Death on the Diversion (Secret Sleuth, Book 1‪)‬

Final resting place? Deck chair.

Sheila Mackey has a secret. To the world, she's the author of a blockbuster book. Her wily great-aunt, the actual author, orchestrated this mutually beneficial masquerade. Now her aunt's retiring and Sheila must draft Act Two of her own life.

A cruise across the Atlantic on the Diversion is supposed to be the perfect time to do that.

Two problems.

First, her great-aunt saddles her with an irksome relative. 

Second, Sheila finds a dead body.

She realizes she knows a whole lot more about the interactions of the victim and suspects than the ship's officials do. She's drawn into sleuthing, but finds herself hampered by a well-meaning but overprotective would-be Dr. Watson. Along with trying to keep her huge secret while digging up those of the victim and the suspects.

If you like traditional mysteries about the inner world of writers, you'll love USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn's whodunit series with humor where even the sleuth has secrets (and a rescue dog named Gracie, from the second book on.)

What readers say about Death on the Diversion

"A mystery, a murder, a cruise, and an intelligent, feisty, likeable main character. What more could you ask for? I read a lot of books and this is one of the best I have read in a long time. The plot is very imaginative and well thought out. . . Reminded me of a modern-day Miss Marple (although considerably younger.) I rarely say this, but I can't wait for the next book."—5* reader review

"If the characters in this book don't remind you of people you've met...you are hiding under a big rock! . . . Absolutely side ripping fun!"—5* reader review

"Love the 'attitude' toward the seriousness of deadly crime but allowing for the peculiar, humorous aspects of the great characters"—5* Apple Books review
 

"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 series!"—5* reader review

"First book I've read by this author, looking forward to more of her books. I enjoyed the humor and the twists."—5* Apple Books review

"Reminds me of an English murder mystery style. Enjoyed the main characters forthright style and intelligence."—5* Apple Books review

"Unique protagonist - witty, grounded, human... I hope there are many more in this series."—5* reader review

"The premise is original and fun. . . . The dialogue is smart, witty, incisive, dryly humorous, and realistic. . . had me snorting (in a ladylike fashion, of course) with laughter."—5* reader review

"The mystery is clever and intricate... reminiscent of the Golden Era of British mysteries . . . I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to reading more of this series."—5* reader review
 
"A fun ride!"—5* reader review

Starting in Death on Torrid Avenue, amateur sleuth Sheila adopts rescue collie Gracie, and finds mysteries abound in small-town Kentucky.

The 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 Riddle Road

What readers say about the Secret Sleuth series
"Beautifully combined LOL humour with twist and turn mystery." — 5* reader review

"The characters are the kind you would like to meet. Humor, twists, and a good mystery."—5* Apple Books review

"I loved the concept of this book, pretending to author her aunt's book! . . .  I will definitely be following Sheila to her next home."—5* Apple Books review

"Delightful, fun read . . . A good dose of humor." —5* reader review