Cold Open

Open house to murder

Elizabeth Margaret "E.M." Danniher finds house hunting in Cottonwood County, Wyoming difficult, but deadly? That she never expected. In television, a cold open rolls before the credits, pitching the viewer into the news story. That's how Elizabeth and her cohorts feel after she finds a body in a house for sale.



A victim with a hidden history, few suspects, and the sheriff's department not happy having Elizabeth as the closest thing they have to a witness. Mike, Diana, Tom and the rest jump in to dig in.



Elizabeth has her own problems, including a trip back east to wrest her belongings from storage and the clutches of her ex. And the question of whether the cold will ever end...



Cold Open is Book 7 of USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn's Caught Dead in Wyoming cozy mystery series. If you like quirky characters, hints of romance, and twists you won't see coming, then you'll love this page-turner.





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





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



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

"McLinn has created in E.M. a female protagonist who is flawed but likable, never silly or cartoonish, and definitely not made of cardboard."



"I love the whole series Caught Dead in Wyoming. The writing is witty and sharp; the story is gripping; and the characters are so realistic. Even the supporting characters are fully defined and interesting. What I didn't expect was a renewed appreciation given by this 'inside' view of the world of journalism. ... I loved being reminded of how vital news people are to our society. E.M. Danniher changes her community and certain individuals - for the better - due to her dogged pursuit of truth and justice."



"I confess to being addicted to this series and characters. I LIKE them. I wish they were real."



"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 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



Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (includes Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)