Picture a Wisconsin emergency room nurse spinning tales of murder, humor, and heart—meet Annelise Ryan! Writing under a pseudonym, Beth Amos crafts the wildly entertaining Mattie Winston Mysteries, blending her medical expertise with witty prose to create a standout voice in humorous crime fiction. Her stories, set in the fictional town of Sorenson, Wisconsin, have captivated readers with their clever plots and laugh-out-loud moments.
Ryan’s unique ability to infuse forensic detail with slapstick humor makes her books a delightful escape. Whether you’re a fan of cozy mysteries or just love a good chuckle, her work offers a perfect mix of suspense and sass. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this talented storyteller.
The Making of Annelise Ryan
Beth Amos, the woman behind Annelise Ryan, spent years as a registered nurse in Wisconsin’s emergency rooms, witnessing life’s highs and lows—from births to autopsies. Her medical background sparked her writing, with the smell of an autopsy inspiring the opening line of her debut novel, Working Stiff. Amos chose the pseudonym Annelise Ryan partly to shield her patients from knowing their nurse moonlighted as a master of fictional murder. Her knack for humor, honed as a coping mechanism in the high-stress ER, became a cornerstone of her storytelling.
Before mysteries, Amos wrote thrillers under her real name and reviewed books for Barnes & Noble. Her shift to humorous crime fiction came with a desire to “medicate the masses” through laughter, a mission she’s pursued with gusto since her first Mattie Winston book in 2009.
Annelise Ryan’s Unforgettable Stories
The Mattie Winston Mysteries, Ryan’s flagship series, follows a wryly cynical nurse-turned-deputy coroner in Sorenson, Wisconsin. Mattie’s klutzy charm and nosy streak make her a relatable sleuth, tackling murders with a blend of anatomical know-how and humor. Working Stiff (2009) kicks off the series, with Mattie investigating a murder tied to her cheating ex-husband. Fans love the mix of forensic intrigue and romantic tension with detective Steve Hurley.
Other series highlights include Frozen Stiff (2011), where Mattie unravels a chilling small-town murder, and Dead in the Water (2017), which balances family chaos with a slashed-throat mystery. Ryan’s newer Monster Hunter Mysteries, starting with A Death in Door County (2022), feature cryptozoologist Morgan Carter chasing lake monsters and Bigfoot. Across her 30+ novels, Ryan’s style—sharp dialogue, quirky characters, and authentic medical details—draws comparisons to Janet Evanovich and Patricia Cornwell, but with a distinctly Midwestern flair.
Ryan also writes the Helping Hands Mysteries, a Mattie Winston spinoff starring social worker Hildy Schneider, and the Mack’s Bar Mysteries as Allyson K. Abbott. Her ability to juggle multiple series while keeping readers hooked speaks to her storytelling prowess.
Why Annelise Ryan Matters
Annelise Ryan’s impact lies in her ability to make crime fiction both accessible and uproariously fun. Her medical background lends credibility to her plots, while her humor resonates with readers seeking lighthearted escapes. The Mattie Winston series, with 12 books and counting, has built a loyal fanbase for its relatable heroine and small-town charm. Reviewers praise Ryan’s “authentic forensic detail” and “slapstick humor,” noting her appeal to fans of both cozy and gritty mysteries.
Beyond entertainment, Ryan’s stories reflect real-world struggles, like balancing work and family, making her characters feel like old friends. Her shift to cryptid-themed mysteries shows her versatility, cementing her as a dynamic voice in modern mystery fiction.
- Pen Name: Annelise Ryan (Beth Amos)
- Key Works: Mattie Winston Mysteries, Monster Hunter Mysteries
- Genres: Humorous crime fiction, cozy mystery
- Notable: USA Today bestselling author
Ready for a dose of laughter and suspense? Snag Working Stiff and dive into Annelise Ryan’s wickedly fun world of crime-solving!