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Mac McKenzie #10
The Last Kind Word: The Twin Cities PI Mac McKenzie Novels, Book 10
Rushmore McKenzie is both a millionaire and an unlicensed PI, which means he can afford to do the occasional favor and, as a former detective for the St. Paul Police Department, he’s got the necessary skills and connections to do them right. But this time, he’s really stepped in it.
When the ATF gets a lead on a much-sought-after cache of illegal guns near the Canadian border, they call McKenzie in to help them track down the elusive gunrunners. Their only lead is a guy who is part of a small-time gang of armed robbers working north of the Twin Cities. Their idea is for McKenzie to infiltrate the group and wait for them to lead him to the guns.
Their plan is to fix McKenzie with a false identity as a serious bad guy and then fake an escape with the captured gang member. Which seemed like a bad idea to McKenzie at the time, but even he had no idea just how bad things were going to get.
When the ATF gets a lead on a much-sought-after cache of illegal guns near the Canadian border, they call McKenzie in to help them track down the elusive gunrunners. Their only lead is a guy who is part of a small-time gang of armed robbers working north of the Twin Cities. Their idea is for McKenzie to infiltrate the group and wait for them to lead him to the guns.
Their plan is to fix McKenzie with a false identity as a serious bad guy and then fake an escape with the captured gang member. Which seemed like a bad idea to McKenzie at the time, but even he had no idea just how bad things were going to get.
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First published June 4, 2013
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About the author
David Housewright
65 books416 followersA past president of the Private Eye Writers of America, David Housewright has published 28 crimes novels including In A Hard Wind (June 2023 St. Martin’s Minotaur) and has contributed short stories to 15 anthologies and other publications. He has earned an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America, a Shamus nomination from the PWA, and three Minnesota Books Awards. A reformed newspaper reporter and ad man, he has also taught writing courses at the University of Minnesota and Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. His name and face were recently added to “Minnesota Writers on the Map” by the Minnesota Historical Society and Friends of the St. Paul Public Library.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 3, 2013
Holy crap, where did you come from David Housewright? I mean, I must have been in a coma for the first 33 years of my life to miss your sweet ass.
Being an avid reader is a humbling experience, because every time you open a door, you have six more doors waiting for you. And when I hear someone say, “Well, that particular author must not be that famous if I haven’t heard of him” makes me want to shake my head and sigh, because that kind of comment doesn’t even really warrant a response. As for me, I feel like I need to hang my head in shame, because this is the tenth book in the Rushmore McKenzie series, and I had no idea what I was missing.
THE LAST KIND WORD is not a kind novel, but it’s a damn good one. The hard-boiled voice made me want to stand up and cheer; I felt like I was picking grit and grime out of my teeth; the plotting proved twitchy as it clipped along at a steady pace; the pages flew by like I was hitchhiking on I-35; the small Minnesota towns filled the pages to the point that I felt like I had visited Minnesota on more than one occasion (other than the Minneapolis – Saint Paul International Airport I have not); and Rushmore McKenzie is one damn fine character.
Even though this is his story, the other characters helped fill the pages to the point that they were bursting at the seams. I must say that Josie was probably one of my favorites, and that I developed a somewhat unhealthy crush for her over the course of the novel, but I blame the author for his excellent character portrayal, not any limited shortcomings of my own. And with a smile on my face, I’ll find myself cursing Mr. Housewright, since there are nine other books in this series that I now feel I need to read sometime before I die, and between now and my deathbed, I’m sure there’ll be even more installments. The bastard.
If you’re looking for a new hard-boiled series, or you’re already a McKenzie series reader, I have a feeling you’ll find yourself enjoying this one.
I received this book for free through NetGalley.
Being an avid reader is a humbling experience, because every time you open a door, you have six more doors waiting for you. And when I hear someone say, “Well, that particular author must not be that famous if I haven’t heard of him” makes me want to shake my head and sigh, because that kind of comment doesn’t even really warrant a response. As for me, I feel like I need to hang my head in shame, because this is the tenth book in the Rushmore McKenzie series, and I had no idea what I was missing.
