Stemming the Tide

by Rebecca K. Jones

After an attack that left her both physically and emotionally scarred, Tucson prosecutor Mackenzie Wilson is ready to get back to work. Reassigned from prosecuting to public relations, Mack is trying to make the best of her new situation. And though she’s back together with her ex-girlfriend, Dr. Anna Lapin, their reignited relationship has already begun to fray.

When the body of a young woman is found with Mack’s business card in her pocket, Mack becomes an obvious suspect. When support from Anna wavers and Mack is put on administrative leave, Mack begins to spiral. And then another body is found.

Battling to protect her reputation and her job, Mack turns to her best friend Jess Lafayette. Together, they find themselves doing the only thing that they can—investigating the murders before time runs out for them and for Anna.

Genres: LGBT, Crime

282 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2023

Reviews

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. Not as good as book #1 in the series. Lots of police action in finding the serial killer. But it was a very predictable outcome. And zero romance. On to book #3.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Stemming the Tide smart and riveting. I was introduced to Assistant District Attorney Mack Wilson in Steadying the Ark (March 2022), a debut novel I enjoyed alot. Mack is back and this legal thriller is even better. This story takes place about three months after the first book and can be read on its own. Mack is promoted to a Public Relations position for the DA office in Tucson. It will only be for one year and then she should get her choice of areas to prosecute. She isn’t happy with the change but she does her job.

Mack uses her extra time to second chair a murder/burglary case with her best friend Jess. When a body of a young woman is found in the desert with Mack’s business card in her pocket she is brought in for questioning. Detective Dave Barton knows there isn’t evidence to connect the two but some officers want to investigate Mack as a person of interest. It costs her personally and in office politics but she tries to stay above it acting professionally.

I love legal stories and this is interesting and kept me engaged. With a trial happening and investigations ongoing in a couple of cases the tension slowly builds. It is frustrating not to understand Anna better but I accept that she is a very small side character to the story. (I wanted her to be more.) The author is clearly well versed in the law and easily explains different nuances in crimes and charges. I like that the story jumps a few months here and there so the plot plays out in a more realistic nine months instead of everything being instantly solved. If you’re a couch lawyer/detective like me you will enjoy this story. And I will anxiously be waiting for the next Mack Wilson story. Thank you to Bella Books for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving an honest review. (4.5 Stars)

[Aleana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Prosecutor Mack is still working on what happens to her when she assigned to a new job for a year something she didn’t want but will make the best of it. When best friend Jess ask her to be second chair she accepts but when she learns she a person of interest despite the lack of evidence in a young woman murder because the woman had her card everyone assumes she may be guilty and gets suspended. Mack and Jess and the one cop Dave who believes she innocent team up to invest and learns a serial killer maybe at work. While that’s going on her and girlfriend Anna aren’t doing great which in my opinion Mack deserves better and I hope Mack didn’t burn that bridge with Rocky the bar owner that Mack always going to I wouldn’t mind them and I like that Jess finds love and is open to it but is the man she falling for too good to be true you’ll have to find out. This was a great legal read and I can’t wait for the next book.

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stemming the Tide is the second book in the Mackenzie Wilson series, and I'm really hoping that this series gives me many, many books of this quality in future.

When I read book one in the series, Steadying the Ark, I remember being kept completely engaged by the storyline and surprised it was a debut. However, Stemming the Tide absolutely blew the first book out of the water - it's a completely compelling and intelligently crafted legal thriller that kept me engrossed. This story, set three months after the first, features the return of Assistant District Attorney Mack Wilson, now taking on a Public Relations role in Tucson's DA office. While initially discontent with the change, Mack finds herself deeply involved in a murder/burglary case alongside her best friend, Jess. Now, this case was intriguing, but the author manages to interweave a number of different cases and plot lines, and also manages to tie them up neatly in the end without it feeling rushed. An amazing feat.

I don't want to give too much away, but if you are into crime novels - pick this one up. It's brilliant.

