Caught Dead in Wyoming

Divorce a husband, lose a career … grapple with a murder. TV journalist Elizabeth "E.M." Danniher will tell you she committed two sins - she didn't stay young, and she made an enemy of a powerful news executive - her ex. She used to break national news. Now her top story as the "Helping Out!" reporter at dinky KWMT-TV in Sherman, Wyoming is getting a defective toaster repaired. Tough, funny and determined, Elizabeth wrestles with isolation, keeping a professional edge, and an evolving self-image. Is Wyoming - the land of cattle, cowboys, tumbleweeds, and fewer than six people per square mile - her new home or a road to permanent obscurity? Soon she's in a battle of wills with ex-football player turned journalist Mike Paycik, who sees her as a handy rung on his career ladder. And there's the matter of a deputy sheriff-missing or murdered? Elizabeth finds herself investigating at the insistence of a girl who's set on proving her father's innocence. Not that enigmatic rancher Thomas Burrell makes investigating easy. But Elizabeth won't fade to black without a fight, no matter how final some might want to make her Sign Off.

A rodeo producer, dead in the bull pen. Accident or murder? Elizabeth "E.M." Danniher, until recently a top-flight national TV journalist, is regaining her footing after a dizzying demotion to tiny-and entirely foreign to her-Sherman, Wyoming. But her equilibrium faces a major challenge. The apparently accidental death - under the hooves of bucking bulls - of a rodeo producer preparing for Sherman's annual Fourth of July Rodeo catches the attention of Elizabeth and her KWMT-TV colleague Mike Paycik. Not only is it a major story about the region's biggest event, but it's being outrageously mishandled by the station's egocentric anchor. As Elizabeth and Mike dig, area rancher Thomas Burrell joins the investigation, providing background on suspects - and there are plenty because the victim had many enemies. But Tom has divided loyalties, so Elizabeth doubts his commitment to finding the truth. Not to mention that both Mike and Tom show an interest in her ... and the points of this peculiar triangle are starting to get under her skin.

A killing to keep old Wyoming secrets and treasures Death hits close to home for Elizabeth "E.M." Danniher – or, rather, close to the Hovel, as she's dubbed her decrepit rental house. Her elderly neighbor kills a man apparently robbing her of Western artifacts. As a former top-flight national TV reporter, Elizabeth knows self-defense might satisfy the legal system, yet leave her neighbor in danger. Doing what she does best – asking questions – Elizabeth sidesteps her boss and a nosy, jealous anchorman to inquire into an eccentric and mysterious western billionaire, an ambitious curator, rival collectors, family feuds and Cottonwood County's Wild West crimes of a century ago. Digging deeper into these western murder mysteries, Elizabeth relies on her team of friends who are proving their investigative chops. Before this is over, Elizabeth will need every one of them – and the stray dog she's adopted – as her questions push someone to decide, that no matter who shot first, Elizabeth should die now.

Water can keep you alive ... A man in a wheelchair goes missing in rough country in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming. Amateur sleuth Elizabeth "E.M." Danniher and KWMT-TV colleague Mike Paycik immediately join the search organized by local rancher Thomas Burrell. But soon they're on a search of a different kind – a search for the truth amid western mysteries. It takes them deep into the intricacies of the western 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.

"There's a body in my bed. A dead body." The call from a friend staying at Sherman's newest – okay, only – B&B starts Elizabeth Margaret "E.M." Danniher on a twisting, turning journey where appearances not only deceive, they turn deadly. When her TV reporter friend Wardell Yardley comes to visit, they take a weekend trip to Yellowstone Park and encounter a surprising set of people. Including a team-building group from social media mega-force VisageTome, a mysterious older couple, and someone from Elizabeth's childhood. Elizabeth senses undercurrents in this strange assortment that just about pull her and her friends underwater for good when everyone shows up in her tiny Sherman, Wyoming, town. Not only is there a murder to solve – and fast – there's also a new sheriff in town, whose No. 1 rule might be No Sleuthing By Journalists. Look Live is a TV news term. A reporter appears to be live at a scene, perhaps for an introduction or the toss back to the anchor desk, but in fact the entire report is taped. A misleading perception, carefully set up. Ah, the dangers of deceiving appearances … Elizabeth, her KWMT-TV colleague Mike Paycik, rancher Tom Burrell, and their supporting staff of idiosyncratic sleuths untangle what happens when it's not enough to merely … LOOK LIVE.