THE LAST KIND WORD is not a kind novel, but it’s a damn good one. The hard-boiled voice made me want to stand up and cheer; I felt like I was picking grit and grime out of my teeth; the plotting proved twitchy as it clipped along at a steady pace; the pages flew by like I was hitchhiking on I-35; the small Minnesota towns filled the pages to the point that I felt like I had visited Minnesota on more than one occasion (other than the Minneapolis – Saint Paul International Airport I have not); and Rushmore McKenzie is one damn fine character.
Even though this is his story, the other characters helped fill the pages to the point that they were bursting at the seams. I must say that Josie was probably one of my favorites, and that I developed a somewhat unhealthy crush for her over the course of the novel, but I blame the author for his excellent character portrayal, not any limited shortcomings of my own. And with a smile on my face, I’ll find myself cursing Mr. Housewright, since there are nine other books in this series that I now feel I need to read sometime before I die, and between now and my deathbed, I’m sure there’ll be even more installments. The bastard.
If you’re looking for a new hard-boiled series, or you’re already a McKenzie series reader, I have a feeling you’ll find yourself enjoying this one.
I received this book for free through NetGalley.
April 9, 2025
I am on a series binge of David Housewright’s Mac McKenzie collection, of which this is the tenth book. Housewright explores the life of Mac ‘Rushmore’ McKenzie, an amateur private investigator from St. Paul, Minnesota who is always eager to help those close to him. Working undercover, Mac tries to reveal truths behind a group amassing illegal guns. They are planning an intense attack, which could leave many dead. Housewright handles some interesting perspectives in this piece.
Mac ‘Rushmore’ McKenzie came into a significant amount of money years ago, which led to his abrupt retirement from the St. Paul PD. Now, he’s working an an unlicensed PI and helping those he deems worth his while. Sometimes that includes highly dangerous missions, which he’s seen during his past life with the police. After a leak is intercepted by ATF about a collection of illegal gins hidden along the Canadian border, Mac is sent into undercover. He hopes to shed some light on what is happening and how to take the group down before they hatch a devious plan.
As Mac takes on a false indentoty and feeds the feds intel about the group and their plans, though it is harder than it seems. While Mac plays a gritty former gang member, the nuances and gaps in his story could reveal his true identity. Juggling playing a gunrunner and a mole, Mac tries to ensure both sides trust him without hesitation. When the plan comes to light, Mac realises how troubling the entire assignment has become.
With a group ready to shed blood and sacrifice life for their own benefit, Mac will have to be extremely careful. Both sides are ramping up the pressure and there is little time to make a wrong move. Mac worries that one wrong move and his life could be in danger. He hopes that he’s tied up all loose ends but also knows that any sacrifice will be for the greater good. Housewright shows his varied abilities once more!
While I have the latest novel in the series as an ARC, I wanted some context and so am binge reading the entire collection. Housewright shows his abilities with a story whose narrative takes things in new and exciting directions. The intensity intensifies as Housewright injects Mac McKenzie into the middle of many harrowing situations. Other characters help create a varied and flavorful story. The plot keeps things edgy and leaves the surprises piling up as Housewright proves masterful in his delivery.
Kudos, Mr. Housewright, for another gritty thriller that leaves little to chance.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Mac ‘Rushmore’ McKenzie came into a significant amount of money years ago, which led to his abrupt retirement from the St. Paul PD. Now, he’s working an an unlicensed PI and helping those he deems worth his while. Sometimes that includes highly dangerous missions, which he’s seen during his past life with the police. After a leak is intercepted by ATF about a collection of illegal gins hidden along the Canadian border, Mac is sent into undercover. He hopes to shed some light on what is happening and how to take the group down before they hatch a devious plan.
As Mac takes on a false indentoty and feeds the feds intel about the group and their plans, though it is harder than it seems. While Mac plays a gritty former gang member, the nuances and gaps in his story could reveal his true identity. Juggling playing a gunrunner and a mole, Mac tries to ensure both sides trust him without hesitation. When the plan comes to light, Mac realises how troubling the entire assignment has become.
With a group ready to shed blood and sacrifice life for their own benefit, Mac will have to be extremely careful. Both sides are ramping up the pressure and there is little time to make a wrong move. Mac worries that one wrong move and his life could be in danger. He hopes that he’s tied up all loose ends but also knows that any sacrifice will be for the greater good. Housewright shows his varied abilities once more!
