Final resting place? Deck chairDeath on the Diversion begins a new cozy mystery series from the USA Today bestselling author of the “Caught Dead in Wyoming” series.~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Sheila Mackey has a secret. To the world, she’s author of a blockbuster book. Her wily great-aunt, the actual author, orchestrated this mutually beneficial masquerade. Now the aunt’s retiring and Sheila must draft Act Two of … retiring and Sheila must draft Act Two of her own life. This cruise is supposed to be the perfect time to do that.
Crossing the Atlantic on the Diversion, 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.
This murder mystery with humor is the first book in a new series, Secret Sleuth. In later books, amateur sleuth Sheila returns to dry land in the Midwest, where mysteries abound in her new home in small-town Kentucky.
If you like mysteries about the inner world of writers, set among the insular cruise ship community, where even the sleuth has secrets she’s hiding (and a dog to come in subsequent books), then you’ll love award-winning Patricia McLinn’s newest whodunit series with humor.
Get on board to sail away with crime, clues and memorable characters.
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On the spectrum of McLinn’s mysteries, the Caught Dead in Wyoming cozy mysteries are in the middle, Proof of Innocence is a edgier (and has more romance), and Secret Sleuth is a bit less edgy.
Secret Sleuth series
Death on the Diversion
Death on Torrid Avenue
Death on Beguiling Way
Death on Covert Circle
Death on Shady Bridge
More cozy mystery from Patricia McLinn:
Caught Dead in Wyoming
Sign Off
Left Hanging
Shoot First
Last Ditch
Look Live
Back Story
Cold Open
Hot Roll
Reaction Shot
“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
“Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page.” — Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author
If you like mystery with romance and a bit of humor, try also:
Proof of Innocence
Price of Innocence (2020)
Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (romantic suspense; includes cameos from Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)
Bardville, Wyoming series (romance with a little mystery)
A Stranger in the Family
A Stranger to Love
The Rancher Meets His Match
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Patricia 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.
McLinn is the author of more than 50 published novels, which are 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 Melbourne, Australia, to Washington, D.C., including being a guest speaker at the Smithsonian Institution.
Now living in northern Kentucky, McLinn loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook and Twitter.
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The plot was fun, but the only thing I didn’t like about the book was there were too many characters and not all of them called by name…sometimes as a group, which was confusing. As far as a good book to pass the time and not have to be stressed out, it was good.
slow
A little slow to get through.
The main character was very obnoxious. She took risks that could have landed her in jail. Not a comfortable read for me.
No real plot and too many characters. There were way too many incidents written in this book that had no bearing on the story. Couldn’t wait till I finished it.
Kind of a cute story but confusing—I was continually turning back a few pages to remind myself who was who. I found the premise of the main character’s career being to pretend authorship of a best seller actually written by her aunt confusing. I never actually understood who she really was. Also, I found her “oh, I couldn’t possibly “ sidekick irritating and unnecessary to the plot and was continually confused as to which Valkyrie was which and which husband was married to whom.
I liked the characters and the setting. It was a beach read so it was light enough for that.
I enjoyed this story because I have been on a cruise ship a few times.There are some subtle things in this story that you won’t appreciate if you have never been on a cruise ship.Just a other cozy mystery with a different setting.
Engaging, funny with great characters
unnecessarily complicated
didn’t care for it
Worth reading but a bit wishy washy