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Maggie MacKay, Magical Tracker #2
Maggie Get Your Gun
Now that Maggie saved the world, life is returning to normal at MacKay & MacKay Magical Tracking. That is until a stranger shows up looking for some ancient jewelry to die for. In fact, lots of folks are dying for it.
Maggie, Killian, and your favorite cast of characters are back for a rootin’ tootin’ urban fantasy adventure through the wilds of the Old West.
The bad guys don’t stand a ghost of a chance.
Maggie, Killian, and your favorite cast of characters are back for a rootin’ tootin’ urban fantasy adventure through the wilds of the Old West.
The bad guys don’t stand a ghost of a chance.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2012
192 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Kate Danley
55 books595 followersKate Danley began her writing career as an indie author in 2010. Since then, her books have been published by 47North, she spent five weeks on the USA Today bestseller list, and she has been honored with various awards, including the Garcia Award for Best Fiction Book of the Year (The Woodcutter), McDougall Previews Award for Best Fantasy Book of the Year (Queen Mab), Best of 2014 by Suspense Magazine (M&K Tracking), and the 2017 Utopia Award for Best Anthology of the Year (Once Upon A Kiss - "Galatea & Pygmalion"). Her play Building Madness won the prestigious Panowski Playwriting Award and her play Bureaucrazy was a semi-finalist for the O'Neill National Playwrights Conference. Her works have been produced in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Canada, and the UK. She has over 300+ film, television, and theatre credits to her name, and specializes in sketch, improv, and Shakespeare. She wrote sketch for a weekly show in Hollywood and has performed her original stand-up at various clubs in LA. She learned on-camera puppetry from the man who played Mr. Snuffleupagus and performed the head of a 20-foot dinosaur on an NBC pilot. She lost on Hollywood Squares.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 4, 2016
3.5 stars.
Like the first one in the series, it's funny. It's got an enjoyable cast of characters and the world is very interesting. But the tone is very light and makes the action feel sort of "meh". Moments that should have been suspenseful fell flat. Ultimately, I don't get the sense Maggie really cares all that much deep down.
I read the author bio and I see she's a playwright and screenwriter. That may be the issue. Screenwriting comes to life with the performance while a novel has no such assistance. I can only bring so much to the transaction.
I will continue with the series when I want a stressless laugh. The price of the books is reasonable so this will stay on my reading list. I just wish there was a little bit more oomph in the reading experience.
Like the first one in the series, it's funny. It's got an enjoyable cast of characters and the world is very interesting. But the tone is very light and makes the action feel sort of "meh". Moments that should have been suspenseful fell flat. Ultimately, I don't get the sense Maggie really cares all that much deep down.
I read the author bio and I see she's a playwright and screenwriter. That may be the issue. Screenwriting comes to life with the performance while a novel has no such assistance. I can only bring so much to the transaction.
I will continue with the series when I want a stressless laugh. The price of the books is reasonable so this will stay on my reading list. I just wish there was a little bit more oomph in the reading experience.
February 21, 2014
Another lighthearted romp. I've coined these books "FIF." (Fluff is Fun) However, I thought the first one was funnier. It had more Killian and Maggie banter, I guess. This book had way more action, though, and introduced a couple of interesting new characters: Like Mr. Smith, the devious landlord, a djinni I would love to meet again, as well as some hybrids that make me suspect Kate Danley's been inspired by the Vampire Diaries... No worries, I quite like Klaus;-P Plus, we got a closer look at Maggie's psychic mom and supposedly "normal" sister. Maggie's mom might not be my favorite, but she seemed pretty adamant in regards to where Killian's and Maggie's future partnership is headed. In fact everyone but Maggie seems quite hopeful Killian with his magical rod will get lucky. (And why shouldn't they be? He could glamour me any day;-))
Not a spectacular book, but entertaining, and great when you want something to take a break from the more dark & gritty urban fantasy novels.
3.5 stars.
Not a spectacular book, but entertaining, and great when you want something to take a break from the more dark & gritty urban fantasy novels.
3.5 stars.
February 16, 2014
This second book in the series is a little more than half the length of the first book (despite what the page counts on Goodreads and Amazon say), but there was still a lot of action packed into the short book. I think I liked the first book a smidgen more since Maggie's mother really got on my nerves in this one. I think she's supposed to be a carefree spirit, but she comes across as a selfish, flighty, condescending nag. (Yeah, she's not my favorite.) Fortunately, she's not a main character.
