Sign Off (Caught Dead in Wyoming western mystery series, Book 1)

Patricia McLinn

Jul 2015 · Caught Dead in Wyoming Book 1 · Craig Place Books

About this ebook

Divorce a husband, disrupt 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.

 

Soon she's in a battle of wills with ex-football player turned journalist Mike Paycik. Does he see her as a handy rung on his career ladder, a potential partner in fighting crime, or something more? And there's the matter of a deputy sheriff – missing or murdered? Elizabeth finds herself investigating at the insistence of a little girl doesn’t so much ask for help as demand Elizabeth proves her father's innocence. Not that enigmatic rancher Thomas Burrell makes investigating easy.

 

She, Mike, and more colleagues heat up this cold case fast, learning Cottonwood County’s secrets.

 

Tough, funny, and determined, Elizabeth wrestles with isolation, keeping a professional edge, an evolving self-image . . . oh,, yes, and a rental unaffectionately known as the Hovel and a standoffish stray dog. 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?

 

Elizabeth won't fade to black without a fight, no matter how final some might want to make her Sign Off.

 

Sign Off is the first 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 like 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 SIGN OFF:

 

"This is one of those books that you want to stop everything to read while hoping it never ends."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

"Sign Off is a brisk, enthralling page-turner" – P.B. Ryan, bestselling author

 

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

 

"Be prepared for lots of twist and turns."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

"I read it in one sitting. I hadn't planned it that way, but just couldn't stop."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

"The characters were a mix of funny, sad, and quirky and were totally believable. There was just enough humor to lighten the story, but not to disrespect the seriousness of crime."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

"What an entertaining story, great characters and a fun, sometimes funny mystery! On to the next in the series, lots of fun!"

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

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

Head Room

 

What readers say 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."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

“If you haven’t started reading this series and you enjoy reading funny, sassy, interesting, characterful books, then start at book one and continue through. You won’t be sorry.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

"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

 

“I would recommend anyone who loves a good mystery to start reading now. You must begin with book one to understand relationships and personalities of the main characters. Start reading now."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

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Ratings and reviews

This was a free ebook I picked up from Google Play one night when I couldn't sleep. I must say I really enjoyed it & it ended up being quite a quick read in between moving house. :P I love the character E.M. Danniher & the fact that the story is written from her point of view - from the outside looking in. Held my interest throughout, with its little twists and turns. I look forward to reading more in the series.

Really appreciated reading a good mystery without gore and steamy scenes thrown in just to sell more books. Also, no ridiculously forced descriptions, like " She screwed up her face like a toddler trying it's first lemon from the edge of her momma's sweet tea glass." I actually spent time going over the clues but figured on the wrong suspect. I will order the next book in the series which is something I seldom do. Happy reading!

It was interesting enough to keep me reading in one shot. Not knowing anything about news coverage in a small town, I was still able to follow and enjoy. . The almost mistake in naming the wrong miller made the end better than expected. We

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 Kentucky, McLinn loves to hear from readers through her website PatriciaMcLinn.com and social media.