Terminal Intentions

Patty Byrne Cozy Mysteries #4

by Carly Winter

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2026

About the author

USA 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.

Reviews

[Samsboeken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Terminal Intentions! From the first chapter I was hooked and couldn’t wait to see how everything would unfold. The mystery kept me guessing and Patty once again proved why she’s such a fantastic main character. She’s smart, determined and so easy to root for.

The investigation had the perfect balance of suspense, twists, and those little clues that keep you turning the pages. Carly Winter has a way of making every new case feel fresh while still feeling like coming home to familiar characters.

I really hope Patty gets the happy ending she deserves with Bill. They have earned it. But I have to admit… my selfish reader side isn’t quite ready to let her ride off into the sunset. I need more Patty crime investigations! I’d happily follow her into many more mysteries.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with likable characters, clever investigations, and plenty of suspense, this one is an easy recommendation. I can’t wait to see what Carly Winter writes next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patty has finally made the big time. She’s flown her first international flight and got to experience and explore Hong Kong. Back in the states the crew is snowed in at Chicago. What started out as a dream realized turns into a nightmare when Patty is awakened by screams of a maid who discovered one of her fellow stewardesses dead in her room. Now what felt like such a high has turned into a nightmare and the friendly people she was bonding with all seem like a bit more sinister in the light of day. With her personal life in limbo, a detective that’s a bit too friendly and stuck in a snow drowned city Patty has nothing but time to think and wonder just who is it she was flying with that has turned to murder?
This book and this series in general is great fun to read. Transported back in time you get the fun and swinging sixties but also you go how in the world did they solve crimes before dna and security footage lol?! Sometimes when reading a historical story such as this I think about all the wonderful advances we’ve made and other times I think oh my have we gone too far down the road to skynet but I digress. More to the point it is kinda funny and strange to see how trusting and freer people were. I mean room keys all lined up on a wall unguarded many times with the room numbers on them! Wild! As a woman I can’t imagine the frustration Patty must feel when she’s discounted as dumb or less than because she’s a woman and a stewardess. She’s clever and intelligent and smarter than a lot of the men whore full of their own self importance. I especially enjoyed when she unraveled the mystery before the detective who told her not to worry her pretty little head or words to that effect. A very enjoyable story. Twisty mystery that kept me guessing. That ending was a doozy never saw that coming! Great read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love Patty !!! Bill !!! this is another murder mystery for them to solve... a fun fast paced mystery set in Chicago this time... this was Patty's first international flight to Hong Kong and they land in Chicago with a major snow storm on their tail... trapped in their hotel, they've got nothing to do but rest and rest some more... no one's going anywhere .. several feet of snow expected... first thing in the morning... a scream.. a loud scream... it's the maid... and she's pointing to Carol's room... the quiet stew.. next door to Patty... dead on the floor ... and she goes in to check for a pulse... nothing !!! what happened ? well, Patty needs to know and starts her own investigation... she doesn't know the crew, it's the first time she's working with them but, something isn't right... and the handsome homicide detective Eugene Coker ? well, he knows he's handsome and he's flirting with Patty... what about Bill ? and what's really going on here ? she stakes out the lounge area near the check in desk... this was so good !!! the twist is everything !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Air Travel can Be Murder

This sexy stewardess story set in the sixties is a murder mystery that will keep the reader entertained. Air flight may be safer than driving, but Stewardess Patty Byrne keeps finding bodies. But she is more than just a pretty face. She has a mind that loves to put together the pieces, and is constantly underestimated by the local police. In Terminal Intensions, when one of the other stewardesses is murdered during a layover, the flight crew are the only suspects. The police detective is more interested in conquest than considering the clues she uncovers and with her FBI boyfriend stepping away from the relationship, she can't even get his help to solve the murder. Carly Winter always does a great job mixing genuine clues and red herrings. Her fair play mysteries mean that the reader has all the clues she needs to solve the murder along with the sleuth. Best of all, this series captures the sixties in detail. The author is too young to have lived through the era, but as an older reader I can affirm that the details are spot on.

