Step into the quirky, crime-solving world of Mattie Winston, where a former nurse turned deputy coroner unravels mysteries in small-town Wisconsin with wit and heart! The Mattie Winston series, penned by Annelise Ryan, blends cozy mystery charm with humor, romance, and a dash of forensic intrigue, making it a delightful escape for fans of lighthearted whodunits.
In the fictional town of Sorenson, Mattie’s adventures offer a fresh spin on the cozy mystery genre. Her relatable, imperfect nature and knack for stumbling into hilarious situations make her a standout sleuth, perfect for readers craving suspense with a side of laughter.
How Mattie Winston Began
Annelise Ryan, a pseudonym for Beth Amos, a retired Wisconsin ER nurse, launched the Mattie Winston series in 2009 with Working Stiff. Drawing on her medical expertise, Amos crafted Mattie as a nurse transitioning to a deputy coroner after a personal betrayal. The series was born from Amos’s desire to blend her love for humor and mystery, aiming to ‘medicate the masses’ with laughter, as she often says. Her insider knowledge of medical procedures adds authenticity, setting the series apart in the cozy mystery landscape.
The Heart of Mattie Winston
The series kicks off with Working Stiff (2009), where Mattie, reeling from her husband’s infidelity, dives into her new coroner role only to investigate the murder of a colleague. In Scared Stiff (2010), she tackles a Halloween murder with ghoulish flair, while Frozen Stiff (2011) sees her unraveling a chilling case tied to a mysterious stranger. By Dead Even (2021), the 12th book, Mattie’s probing a realtor’s death with a pool cue through the heart, balancing her chaotic personal life with sharp detective work.
Themes of resilience, self-discovery, and community shine through, with Sorenson’s quirky residents adding warmth and humor. Mattie’s romance with Detective Steve Hurley spices things up, while her self-deprecating humor keeps the tone light, even amid grim cases. The series’ medical examiner angle, infused with Amos’s nursing background, offers a CSI-like twist, appealing to fans of forensic details without losing its cozy vibe.
The small-town Wisconsin setting grounds the stories, with local scandals and gossip fueling Mattie’s investigations. Her knack for finding herself in absurd predicaments—like awkward run-ins with suspects—makes each book a laugh-out-loud adventure, perfect for cozy mystery lovers who enjoy a blend of suspense and silliness.
Why Mattie Winston Resonates
The Mattie Winston series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, praised for its humor and authentic forensic detail. Fans on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon rave about Mattie’s relatability, with reviews calling her ‘witty’ and ‘endearingly flawed.’ The series’ mix of slapstick comedy and heartfelt moments draws comparisons to Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, attracting readers who love sassy heroines. Its lasting appeal lies in Mattie’s growth—from a betrayed nurse to a confident sleuth—mirroring readers’ own journeys of overcoming setbacks.
While not a cultural juggernaut, the series has a loyal following, with Amos’s USA Today bestselling status underscoring its quiet impact. Its blend of medical intrigue and small-town charm keeps readers hooked, proving cozy mysteries can be both fun and thought-provoking.
- First Book: Working Stiff (2009)
- Latest Book: Dead Even (2021)
- Total Books: 12
- Author: Annelise Ryan (Beth Amos)
Grab Working Stiff and dive into Mattie Winston’s hilarious, heartwarming world of cozy mysteries today!