Books published by Craig Place Books

She's a prosecutor chasing demons. He's wrestling them. Will they find proof of innocence? Or will the demons win?Four and a half years ago, Maggie Frye served as special prosecutor in a remote mountain county in Commonwealth of Virginia v. J.D. Carson.Shaking off echoes of the family tragedy that drove her to be a prosecutor, she did her damnedest, but still is rattled when the jury finds Carson not guilty. But now another young woman has been killed in chillingly similar circumstances.Either Maggie prosecuted the right man and got the wrong verdict or she prosecuted the wrong man and got the right verdict. Either way, a murderer went free to strike again.And there is J.D. Carson -- not only still in town, but far too close to the investigation for Maggie's comfort. This time Maggie's going to get it right ... no matter what it costs her.Proof of Innocence, by USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn, will entertain fans of stories that swirl suspense and romance with an ongoing murder investigation in which the man the prosecutor is drawn to might be the one she's trying to catch.NOTE FROM PATRICIA McLINN TO CAUGHT DEAD IN WYOMING READERS: Proof of Innocence and The Innocence Trilogy sequels do not have nearly as much humor as the Caught Dead mysteries, though there is some. They're a bit grittier and darker ... though not in the deep end of grit and dark.The Innocence TrilogyProof of InnocencePrice of InnocencePremise of InnocenceCaught Dead in Wyoming cozy mystery seriesSign OffLeft HangingShoot FirstLast DitchLook LiveBack StoryCold OpenHot RollReaction ShotBody BraceCross Talk"Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." - Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author"Twisty-turny and thoroughly engaging." - Diane Chamberlain, bestselling authorIf you like romantic suspense, you might also try:Ride the River: Rodeo Knights, includes Caught Dead in Wyoming character cameosBardville, Wyoming seriesA Stranger in the FamilyA Stranger to LoveThe Rancher Meets His Match

Medals can be won, careers can be made, hearts can be lost.From the pomp of Opening Ceremonies to the good-byes of Closing Ceremonies, join three remarkable women during the Winter Olympics. Tessa Rutledge, once an Olympic champion figure skater, returns as a coach, encountering her first love -- and heartbreak -- and testing her ability to forgive. Alpine skier Kyle Armstrong has made a mistake that could cost her Olympic gold and any hope of reconciling with the man she loves. Biathlete Rikki Lodge is just happy to be at the Games, until she meets a hockey player who demands that she puts everything on the line.Let The Games begin!- - - - -ReviewsMcLinn "wins gold with this sparkling romance! The Games is your ticket behind the cameras and inside the hearts of the winter Olympics." -- Carla Neggers, New York Times bestselling author "Fast-paced, vivid and true-to-life ... captures the personal drama and compelling stories of the greatest sports event on earth. It's a gold-medal winner any fan of the Games will love." -- Christine Brennan, USA Today sports columnist"The Games accurately portrays the emotional roller coaster an athlete rides . . . The pride, excitement, disappointment, relationships, doubt, relief, joy and all of the pressures . . . all come to a head at the Olympic Games." -- Michael Weiss, U.S. Olympic figure skater "If the aim of The Games is to give readers a vicarious Olympic experience that is lively, entertaining, and emotionally satisfying, it hit its mark dead center." -- Romance Reviews TodayMore sports romance from Patricia McLinn:HoopsThe Surprise PrincessRodeo NightsWhere Love Lives

