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Patty Byrne Cozy Mysteries
Lawless Layover: A 1960s Historical Cozy Mystery
A cattle town. A dead auctioneer. A stewardess way out of her element...
When their San Antonio layover hotel is overbooked, stewardesses Patty Byrne and Donna Reynolds get shipped to Sagebrush Creek, Texas—a rough cattle town packed with rowdy ranchers and cowboys who settle disputes with their fists.
After the cattle auctioneer, Ronald Bartlett, turns up dead at the bottom of the hotel's back stairwell, the local sheriff calls it an accident. But Patty notices some things about the crime scene that don’t add up, turning the unfortunate accident into a murder. Unable to leave town, Patty and Donna are stranded with a hotel full of suspects.
With FBI agent Bill Hart racing down from Dallas to help and danger coming at them at every turn, Patty must find the killer before they strike again.
When their San Antonio layover hotel is overbooked, stewardesses Patty Byrne and Donna Reynolds get shipped to Sagebrush Creek, Texas—a rough cattle town packed with rowdy ranchers and cowboys who settle disputes with their fists.
After the cattle auctioneer, Ronald Bartlett, turns up dead at the bottom of the hotel's back stairwell, the local sheriff calls it an accident. But Patty notices some things about the crime scene that don’t add up, turning the unfortunate accident into a murder. Unable to leave town, Patty and Donna are stranded with a hotel full of suspects.
With FBI agent Bill Hart racing down from Dallas to help and danger coming at them at every turn, Patty must find the killer before they strike again.
- GenresCozy Mystery
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2026
About the author
Carly Winter
58 books239 followersUSA Today bestselling author Carly Winter writes fun, small town cozy mysteries, always with a dash of humor and quirky characters. When not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, on a Pilates reformer or enjoying the fantastic Arizona weather (except summer - she doesn't like summer). She does like dogs, wine and chocolate and wishes Christmas happened twice a year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 21, 2026
I found the book well written and a good mystery. Some of my fav parts include how real the reactions from Patty are. Looking forward to the next.
May 22, 2026
Lawless Layover brings me right back to everything I enjoyed in the other books by Carly Winter. The cosy vibe is fully back, and honestly, I was more than happy to settle in for another mystery. Add cowboys to the mix and I am already halfway sold, boots first.
There is something so charming about the way this series blends comfort, intrigue and a setting that feels easy to sink into. Once again the atmosphere does a lot of heavy lifting in the best possible way, wrapping the story in that warm, familiar feel while still giving you a mystery to chew on. And yes, I loved that.
If you enjoy cosy mysteries with a fun setting, lovable characters, and a little extra yeehaw energy, this one is a great pick. Carly Winter clearly knows how to create a world I want to keep returning to.
There is something so charming about the way this series blends comfort, intrigue and a setting that feels easy to sink into. Once again the atmosphere does a lot of heavy lifting in the best possible way, wrapping the story in that warm, familiar feel while still giving you a mystery to chew on. And yes, I loved that.
If you enjoy cosy mysteries with a fun setting, lovable characters, and a little extra yeehaw energy, this one is a great pick. Carly Winter clearly knows how to create a world I want to keep returning to.
Review of advance copy
Carly Winter's purpose in writing "Lawless Layover" was to write a historical social commentary about the1960s. The author maintained the cozy one of her two previous novels in this story. Ms. Winter employed a cozy tone because she desired to examine serious social issues which allowed her readers not to be intimadated but to feel comfortable while reading about these issues. A nostalgic comfort permeated her story which permtted her to utilize historical nostalgia. She used the glamorous sixties of air travel in order to tackle a serious theme which was murder. The cozy tone provided readers with an escape but prioritizing comfort and humor over the usual grittines discovered in crime fiction.
The conflict in the story centered on a clash between smalltown corruption and a private investigator. The conflict was related to a murder which was disguised as an accident. The conflict occurred during the investigation of the homicide between Patty Bryne and the local authorities. The authorities believe Patty could not assist them because of her occupation as a stewardess. However, as the investigation progressed Patty's intelligence as a private inveatigator emerged.
