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One of their own becomes a target…
Hot Roll is a broadcast term. It can simply mean cutting away from an interview to "b-roll" (scene-setting or explanatory footage) or it can mean the adrenaline-pumping drama of broadcast live from a bureau or TV truck because there’s no time to do anything else.
The horrible news that Jennifer’s dear friend has died starts TV reporter Elizabeth Danniher, with friends Mike, Tom and Diana plus the rest of the Caught Dead in Wyoming crew, on an investigation that moves faster -- and closer to them -- than any of them could ever expect. One of their own becomes a target and they race time and a murderer before this Hot Roll burns them all.
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Hot Roll, Book 8 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.
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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

"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 Ave.
Death on Beguiling Way (2019)
Death on Covert Circle (2020)

Mystery with romance
Proof of Innocence
Price of Innocence (2019)

Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (includes scenes in fictional Sherman, Wyoming, and cameos from Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)


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 47 published novels, which are cited by readers and reviewers for wit and vivid characterization.

586 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 20, 2019

222 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

Patricia McLinn

126 books309 followers
USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn’s novels—cited by reviewers for warmth, wit and vivid characterization – have won numerous regional and national awards and been on national bestseller lists.

In addition to her romance and women’s fiction books, Patricia is the author of the Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, which adds a touch of humor and romance to figuring out whodunit.

Patricia received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University. She was a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.), assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.) and—for 20-plus years—an editor at the Washington Post.

She has spoken about writing from Melbourne, Australia to Washington, D.C., including being a guest-speaker at the Smithsonian Institution. She is now living in Northern Kentucky, and writing full-time. Patricia loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.

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5 stars
185 (55%)
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108 (32%)
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35 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Alisa.
267 reviews
June 28, 2019
This is, by far, my favorite cozy series. The plot development and dialogue is crisp and engaging. Hearing Elizabeth Danniher’s internal thoughts is often hilarious. If she existed in the real world, I’d SO want to be pals! McLinn’s writing is smart and interesting, whether explaining journalism in’s and out’s or life in Wyoming. The mystery is central, but with each book relationships are developing and readers are getting a better idea of who each character is. Frankly, I look forward to each new book to catch up with the cast of characters as much as to enjoy a new mystery.
2,456 reviews6 followers
August 22, 2019
I LOVE this series! The plots are reasonable, the dialogue is fresh and lively, and the humor is brilliant. Each book is a stand-alone murder mystery although reading them all gives you more depth and insight into the characters and their relationships with each other. This story deals with a threat to Jennifer, the group’s young news aide who is a computer genius extraordinaire. Will Elizabeth figure out what’s really going on before Jennifer comes to serious harm?
Profile Image for Wayne.
449 reviews
July 17, 2019
I love this series. I love the characters, the stories and the unique locations of the books. Patricia McLinn's prose maintains a steady pace that carries the reader from start to finish. She does not deal in cliches, over used plot devices and always uses humor throughout the books.

Hot Roll has a very convoluted mystery to unravel. With the series cast of characters, teamwork accomplishes the resolution to the mysteries and closer ties are established with each member of the group. Even the dog, Shadow, is an integral part of the books. Two things that appeal to me in this series in the intelligence with which the stories are told and the humor McLinn throws into the mix.

In this book, one of the group's own is in danger from an unknown assailant. Jennifer, the young lady whose computers skills often are called upon in the fact gathering aspect of the group's investigations, is placed in danger when a good friend dies under unusual circumstances. Feeling something is not right about the girl's death, Jennifer enlists Elizabeth and the rest of the group of mystery solvers to find out if her friend was killed or if she took her own life. The mystery is quite complicated but McLinn's story telling skills are well up to the task.

I highly recommend Hot Roll to anyone who likes intelligent writing and compelling mysteries. The entire series is well worth the effort of reading.
1 review
November 20, 2020
The Wyoming Setting is a Definite Draw.

