Annelise Ryan is the bestselling author of the highly popular Monster Hunter Mysteries (Berkley), the hilarious Mattie Winston Mysteries (Kensington) and the Helping Hands Mysteries (Kensington). Annelise Ryan is a pseudonym for Beth Amos, who also writes the Mack's Bar Mysteries (Kensington) as Allyson K. Abbott. As Beth Amos she has three stand-alone thrillers that were published by HarperCollins and two self-published paranormal thrillers. Beth is a recently retired emergency room RN living in Wisconsin.
"A fascinating and complex novel that will appeal to both mainstream mystery lovers and fans of paranormal mysteries. Ryan has created a unique character in cryptozoologist Morgan.”—Library Journal
I read the first in the series a little while back, but didn't read the ones in between it and this fourth entry. That didn't impact my following and understanding the storyline. Read on to see what I think.
1) A Death in Door County (click here)
Copyright: Nov 2025 (Berkley) 330 pgs
Series: 4th in Monster Hunter Mysteries
Sensuality: Mild, mature topics
Mystery Sub-genre: Amateur Sleuth, cozy mystery
Main Character: Morgan Carter, owner of the Odds and Ends bookstore and a Cryptozoologist
Setting: Modern day in Door County, Wisconsin
Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review/NetGalley
Book Blurb: "When a dead body turns up along a lonely country byway in rural Wisconsin, rumors of The Beast of Bray Road, a werewolf-like creature that is said to inhabit the area, are reinvigorated. For years locals have reported sightings of the terrifying creature, but this would be its first verified attack.
Marks on the dead woman’s body indicate a mauling by some kind of large animal. The wounds plus deep scratches on the victim’s car convince the community that the legendary beast is not only real but responsible for this brutal killing.
If the police have any hope of solving this crime, they’re going to need an expert—enter cryptozoologist Morgan Carter. She’s investigated sightings of eerie creatures throughout the upper Midwest. If anyone is going to track down the killer, it’s Morgan, but she may find that the Beast is not the worst thing lurking on Bray Road."
My Thoughts:
I like Morgan, she is an interesting mix of practical but not dismissive of paranormal. She tries to find logical explanations but she is open to their being cryptids if proven to her satisfaction. She is a bit stubborn at times.
In this outing she works with a different policeman. Detective Wyatt Moorhead from the town of Elkhorn. Wyatt is tall, dark, and handsome but Morgan is hoping her detective boyfriend, Jon Flanders, and her can patch up their relationship. I like Wyatt, he seems a good cop who helps people and I hope he makes appearances in further books.
I love how the author can make scenes eerie and tense just using the setting and a few elements. The mystery plot is good with a few twists nicely done. The pace is done so well I was riveted to the pages.
The killer was revealed without threats or gun fire, no dash to get away either. It was done to be a surprise to the reader, but I had a strong suspicion and was right. Not because it was obvious. Also, Morgan solves what the sightings were! I really liked the wrap-up as it will change a few things, but I think for the better. I am really looking forward for the next outing.
Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list
Just for fun, here is a short video on the legendary Beast of Bray Road.
THANK YOU for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.
Join my author newsletter for updates on my book releases: Click Here
Check out my website for information on all my books and where to purchase: Click Here