While I have the latest novel in the series as an ARC, I wanted some context and so am binge reading the entire collection. Housewright shows his abilities with a story whose narrative takes things in new and exciting directions. The intensity intensifies as Housewright injects Mac McKenzie into the middle of many harrowing situations. Other characters help create a varied and flavorful story. The plot keeps things edgy and leaves the surprises piling up as Housewright proves masterful in his delivery.
Kudos, Mr. Housewright, for another gritty thriller that leaves little to chance.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 1, 2013
The Last Kind Word is a Minotaur publication with a June 2013 release date.
I received a DRC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher.
Set in Minnesota, this latest chapter in the Rushmore McKenzie series, finds McKenzie working undercover for the ATF and FBI in an attempt to track down a group of gunrunners.
The small towns of Minnesota are drying up due to job losses, and lack of tax revenues. This group of armed robbers that McKenzie hooks up with are really just a group of people down on their luck and desperate. Going by the name "Dyson", McKenzie keeps the group busy by planning an elaborate armored car robbery. This keeps the group from attempting anymore robberies and gives Dyson an inside track on where the illegal weapons are coming in from.
However, things don't go as planned. First of all McKenzie begins to sort of like some of these people and is even finding himself attracted to one of the women, or maybe two of the women. He is also stunned to find that everyone in town is aware of him and his planned robbery. Two deputies hold it over his head, a local crime leader wants in on the heist, and before he knows it, the whole thing has gotten way out of hand.
McKenzie and his 'inner voice' have long conversations as he tries to outwit the local deputies, the others wanting a piece of the pie and someone that's a rat. He also ponders his relationship with his girlfriend and their future together.
When the planned knock off the armored cars gets rolling a couple of unforeseen complications arise. McKenzie has to think on his feet and think fast.
The first chapter will suck you in. Lots and Lots of action. The characters were all flawed, but weren't your run of the mill crooks. Like McKenzie, you can start to sort of relate to them and you don't want them to go to jail.
More than once I wondered what McKenzie was thinking. Was he really going to go through with this robbery? Was he falling for another woman? I questioned whether or not McKenzie was starting to think he really was Dyson. However, he kept reminding himself to 'stay in character'.
I loved this crime novel. It was really different and original. I loved McKenzie and his wit and humanity. He was one smart cookie.
A wonderful cast of characters, non stop action and suspense.
If you like heist, capers, and crime novels you will not want to miss this one.
I give this on an A.
I received a DRC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher.
Set in Minnesota, this latest chapter in the Rushmore McKenzie series, finds McKenzie working undercover for the ATF and FBI in an attempt to track down a group of gunrunners.
The small towns of Minnesota are drying up due to job losses, and lack of tax revenues. This group of armed robbers that McKenzie hooks up with are really just a group of people down on their luck and desperate. Going by the name "Dyson", McKenzie keeps the group busy by planning an elaborate armored car robbery. This keeps the group from attempting anymore robberies and gives Dyson an inside track on where the illegal weapons are coming in from.
However, things don't go as planned. First of all McKenzie begins to sort of like some of these people and is even finding himself attracted to one of the women, or maybe two of the women. He is also stunned to find that everyone in town is aware of him and his planned robbery. Two deputies hold it over his head, a local crime leader wants in on the heist, and before he knows it, the whole thing has gotten way out of hand.
McKenzie and his 'inner voice' have long conversations as he tries to outwit the local deputies, the others wanting a piece of the pie and someone that's a rat. He also ponders his relationship with his girlfriend and their future together.
When the planned knock off the armored cars gets rolling a couple of unforeseen complications arise. McKenzie has to think on his feet and think fast.
The first chapter will suck you in. Lots and Lots of action. The characters were all flawed, but weren't your run of the mill crooks. Like McKenzie, you can start to sort of relate to them and you don't want them to go to jail.
More than once I wondered what McKenzie was thinking. Was he really going to go through with this robbery? Was he falling for another woman? I questioned whether or not McKenzie was starting to think he really was Dyson. However, he kept reminding himself to 'stay in character'.
I loved this crime novel. It was really different and original. I loved McKenzie and his wit and humanity. He was one smart cookie.
A wonderful cast of characters, non stop action and suspense.
If you like heist, capers, and crime novels you will not want to miss this one.
I give this on an A.
