Death on Riddle Road

by Patricia McLinn

The dreaded “We have to talk.”

Sleuth-with-a-big-secret Sheila Mackey says that to Teague O’Donnell just before this book starts. Will she spill all her hidden background to the guy she’s dating? It’s even more complicated since he’s a detective-once-more, working for the local sheriff’s department as an investigator – not good for secrets.

And what about her sleuthing partner, Clara? Is it time to let her in on all of Sheila’s secrets? But what if Clara says anything at their favorite hangout spot – the dog park, with Gracie, Lulu, and Murphy. The dogs will hold their tongues, but not the humans. One slip there and it’s all over North Bend County.

Ah, but Sheila’s not the only one with secrets. Or surprises.

Especially not when secrets, surprises, complicated relationships, partners on the outs, and – of course – dog play draw Sheila and Clara into investigating a murder.


“Beautifully combined LOL humour with twist and turn mystery."


If you’re new to the Secret Sleuth mystery series, don’t miss the start, with a dead body on a transatlantic cruise in Death on the Diversion. In Death on Torrid Avenue and later books, accidental investigator Sheila returns to dry land in the Midwest, where mysteries abound in her new Kentucky home.

"This is one of the best mystery books I've read in a very long time!”

"Murder and laughs. Can't wait for more."


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
Death on Riddle Road


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

Death on Torrid Avenue “is told with a lot of humor and the characters are good company. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am looking forward to the next story.” – 5-star review


More mystery from Patricia McLinn
Caught Dead in Wyoming series
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

"While the mystery itself is twisty-turny and thoroughly engaging, it's the smart and witty writing that I loved the best." – Diane Chamberlain, New York Times bestselling author

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

The Innocence Trilogy
Proof of Innocence
Price of Innocence
Premise of Innocence

Ride the Rodeo Knights (romantic suspense)

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2025

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn’s novels—cited by reviewers for warmth, wit and vivid characterization – have won numerous regional and national awards and been on national bestseller lists.

In addition to her romance and women’s fiction books, Patricia is the author of the Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, which adds a touch of humor and romance to figuring out whodunit.

Patricia received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University. She was a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.), assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.) and—for 20-plus years—an editor at the Washington Post.

She has spoken about writing from Melbourne, Australia to Washington, D.C., including being a guest-speaker at the Smithsonian Institution. She is now living in Northern Kentucky, and writing full-time. Patricia loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.

Reviews

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved DEATH ON RIDDLE ROAD. It’s a really good murder mystery with just the right number of moving parts. Sheila and Clara are a smart amateur investigative team who manage to draw out puzzle bits from people who’ve hidden those bits for years. And Detective Teague is just plain COOL all the way around! Give me more!
I reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book with no strings attached.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

McLinn has another winning entry in the Secret Sleuth series. The storyline is tight and the twists & turns enjoyable.

Bonus fun is the writing tips and pointers thrown in from Kit and Sheila’s experiences.