A murdered ranch hand. An erratic lover. If she doesn’t uncover the killer, Maggie’s body may be next on the dead pile.“Hutchins’ Maggie is an irresistible train wreck—you can’t help but turn the page to see what trouble she’ll get herself into next.” – Robert Dugoni, #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of My Sister’s GraveAfter Maggie Killian’s junker business goes into the shitter in Texas, the former … Killian’s junker business goes into the shitter in Texas, the former alt-country rocker packs up her vintage truck and rescue mutt for Wyoming and a sexy reunion with her ex, Hank Sibley. When she discovers Hank’s foreman unceremoniously dumped on the ranch’s dead pile—the repository for deceased livestock—deputies look no further than the ranch for suspects, especially the young Amish hand, Andy, who received a battlefield promotion of sorts. Because the two have bonded over his guitar lessons, Maggie worries about Andy, even as she is struggling to resolve her suddenly resurrecting musical past, the demolished business in her present, and the complexity of a future with a lover who has suffered from traumatic brain injury since his bull riding days, his disapproving sister, and his Alzheimer’s-stricken mother.
When Andy is arrested and charged, Maggie refuses to believe he can be guilty. She’s willing to put it all on the line to defend him, until the evidence she digs up mounts against the one person she can’t afford to lose faith in.
Dead Pile is the third standalone book in a trilogy featuring sharp-tongued protagonist Maggie Killian from the addictive What Doesn’t Kill You romantic mystery series. If you like nerve-racking suspense, electric characters and relationships, and juicy plot twists, then you’ll love USA Today best seller Pamela Fagan Hutchins’ Silver Falchion award-winning series.
˃˃˃ See why Pamela wins contests and makes best seller lists.
- USA Today Best Seller
- #1 Amazon Best Seller
- Top 50 Amazon Romantic Suspense and Mystery Author
- Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery
- USA Best Book Awards Cross-Genre Fiction
- Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, Romance, Quarter-finalist
˃˃˃ Once Upon A Romance calls Hutchins an “up-and-coming powerhouse writer.”
If you like Sandra Brown or Janet Evanovich, you will love Pamela Fagan Hutchins. A former attorney and native Texan, Pamela splits her time between Nowheresville, Texas and the frozen north of Snowheresville, Wyoming.
˃˃˃ The reviews are in, and they’re good. Very, very good.
“Murder has never been so much fun!” — Christie Craig, New York Times Best Seller
“Maggie’s gonna break your heart—one way or another.” — Tara Scheyer, Grammy-nominated musician, Long-Distance Sisters Book Club
“Hutchins nails that Wyoming scenery and captures the atmosphere of the people there.” — Ken Oder, author of The Judas Murders
“You’re guaranteed to love the ride!” — Kay Kendall, Silver Falchion Best Mystery Winner
˃˃˃ Catch more adventures with Maggie and her friends in the What Doesn’t Kill You world.
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Dead Pile is the last of the Maggie trilogy in the “What Doesn’t Kill You” series by the same author.
Events in Texas have seen Maggie lose her home, her business and her livelihood, and she returns to Wyoming (and Hank), to make sense of her crazy life, and to figure out where she belongs. Maggie is back on the ranch, where events take a tragic turn, and once again Maggie is embroiled in a series of mysterious events that threaten her and the man she loves.
An easy, fast and mesmerising read. The descriptions of Wyoming were vivid and beautiful, with reference to the Native American and Amish cultures being fascinating to read.
Full of interesting characters, adorable animals (Louise needs a book of her own!), plots and sub-plots made for a very enjoyable read.
In this third book of the Maggie stories, we find out the answers to all the questions that have building up in the prior 2 books. Do Maggie and Hank end up together, does Maggie stay in Texas, and, most importantly, does Lily have her foal? No spoilers, you’ll have to read the book.
But, in typical PFH-fashion, the path to the end is not smooth. Lots of twists, a few dead bodies, the police are after the wrong people, and it’s winter in Wyoming! I had a fairly good idea of the identity of the murderer in Sick Puppy, but I never saw this one coming! It’s a great read – suspense, romance, ranch life, and horses! Definitely a must read!
Maggie’s journey comes to a wonderful end. After the destruction of her property in the last story, she moves to Wyoming with Hank. Finally they are able to try and resolve 15 years of separation and begin to build a life together. This doesn’t happen without murder, mayhem and secrets being unearthed. The story is filled with Maggie’s usual brand of snap and wit. The author is especially great at making her characters reflect genuine people. I especially love her Island vibe for Ava and Michelle’s husband. She gets that just right. It was a lovely way to wrap up the series as Hank and Maggie realize that with all their flaws, they can still be perfect for each other.
