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Caught Dead in Wyoming #6
Back Story
Even long memories fade, but murder never dies.
Elizabeth “E.M.” Danniher has been among TV journalism’s elite. But divorcing her network exec husband ends not only her marriage but her career, and she’s banished to tiny KWMT-TV in Sherman, Wyoming, to finish out her contract. Now she’s exploring what comes next – in her career, her life, and her relationships with family, friends, and those who’d like to be more than friends.But she’s not being left in peace to wrestle with these issues because she keeps being drawn in to murder investigations. Now Elizabeth, and handsome KWMT colleague Mike Paycik, rugged rancher Thomas Burrell, and her colorful cast of collaborators, plunge into mysteries from the past that threaten the present.To succeed, they must untangle characters and plotlines from a long-hidden Back Story.
Don’t miss any of the Caught Dead in Wyoming
Sign OffLeft HangingShoot FirstLast DitchLook LiveBack StoryCold OpenHot RollReaction ShotBody BraceCross TalkAir ReadyCue Up"While the mystery itself is twisty-turny and thoroughly engaging, it's the smart and witty writing that I loved the best." – Diane Chamberlain, bestselling author"Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author
What readers are saying about the Caught Dead in Wyoming
"A terrific series with a western flair. . . . Great characters that you would want as your friends. Smart, funny, but not perfect.""I love the whole series Caught Dead in Wyoming. The writing is witty and sharp; the story is gripping; and the characters are so realistic. Even the supporting characters are fully defined and interesting. What I didn’t expect was a renewed appreciation given by this 'inside' view of the world of journalism. With all the current focus on Fake News, I loved being reminded of how vital news people are to our society. E.M. Danniher changes her community and certain individuals – for the better – due to her dogged pursuit of truth and justice.""I confess to being addicted to this series and characters. I LIKE them. I wish they were real."“Hoping this series lasts forever!”“E.M.’s internal monologues are sharp, snappy and often hilarious.”“McLinn has created in E.M. a female protagonist who is flawed but likable, never silly or cartoonish, and definitely not made of cardboard.”
More mystery from Patricia McLinn
Secret Sleuth series
Death on the DiversionDeath on Torrid AvenueDeath on Beguiling WayDeath on Covert CircleDeath on Shady BridgeDeath on Carrion LaneDeath on ZigZag TrailDeath on Puzzle Place
The Innocence Trilogy
Proof of InnocencePrice of InnocencePremise of InnocenceRide the Rodeo Knights (includes cameos from Caught Dead in Wyoming c
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2017
259 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Patricia McLinn
128 books314 followersUSA 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 19, 2019
The sixth book of this series finds Elizabeth and friends looking into a death that happened 26 years ago. Dean Isaacs, the boyfriend of the daughter, Laura Roy of a house was convicted of killing the housekeeper. The daughter than commit suicide is being released on parole and returning to Sherman, Wyoming. Sheriff Deputy Shelton asked Elizabeth to look into a different problem as someone is calling individuals and telling them he collecting funds for charity and using another deputy's name. Elizabeth looking for answers begins to wonder what happened 26 years ago and begin to do some research. Who is calling residents of Sherman exhorting money? Was Dean guilty of murder? Did Laura kill herself?
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
January 4, 2026
great book
Amazing how things turned out! Elizabeth is amazing- can’t wait for the next book. Love Mike, Diana and Jennifer amazing cohorts.
Amazing how things turned out! Elizabeth is amazing- can’t wait for the next book. Love Mike, Diana and Jennifer amazing cohorts.
July 28, 2019
Elizabeth & her gang start looking into a 26 year old murder and a suicide that everyone knows were solved 25 years ago. The murderer is out on parole and looking shifty. Something just doesn’t smell right...
Great mystery and wonderful characters. I love this series!
Great mystery and wonderful characters. I love this series!
November 1, 2017
This is an excellent story about the ripple effect – how choices in the past, and their consequences, lead to decisions in the present.
First, we have a murder and apparent suicide that take place on the same ranch on the same day 26 years ago. Second, we have the apparent accidental death of the owner of that same ranch on the second day of our present storyline.
Then there’s the vicious scam that gets added to Elizabeth Danniher’s occupational plate (she’s our main protagonist and an award-winning investigative journalist vindictively demoted by her network executive ex-husband from the New York market to a super small Wyoming network). It seems a telephone scam is circulating in the town that seems to be targeting the Sherman Police Department in general and a young deputy in particular.
Oh, and the narcissistic, verbally and physically abusive teenager convicted of the murder 26 years ago has just been released back to Sherman on parole. He’s just not a teenager anymore and has had the experience of 25 years in prison to feed both his narcissism and his abusive personality.
