Death on the Diversion (Secret Sleuth cozy mystery series, Book 1)

Patricia McLinn

Dec 2018 · Secret Sleuth Book 1 · Craig Place Books

About this ebook

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."

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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."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Ratings and reviews

I quit right after the murder when I realized that I didn't care who was dead or who did it. Others may enjoy the style, but I did not engage at all. Three stars because there was a bit of humor that I liked.

I love this book!!(and hey, I really mean it). It's a story of Sheila who to the world is a famous author to some novels her aunt has written so far but which is a secret to everyone else. Now her aunt decided that she will stop writing that novels and Sheila has no idea what holds in her future. But the murder on the cruise gives a hope to her of her capability of being an eavesdropper catching voices which the wind carries that eventually helps her to solve the murder. I finished the book in two reads. You will be loving it by the end. It was really difficult to guess who was the killer. Try if you can guess the right one !

This was a highly enjoyable, well written cozy mystery. The characters were different from your standard fare. I didn't guess who did it, I often do. It was a true surprise. The main character had a unique back story. This is the first in a new series. I've read other books by this author & have yet to be disappointed. Please give it a read.

About the author

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 PatriciaMcLinn.com and social media.