Even long memories fade, but murder never dies. Elizabeth "E.M." Danniher has been among TV journalism's elite. But divorcing her network exec husband ends not only her marriage but her career, and she's banished to tiny KWMT-TV in Sherman, Wyoming, to finish out her contract. Now she's exploring what comes next – in her career, her life and her relationships with family, friends and those who'd like to be more than friends. But she's not being left in peace to wrestle with these issues because she keeps being drawn in to murder investigations. Now Elizabeth, and handsome KWMT colleague Mike Paycik, rugged rancher Tom Burrell, and her colorful cast of collaborators, plunge into mysteries from the past that threaten the present. To succeed, they must untangle characters and plotlines from a long-hidden Back Story.

Open House to Murder Elizabeth Margaret "E.M." Danniher finds house hunting in Cottonwood County, Wyoming difficult, but deadly? That she never expected. In television, a cold open rolls before the credits, pitching the viewer into the news story. That's how Elizabeth and her cohorts feel after she finds a body in a house for sale. A victim with a hidden history, few suspects, and the sheriff's department not happy having Elizabeth -- and amateur sleuth thorn in their sides -- as the closest thing they have to a witness. Mike, Diana, Tom and the rest jump in to dig in. Elizabeth has her own problems, including a trip back east to wrest her belongings from storage and the clutches of her ex. And the question of whether the cold will ever end…

One of their own becomes a target… A voice on the phone says Jennifer's best friend has tragically died in a fatal fall at a national park. Her certainty that it was no accident starts TV reporter Elizabeth Danniher, with friends Mike, Tom and Diana plus the rest of the Caught Dead in Wyoming crew, on an investigation that moves faster -- and closer to them -- than any of them could ever expect. They've barely had time to catch their breath since the events of Cold Open and now one of their own becomes a target as they race time and a murderer before this Hot Roll burns them all. … In TV news, Hot Roll can simply mean cutting away from an interview to "b-roll" (scene-setting footage) … or it can mean the adrenaline-pumping drama of broadcasting live because there's no time to do anything else. Mix in murder, a little humor, a trace of romance, and you're on your way with the Caught Dead in Wyoming sleuths for another great adventure.

In the rough country of Wyoming, some cattle rustlers still get a death sentence.Official consumer advocate and unofficial investigative reporter Elizabeth Margaret Danniher, her KWMT-TV colleague Mike Paycik, rancher Tom Burrell, and their supporting staff of idiosyncratic sleuths take on another mystery. A ranch foreman is found dead -- and, for most in Cottonwood County, the reaction is ... good riddance. Long considered guilty of a heinous crime, the foreman was represented then by a slick attorney, now owner of Lukasik Ranch -- once Mike's family land. Suspects include the hot-headed Hiram Poppinger, fellow grazing association ranchers -- and Tom. This time, both Tom and Elizabeth are ordered by Tom's daughter to find the truth. The investigation puts Elizabeth in close quarters with Mike and Tom -- sometimes all three together -- and she realizes this love triangle also warrants a soul-search for deeper meaning. Reaction Shot, Book 9 of the Caught Dead in Wyoming series, is a smart, surprising, fast-paced cozy mystery with humor. If you like quirky characters, hints of romance and twists you won't see coming, then you'll love USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn's page-turner. Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures:Sign OffLeft HangingShoot FirstLast DitchLook LiveBack StoryCold OpenHot RollReaction ShotBody Brace "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"Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author What readers 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.""A terrific series with a western flair. . . . Great characters that you would want as your friends. Smart, funny, but not perfect.""There's a real love for wide-open spaces in McLinn's writing, and it's a pleasure to visit the world she so beautifully creates. Can't wait for the next book(s)!" "McLinn has created in E.M. a female protagonist who is flawed but likable, never silly or cartoonish, and definitely not made of cardboard." More cozy mystery from Patricia McLinnSecret Sleuth seriesDeath on the DiversionDeath on Torrid AvenueDeath on Beguiling WayDeath on Covert CircleDeath on Shady BridgeDeath on Carrion Lane If you like Patricia's mysteries, try her romantic suspense:The Innocence TrilogyProof of InnocencePrice of InnocencePremise of Innocence Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (includes cameos from Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)

