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Live Wire (A Maggie Killian Texas-to-Wyoming Mystery): A What Doesn't Kill You Mystery Kindle Edition
A spurned, angry cowboy.
Can rebel Maggie turn the tables before a killer adds her to the list of lost causes?
"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 Grave
Washed-up alt-country-rocker-turned-junker Maggie Killian is pulled to Wyoming by an irresistible force . . . former bull rider Hank Sibley, the man who broke her heart fifteen years before. When she unexpectedly meets his Sunday school-teaching-girlfriend at a saloon, Maggie seeks liquor-fueled oblivion between the sheets of a younger man’s bed. But after her beloved vintage truck breaks down and leaves her stranded in the Cowboy State, she learns her hookup died minutes after leaving their rendezvous. Suddenly surrounded by men with questionable motives, Maggie searches for the murderer while fighting the electricity between herself and her old beau and her new penchant for local whiskey.
When the police zero in on Maggie despite a disturbing series of break-ins at her guest cabin, she realizes she’s got no one to rely on but herself. To keep herself happily in bars instead of behind them, she must stop the killer before the cops realize the man she really suspects is a jealous, angry Hank.
Maggie has over 150 reviews and a 4.7-star average. Available in digital, print, and audiobook.
Live Wire is the first standalone book in a trilogy featuring sharp-tongued protagonist Maggie Killian and the tenth book the addictive What Doesn’t Kill You romantic mystery series.
Once Upon A Romance calls Hutchins an "up-and-coming powerhouse writer." If you like Sandra Brown or Janet Evanovich, you will love USA Today Best Seller Pamela Fagan Hutchins. A former attorney, Pamela splits time between Snowheresville, WY and Nowheresville, TX.
What Amazon readers are saying about the What Doesn't Kill You Mysteries:
"Unputdownable."
“Fair warning: clear your calendar before you pick it up because you won't be able to put it down.”
“Hutchins is a master of tension.”
“Intriguing mystery . . . captivating romance.”
“Everything shines: the plot, the characters and the writing. Readers are in for a real treat.”
“Immediately hooked."
"Spellbinding."
"Fast-paced mystery."
"Can't put it down."
“Entertaining, complex, and thought-provoking."
“Murder has never been so much fun!”
"You’re guaranteed to love the ride!"
Buy Live Wire to get your next fix of this addictive mystery series today!
(Books 11-15 in the What Doesn't Kill You Series are available, too.)
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateMarch 6, 2019
- File size1002 KB
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See full series-
First 3$6.98
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First 5$14.96
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First 10$35.91
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All 13$47.88
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First 3$6.98
-
First 5$14.96
-
First 10$35.91
-
All 13$47.88
This option includes 3 books.
This option includes 5 books.
This option includes 10 books.
This option includes 13 books.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Murder's never been so much fun." -- Christie Craig, New York Times bestselling author of This Heart of Mine."
"Maggie's gonna break your heart-one way or another." Tara Scheyer, Grammy-nominated musician, Long-Distance Sisters Book Club
"Nails that Wyoming scenery and captures the atmosphere of the people there." -- Ken Oder, author of Old Wounds to the Heart
"I thought I had it all figured out a time or two, but she kept me wondering right to the end." -- Ginger Copeland, power reader
About Pamela:
2020 Amazon Top 15 Best Seller
2020 Amazon Top 100 Author
2018 USA Today Best Seller
2017 Silver Falchion Award, Best Mystery
2016 USA Best Book Award, Cross-Genre Fiction
2015 USA Best Book Award, Cross-Genre Fiction
2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-finalist, Romance
Praise for Pamela's other books:
What Doesn't Kill You: Katie Connell Texas-to-Caribbean Romantic Mysteries
"An exciting tale . . . twisting investigative and legal subplots . . . a character seeking redemption . . . an exhilarating mystery with a touch of voodoo." -- Midwest Book Review Bookwatch
"A lively romantic mystery." -- Kirkus Reviews
"A riveting drama . . . exciting read, highly recommended." -- Small Press Bookwatch"
"Katie is the first character I have absolutely fallen in love with since Stephanie Plum!" -- Stephanie Swindell, Bookstore Owner
What Doesn't Kill You: Emily Bernal Texas-to-New Mexico Romantic Mysteries
"You won't be able to put it down." -- Ken Oder, author of Old Wounds to the Heart
"Full of heart, humor, vivid characters, and suspense." -- Gay Yellen, author of The Body Business
"Hutchins is a master of tension." -- R.L. Nolen, author of Deadly Thyme
"Intriguing mystery . . . captivating romance." -- Patricia Flaherty Pagan, author of Trail Ways Pilgrim
"Everything about it shines: the plot, the characters, and the writing." -- Marcy McKay, author of Pennies from Burger Heaven
What Doesn't Kill You: Michele Lopez Hanson Texas Romantic Mysteries
"Immediately hooked." -- Terry Sykes-Bradshaw, author of Sibling Revelry