The author used the 1960s setting to explore social tensions. These tensions added depth to the cozy mystery. The tensions were:
1. Gender Roles and Misogymy
2. The Waitress in the Sky
3. Professional Dismissal
4. The Airhead Trope
Patty used these tensions to her advantage. Even though these tensions may had been obstacles for Patty, she employed them to her advantage. She utilized them as tools to assist her in solving the murder. Patty was fully cognizant of the stewardess stereotype. It became camouflaged for her to to investigate the murder underneath the radar.
The setting of the town was more than a backdrop for the story. It acts as a narrative obstacle which defined the mystery. The setting was the town of Sagbush Creek, Texas. Patty had a layover in this small town. Patty and her colleague Donna were suppose to stay in San Antonion but all the hotel rooms were booked and they had to go this small town for the layover. Eventually, a hostile situation occurred for Patty. Patty was in danger once the killer realized Patty was a witness to the act. The danger intensified when the killer discovered she was not an "airhead." He desired for her to be silenced.
This book is perfect for the classic sleuth fan. You will enjoy how a smart woman disguised as a simple stewardess is able to overcome and bring down the corrupt system of the town. This is accomplished by Patty using her wits and cunning. The mystery provides conumbrum which will force the reader to put the pieces of evidence together to assist Patty in her quest to solve the murder. Enjoy your read!
The conflict in the story centered on a clash between smalltown corruption and a private investigator. The conflict was related to a murder which was disguised as an accident. The conflict occurred during the investigation of the homicide between Patty Bryne and the local authorities. The authorities believe Patty could not assist them because of her occupation as a stewardess. However, as the investigation progressed Patty's intelligence as a private inveatigator emerged.
The author used the 1960s setting to explore social tensions. These tensions added depth to the cozy mystery. The tensions were:
1. Gender Roles and Misogymy
2. The Waitress in the Sky
3. Professional Dismissal
4. The Airhead Trope
Patty used these tensions to her advantage. Even though these tensions may had been obstacles for Patty, she employed them to her advantage. She utilized them as tools to assist her in solving the murder. Patty was fully cognizant of the stewardess stereotype. It became camouflaged for her to to investigate the murder underneath the radar.
The setting of the town was more than a backdrop for the story. It acts as a narrative obstacle which defined the mystery. The setting was the town of Sagbush Creek, Texas. Patty had a layover in this small town. Patty and her colleague Donna were suppose to stay in San Antonion but all the hotel rooms were booked and they had to go this small town for the layover. Eventually, a hostile situation occurred for Patty. Patty was in danger once the killer realized Patty was a witness to the act. The danger intensified when the killer discovered she was not an "airhead." He desired for her to be silenced.
This book is perfect for the classic sleuth fan. You will enjoy how a smart woman disguised as a simple stewardess is able to overcome and bring down the corrupt system of the town. This is accomplished by Patty using her wits and cunning. The mystery provides conumbrum which will force the reader to put the pieces of evidence together to assist Patty in her quest to solve the murder. Enjoy your read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lawless Layover by Carly Winter delivers what a cozy mystery lover hopes for—an atmospheric setting, a sharp-eyed amateur sleuth, and a tangled web of small-town secrets just waiting to unravel.
Set against the dusty backdrop of a 1960s Texas cattle town, the story drops us into Sagebrush Creek alongside stewardess Patty Byrne and her friend Donna, who quickly find themselves far out of their element. What begins as an inconvenient layover turns deadly when a prominent auctioneer is discovered at the bottom of a stairwell. While the local sheriff leans toward a simple explanation, Patty’s instincts (and keen observational skills) suggest otherwise—and she’s not about to let it go.
The author paints Sagebrush Creek with vivid detail—the crowded motel, smoky barroom confrontations, and simmering tensions among ranchers all feel authentic and immersive. You can practically hear the boots on wooden floors and taste the dust in the air.
Nearly everyone in town seems to have a reason to dislike the victim, which keeps the reader guessing. The clues are thoughtfully placed, and Patty’s investigative process feels organic rather than forced.