Beautiful, stubborn, a bit wild, and turbulent as a Wyoming Winter, Maggie is trying to fit in at Piney Bottom Ranch, even though Hank’s sister, and mother don’t like her. She is a murder magnet, and her crazy dog is right in the middle of all the action too. Definitely a good read.
hard to put down this book! I love Maggie! I love the interesting stories in this series! a must read!
What a great story. I thoroughly enjoyed Dead Pile and believe fellow readers will agree. In my review of Sick Puppy, I said Maggie is a death-magnet and, unfortunately for her and several of the other characters in this book, that remains unchanged. I found myself totally immersed in the story. There’s so much going on it was hard to put the book down (I had to force myself because I had other things to do…things that were more urgent than feeding my reading addiction)
A dead pile isn’t human bodies, it’s a place where livestock and horses are “laid” to rest. And I have to admit that made me cringe more so than if it were humans but I can’t explain why. Maggie is in love with Hank but is working on actually telling him. He becomes a suspect when his knife is allegely the murder weapon used on his main ranch hand. Then Andy, a young Amish man, who was promoted to his predecessor’s position after the untimely death, becomes suspect number one. Maggie is determined to prove the Sheriff wrong. The twists and turns will keep readers’ minds changing as the story moves along.
Pamela Fagan Hutchins’ descriptive writing makes it easy for the reader to picture where, what, who, etc. I’m a huge fan!
Note: In exchange for my honest, non-biased opinion I received a free copy of this book
Kudos!
What a way to end the Maggie series! However, I’m sorry to see her adventures end. There was something endearing about her (in spite of the dead bodies). Ms. Hutchins’ books have even made the CV scare tolerable. Can’t wait for her next series!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Never a dull moment with Maggie on the loose! She’s in Wyoming with Hank after her home and shop burn down. She wants them to go to Texas but he wants to stay in Wyoming, so they are at an impasse. As is Maggie’s MO, the dead bodies start piling up and the police are not coming up with good leads to find the murderer. She needs to save the day and will investigate on her own, which we know will end up a hot mess. Hank is having medical and family issues that are dragging him down and he is locking her out. I am sad, but glad this is the Maggie finale; I am exhausted from staying up til 3:30 am to finish reading it! Pamela will keep you hopping through Maggie and Hank’s lives. Great writing and super enjoyable read! You just don’t know where it will all lead!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
Maggie is in Wyoming with Hank. They both are very much in love, but they have conflicts. She had a life that she enjoyed in Texas, and Hank wants to live on and work his ranch. He continues to have health issues and his mother and sister don’t like Maggie. Also, his former girlfriend/fiance keeps showing up. Add in a dead body and it seems that murders just follow Maggie around. Andy, who is Amish and so innocent appears to be the primary suspect for the murder and Maggie is sure that it wasn’t him.
There are early blizzards that add to the craziness that is going on around them.
I really liked this book. It’s my favorite Maggie book, but it seems that this may be the last book in the series. I hope not.
Loved this story. Maggie and Hank have some trust issues they really need to work out. It doesn’t help that there are miscommunications galore, or that Hanks ex is causing her share of problems for Maggie.
Add in Laura, and Hanks Mom, and you have to give Maggie credit for not flooring old Bess to get away from the ranch.
Lots of twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
Well worth the read, and the 5 stars.
Maggie leaves Texas and comes to Wyoming. She is back with Hank after a number of years. On his ranch a body is discovered, Paco, a ranch hand. The local police believe another ranch hand, Andy, is the killer. Two more bodies are found dead. A heart pounding conclusion to this novel will keep you turning pages.
Watch it…a “can’t put down” read! Our flawed girl-woman Maggie is on yet another journey back to Wyoming with her tail between her legs after a disatrous Texas welcome that barely resolved itself. Her business there is in shambles, yet there is some light at the end of the tunnel as her long abandoned muse in song may end up to be a saving grace in an unexpected way. Unfortunately, death and mayhem are still stalking with a ripple effect for those around her. She’s got a quirky relationship with her somewhat faithful companion dog, Louise, who sings to her own tune so to speak. Maggie is also focused on a gentle horse she has bonded with, a very pregnant Lily, who becomes embroiled in this new turmoil in more ways than one. Maggie’s perplexing and sporadic love relationship with Hank over the years is not playing out well today as there are deeper historical waters with his mother and sister, much less himself. Caveat…read the prequels and the other two books in the series before diving into this one! Miss Maggie is not always likeable, but she’s a lovable brat!
