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Annie Collins Mystery #1
The Mad Hatter's Son
Curiosity killed the cat, so the saying goes, and it may end up killing operating room nurse Annie Collins.
Annie’s estranged friend Libby Matheisen needs Annie’s help to discover what is causing her vague, puzzling symptoms. Unwillingly drawn into her friend’s life, Annie must discover whether Libby is really ill or if there is a hidden agenda.
Faced with Libby’s apparent suicide, Annie is unable to stop asking questions to uncover the truth about her illness and death. The answers to these questions don’t come without a price, and pursuing the mystery of Libby’s death threatens to end her life as well.
Friends change, love betrays, and the end results are never what you anticipate.
Annie’s estranged friend Libby Matheisen needs Annie’s help to discover what is causing her vague, puzzling symptoms. Unwillingly drawn into her friend’s life, Annie must discover whether Libby is really ill or if there is a hidden agenda.
Faced with Libby’s apparent suicide, Annie is unable to stop asking questions to uncover the truth about her illness and death. The answers to these questions don’t come without a price, and pursuing the mystery of Libby’s death threatens to end her life as well.
Friends change, love betrays, and the end results are never what you anticipate.
298 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2017
248 people are currently reading
996 people want to read
About the author
Helen Starbuck
11 books76 followersColorado native and former OR nurse, Helen Starbuck is an award-winning author of The Annie Collins Mystery Series and the standalone romantic suspense novels Legacy of Secrets, Finding Alex, and The Woman He Used to Know.
No relation to the coffee bunch, she doesn't get free coffee, but she drinks it while writing. She writes her mystery series from the perspective of Annie Collins, an OR nurse, and draws from her love of suspense and romance to create her standalone novels. She enjoys books about strong women and interesting men. Follow her on Facebook (facebook.com/helensstarbuck), Instagram (instagram.com/helenstarbuck/), and her web site (helenstarbuck.com).
If you are a member of a book club and would like Helen to come talk about her books, she can visit in person or visit via Skype or Zoom if your club is outside the Denver or Boulder metro areas.
No relation to the coffee bunch, she doesn't get free coffee, but she drinks it while writing. She writes her mystery series from the perspective of Annie Collins, an OR nurse, and draws from her love of suspense and romance to create her standalone novels. She enjoys books about strong women and interesting men. Follow her on Facebook (facebook.com/helensstarbuck), Instagram (instagram.com/helenstarbuck/), and her web site (helenstarbuck.com).
If you are a member of a book club and would like Helen to come talk about her books, she can visit in person or visit via Skype or Zoom if your club is outside the Denver or Boulder metro areas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
December 31, 2018
What I enjoyed best about this intriguing mystery is the protagonist’s knowledge of her field as an E.R. nurse. It’s clear that the author knows what she is talking about, having been an E.R. nurse herself. That gives this first installment the backbone it needs, while setting up dual careers for her heroine.
There are also a lot of good supporting characters in this story who help or hinder Annie’s quest for answers after she receives a May Day call from her best friend from college. Though it’s impossible to fix other people’s problems for them, Annie feels compelled to at least give Libby the benefit of her professional skills to get to the bottom of what seems to be sucking the life from her body. But Annie soon learns the lifeline she’s thrown to Libby is pulling her into murky waters that she can’t free herself from.
I thought this was a really good prequel and though there were times when I wanted to grab Annie by the shoulders and shake some sense into her, in hindsight I think it was quite realistic for someone who has no experience in solving crimes to come off as a little naïve. I look forward to seeing how the events in this book will shape Annie in future installments.
There are also a lot of good supporting characters in this story who help or hinder Annie’s quest for answers after she receives a May Day call from her best friend from college. Though it’s impossible to fix other people’s problems for them, Annie feels compelled to at least give Libby the benefit of her professional skills to get to the bottom of what seems to be sucking the life from her body. But Annie soon learns the lifeline she’s thrown to Libby is pulling her into murky waters that she can’t free herself from.
I thought this was a really good prequel and though there were times when I wanted to grab Annie by the shoulders and shake some sense into her, in hindsight I think it was quite realistic for someone who has no experience in solving crimes to come off as a little naïve. I look forward to seeing how the events in this book will shape Annie in future installments.
April 5, 2018
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. But I am so glad that I was; this is one of the best thrillers that I've ever read. Wow! It has edge of your seat suspense from the beginning to the end. I was drawn in from the start by the title, wondering what that was going to be about. It's the story of a nurse Annie Collins who's hired by a former friend Libby Mathiesen a very wealthy woman whom she hasn't seen in years, to take care of her doing personal duty and try to find out what's wrong with her. Libby has become extremely ill following miscarriage, but Libby believes there's more to her illness than just depression. This is a mystery full of twists and turns. I know you'll enjoy it as I did. Check it out for an entertaining read.
March 8, 2018
My rating is more around 2 1/2 stars.