Patty makes for a likable and capable protagonist—observant without being overbearing, curious without being reckless (well… mostly). Her dynamic with Donna adds warmth and light humor, balancing the darker elements of the story. Their fish-out-of-water situation provides both tension and entertainment.
The story starts slow with all the details, but then rolls along at a clip as the clues are untangled.
I received an advanced review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Set against the dusty backdrop of a 1960s Texas cattle town, the story drops us into Sagebrush Creek alongside stewardess Patty Byrne and her friend Donna, who quickly find themselves far out of their element. What begins as an inconvenient layover turns deadly when a prominent auctioneer is discovered at the bottom of a stairwell. While the local sheriff leans toward a simple explanation, Patty’s instincts (and keen observational skills) suggest otherwise—and she’s not about to let it go.
The author paints Sagebrush Creek with vivid detail—the crowded motel, smoky barroom confrontations, and simmering tensions among ranchers all feel authentic and immersive. You can practically hear the boots on wooden floors and taste the dust in the air.
Nearly everyone in town seems to have a reason to dislike the victim, which keeps the reader guessing. The clues are thoughtfully placed, and Patty’s investigative process feels organic rather than forced.
Patty makes for a likable and capable protagonist—observant without being overbearing, curious without being reckless (well… mostly). Her dynamic with Donna adds warmth and light humor, balancing the darker elements of the story. Their fish-out-of-water situation provides both tension and entertainment.
The story starts slow with all the details, but then rolls along at a clip as the clues are untangled.
I received an advanced review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 23, 2026
Not quite the quick and relaxing night layover that Patty and Donna were expecting. First they get shuffled off to a small town because their hotel overbooked and gave away their room, then they get stuck in small hot attic rooms and in the morning instead of readying for their return flight they find a body while searching for coffee and quiet. Stuck in a small ranching town their jobs on the line Patty calls in Bill for help and reassurance. Can they solve the case before the killer slinks away when the auction is over?
Great story and great world building. I felt like I was in that dusty small town which felt right out of the Old West. I realize that Patty is fictionalized but her struggles represent real issues that women at the time had. There was no career and family. It was one or the other. Smart, resourceful, resilient with dreams she is torn between flying and advancing her career and what could be with Bill which is also enticing. I empathize greatly with her and am grateful for the women in real life like her who paved the way for those of us coming up behind. I do hope there’s a hea for her and Bill they do seem so wonderful together. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery although like Patty I would t mind giving the sheriff a good womp on the head for being a chauvinistic pig. Great twist ending I absolutely wouldn’t have guessed at. On a personal note I really loved the alliteration in the title. Looking forward to more adventures in the air!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great story and great world building. I felt like I was in that dusty small town which felt right out of the Old West. I realize that Patty is fictionalized but her struggles represent real issues that women at the time had. There was no career and family. It was one or the other. Smart, resourceful, resilient with dreams she is torn between flying and advancing her career and what could be with Bill which is also enticing. I empathize greatly with her and am grateful for the women in real life like her who paved the way for those of us coming up behind. I do hope there’s a hea for her and Bill they do seem so wonderful together. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery although like Patty I would t mind giving the sheriff a good womp on the head for being a chauvinistic pig. Great twist ending I absolutely wouldn’t have guessed at. On a personal note I really loved the alliteration in the title. Looking forward to more adventures in the air!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
When their San Antonio hotel is overbooked, Patty Byrne and Donna Reynolds are relocated to a motel in the cattle town of Sagebrush Creek. Their rooms are laughable: hot, tiny, and sparse. Nevertheless, the stewardesses make the best of it; it's only for one night, after all. But when Patty discovers a dead body at the bottom of some service stairs, the Sheriff mandates that everyone in the hotel must remain while he probes the incident. Patty and Donna will lose their jobs if the investigation takes too long - it's time for Patty's FBI friend to step in and help the girls close the case.