Wildflowers have to be strong and resilient to bloom amid the rugged beauty of Wyoming - and so do the women.Valerie Trimarco is very pregnant, very lost, very alone, and very stuck in a Wyoming snow storm. Her car is jammed in a Wyoming ditch, with contractions coming faster and harder ... when her white knight in a cowboy hat arrives. Ranch foreman Jack Ralston's job is to handle anything that needs handling with cool, quiet competence, including a baby who's decided to enter the world right now.A few years later, Valerie returns to the Slash-C Ranch of Knighton, Wyoming. Now a successful mommy blogger, she wants to thank the man who rescued her and delivered her beloved daughter. Okay, maybe she's wondered about him a time or two over the years. How could she not? So she conspires with his employers and friends to spring a surprise party on him for a proper thank you.Yes, Jack can handle anything. Except a surprise party. And this open, energetic, talkative woman and her short-stuff kid who gets under his guard. Because they demand the one thing from him that he can't handle - love.Jack's Heart brings emotional impact to this romantic comedy addition to the contemporary western romance collection Wyoming Wildflowers from award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn.~~~Get all the blooms in the Wyoming Wildflowers series!Prequel - Wyoming Wildflowers: The Beginning (Snowberry)Almost a Bride (Indian Paintbrush)Match Made in Wyoming (Fireweed)My Heart Remembers (Bur Marigold)-- A New World (prequel to Jack's Heart)Jack's Heart (Yellow Monkeyflower)-- Rodeo Nights (prequel to Where Love Lives)Where Love Lives (Threadleaf Phacelia)A Cowboy Wedding~~~Reader Reviews for Patricia McLinn's Wyoming Wildflowers stories:"Each one was totally different, characters were unique and totally believable!! Enjoy!" "Amazing and touching story.""If you love to laugh; love to cry; or love to laugh and cry at the same time, then you'll definitely want to read Almost a Bride.""Smart, stubborn and irresistible." ... "So enjoyable I couldn't put it down until I finished it." ... "Excellent book! I read it straight in one whole day. Recommend it to anyone!" ... "Delightful!" ... "Nothing short of heart consuming and thrilling. I've loved every one and feel like I know the people personally. I can't wait for the next installment."

"Filled with humor, a heartwarming plot, secrets, schemes that go awry, interesting characters, clever dialogue and romance, this story is a delight. ... Do not miss it!" -- Romance Junkies Reviews A young lady seeking a particular kind of husband. A ranch full of cowhands who have long adored her from a distance. A foreman who's got his hands full ... and his heart on the line ...Sophie Vandercook leaves her post as an instructor at an Academy for Young Ladies in St. Louis, and heads to the OS Ranch in Wyoming Territory with a plan. It seems the perfect place, since her older half-brother is employed there. There's just one thing in her way -- the ranch's foreman, Nate Abbott.Nate has a ranch to run, a vital roundup to get through, and a bunkhouse full of cowhands smitten from afar with a young lady they all consider Our Sophie. So there's no time - or reason - to consider exactly what her letters might be stirring in him. Then Sophie arrives in Wyoming.Secrets tumble, problems multiply, and the OS outfit is turned on its head wondering if Sophie will wed a cowboy?Another western historical romance from Patricia McLinn: Widow Woman * Or get both Courting a Cowboy and Widow Woman in the boxed set To Love a Cowboy * If you enjoy books set amid the rugged beauty of Wyoming, also try these contemporary romances by Patricia: Bardville, Wyoming series A Stranger in the Family A Stranger to Love The Rancher Meets His Match Wyoming Wildflowers series Wyoming Wildflowers: The Beginning (prequel) Almost a Bride Match Made in Wyoming My Heart Remembers -- A New World (prequel to Jack's Heart) Jack's Heart -- Rodeo Nights (prequel to Where Love Lives) Where Love Lives A Cowboy Wedding A Place Called Home series Lost and Found Groom At the Heart's Command Hidden in a Heartbeat

"There's a body in my bed. A dead body."The call from a friend staying at Sherman's newest -- okay, only -- B&B starts Elizabeth Margaret "E.M." Danniher on a twisting, turning journey where appearances not only deceive, they turn deadly. When her TV reporter friend Wardell Yardley comes to visit, they take a weekend trip to Yellowstone Park and encounter a surprising set of people. Including a team-building group from social media mega-force VisageTome, a mysterious older couple, and someone from Elizabeth's childhood.Elizabeth senses undercurrents in this strange assortment that just about pull her and her friends underwater for good when everyone shows up in her tiny Sherman, Wyoming, town. Not only is there a murder to solve -- and fast -- there's also a new sheriff in town, whose No. 1 rule might be No Sleuthing By Journalists."Look live" is a TV news term. A reporter appears to be live at a scene, but in fact the entire report is taped. A misleading perception, carefully set up. Ah, the dangers of deceiving appearances ... Elizabeth, her KWMT colleague Mike Paycik, rancher Tom Burrell, and their supporting staff of idiosyncratic sleuths untangle what happens when it's not enough to merely ... LOOK LIVE."Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling authorDon't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures:Sign OffLeft HangingShoot FirstLast DitchLook LiveBack StoryCold OpenHot RollReaction ShotBody BraceCross TalkWhat 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 McLinnSecret Sleuth seriesDeath on the DiversionDeath on Torrid AvenueDeath on Beguiling WayDeath on Covert CircleDeath on Shady BridgeDeath on Carrion LaneDeath on ZigZag TrailIf you like Patricia's mysteries, try her romantic suspense:The Innocence TrilogyProof of InnocencePrice of InnocencePremise of InnocenceRide the River: Rodeo Knights (includes cameos from Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)

