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

Book excerpt: Final resting place? Deck chair. Sheila Mackey has a secret. To the world, she's the author of a blockbuster book. Her wily great-aunt, the actual author, orchestrated this mutually beneficial masquerade. Now her aunt's retiring and Sheila must draft Act Two of her own life. A cruise across the Atlantic on the Diversion is supposed to be the perfect time to do that. Two problems. First, her great-aunt saddles her with an irksome relative. Second, 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. Along with trying to keep her huge secret while digging up those of the victim and the suspects. If you like mysteries about the inner world of writers, you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn’s newest whodunit traditional mystery series with humor – “Secret Sleuth” — where even the sleuth has secrets (and a rescue dog named Gracie, from the second book on.) Get on board to sail away with crime, clues, and memorable characters. For readers of Sally Handley, BJ Mountford, Teri Barnett, Mary Mead, Barry Finlay, Chelsea Field, Colleen Mooney, Kathleen Troy, Lucy Emblem. What readers say about Death on the Diversion "A mystery, a murder, a cruise and an intelligent, feisty, likeable main character. What more could you ask for in a cozy? I read a lot of books and this is one of the best I have read in a long time. The plot is very imaginative and well thought out. The details of the cruise are spot on and made me feel as if I was there . . . This book reminded me of a modern-day Miss Marple (although considerably younger.) I rarely say this, but I can't wait for the next book." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A totally unique protagonist — witty, grounded, human. An intriguing crime venue. I hope there are many more in this series." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "If the characters in this book don't remind you of people you've met...you are hiding under a big rock!! . . . Absolutely side ripping fun!! Looking forward to my next purchase of Secret Sleuth." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This is a great book! The premise is original and fun. . . . The dialogue is smart, witty, incisive, dryly humorous, and realistic. . . Sheila's descriptions of Petronella's reactions on boarding the ship had me snorting (in a ladylike fashion, of course) with laughter." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The mystery is clever and intricate... reminiscent of the Golden Era of British mysteries . . . I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to reading more of this series." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This was a good mystery with a victim you hated and a bunch of crazy suspects, each of whom could've done it! A fun ride!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "For all of you out there who love who-done-its and will read well beyond your bed time hour." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Now I want to go on a cruise! But only if I get to have some of the same adventures as Sheila. I enjoyed every part of this book." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A truly intricate puzzle that kept me guessing to the end. . . Looking forward to the next in the series." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This is one of the best mystery books I've read in a very long time! ... And I truly loved the main character!! I'm ordering the second book in this series as soon as I'm finished writing this review. Great book and I recommend it highly!!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I will definitely be following Sheila to her next home." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Starting in Death on Torrid Avenue, amateur sleuth Sheila returns to dry land, adopting rescue collie Gracie, and moving into a new-to-her home, finding that mysteries abound in small-town Kentucky. Read all of the 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 What readers say about the Secret Sleuth series "Beautifully combined LOL humour with twist and turn mystery." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Has Agatha Christie and Poirot in the garb of two fascinating ladies. A definite read for mystery lovers." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Delightful, fun read . . . A good dose of humor." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "If you haven't discovered Patricia McLinn yet, you are in for a treat. I have not found a book of hers that I didn't enjoy . . . Check it out!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great full-bodied characters with secrets, each and everyone." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This series meets my criteria for twists, turns, and who-done-its easily. Patricia McLinn does not disappoint with her sharp characters and enough secrets to cover everything. If you like a good, clean mystery, do yourself a favor and read these!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Murder and laughs. Can't wait for more." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Search Terms associated with this series: female sleuth, amateur detective, amateur sleuth, women detectives, sidekick, traditional mystery, mystery with humor, mysteries with humor, mainstream mystery, western mysteries, humorous mysteries, mystery with dogs, mysteries with rescue dog, American crime murder, traditional mysteries, krimis, kriminalromane, writer sleuth, publishing mystery, mysteries, murder mystery, whodunit, romantic suspense, romantic mystery, cozy mysteries, cozy mystery books, cozy murder mysteries, cozies, Women sleuths, revenge, bookshots, cozy mystery, strong female leads, mystery thriller, mystery series, smart mysteries, booktok, murder mysteries, crime fiction, krimi, bestselling mystery books, whodunit, bestselling mysteries, Wyoming mysteries, cosy, cosies, best sellers, detective stories, mystery stories to keep you up all night, can't stop reading, page-turner, audiobook mysteries, mysterious novels, murder mystery writers, mystery fiction stories, crime authors, romantic suspense series, romantic mystery series,