I'm not usually comfortable with a western theme, especially one that's set in the 1960s. But, as always, Carly Winter brought the intrigue, and I settled in with Patty, determined to give the misogynist Sheriff a run for his money.
This is the third book in the Patty Byrne Cozy Mysteries series, and it earns its place in the lineup with aplomb. Highlights include: the two diametrically opposed friends working together, and the always scrumptious FBI agent Bill Hart dropping everything to assist Patty. The series is addictive, and Lawless Layover is no exception. I highly recommend this book for cosy readers, especially those who love the glamour of the 1960s.
Thank you to Carly Winter and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
I'm not usually comfortable with a western theme, especially one that's set in the 1960s. But, as always, Carly Winter brought the intrigue, and I settled in with Patty, determined to give the misogynist Sheriff a run for his money.
This is the third book in the Patty Byrne Cozy Mysteries series, and it earns its place in the lineup with aplomb. Highlights include: the two diametrically opposed friends working together, and the always scrumptious FBI agent Bill Hart dropping everything to assist Patty. The series is addictive, and Lawless Layover is no exception. I highly recommend this book for cosy readers, especially those who love the glamour of the 1960s.
Thank you to Carly Winter and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
Review of advance copy
Patty and her roommate Donna two 1960's stewardesses really step in it this time when they are stuck in a small town in Texas during a layover that goes completely off the rails. When they end up staying in a small town during the town's cow auction, which always brings a huge crowd the auctioneer who is a mean and nasty guy somehow turns up dead at the bottom of the hotel staircase. There's no shortage of suspects as this guy was hated by most, but the problem is the sheriff won't let them leave until he's solved the murder, so Patty being Patty begins her own investigation to speed up their departure, so they can get back home to San Francisco and life as they know it.
I'm a huge fan of Carly Winter, but this particular series really resonates with me since I'm a child of the 60's and enjoy all the references to that time period the ladies make. There're also some funny moments when the ladies seem frustrated with the technology of the day and imagine a world where things are different. For example, in this book Patty is frustrated that she doesn't always have a camera on her to snap photos whenever, obviously referring to cell phones of today and speaking as someone who was there in the 60's it would have been amazing. We wouldn't have to pick up 12 rolls of film from the developer and find out you got zero good pictures. Whenever I read a book, that I can actually relate to it always makes it a much better read. I highly recommend this book and series! Happy Reading
I'm a huge fan of Carly Winter, but this particular series really resonates with me since I'm a child of the 60's and enjoy all the references to that time period the ladies make. There're also some funny moments when the ladies seem frustrated with the technology of the day and imagine a world where things are different. For example, in this book Patty is frustrated that she doesn't always have a camera on her to snap photos whenever, obviously referring to cell phones of today and speaking as someone who was there in the 60's it would have been amazing. We wouldn't have to pick up 12 rolls of film from the developer and find out you got zero good pictures. Whenever I read a book, that I can actually relate to it always makes it a much better read. I highly recommend this book and series! Happy Reading
Review of advance copy
Another well done book in this series!
I am definitely enjoying this retro look back at life in the 60s.
It has great characters, an interesting story-line and mystery, and really makes you feel like you're back there. Fingers are crossed for Bill & Patty.
In this book, Patty & roomie Donna are at a layover in Texas, and are moved to a nearby cattle town because their hotel in San Antonio is overbooked and can't fit them in. There is an auction going on at their new area, and the auctioneer is found dead. They now are stuck there because of the investigation. Patty contacts her friend, FBI Agent Bill Hart, and he come down to help. The 3 of them work to find out who the murderer is.
This trip back into the 1960s gives this series a unique feel, and each book is easy to read. Looking forward to what happens next!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am definitely enjoying this retro look back at life in the 60s.
It has great characters, an interesting story-line and mystery, and really makes you feel like you're back there. Fingers are crossed for Bill & Patty.
In this book, Patty & roomie Donna are at a layover in Texas, and are moved to a nearby cattle town because their hotel in San Antonio is overbooked and can't fit them in. There is an auction going on at their new area, and the auctioneer is found dead. They now are stuck there because of the investigation. Patty contacts her friend, FBI Agent Bill Hart, and he come down to help. The 3 of them work to find out who the murderer is.