For those of you worried about the "rootin’ tootin’ urban fantasy adventure through the wilds of the Old West" promised in the book blurb, I'd say that statement is very misleading. There were a few scenes set in a desert, but I wouldn't call it "wild west" stuff, and they visited a Ghost Town in the Other Side - maybe that was a bit western-y... sort of. I'm usually not a fan of westerns either, but I enjoyed Maggie Get Your Gun immensely (other than Maggie's mom) and ended up reading
directly after finishing this one.
For those of you worried about the "rootin’ tootin’ urban fantasy adventure through the wilds of the Old West" promised in the book blurb, I'd say that statement is very misleading. There were a few scenes set in a desert, but I wouldn't call it "wild west" stuff, and they visited a Ghost Town in the Other Side - maybe that was a bit western-y... sort of. I'm usually not a fan of westerns either, but I enjoyed Maggie Get Your Gun immensely (other than Maggie's mom) and ended up reading
directly after finishing this one.
July 1, 2015
#2 Maggie MacKay, Magical Tracker series
Delightful world building with ogres, brownies, elves, and so many other fun, strange non-humans.
Maggie and her sidekick Killian, an elf, go on a hunt for three mysterious hair combs. I love how the author throws the kitchen sink into her books (like including brimstone), with vamps, werewolves, adventure. The result is a lighthearted, fun romp.
Book 1 was a 5 star read for me. This one I liked just a tiny bit less, mostly Maggie's mother who annoyed me.
Will definitely read more of this entertaining series.
Delightful world building with ogres, brownies, elves, and so many other fun, strange non-humans.
Maggie and her sidekick Killian, an elf, go on a hunt for three mysterious hair combs. I love how the author throws the kitchen sink into her books (like including brimstone), with vamps, werewolves, adventure. The result is a lighthearted, fun romp.
Book 1 was a 5 star read for me. This one I liked just a tiny bit less, mostly Maggie's mother who annoyed me.
Will definitely read more of this entertaining series.
March 19, 2013
First, if you are looking for "serious" UF, before you pick up either of these volumes, let me warn you. Ilona Andrews or Mark Henwick, this is not. What this series is, though, is lighthearted fun with an interesting twist that keeps you reading. Sometimes, that is all you really need from a book, and Kate Danley delivers in spades.
One of the best things about this book is why Danley wrote it. Proceeds from the write-a-thon where this book was mostly written benefited the Young Writers Program, which funds free creative writing programs in hundred of schools and communities around the world. With the state of public education and the lack of support for the arts, I give Ms. Danley full kudos for her work.
The story itself picks up after the action in Maggie for Hire (Maggie MacKay - Magical Tracker). Maggie has her dad back and he and her mom have gone off for a nice weekend away to celebrate his return from two years stuck in limbo. Now, a new client walks in her door, with what seems a ridiculously simple job. To retrieve a simple ladies hair comb, 'dropped in the desert' outside of Calico Ghost Town on the far outskirts of Las Vegas. What happens next is a rather slap-stick (read 'vintage Danley') chase through deserts and down mine shafts to an old fashioned "Standoff At The OK Corral" ghost and monster style, in the streets of a real "Ghost Town" on the Other Side. As always, the good guys win, but only by a 'ghost' of a chance and with enough snark and 'F' bombs to float the Marie Celeste. (I will admit that I would appreciate some different and more creative expletives - the bomb is getting rather old . . .)
All in all, this series is funny and charming and is quite a pleasant way to wile away an afternoon. It doesn't put a strain on the brain, the characters are to my mind quite likeable and you learn a bit more about Maggie's mom in this one. I like her more even than I did before. I am really looking forward to the next one. I haven't read The Woodcutter yet, that is on my list of must reads. Thanks, Ms. Danley, for a fun read and I look forward to more soon.
Funny throughout, good world building, likeable characters, lots of "F"bombs if you are offended by that sort of thing. Kate still needs a good editor, a few too many errors are creeping through that could set off the "Grammar Nazis". Nothing five stars, but still well worth the $3.99.
One of the best things about this book is why Danley wrote it. Proceeds from the write-a-thon where this book was mostly written benefited the Young Writers Program, which funds free creative writing programs in hundred of schools and communities around the world. With the state of public education and the lack of support for the arts, I give Ms. Danley full kudos for her work.
The story itself picks up after the action in Maggie for Hire (Maggie MacKay - Magical Tracker). Maggie has her dad back and he and her mom have gone off for a nice weekend away to celebrate his return from two years stuck in limbo. Now, a new client walks in her door, with what seems a ridiculously simple job. To retrieve a simple ladies hair comb, 'dropped in the desert' outside of Calico Ghost Town on the far outskirts of Las Vegas. What happens next is a rather slap-stick (read 'vintage Danley') chase through deserts and down mine shafts to an old fashioned "Standoff At The OK Corral" ghost and monster style, in the streets of a real "Ghost Town" on the Other Side. As always, the good guys win, but only by a 'ghost' of a chance and with enough snark and 'F' bombs to float the Marie Celeste. (I will admit that I would appreciate some different and more creative expletives - the bomb is getting rather old . . .)
