Sign Off (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 1)

Divorce a husband, lose a career …grapple with a murder.


TV journalist Elizabeth “E.M.” Danniher will tell you she committed two sins — she didn’t stay young, and she made an enemy of a powerful news executive — her ex. She used to break national news. Now her top story as the “Helping Out!” reporter at dinky KWMT-TV in Sherman, Wyoming is getting a defective toaster repaired. 


Tough, funny and determined, Elizabeth wrestles with isolation, keeping a professional edge, and an evolving self-image. Is Wyoming — the land of cattle, cowboys, tumbleweeds, and fewer than six people per square mile — her new home or a road to permanent obscurity?


Soon she’s in a battle of wills with ex-football player turned journalist Mike Paycik, who sees her as a handy rung on his career ladder. And there’s the matter of a deputy sheriff—missing or murdered? Elizabeth finds herself investigating at the insistence of a girl who’s set on proving her father’s innocence. Not that enigmatic rancher Thomas Burrell makes investigating easy.


But Elizabeth won’t fade to black without a fight, no matter how final some might want to make her Sign Off. 


Don’t miss any of Elizabeth’s Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures in: 

Sign Off

Left Hanging

Shoot First

Last Ditch

Look Live

Back Story

Cold Open

Hot Roll 

Reaction Shot (2020)


What people are saying about Sign Off:


“This is one of those books that you want to stop everything to read while hoping it never ends.”

“Sign Off is a brisk, enthralling page-turner” – P.B. Ryan, bestselling author

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

“That was fun.”

“Be prepared for lots of twist and turns.”

“I read it in one sitting. I hadn't planned it that way, but just couldn't stop.”

“The characters were a mix of funny, sad, and quirky and were totally believable. There was just enough humor to lighten the story, but not to disrespect the seriousness of crime.”


What readers are saying about the Caught Dead in Wyoming series:

“McLinn's mysteries set in Wyoming are addictive. The writing is excellent, the twists and turns keep the brain engaged, and Elizabeth's wry commentary keeps a smile on my face.”

“E.M.’s internal monologues are sharp, snappy and often hilarious.”

"A terrific series with a western flair.  . . . Great characters that you would want as your friends. Smart, funny, but not perfect."


More cozy mystery from Patricia McLinn:



Secret Sleuth series

Death on the Diversion

Death on Torrid Avenue

Death on Beguiling Way

Death on Covert Circle (2020)


If you like mystery with a bit of romance and humor, try: also


Proof of Innocence 

Price of Innocence (2020)


Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (includes scenes in fictional Sherman, Wyoming, and cameos from Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)