Murder in the Second Pew

Pastor Matt Hayden Mystery #2

by K.P. Gresham

He was a good cop until he ran into a bad one. Then, to save what was left of his family and his sanity, Michael Hogan, Jr., entered the Fed's Witness Protection Program and became Pastor Matthew Hayden. Small town Wilks, Texas, should be the perfect place for him to hide.
But his new home is no paradise. It may not even be safe. When the remains of a local woman missing for years are discovered, Matt wants only to comfort his grieving congregation. Then a a parishioner with the same build and coloring as Matt is shot, right in the church. Worried that his own cover has been blown, Matt must find the killers—before they find him.
He might be a man of God now, but Matt is still a man. And someone wants this man dead.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

332 pages, Kindle Edition

About the author

K.P. Gresham is an Illinois girl gone Texan. Her stories are based on her wide-range of experiences from living in Chicago and small town Illinois to making the move to Texas where's she’s called both Houston and Austin home. K.P. was a law school media librarian, taught literature to middle school students and conducted K-8 as well as adult choirs. Besides her novels, she has written two musicals, several plays and has worked in theatre since graduating from Illinois State University.

Reviews

[Dani Boise]

RTC-- thank you to goodreads, won this in a giveaway :)

[Sharon Lippincott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading K.P. Gresham's Matt Hayden series is as addictive as chocolate. ​I recently read The Pastor's First Murder. No way did I want that story to end, so I immediately opened Murder in the Second Pew. The second story continues the spine-tingling suspense, clear up to the unexpected twist at the end. I don't know which is more compelling, that suspense or the electric tension between pastor Matt Hayden and Angie O'Dell, and stunning Angie O'Day, the owner of the Fire and Ice House tavern.

Murder in the Second Pew builds on mysterious relationships outlined in the first volume of the series, drilling down to disclose layers of the secrets that fuel town feuds. Some are resolved, while new ones emerge. Gresham is a master of character development. I feel like I could walk into Angie's Fire and Ice House and know everyone there. I especially love Pastor Matt with his common sense theology and view of life. His terse summary of the difference between Republicans and Democrats rated a "WOW!" next to a highlight. I'll be quoting that line often. ​ Pithy wisdom is a powerful spice in this mixture of steam and suspense. ​

Now I can't wait for the third volume.​ ​I highly recommend all titles in this series for anyone who enjoys a great mystery. Fans of Susan Wittig Albert's China Bayles Herbal Mystery series should especially appreciate the Matt Hayden series which is set in a nearby small Central Texas community.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I just breezed through, titled 'The Pastor's Dilemma' by K P Gresham, kept me hooked. The citizens of Wilks, Texas, are fascinating. Pastor Matt Hayden is a key character in the story and the Witness Protection Program. He is in a dilemma as he needs to testify against his old boss in the Miami police department. However, he suddenly begins to wonder if he has been found by his old nemesis because someone who looks like him is murdered in the church where Matt serves.

When Angie O'Day returns from Ireland, she and Matt discuss their feelings. The author's strength in character development shines through, making the characters so believable and complex. This skill is particularly appreciated by her readers. This second helping of Matt Hayden was just as good as the first, a testament to the author's ability to create compelling characters.

Pastor Matt Hayden Mystery – Total of 5
1. The Preacher's First Murder (2016)
** 2. Murder in the Second Pew (2017)
3. Murder on the Third Try (2019)
4. Four Reasons to Die (2021)
5. Murder Takes the Fifth (2023)

[Peter Younghusband · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the first due to everything being set and founded in that one. Looking forward to book 3. This is a great series. Gresham writes well and structures her novels with a solid foundation. I really felt as if I was in this town and living the Texan way with all its mannerisms and attitudes!! Love all these characters, even despise Elspeth Novak!! Why does every small town have one of these characters?!

Great series to get lost in and escape from reality.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder in the Second Pew by K. P. Gresham is the second book in the Pastor Matt Hayden Mystery series. I had read the first book and had high hopes for this book. There is much to like about the series, especially the character of Pastor Matt. I also felt the mystery part of the story was good. However, I had a difficult time liking and believing many of the other characters. They were a bit over the top for me.

I thank Goodreads Giveaways and the author for giving me this kindle copy.

[Susan Burlew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery with some interesting characters. Matt is the new minister in town. He's actually a cop in witness protection. This is the second book and I'm looking forward to more. Highly recommend!!!

[Kathleen]

Loved it. Can't wait for the next one.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED it, can't wait for the third one, ordering it today.

[Beth Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second one even better!

Love this series and can't wait to read the third book! I hope that doesn't mean the author will no longer have anymore Pastor Matt books! That would be sad!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turning mystery. Love this book.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters in this book. I will definitely be reading all of these.

[Rod Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and refreshing new series of mysteries by a great author. I read the first two and now I am hooked and must see what happens.