Death on the Diversion (Secret Sleuth mystery series, Book 1) - Patricia McLinn

Death on the Diversion (Secret Sleuth mystery series, Book 1)

By Patricia McLinn

  • Release Date: 2018-12-13
  • Genre: Cozy Mysteries
Score: 4
4
From 798 Ratings

Description

Final resting place? Deck chair.

Death on the Diversion is the start of a new cozy mystery series from a USA Today bestselling author.

Sheila Mackey has a secret. To the world, she’s author of a blockbuster book. Her wily great-aunt, the actual author, orchestrated this mutually beneficial masquerade. Now the aunt’s retiring and Sheila must draft Act Two of her own life. This cruise is supposed to be the perfect time to do that.

Crossing the Atlantic on the Diversion, Sheila finds a dead body on deck.

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. 

This murder mystery with humor is the first book in a new series, Secret Sleuth. In later books, amateur sleuth Sheila returns to dry land in the Midwest, where mysteries abound in her new home in small-town Kentucky.

If you like mysteries about the inner world of writers, set among the insular cruise ship community, where even the sleuth has secrets she’s hiding (and a dog to come in book two), then you’ll love award-winning Patricia McLinn’s new whodunit with humor.

Get on board to sail away with crime, clues and memorable characters. 
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
On the spectrum of McLinn's mystery novels, the Caught Dead in Wyoming cozy series is in the middle, The Innocence Trilogy is edgier (and has more romance), and Secret Sleuth is a bit less edgy. 

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
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.

Reviews

  • Great Author!

    5
    By sleepless in Scarborough
    This is the first book I’ve read by Patricia McLinn and I really enjoyed the level of detail and the cleverness in her writing, much more than other authors I’ve read on these ebooks. I’ve never been on a cruise before but I have a good idea of how it works now after reading Death on the Diversion. Since I read in the middle of the night to get back to sleep, I also like that this book moved at a leisurely pace and not too intense to keep me awake. Having said that, it’s not boring at all and there were no slow places. Excellent all around and thus, the five star rating!
  • Solid reading

    4
    By Lavone116
    Reminds me of an English murder mystery style of book. Fast paced enough without being rushed. Enjoyed the main characters forthright style and intelligence.
  • My New Favorite Author

    5
    By EBCee
    Having just finished the first book in her Caught in Wyoming series, which I loved, it was wonderful to read another series by this author. This book was hard to put down. The characters are the kind you would like to meet. There is humor, twists, and a good mystery. Looks like much reading is to be done trying to catch up with both series.
  • Death on the Diversion

    3
    By whitedog7
    Too much extraneous info about ship, dining etc. and not enough characterization for me. I guess I prefer less Petronella sayings and more action. I usually read a good book straight through but this took me 4 days. Sorry!
  • Death on the Diversion

    5
    By Lon Chaney Jr
    I loved the concept of this book, pretending to author her aunt’s book! All of the characters or “suspects” were well written. I will definitely be following Sheila to her next home.
  • Death on the Diversion

    3
    By gweneeth
    I couldn’t keep all the characters straight. It was a good who done it regardless of my confusion.
  • Long and no surprise

    3
    By Bold new world
    Loooong between info and dreary
  • Death on the Diversion

    4
    By bjs70
    This book has interesting characters and a fun murder mystery to try and solve. However, there are a lot of different characters so you have to be alert while reading this book so you can remember who each person is.
  • Death on the Diversion

    2
    By Lfenlock
    I read murder mysteries all the time but I just couldn’t get into the funny parts. Hate to admit it, but gruesome works for me.
  • Death on the Diversion

    4
    By Annoyed for now.
    Long, but enjoyable. Details reminded me of our cruising.