Final resting place? Deck chair. Sheila Mackey has a secret. To the world, she's the author of a blockbuster book. Her wily great-aunt, the actual author, orchestrated this mutually beneficial masquerade. Now her aunt's retiring and Sheila must draft Act Two of her own life. A cruise across the Atlantic on the Diversion is supposed to be the perfect time to do that. Two problems. First, her great-aunt saddles her with an irksome relative. Second, Sheila finds a dead body on deck. She realizes she knows a whole lot more about the interactions of the victim and suspects than the ship's officials do. She's drawn into sleuthing, but finds herself hampered by a well-meaning but overprotective would-be Dr. Watson. Along with trying to keep her huge secret while digging up those of the victim and the suspects. If you like mysteries about the inner world of writers, you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn’s newest whodunit traditional mystery series with humor – “Secret Sleuth” — where even the sleuth has secrets (and a rescue dog named Gracie, from the second book on.) Get on board to sail away with crime, clues, and memorable characters. For readers of Sally Handley, BJ Mountford, Teri Barnett, Mary Mead, Barry Finlay, Chelsea Field, Colleen Mooney, Kathleen Troy, Lucy Emblem. What readers say about Death on the Diversion "A mystery, a murder, a cruise and an intelligent, feisty, likeable main character. What more could you ask for in a cozy? I read a lot of books and this is one of the best I have read in a long time. The plot is very imaginative and well thought out. The details of the cruise are spot on and made me feel as if I was there . . . This book reminded me of a modern-day Miss Marple (although considerably younger.) I rarely say this, but I can't wait for the next book." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A totally unique protagonist — witty, grounded, human. An intriguing crime venue. I hope there are many more in this series." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "If the characters in this book don't remind you of people you've met...you are hiding under a big rock!! . . . Absolutely side ripping fun!! Looking forward to my next purchase of Secret Sleuth." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This is a great book! The premise is original and fun. . . . The dialogue is smart, witty, incisive, dryly humorous, and realistic. . . Sheila's descriptions of Petronella's reactions on boarding the ship had me snorting (in a ladylike fashion, of course) with laughter." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The mystery is clever and intricate... reminiscent of the Golden Era of British mysteries . . . I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to reading more of this series." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This was a good mystery with a victim you hated and a bunch of crazy suspects, each of whom could've done it! A fun ride!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "For all of you out there who love who-done-its and will read well beyond your bed time hour." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Now I want to go on a cruise! But only if I get to have some of the same adventures as Sheila. I enjoyed every part of this book." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A truly intricate puzzle that kept me guessing to the end. . . Looking forward to the next in the series." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This is one of the best mystery books I've read in a very long time! ... And I truly loved the main character!! I'm ordering the second book in this series as soon as I'm finished writing this review. Great book and I recommend it highly!!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I will definitely be following Sheila to her next home." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Starting in Death on Torrid Avenue, amateur sleuth Sheila returns to dry land, adopting rescue collie Gracie, and moving into a new-to-her home, finding that mysteries abound in small-town Kentucky. Read all of the Secret Sleuth series Death on the Diversion Death on Torrid Avenue Death on Beguiling Way Death on Covert Circle Death on Shady Bridge Death on Carrion Lane Death on ZigZag Trail Death on Puzzle Place What readers say about the Secret Sleuth series "Beautifully combined LOL humour with twist and turn mystery." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Has Agatha Christie and Poirot in the garb of two fascinating ladies. A definite read for mystery lovers." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Delightful, fun read . . . A good dose of humor." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "If you haven't discovered Patricia McLinn yet, you are in for a treat. I have not found a book of hers that I didn't enjoy . . . Check it out!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great full-bodied characters with secrets, each and everyone." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This series meets my criteria for twists, turns, and who-done-its easily. Patricia McLinn does not disappoint with her sharp characters and enough secrets to cover everything. If you like a good, clean mystery, do yourself a favor and read these!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Murder and laughs. Can't wait for more." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Search Terms associated with this series: female sleuth, amateur detective, amateur sleuth, women detectives, sidekick, traditional mystery, mystery with humor, mysteries with humor, mainstream mystery, western mysteries, humorous mysteries, mystery with dogs, mysteries with rescue dog, American crime murder, traditional mysteries, krimis, kriminalromane, writer sleuth, publishing mystery, mysteries, murder mystery, whodunit, romantic suspense, romantic mystery, cozy mysteries, cozy mystery books, cozy murder mysteries, cozies, Women sleuths, revenge, bookshots, cozy mystery, strong female leads, mystery thriller, mystery series, smart mysteries, booktok, murder mysteries, crime fiction, krimi, bestselling mystery books, whodunit, bestselling mysteries, Wyoming mysteries, cosy, cosies, best sellers, detective stories, mystery stories to keep you up all night, can't stop reading, page-turner, audiobook mysteries, mysterious novels, murder mystery writers, mystery fiction stories, crime authors, romantic suspense series, romantic mystery series,

