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Breaking news: Storm clouds at the station

Every TV news viewer has seen the side effects of too much cross talk: a live debate devolves into chaos, an interviewer and her subject don’t connect on key questions and answers, a news anchor’s flow is disrupted by missed signals.
Sometimes it makes for good TV, other times it just leads to a train wreck.
Changes are afoot in the KWMT-TV newsroom, the missing presence of sports hero Mike Paycik and the blossoming of aide Jennifer Lawton, the resilience of persistent consumer advocate/investigative reporter Elizabeth “E.M.” Danniher, and the simmering resentment of egotistical news anchor Thurston Fine. The team of amateur sleuths working with Elizabeth, which includes ace videographer Diana Stendahl, is evolving, too, looping in KWMT producer Audrey Adams.
Not surprisingly, supermarket cashier Penny Czylinski, who bags all the town’s best gossip and knows a thing or two about cross talk, is the first to perceive dark clouds on the horizon not only in their small-town Sherman, Wyoming, but also in the KWMT newsroom itself. Because something big is coming, and it involves murder, and it’s closing in on KWMT.

Cross Talk, Book 11 of the Caught Dead in Wyoming series, is a smart, surprising, fast-paced cozy mystery with humor. If you like quirky characters, hints of romance and twists you won’t see coming, then you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn’s page-turner.

Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures:
Sign Off
Left Hanging
Shoot First
Last Ditch
Look Live
Back Story
Cold Open
Hot Roll
Reaction Shot
Body Brace
Cross Talk

394 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2022

54 people are currently reading
57 people want to read

About the author

Patricia McLinn

128 books314 followers
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.

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5 stars
215 (67%)
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83 (26%)
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12 (3%)
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4 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
116 reviews
May 23, 2022
I've enjoyed every book in this series and have already pre-ordered the next that will be released in a year or so. The characters are quirky, to say the least, but interesting, engaging... even intriguing at times. There's always a murder with enough twists to be interesting and it's always about getting to the 'the truth' for the leading character, a highly skilled journalist. In these days of fake news and fake news purveyors, it's a refreshing perspective. A thread of romance also runs through the series and we're promised that our leading character will finally make up her mind in the next book. The stories all play out against the vast Wyoming landscape, rugged, daunting, and beautiful.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,190 reviews52 followers
May 13, 2022
A story that needs to be told?

Actually we have numerous stories here, the threads all knotted and tangled. Some from 30 years ago, some from last year and some from this weekend....all are related, all overlap, too many involve staff from KWMT-TV and all will uncover secrets that had been desperately buried....but who's is a secret big enough to kill for?
There is a lot of cross talk and the KWMT-TV 'team' have their work cut out not only keeping the station running and bulletins on air but also sifting through all the irrelevant talk to find the golden nuggets of information needed to once again solve this murder before the police.
Profile Image for Charlyn.
814 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2022
Caught up in Caught Dead in Wyoming

If you haven’t read the first ten books in the series, please do that first. Then you will understand why, when Thurston Fine is questioned about a death, at least half the staff at KWMT-TV hopes he is guilty and he will be arrested and disappear. And you will appreciate all the stories staff share about Thurston in his absence. And you will understand why Elizabeth and her friends have to solve the crime and possibly absolve Thurston. But you will be left waiting for at least one answer until the next book comes out. (Crime, humor, reappearing cast of memorable characters.)
232 reviews
May 12, 2022
Who's Your Daddy

All the questions that have lingered in the background of the first ten books plus the back story are now answered in a mad rush of evidence and rumor. A very satisfying read with a hint of future romance and angst. Will Jen and Mike become an item? Will Tom run for political office?. Will E M make a choice? So glad this story had an epilogue. I know it is fiction but it is nice to the up loose ends. And it dropped a hint for book 12. It is going to be a long wait.
258 reviews4 followers
May 14, 2022
Another page-turner from Patricia

Elizabeth Margaret Danniher hesitates for once to investigate a suspicious death. But not for long and not without her usual band of helpers. I thought I knew who the killer was, then I switched again, then was surprised. An interesting mystery, along with a wealth of behind the scenes insights into television news. Looking forward to the next book. I hope it's Tom! (But I like Mike, too. Either way, I just want it resolved as I hate love triangles.)
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,117 reviews
May 16, 2022
When you read this book many things will come out about Les, Thurston and the news station. There are so many plots and twists that you will find it hard to put the book down! The romance part of Elizabeth, Tom and Mike is touch upon.
The murder covers a young lady who becomes a bit obsessed with Thurston but her death opens up a lot of past secrets and some people with run and hide.
The next book will be very interesting and there are hints of possible things happening. If you love this series you will not want to miss this next book coming out after you finish book 11.
2,527 reviews6 followers
May 23, 2022
CROSS TALK is a superb addition to the Caught Dead in Wyoming murder mystery series. I loved it! Elizabeth (E.M. Danniher, TV reporter and murder sleuth extraordinaire), suspects that a young woman’s suicide might not have been a suicide. A-a-nd, she’s off to investigate with the help of her loyal friends.
The writing is outstanding with subtle clues, natural dialogue, completely real characters, a tiny touch of romance (I’m firmly on Team Tom, by the way) and an engaging, compelling story.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Dunnett.
Author 20 books356 followers
May 13, 2022
Terrific entry in this fascinating series. Sad to think the next will be the last, but the promise of a resolution of the story arc of Elizabeth, Mike, and Tom is welcome. I particularly liked finding out the reason why several continuing characters kept their jobs for so long, and the various suspects and their motivations were particularly well developed.
Profile Image for Alisa.
267 reviews
May 14, 2022
Another mystery solved and a to farewell

Elizabeth and crew have another murder to investigate that hits close to home as inept anchor Thurston Fine is hauled in to answer questions. Twists and turns and surprise connections make this solution intriguing. . . but not as intriguing as the choice of Mike or Tom!
4 reviews
June 10, 2022
Does not disappoint

Once again Patricia McMinn has put out a wonderful book in the latest installation of the Caught Dead in Wyoming series. The only thing bad about the book is I finished it too fast because I couldn't put it down. Please read the entire series, well worth the time.
Profile Image for Ari Maayan.
180 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2022
I have read all of Caught Dead in Wyoming books and I have liked them all except for this one. I think that the series has degenerated into a lot of drivel. Lots of “too cute” internal dialogue. I couldn’t get through and I gave up less than 1/2 way through. Way too much blah, blah, blah. I won’t read another one.
Profile Image for Emma Prosser.
165 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2023
Twists and turns galore, all whilst kind of hoping that Thurston Fine is guilty of the murder.

Questions about Thurston's tenure at the station are finally answered.

Change is fast approaching the news station.

In order to find out what continues to happens to these quirky characters, I have pre ordered the next book in this series.
42 reviews
May 17, 2022
This book will keep you on your toes

Well written murder mystery. You can’t help but love some characters and hate others. I love that Elizabeth searches for and wants to know the truth even when it leads her down multiple paths. Can’t wait for the next book.
80 reviews
May 27, 2022
Best ever

I have been a fan of this series so the first bok. The ending was awesome, although I don't think that Thurston would think so. All I will say is, I'm looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Karen  Weiss.
132 reviews
June 4, 2022
I’ve really enjoyed reading this series and have pre-ordered the next book. It’s always fun watching how E M Dannihers mind works. I’ve yet to figure out the mystery before the end of the book. I’m ready for her to make a choice though. I’m team Tom all the way.
236 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2026
Pretty good!!

Especially the part . . .well, I won't make this a spoiler. But if you like this author and anything about Wyoming, this one is the one in the series you won't want to miss!
1 review
May 12, 2022
Enjoyed it throughly!

Lots of twists and turns. True to character lines. Nice read and will be sorry to see the series end if Book 12 is the last!
89 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2022
A great lead in to book 12

Well done, the reveal of the actual perpetrator was a genuine surprise. I was taken by the array of suspects, another great read.
40 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2022
Another great trip to Sherman!!!

Wow...I never guess the end and am always on the edge of my seat...and already cannot wait for the next book! What a cliffhanger!
9 reviews
May 22, 2022
So thats why...

A murder. Relatives. Blackmail. Investigation. Arrest. Firing and a quit.
Wonderful read.
We learn about why Thornton ran the roost.
3 reviews
May 21, 2022
cross talk

It’s always a pleasure to read the Caught Dead in Wyoming series. The characters are so good,I enjoy reading about Elizabeth, Tom, and Mike.
474 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2022
This was a great mystery! It moves along quickly. It is a clean read, no sex or language. I enjoyed this book so much.
31 reviews
June 15, 2022
Cross Talk

Oh my! I was not expecting that ending? Talk about a surprise killer! You have done it again, Ms. McLinn. I'm just sorry to see the story ending!😥
15 reviews
June 30, 2022
Good Read

Another good book in the Caught Dead In Wyoming series, by Patricia McLinn. I think I am on Team Tom!
2,182 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2022
Great plot, good characters. Good ending leaving you wanting more.
279 reviews
April 24, 2023
Anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
Author 28 books42 followers
September 22, 2024
I love this series

One of the best history series that I read in a long time. Realistic characters and great storylines. Sitting in Wyoming. How could it be better?
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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