All in all, this series is funny and charming and is quite a pleasant way to wile away an afternoon. It doesn't put a strain on the brain, the characters are to my mind quite likeable and you learn a bit more about Maggie's mom in this one. I like her more even than I did before. I am really looking forward to the next one. I haven't read The Woodcutter yet, that is on my list of must reads. Thanks, Ms. Danley, for a fun read and I look forward to more soon.
Funny throughout, good world building, likeable characters, lots of "F"bombs if you are offended by that sort of thing. Kate still needs a good editor, a few too many errors are creeping through that could set off the "Grammar Nazis". Nothing five stars, but still well worth the $3.99.
June 6, 2012
After thoroughly enjoying the first Maggie book, I was ready for the sophomore effort (in the Maggie series) from K Danley. Maggie is such a great snarky, tough, real antihero that you can't help but want to scoop up a couple silver stakes and join her. Once again, Danley leaves the squishy "gotta find love in the middle of the caper" to the YA writers. Maggie and Killian may have a spark, but it's used to propel the action and humor. The storyline has a bit of everything for the scifi adventure fan: vamps, ghosts, jin, and weres. You mix 'em together with a very talented and quirky family and you get freakin-fantastic-book soup!
October 11, 2012
I really enjoyed the second book, even more than the first. I like the direction the main character is headed. One of the things that I enjoyed the most about this story is that the author peppers just enough in about "magical" creatures and the environment that one is still using their own imagination to help create the world. I also enjoyed the setting of the Ghost Town. I think that the author does a nice job of moving the story along without ever getting too bogged down in one area. This book makes for a quick, entirely enjoyable read. I highly recommend it if you are interested in a urban fantasy that is not too dark or too familiar.
January 8, 2021
Maggie has to save the world once again with the help of her recently returned father and her elf friend Killian.
A light, action packed urban fantasy with an irreverent, thoroughly enjoyable sense of humor! I look forward to the next book in the series, Maggie on the Bounty.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Maggie for Hire (Maggie MacKay, Magical Tracker #1) ~ ★★★★ (21/07/2014)
A light, action packed urban fantasy with an irreverent, thoroughly enjoyable sense of humor! I look forward to the next book in the series, Maggie on the Bounty.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Maggie for Hire (Maggie MacKay, Magical Tracker #1) ~ ★★★★ (21/07/2014)
January 6, 2015
More fun and games with Maggie and the gang! A fun quick read!
December 4, 2022
Good villains names start with V this year ... Veckna (Stranger Things), and here, Vaclav. Still determined to walk the daylight hours, he’s got a new plan, and it involves Maggie’s entire family. Her father returned after years caught between portals, Maggie and her Dad return to business as paranormal.
Danley takes the time to flesh out the characters in the MacKay family who were more adjacent than forefront last book. Maggie’s mother, in particular, gets a hilarious treatment, like Endora in Bewitched.
The dialogue is fun and breezy, it makes the book an easy and enjoyable read.
The plot aren’t deep until Danley starts to peel back the layers of rotting floorboards to discover more things that turn batty in the night air. Revelations at the right time that don’t seem like a momentary contrivance .. well written. There’s a nice twist at the end of the book too.
The world-building takes somewhat of a back seat this time as there is less back-and-forth between normal and Other Side. Still, the odd mention of things like childhood treats on each side helps depend the connection we’re gaining.
All in all, another solid book by Kate Danley.
02.12.2022
Danley takes the time to flesh out the characters in the MacKay family who were more adjacent than forefront last book. Maggie’s mother, in particular, gets a hilarious treatment, like Endora in Bewitched.
The dialogue is fun and breezy, it makes the book an easy and enjoyable read.
The plot aren’t deep until Danley starts to peel back the layers of rotting floorboards to discover more things that turn batty in the night air. Revelations at the right time that don’t seem like a momentary contrivance .. well written. There’s a nice twist at the end of the book too.
The world-building takes somewhat of a back seat this time as there is less back-and-forth between normal and Other Side. Still, the odd mention of things like childhood treats on each side helps depend the connection we’re gaining.
All in all, another solid book by Kate Danley.
02.12.2022
January 5, 2025
When I read “Maggie for Hire”, the first in the 'Maggie McKay, Magical Tracker' series, four years ago I was less than impressed and gave it just 2 Stars.
