Stiff Penalty

By: Annelise Ryan

Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

Deputy coroner Mattie Winston knows a thing or two about dead bodies. That's why she's on the case of Derrick Ames, a high school math teacher stabbed to death with a barbecue fork straight to the heart. Sure, she's turned up some motives and a few suspects, but nothing adds up. Especially when the evidence points to Ames's teenage son. Newly pregnant Mattie can't believe it, even as her own long-estranged father may be following her. But one thing's certain: she'd better start figuring things out fast, or a deadly perpetrator could be subtracting two more victims from the population of Sorenson, Wisconsin.

©2015 Beth Amos (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

I love Maddy Winston

This is a great series. I love Maddy and her imperfect life. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.

Not the best in the series....

I'm not sure I like the author's choice of flash back for this character. This installment didn't keep me as riveted as previous books.

Different Format, But Still Interested in Mattie

I thought this book moved slower than the previous ones. I also didn't like the format all that much. The bulk of the book is told as Mattie tells her story to her shrink. The main problem I found with this approach was that instead of seeing the things happen, you are given a higher level spoiler, then told the story. And I mean big things are blown this way. We should see if Hurley is going to propose, not be told if he will. Things like that. Also the pregnant Mattie is more jealous and whiny than usual. Her shrink is paid to hear her repeatedly stress about whether her and Hurley "have what it takes" or not, but I wasn't. Not to imply I didn't enjoy the book, I continue to be interested in Mattie and Hurley and I did enjoy the book. But even the mysteries in this one take a back seat to Mattie's psych issues. We end at a good place for Mattie though and not without enough drama left that the series could continue.

Love the series. This one not so much.

I don't care for the structure of the story with flash backs as she talks to her therapist. There are also some logical failings, like thinking that a mathematician would know accounting that irritated me. While there were a few exciting scenes, and some very touching ones, I didn't like the tone of much of the book as Mattie whines about Hurley not saying he loves her.

I love this series!

Where does Stiff Penalty rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of my top 2 favorite series. It is so good to read about these characters again! Already I cannot wait for the next book. This author does a great job of building each character and their own special eccentricities.

What did you like best about this story?

I just enjoy this author's style of writing and I think the narrator does a great job. The fork metaphor was great, starting from the beginning and threaded through to the end with a little foreshadowing of what is coming next.

Which character – as performed by Jorjeana Marie – was your favorite?

Maddie! She is just so natural and down to earth and unafraid of who she is.

good story

All of the books in this series have been good. Just enough mystery to keep you thinking. But as we get more into the series, Mattie gets more whiny about her relationship with Hurley. And that is really getting on my nerves. She just needs to sit down, have a talk with him and tell him how she feels. Tired of her always whining about her insecurities but yet won't do anything about them.

And how many more books in this series?

I love this series!

I really enjoy this series and will probably re-read it in the future. This book was interesting and entertaining but did have several spots that seemed to drag and I wanted the story to just get going. Other than that, this was a great book and the narrator was very good. I highly recommend this whole series to anyone who loves a good cozy mystery.

My house has never been so clean!

I downloaded the book on my phone, placed it in my pocket and found myself cleaning extra things just to keep listening to the story! Another great Mattie Winston tale or suspense! Now on to the next book --and maybe out to see what I can do in the garage......

Stiff Penalty

I think I finished this in one day. Could not put it down! Well written.
Characters are real and keep your interest. I especially like how Mattie is maturing emotionally. I am up to date with reading all books in the series and recommend them highly for 18 or older.

Still one of my favorite series.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I have already.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Stiff Penalty?

Mattie Winston is young, fresh, and a regular woman. I like the way she says things and explains the work she does. She has good instincts and seems thorough in her work. The adventures are often hilarious but not slap stick. As usual, the series is about her work as an assistant coroner with the gore and complications. And her romance with the police detective, Steve H. This book included her having his baby, being targeted by a killer and dealing with becoming a single mother. In, addition dealing with his teen daughter who is jealous. Many modern issues.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I usually take my time reading these books. I enjoy relaxing while I listen to them.

Any additional comments?

I must say that besides the writing, the narration makes this book come to life. Jorjeana Marie IS Mattie Winston.