This trip back into the 1960s gives this series a unique feel, and each book is easy to read. Looking forward to what happens next!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2026
This is the third in the series and honestly it's just keeps getting better, Patty and her friend Donna are in San Antonio on a layover , when the hotel the company booked is not available due to the cattle auction, they end up in a motel in Sagebrush Creek. Soon cattle auctioneer Ronald Bartlett is found dead and the sheriff declares it a murder and traps everyone in town till it's solved, Patty and Donna's jobs are on the line so Patty gets to looking into it with the help of FBI agent Bill Hart's help who rushes from Dallas when Patty calls. While investigating Patty and Bill have some hard discussions about where their relationship is going. This was a rollercoaster at times in emotions especially near the end also with how hated Ronald was I had a hard time figuring out so it was a surprise with the reveal. Overall this was a great read and I can't wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Stranded with a killer!
A hotel reservation snafu for their layover sends stewardesses Patty Byrne and Donna Reynolds to the small Texas town of Sagebrush Creek, the site of an annual livestock auction. The town overflows with cowboys and ranchers, drinking, fighting, and carousing. When Patty and Donna find the body of the livestock auctioneer in the hotel stairwell, the sheriff labels it an accident until Patty points out overlooked evidence. Everyone in the hotel is now a suspect and cannot leave. Patty and Donna could lose their jobs. With help from FBI agent Bill Hart, they work to unravel clues and a dangerous pool of suspects.
This story brings a flavor of 60s innocence to the mystery. Patty is intelligent. Donna is saucy. The men alternate between dismissive and protective. It’s a fun cozy. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
A hotel reservation snafu for their layover sends stewardesses Patty Byrne and Donna Reynolds to the small Texas town of Sagebrush Creek, the site of an annual livestock auction. The town overflows with cowboys and ranchers, drinking, fighting, and carousing. When Patty and Donna find the body of the livestock auctioneer in the hotel stairwell, the sheriff labels it an accident until Patty points out overlooked evidence. Everyone in the hotel is now a suspect and cannot leave. Patty and Donna could lose their jobs. With help from FBI agent Bill Hart, they work to unravel clues and a dangerous pool of suspects.
This story brings a flavor of 60s innocence to the mystery. Patty is intelligent. Donna is saucy. The men alternate between dismissive and protective. It’s a fun cozy. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
May 17, 2026
Patty and Donna are working a flight together as stewardesses back in the 1960s, this time flying to San Antonio, Texas. When an overnight layover gets messed up by an overbooked hotel, they suddenly find themselves in small town rural Texas full of rowdy cowboys! If just for one night this could have been fun, but when Patty finds a man dead at the bottom of a staircase, with signs of foul play, Patty and Donna are forced to stay longer until the murderer is found, delaying their return to work. So…of course they have to investigate so they can get back to San Francisco and save their jobs! A special FBI agent comes to her assistance the moment he learned that Patty was in Texas, adding a bit of romance to the book as well. Overall a very pleasant, fun, wonderful cozy that I didn't want to put down! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Patty and her roommate, Donna are once again in the middle of a mystery. When their layover causes them to be placed in a small hotel in a dusty cowboy town, what is supposed to be a one night stay turns out to be longer due to a murder. The handsome, FBI agent, Bill comes running to Patty's rescue to help put the puzzle pieces together. This is by far the best yet of this series. The character development continues to deepen as we watch both the mystery and Patty and Bill's romance evolve. The characterization of life in the 60's for women, is spot on. If you like cozy, historical mysteries, this book and the series is a must read.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book as I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book as I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2026
Patty and Donna get stranded in Texas during a cattle auction week. Their reservation is lost and they are put up in the hot attic of the only hotel in the town hosting the cattle auction. So it's hot, dusty and loud with drunken cowboys. The hotel clerk said there was a table top fan in each room. A whole lot of good it did. They get up early the next morning and go down the back stairs, trying to get into the kitchen directly & avoid all the cattle people. Well, that wasn't the wisest of choices because of course, Patty finds someone dead. Things get very lively from here. The local sheriff doesn't think women are smart enough to kill someone. Patty still points out clues he missed and after being dismissed calls FBI Bill. This is a very action filled story and I think you'll enjoy it. Great beach read.