One night changed them both forever. ... As Zoe and Matt tussle over the best use of a billionaire's bequest, a deeper question looms: Will one night stand in the way of their spending the rest of their days together? Six years ago, rodeo cowboy Matt Halderman looked at himself and didn't like what he saw. Especially not after he ran out on that spunky, wide-eyed student he'd just met. He didn't run far, falling into a pre-dawn conversation with a stranger at a Wyoming truck stop. That conversation -- along with seed money that mysteriously arrived just when he needed it -- turned the course of Matt's life. The stranger he'd met in that diner had been billionaire Harold Hopewell. who traveled the world, encountering people and letting their stories touch him. In death, he is giving back, leaving an unusual will filled with life-altering bequests to the people he met along the way.Zoe Parisi hasn't forgotten Matt or the night he walked out on her. Couldn't even be called a one-night stand, since the man hadn't stuck around for the whole night. She lost her head that night, but it's been squarely back on her shoulders ever since. She's a doctor now and is on track to take over an established practice in Knighton, Wyoming, the much-loved hometown of her grandparents. She'd been sure when she decided to settle in Knighton that Matt would never return to the ranch where he grew up. But now, here he comes, waltzing back into town ... looking just as good as ever and with a bunch of money.Zoe wants nothing to do with Matt or his good looks ... but his money's a whole different matter. What does he need with this inheritance when he already has so much? She, on the other hand, knows exactly how to use those funds to make desperately needed improvements to medical care for all the people around Knighton.Wildflowers have to be strong and resilient to bloom amid the rugged western beauty of Wyoming -- and so do the women.Get all the blooms in the Wyoming Wildflowers series now! Prequel - Wyoming Wildflowers: The Beginning (Snowberry)Almost a Bride* (Indian Paintbrush)Match Made in Wyoming* (Fireweed)My Heart Remembers* (Bur Marigold)-- A New World (prequel to Jack's Heart)Jack's Heart (Yellow Monkeyflower)-- Rodeo Nights (prequel to Where Love Lives)Where Love Lives: The Inheritance (Threadleaf Phacelia)A Cowboy WeddingMaking Christmas (Pasque Flower)* Wyoming Wildflowers Trilogy Boxed Set (3 Books in 1) Reader Reviews for Patricia McLinn's Wyoming Wildflowers stories:"Each one was totally different, characters were unique and totally believable! Enjoy!""Amazing and touching story.""If you love to laugh; love to cry; or love to laugh and cry at the same time, then you'll definitely want to read Almost a Bride.""Smart, stubborn and irresistible.""So enjoyable I couldn't put it down until I finished it.""Excellent book! I read it straight in one whole day. Recommend it to anyone!" "Delightful!""Nothing short of heart consuming and thrilling. I've loved every one and feel like I know the people personally. I can't wait for the next installment."

Water Can Keep You Alive ... A man in a wheelchair goes missing in rough country in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming. Amateur sleuth Elizabeth "E.M." Danniher and KWMT-TV colleague Mike Paycik immediately join the search organized by local rancher Thomas Burrell. But soon they're on a search of a different kind -- a search for the truth. It takes them deep into the intricacies of the western community served by the Red Sail Ditch -- the irrigation system that could make a ranch viable or worthless. They find rivalries, cooperation, antagonisms, inter-dependencies, and motives for murder.Or Get You Killed.Don't miss the entire collection of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming western adventures in:Sign OffLeft HangingShoot FirstLast DitchLook LiveBack StoryCold OpenHot RollReaction ShotBody BraceCross Talk"Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling authorWhat people are saying about Last Ditch:"Full of mystery, human interest, a teasing romance and a lot of great characters from the series, and some new ones!""Another engaging murder mystery by McLinn. She injects humor at just the right times, keeping it always interesting and light, and with always a surprising ending!""Weaves a wonderful tapestry of modern life in the west.""All kinds of twists on so many levels."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 seriesDeath on the DiversionDeath on Torrid AvenueDeath on Beguiling WayDeath on Covert CircleDeath on Shady BridgeDeath on Carrion LaneDeath on ZigZag TrailIf you like Patricia's mysteries, try her romantic suspense:The Innocence TrilogyProof of InnocencePrice of InnocencePremise of InnocenceRide the River: Rodeo Knights (includes cameos from Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)