August 11, 2021
I've read nearly all of this series now, and it is consistently high-quality. This entry is very different from all the others, in that McKenzie spends most of the book pretending to be a vicious thief and murderer in order to infiltrate a gang in northern Minnesota which seems to be smuggling arms across the Canadian border. As it turns out, the gang is laughably inept; but it has ties to far more dangerous people and part of Mckenzie's do-good role is to figure out a way to get the really bad guys, while keeping the slightly bad guys from getting killed. The title, as is made clear, is from a poem by Robert Browning:
'Twas a thief said the last kind word to Christ:
Christ took the kindness and forgave the theft.
I looked it up: it's from chapter six of The Ring and the Book, a poem I've always intended to read, but which is now very hard to find in a papery version. It's on-line, though. I have a Goodreads friend who gave it five stars, so I guess now is the time. But it's 21,000 lines...
'Twas a thief said the last kind word to Christ:
Christ took the kindness and forgave the theft.
I looked it up: it's from chapter six of The Ring and the Book, a poem I've always intended to read, but which is now very hard to find in a papery version. It's on-line, though. I have a Goodreads friend who gave it five stars, so I guess now is the time. But it's 21,000 lines...
July 12, 2013
Not Housewright's best work. I love that he's a local author and all the local geographic references he includes. This one involves being "up North" and I love the stuff about The Range and Ely. But the plot is just too absurd, and remaking McKenzie from a former cop turned good deed doer into a master criminal just does not ring true. I hope the next one is better as I truly like the McKenzie character (and he lives across the street from my former boss).
June 15, 2023
An intensely interesting plot — very good ending. An entertaining and clear narrator. Scarce Profanity otherwise clean.. ©️2013
March 19, 2019
I’d give this a 3.5. It’s a bit of a departure for this series in that Mac isn’t Mac for most of the book. He’s undercover to infiltrate a kind of “gang that couldn’t shoot straight” family of small time robbers in northern Minnesota. One of the gang members has been captured with a gun traceable to the Fast and Furious fiasco, and the Feds are desperate to find the source and recover more of the guns. However, the captured crook isn’t talking. Enter Mac, who’s persuaded to go undercover as a big time criminal who just happens to be with the the gang member when they escape and Mac joins the man and his family at their hideout. From there he ingratiates himself with the group by “helping” them plan a big time heist, all the while coming to like some of them and desperately trying to not blow his cover while he tries to protect them from actually committing any crimes that result in someone getting killed. It’s fun and complicated because his best laid plans keep getting changed by events and other forces, not least of which are two extremely corrupt and nasty local cops. But even by any other name, Mac is still Mac—resourceful, smart, empathetic, and generous to a fault, so he’s able to thread this needle in a surprisingly clever way. Still, I like Mac better when he’s NOT under cover. Unless of course, it’s with Nina.
January 26, 2014
Another good Rushmore Mckenzie novel... enjoyed every page and looking forward to the next one.
October 16, 2023
THE LAST KIND WORD is a PI Mystery. Mac McKenzie is up to his neck in trouble, but this time, it’s not his fault. He’s doing a little favor for the FBI and the ATF. The trouble this time is guns, the illegal kind that the ATF mighta lost track of. When a member of a gang of thieves is caught using said gun, McKenzie is asked to infiltrate and to the impossible.
Bottom line: THE LAST KIND WORD is for you if you like hard boiled PIs who think on their feet and stay one step ahead of everyone else. . . well, no more than a half-step behind.
Strengths of the story. In full disclosure, I am a huge Mac McKensie fan. I began with book 6, JELLY’S GOLD, which I know is totally weird for a reader, but that’s my reality. Rushmore “Mac” McKenzie is an ex-cop who hit a big payday and now is somewhere between the quick-witted Indiana Jones and a relentless avenging angel. Book 10, THE LAST KIND WORD, was an action-packed read that did not disappoint.
One strength of this story in particular is the way Housewright opened it. He drops us right in the middle of the action and lets up fend for ourselves for a few pages before enlightening us to the scheme. The set up was masterful with frenemies coming together to bait a trap.
The story itself is well crafted. Set in a small Minnesota town, there are no secrets among this close knit population. Mac has to think fast as he works to maneuver the gang of thieves to reveal their gun dealer. He didn’t expect the “gang” to be a dysfunctional family, down on their luck due to a crummy economy. He didn’t expect to like them. He didn’t expect to be planning the heist of the century.