I won this book as part of a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Annie Collins, an OR nurse, hasn’t seen her best friend from college in years. Libby married a rich man and they slowly started drifting apart as their social circles changed. When Libby contacts her one day out of the blue asking to hire her as a private nurse, Annie’s first reaction is to say no. Something about seeing her friend looking the way she does compels her though and soon Annie finds herself in a web of lies, mystery and deceit.
I’m pretty torn about this book. On one hand, it held my interest and made me want to finish it even though it wasn’t overly complicated. On the other hand, I seriously disliked the protagonist and had to question whether I’ve ever read a book where anybody was that stupid. I can’t really say much without giving the entire story away, but she cannot read people. Like, at all. The whole thing was so glaringly obvious and she missed it completely. The other thing I had an issue with is her attraction to abusive men…or this man at least. There was nothing, and I do mean nothing, redeeming about her love interest, Ian. A total loser, she kept acting like he was the best guy to ever come along. I didn’t get it. I had this guys number from the moment he entered the story and would have told anyone to pound sand had they spoke to me like that. Her reaction to his outbursts made her look weak. That alone is usually enough for me to bail on a story….but oddly, I kept reading it and I’m not sure why. I already knew what the end result was going to be and I certainly didn’t care what happened to anyone, but I had to finish it. It was fairly well written yet a bit on the amateurish side but something about the story kept me invested. I guess that’s why my rating is 2 1/2 stars. The author actually managed to get me to finish a book even though I couldn’t stand any of the main players. I don’t plan on reading anything further in this series, but I am interested in anything else this author puts out. I’d like to see if it’s just a fluke.
A copy of this review has been posted on my blog at Once Upon A Book
I won this book as part of a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Annie Collins, an OR nurse, hasn’t seen her best friend from college in years. Libby married a rich man and they slowly started drifting apart as their social circles changed. When Libby contacts her one day out of the blue asking to hire her as a private nurse, Annie’s first reaction is to say no. Something about seeing her friend looking the way she does compels her though and soon Annie finds herself in a web of lies, mystery and deceit.
I’m pretty torn about this book. On one hand, it held my interest and made me want to finish it even though it wasn’t overly complicated. On the other hand, I seriously disliked the protagonist and had to question whether I’ve ever read a book where anybody was that stupid. I can’t really say much without giving the entire story away, but she cannot read people. Like, at all. The whole thing was so glaringly obvious and she missed it completely. The other thing I had an issue with is her attraction to abusive men…or this man at least. There was nothing, and I do mean nothing, redeeming about her love interest, Ian. A total loser, she kept acting like he was the best guy to ever come along. I didn’t get it. I had this guys number from the moment he entered the story and would have told anyone to pound sand had they spoke to me like that. Her reaction to his outbursts made her look weak. That alone is usually enough for me to bail on a story….but oddly, I kept reading it and I’m not sure why. I already knew what the end result was going to be and I certainly didn’t care what happened to anyone, but I had to finish it. It was fairly well written yet a bit on the amateurish side but something about the story kept me invested. I guess that’s why my rating is 2 1/2 stars. The author actually managed to get me to finish a book even though I couldn’t stand any of the main players. I don’t plan on reading anything further in this series, but I am interested in anything else this author puts out. I’d like to see if it’s just a fluke.
A copy of this review has been posted on my blog at Once Upon A Book
June 20, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
Several years after she married a rich guy, an artist asks her for help. After a miscarriage, her health and life has gone totally downhill. The nurse reluctantly agrees to try to find out what the problem is, and winds up in danger herself.
This is very de-glamorized nurse fiction, to be sure. Definitely won't inspire anyone to take up the profession, the way old fashioned nurse fiction did. Maybe that's for the best. The profession probably isn't what it used to be.
Several years after she married a rich guy, an artist asks her for help. After a miscarriage, her health and life has gone totally downhill. The nurse reluctantly agrees to try to find out what the problem is, and winds up in danger herself.
This is very de-glamorized nurse fiction, to be sure. Definitely won't inspire anyone to take up the profession, the way old fashioned nurse fiction did. Maybe that's for the best. The profession probably isn't what it used to be.
July 13, 2018
Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the narrator / author / publisher, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
This is a very well written mystery thriller that managed to keep me captivated throughout the book. And the big reveal / twist is something that I didn't see coming at all, even though I was actively trying to figure it out. So, that's a plus. There are no "ok" characters in here. You'd either like them or despise them; which again, speaks volumes about the author's capability of writing strong characters that evoke reader emotions. I enjoyed listening to this book.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Suzanne T. Fortin did a fantastic job of narrating this story. She has a soothing voice and made for a pleasant listening experience.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the narrator / author / publisher, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
This is a very well written mystery thriller that managed to keep me captivated throughout the book. And the big reveal / twist is something that I didn't see coming at all, even though I was actively trying to figure it out. So, that's a plus. There are no "ok" characters in here. You'd either like them or despise them; which again, speaks volumes about the author's capability of writing strong characters that evoke reader emotions. I enjoyed listening to this book.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Suzanne T. Fortin did a fantastic job of narrating this story. She has a soothing voice and made for a pleasant listening experience.