I have fond memories of growing up in Wyoming (for part of my youth) so, that's part of the appeal of this series. That being said, there are pluses & minuses to these books. First, the things I'm not crazy about: The often slow pace sometimes makes me tempted to skip forward now & then. The many clues sometimes get a bit tangled. Lastly, I admit to wishing the romance element was a wee bit more adult with a little more spice. To go into detail might be counted as a spoiler so, I won't do that. Now, a few of the things I've enjoyed: I truly like the way the characters & their relationships are drawn. The mix of the modern with the historical is also a plus. I've bought all of the books in this series & have even done 1 pre-order so,it shows how much I want to find out what happens next. I don't usually pay so much for e-books so, that' a real endorsement, imho.
Profile Image for (Grace) Kentucky Bohemian.
1,981 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2022
These Characters. This Town.
It's not the mysteries that keep me coming back. They're fun, and always well done. But it's the characters and their location that keep me wanting more. Although she's a bit sharp around the edges, E.M. Danniher is relatable with her often snide inner monologue and her posse of whip-smart accidental sleuths.

The location is practically a character of its own. It has a sense to it as if it's as much a living, breathing character as Mike, Tom, Diana or Jennifer. It's that combination where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts that makes this series so enjoyable for me.

If you're looking for realism and a brainiac super-sleuth, a cozy mystery probably isn't going to grab your attention anyway. But if the ride is as important as the destination, if you want relatable, fun, genuine characters in a well written written, tightly woven package, well... welcome to Sheridan. Enjoy your stay. I always do.
Profile Image for Charlyn.
790 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2019
Almost settled....
One really needs to begin at the start of the series to get to this point where Elizabeth Danniher, misplaced journalist, has a firmly established group of friends who join her in solving the murder cases with which they are confronted. Jennifer’s friend Calliope has died in what appears to be an accidental fall helping someone else who has fallen. A double accident or a double murder? Elizabeth and friends are on it, just when Elizabeth settles into her own home in Wyoming, settling the question of whether her stay is temporary. But that’s all that’s settled. Choosing a suitor, Mike or Tom, is unsettled. And unsettling to me as a reader. Already been down this path with Fluke’s Hannah Swenson and it was both frustrating and aggravating. Not looking forward to a repeat trip.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,117 reviews
June 21, 2021
I have been following Elizabeth since she moved out west. Her stories are excellent and the characters are well involved in the mystery. I like the way they go from one step to another and the twists keep me going.
This story is about Jennifer and the death of a friend which she feels was not an accident. She gets Elizabeth and the ganged involved including shadow. As the pieces seem to mess up we know that Elizabeth will figure it out.
Now let’s talk about how all the characters think it is time that Elizabeth start dating Mike and Tom and choose one. Read and learn about the outcome of the mystery and the dating scene. Excellent books!
2 reviews
July 10, 2019
I’m in the firm grasp of this series

I think this is the 8th book I’ve read in this series. I don’t even remember how I found Patricia McLinn or this Wyoming series.

This is far outside my normal reading list. I’m much more of a Tom Clancy, Ken Follett, international intrigue type reader. But this series has me hooked!

The character development over several books has been amazing. The local color and setting is refreshing. The plot twists and turns keep me turning the pages.

This is a great series and Hot Roll is a great book. Highly recommended and can’t wait for the next one!
10 reviews
July 21, 2019
Another great addition to the series

I loved this book! We finally got to dive more into Jennifer's life and learn more about her. She's always the young, eager, sidekick type of character that you love, and now I love her more! We get to go into her history with her friends and learn more about her computer skills.
This story, like all the others in the series, had me constantly questioning whodunit until the end. Patricia always has a way of weaving so many characters into the story to keep you on your toes and to keep you turning the page faster. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Jan.
425 reviews5 followers
April 21, 2020
One of their own becomes a target…
Hot Roll is a broadcast term. It can simply mean cutting away from an interview to "b-roll" (scene-setting or explanatory footage) or it can mean the adrenaline-pumping drama of broadcast live from a bureau or TV truck because there’s no time to do anything else.
The horrible news that Jennifer’s dear friend has died starts TV reporter Elizabeth Danniher, with friends Mike, Tom and Diana plus the rest of the Caught Dead in Wyoming crew, on an investigation that moves faster -- and closer to them -- than any of them could ever expect. One of their own becomes a target and they race time and a murderer before this Hot Roll burns them all.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,827 reviews9 followers
June 25, 2022
Eighth in series. Jennifer’s friend Calliope dies and Jennifer is sure it was not an accident. The crew pulls together to investigate.

Elizabeth is in the process of purchasing Renata’s home. She also has decided to date both Mike and Tom and they have bought into the concept.. Hope this is resolved soon.

I like that EM and many of the women are strong and intelligent. Elizabeth is mentor to Jennifer, friend to Diana and a few others.

