From the tip of the rodeo queen's tiara, to "agricultural byproducts" ground into the arena dust, TV reporter Elizabeth "E.M." Danniher receives a murderous introduction to the world of rodeo. Elizabeth, 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. She’s having enough trouble trying to win over the wary stray dog she’s dubbed Shadow. Now, 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 Michael 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 – despite a somewhat rocky partnership to fight crime — area rancher Tom Burrell joins the investigation, providing background on suspects. And there are plenty of suspects because researching the victim’s history unearths surprising 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.
Left Hanging is the second book of the much-loved Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series of twisty whodunnits with humor, a female sleuth to root for, and supporting cast of people you'd love to know. For readers of Jerusha Jones, LT Ryan, AJ Rivers, L.A. Dobbs, D.D. Black, Alex Sigmore, Lyndee Walker, David J. Gatward, Lynda McDaniel, and David Rosenfelt.
What readers are saying about LEFT HANGING
"I started laughing on the first page and continued laughing until the end."
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“Compelling, snarky murder mystery . . . a must read, must buy author.”
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“I seldom give five star ratings, but this series is an example of what it takes to earn one. A great mystery with well drawn characters who walk off the page into your mind and heart, and set in a masterly evoked small town news operation. And then there is the setting in an obviously well loved Wyoming that is not only a landscape, but a culture.”
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"Loving the world of Cottonwood County, Wyoming!"
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“Even if you are not from the West, a rodeo fan, or care about either, you must read this series!! . . . This is such a gripping, informative, and, at times, laugh-out-loud clever series, just read it!!”
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"Giddyup cowboys......this book wins the gold belt buckle."
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"The dialogue was so well written that I could easily imagine the innuendo, tone of voice and facial expression of each character."
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“Caught and hooked. I am now completely hooked on Patricia McLinn's "Caught Dead In Wyoming" series. . . . Good mysteries that keep you guessing but let you follow the main character's puzzling out the solution. I think Ms. McLinn's books belong on the mainstream bestseller lists on a par with Elizabeth George and P.D. James but more accessible. Now if you'll excuse me I have to get the third in the series and gobble that one up!”
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Don’t miss any of the 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
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."
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"E.M.'s internal monologues are sharp, snappy and often hilarious."
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“I am so glad to have found a mystery series that holds my interest with characters that have real life quirks and flaws. . . . If you like a fun, fast moving mystery with a lot of behind the scenes journalism woven with a little romance, give this series a try.”
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"Hoping this series lasts forever!"
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"McLinn has created in E.M. a female protagonist who is flawed but likable, never silly or cartoonish, and definitely not made of cardboard."
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"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
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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.