"Spellbinding." -- Jo Bryan, Dry Creek Book Club
"Fast-paced mystery." -- Deb Krenzer, Book Reviewer
"Can't put it down." -- Cathy Bader, Reader
What Doesn't Kill You: Ava Butler Caribbean Romantic Mysteries
"Just when I think I couldn't love another Pamela Fagan Hutchins novel more, along comes Ava." -- Marcy McKay, author of Stars Among the Dead
"Ava personifies bombshell in every sense of word. -- Tara Scheyer, Grammy-nominated musician, Long-Distance Sisters Book Club
"Entertaining, complex, and thought-provoking." -- Ginger Copeland, power reader
The Patrick Flint Series
Transports readers deep into the mountains of Wyoming for a thriller that has it all--wild animals, criminals, and one family willing to do whatever is necessary to protect its own. Hutchins writes with the authority of a woman who knows this world. She weaves the story with both nail-biting suspense and a healthy dose of humor. You won't want to miss it." -- Danielle Girard, Wall Street Journal-bestselling author of White Out
"As many twists and turns as a high-country trail. Every parent's nightmare is the loss or injury of a child, and this powerful novel taps into that primal fear." -- Reavis Z. Wortham, two time winner of The Spur and author of Hawke's Prey
"Starts at a gallop and had me holding on with both hands until the riveting finish. Highly atmospheric and nearly crackling with suspense. Highly recommend!" -- Libby Kirsch, Emmy awardwinning reporter and author of the Janet Black Mystery Series
"Best book I've read in a long time!" -- Kiersten Marquet, author of Reluctant Promises
What Amazon readers are saying:
"A Bob Ross painting with Alfred Hitchcock hidden among the trees."
"Edge-of-your seat nail biter."
"Unexpected twists!"
"Wow! Wow! Highly entertaining!"
"Beautifully descriptive, with an underlying story of human connection and family."
"Well drawn characters, great scenery, and a kept-me-on-the-edge-of-my-seat story!"
"Absolutely unputdownable wonder of a story."
"Must read!"
"Gripping story. Looking for book two!"
"Intense!"
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B07L5RYGHZ
- Publisher : SkipJack Publishing (March 6, 2019)
- Publication date : March 6, 2019
- Language : English
- File size : 1002 KB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 290 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #562,910 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #1,169 in Women's Crime Fiction
- #6,552 in Amateur Sleuth Mysteries (Kindle Store)
- #13,210 in Amateur Sleuths
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
USA Today bestselling and Silver Falchion Best Mystery winning mystery/thriller/suspense author (and recovering attorney and investigator) who splits time between an off-the-grid lodge on the face of Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains and a rustic cabin on Maine’s Lake Mooselookmeguntic with her husband, kids and grandkids, rescue pets and sled dog, and draft cross horses.
Writes for Bookouture and independently.
Host of Crime & Wine: Novelist Chats with Pamela Fagan Hutchins.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoyed the book. They found the plot twists and interesting mystery to keep them hooked. The characters were described as delightful, likable, and realistic. The writing quality was described as well-written and descriptive. Readers appreciated the fast pacing and kept on their toes throughout. The humor and romance were also mentioned as positive aspects of the story.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book. They find the writing excellent, with a suspenseful storyline and captivating characters. The book is full of energy, with twists and turns, and never dull adventures. The characters have good qualities and bad habits.
"...Seriously, the characters are mysterious, captivating, and annoyingly believable and down to earth...." Read more
"...If this first book is any indication, this will be a good series." Read more
"...The book itself was okay, having had horses all my life (still do), parents, a son and ex- who are musicians, and a fondness for Wyoming, I greatly..." Read more
"Entertaining, with a great suspenseful storyline and a fantastic character as Maggie, this is the beginning of a great series, and one that let me..." Read more
Customers enjoy the suspenseful storyline and unexpected endings in this murder mystery. The fast-paced plot keeps readers guessing until the end with plenty of action and good characters.
"This book has more speed, twists and turns than the biggest roller coaster know to man. I feel jerked and spun, and am a bit wobbly after reading it...." Read more
"Well, this is a good story but the bad guy was too easy to pick out...." Read more
"...Louise was a good addition to the plot and reminded me of shelter dogs I have known, The characters were well-developed and relatable...." Read more
"Entertaining, with a great suspenseful storyline and a fantastic character as Maggie, this is the beginning of a great series, and one that let me..." Read more
Customers enjoy the characters' development. They find the characters delightful, complex, and interesting. The characters are likable and believable, with just enough sarcasm and wit. Maggie is real and doesn't have time for games.