A reviled supermarket CEO meets his expiration date The executive who’s responsible for widely hated changes at the biggest grocery store in Haines Tavern, Kentucky, arrives for a tour … and doesn’t leave alive. Amateur sleuths Sheila and Clara are on the scene -- buying dog treats, of course – and on the case. Can they pick out the ingredients for the right solution? This whodunit with humor is the fourth book in USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn’s cozy mystery series, Secret Sleuth, which begins with a murder on a transatlantic cruise in Death on the Diversion. In Death on Torrid Avenue and later books, accidental investigator Sheila Mackey returns to dry land in the Midwest, where mysteries abound in her new home in small-town Kentucky. Secret Sleuth series Death on the Diversion Death on Torrid Avenue Death on Beguiling Way Death on Covert Circle Death on Shady Bridge Death on Carrion Lane Death on ZigZag Trail Death on Puzzle Place Death on the Diversion "is such an enjoyable story, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's style, with a good study of human nature and plenty of humor. Great start to a new series!” – 5-star review Death on Torrid Avenue "is told with a lot of humor and the characters are good company. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am looking forward to the next story.” – 5-star review More mystery from Patricia McLinn Caught Dead in Wyoming series Sign Off Left Hanging Shoot First Last Ditch Look Live Back Story Cold Open Hot Roll Reaction Shot Body Brace Cross Talk Air Ready Cue Up "While the mystery itself is twisty-turny and thoroughly engaging, it's the smart and witty writing that I loved the best." -- Diane Chamberlain, New York Times bestselling author The Innocence Trilogy Proof of Innocence Price of Innocence Premise of Innocence Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (romantic suspense; includes Caught Dead in Wyoming characters) Secret Sleuth: female sleuth, amateur detective, traditional mystery, mystery with humor, mysteries with humor humorous mysteries with dog, mystery with dog, krimis, kriminalromane

Water can keep you alive … A man in a wheelchair goes missing in rough country in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming. Reporter and amateur sleuth Elizabeth “E.M.” Danniher and KWMT-TV colleague Mike Paycik immediately join the search organized by local rancher Tom Burrell. But soon they’re on a search of a different kind – a search for the truth. It takes them deep into the intricacies of the community served by the Red Sail Ditch – the irrigation system that could make a ranch viable or worthless. They find rivalries, cooperation, antagonisms, inter-dependencies, and motives for murder. ... Or get you killed. Don’t miss Elizabeth Danniher’s other Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures in: Sign Off Left Hanging Shoot First Last Ditch Look Live Back Story Cold Open Hot Roll Reaction Shot Body Brace Cross Talk Air Ready Cue Up What people are saying about LAST DITCH: "Full of mystery, human interest, a teasing romance and a lot of great characters from the series, and some new ones!" “Another engaging murder mystery by McLinn. She injects humor at just the right times, keeping it always interesting and light, and with always a surprising ending!” “Weaves a wonderful tapestry of modern life in the west.” “All kinds of twists on so many levels.” What people are saying about the CAUGHT DEAD IN WYOMING series: “McLinn's mysteries set in Wyoming are addictive. The writing is excellent, the twists and turns keep the brain engaged, and Elizabeth's wry commentary keeps a smile on my face.” “E.M.’s internal monologues are sharp, snappy and often hilarious.” “Hoping this series lasts forever!” “McLinn has created in E.M. a female protagonist who is flawed but likable, never silly or cartoonish, and definitely not made of cardboard.” “While the mystery itself is twisty-turny and thoroughly engaging, it's the smart and witty writing that I loved the best.” – Diane Chamberlain, bestselling author More mystery from Patricia McLinn: Secret Sleuth series Death on the Diversion Death on Torrid Avenue Death on Beguiling Way Death on Covert Circle Death on Shady Bridge Death on Carrion Lane Death on ZigZag Trail Death on Puzzle Place The Innocence Trilogy Proof of Innocence Price of Innocence Premise of Innocence Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (includes Caught Dead in Wyoming characters) female sleuth, amateur detective, women detectives, traditional mystery, mystery with humor, mysteries with humor, humorous mysteries, mystery with dog, mystery with animal, American crime murder, women sleuths, traditional mystery, krimis, kriminalromane

Death is a Fumbler begins with the belated honeymoon of John Holmes and Samantha Johnson. They are in New York City staying with a friend. Meanwhile, in Kansas City, the Detective Agency is involved in five separate cases, the most dangerous case revolving around the murders of several men with similar names. One victim happens to be Doctor Ron Cassiday, friend and physician of Holmes and Samantha Johnson. A second case concerns sabotage at the Overly Leather Plant. Case three causes detective St. Giles a great deal of discomfort, but unknown to him, he meets his future wife. The fourth entangles the agency in the activities of a gang of dog-nappers and a stolen seeing eye dog named Raji. And the fourth involves the murder of a young girl in a Kansas City Park and in the investigation, the detectives run head-long into a complicated mess. The good news is that new babies are born, a wedding is planned, and best of all, Samantha and Holmes are expecting their first baby.