Dead Pile is Pamela Fagan Hutchins’ Maggie #3, in her excellent: A What Doesn’t Kill You Romantic Mystery series,’starring’ feisty former rock star and ‘live wire’, (though these days a struggling ‘junker’ in Texas),Maggie Killian. A real free spirit, she gives her love and loyalty to just three living creatures – Lily, her pregnant mare, Louise, her ‘psychic’ guardian/’devil-possessed’ dog – and the man in her life, Hank Sibley. A former rodeo-rider, rancher and head of the Double S ranch,(supplying rodeo riders, bucking broncos and rodeo bulls across the US), he lives comfortably with his sister Laura and their Mom, an Alzheimer’s sufferer in declining physical as well as mental strength.Maggie’s introduction to the Double S is not at all what she anticipated…after she and Louise seek a lost, heavily-pregnant Lily, who’s gone AWOL, the eerily sensitive four-legged protector and friend for Maggie, finds the body of missing ranch-hand Paco – a ladies’ man, who upset more than one cuckolded husband or boyfriend – who’s been stabbed through the back of the neck, with the murder weapon in situ. Who’s the perpetrator of these dastardly deeds? Is Maggie in danger? What’s the meaning of Hank’s mood swings and excruciating headaches?
Why is Maggie so unpopular with the women of the Sibley family? Who’s Michael and why is he at the Double S? When does Andy’s Amish heritage loom large?
With plenty of suspects – including the MCs – the action is non-stop and the danger is very real, in the Queen of Romantic Suspense, Pamela Fagan Hutchins’3rd novel, Dead Pile,in the A What Doesn’t Kill You series. Can Maggie pull through many setbacks,suspicion and danger to get an HEA? What’s the Dead Pile?
Read this fabulous novel from Book 1 to the end of this one, to enhance your reading pleasure, as you follow live wire Maggie Killian all the way through this trilogy that you won’t want to miss – it’s a rockin’ rodeo ride of a winner…yee-hah!
I keep reading. I have read all of the What Doesn’t Kill You series. Can’t get enough of Maggie.
Infuriating at times. So human! I wanted to strangle them both several times. This was the jewel in the triple crown of What doesn’t kill you books. All I can say is Thank God it’s over! I couldn’t take much more!
Just when you think Maggie & Hank will finally get to be together all hell breaks loose! Not only does Paco get killed and Andy is the main suspect but Sheila keeps trying to cause problems. If that weren’t enough Louise keeps killing baby critters and Hank admits to having a brain injury! What more could be wrong?!
Don’t miss out on the exciting conclusion of Maggie & Hanks story!!!
Glued. You. Will be glued to this book after you read the first page! Prepare Yourself. Pamela Fagan Hutchins opens Dead Pile #3 in Maggie series with a sensual description of the MarlIboro Man. If you’re too young to know this American icon – Google Marlboro Man. Believe me, he’s worth the keystrokes. With the stage set in steamy passion, Maggie smooches Hank quickly mixing her cherry chapstick with his spearmint! The smooching serenity ends soon when Louise (Maggie’s dog) nudges the two and leads them to an uncovered red heeled boot jutting out from a pile of dead livestock…
Once again, Maggie finds herself embedded in a murder scene. Couple this with Hank’s undiagnosed/not shared mood swings and head aches and the aggressiveness of his Mother’s Alzheimers … Maggie is overwhelmed. Her readers are overwhelmed. Who could put the book down now?
Like Maggie, readers just want Hank and Maggie to “make it together.” Talk about a nail-biter novel! Pamela Fagan Hutchins character and backstory development thrust the reader into Maggie’s Wyoming world and into her heart. Like all others in this series, Dead Pile is a stand alone novel, but bet you buy all three after the first few pages!
Don’ forget. I warned you. Clear your schedule before you begin reading… you’re going to love this book!
Maggie and Hank are finally living together in Wyoming while Maggie is figuring the rest of her life out. Soon enough, she’s wrapped up in another murder. This time it’s one of the ranch hands, Paco. Unfortunately the only real suspect is sweet Andy. Maggie has her work cut out for her to prove his innocence without digging herself a bigger hole.
This book is once again a winner. If you have read any of the other books in the Maggie series, you already know that you’re in for a wild ride. If you haven’t you’re missing out and I highly recommend you check them out now!