimately to go back and keeping out of sight and again with help from her boyfriend and several others, she closes in on who the real killer was. In the same time frame she also solves the 30 year old case.

To discover what the situation that led to the mayor's killing and how the events that happened 30 years ago came into play, then you must read this book. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Kim.
507 reviews5 followers
September 8, 2021
Another fabulous Fenway adventure!

This is the seventh book in the Fenway Stevenson Mystery series and each one keeps getting better and better. In this story Fenway, having been accused of a murder she did not commit, quickly finds out that being a hunted fugitive is a difficult and dangerous way to live. Fortunately for her, she has a network of friends and family who believe in her innocence and are willing to do whatever they can to help her elude the authorities. Fearing that she may lose her position as Coroner forever, Fenway must prove her innocence by solving a murder as well as a thirty year old cold case centered around her own mother and father. The plot is intricate, the pace is relentless, the suspense is palpable and once you start reading, it is impossible to put this book down. If you have been following this series, you will be delighted in the continued evolution of the characters and their interpersonal dynamics. Some things remain the same (ex. Fenway’s love of the food at Dos Milagros) but many things undergo some remarkable changes (those you will have to read for yourself as I do not intend to offer any spoilers). I felt this story was a wonderful addition to the series and hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I did. I am looking forward to what the author will dream up for the next adventure.

I was provided with an advance copy of this book but I am voluntarily offering my honest and unbiased review.
93 reviews
March 28, 2021
While I enjoyed all of the previous 6 I really loved this one. This is a great story with some unexpected turns. Love that Fenway got to meet and know some of her mother's family too.
121 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2021
I thought I had read some others in this series - I own several - but as soon as I started to read it I realized I had not. (I confused this series with another with a similar title structure.) For me, reading this without any background was quite confusing. There was no character development or explanations of relationships between people. Of course, if you've read all the previous ones, that wouldn't be necessary. But picking it up in book #7 was difficult. I didn't really understand who was who, was Fenway's background in police work or the medical field, what all this stuff about her father meant, etc. etc. I was still piecing all of that together right up until the end. THEN - at 98% in my Kindle - I felt like I struck gold! There was a list of all the characters and how they fit with each other! If, like me, you haven't read the whole series, start here first! There aren't any spoilers and it will save you a ton of head-scratching. To be clear, I don't like it when a book rehashes every detail from previous books in the series. But my suggestion to the author is to either put these last couple of pages up front or the information should be better woven into the story. As is, it's not a very good standalone even if it's a good book #7 in a series. The mystery itself was pretty good, but I can't really tell how much of my confusion was due to so many characters and how much was lack of context. Until those last few pages, I was actually ready to give this three stars because it was too much work. But since the author did include the background, and the story line was well thought out, I bumped it up to four. I received an ARC, but this is my honest opinion.
239 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2021
Paul Austin Ardoin at his best…
Others apparently agree, this series keeps getting better. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and imagining being in Fenway’s shoes (although not literally). What a predicament! Thankfully, she had lots of support while concealing her identity and trying to prove her innocence of murder. Being a fugitive from the law and in constant danger of harm by whomever was framing her definitely heightened the challenge for Fenway to connect all the dots between several murder cases at once or risk losing everything she presently loved in her life.

Well-written and fast paced, there are enough potentially guilty characters to keep one guessing right up to the finish line. Even if you think you know who’s to blame, with the way that all of the clues are presented, you can never be absolutely sure. Things keep happening – adding layers to the mystery. I was drawn into the process of Fenway’s deductive reasoning and intrigued by the other characters assisting her and offering their input, as well.

If you prefer a good mystery and a well-designed plot without violent gore or needless sex then this is a perfect choice and I recommend the entire series. Although each book works as a stand-alone, there is a continuing development of characters and their relationships that enriches your reading experience.
537 reviews9 followers
July 17, 2025
Coroner changes her appearance and eludes capture while looking for clues - 4 stars

You are expected to have read the preceding stories - which I have not done yet - to know the background but you really don't have to. You just get in the trunk of the car and trust the cop who put you there. You do this if you are Fenway Stevenson and have cops in Los Angelis claiming that you are armed and dangerous.

So even if you are not guilty, you need to start thinking of how to escape rather than where is a good place to satisfy your hunger cravings for Mexican food. And you need to worry about your wardrobe too.

It is a light romp even if a bit over the top for a recently elected coroner. But, hey, you have friends who really look out for you and do some of the investigation about what is going on. In this case, it started with a cold case murder 30 years ago. Some policemen have long memories and grudges.

You will have to wait until the literal next to the last page to find the explanation. It is not straight forward.

Fenway makes friends easily and, fortunately for her sake, they are willing to go far out of their way to help out, bring disguises, food, clothing and money. Enjoy. It is really fun as long as you are only reading.
Profile Image for MaryAnn (EmilyD1037).
120 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2021
I went to bed last night prepared to sleep after I checked out my Kindle. I was so surprised because the latest (and last !) "Coroner" had been added ( I preordered). Welllll, so much for any sleep.