A Rodeo Producer, Dead in the Bull Pen. Accident or Murder?Elizabeth Danniher, until recently a top-flight national TV journalist, is regaining her footing after a dizzying demotion to tiny-and entirely foreign to her-Sherman, Wyoming. But her equilibrium faces a major challenge. The apparently accidental death -- under the hooves of rodeo bulls -- of a rodeo producer preparing for Sherman's annual Fourth of July Rodeo catches the attention of Elizabeth and her KWMT-TV colleague Michael Paycik. Not only is it a major story about the region's biggest event, but it's being outrageously mishandled by the station's egocentric anchor.As Elizabeth and Michael dig, area rancher Thomas Burrell joins the investigation, providing background on suspects - and there are plenty because the victim had many enemies. But Tom has divided loyalties, so Elizabeth doubts his commitment to finding the truth no matter what. Not to mention that both Mike and Tom show an interest in her ... they might be okay with working together in a peculiar triangle, but the points of this geometry is starting to get under her skin.... From the tip of the rodeo queen's tiara, to "agricultural byproducts" ground into the arena dust, TV reporter Elizabeth "E.M." Danniher receives a murderous introduction to the world of rodeo. Don't miss any of Caught Dead in Wyoming:Sign OffLeft HangingShoot FirstLast DitchLook LiveBack StoryCold OpenHot RollReaction ShotBody BraceCross TalkWhat people are saying about LEFT HANGING:"I started laughing on the first page and continued laughing until the end.""Loving the world of Cottonwood County, Wyoming!""The dialogue was so well written that I could easily imagine the innuendo, tone of voice and facial expression of each character."What people are saying about the CAUGHT DEAD IN WYOMING series:"E. M.'s internal monologues are sharp, snappy and often hilarious.""Hoping this series lasts forever!""McLinn has created in E. M. a female protagonist who is flawed but likable, never silly or cartoonish, and definitely not made of cardboard.""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 More cozy mystery from Patricia McLinn:Secret Sleuth seriesDeath on the DiversionDeath on Torrid AvenueDeath on Beguiling WayDeath on Covert CircleDeath on Shady BridgeDeath on Carrion LaneDeath on ZigZag TrailIf you like Patricia's mysteries, try her romantic suspense:Proof of InnocencePrice of InnocencePremise of InnocenceRide the River: Rodeo Knights (includes cameos from Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)

One look, a passionate love . . . and then they part . . . Forever?A Christmas season story to fall in love with these holidays.Before the bestselling and award-winning Wyoming Wildflowers series, there was another love story, one that laid the foundation for all those that came after.A love at first sight ... Ed Currick's and Donna Roberts' worlds couldn't have been any more different - a rancher from Wyoming and an up-and-coming Broadway musical actress on a national tour meeting by chance in Denver. What could have been a momentary encounter sparks desire . . . and more. But can there be anything but heartbreak ahead when they have only days before their dreams pull them apart?Readers say of Wyoming Wildflowers: The Beginning:"Funny, entertaining, and full of surprises" ... "Warms your heart" ... "Joy" ... "Wonderful love story"Enjoy the entire best-selling and award-winning Wyoming Wildflowers seriesby USA Today best-selling author Patricia McLinn:Wyoming Wildflowers: The Beginning (Snowberry)Almost a Bride (Indian Paintbrush)Match Made in Wyoming (Fireweed)My Heart Remembers (Bur Marigold)Jack's Heart (Yellow Monkeyflower)Where Love Lives (Threadleaf Phacelia)A Cowboy WeddingMaking Christmas (Pasque Flower)Reader reviews for Patricia McLinn's Wyoming Wildflowers stories:"Each one was totally different, characters were unique and totally believable! Enjoy!""Amazing and touching story.""If you love to laugh; love to cry; or love to laugh and cry at the same time, then you'll definitely want to read Almost a Bride." "Smart, stubborn and irresistible.""So enjoyable I couldn't put it down until I finished it.""Excellent book! I read it straight in one whole day. Recommend it to anyone!""Delightful!""Nothing short of heart consuming and thrilling. I've loved every one and feel like I know the people personally. I can't wait for the next installment."

