Final resting place? Deck chair

Death 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 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 the Secret Sleuth series. In later books, amateur sleuth Sheila returns to dry land in the Midwest, where mysteries abound in her new home in small-town Kentucky.

"A totally unique protagonist - witty, grounded, human. An intriguing crime venue. I hope there are many more in this series." -- Amazon 5-star review

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.

On the spectrum of McLinn's mystery novels, the Caught Dead in Wyoming cozy series is in the middle, The Innocence Trilogy is edgier (and has more romance), and Secret Sleuth is a bit less edgy.

Reactions to Death on the Diversion:
"[Death on the Diversion] is such an enjoyable story, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's style, with a good study of human nature and plenty of humor. Great start to a new series!” – 5-star review

"Laughed out loud ... great mystery, too. So many would be villains who could've done it. I like a mystery that keeps me guessing. Great story and looking forward to more in the series." -- Nook 5-star review

"Promising start to a new cozy mystery series. I enjoyed the excellent characterization, interesting plot, and intriguing setting on a luxury liner." -- Amazon 5-star review

"Vivid characters and a bit of a twist make this a fun start to a new series." -- Amazon 5-star review

"I'm a huge fan ... and take great delight in Patricia McLinn's attention to detail, writing style, plot and characterization." -- Amazon 5-star review

Don’t miss any of the Secret Sleuth series by USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn
Paperback*
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Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, United States