Everything can change … except murder. In the television production world, a body brace is used to shift the weight of the camera to the operator's shoulder. This allows for smoother shots than might be obtainable by handheld operation. Braces also reduce stress on the arms, which reduces tiredness and muscle cramps during filming. And, at the small-town Wyoming TV station KWMT, cameras are older and bulkier than those used in network news-gathering. Almost as old as some of the equipment used in a historical re-creation that draws Elizabeth "E.M." Danniher and friends into another investigation. When there's rumbling underfoot, a body brace helps keep what's important in focus. After some upheavals in Elizabeth's professional and personal life in Wyoming, not to mention those of her closest friends, she has some recalculating to do. With her former KWMT colleague Mike now at a Chicago TV station and tech whiz Jennifer also in the city on a visit, Elizabeth's investigation of a death discovered at the historical reenactment relies on a widening team of fellow sleuths. And rancher Tom Burrell and the usually forthcoming Mrs. Parens -- two of the town's most solid citizens -- are keeping their distance. Temporary or permanent?

Prime Suspect: The most annoying man in Sherman, WyomingThat's right, Thurston Fine, the egotistical anchor at KWMT-TV is the first person deputies want to talk to when his self-described biggest fan is found dead. What's Elizabeth Margaret Danniher to do? The station's in an uproar, heading for a train wreck, and desperately needs her experience and leadership. At the same time, here's an intriguing puzzle right in front of her … which might free or condemn her greatest enemy. In TV news, cross talk between the anchor and reporter is supposed to elicit new and interesting information. But Thurston's version twists the tale into a corkscrew. And his simmering resentment could bring danger to Elizabeth. Facing a true test of their resilience, Elizabeth's crew – Diana, Jennifer, Mike, and Tom – must resolve mysteries swirling around KWMT-TV for years. But will that reveal what's behind the death of Thurston's biggest – only? – fan? Even amid the mayhem, the complex yearnings among the trio of more-than-friends take important steps toward resolution. The stage is nearly set.Family, friends, enemies mix together with a dose of a historical scam in a case of Cross Talk. Sleuth along with Elizabeth in the fan favorite Caught Dead in Wyoming series of smart, surprising, fast-paced, cozy mysteries with humor. If you like quirky characters, hints of romance, and twists you won't see coming, then you'll love USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn's page-turner. Get Cross Talk today! Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures:Sign OffLeft HangingShoot FirstLast DitchLook LiveBack StoryCold OpenHot RollReaction ShotBody BraceCross TalkAir Ready What readers are saying about the Caught Dead in Wyoming series"If you like mysteries and smart articulate people who can also collaborate, this is a great series. If you can look at a small town as a pressure cooker … this is also for you. Finally, while this does let you escape into another world, it does so in a thoughtful and sometimes hilarious way. And we can all use that." -- Amazon 5-star review "I love Caught Dead in Wyoming …Elizabeth, Tom, Mike, and the whole rest of the gang are absolute joys to get to know. … Great plot and wonderful dialogue. How in the world will I be able to wait for the next?" -- Marti, BookBub "I am so loving this series…. I love her main character, Elizabeth (E.M. Danniher) and all the surrounding characters as well. Makes you want to start the next story immediately." -- Google 5-star review "Terrific cast of characters" ... "Cannot wait for the next installment" ... "Pleasure to visit the world she creates" ... "Witty and totally entertaining" -- From 5-star reviews More mystery from Patricia McLinnSecret Sleuth seriesDeath on the DiversionDeath on Torrid AvenueDeath on Beguiling WayDeath on Covert CircleDeath on Shady BridgeDeath on Carrion LaneDeath on ZigZag Trail The Innocence TrilogyProof of InnocencePrice of InnocencePremise of Innocence Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (includes Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)