[Bette Reith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another in the series about the life of airline stewardesses set in the 1960's. It is fun to remember what it was like to fly back then.

In this book, Patty is stuck in Chicago due to a huge snowstorm that has shut the city down. After a long overseas flight, they arrive late to their hotel room, and she just wants to get some sleep. However, early in the morning, she is woken up by a scream. Running to the scene, she finds her fellow co-worker dead. Since they are snowed in, the killer must be someone in the hotel.

She encounters the typical male chauvinism from the police - common in the 60s- and decides to investigate herself. But what she discovers puts herself in danger. Can she find the answers before it is too late?

Love the setting of the 60s. I was hoping the main characters would be developed a bit more, but overall, it's a good cozy. Thanks to BookSirenes for the ARC of this book

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Patty Byrne story ,not to be missed. It’s by Carly Winter so of course it’s bliss. An intriguing mystery with interesting characters. A height point in her career,has her feeling a fright after the maid found a body of one of Patty’s fellow stewardesses .it’s just not right. She’s not been in any bigger messes in her career.

Her being a woman and what she does as a career seems to tell the powers that be that she’s a brainless entity. Frustrating as all heck . She’ll solve it herself. Show them who’s got more brains in their little finger,the longer she does linger. In the shadows watching for clues.

With the crew snowed in and no way of knowing when it’s going to start snowing or their ordeal ending as well as the very real threat of meeting a fellow not wanting befriending

[Sandy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining booking in this fun series set in the 1960s. Patty is an airline stewardess and is a great main character. A winter storm has Patty and the whole crew stuck in Chicago when one of the stewardess is found murdered in her room.

The 60s setting is a great time period. The author does a fantastic job incorporating the many details and nuances from that period in to the story. Patty is a smart independent woman standing up for herself and searching hard for the truth.

I recommend this cozy murder mystery book and the series.

I received a free advance copy of this book via BookSirens and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Jessica Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy getting immersed in Patty Bryne's world of the 1960's. Not only did I find this mystery intriguing (a fellow stewardess is murdered while everyone is stuck during a snow storm in Chicago), but I always get caught up in Patty's personal life. I ended up wanting to throw a rock at the head of the Chicago detective and, feminist that I am, I cheered a little when Bill showed up. Especially during such a time, having a partner that respects you and knows how smart you really are is worth its weight in gold. I seriously hope that it works out for those two.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Patty Byrne books, Carly Winter has created another great series with a strong, intelligent main character and mysteries that are full of twists and turns. Terminal Intentions, the newest book in the series is my favorite so far. It's a great story. The characters are engaging, and her historical details really make the 60s come alive. I can't recommend this book enough.
I received an advance copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving this 5-star review.

[Robert Foland · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Terminal Intentions: A 1960s Historical Cozy Mystery" is another fantastic installment in this engaging series. Carly Winter stays true to the era, delivering an authentic mystery set in 1960s America. With rich world-building and a well-rounded cast of intriguing suspects, it’s an enjoyable, fun, and quick read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[GinaB. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patty is a stewardess in the 1960’s. She got stuck in Chicago due to a snowstorm & a fellow stewardess is murdered in the hotel. The detective who arrives to investigate tells her to butt out, but she works to solve the whodunnit so she can get outta town. This is the third book I have enjoyed reading from this series & I look forward to the next one! I received an ARC of this cozy mystery from Book Sprout & am leaving an honest review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got caught up in the story immediately. This is book 4 in a series. It is my first to read. It can definitely be read as a standalone, yet I want to read the rest of the series. Patty is a stewardess that is snowed in at Chicago. The story takes place at a hotel over a weeks time. Carol is found murdered. Patty investigates looking for a motive and opportunity. Lots of possibilities. Lots of options! I enjoyed the mystery and trying to solve it before it was reveled.

