Dead Calm by Annelise Ryan is the ninth book in the “Mattie Winston” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, coming February 27, 2018.

The honeymoon will have to wait for newlyweds Mattie Winston and Steve Hurley . . .

As deputy medical examiner and homicide detective respectively, the couple are dispatched to a grisly crime scene at the Grizzly Motel, a seedy joint for illicit liaisons on the outskirts of Sorenson, Wisconsin. A man and woman are found dead next to each other in bed in what initially appears to be a grim but straightforward murder-suicide. An affair gone sour?

But as the forensic evidence is gathered and autopsies are performed, Mattie and Hurley realize the scene has been staged. They have a double murder on their hands. The spurned spouses of both victims top the list of suspects, but as more is revealed, the case becomes increasingly complex. Dividing their time and resources between the double homicide and an ongoing investigation involving Mattie’s father, as well as caring for their toddler, Matthew, and Hurley’s teenaged daughter, Emily, the two are stretched to their limits.

After another victim turns up dead, there’s no room for error as Mattie and Hurley stage a scene of their own to back the killer into a corner . . .

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I love this series. Mattie and Hurley’s most recent case takes on a disturbing find. . .it was staged and now the investigation takes on a new meaning.

This well-written drama had me immersed in all that was happening as I could not put this book down, quickly becoming a page-turner. The author did a great job in telling this multi-plot story where besides this murder case, they are also looking into a previous case that has far-reaching implications involving some of the prominent citizens of Sorenson as well as someone close to Mattie. The circle of life takes another turn when bones are found on their new property putting a halt to their home building. The cool thing about this story is how Mattie and Hurley handle all this and their family life while maintaining some form of sanity.

I like that the mystery was intriguingly suspenseful keeping me glued to the pages as everything is sorted out as the small field of suspects takes a dramatic turn with a few surprising twists as the duo gets closer to the murderer’s identity. In regards to the other case, I loved the “I Spy/Mission Impossible” feel as Cletus’ role is expanded in a task that is explain at the conclusion. Everyone’s role had pivotal implications that led to how well this story was being told and enhanced my reading pleasure.

Boasting a wonderful cast of characters, engaging dialogue and a small-town feel, this was one of the best book in this endearing series and I can’t wait to read the next adventures in the lives of Mattie and Hurley.

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.