The author builds the relationship between the “back story” of 26 years ago, the “present story” of the current death and the telephone scam in a realistic manner. The different facts and suppositions come into evidence in a jerky, almost chaotic manner. Bits and pieces fall into place like a jigsaw puzzle, a corner piece here, an edge piece there, a patch of pieces that make up some object somewhere in the middle. They don’t come into being logically or in a straightforward manner, just as they would not if this were reality instead of fiction. So paying attention is a must here.
And that is where the low star rating for this book comes in! The EDITING on this entry is HORRIBLE. There are missing words, words added in out of context, repeated words and phrases in the same sentence, and misspellings. There are people called by the wrong name and spans of time that don’t add up to the number the author gave. And this occurs on almost every one of the 312 pages in the book.
There are also references to events and dialogue that took place in previous scenes - only those scenes aren’t in existence. It’s as if the author deleted certain scenes in the editing process but failed to remove or rewrite references to those events in later sections of the book.
Needless to say, the prolific editing errors constantly threw me out of the story, which made it hard to keep the facts and innuendos in place. I was constantly having to flip back and forth, re-reading in order to keep the story straight. And when I got to the denouement, I was just as confused at the end as I was when the scene started. There were even times during that scene when I couldn’t tell who was saying what to whom and why.
Since I am a prolific mystery reader – from hard boiled to cozy and everything in between – I consider myself reasonably experienced in interpreting the actual lines as well as reading between the lines of a story. So to be this confused throughout the novel is saying something. And it’s saying that the editing is a serious distraction to what is otherwise a well laid plot.
PostScript: I understand a second edition for this work has come out, supposedly with corrections. But Amazon did not notify me of an update prior to October 29, 2017, when I began reading the book (the book was originally published four days earlier). Nor did the author notify her readers in a timely manner through her newsletter. Therefore, since I do not know how extensive those corrections are, my rating will have to stand.
First, we have a murder and apparent suicide that take place on the same ranch on the same day 26 years ago. Second, we have the apparent accidental death of the owner of that same ranch on the second day of our present storyline.
Then there’s the vicious scam that gets added to Elizabeth Danniher’s occupational plate (she’s our main protagonist and an award-winning investigative journalist vindictively demoted by her network executive ex-husband from the New York market to a super small Wyoming network). It seems a telephone scam is circulating in the town that seems to be targeting the Sherman Police Department in general and a young deputy in particular.
Oh, and the narcissistic, verbally and physically abusive teenager convicted of the murder 26 years ago has just been released back to Sherman on parole. He’s just not a teenager anymore and has had the experience of 25 years in prison to feed both his narcissism and his abusive personality.
The author builds the relationship between the “back story” of 26 years ago, the “present story” of the current death and the telephone scam in a realistic manner. The different facts and suppositions come into evidence in a jerky, almost chaotic manner. Bits and pieces fall into place like a jigsaw puzzle, a corner piece here, an edge piece there, a patch of pieces that make up some object somewhere in the middle. They don’t come into being logically or in a straightforward manner, just as they would not if this were reality instead of fiction. So paying attention is a must here.
And that is where the low star rating for this book comes in! The EDITING on this entry is HORRIBLE. There are missing words, words added in out of context, repeated words and phrases in the same sentence, and misspellings. There are people called by the wrong name and spans of time that don’t add up to the number the author gave. And this occurs on almost every one of the 312 pages in the book.
There are also references to events and dialogue that took place in previous scenes - only those scenes aren’t in existence. It’s as if the author deleted certain scenes in the editing process but failed to remove or rewrite references to those events in later sections of the book.
Needless to say, the prolific editing errors constantly threw me out of the story, which made it hard to keep the facts and innuendos in place. I was constantly having to flip back and forth, re-reading in order to keep the story straight. And when I got to the denouement, I was just as confused at the end as I was when the scene started. There were even times during that scene when I couldn’t tell who was saying what to whom and why.
Since I am a prolific mystery reader – from hard boiled to cozy and everything in between – I consider myself reasonably experienced in interpreting the actual lines as well as reading between the lines of a story. So to be this confused throughout the novel is saying something. And it’s saying that the editing is a serious distraction to what is otherwise a well laid plot.
PostScript: I understand a second edition for this work has come out, supposedly with corrections. But Amazon did not notify me of an update prior to October 29, 2017, when I began reading the book (the book was originally published four days earlier). Nor did the author notify her readers in a timely manner through her newsletter. Therefore, since I do not know how extensive those corrections are, my rating will have to stand.