[Teri Radogna-linquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patty is at it again. Murder seems to follow her no matter where she goes. When her new crew gets stranded in Chicago, after her first international flight to Hong Kong, she finds herself in the middle of another mystery.

The last book left her relationship with Bill, the handsome FBI agent, in jeopardy so I was excited to see him come riding in on his white horse (not literally) to help her solve the mystery and realize his mistake in leaving her hanging. This puzzle again has a hard edged cop with a misogynistic attitude, a possible affair, a potential theft, more about Patty and Bill's relationship and of course a murder to solve. All in all another good chapter of the series. It is great to see the characters evolve and the historical perspective is spot on if you lived through the 60's. The reason for the 4 stars instead of 5 is merely because as with previous books this one ends abruptly and is a bit flat at the end.

Thank you to Book Sirens and the author for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Terri Swick · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I didn't think I liked the book but a few chapters in I couldn't put it down.

It had a good momentum to it and just keep on rolling. Couldn't wait to get to the next page. I'm sure I will be looking at more of her books. Don't miss this one.



I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terminal Intentions is Superb story and series about Patty Byrne a Stewardess. Patty and her crew were held up in a hotel after they were snowbound after a long flight.A Stewardess was found dead and Homicide Detective Eugene Coker comes to investigate. Patty also starts to look into the mystery and search for pieces of this puzzle. But what secrets will be uncovered and can she find all the pieces and the truth?

I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing cozy mystery where Patti once again finds a body. I really enjoy these mysteries, the pace they are told, the characters with their quirks, and how the storyline has just the right amount of twists and turns. Wonderful mystery set in the 1960s that are just fun to read and can all be read standalone.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one more than the other ones in the series, so it seems some of the kinks are getting worked out as it goes along. There weren't any super-specific historical details to trip things up, and the plot revolved more around the airline personnel, which I enjoyed. It's one of the things that drew me to the series in the first place.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melinda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story setting and characters. A engaging mystery the clues and twists will keep you turning the pages. I recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely read from one of my favourite authors.
I enjoy the historical flavour of the 60s although it is a bit of an eye opener how women were treated by men and society in general.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[KayCee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing page turner with a great main character.

I received a review copy of this book for free and leave this review voluntarily.

[Tammy Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth in the series and was just brilliant, we find Patty stuck on Chicago because of a snowstorm after a international flight to Hong Kong,a death of a fellow stew leads her to investigate which causes her to find a potential smuggling operation. After the last book her and Bill's relationship has cooled and she meet a detective Eugene Coker who keeps flirting with her, will Patty give into his attempts to woo her or does Bill get over his apprehension about their status. This was so good 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.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in Winter's Patty Byrne Cozy Mysteries series. A wonderful addition to the series that can be read as a standalone. I adore Winter's ability to transport us into the world of the 60's. Patty, an airline stewardess, and now reluctant investigator deliver a captivating and still cozy mystery. Fast paced and suspenseful - this book is sure to delight!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m enjoying this series. It is a cozy mystery and a quick, easy read. The main character, Patty, is growing with each book as she works her way through her chosen career in the face of discrimination towards women in the 60’s. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. The mystery was good and I am very eager to see what happens in the next book.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patty finally gets to fly to Hong Kong, and when she and the crew return, they are put up in a hotel in Chicago. Unfortunately, they are snowed in one of the crew is found unalive the next day. Patty decides to investigate but meets the resistance of her fellow crew members. As she finds more questions than answers, Patty realizes she might also be at risk. Luckily, someone is there to assist before she is also found pushing up daisies. Another good read in this historical fiction series, where women try to navigate a man-dominated world.

[Mrs LIR Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I loved the historical details of the 1960s - Patty has just returned from her first International flight as a hostess from Hong Kong to Chicago. The weather turns while the crew are resting in the regular hotel used by the airline crews. Patty feels that she is with a friendly team of 2 pilots and 4 crew, however one of the flight attendants is murdered that night in the hotel room next to Patty's room.