December 15, 2017
I enjoyed this novel, it got a little slow about three quarters through and I was pretty sure who the "bad" guy would be. Things began to heat up and it became a page turner. It isn't a bite your nails mystery but it is a good one.
March 22, 2018
Well, here's the thing about this book and me. I met the author at the 2018 Colorado Book Festival, sitting at her neat table, lovely and calm. She quietly told me she was an OR nurse, and that the woman in her story is an OR nurse. She handed me a copy of the book to peruse while we talked, and I bought it, thinking it would likely be a nice story about helping people get well, or pull through, or, whatever I thought.
So much for my thinking! This is a chilling, gripping, page turning who-dun-it set on the streets of Denver, with all the sights, smells, and heavy breathing of the best suspense novels. Two college friends, out of touch for years, each living different lives, come back together, when Libby - now a rich and famous painter - calls Annie - seasoned medical professional - for help. You enter the front door of the Denver Country Club mansion, and are immediately drawn into twisting, gnawing suspense. Everyone is suspicious. The aloof husband, the cold housekeeper, the sassy Assistant DA, the handsome, somewhat brooding, new man edging into Annie's life, the hungry, stinking, homeless guy filling Annie's car and your nose with the overwhelming need for a bath. You even suspect the tired DPD detective, and his silent partner, of playing Annie for a fool, and you don't like them much, at first. AND, like everyone else in the story, you want to tell Nurse Annie to stop sticking her nose where it does not belong.
READ THIS BOOK! You'll find yourself rolling your eyes with aggravation at the whiny Libby; glaring at social mavens who know nothing, but have heard something about everything; searching for clues to solve not one, not two, but three murders; holding your aching head after falling into nights of nights of wine drinking and love making. It has it all, written smoothly, easily, expertly to pull you in and on to the next page. You'll be exhausted before it's through, that's for sure. Longing, as Annie does, for just boring day in the OR. :-)
ENJOY!
So much for my thinking! This is a chilling, gripping, page turning who-dun-it set on the streets of Denver, with all the sights, smells, and heavy breathing of the best suspense novels. Two college friends, out of touch for years, each living different lives, come back together, when Libby - now a rich and famous painter - calls Annie - seasoned medical professional - for help. You enter the front door of the Denver Country Club mansion, and are immediately drawn into twisting, gnawing suspense. Everyone is suspicious. The aloof husband, the cold housekeeper, the sassy Assistant DA, the handsome, somewhat brooding, new man edging into Annie's life, the hungry, stinking, homeless guy filling Annie's car and your nose with the overwhelming need for a bath. You even suspect the tired DPD detective, and his silent partner, of playing Annie for a fool, and you don't like them much, at first. AND, like everyone else in the story, you want to tell Nurse Annie to stop sticking her nose where it does not belong.
READ THIS BOOK! You'll find yourself rolling your eyes with aggravation at the whiny Libby; glaring at social mavens who know nothing, but have heard something about everything; searching for clues to solve not one, not two, but three murders; holding your aching head after falling into nights of nights of wine drinking and love making. It has it all, written smoothly, easily, expertly to pull you in and on to the next page. You'll be exhausted before it's through, that's for sure. Longing, as Annie does, for just boring day in the OR. :-)
ENJOY!
January 17, 2021
This was a really fun mystery! Annie, our main character is one of those people who is a caring, loving person. She’s an operating room nurse, and so I think it’s just in her nature to want to help people. When her friend Libby reaches out to Annie for help about a mystery illness, Annie ends up in a startling mystery!
I really enjoyed the medical side of this story. I get really intrigued about all the details, and in this story, I felt like they were well researched and accurate. I liked the illness as a mystery, but also all the other details within the story that created the twists as the plot progressed!
Annie was an easy character to root for. She just wants to help her friend, but it becomes so much more than just a sickness. I loved that she was a nurse, not a professional in the world of solving crimes. I liked that naive aspect as she worked on solving this one.
I listened to the audio version of this book, and I really enjoyed the narrator. She has a voice that is easy to listen to, and she has wonderful character distinctions and expressions!
Now, of course, I will need to learn more about Annie’s mysteries, so of course, I’m going to be reading the next one!
I was provided a gifted audio copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
You can find my full review on my blog at:
https://shejustlovesbooks.com/2021/01...
I really enjoyed the medical side of this story. I get really intrigued about all the details, and in this story, I felt like they were well researched and accurate. I liked the illness as a mystery, but also all the other details within the story that created the twists as the plot progressed!
Annie was an easy character to root for. She just wants to help her friend, but it becomes so much more than just a sickness. I loved that she was a nurse, not a professional in the world of solving crimes. I liked that naive aspect as she worked on solving this one.
I listened to the audio version of this book, and I really enjoyed the narrator. She has a voice that is easy to listen to, and she has wonderful character distinctions and expressions!
Now, of course, I will need to learn more about Annie’s mysteries, so of course, I’m going to be reading the next one!
I was provided a gifted audio copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
You can find my full review on my blog at:
https://shejustlovesbooks.com/2021/01...