March 19, 2018
26 years ago the gruesome suicide of Yolonda Cruz, house keeper for Professor Roy, and the "suicide" of Laura Roy, Professor Roy's teenage daughter, rocked Sherman. Now, due to some changes in the laws regarding adolescent crimes, the murder has been paroled. On a request from Miss Parens, Elizabeth learns that Dean (the murder) is living in Sherman with the every meek Sally from the book, "Shoot First," in this series. They are supposedly family but the ties aren't clear as they both fumble over their words. The smirk on Dean's face gives no comfort to either Elizabeth or Miss Parens.
While at the TV station, Elizabeth receives a surprise call from Deputy Shelton wanting to meet with her. He gives her specific details of where to meet. The next morning she meets him and he whisk her off to a somewhat isolated location. There he tells her he wants to investigate a phone scam involving Deputy Richard Alvaro but she can't share it with anyone, even the "team." It becomes clear that even Richard isn't aware of the scam at this point.
When Professor Roy suddenly dies in her garage numerous suspects come to light. The team knows they cannot openly work this case especially since it appears she died of accidental carbon dioxide poisoning. They believe their best option is to continue to look into the past case and peel back the layers to get a clearer picture of what was taking place then.
Many layers is exactly what this story contains. As in many families, the secrets are many, with Professor Roy always holding firmly to reins. She wanted to maintain strict control at all times and this becomes clear very early on. But, isn't control needed to keep your dirty little secrets hidden?
While at the TV station, Elizabeth receives a surprise call from Deputy Shelton wanting to meet with her. He gives her specific details of where to meet. The next morning she meets him and he whisk her off to a somewhat isolated location. There he tells her he wants to investigate a phone scam involving Deputy Richard Alvaro but she can't share it with anyone, even the "team." It becomes clear that even Richard isn't aware of the scam at this point.
When Professor Roy suddenly dies in her garage numerous suspects come to light. The team knows they cannot openly work this case especially since it appears she died of accidental carbon dioxide poisoning. They believe their best option is to continue to look into the past case and peel back the layers to get a clearer picture of what was taking place then.
Many layers is exactly what this story contains. As in many families, the secrets are many, with Professor Roy always holding firmly to reins. She wanted to maintain strict control at all times and this becomes clear very early on. But, isn't control needed to keep your dirty little secrets hidden?
August 9, 2022
More Mischief, Mayhem, & Madness!
I've been turning to this series lately when I need to step back from the chaos and craziness of the world. These novels are such a breath of fresh air. They're well written and have wonderful characters, but the total entertainment value keeps me coming back for more.
Reading the books in the Caught Dead in Wyoming series is like a mini staycation. I can get out of my head and just... chill. These days, that's a bit of awesome. Every one of these stories has been a total winner for me, and this book is no exception in that regard. Life in small-town Wyoming with a cast of engaging characters full of charm, wit, and a touch of homespun kookiness is just the recipe for some literary mood enhancement. Add the chaos of a murder mystery, the humor of great friends, and just a touch of romantic suspense, and these stories tick every box.
If you're new to this series, it is possible to enjoy each of these stories as a stand-alone. But without a doubt, the best way to read them is in order so that you get the full benefit of these characters growing as they get to know each other. Either way, they're all winners with me.
I've been turning to this series lately when I need to step back from the chaos and craziness of the world. These novels are such a breath of fresh air. They're well written and have wonderful characters, but the total entertainment value keeps me coming back for more.
Reading the books in the Caught Dead in Wyoming series is like a mini staycation. I can get out of my head and just... chill. These days, that's a bit of awesome. Every one of these stories has been a total winner for me, and this book is no exception in that regard. Life in small-town Wyoming with a cast of engaging characters full of charm, wit, and a touch of homespun kookiness is just the recipe for some literary mood enhancement. Add the chaos of a murder mystery, the humor of great friends, and just a touch of romantic suspense, and these stories tick every box.
If you're new to this series, it is possible to enjoy each of these stories as a stand-alone. But without a doubt, the best way to read them is in order so that you get the full benefit of these characters growing as they get to know each other. Either way, they're all winners with me.
December 4, 2017
Even long memories fade, but murder never dies.
Elizabeth “E.M.” Danniher has been among TV journalism’s elite. But divorcing her network exec husband ends not only her marriage but her career, and she’s banished to tiny KWMT-TV in Sherman, Wyoming, to finish out her contract. Now she’s exploring what comes next – in her career, her life, and her relationships with family, friends, and those who’d like to be more than friends.