Patty feels there is more to the crew, the hotel staff and even the detective assigned to the case. Her friendship with special agent Bill Hart who was in the 3 previous novels appears to be disappearing………..

These books give a great perspective of how flying used to be and how the crews had very strict moral codes (no married hostesses….. for example). Just for these details the book is wonderful. The mystery is also very good and the various characters well depicted.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I really urge you to read this wonderful series, best read in sequence but each book can be read as a standalone.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stewardess Patty Byrne and the other members of her flying crew are an engaging cast of characters. When one of their own is found lifeless in her hotel room, some things just don’t sit right with Patty. As she works to find justice for her team member and process her own thoughts, she must decide who to trust and finds herself in some potentially dangerous situations.

Historical cozy mysteries are a bit of a detour from my usual reads, but I absolutely loved the 1960’s setting and the charming cast. This was my first introduction to Carly Winter’s writing, and I found it delightful and well-thought-out. It is a quick and cozy read where everything falls together beautifully.

I highly recommend reading Terminal Intentions, and I am so glad to have discovered Carly Winter and her series. I will definitely be going back to read books one through three while I eagerly await the fifth book.

[Gregory Van Den Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author Carley Winter wrote the story Terminal Intentions broke away from modern settings in order to immerse herself herself in the the 1960's aviation era. This allowed her to explore the social institutions of that era. In her opinion, there were many societal changes which included the second-wave of feminism, sexism, and the beginning stages of the liberation of women. Her desire was to examine these issues through a lighter and less antagonistic lens. She created a protagonist who had the ability and cunning to defy the stereotype of an airlinge stewardess. These women were heavily objectified and dismissed as only pretty faces. This was exampled in the personna of Patti Byrne. The author argued how intelligence and acute observation would overcome systematic under estimation.

The plot of the story followed the classic locke room murder mystery. The story was set at a Chicago hotel during a blizzard. The flight crew was forced to land in the plane in Chicago due to the hazardous weather conditions. While staying at the hotel, a fellow stewardess of Patty's was smothered to death. What follows is the series of events that occurred in order to solve the murder and capture the murderer.

The author raised several distinct themes in her story. Even though the story was set in 1960's, the themes raised by the author are relevant to today's socieity. There were four central themes witnessed in the narrative. The four themes were:
1.Underestimation and Gender bias
2. Perceptions vs. Reality
3.Isolation and Self-Reliance
4. The Evolutoin of Modern Relationships
The themes were important to the story because they allowed the story to be transformed into a meaningful exploaration of a specific historical era. The themes rooted the story into reality. The author brought to light the social upheavals of the 1960's. The author constantly reminded the readers how the women of this era were navigatig massive cultural shifts during this time in America.

The novel is important to read because it allows us to step into a time capsule. The author offers an intense look at the restrictive professional and social constraints placed on airline stewardesses and women in general. The readers will gain an unique insight as to how were compelled to fight to prove their intelligence under corporate rules and cultural sexism. The action may not be an action packed thriller but will challenge your deductive thinking abilities. Most importantly, your intellect will be taxed as you attempt to place the pieces of the puzzle to assist Patti in the solving of the murder. This is why the book has a five star rating.

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a unique series, and I absolutely love it! Patty Byrne is a stewardess in the 1960s but has a talent for solving murders as well. This is at a time in history where women's rights and intellectual abilities were pretty much ignored and Patty experiences this constantly as an attractive stewardess. It is fun to watch her overcome even the worst discriminate opinions of her as she works her way up to gaining total respect for her crime solving abilities. This time Patty has finally made the big time with her airline employer and is working her first international flight to/from Hong Kong! After a long exhausting flight she ends up on a layover in Chicago, extended due to a terrible snowstorm, where another stewardess from her flight is found murdered in the room right next to her. Stuck in a hotel with a killer running loose, she witnesses something very fishy going on and is determined to discover the truth before she becomes the next victim. A special FBI agent makes an appearance, but I'll leave it at that! I really enjoyed this one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.