Death on Puzzle Place — Patricia McLinn

Season's greetings: Whodunit?Santa Claus is coming to town, but guess who's coming first to Haines Tavern, Kentucky – Great-Aunt Kit. If Sheila and her fellow amateur detective Clara want to give her author relative what she most wants this Christmas, they'll wrap up a murder investigation -- with a mysterious victim, intriguing suspects, and suspicious twists. Because this time, Kit wants to be involved firsthand in solving a suspenseful puzzle.The police -– including Sheila's romantic interest -– want the amateur investigators to stand down. But how can they when the clues hit so close to home?Sheila's Christmas cookie recipe is the apparent murder weapon, in the hands of one of the small town's quirky characters and one of the favorite humans of Sheila's rescue dog, Gracie the rough collie. She can't disappoint her pet by stopping her detective work short of the thrilling answer to Whodunit?Kit also has ideas on solving Sheila's romantic relationship with detective-once-more Teague O'Donnell, starting with revealing her most dangerous secret. But he's keeping secrets of his own. By New Year's, will this be a Christmas love story season to remember? Or a Grinch of a solution? Yuletide clues will keep Sheila, Clara, Kit -- and you – guessing as all celebrate the season in Book 8 of the Secret Sleuth mystery series by USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn. If you're new to this page-turner cozy mystery series with humor, don't miss its start, when Sheila encounters murder on a transatlantic cruise ship in Death on the Diversion. Then follow her to dry land in Death on Torrid Avenue and the gripping books that follow, because mysteries and deception abound in her new Kentucky home.Secret Sleuth seriesDeath on the DiversionDeath on Torrid AvenueDeath on Beguiling WayDeath on Covert CircleDeath on Shady BridgeDeath on Carrion LaneDeath on ZigZag TrailDeath on Puzzle PlacePraise for the Secret Sleuth seriesIf 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! – 5*The trifecta: Funny, Clever and Clean! – 5*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! – 5*Murder and laughs. Can't wait for more. – 5*I so thoroughly enjoy this series and author that when a new book arrives, I drop everything to start reading. – 5*As usual, excellent story from Patricia McLinn, well-written with plenty of humor and complex characters. She definitely kept me engaged until the last page, wondering how long I'll have to wait for another visit to Haines Tavern, Kentucky! – 5*Patricia McLinn's writing grown-up entertainment full of wit and charm that should satisfy the most discerning readers. – 5*The ladies are hip deep in trouble as usual but it is an enjoyable read to find out what happens. Gracie is just adorable and so are her playmates. –5*Oh, yea. These are a lot of fun to read. –5*These books are terrific! And, having a collie myself, I have to tell you, the description of the collie alarm system is spot on! – 5*Great series. McLinn's Secret Sleuth series has the same winning components of her Caught Dead in Wyoming series: a likable central character, well developed setting, fun supporting cast, and a great story. McLinn writes intelligent cozies that are a level (or two) above the typical offerings for the genre. – 5*Good, clean fun without being childish. The story funny and engaging; and the whodunnit surprising – 5*If you like a clever mystery, with lots of insider dog humor don't miss this series. English lit lovers will find loads of one-liners just for them as well. – 5*On the spectrum of Patricia McLinn's mystery novels, the Caught Dead in Wyoming series is in the middle, The Innocence Trilogy is edgier (and has more romance), and Secret Sleuth is a bit less edgy.Caught Dead in Wyoming seriesSign OffLeft HangingShoot FirstLast DitchLook LiveBack StoryCold OpenHot RollReaction ShotBody BraceCross TalkAir ReadyHoliday BulletsCue UpThe Innocence TrilogyProof of InnocencePrice of InnocencePremise of Innocence