Looking forward to book three in the series!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Shimere Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stemming The Tide skillfully immerses readers in a world where trust is a scarce commodity. The author's writing style is not only engaging but also leaves you constantly questioning the loyalty and motives of the characters.

Throughout the narrative, the author deftly weaves a web of suspicion and ambiguity, making it nearly impossible to discern who can be trusted. As the story unfolds, you'll find yourself on an emotional rollercoaster, never quite sure which characters are allies and which might be hiding ulterior motives.

Mack, the resilient protagonist, epitomizes this theme of mistrust, as her journey is riddled with doubt and uncertainty when she finds herself finds herself entangled in a murder investigation where she becomes a prime suspect.. Her complex relationships, particularly with Anna, keep you guessing about the true nature of their bond. Is there genuine love or hidden agendas beneath the surface? The rekindled romance between Mack and Anna takes a backseat in this installment, which might disappoint readers invested in their relationship. However, the focus on the police procedural aspects of the story more than makes up for it.

The author's ability to maintain this level of suspense is truly commendable. Every character, no matter how minor, is a potential source of intrigue and suspicion. The plot's development is a careful dance of revelations and misdirections that leave you second-guessing your assumptions at every turn. As the body count rises, the author expertly guides us through a thrilling and heart-pounding investigation led by Mack and her steadfast friend, Jess. The plot development is flawlessly executed, leaving you guessing and second-guessing until the final reveal.

[Sue Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book mac, mackenzie wilson is a prosecutor but after her attack she has been side lined to another job for a year, one she isnt keen on but when a body is found with her card and number on it mack becomes suspect number one and is suspended from work agonising times for mac as her girlfriend dumps her and she is left to face everything on her own but her best friend jess wants her as 2nd chair for one of her cases and thats where it gets really interesting have to say i thoroughly enjoyed the court case and everything else that went on with this book... so refreshingly different and book kept me glued till the end

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stemming the Tide by Rebecca K. Jones is an exciting and action-filled mystery and intrigue novel. Those of you who love immersive crime novels filled with twists, turns, angst and thrills should definitely get this novel.

This is actually the second book in its series, with this one taking place sometime after Steadying the Ark ends.

Prosecutor Mackenzie (Mack) Wilson is still recovering from the physical and mental trauma she went through in the first book. She has relocated and refocused from her prosecuting job to community relations, but even this can’t keep Mack out of trouble. She is soon embroiled in a murder investigation with more than one victim, and peppered with trust issues. Unfortunately, the discovery of her business card in the victim’s pocket throws Mack into the pool of suspects as the possible killer, and an ever-deepening morass of self-doubt. No one is above suspicion, and everyone’s motivations are questionable. It’s a race against time as she and her best friend try to uncover the real murderer.

Stemming the Tide will keep you riveted and reading late into the night with so many questions, you’ll find it difficult to put the book down. The characters are engaging and realistic. The author’s descriptions are vivid. The mystery itself is complex, and entertaining.

You could possibly read this book as a standalone, but I think you would be depriving yourself if you do. Get both novels and read them in order. Then we can all beg the author for more tales about Mack and her friends.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bella Books for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Hope Freed · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a retired lawyer I enjoy a legal thriller now and then and this being a bit sapphic too was an added bonus. I really liked the first Mackenzie Wilson thriller and this was equally good.
The story starts 3 months after the events in book 1, Steadying the Ark, and Mack has been moved to a boring desk job rather than back to criminal trials which are her forte. But it isn’t long before crime re-enters her life. This is again a two stranded tale where Mack assists her friend Jess with the murder case of an elderly woman in her own home, whilst trying to work out who is murdering young girls and putting their bodies in large Rubbermaid tubs and leaving them in the desert. The added issue with trying to solve the latter case is that the police have Mack firmly in the frame as the main suspect. Add to that that her girlfriend dumps her to protect her ‘professional reputation’ and things are not starting well for Mack!
This moves along at a good pace and both cases being investigated are equally engaging. It all builds to a satisfying showdown and I’ll definitely be back for book 3 (so far) in the not too distant future.
The only slightly strange thing I found about this was the Prologue; whilst it provides background on Mack’s interaction with the first murder victim it’s not at all clear who the narrator is - at first I thought Adam but subsequently came to think it’s Rocky. I didn’t really understand (and still don’t) why it was written that way…

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book and realised it was second in a series. I stopped and went back and read the first, "Steadying the Ark", and I’m very glad I did. This plot had so much more depth when the issues in the first book are understood. It can be read alone but when you find a new, good crime writer, why not indulge yourself?