I SO much loved this last book of the series, even more than the rest of it and I loved it as you know.

I read it straight through and loved how all the previous story lines were tied up into tidy little bows !
I loved that about this series. It covered a 2.5 month time period, each one covering a minimal amount of days, day by day action, questions answered that seemed to have no answers, the basic characters were filled out quite successfully. My only problem with the series ... it is ended.

I was really surprised by this author. His ability to portray the black female protagonist, the other unique characters, and to keep it interesting and moving was an amazing feat. If you love mysteries, this is the best I have read.
213 reviews
September 7, 2021
Fabulous Series!

Fenway Stevenson - ultimate heroine! No, she's not psychic, and her gut instincts are only right half the time. She's fallable, loveable, down to earth and stubborn, and always catches the villains. Raised by a destitute single mother, she becomes a nurse practitioner, and ultimately finds herself reunited with a father she grew up hating.
Thrust into the Coroner's job by the father she resents, she makes the most of her new position and discovers she likes solving crimes, the more difficult the better. Persistent, committed and determined to unravel the most tangled knots.
Fascinating series, well-written and captivating. I couldn't wait to go from the first book to the next, to the third and on through #7.
31 reviews
February 28, 2021
This is the seventh Fenway book I have been given to read for an honest review. All of the books in the series have very descriptive, interesting & colorful characters. In this book Fenway works very long and hard to prove who the killers are and to exonerate herself. Could hardly wait to get to the ending to find out the real killers! Disappointed the series is ending. I will miss reading how she’s in trouble again. Fenway is such an interesting character and a kickbutt coroner even though she didn’t want the job in the beginning. I highly recommend this whole series from book 1 thru book 7. Looking forward to the Author’s next book and/or series.
22 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2021
In all the series books, Fenway ends up between a rock and a hard place. This time is no different. She is accused of murdering the Mayor. She has lots of reasons to want him out of the way but murder?
She knows she can prove her innocence but it's hard to do without her tools as the city's coroner. Instead, she looks to her friends for help.
You'll find yourself reading well into the night trying to figure out who is the murderer. Just when you think you know another twist appears to make you question your reasoning.
Although each book in this series can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading all the books.
256 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2021
Love this series. A page turner, full of suspense. Well written. Although this book could be read as a standalone, strongly suggest you read the series from the beginning to have a better understanding of what makes Fenway tick. Three murders, a mayor, his wife and a P.I., could they all be related to a thirty year old cold case or is it revenge? Fenway, the lead suspect, can she fit the puzzle pieces together before she gets arrested or has to flee to Mexico? The book has twists and turns that will keep you guessing right up to the end. Highly recommend. Received an advance copy and this is my honest voluntary review.
Profile Image for Cat B..
790 reviews7 followers
March 7, 2021
This is the first Fenway Stevenson mystery that I have read. Often times, when reading a series, if you
have not read the previous books you might feel lost or that you have missed out. It stood alone pretty well, and I still got a good idea of who Fenway is and what she stands for. The story went along nicely, with some nods here and there to what went before but not enough that I was thrown off.
Fenway is a very engaging character with strong morals and sense of justice. Very intriguing plot and a nice tie up at the end. I will be dipping my toe into her world again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased review.
828 reviews3 followers
February 22, 2021
Gripping!

Fenway, charged with murder and on the run from police, needs her friends to help keep her safe and solve the murder in order to resume her life and position as coroner. Things keep getting more convoluted with more murders and a 30 yr old one also appears to be involved somehow. Each new thing they learn adds more pieces, but the puzzle is still missing too many. Can they figure out who is framing her before she is arrested? Highly recommend.

