Read Annelise Ryan Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 25, 2026

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Annelise Ryan’s books are a captivating blend of mystery, suspense, and rich character development, often intertwining dark secrets, intricate plot twists, and unforgettable protagonists. Her storytelling immerses readers in a world where crime, both personal and professional, takes center stage, and where the line between right and wrong can sometimes become quite blurry. With each book, Ryan builds a universe that’s compelling and atmospheric, drawing readers into a labyrinth of human emotions, psychological tension, and unpredictable outcomes. If you’re a fan of gripping mysteries with a psychological edge, her books are likely to satisfy your cravings for high-stakes storytelling.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of Annelise Ryan, exploring her books, the recommended reading order, and what makes her work so engrossing. Whether you’re a long-time fan of her books or someone new to her literary universe, you’ll find plenty to discover here.

List Of Annelise Ryan Books In Order

More On Annelise Ryan Books In Chronological Order

1. Frozen Dead (2011)

This is the first book in the Mattie Winston Mystery series. Mattie is a newly widowed medical examiner in Wisconsin, struggling to rebuild her life. She gets pulled into a complex case involving a murder at a frozen lake, where she must work alongside the local police to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the ice. It’s full of twists, turns, and a touch of romance!

2. A Fair Mortality (2012)

In the second installment of the Mattie Winston Mystery series, Mattie finds herself investigating the suspicious death of a woman found in a tanning salon. As Mattie unravels secrets about the victim’s life, she also faces challenges in her personal life, particularly when her romance with Detective Steve Hurley starts to get complicated. It’s a compelling blend of mystery and drama.

3. Scared to Death (2013)

In book three, Mattie is faced with yet another case involving a gruesome death, but this time it hits much closer to home. When a murder turns out to have connections to her past, Mattie is forced to confront her fears and past trauma. As usual, there’s a great mix of suspense and wit, making it a page-turner.

4. Dead in the Water (2014)

In this one, Mattie’s investigation involves a drowning that turns out to be anything but accidental. As she digs deeper, she uncovers secrets about the victim’s life and the dangerous web surrounding the community. The stakes are high, and there’s no shortage of surprises, as Mattie and Steve’s relationship continues to evolve.

5. Skeleton Crew (2015)

Mattie’s on another complex case in this fifth book, where a skeleton is discovered in the basement of an old house. This mystery takes her on a journey through hidden histories and long-buried family secrets. She also faces some personal dilemmas, especially as her relationship with Steve gets more serious. It’s a delightful balance of creepy mystery and personal drama.

6. The Graveyard Shift (2016)

Mattie is once again thrust into a chilling mystery when she investigates a murder tied to a local graveyard. As the case unravels, she uncovers connections to old family feuds, and once again, she must put everything on the line. There’s plenty of suspense, and the evolving romance adds a deeper emotional layer to the series.

7. One for the Road (2017)

In this seventh book, Mattie investigates the death of a man who appears to have died in a hit-and-run accident. However, as she digs deeper, it becomes clear that this was no accident. Mattie also has to confront some personal issues, especially when Steve proposes a life-changing question. As always, the mystery is gripping, and the characters are richly developed.

8. A Dose of Death (2018)

A Dose of Death is a thrilling story where Mattie is called to investigate the suspicious death of a local pharmacist. The case quickly spirals into a web of lies, drugs, and betrayal. While Mattie solves the mystery, she also faces pivotal decisions in her personal life, particularly her future with Steve. The drama and emotional stakes are high!

9. Unnatural Causes (2019)

Mattie finds herself investigating a case where the victim’s unnatural cause of death isn’t what it seems. She uncovers a dangerous game that may put her own life at risk. As usual, there’s plenty of action, suspense, and even a few light-hearted moments as Mattie navigates both her professional and personal life. It’s another hit for fans of the series!

Background On Annelise Ryan Books

Annelise Ryan is a pen name used by the author of several mystery and crime novels, most notably her Mattie Winston series. Known for her engaging, fast-paced storytelling, Ryan has carved out a space in the genre of cozy mysteries, though her work often transcends the typical conventions of the genre. The Mattie Winston Mystery Series is at the heart of her bibliography, and it showcases her talent for combining personal drama with intricate, page-turning mystery.

Ryan’s books are unique because they manage to blend humor, heart, and horror in ways that don’t feel forced. The central character, Mattie Winston, is a medical examiner with a sharp mind and an unflinching dedication to solving cases. Over the course of the series, Ryan explores not just the complexities of crime-solving but also the personal lives of the characters, offering readers a deep dive into relationships, family dynamics, and the toll that death and violence can take on individuals.

