Against the Odds

Mackenzie Owens Mysteries #2

by Jasmine Webb

Mackenzie Owens is happy to finally settle in and sell some books in peace by the Cornish seaside after solving the murder she was suspected of on her arrival. But you know what they say about the best laid plans…

When a friend of Maggie’s dies, everyone believes it’s by natural causes, including the local authorities. But Maggie knows better. Someone killed her friend, and she enlists Mack’s help to prove it. And just when Mack thinks a new murder to solve is enough for one week, she finds herself embroiled in the middle of a theft at a poker game involving many of the less savory characters in town.

And she’s not talking about the Cornish pasties.

Unfortunately for Mack, Aksel and his twinkling eyes and annoyingly gorgeous smile seem to be her best bet when it comes to getting some of the answers she’s after. But there’s someone dangerous out there, too. And as Mack doubles down to prove Maggie’s friend was killed, she realizes someone out there is intent on making sure she folds… permanently.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2023

Reviews

[Pamela]

I like this series it includes a bookstore! a little * bad language* but the characters are fun!

[Suzanne]

This second entry in the series is a bit sillier and more adventurous than the first. The editing was horrible (sometimes Shauna is "she," sometimes "he," among other errors). I don't understand all the 4 and 5 star ratings for books that I would call entertaining, but maybe I'm a tough audience. I have few 5-star rated books in "My Books."
The book seemed to focus on one of two mysteries in the book--Maggie's friend's murder. The other mystery was cloudy and the ending (?) unsatisfying. Perhaps the author is saving that resolution for book 3 in the series.
I'll reiterate my comments for Book 1: Against the Odds is an entertaining read that provided a few chuckles. I hope that book 3 takes the opportunity to develop the now-peripheral characters.

[John Belcher]

Trust Your Instincts

Maggie and Mack both knew something was off about Jane's death. Feeling fine in the early morning having lunch then dead by morning. Mack still dosent trust Askel but decided it was better than her and Maggie getting chased down and possibly killed. With so many things running around about Jane's murder which Mack and Maggie figured from the start and not a simple death from age, Mack needed some quiet time to sort things out in her head. While going for an early morning walk she sees Stanley's lights on and he waves her in. As he was crying about his late wife the answer hit Mack and she knew who the killer was. Excellent book and fun to read.

[Deemcgdiana]

Against the Odds was another fun, light 3 1/2 star read n this series, full of mischief, mayhem and amusing antics. Mack(enzie) seems to have a knack for finding trouble and throwing herself right into the middle of it. This time it takes the form of a burglary at a criminal-sponsored and filled poker party that she manages to find herself in the middle or, and the suspicious death of one of her grandmother’s friends.

[David M Horak]

Funny, witty, great story line

I read book one.. I did not leave a review as I needed to see if two as just as good, and it is! Mack is funny but her grandmother Maggie is hilarious! With 2 best friends Mack solves mysteries. Onto book 3 :)

[Martha Boyce]

I am a regular mystery reader, some cozy, some not but I was looking for a couple of books to read on a long transatlantic flight and read the recommendations for this series. I have so enjoyed book one and two, moving on to three and four. Funny, timely and kept my interest all the way.

[Bridget]

Good New Series

Fun read. Love these four ladies and Toast. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Until then...

[Jane Tennyson]

Another fun read

These ladies are fun and stumble into things in an interesting way. The only bad part of this series is believing the amount of crime this small town has.

[Lynn]

This is a fun book, I listened to it.

[Gretchen]

This was pretty good. There were two separate crimes to solve in this story. I’m enjoying the characters and the setting.

[Nora]

This book was only okay for me. This series is a little on the blah side, compared to her Hawaiian series, which is a lot more fun.