Dearly Departed Paperback – Patty Byrne Book 1 | Carly Winter
Dearly Departed Paperback – Patty Byrne Book 1 | Carly Winter
4.1 / 5.0
(20) 20 total reviews
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In the 1960s, she was just a pretty face flying high at thirty-thousand feet…
Start reading this 1960s historical cozy mystery right now!
✔️ Book 1 in the Patty Byrne Historical Cozy Mystery Series
✔️ Paperback copies are delivered directly from the author. ✍️ Signed by the author — paperbacks ship directly from Carly Winter when in stock
Stewardess Patricia Byrne has heard it all—the jokes, the assumptions, the "pretty face, empty head" dismissals. But when she discovers her neighbor Charles murdered in his apartment, Patty is devastated to lose her friend.
The police have their suspect list: the angry wife who wouldn't sign divorce papers, the girlfriend who needed money, the fellow soldier from the Vietnam War, and the anti-war protestor downstairs. But as Patty digs deeper, she uncovers secrets Charles kept hidden.
When a threatening note appears under her pillow, Patty faces a choice: back off and stay safe, or prove that the "stupid stewardess" is smarter than everyone thinks.
Can Patty find the killer before she becomes the next victim?
Prefer an ebook? → Dearly Departed Ebook
Browse all paperbacks in this series → Patty Byrne Cozy Mysteries Paperbacks
FAQ:
How is the Dearly Departed paperback delivered? Paperbacks are shipped directly from author Carly Winter and will be signed. Shipping times may vary depending on stock availability.
What is Dearly Departed about? Dearly Departed follows stewardess Patricia "Patty" Byrne in 1960s America. When she discovers her neighbor Charles murdered in his apartment, she refuses to accept the police's suspect list and digs deeper — uncovering secrets that put her own life in danger.
Who are the suspects in Dearly Departed? The police suspect list includes the angry wife who wouldn't sign divorce papers, a girlfriend who needed money, a fellow soldier from the Vietnam War, and an anti-war protestor living downstairs. But as Patty investigates, she discovers the truth is far more complicated.
Who is Patty Byrne? Patricia "Patty" Byrne is a stewardess in 1960s America who finds herself solving murders while navigating a world that dismisses her as just a pretty face. Sharp, determined, and smarter than anyone gives her credit for, she proves herself one case at a time.
Is the Dearly Departed paperback signed? Yes — paperbacks are shipped directly from author Carly Winter and will be signed. This is a direct-from-author exclusive not available through Amazon or any other retailer.
Is there romance in the Patty Byrne series? The series focuses primarily on mystery and Patty's journey as a woman proving herself in 1960s America, with a slow-burn romance with a charming FBI agent that develops across the series.
Do I need to read the Patty Byrne books in order? Each book works as a standalone mystery, but reading in order gives you the full development of Patty's character and her slow-burn romance with the FBI agent. Start with Dearly Departed.

Having read Carly Winter's latest novel, "Dearly Departed", I couldn't help but feel charmed with the goings-on of her main characters notably Patty, Donna, Mrs. Wilson, Karen (Charles's fiancée), and Charles's ex-wife whose name I forget, who all play a part in the novel's storyline. The novel is a very light reading with no goriness factor but it does give us a charming glimpse into the travelling adventures of a flight attendant although at that time, during the 60s era, they were known as air stewardesses. I was certainly in admiration of the way that Patty was portrayed: a woman of nonsensical attitude, hardworking, caring, and very dedicated to her job who also was not hesitant in conveying her forthright views to anyone so inclined in disputing with her. She took on a take-charge attitude especially after a tragic incident involving her neighbor, Charles and her plight consequently evoked my sympathy as she was embroiled in a case that took her unawares. The introduction of the handsome FBI agent in the evolving storyline was certainly an interesting one - as a reader, I had anticipated a possible romantic moment or two between the two characters and there were certainly clues to indicate that they were going to have these moments; their witty banter was extremely fascinating and their investigations into the affairs of the neighbors was a delight especially with the scene involving the peace-loving nudist. The novel is utterly cozy, charming, humorous, with a touch of drama and mystique to entice the reader into further reading. I could not help but cheer Patty's continual attempts to resolve the situation which by the end of the novel, was a satisfying one but at the same time, one could not help but feel that a possible continuation of Patty's adventures will ensue in a forthcoming sequel. I look forward to reading this author's future books as she has wonderfully crafted a novel with all the right mix of literary elements and hope that Patty does emerge in the next book. Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity in reading this book and reviewing it on your website. I recommend Dearly Departed to anyone who loves a light-hearted mystery crime novel.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this! The mystery was smart, the characters felt relatable, and the time period was fascinating. I did get a little frustrated by how many times she said people treat her like she’s stupid because she’s a stewardess, but the writing was engaging! I’m looking forward to the next book!I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another winner from Carly Winter.Oh how sad that someone picks on a Vietnam Veteran.So many suspects.The 60's Airline stewardess Pattie, is his neighbor and she discovered his body when she went to pick up their (her roomie and her) cat. Can she discover who is the murderer before they get to her? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Great entertainment and suspense.
Super cute little crime mystery! As the daughter of a pilot and flight attendant during the “Golden Age of Travel,” I loved reading the flight scenes and hearing of the experiences as a stewardess at that time. Excited to read more about Patty and her friends in subsequent books. This book is a quick read, very light and easy, and a great getaway of fun and mystery for a few hours!
DEARLY DEPARTED is a very entertaining cozy mystery about a stewardess named Patty who finds a neighbor friend’s murdered body. Patty is obsessed about solving the crime despite condescending lawmen who think she’s nothing but a pretty face. The author beautifully captures the early 1960’s in the U.S. as well as a woman’s supposed place in it. And the murder mystery plot is good, too!