Love and death decisions ...Will murder take a break while Elizabeth Margaret Danniher sorts the future of KWMT-TV and her personal life? Don't count on it. A young woman comes to Elizabeth at KWMT to solve a kind of theft Elizabeth has never encountered before. That's challenge enough, with the TV station for sale and the top candidate to buy it known for eliminating news departments. But Elizabeth also senses there something more bothering Hailey Newhall. And then there's Elizabeth's personal life ... She is drawn to both enigmatic rancher Thomas Burrell and her former KWMT-TV colleague Mike Paycik, the home-town sports hero. But Mike has career aspirations of his own, and Tom has a feisty daughter who's definitely Team Dad. Meanwhile, Elizabeth's ace videographer, Diana Stendahl, who manages to juggle her demanding job, parenting two teens, and new love, challenges Elizabeth to also open her heart. Where will her heart lead her? Team Tom? Team Mike? You're finally going to find out the answer … and so is Elizabeth. Air Ready, Book 12 of the Caught Dead in Wyoming series, is a smart, surprising, fast-paced cozy mystery with humor. If you like quirky characters, hints of romance and twists you won't see coming, then you'll love USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn's page-turner. Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures!Sign OffLeft HangingShoot FirstLast DitchLook LiveBack StoryCold OpenHot RollReaction ShotBody BraceCross TalkAir ReadyCue 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, bestselling author "Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author What readers 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." "A terrific series with a western flair. . . . Great characters that you would want as your friends. Smart, funny, but not perfect." "There's a real love for wide-open spaces in McLinn's writing, and it's a pleasure to visit the world she so beautifully creates. Can't wait for the next book(s)!" "McLinn has created in E.M. a female protagonist who is flawed but likable, never silly or cartoonish, and definitely not made of cardboard." More mystery from Patricia McLinnSecret Sleuth seriesDeath on the DiversionDeath on Torrid AvenueDeath on Beguiling WayDeath on Covert CircleDeath on Shady BridgeDeath on Carrion LaneDeath on ZigZag TrailDeath on Puzzle Place The Innocence TrilogyProof of InnocencePrice of InnocencePremise of Innocence Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (includes Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)

A mystery with Elizabeth's name on it.Elizabeth, Tom, and Tamantha prepare to celebrate their first Christmas together, with the joys and complications of forming a new family. But that's not all Elizabeth has on her plate for the holidays. Someone's put a wish on the Christmas Wishing Tree set up at KWMT-TV that has her name on it . . . and it's a weird one. Come join the gang as they celebrate, ring those sleigh bells – and find answers in this holiday novella. Holiday Bullets, Book 13 of the Caught Dead in Wyoming series, is a smart, surprising, fast-paced cozy mystery with humor. If you like quirky characters, hints of romance and twists you won't see coming, then you'll love USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn's page-turner. Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures!Sign OffLeft HangingShoot FirstLast DitchLook LiveBack StoryCold OpenHot RollReaction ShotBody BraceCross TalkAir ReadyHoliday BulletsCue 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, bestselling author "Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author What readers 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." "A terrific series with a western flair. . . . Great characters that you would want as your friends. Smart, funny, but not perfect." "There's a real love for wide-open spaces in McLinn's writing, and it's a pleasure to visit the world she so beautifully creates. Can't wait for the next book(s)!" "McLinn has created in E.M. a female protagonist who is flawed but likable, never silly or cartoonish, and definitely not made of cardboard." More mystery from Patricia McLinnSecret Sleuth seriesDeath on the DiversionDeath on Torrid AvenueDeath on Beguiling WayDeath on Covert CircleDeath on Shady BridgeDeath on Carrion LaneDeath on ZigZag TrailDeath on Puzzle Place (another holiday whodunit!) The Innocence TrilogyProof of InnocencePrice of InnocencePremise of Innocence