But she’s not being left in peace to wrestle with these issues because she keeps being drawn in to murder investigations. Now Elizabeth, and handsome KWMT colleague Mike Paycik, rugged rancher Thomas Burrell, and her colorful cast of collaborators, plunge into mysteries from the past that threaten the present. To succeed, they must untangle characters and plotlines from a long-hidden Back Story.
Elizabeth “E.M.” Danniher has been among TV journalism’s elite. But divorcing her network exec husband ends not only her marriage but her career, and she’s banished to tiny KWMT-TV in Sherman, Wyoming, to finish out her contract. Now she’s exploring what comes next – in her career, her life, and her relationships with family, friends, and those who’d like to be more than friends.
But she’s not being left in peace to wrestle with these issues because she keeps being drawn in to murder investigations. Now Elizabeth, and handsome KWMT colleague Mike Paycik, rugged rancher Thomas Burrell, and her colorful cast of collaborators, plunge into mysteries from the past that threaten the present. To succeed, they must untangle characters and plotlines from a long-hidden Back Story.
June 2, 2022
This is the sixth in the series. I listened to this book. I like the author and the narrator. The series is set in Wyoming. Amateur sleuth and reporter Elizabeth Margaret “E.M.” Danniher and KWMT-TV colleague Mike Paycik, Tom Burrell – a local rancher, and other colleagues at the TV station research a phone scam using Deputy Alvorado’s name. During the investigation of the scam, the team is constantly pulled towards the murder that is 25 years old.
The convicted killer was a minor when he was sentenced. Newer laws allow parole after 25 years in prison for minors incarcerated.
Dean Isaacs is a piece of work and bully towards his family members and people in general.
The author has current societal themes in her books.
There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me entertained. I recommend this book.
November 1, 2017
Back Story by Patricia McLinn
Caught Dead in Wyoming Series Book Six
Elizabeth Margaret “E.M.” Danniher has been sent to the middle of nowhere. Sherman, Wyoming. Her ex-husband made sure she not only lost her job...but closed other doors for her.
The small town and the people are growing on. Or...maybe it's all the murders she's been helping to solve over the eight or so months she's been at the small TV station. This Christmas season is no different. A new murder that has them looking back twenty-six years ago to an old murder.
Plenty of suspicious characters that could be guilty of new crimes. And in the midst of this suspense story...there's humor. These books are told from Elizabeth's point of view.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Caught Dead in Wyoming Series Book Six
Elizabeth Margaret “E.M.” Danniher has been sent to the middle of nowhere. Sherman, Wyoming. Her ex-husband made sure she not only lost her job...but closed other doors for her.
The small town and the people are growing on. Or...maybe it's all the murders she's been helping to solve over the eight or so months she's been at the small TV station. This Christmas season is no different. A new murder that has them looking back twenty-six years ago to an old murder.
Plenty of suspicious characters that could be guilty of new crimes. And in the midst of this suspense story...there's humor. These books are told from Elizabeth's point of view.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
June 8, 2018
Patricia McLinn's Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series is one of the most intelligent murder mystery series I've read. The sixth volume is just as great as the previous ones were. The characters in the book are well-defined, realistic and interesting. The mystery itself is just as complicated as those in the other books. Try as I might, the fitting together of the pieces to complete the puzzle is beyond my powers of deduction. But, this is not a bad thing. It is a challenge that I hope to win some day!
Back Story is a great mystery. McLinn's writing and story construction are intelligent and entertaining. This book and this series are very highly recommended for mystery fans!
Back Story is a great mystery. McLinn's writing and story construction are intelligent and entertaining. This book and this series are very highly recommended for mystery fans!
September 3, 2018
Excellent story! Elizabeth and the gang are at it again. Elizabeth is solving a problem for Deputy Shelton and the gang is solving a murder of the past which ties into a murder of the present. Lots of action with plenty of twists but the clues are there as the story progresses. Jennifer will help from a distance because she is celebrating Christmas with the family but not where the gang is.
Romance between Elizabeth and either Mike or Tom is still in a holding pattern. Maybe someone should start a pool,lol!
I recommend this book as it is an excellent book and the series as well!
Romance between Elizabeth and either Mike or Tom is still in a holding pattern. Maybe someone should start a pool,lol!
I recommend this book as it is an excellent book and the series as well!
November 9, 2017
Another excellent entry in this series about a big-time reporter's life-changing move to a small Western community. I like the continuing characters and the complexity of both her work environment and her personal issues and look forward to the continuation of those story arcs. As for the mystery in this one--three intertwined mysteries in point of fact--they provided a nice little puzzle, part of which I figured out and all of which made perfect sense once all the clues were in place. Highly recommended.