Read on 05/08/26.
Read on 05/08/26.
May 23, 2026
This is book 3 in Winter's Byrne Cozy Mysteries series and is a great addition to the series but can be read as a standalone. Another retro, cozy mystery for our main character stewardess Patty Byrne and her friend Donna Reynolds. I love the differences in our characters with Patty's intelligence and Donna's sass. A murder occurs at the hotel they are staying in on their layover in San Antonio and everyone in the hotel is suspect. What are the girls to do but help solve the murder so they don't lose their jobs. I love how Winter portrays this era, especially the males who are both dismissive and yet protective. A great mystery that's well written and captivating. I can't wait for more! I love this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Lawless Layover by Carly Winter is a delightful blend of romance and suspense set against the backdrop of the Wild West (Texas). The story follows a strong-willed heroine and a mysterious cowboy whose paths cross under thrilling circumstances. Winter’s writing shines in her vivid descriptions of the frontier landscape and her skill at building tension between the main characters.
The pacing is brisk, keeping readers engaged as secrets unravel and danger looms. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, offering both heartfelt moments and witty banter.
Overall, “Lawless Layover” is an enjoyable read. The 1960s setting is nostalgic and fun. I look forward to more adventures with our quirky flight attendant.
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The pacing is brisk, keeping readers engaged as secrets unravel and danger looms. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, offering both heartfelt moments and witty banter.
Overall, “Lawless Layover” is an enjoyable read. The 1960s setting is nostalgic and fun. I look forward to more adventures with our quirky flight attendant.
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Lawless Layover is a Patty Byrne Cozy Mystery by Carly Winter. I like that the series is set in 1960 where "flight attendance" are called "stewardess and they were female. Patty and Donna have a layover in San Antonio. But, since the hotels are full, they are sent to Sagebrush Creek with a bunch of Ranchers and Cowboys. This interesting layover gets even more dangerous when a cattle auctioneer is found dead. Patty follows the clues and she is really good at sleuthing! Throw in a sheriff and the FBI and Patty is in her element… only in Texas y'all. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
This cozy mystery left some "marks" you'll find out about, if you read this fast paced female sleuths' story.
Once again, Patty finds a body, and her and cohort Donna start sleuthing-- too much to the killer's despair. All the questions get Donna unwanted attention and in a sticky situation. I love how Patry always relies on Bill for support, and to bounce answers and questions off of. Donna finds a hot cowboy to spend her down time with. Some fun, romance, drama, and danger. Get this!!
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
Once again, Patty finds a body, and her and cohort Donna start sleuthing-- too much to the killer's despair. All the questions get Donna unwanted attention and in a sticky situation. I love how Patry always relies on Bill for support, and to bounce answers and questions off of. Donna finds a hot cowboy to spend her down time with. Some fun, romance, drama, and danger. Get this!!
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
May 23, 2026
Another entertaining book in the Patty Byrne series by Carly Winter. We’re back in the 60’s again.
Patty is in Texas on a layover forced to move to lesser motel due to the auction in town.
When the auctioneer is murdered and Patty finds his body, she is in the middle of another investigation. With the help of her boyfriend FBI agent and Donna they will work to figure it out. “The answers were out there, hidden somewhere in the tangled web of grudges, greed, and violence.”
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Patty is in Texas on a layover forced to move to lesser motel due to the auction in town.
When the auctioneer is murdered and Patty finds his body, she is in the middle of another investigation. With the help of her boyfriend FBI agent and Donna they will work to figure it out. “The answers were out there, hidden somewhere in the tangled web of grudges, greed, and violence.”
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Review of advance copy
Fun and suspenseful...
