Premise of Innocence (Innocence Trilogy mystery series, Book 3‪)‬

The last woman Tanner is ready for is the one he must save.

Who is shooting at Allison Northcutt? Detective Tanner Landis must find out before the next bullet reaches its target. And there’s nothing like a complicated history between the two of them to make that more challenging.


Ally has sustained more than her share of trauma. She and her two cousins lost their beloved aunt to murder when they were teens and have been bonded ever since. And, for the past four and a half years, she has carried the burden of her police officer husband being shot in the head outside their Maryland home. He has not recovered and now is near death. Is that the key to who is after Ally? But why now? And is the law enforcement-laden Northcutt family history at the center of this web?  


Fairlington County, Virginia, detective Tanner Landis and his partner, Rutherford "Bel" Belichek, have worked many cases brought to trial by their colleague and friend, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Maggie Frye. In Proof of Innocence, Maggie is drawn back to a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains to find a possible serial killer -- one she might have failed to convict. In Price of Innocence, Bel risks everything – his friendships, his reputation, his career, his heart, and his life -- to solve a murder in Fairlington.


Premise of Innocence, by USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn, completes The Innocence Trilogy of stand-alone mysteries with romantic elements set in the Washington, D.C., metro area. If you love twists and turns, characters who stick with you, and mysteries and romance swirled together, you'll love Premise of Innocence … and the entire trilogy.


The Innocence Trilogy

Proof of Innocence

Price of Innocence

Premise of Innocence


Cozy mystery from Patricia McLinn

Caught Dead in Wyoming series

Sign Off

Left Hanging

Shoot First

Last Ditch

Look Live

Back Story

Cold Open

Hot Roll

Reaction Shot

Body Brace

Cross Talk

Air Ready

Cue Up


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


Secret Sleuth series

Death on the Diversion

Death on Torrid Avenue

Death on Beguiling Way

Death on Covert Circle

Death on Shady Bridge

Death on Carrion Lane

Death on ZigZag Trail

Death on Puzzle Place


If you like romantic suspense, you might also try:

Ride the River: Rodeo Knights, a stand-alone romance with suspense that includes Caught Dead in Wyoming characters.


Bardville, Wyoming series

A Stranger in the Family

A Stranger to Love

The Rancher Meets His Match


About the Author

Patricia McLinn is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 60 published novels cited by readers and reviewers for wit and vivid characterization. Her books include mysteries, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical romance and women’s fiction. They have topped bestseller lists and won numerous awards.


She has spoken about writing from London to Melbourne, Australia, to Washington, D.C., including being a guest speaker at the Smithsonian.


McLinn spent more than 20 years as an editor at The Washington Post after stints as a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.) and assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.). She received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University.

Now living in Kentucky, McLinn loves to hear from readers through her website and social media.