I alerted Wardell Yardley to that. He talked about coming out here for the final decision for a wrap-up story.
He didn’t mention the museum curator, but I suspected she, too, was on his agenda. Again.
Clara was deep in preparations for the changes ahead, including looking for a replacement for Nadine. I heard Paige was in despair over finding anyone as good for her estate sale business, but Verona Fuller had taken her in hand.
Tamantha recruited me for an upcoming “girls’ trip” overnight to see Fort Phil Kearny — her, Mrs. Parens, and me. I think Mrs. P got to her.
I had not talked to or seen Tom.
That thought was not the reason I was slow to absorb the mood in the newsroom.
After all, there were a number of other people I hadn’t talked to or seen. Sheriff Conrad, Sergeant Shelton, Deputies Alvaro and Sampson, for instance. Wasn’t like that affected the speed of my uptake.
No, it was solely because of that drained feeling I mentioned.
But after I put my bag into the bottom drawer of my desk and looked around the newsroom, I realized something was up.
Something big.
Audrey and Jennifer rushed me from different directions.
Audrey asked, “Have you heard? Do you know about it?”
Those questions slowed her down, letting Jennifer come in with the headline.
“Thurston’s the prime suspect in a murder.”
* * * *
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Thank you for reading Elizabeth’s and friends’ latest adventure!
Changes are afoot in the KWMT-TV newsroom, missing Mike’s presence and watching the blossoming of Jennifer amid the simmering resentment of egotistical anchor Thurston. But it’s supermarket cashier Penny who is the bellwether for the darkest clouds on the horizon not only in Sherman, but also in the KWMT newsroom itself.
Cross Talk
Enjoy Body Brace? (Hope so)
Elizabeth and friends ask if you’ll help spread the word about them and the Caught Dead in Wyoming series. You have the power to do that in two quick ways:
Recommend the book and the series to your friends and/or the whole wide world on social media. Shouting from rooftops is particularly appreciated.
Review the book. Take a few minutes to write an honest review and it can make a huge difference. As you likely know, it’s the single best way for your fellow readers to find books they’ll enjoy, too.
To me — as an author and a reader — the goal is always to find a good author-reader match. By sharing your reading experience through recommendations and reviews, you become a vital matchmaker.
Other Caught Dead in Wyoming mysteries
SIGN OFF
Divorce a husband, disrupt a career … grapple with a murder.
Get SIGN OFF now!
LEFT HANGING
Trampled by bulls — an accident? Elizabeth, Mike and friends dig into the world of rodeo.
Get LEFT HANGING now!
SHOOT FIRST
For Elizabeth, death hits close to home. She and friends delve into old Wyoming treasures and secrets to save lives.
Get SHOOT FIRST now!
LAST DITCH
Elizabeth and Mike search after a man in a wheelchair goes missing in dangerous, desolate country.
Get LAST DITCH now!
LOOK LIVE
Elizabeth and friends take on misleading murder with help — and hindrance — from intriguing out-of-towners.
Get LOOK LIVE now!
BACK STORY
Murder never dies, but comes back to threaten Elizabeth and team of investigators.
Get BACK STORY now!
COLD OPEN
Elizabeth’s search for a place of her own becomes an open house for murder.
Get COLD OPEN now!
HOT ROLL
One of their own becomes a target — and time is running out.
Get HOT ROLL now!
REACTION SHOT
Sometimes cattle rustlers still get a death sentence.
Get REACTION SHOT now!
CROSS TALK
Breaking news: Storm clouds at KWMT-TV
Get CROSS TALK now!
Secret Sleuth series
DEATH ON THE DIVERSION
Final resting place? Deck chair.
Get DEATH ON THE DIVERSION now!
DEATH ON TORRID AVENUE
A new love (canine), an ex-cop and a dog park discovery.
Get DEATH ON TORRID AVENUE now!
DEATH ON BEGUILING WAY
No zen in sight as Sheila untangles a yoga instructor’s murder.
Get DEATH ON BEGUILING WAY now!
DEATH ON COVERT CIRCLE
Sheila and Clara are on the scene as a supermarket CEO meets his expiration date.
Get DEATH ON COVERT CIRCLE now!
DEATH ON SHADY BRIDGE
A cold case heats up.
Get DEATH ON SHADY BRIDGE now!
DEATH ON CARRION LANE
More murder brewing in Haines Tavern.
Get DEATH ON CARRION LANE now!
Mystery With Romance
The Innocence Trilogy
PROOF OF INNOCENCE
She’s a prosecutor chasing demons. He’s wrestling them. Will they find proof of innocence?
PRICE OF INNOCENCE
She runs a foundation dedicated to forgiveness. He runs down criminals. If they don’t work together, people will die.
PREMISE OF INNOCENCE
The last woman Tanner Landis is prepared to see is the one he must save.
RIDE THE RIVER: RODEO KNIGHTS
Her rodeo cowboy ex is back … as her prime suspect.
BARDVILLE, WYOMING
A Stranger in the Family
A Stranger to Love
The Rancher Meets His Match
Explore a complete list of all Patricia’s books
Or get a printable booklist
Patricia’s eBookstore (buy digital books online directly from Patricia)
About the Author
Patricia McLinn is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 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.
Visit with Patricia:
Copyright © Patricia McLinn
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-944126-77-3
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-944126-78-0
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Did you love Body Brace (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 10)? Then you should read Cross Talk (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 11) by Patricia McLinn!
Breaking news: Storm clouds at the station
Every TV news viewer has seen the side effects of too much cross talk: a live debate devolves into chaos, an interviewer and her subject don't connect on key questions and answers, a news anchor's flow is disrupted by missed signals.
Sometimes it makes for good TV, other times it just leads to a train wreck.
Changes are afoot in the KWMT-TV newsroom, the missing presence of sports hero
Mike Paycik and the blossoming of aide Jennifer Lawton, the resilience of persistent consumer advocate/investigative reporter Elizabeth "E.M." Danniher, and the simmering resentment of egotistical news anchor Thurston Fine. The team of amateur sleuths working with Elizabeth, which includes ace videographer Diana Stendahl, is evolving, too, looping in KWMT producer Audrey Adams.
Not surprisingly, supermarket cashier Penny Czylinski, who bags all the town's best gossip and knows a thing or two about cross talk, is the first to perceive dark clouds on the horizon not only in their small-town Sherman, Wyoming, but also in the KWMT newsroom itself. Because something big is coming, and it involves murder, and it's closing in on KWMT.
Cross Talk, Book 11 of the Caught Dead in Wyoming series, is a smart, surprising, fast-paced cozy mystery with humor. If you like quirky characters, hints of romance and twists you won't see coming, then you'll love USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn's page-turner.
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 (2022)
"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 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."
"There's a real love for wide-open spaces in McLinn's writing, and it's a pleasure to visit the world she so beautifully creates. Can't wait for the next book(s)!"
"McLinn has created in E.M. a female protagonist who is flawed but likable, never silly or cartoonish, and definitely not made of cardboard."
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
Death on Shady Bridge
Death on Carrion Lane
If you like Patricia's mysteries, try her romantic suspense:
The Innocence Trilogy
Proof of Innocence
Price of Innocence
Premise of Innocence
Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (includes Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)
Read more at Patricia McLinn’s site.
Also by Patricia McLinn
A Place Called Home
Lost and Found Groom
At the Heart's Command
Hidden in a Heartbeat
A Place Called Home Trilogy Boxed Set
Bardville, Wyoming
A Stranger in the Family
A Stranger to Love
The Rancher Meets His Match
Bardville, Wyoming Trilogy Boxed Set
Caught Dead In Wyoming
Sign Off (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 1)
Left Hanging (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 2)
Shoot First (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 3)
Last Ditch (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 4)
Look Live (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 5)
Back Story (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 6)
Cold Open (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 7)
Hot Roll (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 8)
Reaction Shot (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 9)
Body Brace (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 10)
Flores Silvestres de Wyoming
Flores Silvestres de Wyoming: El Principio
Casi una Novia
Pareja Hecha en Wyoming
Mi Corazón Recuerda
El corazón de Jack
Colección de trilogía Flores Silvestres de Wyoming
Innocence Trilogy
Price of Innocence
Marry Me Series
Wedding of the Century
The Unexpected Wedding Guest
A Most Unlikely Wedding
Baby Blues and Wedding Bells
Rodeo Knights
Ride the River: Rodeo Knights, A Western Romance Novel
Seasons in a Small Town
What Are Friends For?
The Right Brother
Falling for Her
Warm Front
Secret Sleuth
Death on the Diversion
Death on Torrid Ave.
Death on Beguiling Way
Death on Shady Bridge
Death on Carrion Lane (Coming Soon)
Serie I Fiori di Campo del Wyoming
I Fiori di Campo del Wyoming: L'inizio (Il Prequel)
Innamorarsi In Wyoming
Il Mio Cuore Ricorda
Il Cuore di Jack
The Wedding Series
Prelude to a Wedding
Wedding Party
Grady's Wedding
The Runaway Bride
The Christmas Princess
Hoops
The Surprise Princess
Not a Family Man
The Forgotten Prince
The Wedding Series: The Complete Collection (Books 1-7 and Prequels)
The Wedding Series Trilogy
The Wedding Series Box Set Two (Books 4-5, The Runaway Bride and The Christmas Princess)
The Wedding Series Box Set Three (Book 6, The Surprise Princess, and Hoops prequel)
The Wedding Series Box Set Four (Book 7, The Forgotten Prince, and Not a Family Man prequel)
Tod in Wyoming
Tod in Wyoming: Sendeschluss
Tod in Wyoming: Hängengelassen
Tod in Wyoming: Abgeschossen
Tod in Wyoming: Grabenbruch (Coming Soon)
Wyoming Wildflowers
Wyoming Wildflowers: The Beginning
Almost a Bride
Match Made In Wyoming
My Heart Remembers
A New World
Jack's Heart
Rodeo Nights
Where Love Lives
A Cowboy Wedding
Making Christmas
Wyoming Wildflowers Trilogy Boxed Set
Wyoming Wildflowers Box Set Two (Book 5, Jack’s Heart, and A New World prequel)
Wyoming Wildflowers Box Set Three (Book 6, Where Love Lives, and Rodeo Nights prequel)
Wyoming Wildflowers: The Complete Collection
Wyoming Wildflowers: The Complete Series
Standalone
Courting a Cowboy
The Games
To Love a Cowboy (A Western Historical Duet)
Widow Woman
Wyoming Wild: Western Romance Series Starters
Christmas Romance: Three Complete Holiday Love Stories
Proof of Innocence
Survival Kit for Writers Who Don't Write Right
Watch for more at Patricia McLinn’s site.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Patricia 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.
M
cLinn is the author of more than 50 published novels, which are 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 also is host of the podcast, Authors Love Readers.
She has spoken about writing from London to Melbourne, Australia, to Washington, D.C., including being a guest-speaker at the Smithsonian Institution.
Now living in Northern Kentucky, McLinn loves to hear from readers through her website and social media.
Read more at Patricia McLinn’s site.