Death on Shady Bridge (Secret Sleuth mystery series, Book 5‪)‬

A cold case heats up

Far from the publishing world that once defined her, Sheila Mackey's plan to escape to a quiet life in small-town Kentucky keeps hitting bumps in the road ... and some of those bumps are dead bodies.


Sheila and her friend, Clara, are in for their toughest inquiry yet, when they take on investigating a death that's colder than a cold case, because few in Haines Tavern, Kentucky, think it was a murder in the first place. Suicide? Accident? Murder? They're determined to bring peace of mind to the dead woman's friends.


At the same time, amateur sleuth Sheila is finding it harder and harder to protect her secret past, especially from Teague O'Donnell, who's shifting from a fellow dog-lover to possibly much more.


This whodunit with humor is the fifth book in USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn’s cozy mystery series, Secret Sleuth, which begins with a murder on a transatlantic cruise in Death on the Diversion. In Death on Torrid Avenue and later books, accidental investigator Sheila Mackey returns to dry land in the Midwest, where mysteries abound in her new Kentucky home.


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


Death on the Diversion ”is such an enjoyable story, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's style, with a good study of human nature and plenty of humor. Great start to a new series!” – 5-star review 


Death on Torrid Avenue “is told with a lot of humor and the characters are good company. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am looking forward to the next story.” – 5-star review 


More 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

Holiday Bullets

Cue 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, New York Times bestselling author 


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


The Innocence Trilogy

Proof of Innocence

Price of Innocence

Premise of Innocence


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.