December 3, 2017
Another great one!
I have read all of Patricia McLinn's books, and I am never disappointed. Her stories keep you interested from the first few pages and at the end, you can't wait to read the next one. Back Story was a great story that kept you trying to figure out who committed the crime throughout the whole story. I like stories that keep you guessing. I can't wait to read the next book in this series to see what Elizabeth is up to and see her choices!
I have read all of Patricia McLinn's books, and I am never disappointed. Her stories keep you interested from the first few pages and at the end, you can't wait to read the next one. Back Story was a great story that kept you trying to figure out who committed the crime throughout the whole story. I like stories that keep you guessing. I can't wait to read the next book in this series to see what Elizabeth is up to and see her choices!
May 25, 2020
I love this series! Elizabeth’s personal and emotional growth throughout the series is realistic. The mystery plots keep you guessing throughout. I love the characters and how you feel as though you know them. The imagery of the Wyoming landscape and people is vivid. This is one of my favorite mystery series. If you enjoy funny characters, intriguing mysteries, plot depth, and a western landscape then you will enjoy these books!
November 10, 2017
Love the Caught Dead in Wyoming series. Television personality Elizabeth “E.M.” Danniher and her group of friends, a handsome co-worker, a single father, her camera-person, and an old family friend are thrown into another murder investigation. Great fun read. Highly recommend the series, and this book.
March 4, 2021
Such fun!
How can a murder mystery be fun, one might ask? Have it written by Patricia McLinn , I would answer. The story and characters are so well written that the reading itself is a joy. Then McLinn adds in her unique take on Elizabeth's investigative abilities sprinkled with good humor. A very satisfying read.
How can a murder mystery be fun, one might ask? Have it written by Patricia McLinn , I would answer. The story and characters are so well written that the reading itself is a joy. Then McLinn adds in her unique take on Elizabeth's investigative abilities sprinkled with good humor. A very satisfying read.
July 23, 2018
Good read
Likes the mysteries. Read them one after another. Especially happy they are not more “romantic” than they are. Perfect summer reads. And they make me want to spend more time in Wyoming
Likes the mysteries. Read them one after another. Especially happy they are not more “romantic” than they are. Perfect summer reads. And they make me want to spend more time in Wyoming
September 18, 2018
Excellent x 3
These books are so good I limit myself to a few chapters at a time. Back Story is no exception. The characters continue to grow and spark off each other. The question is Tom or Mike?
These books are so good I limit myself to a few chapters at a time. Back Story is no exception. The characters continue to grow and spark off each other. The question is Tom or Mike?
November 15, 2019
So Far So Good
I say it that way because this whole series is so good that I have read each book with appreciation for the fully developed characters, the interesting plot, and the chilly Wyoming settings. So far the books have just gotten better!
I say it that way because this whole series is so good that I have read each book with appreciation for the fully developed characters, the interesting plot, and the chilly Wyoming settings. So far the books have just gotten better!
June 29, 2022
Par excellence.
What a great read. Every story I read of involving my favorite group of detectives, just keeps getting better and better,with the bonus of have my favorite dog Shadow to boot. Shadow,you rock!!!
What a great read. Every story I read of involving my favorite group of detectives, just keeps getting better and better,with the bonus of have my favorite dog Shadow to boot. Shadow,you rock!!!
March 5, 2025
Ms. Mclinn really knows how to throw a curve ball.
All the back story and the rehashing of suspicions of the murders 26 years ago and the recent one kept me reading. The ending was so surprising. Read it yourself!
All the back story and the rehashing of suspicions of the murders 26 years ago and the recent one kept me reading. The ending was so surprising. Read it yourself!
November 1, 2017
Enjoyed #1 - 6. Looking forward to #7!
November 7, 2017
A murder from the past, a newly-paroled murderer, and a death cause the team to come together to try to discover how they all fit together and who the guilty are.
December 21, 2017
I love this series and liked this installment better than #5.
November 19, 2017
Very good series!
April 25, 2018
Another great book in the Caught Read in Wyoming ssries. Can't wait for August when Cold Open comes out.
July 16, 2018
Great again
I love these characters, the humor, the twisting mysteries.in other words, I'll be looking for the next book, Cold Open.
I love these characters, the humor, the twisting mysteries.in other words, I'll be looking for the next book, Cold Open.
July 8, 2019
Great series....been binge reading because i cant wait to see what comes next
October 13, 2019
This book in the series was a little hard to follow for me, even more characters than usual.
December 16, 2019
Enjoyed. Recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews