Contents:
I think Ryan maybe works overtime to gross out her readers She does get a lot of interesting information about forensic evidence into the story, too. I didn't suspect the killer to be who it was, so Ryan was also successful in her sneakiness, w This is the one with the murder victim mixed in with her Halloween display. I didn't suspect the killer to be who it was, so Ryan was also successful in her sneakiness, while playing fair with the readers. This is the book where Mattie acquires Hoover the dog. Apr 19, Jonathan rated it it was amazing Shelves: Almost better than the first.
Can't wait to read the next one. I enjoyed this second book in the Mattie Winston series. Mattie is still trying to figure things out and find her footing after the break-up of her marriage and quitting of her job after finding her husband in a compromising position. In this one, a dead body is found amongst Halloween decorations, and the victim's husband is arrested.
However, Mattie's gut tells her that he didn't do it, so she is off searching for proof that he is innocent. Hurley, the hot detective who Mattie would like to re I enjoyed this second book in the Mattie Winston series. Hurley, the hot detective who Mattie would like to rebound with, is content to stick with the one the have arrested, but Mattie won't let it go. I really like this series. The characters seem realistic and likable, the stories move along quickly, and it makes me laugh.
I wasn't sure of the murderer, although I wasn't completely surprised by it, and there were some interesting side stories to add to the book without being overwhelming. I've already got 3 to read next! Jan 29, Hannah rated it really liked it Shelves: Scared Stiff is even better than the first book in the Mattie Winston series. What a refreshing change not to feel let down by a series sequel!
Now that her past with her ex is mainly out of the way, Mattie really settles into her new job as deputy coroner, although her contacts and experiences as an ER nurse still play a large part in her murder investigations. Things are definitely getting spicy, and I enjoy the fact that their moments are short but very much charged with tension.
I find this form of development infinitely preferable to the overtly physical relationships that seem to blindside readers from nowhere. The slight dissatisfaction with the handling of the main murder mystery aside, Scared Stiff was an even better read than the first Mattie Winston book.
Jul 28, Jamie rated it it was ok Shelves: I didn't get more than a handful of chapters in. The book seems to focus more on trying to be funny than on the mystery, with the lead character immediately treating the murder scene as nothing more than a way to show off for the hot lead detective, who later was flirting back in the murder victim's bedroom after catching the lead character rooting through the victim's mail because nothing it hotter than a coroner wandering around a murder scene disturbing evidence.
And when the hot female pho I didn't get more than a handful of chapters in. And when the hot female photographer showed up the protagonist suddenly goes all catty. The lead character was tolerable at first but as soon as the other characters were introduced there was just way too much chewing the scenery going on. I was prepared to give it three stars, assuming that the casual attitude to murder scenes and hammy character relationships was due to the book being further into the series and giving it some leeway, but it's only book 2 so my opinion of it dropped accordingly.
The scenes that aren't pushing hard for 'humor' are well written and funny, even if they seem to drag on a bit, but I've got too long of a reading list to put up with a book that laughs at it's own jokes. The actual mystery is pretty good but I found it difficult to relate to the characters. The prat falls by the main character, Mattie, were also overdone. Specifically, Mattie's car accident resulting in a senile old man with urinary problems becoming her chauffer and the fall where Mattie ends up covered with maggots are both completely unnecessary.
The YCCK factor was too high. I was also put off by the adolescent way she handled her physical attraction to the main detective. All of this detracted from the core mystery which turned out to have a nice twist at the end. This was a free Kindle download and I won't be reading any more. It's not what I'm looking for in a cozy mystery. Aug 24, Kaitlin rated it really liked it. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I am not sure what I expected but I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed the book. Scared Stiff is the second book in the Mattie Winston series.
On Halloween, the dead body of part time model, Shannon, is discovered by some trick or treaters. Working with her boss and the good looking cop, Hurley, Mattie works to discover who killed Shannon Hurley and Mattie have a bet as to whether or not Shannon's separated I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Working with her boss and the good looking cop, Hurley, Mattie works to discover who killed Shannon Hurley and Mattie have a bet as to whether or not Shannon's separated husband did it.
Entertaining read with humor, mystery and romance throughout. I loved the interaction between Mattie and Hurley, the comments and little suggestions that they make to each other.
Reminds of school kids when you just want to shake them and say.. I can't wait to read the next in the series!! This book was very funny. It is a murder mystery and the mystery part of the story is interesting and well-done. A housewife is found dead on her front steps on Halloween night, appearing to be just another body in the Halloween display.
The estranged husband is the first and logical choice as the murderer. From there, the story gets interesting. The humor is unbelievable. I actually laughed out loud a couple of times, something I almost never do that in a book. Mattie,a nurse who is working for This book was very funny. Mattie,a nurse who is working for the medical examiner's office, is always getting herself into the strangest predicaments or saying the wrong things. May 17, Ellie Oberth rated it it was amazing.
This is one of my favorite series. I love Deputy Coroner, Mattie Winston. Ryan spins a tale in a most amusing fashion. She has a wonderful way with words. I highly recommend this series. You'll want to read them all! Better every book I'm a nurse and boy does Mattie make me want to move to the ME's office.
Hurley and Mattie are getting closer. More dead bodies, crazy shrink, annoying news reporter. I want to cheer, I laugh out loud, I'm interested the whole way through. Sep 22, Heidi Yup. Jun 23, Janet rated it liked it Shelves: This is really a pretty good book. Fun characters that are relatable and a good plot. There are quite a few instances that could've been much funnier had it been written by Janet Evanovich. But, thank goodness, Miss Ryan has imbued her main character, Mattie, with some intelligence rather than the ever-brainless Stephanie. Maddie's crush on Steve seems to be like teenage attraction to the jerky high school jock.
A lot of nice people in this book but I think I'm in love with Izzy… Of course, it's a This is really a pretty good book. A lot of nice people in this book but I think I'm in love with Izzy… Of course, it's a sisterly-type love. Can you imagine it? I am momentarily distracted by trying to find the right numbers to punch on my cell. As a result, I never see the car hurtling toward me from the side, it's driver oblivious to the red light.
True, that the other driver blew through a red light… One but it had just turned red. But if Maddie had not been on the phone she probably would have seen the car hurtling toward the intersection, obviously with no intention of stopping. Of course, she could be charged since she was on her cell and it's he said, she said.
But no matter that, Mattie ends up in the hospital. Foolish situation you put yourself into. And why would she speed up to go through a green light that had just turned green? Hurley had lost his job because of going after a rich man suspected of murdering his wife who was later convicted of the crime. Such injustices continue to go on.
And if you're black and in the wrong place at the wrong time, it seems a policeman or a neighborhood watch member can kill you with impunity. No excuse for the civilians or especially the old white man who was allowed to "ride along" because he was friends with the chief. Now that was an injustice it was comprehensible. The policeman put their lives on the line every day for us… But does that allow them to shoot as long as they say they didn't know what the suspect was going to do?
It goes without saying, that if an armed man is in anyway threatening, he must to be taken down. The main thing a brave and good policeman can do to improve their image and they're standing with the community is to not support, in any way, a bad cop. Reporting a bad cop takes the upmost bravery. And why is it that these people who have money can never ever get enough? Fun Mystert Light hearted, entertaining contemporary mystery.
The characters are amusing and the plot is solid. It occasionally falls into slapstick, and some jokes are repetitive, but overall, fun. Hearst and Hoover The second book out does the first. Humor with the many unique characters and situations plus a mystery to solve, make this book an easy read. Jul 16, Beth rated it really liked it.
Laugh out loud funny! Aug 28, Teresa Scott rated it really liked it. Quick and interesting read. Loved the main character. Feb 26, Teresa rated it liked it. Jul 06, Broughps rated it really liked it. I love a story that can make me laugh out loud. Sep 10, Debbie rated it it was amazing. Jan 03, Shannon rated it really liked it. But Mattie happens to know Erik truly loved his wife, and is simply incapable of the brutal act—even if he owns the exact same caliber handgun as the murder weapon.
I have often said I am not usually a fan of books that are coined as cozy mysteries. I read this as part of a book club challenge and I was pleasantly surprised. First of all this book is funny! Just a fair warning There are some curse words in it, which for me made it all the more funny. I do know that some people are NOT looking for that in a cozy so I just wanted to add that to my review as a warning of sorts.
Mattie Winston is in the middle of a seperation from her husband who was found cheating with a nurse in the book previous to this in the series and now she is working part time with the ME's office and has left her job as an OR nurse.
Mattie gets involved in the investigation of Shannon Tolliver who was found shot outside her home "hidden" by her large Halloween display. Her estranged husband is the first person of interest but Mattie doesn't believe that Erik has it in him to murder the wife that he loves so dearly. So on a bet with hunky detective Steve Hurley, she does her own investigation to find other culprits so she can win the bet and get a dinner date with Detective Hurley. However, Mattie finds herself in way too deep, endangering herself, others, and the investigation itself.
This is the second book in a series and after reading this book, I immediately bought the first book Working Stiff to catch up on what seems like some pretty humorous backstories. I love the relationships Mattie has with her friends. I felt like the characters were well developed. The biggest compliment I can give to the author is that I immediately bought the first book in the series. This is a great book, granted its not as cozy as most cozy mysteries This is a hilarious book with a bit of romance and murder mystery thrown in.
On reading the book, the reader can suspend the disbelief gracefully as the office in which Mattie works acts surprise as they go ahead with what must be a rigid codified process. Since the whole town knows Shannon recently had a very public spat with her estranged husband, Erik, he's suspect 1. Things only get murkier with the arrival at the scene of the usually stoic and dependable detective Steven Hurley; one look at the body and he turns as white as the newly fallen snow and excuses himself from the case. He doesn't stand out, and at times kind of comes off as a carbon copy male lead jackass. Sorting out her love life, however, proves a bit more challenging.
This was a 4 star book for me and I will definitely be reading more by this author! Apr 11, Henriette rated it liked it. This was the first book in the series I read. Though there are some references to events from the previous book, this is a standalone novel, so knowledge of the first book is not really necessary.
Overall I liked this book, however I have two main issues with it: I hate it when the main characters are clumsy almost at a level to slapstick comedy. Every time Mattie stumbled, poured something on herself or accidentally lost her clothing, I was ready to stop reading the book. I do not know ab This was the first book in the series I read.
I do not know about the other books, but this one is in need of some serious editing.
Scared Stiff has ratings and reviews. LORI said: Dollycas's ThoughtsI now have another author in addition to Julie Mulhern that makes me laug. Annelise Ryan is the pseudonym for the author of the Mattie Winston mysteries and another mystery series. She has written more than published articles.
A few paragraphs later Mattie refers to Nelson. At this point I figured that this was the boyfriend's name, however there is no mention on how Mattie came by this information. To learn more about Amazon Sponsored Products, click here.
Would you like to tell us about a lower price? Learn more about Amazon Prime.
An appealing series on multiple fronts. Among the fake blood and skeletons is the corpse of Shannon herself. Since the whole town knows Shannon recently had a very public spat with her estranged husband, Erik, he's suspect 1. But Mattie happens to know Erik truly loved his wife, and is simply incapable of the brutal act-even if he owns the exact same caliber handgun as the murder weapon.
Determined to unearth the truth, Mattie puts her scalpel-sharp medical skills to work, and digs a little deeper. What she uncovers is stranger than anyone could have imagined. Read more Read less. Audible book Switch back and forth between reading the Kindle book and listening to the Audible book with Whispersync for Voice. Books In This Series 7 Books. Page 1 of 1 Start Over Page 1 of 1. Kindle Cloud Reader Read instantly in your browser.
Customers who bought this item also bought. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1. Sponsored products related to this item What's this? The Mitch Herron Series: This great value boxed set has 3 action packed novels inside. The Jack Emery Series: This great value thriller collection has almost pages of action and intrigue! Can journalist Jack Emery beat a global conspiracy?
The Hawker Incorporated Series. Buckle in for thrills and adventure when a risk-taking female pilot steps into a deadly game of high-end aircraft recovery. Bailey creates great characters, good and bad, in a heart-pounding story that will leave you breathless. Do not read the last page first! A facial at a spa? You can read this Kindle Unlimited cozy murder mystery for free! Dogs, food, and recipes. Omnibus Edition Parts Go back to the Pleistocene. A time hopping tale that takes you to a time when both Neanderthals and Early Humans roamed the land.
Lachlan Immortal Highlander Book 1: A Scottish Time Travel Romance. Product details File Size: Kensington; Reprint edition August 1, Publication Date: August 1, Sold by: Related Video Shorts 0 Upload your video. Share your thoughts with other customers. Write a customer review. Read reviews that mention mystery funny humor main murder ryan loud laugh hurley situations romance detective coroner cozy deputy halloween stephanie plum medical town. There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later. Overall, this book is a quick and easy read.
It's surprising how little training is required to be a deputy coroner. Mattie Winston is an appealing character but her continuing misadventures leading to her clothing being discarded or torn off are silly and detract from the story. In a previous book in the series, she managed to lose her underpants at a crime scene. Did a romance novel writer pen this series? There is an overemphasis on breasts, hard bulges etc. The plot is unexpected but not wildly unrealistic.
I like the supporting characters and I definitely like the stray animals. Mattie seems a little too smart to be in the financial limbo she appears to be in. I'm not sure if the writer is aiming at a mystery or a farce, e. Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. Having read many of the Janet Evanovich books, I must say that this was very similar in style and character development. However, if you have never read an Evanovich book, then this is not helpful information. Scared Stiff and I have also read Frozen Stiff, which is much the same has some good plot twists and it is challenging to figure out "who done it" in advance, which is good.
Ryan seems to know her stuff in terms of medical information and the fact that the main character Mattie Winston was a nurse but now works in the Medical Examiner's office, makes that a requirement. Lots of interesting medical situations in each book but how long can she keep that up? The books are easy reads, and if you are looking for fun that isn't too gruesome, plots that are interesting but not extremely deep, and don't need a truly plausible timeline, then these books are definitely for you.
They are what I call "candy books"- something fun at the end of the day. On the other hand and the reason for the 4-star rating these books like the Evanovich ones have characters that are drawn in broad brushstrokes, with just enough information to make them recognizable. There is a lot of sexual tension between Mattie from the ME's office and Hurley from the police , who long for sex, but cannot have a relationship because of fraternization rules.
It was sort of cute for one book, but the references to "burning between the thighs," "melting in the blue liquid pools of his eyes", and references to the "pup tent in his crotch" quickly get old.