June 25, 2018
Nurse Annie's college roommate and former friend Libby begs her for help; she's ill, fatigued, miscarried, and the doctor's can't find a reason. In fact, Libby refuses to go back to her doctor; she won't help herself. Annie 's curiosity and truth seeking motivates her to question, to pursue, to detect, to investigate every little piece of evidence, including bumping into one of Libby's ex lover's and talking to him. She is relentless in finding what is making Libby ill. Libby dies, an apparent suicide. But Annie has so many cogent questions. Despite many warnings, she continues to investigate, persists until Libby's murderer is convicted. Sorry folks, I knew who the murderer was from the get go...I also was bothered that a nurse would disclose so much information about her patient Libby ( my husband and I are health professionals and don't disclose to each other about our personal patients.) Her disclosure, even as to who her patient was, left me wary. Nevertheless, I enjoyed Ms. Starbuck's writing, the persistence of Annie, the analysis of clues and facts by Annie. It made for a fun read.
June 20, 2019
2 star
The book opens with a prologue hinting at horrible things to come. Then it snails to a point where I barely managed to push myself through it. It feels more like thriller than mystery, except for the lack of bad guy POV, but it just drags. Things seem repetitive until past the half way mark. So it really didn't work for me but I read all of it.
The book opens with a prologue hinting at horrible things to come. Then it snails to a point where I barely managed to push myself through it. It feels more like thriller than mystery, except for the lack of bad guy POV, but it just drags. Things seem repetitive until past the half way mark. So it really didn't work for me but I read all of it.
September 22, 2019
3.5 rounded to 4 because I loved that it was set in CO.
A good, fast paced thriller/murder mystery. I had the answer figured out by about 30% after initially having bitten on the easy solution. But Annie's story, and the mystery's unraveling kept me engaged.
Hopefully Annie and Angel become an item in #2. 😊 His Grandma was also great - I want one like her!
A good, fast paced thriller/murder mystery. I had the answer figured out by about 30% after initially having bitten on the easy solution. But Annie's story, and the mystery's unraveling kept me engaged.
Hopefully Annie and Angel become an item in #2. 😊 His Grandma was also great - I want one like her!
January 19, 2021
I enjoyed this first book in a new series for me. I loved Annie. I love that she is a nurse and wants to solve murders. She seems to be a very strong woman. I loved how she questions what is going on. I like Angel and hope he is in the next book even more. I received a copy of this book from ireadbooktours for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
March 7, 2020
A must read
A follow on book from The Madhatters Son, this kept me reading until the end. Loved it. Look forward to reading more from Helen Starbuck
A follow on book from The Madhatters Son, this kept me reading until the end. Loved it. Look forward to reading more from Helen Starbuck
December 1, 2018
i won this book in a giveaway. At first Annie really annoyed me. I thought she was getting a little too angry at Libby for not telling her what she wanted to know, and also thought she was out of line when she slapped someone. She did grow on me a bit by the end though. I also really liked Angel. I will say that the twist wasn't that twisty-- I knew who the bad guy was and what Libby's' symptoms meant pretty much from the start. However, it still managed to keep my interest.
April 4, 2021
I enjoyed this first book in a new series for me. I loved Annie. I love that she is a nurse and wants to solve murders. She seems to be a very strong woman. I loved how she questions what is going on. I like Angel and hope he is in the next book even more. I received a copy of this book from ireadbooktours for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
August 1, 2022
While a little slow to get hooked, this book has everything I look for in a good mystery. Also, once working in a OR and now living in Denver, it was fun to have personal comparisons to the minor details in the story.
Giving this book a 4 since I can do 3.5. While good, it was a little slow.
Giving this book a 4 since I can do 3.5. While good, it was a little slow.
January 15, 2021
A book tour with iRead Book Tours requested me to participate in a review or spotlight. The book is part of An Anne Collins Mystery series. I offered to read and review all three books in this series. The first book in this series is The Mad Hatter’s Son by Helen Starbucks.
Annie Collins is an OR nurse who’s suddenly called by her college roommate for lunch. When she arrives at Libby’s house, she finds her old roommate in bed and asks Annie to be her caregiver for a few weeks. Libby’s seen all the doctors and even the therapist they recommended, but she still feels terrible. Her symptoms don’t fit the symptoms of anything her docs can figure out. Annie doesn’t want to do this, but agrees to care for Libby.
As a nurse, Annie doesn’t have all the medical answers for Libby’s symptoms. However, she does the right things to seek more info from the doctors so Annie has a better idea of what she’s dealing with. I almost wish Annie would have gotten more out of her conversations with Libby to gain better traction on this. It’s very hard to narrow down the possibilities when Libby isn’t as cooperative as Annie hoped. While Annie does do a few things I wouldn’t recommend, she holds onto her intuition until she finds the truth!
Things aren’t always as they seem. The Mad Hatter’s Son by Helen Starbuck is definitely an example of this! It’s amazing how a story can be twisted just so and a book reveals so much you weren’t expecting! Maybe I’m a hopeless romantic but I thought Annie would get a proposal or something grand! But, this is a mystery book, romance is just for the relational aspects of the story.
A digital copy of The Mad Hatter’s Son by Helen Starbuck was gifted to me by the author. This review is completely my honest opinion. I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because I really felt the intensity of each character and their emotions. I definitely recommend this book and mysteries aren’t even my usual genre!
Annie Collins is an OR nurse who’s suddenly called by her college roommate for lunch. When she arrives at Libby’s house, she finds her old roommate in bed and asks Annie to be her caregiver for a few weeks. Libby’s seen all the doctors and even the therapist they recommended, but she still feels terrible. Her symptoms don’t fit the symptoms of anything her docs can figure out. Annie doesn’t want to do this, but agrees to care for Libby.
As a nurse, Annie doesn’t have all the medical answers for Libby’s symptoms. However, she does the right things to seek more info from the doctors so Annie has a better idea of what she’s dealing with. I almost wish Annie would have gotten more out of her conversations with Libby to gain better traction on this. It’s very hard to narrow down the possibilities when Libby isn’t as cooperative as Annie hoped. While Annie does do a few things I wouldn’t recommend, she holds onto her intuition until she finds the truth!
Things aren’t always as they seem. The Mad Hatter’s Son by Helen Starbuck is definitely an example of this! It’s amazing how a story can be twisted just so and a book reveals so much you weren’t expecting! Maybe I’m a hopeless romantic but I thought Annie would get a proposal or something grand! But, this is a mystery book, romance is just for the relational aspects of the story.
A digital copy of The Mad Hatter’s Son by Helen Starbuck was gifted to me by the author. This review is completely my honest opinion. I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because I really felt the intensity of each character and their emotions. I definitely recommend this book and mysteries aren’t even my usual genre!
February 14, 2020
This is a predictable mystery elevated by likeable characters and good writing. Annie is an OR nurse who reluctantly takes a private nursing gig for her former college roommate. Annie and Libby were best friends. Libby, a talented and ambitious artist married her meal ticket, a handsome, wealthy older man. Anie never liked him and her friendship with Libby disintegrated. Annie suspects there is more to Libby's symptoms than postpartum depression but is unable to prove anything. Libby is no longer the fresh, innocent college girl and her episodes of marital misbehaviour drive Annie to leave. But all is not lost as Annie has a hot ADA for a neighbour. As he is a player she suppresses her attraction and settles for a platonic relationship. Another love interest appears. Ian is handsome, well off, and charming. But Annie leaves domestic bliss after one of Libby's friends is brutally attacked and Libby herself supposedly commits suicide. Annie cannot leave well enough alone and investigates to the chagrin of the police. But her investigation will unmask a killer determined to leave no trace behind.
I liked this book. It was predictable. I recognized Libby's symptoms and identified the killer early on. The medical scenes are authentic But the police procedural and legal aspects were unbelievable First no civilian would be permitted to search a crime scene already searched by the police much less be allowed to do so unaccompanied while being a potential person of interest. Subborning perjury is a felony and attorneys, especially public prosecutors would be quickly disbarred for doing so or for letting a law enforcement witness lie. While I liked Annie she did at times grate. She had a big mouth and spewed all the drama to her neighbour, lover, friends, and co-workers. The ending was abrupt. Still a good book worth a read.
I liked this book. It was predictable. I recognized Libby's symptoms and identified the killer early on. The medical scenes are authentic But the police procedural and legal aspects were unbelievable First no civilian would be permitted to search a crime scene already searched by the police much less be allowed to do so unaccompanied while being a potential person of interest. Subborning perjury is a felony and attorneys, especially public prosecutors would be quickly disbarred for doing so or for letting a law enforcement witness lie. While I liked Annie she did at times grate. She had a big mouth and spewed all the drama to her neighbour, lover, friends, and co-workers. The ending was abrupt. Still a good book worth a read.
January 20, 2021
This is my second book review for this author which is always interesting. While the plot is very different, there is still that same feel in the way she creates characters. The main character is very real and you follow along step by step, feeling what she feels and seeing what she sees.
Here we have Annie, a nurse who is asked by a friend she has lost touch with to come and provide in home care. She hasn't been well since her miscarriage and the doctors all think it's psychological and send her home with medicines. Although Annie really does not want to do it - her preference is the ER Ward - she just can't seem to say no, something she instantly regrets it. Her friend has changed and is difficult to deal with. And Annie can't seem to find anything wrong. But there is that niggling doubt.
Woven into this story, and ever circling around Annie, are four men - Libby's seemingly cold and distant husband Edward; Annie's sexy male neighbor Angel who she adores but keeps at arms length; a new love interest who wants her to stay out of the investigation and gets angry when she continues to pry; and a police detective who ends up warming to her help. This heat up when a former lover of Libby's is brutally beaten and dies. Then Libby dies - apparently from a suicide. Annie's guilt is enormous. Did she miss something? Could she have prevented this tragedy?
From this point on the danger and confusion builds, with little clues being dropped here and there as we move step by step to finding the killer. I have to admit I figured the plot out before the end, but still enjoyed reading to the very last page.
Here we have Annie, a nurse who is asked by a friend she has lost touch with to come and provide in home care. She hasn't been well since her miscarriage and the doctors all think it's psychological and send her home with medicines. Although Annie really does not want to do it - her preference is the ER Ward - she just can't seem to say no, something she instantly regrets it. Her friend has changed and is difficult to deal with. And Annie can't seem to find anything wrong. But there is that niggling doubt.
Woven into this story, and ever circling around Annie, are four men - Libby's seemingly cold and distant husband Edward; Annie's sexy male neighbor Angel who she adores but keeps at arms length; a new love interest who wants her to stay out of the investigation and gets angry when she continues to pry; and a police detective who ends up warming to her help. This heat up when a former lover of Libby's is brutally beaten and dies. Then Libby dies - apparently from a suicide. Annie's guilt is enormous. Did she miss something? Could she have prevented this tragedy?
From this point on the danger and confusion builds, with little clues being dropped here and there as we move step by step to finding the killer. I have to admit I figured the plot out before the end, but still enjoyed reading to the very last page.
February 16, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
To me this book was somewhere in between a cozy mystery and a thriller. It wasn't quite fast paced enough to be a thriller but it also wasn't a light enough mystery to be cozy. We are in Annie's point of view throughout the entire book. I actually really liked Annie as a character, she is smart and able to piece things together as well as a strong female main character in general. This was a well written book with some very surprising twists and turns, especially towards the end. It does start off kind of a little slower at the beginning but that is to be expected. Annie does have some romantic interests but it isn't really the main focus of the book, however it is interesting how this author incorporates it as the story unravels. It does end in a cliffhanger but it didn't leave me feeling like this book was incomplete, its more of a cliffhanger to leave it open for the author to write a second book; which there is a second book.
I liked the narrator, I think her voice perfectly captured Annie as a character and helped her seem more serious and almost clinical in the face of tragedy; which is necessary for Annie as an emergency room nurse. Her character voices were differentiated well and she was enjoyable to listen to.
I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
To me this book was somewhere in between a cozy mystery and a thriller. It wasn't quite fast paced enough to be a thriller but it also wasn't a light enough mystery to be cozy. We are in Annie's point of view throughout the entire book. I actually really liked Annie as a character, she is smart and able to piece things together as well as a strong female main character in general. This was a well written book with some very surprising twists and turns, especially towards the end. It does start off kind of a little slower at the beginning but that is to be expected. Annie does have some romantic interests but it isn't really the main focus of the book, however it is interesting how this author incorporates it as the story unravels. It does end in a cliffhanger but it didn't leave me feeling like this book was incomplete, its more of a cliffhanger to leave it open for the author to write a second book; which there is a second book.
I liked the narrator, I think her voice perfectly captured Annie as a character and helped her seem more serious and almost clinical in the face of tragedy; which is necessary for Annie as an emergency room nurse. Her character voices were differentiated well and she was enjoyable to listen to.
I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
January 18, 2021
I have had the pleasure of previously reading books by Helen Starbuck. I jumped at the chance to read the first book from her Annie Collins Mystery series. I was not disappointed. It was so very good. I enjoyed Annie Collins. She was a great character getting to know. She was fun and delightful. I was entertained with her story from start to finish. There is mystery and suspense that had some twists and turns that I did not see coming. I believe it is not one that could be easily predictable as I never knew what was going to happen in the following scenes.
I was able to listen to the audio version of The Mad Hatter's Son. The narrator, Suzanne T Fortin, did a great job performing this tale. It was wonderful hearing their adaptation and how they were able to bring this story to life. I was captivated with this version throughout and was able to hear the whole book in one day.
The Mad Hatter's Son is getting a four and a half stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading books well written mysteries. I look forward to the next book in the Annie Collins Mystery series, No Pity In Death. I am curious as to see where Helen Starbuck’s imagination will take her readers following this one.
I received the audio version of The Mad Hatter's Son from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I was able to listen to the audio version of The Mad Hatter's Son. The narrator, Suzanne T Fortin, did a great job performing this tale. It was wonderful hearing their adaptation and how they were able to bring this story to life. I was captivated with this version throughout and was able to hear the whole book in one day.
The Mad Hatter's Son is getting a four and a half stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading books well written mysteries. I look forward to the next book in the Annie Collins Mystery series, No Pity In Death. I am curious as to see where Helen Starbuck’s imagination will take her readers following this one.
I received the audio version of The Mad Hatter's Son from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
June 20, 2018
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Terror in Truth in “Mad Hatter’s Son”Audiobook Book Reviews Comics & Novels Fiction Reviews Mystery June 19, 2018 Vicki Mejia-Gewe
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Mad Hatter's SonIn The Mad Hatter’s Son by Helen Starbuck, Annie Collins, an OR nurse, gets a phone call she will forever regret returning. Libby Matheisen, Annie’s former roommate from college and after, is a high- end painter whom Annie hasn’t seen in four years since Libby’s marriage to Edward, a rich computer specialist with whom Annie does not connect. So it is with surprise that Annie gets a message from Libby to call her. Libby tells Annie that she had a miscarriage recently and has never been well since, with a vague set of symptoms like depression, achiness, and hair loss. She wants to hire Annie to care for her, though her husband makes Annie sternly aware that he believes any problems Libby may have are post-pregnancy-related depression and that she doesn’t need Annie’s care.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Terror in Truth in “Mad Hatter’s Son”Audiobook Book Reviews Comics & Novels Fiction Reviews Mystery June 19, 2018 Vicki Mejia-Gewe
FacebookTwitterGoogle+PinterestTumblrStumbleUponShare
Mad Hatter's SonIn The Mad Hatter’s Son by Helen Starbuck, Annie Collins, an OR nurse, gets a phone call she will forever regret returning. Libby Matheisen, Annie’s former roommate from college and after, is a high- end painter whom Annie hasn’t seen in four years since Libby’s marriage to Edward, a rich computer specialist with whom Annie does not connect. So it is with surprise that Annie gets a message from Libby to call her. Libby tells Annie that she had a miscarriage recently and has never been well since, with a vague set of symptoms like depression, achiness, and hair loss. She wants to hire Annie to care for her, though her husband makes Annie sternly aware that he believes any problems Libby may have are post-pregnancy-related depression and that she doesn’t need Annie’s care.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
January 15, 2021
I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Annie and Libby were roommates until Libby got married to a rich man whom Annie didn’t like. Libby also seemed to change once they were together. After Libby moved out, they didn’t see much of each other and eventually lost touch. That is, until Libby called and asked Annie to help her.
Annie was understandably conflicted about caring for Libby who she no longer thought of as a close friend. What I didn’t understand is why, as a nurse, Annie wasn’t more curious about Libby’s symptoms. Yes, the doctors thought her problems were mental, but all nurses know that doctors aren’t always right.
I thought Annie was fairly clueless, and I thought her relationship with Ian was a bit odd. It seemed like they were instantly a couple, and he seemed too clingy. I liked Angel, Annie’s neighbor, a lot, and wished he wasn’t just a friend.
Although the killer was obvious pretty quickly and the protagonist was clueless, I still enjoyed The Mad Hatter’s Son. The author’s writing flows well, and this was an overall good read. It even had a little suspense at the end. I look forward to reading more by Helen Starbuck.
Annie and Libby were roommates until Libby got married to a rich man whom Annie didn’t like. Libby also seemed to change once they were together. After Libby moved out, they didn’t see much of each other and eventually lost touch. That is, until Libby called and asked Annie to help her.
Annie was understandably conflicted about caring for Libby who she no longer thought of as a close friend. What I didn’t understand is why, as a nurse, Annie wasn’t more curious about Libby’s symptoms. Yes, the doctors thought her problems were mental, but all nurses know that doctors aren’t always right.
I thought Annie was fairly clueless, and I thought her relationship with Ian was a bit odd. It seemed like they were instantly a couple, and he seemed too clingy. I liked Angel, Annie’s neighbor, a lot, and wished he wasn’t just a friend.
Although the killer was obvious pretty quickly and the protagonist was clueless, I still enjoyed The Mad Hatter’s Son. The author’s writing flows well, and this was an overall good read. It even had a little suspense at the end. I look forward to reading more by Helen Starbuck.
June 19, 2020
I haven’t read a lot of mysteries but I do enjoy them as long as they aren’t graphically gory and this one wasn’t. It’s the story of a nurse named Annie who is hired by a long lost friend, Libby, who has suffered a miscarriage and a mystery illness. As Annie tries to get to the bottom of the illness, she learns things about Libby that she really doesn’t like. When a mutual acquaintance dies, Annie feels responsible and starts digging even deeper. Annie is a strong, intelligent woman who bites off more than she can chew and was probably way more persistent than most people would be. I think many of us can relate to wanting to rekindle an old friendship only to realize it needs to remain in the past. But as a nurse Annie felt she couldn’t give up. As for who did it, you’ll have to read the book, but the ending was pretty intense. It’s also a plus that the book is set in Colorado. I really had fun reading this one.
January 19, 2021
A novel about a tenuous friendship, extra marital affairs, three murders and a a friend who is driven by a quest to resolve the mysterious deaths and begins to act as an amateur sleuth.
I enjoyed reading this somewhat predictable mystery. While I guessed quite early who the perpetrator might be, I had to keep reading to the end to see it I was right!
I think that an author’s task is not to create perfect characters but to create characters that are both relatable and who evoke emotions in the reader. Annie with her naiveite and neediness is often irritating and I wanted to reach within the pages and shake her up at times. But she’s also brave and relentless in her pursuit of the truth.
I’m waiting to see where the author takes us in the next book and how Annie’s character evolves and if anything comes of her relationship with Angel, who clearly loves her!
Overall, the book kept me engaged and entertained.
I enjoyed reading this somewhat predictable mystery. While I guessed quite early who the perpetrator might be, I had to keep reading to the end to see it I was right!