"...Seriously, the characters are mysterious, captivating, and annoyingly believable and down to earth...." Read more
"...Maggie may be dysfunctional but she is an interesting character and her on-off relationship with Hank kept me hoping that they could pull it all..." Read more
"Entertaining, with a great suspenseful storyline and a fantastic character as Maggie, this is the beginning of a great series, and one that let me..." Read more
"Well, this is a good story but the bad guy was too easy to pick out...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's writing quality. They find it easy to follow, descriptive, and engaging. The book keeps them guessing throughout with its flow and real descriptions of Wyoming. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters and clear character development.
"...Seriously, the characters are mysterious, captivating, and annoyingly believable and down to earth...." Read more
"...Hutchins is a great writer; the dialogue flows and is real, it's so descriptive you can feel Louise licking your face and feel the temperature drop..." Read more
"...of shelter dogs I have known, The characters were well-developed and relatable. If this first book is any indication, this will be a good series." Read more
"...Which I will do :P I particularly love the setting: as in her Caribbean books, the author does an excellent job giving you a sense of..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They find it well-written and entertaining. The author is loved by readers.
"...Pamela Fagan Hutchins is a great writer; the dialogue flows and is real, it's so descriptive you can feel Louise licking your face and feel the..." Read more
"...If you can get past that, you will find the book a decent read although I don’t see myself rereading it but I would recommend it to someone who..." Read more
"...Overall, a great read." Read more
"Buy the book! The author can tell a story, Live Wire is beyond entertaining. I read so fast, I enjoyed it again when I went back and reread it...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it keeps them turning pages and guessing, keeping them on their toes. The characters are interesting.
"This book has more speed, twists and turns than the biggest roller coaster know to man. I feel jerked and spun, and am a bit wobbly after reading it...." Read more
"...The author knows how to wind up the tension and keep the reader on their toes as they turn the pages...." Read more
"...The author can tell a story, Live Wire is beyond entertaining. I read so fast, I enjoyed it again when I went back and reread it...." Read more
"The main character Maggie! She carries the story and keeps you on your toes with all the mischief and adventures thrown on her...." Read more
Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They say it has enough humor, romance, and mystery.
"...Great characters, a good story with just enough humor, romance, and mystery. Looking forward to the next chapter in Maggie's story." Read more
"...Robust characters, dramatic scenery, and just enough sarcasm and wit to keep things interesting. Bonus: the character Gene is my personal favorite. :)" Read more
"...A bit raw in places, but portrayed in a humorous way. Can completely recommend." Read more
"Funny and suspenseful... enjoyed very much." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They say it's entertaining and sparks a bit of interest.
"Buy the book! The author can tell a story, Live Wire is beyond entertaining. I read so fast, I enjoyed it again when I went back and reread it...." Read more
"This romantic mystery starring Maggie, a real live wire, will hook you from the start...." Read more
"Live Wire sparks, but barely..." Read more
"Live wire???..." Read more
Reviews with images
Intoxicating!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2020Maggie Killian’s career as a country-rock performer may be washed up but she is turning her life around; dealing with the issues that sent her to rehab and ruined her life and making a new career as a business owner/antique reseller. All she needs now is to reignite her relationship with Hank Sibley, the former champion bull-rider, and everything will be perfect. Unfortunately, her trip to Wyoming to see him is not as successful as she hoped. Although she has a load-full of items to sell when she returns to Texas, her truck breaks down, stranding her in Wyoming. Running into Hank and with his much younger girlfriend at a saloon leaves Maggie drowning her sorrows in alcohol and into a one-night-stand with a young cowboy. The next morning Maggie leaves the motel only to discover that her hookup has been murdered in the motel parking lot minutes after leaving that morning. Her trip is turning into a disaster. Her vintage truck needs hard-to-find parts, the local police are content to settle on Maggie as the prime suspect, and although she can stay in a cabin on Hank’s ranch, his mother and sister hate her. If Maggie ever wants to get home to Texas she will have to solve the murder herself.
Maggie may be dysfunctional but she is an interesting character and her on-off relationship with Hank kept me hoping that they could pull it all together. Louise was a good addition to the plot and reminded me of shelter dogs I have known, The characters were well-developed and relatable. If this first book is any indication, this will be a good series.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2020Entertaining, with a great suspenseful storyline and a fantastic character as Maggie, this is the beginning of a great series, and one that let me wanting more. Which I will do :P
I particularly love the setting: as in her Caribbean books, the author does an excellent job giving you a sense of place.
There is a prequel, and, although Live Wire can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading Buckle Bunny first for more tidbits about Maggie's story.
