Welcome to Meskousing

by Sean Patrick Little

Shelby Ree isn't supposed to be a sheriff. She's too young and too inexperienced to be taking the reins of her grandfather's old department, not to mention she was never elected to the position in the first place, but things are a little bit different in Meskousing County, the smallest county in Wisconsin.

And the strangest.

When a young man is killed under suspicious circumstances the day she arrives in her new hometown of Mount Bodd, Shelby learns she's not only the sheriff, but also the county's chief investigator, and she must adapt to her new position quickly to prevent more killings.

Being the sheriff of Meskousing isn't just about writing speeding tickets, breaking up domestic arguments, and being a presence at the Friday night football games. Meskousing County is the epicenter of the largest convergence of ley lines in North America, and this creates a mystical focus for all things odd and supernatural.

In a state like Wisconsin, where being a little quirky is practically the status quo, to be considered the weirdest place in the state is something special.

And dangerous.

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery

211 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2024

About the author

​Sean Patrick Little is a writer, speaker, editor, educator, and general literary dude from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

He is the author of the best-selling Survivor Journals series and the critically praised Abe & Duff mystery series. He has also authored one book in the Shelby Ree mystery series, a space opera called Strange Angels​, and is always at work on the next project.

He holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism from UW-Whitewater, a BFA in Fiction Writing from Winona State University, and a master's in Education from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. He has been a teacher, a painter, a paint salesman, and a Dean of Education. He regularly teaches writing and publishing seminars whenever asked.

Little is a member of the Wisconsin Writer's Association, the Authors Guild, the Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime.

And if any of those groups ever find out, they'll be very upset.

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Little’s Abe & Duff series, I knew this story starring Shelby was on its way. I could not put this down, I just had to know what was going on in this little town, and the legacy Shelby carried. I’m a Wisconsinite and enjoyed the setting of this tale, knowing the towns and landscapes Little describes so well. Great story with a surprising and satisfying ending. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent paranormal action-adventure tale. The romance part? Maybe we'll see more if there's a book two. For now, good detective story/mystery, and the tale is full of surprises. Really enjoyed this - hope there will be more!

[Marney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just the way I like my supernatural/fantasy stories, reality with a bit of a twist. The plot was engaging and well imagined and I enjoyed it but the characters were the best part for me, they felt authentic and interesting and I wanted to spend more time with them. I look forward to reading any further adventures of Shelby Ree and company that might be forthcoming in the future.

[Gerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. While a bit different than this artist’s typical work, I found the same quality - interesting characters, great writing, engaging plot and a very well told story. Hope there is another book coming in this series.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very quirky book that everyone will love.

I absolutely loved this book! From the characters to the plot line, this was one of those books a person consumes in one sitting... here's hoping this is the start of a new series!!!

[Dana Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more! I hope there is a series in the works!

[Milton Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 rounded down. Local author, Wisconsin setting, Wisconsin humor...I really enjoyed this book, and I'm hoping we'll get another story from Sean Little featuring Detective Shelby Ree. It could be an X-Files episode, so if you like realistic stories with a bit of supernatural flair, you'll appreciate this one!

Request this at your library today!

Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL

[Michael Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sean Patrick Little has a flair for language that makes his prose sing. Shelby Ree is a worthy protagonist who wrestles with her own discomfort as the new Sheriff while dealing with a werewolf who's killing the good citizens of Meskousing County. Little's eye for detail anchors reality in an enchanting story that wades chest deep into paranormal shenanigans with equal measures of humor and heart-clutching tension. A fun read!

[Chuck Schrader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Meskousing was such an unexpectedly fun ride! Shelby Ree might be young, but the moment she steps into Mount Bodd, she becomes the perfect lens through which we see this quirky, eerie, ley-line-filled county. I loved the balance between mystery, humor, and supernatural undertones. The murder that kicks everything off feels real and urgent, and watching Shelby grow into her chaotic new sheriff role was genuinely

[Grant Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sharp, entertaining read. The pacing is tight, the mystery works, and the dialogue feels natural. I liked that the book doesn’t waste time, Shelby arrives, trouble starts, and the story moves. The county’s bizarre personality adds flavor without dragging things down. Overall, a solid, clever mystery with just the right amount of quirkiness.

[Avery Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re into ley lines, odd energy, and towns where “normal” isn’t even on the menu, you’re in for a treat. Meskousing County is practically a character on its own vibrant, weird, and buzzing with supernatural tension. I loved the way the author blends crime investigation with eerie, mystical worldbuilding without it ever feeling forced.

[Owen Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into Welcome to Meskousing expecting a quirky mystery, what I got was a story carried by a character I immediately rooted for. Shelby Ree is flawed, young, overwhelmed, and completely compelling. Her attempts to honor her grandfather’s legacy while facing danger, ridicule, and an entire county’s strange energy felt so human.

[Sean Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book I wrote.
Of course I'm going to give it five stars.

It's a spin-off from my Abe & Duff series. The first book I've written with a female lead.

I hope you enjoy it.

[Alas Amazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book set in Wisconsin! There is mystery. There are ghosts. There is great writing! Thanks for a fun day of reading