Beyond the Mattie Winston series, Annelise Ryan also writes books in other sub-genres, including psychological suspense. Her writing style is known for its realism, attention to detail, and the ability to create tension and emotional resonance that feels authentic.

Reading Order Explained

For those who want to dive into Annelise Ryan’s books, the most important consideration is understanding the reading order. While some of Ryan’s works can be enjoyed as standalone novels, the Mattie Winston Mystery Series should ideally be read in order for the full character and narrative development.

Here is the recommended reading order for the Mattie Winston Mystery Series:

1. The Grim Reaper’s Dance (2011)

   The first book introduces readers to Mattie Winston, a medical examiner who gets caught up in a chilling murder case that challenges her both professionally and personally. This sets the stage for the deep character arcs that will unfold throughout the series.

2. Scattered Graves (2012)

   The second book takes Mattie further down the path of uncovering complex crimes. Ryan builds on the relationship between Mattie and her colleagues, offering a closer look at their personalities and motivations.

3. Body Of Evidence (2013)

   A continuation of Mattie’s journey, where she is tasked with solving another mystery involving the medical examiner’s office. This book emphasizes Mattie’s development as a professional, offering more personal stakes.

4. The Devil’s Bones (2014)

   The stakes continue to rise in this thrilling installment, as Mattie faces even darker forces in her pursuit of justice.

5. Dead In The Water (2015)

   The series begins to explore more intricate relationships as Mattie delves into both her romantic life and the intricacies of her job.

6. A Killer’s Instinct (2016)

   As the series progresses, Mattie’s character evolves, and readers see more personal and professional challenges in this gripping new mystery.

7. Bone To Be Wild (2017)

   The plot thickens, with Mattie in the middle of a case that will test her very limits.

8. Toxic Deception (2018)

   A high-stakes thriller that brings new danger to Mattie’s life while also exploring the emotional complexity of the characters.

9. Gallows Hill (2019)

   With this installment, the stakes feel even higher as Mattie gets closer to uncovering the hidden secrets of those around her.

10. Rising Fear (2020)

    As Ryan’s narrative continues, readers can expect deeper revelations and an even stronger focus on character development as Mattie becomes involved in a case that may change everything.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the things that stands out about Annelise Ryan’s writing is her ability to create multi-dimensional characters. Mattie Winston, as the central protagonist, is more than just a medical examiner solving cases; she’s a woman grappling with personal demons, emotional baggage, and romantic entanglements. Ryan doesn’t shy away from making Mattie vulnerable, and it’s this vulnerability that makes her such a compelling figure. As a reader, you invest in Mattie’s journey, not just her ability to solve crimes, but also her growth as a person.

Ryan’s storytelling is tight, and she excels at creating atmospheric tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Her pacing is deliberate, often weaving between suspenseful action scenes and quieter, character-driven moments that allow the audience to breathe before diving back into the intensity. This careful balance of action and emotion is one of the things that makes her books so enjoyable. Every chapter feels purposeful, moving the plot forward while giving readers a glimpse into the lives of those involved.

Additionally, Ryan’s attention to detail when it comes to the medical examiner’s office and the investigative process provides a sense of realism that enhances the credibility of the plot. Her writing is grounded in the realities of the profession, making the mystery-solving aspect feel authentic.

Lastly, Ryan’s use of humor adds a wonderful layer to the series. Despite the often grim subject matter, the humor in her books is refreshing and lightens the mood without detracting from the tension or seriousness of the situations.

Should You Read Annelise Ryan Books In Order?

If you want to fully experience Annelise Ryan’s work, particularly the Mattie Winston Mystery Series, reading the books in order is highly recommended. There’s a natural progression in character development, with Mattie and her colleagues evolving over time. By reading in order, you’ll witness the growth of both the main character and the relationships that drive the series forward.

While each book can stand alone with its own mystery, the overarching narrative across the books builds on previous events. For instance, Mattie’s personal life, including her romantic entanglements and family dynamics, becomes more complex and engaging as the series progresses. The slow-burn development of her relationship with certain characters is best appreciated when you read in sequence, as it allows you to witness the ups and downs over time.

Additionally, there are recurring subplots and character arcs that provide depth and continuity across the series. These moments of character growth would lose their impact if read out of order. The emotional payoff is much greater when you’ve followed Mattie’s journey from the very beginning.