But, time has passed, and I reckoned I would read the second, “Maggie Get Your Gun”, to see if I liked it any better.
And I did, just not by a huge degree.
Maggie, along with the elf Killian, set off to find a magical item which, they are assured, is of purely sentimental value.
In fact, as they soon discover, it is one of several items needed to effectively destroy humankind.
Along the way they encounter friends and enemies in many forms – ghosts, vampires, genies, goblins, etc.
It's all fairly light stuff, even when the silver bullets are flying.
Maggie, in particular, has a potty mouth and Killian, despite an excellent command of English, is hugely deficient when it comes to slang and popular culture.
It's quite choppy and there is very little in terms of character development. Killian, in particular, outside of being handsome and tall is very much a blank slate.
3 Stars.
But, time has passed, and I reckoned I would read the second, “Maggie Get Your Gun”, to see if I liked it any better.
And I did, just not by a huge degree.
Maggie, along with the elf Killian, set off to find a magical item which, they are assured, is of purely sentimental value.
In fact, as they soon discover, it is one of several items needed to effectively destroy humankind.
Along the way they encounter friends and enemies in many forms – ghosts, vampires, genies, goblins, etc.
It's all fairly light stuff, even when the silver bullets are flying.
Maggie, in particular, has a potty mouth and Killian, despite an excellent command of English, is hugely deficient when it comes to slang and popular culture.
It's quite choppy and there is very little in terms of character development. Killian, in particular, outside of being handsome and tall is very much a blank slate.
3 Stars.
April 26, 2018
Maggie Get Your Gun (Maggie MacKay Tracker Book 2)
Maggie is one tough cookie!! She and her sometimes partner "Killian" hunt down mostly vampires and werewolves. I loved the character "Pipistrelle"!! I wish I had a magical brownie to do my house work! This story was about a necklace and three special combs. Combined they would allow the owner all sorts of power. Mr. Smith hired Maggie to find the necklace and the combs. All sort of evilness erupts time after time with life threatening situations not just for Maggie but for her Mom, Dad and sister. The story moved well, but was a little crazy at the end. I can't honestly say this second book was as good as the first. I enjoyed the end and hope Maggie and Killian can make a go of it. Now on to book #3.
Kathy Barber Doyle- 4/26/2018
Maggie is one tough cookie!! She and her sometimes partner "Killian" hunt down mostly vampires and werewolves. I loved the character "Pipistrelle"!! I wish I had a magical brownie to do my house work! This story was about a necklace and three special combs. Combined they would allow the owner all sorts of power. Mr. Smith hired Maggie to find the necklace and the combs. All sort of evilness erupts time after time with life threatening situations not just for Maggie but for her Mom, Dad and sister. The story moved well, but was a little crazy at the end. I can't honestly say this second book was as good as the first. I enjoyed the end and hope Maggie and Killian can make a go of it. Now on to book #3.
Kathy Barber Doyle- 4/26/2018
January 9, 2019
Language Alert!
The use of the “F” word, repeatedly, totally ruins what could have been a great read. There is absolutely no need to use that word. I would have given 5 stars except for that. And sometimes the flow of the story leaves you hanging, and there are a few errors in details; like at one point they are in Mindy’s car, the next sentence Maggie refers to it has her car, and the next sentence Maggie tells Killian she needs to find a car. Proofreading errors like that are distracting.
The use of the “F” word, repeatedly, totally ruins what could have been a great read. There is absolutely no need to use that word. I would have given 5 stars except for that. And sometimes the flow of the story leaves you hanging, and there are a few errors in details; like at one point they are in Mindy’s car, the next sentence Maggie refers to it has her car, and the next sentence Maggie tells Killian she needs to find a car. Proofreading errors like that are distracting.
June 22, 2021
Maggie and her dad are back at it, staking vampires and killing werewolves that want to take over the world.
Maggie and her dad take a job from Mr. Smith, yeah, the guy she swore not too ever work for again. But Smith turns up dead in her office. So now they have a trio of dangerous magical items to find and get rid of, before the camps or the weeds find them and use them to take over Earth.
Maggie and her dad take a job from Mr. Smith, yeah, the guy she swore not too ever work for again. But Smith turns up dead in her office. So now they have a trio of dangerous magical items to find and get rid of, before the camps or the weeds find them and use them to take over Earth.
March 24, 2018
Wow! Fantastic and wildly entertaining! I love Maggie and her family oh and the charming Killian while the kill vampires and anything that tries to eat them. The best part is the creative and witty dialogue. Yes, many monsters go bump in the night but Maggie and Killian always come out on top. Makes the reader want to keep reading. Absolutely awesome!