Cow auctions and Cowboys, and 2 airline stewardess. Oh and arguments, fights and a death. What more entertainment could you ask for. Yeah, a kidnapping and Patty's FBI friend to the rescue. Not to mention, the fact that the hotel has reneged on their promise to the airline, and has no rooms.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yes, I recommend. It is a page turning mystery that definitely kept my attention.
Cow auctions and Cowboys, and 2 airline stewardess. Oh and arguments, fights and a death. What more entertainment could you ask for. Yeah, a kidnapping and Patty's FBI friend to the rescue. Not to mention, the fact that the hotel has reneged on their promise to the airline, and has no rooms.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yes, I recommend. It is a page turning mystery that definitely kept my attention.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A look back at life in the 60's with two airline stewardess's. They have a layover in San Antonio however the hotels are full so they're transported to a small cow town 45 minutes away. They start their wild west experience by getting picked up in a pickup truck. They're greeted by a lot of whooping and hollering of cowboys. Interesting characters are depicted in this story. Patty finds a dead person at the bottom of the stairs which starts all the intrigue to find out who was responsible.
May 22, 2026
I am loving the books in the Patty Byrne series. Experiencing the life of a stewardess in the 1960s in entertaining. The murder mystery will pull you into the story and you will enjoy getting to spend time with Patty and her roommate, Donna, and her FBI agent love interest, Bill. I loved seeing Bill begin to accept Patty as a good cohort in helping to solve the crime. There were a lot of twists and turns and plenty of suspects to keep you guessing until the end. I am excited to see how Patty and Bill’s relationship progresses. I love that the author doesn’t automatically have Patty give up on her dreams and aspirations for her career and adventures to experience. I cannot wait for the next flight with Patty!
Thank you to the author and Carly Fall, LLC/Westward Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Cozy Mystery
Thank you to the author and Carly Fall, LLC/Westward Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Cozy Mystery
May 22, 2026
In Lawless Layover, our favorite stewardess has a layover in Sagebrush Creek, Texas! The town is full of ranchers and cowboys because of the big auction. Patty finds the auctioneer dead at the bottom of the hotel's back staircase. Now she and Donna cannot leave town until the case is solved. FBI agent Bill Hart races to help as Patty and Donna investigate. This well plotted book has a great mystery and a bit of romance. I could not put the book down.
May 24, 2026
Patty and Donna are in a small town (after being shunted there from their hotel layover as it was overbooked) and they land smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation, although the authorities are saying it was an accident. Not only does Patty have to deal with putdowns and belittling but she has to keep her and Donna safe until Bill (her FBI friend) arrives and assists. A great read, am loving the series and am honoured to receive these books as an ARC member.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A layover turns into a longer stay for Patty and Donna when a body is found at the hotel/inn/hole in the wall they were staying. The victim has made a number of enemies over the years. Bill comes into town to help out, which is very fortunate for them because the killer is closer than they imagined. Another excellent book in the series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone.
May 24, 2026
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I couldn't stop reading it. I love Donna and Patty and how they work so well together, both as stewardesses and as detectives. They have an amazing friendship. I also like how Bill drops everything to come and help. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I can't wait for Patty's next adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As the other books in this series I enjoyed this read. Still enjoyed the three main characters. Great quick read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
In a t
Texas ranch town A blackmailer is killed. At first it seems like an accident but it was a cover-up. Who's responsible for the man's death? Will Patti solve the mystery before someone else gets hurt?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Texas ranch town A blackmailer is killed. At first it seems like an accident but it was a cover-up. Who's responsible for the man's death? Will Patti solve the mystery before someone else gets hurt?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I really enjoyed this 3rd book of the series. The characters and the story line were fantastic. It was not only a quick read but also easy. A definite page turner. Look forward to the next in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This delightful murder mystery evokes the nostalgia of the 1960s while also exploring several sociopolitical issues from that era. These elements enrich the story and make it incredibly relatable. Carly Winter’s writing is truly exceptional.
May 24, 2026
A amazing story setting with good characters and a well written plot with interesting clues and twists that kept me turning the pages. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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