I think that an author’s task is not to create perfect characters but to create characters that are both relatable and who evoke emotions in the reader. Annie with her naiveite and neediness is often irritating and I wanted to reach within the pages and shake her up at times. But she’s also brave and relentless in her pursuit of the truth.
I’m waiting to see where the author takes us in the next book and how Annie’s character evolves and if anything comes of her relationship with Angel, who clearly loves her!
Overall, the book kept me engaged and entertained.
September 26, 2018
Every novel is a bit like an operating room, is it not? As a fellow mystery author, I certainly appreciated the realism and high suspense in this well-crafted gem. As my wife, Ellen, was also a nurse, reading Ms. Starbuck's words was like having my wife read to me. If you know nothing about work that nurses do, then this book (and series) will be a great insight into how hard and how diligently they labor for people they never really know. I especially liked it when one of the main characters winds up in the OR with Annie. So cool. Ms. Starbuck knows how to pack on the layers of tension leading to the reveal. The interplay between her former college artist roommate was priceless and quite enjoyable to read. Their banter showed excellent storytelling abilities. I look forward to reading the next installment.
April 21, 2020
OMG! Truly incredible, mystery
I nearly stopped reading the book, because Annie was getting on MY nerves with her constant nosing around. I figured she was probably going to find something, but it was taking soooo long. I reread the “about this book,” and when I read she ramped up her amateur investigation I thought I don’t think I can keep reading it if it doesn’t pick up the pace. WOW, did the pace ever pick up. I couldn’t stop reading it. At that point, I thought I’d nearly finished the book.. I looked, and saw I’d read 80%. Then the roller coaster ride started. I couldn’t have anticipated the finale if I tried, and believe me, I tried. I never write a long review without worrying it has a spoiler alert. I’m sure this doesn’t. I just hope it convinces you to keep reading if you think it begins at slow pace
I nearly stopped reading the book, because Annie was getting on MY nerves with her constant nosing around. I figured she was probably going to find something, but it was taking soooo long. I reread the “about this book,” and when I read she ramped up her amateur investigation I thought I don’t think I can keep reading it if it doesn’t pick up the pace. WOW, did the pace ever pick up. I couldn’t stop reading it. At that point, I thought I’d nearly finished the book.. I looked, and saw I’d read 80%. Then the roller coaster ride started. I couldn’t have anticipated the finale if I tried, and believe me, I tried. I never write a long review without worrying it has a spoiler alert. I’m sure this doesn’t. I just hope it convinces you to keep reading if you think it begins at slow pace
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December 23, 2020Curiosity killed the cat, so the saying goes, and it may end up killing operating room nurse Annie Collins.
Annie’s estranged friend Libby Matheisen needs Annie’s help to discover what is causing her vague, puzzling symptoms. Unwillingly drawn into her friend’s life, Annie must discover whether Libby is really ill or if there is a hidden agenda.
Faced with Libby’s apparent suicide, Annie is unable to stop asking questions to uncover the truth about her illness and death. The answers to these questions don’t come without a price, and pursuing the mystery of Libby’s death threatens to end her life as well.
Friends change, love betrays, and the end results are never what you anticipate.
Annie’s estranged friend Libby Matheisen needs Annie’s help to discover what is causing her vague, puzzling symptoms. Unwillingly drawn into her friend’s life, Annie must discover whether Libby is really ill or if there is a hidden agenda.
Faced with Libby’s apparent suicide, Annie is unable to stop asking questions to uncover the truth about her illness and death. The answers to these questions don’t come without a price, and pursuing the mystery of Libby’s death threatens to end her life as well.
Friends change, love betrays, and the end results are never what you anticipate.
March 15, 2019
One of the best things that I liked about this book was the narration. Suzanne has a soothing voice and she's very articulate, which allowed me to have a totally enjoyable listen. I just love the way she potrayed Annie - simply perfect!
The story was good and quite intriguing - some parts though were a bit predictable. It was also hilarious because even though nothing was going right, Annie never really gave up trying to find out the truth.
As a debut book fo the Annie Collins Mystery series, The Mad Hatter's Son was a great introduction for nurse Annie Collins as she jumped into an unexpected journey to murder investigation.
I am definitely looking forward to listening to the next book.
The story was good and quite intriguing - some parts though were a bit predictable. It was also hilarious because even though nothing was going right, Annie never really gave up trying to find out the truth.
As a debut book fo the Annie Collins Mystery series, The Mad Hatter's Son was a great introduction for nurse Annie Collins as she jumped into an unexpected journey to murder investigation.
I am definitely looking forward to listening to the next book.
June 8, 2018
Interesting characters although you feel that that main character is too naïve for her age and profession. What guilt can make you do is sometime becomes an obsession and irrational. The heroine cannot let the past rest and finds the definition of love can be misinterpretation. Her distrust of one of the characters finds her drilling a tunnel towards death. She tries to prove an ex-friend died and she can't understand the clues to find the killer. All try to help protect her but the heart of stubbornness is not one she can conquer.
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