Patricia McLinn is a successful American author, best known for her mystery novels and women’s fiction. Her stories are known for their warmth and wit, and her characters are often described as being both relatable and engaging. McLinn has received high praise for her work, with reviewers citing her vivid characterization and regional and national awards won by her novels.
McLinn’s journey to becoming a bestselling author began with a love for reading that she developed at a young age. She learned to read early in life as a means of deciphering the secrets kept from her by her older siblings. From there, she discovered the magic of written words and the power they held to transport her to new places and introduce her to new people. This early love of reading sparked a desire in McLinn to become a novelist herself, though her path to getting there was not without its detours. She received a BA in English Composition from Northwestern University, and later added a masters in journalism from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism.
After completing her education, McLinn embarked on a successful career in journalism that spanned over 20 years and took her to The Washington Post. During her time at the Post, she worked as a sports writer, assistant sports editor, and editor. Through her work in journalism, McLinn gained valuable experience in clarity, dialogue, research, drama, deadlines, and conflict, all of which would later serve her well in her fiction writing. She also encountered a wealth of characters through her work, many of whom would go on to inspire her own characters in her novels.
McLinn has published over 60 novels to date, with many more characters waiting in the wings to be brought to life on the page. Her books often explore the resilience of people, and are known for their dry humor and engaging storylines. In addition to the Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, she is also the author of the Season in a Small Town series and the Innocence Trilogy. McLinn loves to hear from her readers, and can be reached through her website, Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.