March 1, 2020
Maggie does it again!
This time we get the whole family! The family that slays together.....
I so enjoy these books and I look forward to each one.
These would definitely be great as a series as long as Kate writes them for the screen and they stay on point.
I LOL constantly with the smart assed comments, gotta love a smart assed woman!
This time we get the whole family! The family that slays together.....
I so enjoy these books and I look forward to each one.
These would definitely be great as a series as long as Kate writes them for the screen and they stay on point.
I LOL constantly with the smart assed comments, gotta love a smart assed woman!
February 18, 2021
Great comedic rhythm
In Maggie Get Your Gun there is the rhythm of humour that’s sharp, droll, sarcastic and perfectly timed. Add to that the battles and the love that encompasses Maggie and her family, and the best elfin sidekick ever, and you have a thoroughly entertaining reading experience. Go Maggie!
In Maggie Get Your Gun there is the rhythm of humour that’s sharp, droll, sarcastic and perfectly timed. Add to that the battles and the love that encompasses Maggie and her family, and the best elfin sidekick ever, and you have a thoroughly entertaining reading experience. Go Maggie!
May 13, 2018
Entertaining...
Another good book.. very entertaining and a lot of fun reading. Good beach or plane book. However, 217 pages at $3,99 Is not my idea of a good price from Amazon. This is a one day read.
Another good book.. very entertaining and a lot of fun reading. Good beach or plane book. However, 217 pages at $3,99 Is not my idea of a good price from Amazon. This is a one day read.
May 30, 2018
Entertaining
Fluffy, but entertaining story. Maggie likes to have the last snarky word and I like that in a main character. I am enjoying this series so far and intend the keep reading these books.
Fluffy, but entertaining story. Maggie likes to have the last snarky word and I like that in a main character. I am enjoying this series so far and intend the keep reading these books.
July 25, 2018
Love Maggie!
Such a funny and well written book! The story practically reads itself it’s so easy to get into. Maggie is very likable and funny. I can’t wait to see what she gets into next!
Such a funny and well written book! The story practically reads itself it’s so easy to get into. Maggie is very likable and funny. I can’t wait to see what she gets into next!
June 3, 2019
Really into these stories...
Okay...so I happened across this set of books... and I really like them! Spunky, wild, random... verra verra nice... I just wish she'd gone back to the werewolf to give him the deets. 😂
Okay...so I happened across this set of books... and I really like them! Spunky, wild, random... verra verra nice... I just wish she'd gone back to the werewolf to give him the deets. 😂
November 8, 2019
The 2nd book in the Maggie MacKay series was very similar to the first. Very light urban fantasy with fun characters and dialogue but not enough world building and character depth. Overall, fun and light.
Grade: 3/5
Grade: 3/5
April 24, 2020
More fun with Maggie, the magical detective and her elf sidekick Killian. This time she needs to save the world from a power mad vampire and ends up doing it in a Wild West ghost town...with real ghosts of course! Light, entertaining, magical fun which is much needed about now.
May 21, 2020
Campy, crazy, light-hearted fun. Maggie Get Your Gun, book 2 of the Maggie MacKay, Magical Tracker series, is lacking in plot complexity, but delivers with witty, snarky dialog. This series is a guilty pleasure with a cast of oddly endearing characters.
October 13, 2022
Kinda nice that they made it so you don’t have to read the first book. Or at least read it recently to know all that’s going on in this one. There is a nice refresher at the beginning and as characters show up again.
October 18, 2023
Love this series!
This is such a fun series to read, just the right balance so it's not too fluffy and not too gory. The group of discovered characters add depth to the action packed stories.
This is such a fun series to read, just the right balance so it's not too fluffy and not too gory. The group of discovered characters add depth to the action packed stories.
July 8, 2024
Hilarious
This high quality adventure book is loaded with lots of Sassy, fall off ypur chair moments. The nerve of some being trying to control others and take over the world...just wait til Maggie fixes it the Maggie way Lol.
This high quality adventure book is loaded with lots of Sassy, fall off ypur chair moments. The nerve of some being trying to control others and take over the world...just wait til Maggie fixes it the Maggie way Lol.
July 11, 2017
She just keeps getting better and better! Maggie has such attitude. If you love strong female leads, Maggie is your gal!
July 5, 2018
Fun story, but the wittiness and sarcasm often obscure the serious portions of the book, making it lose out.
August 2, 2018
This is a fun series; I especially enjoy Maggie's interaction with Killian. Her mother is a hoot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews