It was like the color explosion suitcase that lived in her soul had brought a manifestation out to where others could see it.
That got another boost from a post-lunch stop at a big-box store for a few wardrobe additions. With my mother and Jennifer unexpected confederates in urging Tamantha to try new fashions, she ventured beyond mom jeans and grandma sweaters. But not far enough beyond to scare Diana or me.
Tom was on his own.
Coming around a low hill, the Circle B Ranch road dipped to a bridge, opening our view to the house and Tom standing in front of it, one hand raised in greeting.
It was as if he’d been there ever since we drove off with Tamantha — not to go to Cody, but back to that first day when the call came that Furman York had been shot at the grazing association.
He didn’t move.
Not as we drove up. Not when we all got out of the vehicle — Tamantha last. Like a princess with her grown-up entourage, a half step behind.
Tom stood staring at her, his expression unreadable — darn him.
Without a hint of begging for a compliment, rather in the strict interest of seeking information, Tamantha stepped in front of him and asked, “Do you like this haircut, Daddy? Do I look better than before?”
He swallowed. “I like it because you look more like yourself than ever before and that’s exactly what I always love to see.”
The man didn’t always say much, but he hit it out of the park with that one. As all the moist female eyes proclaimed.
Except Tamantha’s.
She looked up at him and said, “Okay. When’s dinner? That’s hard work, going to a salon. I’m hungry.”
* * * *
After my parents left to drive back to Illinois, Tamantha, Diana, Jennifer, Tom, Mike, and I went out to the grazing association one morning and cut back, then dug up eight of the rosebushes from around the house’s porch. We each took one to plant in our yards, plus one each for Mrs. P and Aunt Gee.
The remaining bushes at the house, we pruned, fertilized, and watered.
The eighth bush we planted in O’Hara Hill in what was now a wild patch at a distance from the road and once had been where Leah Pedroke last breathed.
* * * *
Mike knocked on my front door.
I knew it was him, because he’d called and asked if he could come over after the Ten.
I would have said sure regardless. The house felt rather empty without my parents, Tamantha, and a group of mystery pursuers hanging around.
Shadow might share those sentiments. He greeted Mike with new enthusiasm.
“C’mon in, have a seat. Iris baked cookies and—”
He stopped me halfway to the couch with a hand on my arm, turning me toward him. “Elizabeth, Chicago’s offered me a job. A good job.”
Immediate, hot weight pressed my eyes. “That’s great, Mike. You deserve it. And they’re lucky to get you. You’ll be terrific.”
“Come with me, Elizabeth. My getting the job is only half of it. They’re interested in you, too. They were excited when they heard we were working together. They said they wondered where you’d gotten to. You’d have to interview, but they said to tell you they’re really interested. You could do the kind of reporting you were doing before. The kind you should be doing. Come to Chicago with me.”
Slowly, I pulled in a shaky breath. It came out smooth, steady.
“No.” I touched his face.
“It doesn’t have to be Chicago. I could try for New York or Washington if that’s—”
“No, Mike.” I loved this man. I did. But… “No.”
“Then I’ll stay here. I’m happy here. It’s—”
“You will not stay here. Not now and definitely not for me. It’s what you said about your family ranch. How you didn’t want to try to rewind time, about needing to move forward not back. A TV job in Chicago — or any of those other places — is moving forward for you. But for me, it would be trying to rewind time. This is moving forward for me.”
“Is it Tom?”
My attempt at a smile wobbled.
“No. Tom thinks we’re bad for each other. Too much baggage. Or at least that we’re bad for Tamantha, which is more important. I understand his point and I certainly understand his protecting his daughter.”
My voice caught.
Mike pulled me into his arms, tucking my head under his chin, stroking my back, and letting me cry.
I did love Michael Paycik.
* * * *
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Thank you for reading Elizabeth, Tom and Mike’s latest adventure!
After some upheavals in Elizabeth’s professional and personal life in Wyoming, not to mention those of her closest friends, she has some recalculating to do. Everything changes, but murder never does.
Body Brace
Enjoy Reaction Shot? (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.
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Other Caught Dead in Wyoming mysteries
SIGN OFF
Divorce a husband, lose 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 the team of investigators.
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COLD OPEN
Elizabeth’s search for a place of her own becomes an open house for murder.
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HOT ROLL
One of their own becomes a target — and time is running out.
Get HOT ROLL now!
BODY BRACE
Everything can change … except murder.
Get BODY BRACE now!
Secret Sleuth series
DEATH ON THE DIVERSION
Final resting place? Deck chair
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DEATH ON TORRID AVENUE
A new love (canine), an ex-cop and a dog park discovery.
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DEATH ON BEGUILING WAY
No zen in sight as Sheila untangles a yoga instructor’s murder.
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DEATH ON COVERT CIRCLE
A supermarket CEO meets his expiration date.
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DEATH ON SHADY BRIDGE
A cold case heats up.
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Mystery With Romance
PROOF OF INNOCENCE
She’s a prosecutor chasing demons. He’s wrestling them. Will they find pr
oof 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.
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
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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.
McLinn 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 has spoken about writing from 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.
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Print ISBN: 978-1-944126-68-1
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-944126-67-4
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Did you love Reaction Shot (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 9)? Then you should read Body Brace (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 10) by Patricia McLinn!
Everything can change … except murder.
In the television production world, a body brace is used to shift the weight of the camera to the operator's shoulder. This allows for smoother shots and reduces stress and tiredness. And, at the small-town Wyoming TV station KWMT, cameras are older and bulkier than those used in network news-gathering. Almost as old as some of the equipment used in a historical re-creation that draws Elizabeth and friends into another investigation. When there's rumbling underfoot, a body brace helps keep what's important in focus.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Body Brace, Book 10 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
"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
If you like Patricia's mysteries, try her romantic suspense:
Proof of Innocence
Price of Innocence
Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (includes scenes in fictional Sherman, Wyoming, and cameos from Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)
Read 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.
McLinn 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.
Reaction Shot (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 9) Page 32