Mack is a great character with flaws and issues and a lack of success in her relationships. This is not good news when she is suspected of a crime (no spoilers here). Mack is on desk duty and then admin leave and the time unravels much of her already fragile psyche. It’s as well she has a few people she can rely on even if her so called girlfriend Dr Anna isn’t as understanding as she should be.

I’m glad I’ve read both books in the series and I’m already looking forward to number three.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It was easier to focus on doing the next thing that needed to be done, rather than feeling her feelings." Oh, Mack, you sweet baby disaster.

It was so fun reading this final version of the book as I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this one last year, and had a blast discussing Mack's issues with Becca (who is one of the coolest and smartest people I know).

I love how many mysteries are in this one; there is never a dull moment as Mack works to piece together the facts. Also, her friendship with Jess is one of my favorite aspects of these books. They are hilarious together and so supportive.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this a gripping read, it's an intricate crime story where the main character is a prosecutor, who finds herself a person of interest in a murder case. I liked the main character Mack and her best friend Jess, her on/off girlfriend Anna, not so much for reasons that become obvious when you read the book, no spoilers here. The author includes a prelude, so as readers, we know from the beginning who the murderer is and are caught up in wondering if and when Mack, Jess and Dave will figure it out.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Patty Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book. This story is part of an ongoing series that is about Mack one of the main characters that is a prosecutor who is suspended from her job, because a young girl was murdered and they found her work card on the body. This was a heart pounding, suspenseful good read. The murderer was literally right underneath their nose and no one caught on until it was almost to late for one of Marks friend and colleague. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I can't wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book to my friends and family.

[Josh Pachter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stemming the Tide is a rock-solid sequel to Rebecca Jones’ debut novel Steadying the Ark. Tucson prosecutor Mackenzie Wilson is back, juggling her personal and professional lives with high stakes in both. A compelling plot, believable characters and dialogue, and a satisfying resolution make this a must-read for fans of fiction in general and courtroom fiction in particular. This one’s another winner for Jones and her readers!

[Leigh McGrory]

Stemming the Tide by Rebecca K Jones is a thriller which follows prosecutor who becomes a suspect in a murder case.

This was such a gripping read, it kept me gripped right until the end.

The characters and really well written, they felt original and relatable. I enjoyed reading about Mackenzie's relationships with her friends and girlfriend.

I would definitely read more of Jones's work after reading this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bella Books for providing me with this arc.

[Alice M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sequel to “Steadying the Ark”. I was well pleased with this follow up. Very disappointed with Anna though. She should have supported Mack regardless of how her client referrals would have been affected! It did seem obvious who the killer was, but then if it is discovered too soon then there is no story. I did enjoy reading this and am hoping there will be another sequel.

[AGC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stemming the Tide was every bit as good as the authors debut novel Steadying the Ark, maybe even better. The story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I hope there will be another book in the series. I’m also hoping the author branches out and tries other genres.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great refreshing and reverting read. The court cases were enjoyable. The characters were also great. The story covers Mack a prosecutor who's accused of murder and got suspended from work. It also draws on friendship and loyalty.

Thank You NetGalley and Bella Books.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for the 3rd book

I’m enjoying the view of crime through a prosecutor’s eye. My Pollyanna view of the world where the bad guys get what they deserve is shaken after reading about how many things can go wrong! Kudos to the men and women trying to make them go right!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

So great to read a local author and such high quality fiction writing. Can’t wait to read more from this author.