I'm editing this to add that the audiobook is awesome, and really worth of your time :)
- Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2019This book has more speed, twists and turns than the biggest roller coaster know to man. I feel jerked and spun, and am a bit wobbly after reading it. Seriously, the characters are mysterious, captivating, and annoyingly believable and down to earth. What starts out as a blast from the past evolves into intrigue, danger and perseverance. Ms. Hutchins has captured Maggie's quest for validating her love, expectations, and actions albeit sometimes misguided but discovering inner strength worthy of candor. The first of a series, there is promise of delving into a broader spectrum of how Gestalt ones life really is. I read this book as a standalone, but I look forward to continuing the story.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2019PRE-NOTE: This review was not allowed due to my inclusion of the author's nickname for the stray dog. The name has been changed in order to hopefully post this review. If you want to know the dog's real nickname, think of the tire changing scene from "A Christmas Story" and an -er to the expletive Ralphie utters.
This is a healthy three-star but no more. It’s all but impossible to find any common ground with this protagonist unless you happen to be a has-been country-western star who ruined her own career by becoming a junkie and has now downgraded to a mere semi-alcoholic. Although she owns up honorably to her own life and career screw-ups, Maggie has little true empathy for anybody and all the warmth of a snow pea. If you can get past that, you will find the book a decent read although I don’t see myself rereading it but I would recommend it to someone who likes the outdoors and I can see reading others by this writer. The supporting cast was drawn in scant detail, the addition of the young Amish ranch hand experiencing life outside the community to determine which way he wants to live the rest of it was a nice addition but left me wanting a little more about him, perhaps that's to be found in the subsequent story.
The book itself was okay, having had horses all my life (still do), parents, a son and ex- who are musicians, and a fondness for Wyoming, I greatly appreciated all the reasonably accurate details of those three factors but perhaps the biggest turnoff for me was when Maggie halfheartedly adopts a semi-stray Border collie mix and promptly nicknames it Ambrose. Seriously. Who does that to an honorable, loving little critter?
I read the lowball reviews and just let me say I disagree with the so-far majority opinion that this is a cliffhanger. It most certainly is not. The main thread does get resolved, although there are a couple of loose threads that remain, they are nothing that will keep you awake nights wondering and angry that you have to buy the next in the series to get answers. That said, here are my standings:
(1) Not a cliffhanger;
(2) Slight occasional paranormal/spiritual-supernatural component;
(3) No profanity (except the dog’s nickname);
(4) No gooey romance;
(5) No explicit sex;
(6) Non-grisly violence;
(7) No child abuse;
(8) No animal abuse;
(9) No alternative lifestyle agenda or promotion;
(10) Grammar and punctuation police, come ahead on: I know you'll find something.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2019This romantic mystery starring Maggie, a real live wire, will hook you from the start. I yearned for the rekindling of a long lost romance, and time and again it looks like it will happen. Set in the beauty of Wyoming, this who-done-it murder looks like it will be pinned on Maggie. She sparks more person-of-interest vibes as her dates keep turning up dead, but she is resourceful in protecting herself, and her former love, and diverting suspicions. You will love this spitfire, and feel the angst of her ups and downs. Put sparks in your life; read Live Wire!
Top reviews from other countries
- Tracey LynnReviewed in Canada on March 8, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Can’t wait for the next one
Great characters. Can’t wait to test the next one.
- Ann StanmoreReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 24, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed it
Didn't really think I would like this but surprised to find I loved it.
Against all the odds I grew to like Maggie and was on her side.
So much going on, I really enjoyed it.
- Kindle CustomerReviewed in Australia on May 11, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars A well told human story
A good read. The characterisation is deep so deep we can feel the main characters breathe.
A well told tale, I often winge about first in a series books having no ending... but THIS has an ending.
- Chuck KanuckReviewed in Canada on June 9, 2019
4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining yarn
Yep, there’s a murder that no one seems to be able to solve until Maggie gets rolling on investigating it, but the book is more about the characters affected by the murder. And there are a bunch of characters - wild and weird. Enjoy.
- GillianReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 20, 2019
4.0 out of 5 stars Not your usual romantic mystery AT ALL
I took a chance on this, and to start with I wasn't sure. Maggie is foul mouthed, self absorbed, arrogant, obsessed and impulsive. And I really didn't like her. I could find little to relate to with her.
BUT, that is kind of the point.
The story evolves, there are snippets of back story that make you feel as though you have dropped into a real life situation. Things aren't neat, she's created some of the situations she has found herself in (most of them, to be honest) Other characters don't like her. Or she doesn't think they do. And I didn't either. To be honest, she's the sort of person you'd avoid. And you certainly don't want her crashing into your life again. And then the person she hooked up with for a one night stand (and turfed out of his room in the morning) is found dead; so she's stuck until the police let her leave the area. That wouldn't stop her but her truck breaks down, too.
As I said, I didn't like her at the start, but by the end of the book, I was galloping to find out what happens next. It's not all neat, there's no predictable ending with all loose ends tied up, and it's like real life - stuff happens.