Received an ARC in return for this, my honest review.
Profile Image for John.
15 reviews
February 24, 2021
I have to admit that I'm a big fan of Fenway Stephenson and Paul Austin Ardoin's writing. This latest book doors not disappoint. Fenway is Fenway through and through, completely believable and a wonderful continuation and growth of her character. A different sort of tale, not a courtroom in sight (although the threat of one hangs ominously over her head throughout!) Piper is featured prominently - Yay! And all of the characters in her life are important this time. And she learns a lot more about her missing mother. Loved it.
117 reviews5 followers
March 7, 2021
The accused Coroner is seventh of the Coroner series. There are some references to earlier books, but this is another standalone novel.
Fenway goes to attend her grandmother's funeral, and is forced to flee when she is the prime suspect for murdering the Mayor. Hate him? Yes. Murder him? No chance!
Without access to her power and tools as the city's coroner, how can Fenway prove her innocence? Whom can she trust?
Full of devious twists, this book kept me awake all night, and the identity of the murderer was a total surprise.
Keep them coming, Paul Austin Ardoin!
7 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2021
I was not familiar with the series before I started reading the latest book The Accused Coroner. I had to go out and get the 6 books written prior to get a feel for his books. Book #7 was riveting and well plotted and had more hairpin turns than the roads in California. Fenway "Molly" is on the run for her life for a murder she didn't commit. Someone is out to get her by framing her for a couple of murders that seem to be tied into her late mother's early years in life. Well written and I'd recommend this series to one and all to read. It was hard to put the book down.
885 reviews9 followers
March 14, 2021
Fenway Stevenson - Accused of murder?!?
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2021
Boy, I love this series. Fenway is a strong character dealing with a high-pressure job and now she is accused of murder. Can she solve the case before the police and keep herself safe? I love the characters in this book, they are all so realistic. The story kept me on my toes and at the edge of my seat. I couldn't stop reading once I had started. I definitely recommend this book - and the entire series! I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for kenneth  Fowler.
164 reviews
March 2, 2021
She sue is one unlucky cooner, and so are the people around her , they have been dropping like flies the last couple of times we’ve met Fenway .
Another brilliant story that starts with a rush and doesn’t slow down till the last page , so much takes place that it’s hard to keep pace with everything that’s going on , the distractions mount meaning we are running to standstill until it’s all tied together in the end , the well thought out plot will please everybody read it
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,630 reviews39 followers
September 5, 2022
3 1/2*stars REALLY.
TOO CONFUSING TO BE VERY ENJOYABLE. DON'T GET ME WRONG BECAUSE I TRULY LOVE THIS AUTHOR BUT THIS WAS NOT A FAVORITE OF MINE. IT WASN'T BAD BUT IT WENT ON TOO LONG. FENWAY WAS REALLY IN BIG TROUBLE IN THIS ONE. I WAS SO WORRIED ABOUT HER AND SHE WAS MAKING SOME REALLY BAD CHOICES. I KNOW I COULDN'T HAVE DONE SOME OF THE THINGS SHE DID. . . OH HELL NO! SHE WAS ALMOST ON HER OWN IF NOT FOR THE FEW POEOPLE WHO LOVED HER.
1,306 reviews16 followers
February 27, 2021
Fenway is on the run from an accusation of murder. She can't go home, she can see her friends - what will she do? Enter a cousin she just met who believes in Fenway and will risk herself to help.
A fantastic cast of characters - friends we all wish we had. And an intriguing mystery that will keep you hooked. Recommended.
Profile Image for Virginia.
328 reviews18 followers
March 1, 2021
Ardoin always hits it out of the park with the Fenway Stevenson series. Twisty plots with racial undertones are a hallmark of this series as Fenway pursues the truth, regardless of the cost, to bring justice to each case/mystery while dealing with the ups and downs of her own life. Start with The Reluctant Coroner to fully appreciate this series and keep reading.
114 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2021
This is the first book I have read in this series. I rather enjoyed it. The book is a calmer (if you can say that about murder!) violence. There is murder, but not with graphic blood & gore. The characters are interesting and we want them to be ok
So now I have to go back and start at the beginning of the series. I endorse this series if you do not have to have blood & gore type stuff.
1 review
March 9, 2021
I love to read mysteries and like the twists and turns that Fenway's investigation takes you on. She is always running up against murder, being a coroner, but she is the accused this time. Her ingenuity with the evidence brings her to the conclusions. Still, having great assistance with information and people stepping up to throw themselves into her conflict makes for a great book.
Profile Image for Pam Merrill.
309 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2021
This is a murder mystery with a twist. The investigative coroner is now accused of murder. Fenway needs to solve the crime before she is arrested for murder. You can bet this one won't be boring. This is a good series and I haven't read a book in it that I didn't like. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
11 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2021
The Accused Coroner is yet another great installment is this Fenway mystery series. The characters once again come to life. There is plenty to engage and entertain you with action, twists and turns until the very end.
Looking forward to the next chapter for Fenway Stevenson.
Highly recommend not just this book but the entire Fenway series.
Profile Image for Dolly Macfarlane.
136 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2021
Incredibly Good Book

Action packed, the mystery has twists and turns. You just can’t put the book down. The good guys are great and the bad guys are despicable. Just the kind of book you will like. If you haven’t read the other Fenway books, I highly recommend you do. You won’t regret it.
25 reviews
July 11, 2021
WOW

I have read all seven Fenway Stevenson Mysteries! It is difficult to pick a favorite Buuut I have to pick # 7! Fenway has come full circle in understanding herself and understanding her personal relationships. She is an honest, understanding, and forgiving person! Kudos to Paul Austin Ardoin for an Excellent Series! Any more of The Fenway Stevenson Series??
74 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2021
This appears to be the last book in this series. I am a bit sad for it to end. I enjoyed this one as much as all the others. This one really kept me guessing and there were a few times when I caught myself "jumping" while reading because I just knew she was going to be caught.
This author is quite a story teller and I will definitely look for other books he has written.
124 reviews
March 1, 2023
A page turner:

I rated yet again a five star to the seventh exciting book of this series. Loved it of course the characters the twists and turns of this story. How is Fenway going to get out this situation. A page turner for sure. Can't wait to read the eighth book of this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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