Sign Off (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 1): Caught Dead In Wyoming, #1

By Patricia McLinn

Divorce a husband, disrupt 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 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

Air Ready

Cue Up

Head Room

 

"While the mystery itself is twisty-turny and thoroughly engaging, it's the smart and witty writing that I loved the best." – Diane Chamberlain, bestselling author

 

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

 

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

 

"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."

 

More mystery from Patricia McLinn

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

 

The Innocence Trilogy

Proof of Innocence
Price of Innocence
Premise of Innocence

• Language: English
• Publisher: Craig Place Books
• Release date: Jul 13, 2015
• ISBN: 9781939215468

Patricia McLinn

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 Northern Kentucky, McLinn loves to hear from readers through her website and social media.

Reviews for Sign Off (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 1)

[lostinalibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Elizabeth Daniher was a popular hard news reporter until a bitter divorce from her TV producer husband landed her in small town Wyoming. Worse, she is no longer to report the news but to do a 'helping out' section where her most hard-hitting story concerns a defective toaster. When she is approached by a little girl who want her to 'help out' by proving her father innocent of murder, she is, at first, reluctant. If she can manage to remain below the radar until the end of her contract, she may be able to save some remnant of her career. However, with pressure from the little girl and a rather good-looking co-worker, she relents and soon she finds herself back in the saddle again, so to speak, pursuing the story of her career; that is, if she isn't killed before the cameras even start rolling. Sign Off is the first in a new series by author PA McLinn. Originally a reporter herself, she has created a fine cast of characters while doing a great job portraying the hunt for the Story. If you enjoy a good mystery with some very credible characters, a behind-the-scenes peek at TV news broadcasting, just a hint of romance, and a plot that will keep you guessing right until the end, this might just be the perfect book for you.

[arlenadean · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Author: P.A. McLinnPublished by: Bell Bridge BooksAge Recommended: Adult Reviewed By: Arlena DeanBook Blog For: GMTARating: 5Review:"Sign Off" by P.A. McLinn was a good mystery and the first in a new series by this author. Being a former reporter the author really knows the in and outs of hunting for a story and you will find her stories very interesting and engaging. This novel really held on the the mystery until the very end of the read where you will be kept guessing making this a 'Hallmark' of a good mystery from Sherman, WY. There were several characters in "Sign Off" but one that stood out for me was E.M. Danniher (Elizabeth) sold the show...for she was a wonderful ...being so "smart, witty, dedicated to the truth and sardonic." Now, what was "Sign Off" about... we find Elizabeth Danniher with Mike Paycik(another reporter) are looking into the disappearance of Deputy Foster Redus...Where was he when he disappeared? Was foul play in this picture? This is where I will say you must pick up "Sign Off" to see what all comes out of the "investigation that exposes corruption, dirty politics, and secrets that might drive a person to kill to keep them hidden." Be prepared for lots of twist and turns so say tuned because it call comes out in the end."Sign Off" was not only a entertaining story with a good storyline and group of well developed characters but a story with a good intriguing mystery and if that is what you are looking for I would recommend this book to you.

[rhonda1111 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

5 STARSBook 1 in the Caught Dead in Wyoming SeriesI was surprised who the killer was. It is a clean read. Lot of suspects, drama & good characters in this story. Victim no one liked.Elizabeth Daniher is a big deal in reporting but getting a divorce from her T.v. producer. So she was sent to the small town in Whyoming to finsh her contract.The manager & anchor try and sabatoge what little is left of her career. Elizabeth is a consumer reporter and one day the grade school class was touring the T.V. studio when one little girl told her she needed to save her father. Her mom was going to stop her from seeing her daddy if he was sent to jail. She needed to help her thats what the tv show said.Sheriff’s Deputy Foster Redus had disappeared for a week before they started searching for him. The day he had a fight with rancher Thomas David Burrell. Thomas admitted to having a fight and thier was blood found at his place.Thomas ex-wife told everyone that he was jealous of her having a boyfriend. Thomas had the town torn into fractions of who thought he was guilty and those who thought he was innocent.The sport annoucer wants Elizabeth looking into the story. Mike wanted to work with her and learn from her. Mike played professional sports till he had to retire from injury and he went back to small town to learn before going to national shows. Mike kept showing her different people who believe in Thomas. Even his Aunt who worked in sheriff office. Deputy whispered a trail for her to follow. Elizabeth kept trying to find out about the deputy who was missing but everyone told her more about Burrell.Tamantha Burrell is a charmer and she wants her daddy to get the help he needs. She is not shy about what she wants and that is Elizabeth making things right for her daddy.I enjoyed this book and hope that more come in the series. I will be on the lookout for them.I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review by Netgallet.07/25/2012 PUB Bell Bridge Books BelleBooks 232 pages ISBN-13: 9781611941609

[tvnerd95 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. The mystery was engaging and the characters were easy to get to know. The mystery itself had many suspects and motives. The author could have easily made the characters stereotypes but actually gave each character assets as well as flaws without making them seem comical or too exaggerated.

Highlights for me was the author showing how a small town can surround itself in a protective shield sometimes versus risking bad light on the community. Coming from a small town this is pretty accurate – I also liked the fact that the main character started to rely on her co-workers more throughout the book. It showed growth on both the characters and co-workers part as the relationship developed.

The reason I couldn’t give this book 5 stars lies in the main character. She wasn’t naturally likable and her inner monologues brought the story’s pace dragging down at different points in the story. So I just couldn’t give it another star.

The narrator did a fabulous job on the voices and I look forward to the next book in the series.

[cmbohn · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sign Off by Patricia McLinn, Caught Dead in Wyoming, book 1*Reporter Elizabeth "E.M." Daniher is way out of her comfort zone, pushed out of her high profile job and into the consumer affairs spot in a tiny affiliate in Wyoming. But even here, she sniffs out a story in the disappearance of a local deputy with an eye for the women and more than a few enemies. I enjoyed this book. It's a fun fish out of water story and I liked the MC. It could have been better, but I am willing to see where this series goes.

[bettesbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can't remember why I put this particular book on my 'to read list this month. Probably because it's theme is like others I have recently read, and I wanted to see this author's treatment. What theme? (I'm sure you just asked). The theme is a female news reporter, divorced from a fellow news reporter/news director/station manager who exiles her from her position; when he can no longer use her to further his career, to a podunk career-ending station.I was unprepared for an absorbing, twisting mystery trying to answer Means, Motive Opportunity. Well-written with characters that are believable, characters with flaws and personal questions, characters with stoicism and panache. A enjoyable and satisfying read.

[carolynsuarez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

great plot twists. unexpected ending.

[goorgoahead · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

See the full review at Short & Sweet Reviews.

I liked Elizabeth as a main character. She was gutsy and bold without coming off as unlikable She might not make too many friends in small-town Wyoming, but she never really reads as anything other than determined and strong-willed. She's gruff, and she complains about her surroundings a lot, but at the end of the day, she does what's right, by the case and by herself. And after her personal life crumbled, she's solely focused on rebuilding her career, which means that she's not out to make friends -- or more than friends -- in the first place.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Sometimes I felt like there were a bit too many details and red herrings crammed in there which could have been whittled down a bit more. It can be confusing at times -- there are a lot of characters to keep track of and a lot of details to remember -- but untangling a murder plot that touches just about every corner of the town can be difficult. But overall, I found myself invested in the outcome of the story, and kind of surprised at who the murderer turns out to be. It was a real (virtual) page turner, and while it wasn't always packed with action, each scene raised new questions for the characters and the reader. This is the first book in a series and with Elizabeth finally warming up to life in Wyoming, I'm curious to see what she winds up facing next.

[robynelee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There are some clever e book authors out there who offer the first books in their series for free, knowing we will get hooked and buy the rest. This has happened to me many times with Melissa F. Miller, Jana Deleon, Susan May, and Susan Kaye Quinn. Now I have a new series to follow: Caught Dead in Wyoming. The series was compared to the Stephanie Plum books, and I can see that. The author is very good, smooth, and has well-developed characters. This book was different enough to keep me interested enough to read the others in the series.