On the trail of murderLife has changed for TV journalist and intuitive sleuth Elizabeth Danniher. But one thing hasn't changed -- murder still creeps down the road to Sherman, Wyoming. Elizabeth's life is taking another major turn, and her Caught Dead in Wyoming fellow investigators discover what's over the horizon in each of their lives. Their small-town TV station is for sale, everyone's job is in danger, no one's answering Elizabeth's messages for information, and she's about to be asked to look into something she's never investigated before. The latest death involves an off-season dude ranch and its staff, ardent rivals in a quest for buried treasure, a wildlife whisperer who seemed to know no enemies, and legends and exploits of long dead outlaws. Elizabeth and her fellow investigators fan out across Cottonwood County and time to solve the crime. Everyone is hoping the promise of spring hires will breathe much-needed life into the understaffed local station. If only Sherman had a draw . . . besides murder investigations. Cue Up, Book 14 of the Caught Dead in Wyoming series, is a smart, surprising, fast-paced cozy mystery with humor. If you like quirky characters, hints of romance and twists you won't see coming, then you'll love USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn's page-turner. Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures:Sign OffLeft HangingShoot FirstLast DitchLook LiveBack StoryCold OpenHot RollReaction ShotBody BraceCross TalkAir ReadyHoliday BulletsCue UpHead Room "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 "Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author What readers 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." "A terrific series with a western flair. . . . Great characters that you would want as your friends. Smart, funny, but not perfect." "There's a real love for wide-open spaces in McLinn's writing, and it's a pleasure to visit the world she so beautifully creates. Can't wait for the next book(s)!" "McLinn has created in E.M. a female protagonist who is flawed but likable, never silly or cartoonish, and definitely not made of cardboard." More mystery from Patricia McLinnSecret Sleuth seriesDeath on the DiversionDeath on Torrid AvenueDeath on Beguiling WayDeath on Covert CircleDeath on Shady BridgeDeath on Carrion LaneDeath on ZigZag TrailDeath on Puzzle Place The Innocence TrilogyProof of InnocencePrice of InnocencePremise of Innocence Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (romantic suspense, includes Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)

The deadly's in the detailsElizabeth and Tom's wedding is nearly here. Family, friends, and festivities are all around in Sherman, Wyoming. . . But so is murder. And Elizabeth and her KWMT-TV cohorts past and present are soon drawn into finding answers to more questions than "Will you take this man . . . ?"It starts when, a week before their wedding, an Army colonel walks up to Elizabeth's KWMT-TV desk and says a retired sergeant is missing. Except the evidence points to his having died when his cabin burned down. So why does the colonel say he's missing?Murder or celebration? Wedding or whodunit? Love or justice? How does Elizabeth juggle those priorities? And – the other vital question -- will she get to the church on time? Head Room, Book 15 of the Caught Dead in Wyoming series, is a smart, surprising, fast-paced cozy mystery with humor. If you like your crime fiction with quirky characters, hints of romance, and twists you won't see coming, then you'll love USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn's page-turner. Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures:Sign OffLeft HangingShoot FirstLast DitchLook LiveBack StoryCold OpenHot RollReaction ShotBody BraceCross TalkAir ReadyHoliday BulletsCue UpHead RoomMatch Cut"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"Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." – Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author What readers 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.""A terrific series with a western flair. . . . Great characters that you would want as your friends. Smart, funny, but not perfect.""There's a real love for wide-open spaces in McLinn's writing, and it's a pleasure to visit the world she so beautifully creates. Can't wait for the next book(s)!""McLinn has created in E.M. a female protagonist who is flawed but likable, never silly or cartoonish, and definitely not made of cardboard."More mystery from Patricia McLinnSecret Sleuth seriesDeath on the DiversionDeath on Torrid AvenueDeath on Beguiling WayDeath on Covert CircleDeath on Shady BridgeDeath on Carrion LaneDeath on ZigZag TrailDeath on Puzzle PlaceDeath on Riddle RoadDeath on Gallows PathThe Innocence TrilogyProof of InnocencePrice of InnocencePremise of InnocenceRide the River: Rodeo Knights (includes Caught Dead in Wyoming characters) Patricia McLinn is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 60 published novels cited by readers and reviewers for wit and vivid characterization. Her books include mysteries, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical romance and women's fiction. They have topped bestseller lists and won numerous awards. She has spoken about writing from London to Melbourne, Australia, to Washington, D.C., including being a guest speaker at the Smithsonian. McLinn spent more than 20 years as an editor at The Washington Post after stints as a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.) and assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.). She received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University. Now living in Northern Kentucky, McLinn loves to hear from readers through her website and social media.