A Killing to Keep Old Wyoming Secrets and TreasuresDeath hits close to home for Elizabeth "E.M." Danniher - or, rather, close to the Hovel, as she's dubbed her decrepit rental house. Her elderly neighbor kills a man apparently robbing her of Western artifacts. As a former top-flight national TV reporter, Elizabeth knows self-defense might satisfy the legal system, yet leave her neighbor in danger. Doing what she does best - asking questions - Elizabeth sidesteps her boss and a nosy, jealous anchorman to inquire into an eccentric and mysterious western billionaire, an ambitious curator, rival collectors, family feuds and Cottonwood County's Wild West crimes of a century ago. Digging deeper into these western murder mysteries, Elizabeth relies on her team of friends who are proving their investigative chops. Before this is over, Elizabeth will need every one of them - and the stray dog she's adopted - as her questions push someone to decide, that no matter who shot first, Elizabeth should die now.Don't miss Elizabeth "E.M." Danniher's other adventures inSign OffLeft HangingLast DitchLook LiveBack StoryCold OpenHot RollReaction ShotBody BraceCross Talk"Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling authorWhat readers are saying about the Caught Dead in Wyoming series:"McLinn has created in E.M. a female protagonist who is flawed but likable, never silly or cartoonish, and definitely not made of cardboard.""I love the whole series Caught Dead in Wyoming. The writing is witty and sharp; the story is gripping; and the characters are so realistic. Even the supporting characters are fully defined and interesting. What I didn't expect was a renewed appreciation given by this "inside" view of the world of journalism. With all the current focus on Fake News, I loved being reminded of how vital news people are to our society. E.M. Danniher changes her community and certain individuals - for the better - due to her dogged pursuit of truth and justice.""I confess to being addicted to this series and characters. I LIKE them. I wish they were real." "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.""Hoping this series lasts forever!"More cozy mystery from Patricia McLinnSecret Sleuth seriesDeath on the DiversionDeath on Torrid AvenueDeath on Beguiling WayDeath on Covert CircleDeath on Shady BridgeDeath on Carrion LaneIf you like mystery with romance and a bit of humor, try also:The Innocence TrilogyProof of InnocencePrice of InnocencePremise of InnocenceRide the River: Rodeo Knights (includes cameos from Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)

Even long memories fade, but murder never dies.Elizabeth "E.M." Danniher has been among TV journalism's elite. But divorcing her network exec husband ends not only her marriage but her career, and she's banished to tiny KWMT-TV in Sherman, Wyoming, to finish out her contract. Now she's exploring what comes next - in her career, her life, and her relationships with family, friends, and those who'd like to be more than friends. But she's not being left in peace to wrestle with these issues because she keeps being drawn in to murder investigations.Now Elizabeth, and handsome KWMT colleague Mike Paycik, rugged rancher Thomas Burrell, and her colorful cast of collaborators, plunge into mysteries from the past that threaten the present. To succeed, they must untangle characters and plotlines from a long-hidden Back Story.Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures:Sign OffLeft HangingShoot FirstLast DitchLook LiveBack StoryCold OpenHot RollReaction ShotBody BraceCross Talk"Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling authorWhat readers are saying about the Caught Dead in Wyoming series:"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.""Hoping this series lasts forever!""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 McLinnSecret Sleuth seriesDeath on the DiversionDeath on Torrid AvenueDeath on Beguiling WayDeath on Covert CircleDeath on Shady BridgeDeath on Carrion LaneDeath on ZigZag TrailIf you like Patricia's mysteries, try her romantic suspense:The Innocence TrilogyProof of InnocencePrice of InnocencePremise of InnocenceRide the River: Rodeo Knights (includes cameos from Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)