I listened to this book and think Betsey Moore does an excellent job. I have already rolled into the next book, Reaction Shot.
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,001 reviews21 followers
June 25, 2019
This is a complicated plot with a lot of people and ideas flying around like a "whirling tornado in my head" as Elizabeth puts it. The gang is together again, this time supporting and protecting Jennifer through the death of a friend. The regular characters add to the fun and atmosphere I enjoy in this series. Though it is hard to follow the action the story is worth it. I'm ready for the triangle to be resolved and I know my choice.
Profile Image for Phyllis E. Strode.
68 reviews
May 19, 2021
I‘m really enjoying this series!

Ms McLinn’s writing style blends and bends emotions in subtle ways that entertain and compel me to keep going. I love her humor! Her characters are well developed. Her plots are as complex as spider webs and keep me guessing at the outcome. She never fails to deliver a good read. I just downloaded the next two books in this series. Looking forward!
530 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2021
Another Win for E. M. Danniher

The heroine in this series is incredibly adept at investigations; always surpassing local law enforcement. This wasn't the strongest storyline in the series, but the character portrayals and the authors incredible sense of humor make it a must read. Also, FINALLY we get to see some interest for the two sexy men who have been patiently waiting in the wings! Win-win.
Profile Image for Joe’s Mum.
40 reviews16 followers
June 25, 2019
Hot Roll

I have read and loved all the books in Patricia McLinn’s ‘Caught Dead in Wyoming’ series but Hot Roll just didn’t seem as good as the previous books. Even though the plot was good, I thought there were too many characters which towards the end was a bit confusing (for me anyway) Also, the ending was very disappointing. I thought they were supposed to be adults, yet I felt the last few pages were set in a school yard. I have loved the character of Elizabeth but the ending of this book lost me.
I will definitely read the next book in the series but hope that the romance triangle doesn’t keep dragging on.
5 reviews
September 3, 2020
CAUGHT DEAD IN WYOMING (the entireset) is wonderful.
It's filled with great characters, twisting plots, witty asides and innuendos, and an amazing setting.
I just purchased book #9 and, even though it's nearly 1:00 AM, I can't wait to start it.
Keep the volumes coming!
Rita
Spring Hill, Florida
Profile Image for Kenneth Funk.
139 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2020
This book was not among my favorite in this series. I listened to it in audio form and the first third of the book just seemed to be very hard to follow and jumping all around. Overall the story was ok, just somewhat of a pain to follow. Of the 8 books in the series that I have read, this was by far the weakest.
223 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2025
Different, but too long.

It takes a lot of work to solve a crime, especially if the person was a friend and someone who meant a lot to a lot of people in the community. I realize that it takes an author a lot of work to reconstruct the crime from the point of view of the people investigating. But I still thought it was too long.
Profile Image for Karen  Weiss.
130 reviews
July 3, 2019
Love this series

I’m a McLinn fan. This is my absolute favorite of her series. Im already impatient for the next book! The whole series is a very good read. To me, this was not the best, but still very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Patty Campbell.
Author 9 books18 followers
April 30, 2021
Another good book in the Wyoming series. This plot was tricky and sometimes hard to follow but worth the read, for sure.

Elizabeth better decide between Tom and Mike one day soon, or I'll start tearing out my hair.
474 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2022
This was an excellent mystery. I enjoyed it so much. It is a clean story. The storyline and characters are great. They keep you interested. I guessed to the end who it might be. I did not see the murderer until she revealed it.
Profile Image for Patricia.
69 reviews
Read
June 24, 2019
Good plot and interesting characters. Lost me at the very end; don't think I'll read any more of these. Keeping them both on the string and dating both so she can make up her mind? Please!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
12 reviews
July 13, 2019
She never disappoints

Some of her plot lines take a stretch of the imagination to get into but her writing is always clever and witty.
Profile Image for Robin Mattei.
127 reviews6 followers
July 18, 2019
Great series, great book. Have read the first 8 in about 2 weeks and cant wait for #9. Love these characters!
Profile Image for Mary.
77 reviews
October 22, 2020
McLinn has done it again. Twists and turns and guessing until the end.
2,175 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2022
Showcases Jennifer and her bunch of friends and also Elizabeth getting more settled. I really liked this one.
Profile Image for Arref Mak.
141 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2023
This mystery is a hot mess with plenty of emotion and a great focus on the cast.

Rewarding and stretching everyone out of Sherman and beyond their comfort zones.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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