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.

Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures:

Sign Off

Left Hanging

Shoot First

Last Ditch

Look Live

Back Story

Cold Open

Hot Roll

Reaction Shot

Body Brace

Cross Talk

Air Ready

"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 cozy 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

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 no matter what. Not to mention that both Mike and Tom show an interest in her ... they might be okay with working together in a peculiar triangle, but the points of this geometry is starting to get under her skin.

... From the tip of the rodeo queen's tiara, to "agricultural byproducts" ground into the arena dust, TV reporter Elizabeth Danniher receives a murderous introduction to the world of rodeo.

Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's 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

"Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author

What people are saying about LEFT HANGING:

"I started laughing on the first page and continued laughing until the end."

"Loving the world of Cottonwood County, Wyoming!"

"The dialogue was so well written that I could easily imagine the innuendo, tone of voice and facial expression of each character."

What people are saying about the CAUGHT DEAD IN WYOMING series

"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 cozy 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

If you like Patricia's mysteries, try her romantic suspense:

Proof of Innocence

Price of Innocence

Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (includes cameos from Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)

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.

Don’t miss Elizabeth Danniher’s other adventures in western crime-solving with a dash of humor 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

"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 bestseller

"Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author

“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."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.

Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures:

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 bestseller

"Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author

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!" ...

“Weaves a wonderful tapestry of modern life in the west.” ... “All kinds of twists on so many levels.”

More small-town mystery from Patricia Mclinn:

Secret Sleuth series

Death on the Diversion

Death on Torrid Avenue:

Death on Beguiling Way

"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 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 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.

Caught Dead in Wyoming series

Sign Off

Left Hanging

Shoot First

Last Ditch

Look Live

Back Story

Cold Open

Hot Roll

Reaction Shot

What people are saying about the Caught Dead in Wyoming series:

"McLinn has created in E.M. a female protagonist who is flawed but likable, never silly or cartoonish, and definitely not made of cardboard."

"I love the whole series Caught Dead in Wyoming. The writing is witty and sharp; the story is gripping; and the characters are so realistic. Even the supporting characters are fully defined and interesting."

"E.M.'s internal monologues are sharp, snappy and often hilarious."

More cozy mystery from Patricia McLinn:

Secret Sleuth series

Death on the Diversion

Death on Torrid Avenue

Death on Beguiling Way

Death on Covert Circle (2020)

Romantic suspense

Proof of Innocence

Price of Innocence (2020)

Ride the River: Rodeo Knights

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.

Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures:

Sign Off

Left Hanging

Shoot First

Last Ditch

Look Live

Back Story

Cold Open

Hot Roll

Reaction Shot

"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:

"E.M.'s internal monologues are sharp, snappy and often hilarious."

"I love the whole series Caught Dead in Wyoming. The writing is witty and sharp; the story is gripping; and the characters are so realistic. Even the supporting characters are fully defined and interesting. What I didn't expect was a renewed appreciation given by this 'inside' view of the world of journalism."

"I confess to being addicted to this series and characters. I LIKE them. I wish they were real."

"A terrific series with a western flair."

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 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...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Cold Open is Book 7 of USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn's Caught Dead in Wyoming cozy mystery series. If you like quirky characters, hints of romance, and twists you won't see coming, then you'll love this page-turner.

"Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures:

Sign Off

Left Hanging

Shoot First

Last Ditch

Look Live

Back Story

Cold Open

Hot Roll

Reaction Shot

Body Brace

What readers are saying about the Caught Dead in Wyoming series:

"McLinn has created in E.M. a female protagonist who is flawed but likable, never silly or cartoonish, and definitely not made of cardboard."

"I love the whole series Caught Dead in Wyoming. The writing is witty and sharp; the story is gripping; and the characters are so realistic. Even the supporting characters are fully defined and interesting. What I didn't expect was a renewed appreciation given by this "inside" view of the world of journalism. With all the current focus on Fake News, I loved being reminded of how vital news people are to our society. E.M. Danniher changes her community and certain individuals – for the better – due to her dogged pursuit of truth and justice."

"I confess to being addicted to this series and characters. I LIKE them. I wish they were real."

"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."

"Hoping this series lasts forever!"

More cozy 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

If you like Patricia's mysteries, try her romantic suspense:

Proof of Innocence

Price of Innocence (2021)

Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (which includes scenes in fictional Sherman, Wyoming, and cameos from Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)

One of their own becomes a target ...

The horrible news that Jennifer's dear friend has died 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. One of their own becomes a target and they race time and a murderer before this Hot Roll burns them all.

Hot Roll, Book 8 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.

"Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author

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

What readers are saying about the Caught Dead in Wyoming series:

"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."

"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 by Patricia McLinn

Secret Sleuth series

The Innocence Trilogy

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 Off

Left Hanging

Shoot First

Last Ditch

Look Live

Back Story

Cold Open

Hot Roll

Reaction Shot

Body Brace

"Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author

More mystery from Patricia McLinn

Secret Sleuth series

The Innocence Trilogy

Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (romantic suspense)

Everything can change ... except murder.

In the television world, a body brace is used to shift the weight of the camera to the operator's shoulder. This allows for smoother shots and reduces stress and tiredness. 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?

Body Brace, Book 10 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.

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

"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 audiobooks from Patricia McLinn

Secret Sleuth series

Prime suspect: The most annoying man in Sherman, Wyoming

That'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.

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 fan favorite Caught Dead in Wyoming series.

Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures:

Sign Off

Left Hanging

Shoot First

Last Ditch

Look Live

Back Story

Cold Open

Hot Roll

Reaction Shot

Body Brace

Cross Talk

Holiday Bullets

Air Ready

More mystery from Patricia McLinn

Secret Sleuth series

The Innocence Trilogy

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 Off

Left Hanging

Shoot First

Last Ditch

Look Live

Back Story

Cold Open

Hot Roll

Reaction Shot

Body Brace

Cross Talk

Air Ready

Holiday Bullets

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, 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.”

“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 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)

western small town mysteries, murder mystery romance series, cosy cozy dog mystery Humorous, women sleuths humor, Amateur Sleuth Suspense Thrillers comedy female protagonist, Crime fiction Wyoming

A mystery with Elizabeth’s name on it.

Elizabeth and friends prepare to celebrate Christmas, with all its joys and complications. Not to mention short-staffing at the local TV station with changes to come. 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.

Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures

Sign Off

Left Hanging

Shoot First

Last Ditch

Look Live

Back Story

Cold Open

Hot Roll

Reaction Shot

Body Brace

Cross Talk

Air Ready

Holiday Bullets

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, 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 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