Standing at the end and looking back, the plot is solid. The mystery is a “how they gonna catch’em”, meaning we know from the beginning who the criminal is. There are elements of conspiracy and thriller stories that drive the pace and keep you guessing on how Mac is going to straighten the mess out.
The number one thing this book is…is fun!
Where the story fell short of ideal: I didn’t find a lot to complain about with THE LAST KIND WORD. Mac is his usual, larger-than-life self. The usual supporting cast have a minor role in this one, so it works well as a stand alone or for a new reader to the series.
Bottom line: THE LAST KIND WORD is for you if you like hard boiled PIs who think on their feet and stay one step ahead of everyone else. . . well, no more than a half-step behind.
Strengths of the story. In full disclosure, I am a huge Mac McKensie fan. I began with book 6, JELLY’S GOLD, which I know is totally weird for a reader, but that’s my reality. Rushmore “Mac” McKenzie is an ex-cop who hit a big payday and now is somewhere between the quick-witted Indiana Jones and a relentless avenging angel. Book 10, THE LAST KIND WORD, was an action-packed read that did not disappoint.
One strength of this story in particular is the way Housewright opened it. He drops us right in the middle of the action and lets up fend for ourselves for a few pages before enlightening us to the scheme. The set up was masterful with frenemies coming together to bait a trap.
The story itself is well crafted. Set in a small Minnesota town, there are no secrets among this close knit population. Mac has to think fast as he works to maneuver the gang of thieves to reveal their gun dealer. He didn’t expect the “gang” to be a dysfunctional family, down on their luck due to a crummy economy. He didn’t expect to like them. He didn’t expect to be planning the heist of the century.
Standing at the end and looking back, the plot is solid. The mystery is a “how they gonna catch’em”, meaning we know from the beginning who the criminal is. There are elements of conspiracy and thriller stories that drive the pace and keep you guessing on how Mac is going to straighten the mess out.
The number one thing this book is…is fun!
Where the story fell short of ideal: I didn’t find a lot to complain about with THE LAST KIND WORD. Mac is his usual, larger-than-life self. The usual supporting cast have a minor role in this one, so it works well as a stand alone or for a new reader to the series.
August 7, 2024
This is one of those books where the action is so fast and happens on such a variety of levels that it becomes difficult to review. It was not difficult to read; Quite the opposite is true. It is another excellent addition to an already strong series. My hope is that you will read the other books in the series prior to jumping on this one, but if you must read it, you can without too much difficulty.
Rushmore (Mac) McKenzie is going undercover for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. They embarrassingly lost a large number of guns in the infamous Operation Fast and Furious. Naturally, the feds want their guns back, but they don't need a bunch of negative publicity. They figure McKenzie has what it takes to do the job quietly. Unfortunately for him, he can't do it alone. He falls in with a squabbling family of amateur fools who think they can handle any kind of heist he wants to plan. There are two women in the family, both of whom deeply intrigue McKenzie. For what it's worth, this author has a remarkable ability to describe female characters in a way that vivifies them and makes them every bit as intriguing to the reader as they are to the hapless private investigator.
Mac figures the best approach would be to hold up an armored car. I'll let you read this to determine whether they are able to pull it off, And I hope you will read it. The characters are all fascinating both in their flaws and in their areas of achievement. It isn't a book you're going to just walk away from casually after you finish it and not remember you read it in a few months.
Rushmore (Mac) McKenzie is going undercover for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. They embarrassingly lost a large number of guns in the infamous Operation Fast and Furious. Naturally, the feds want their guns back, but they don't need a bunch of negative publicity. They figure McKenzie has what it takes to do the job quietly. Unfortunately for him, he can't do it alone. He falls in with a squabbling family of amateur fools who think they can handle any kind of heist he wants to plan. There are two women in the family, both of whom deeply intrigue McKenzie. For what it's worth, this author has a remarkable ability to describe female characters in a way that vivifies them and makes them every bit as intriguing to the reader as they are to the hapless private investigator.
Mac figures the best approach would be to hold up an armored car. I'll let you read this to determine whether they are able to pull it off, And I hope you will read it. The characters are all fascinating both in their flaws and in their areas of achievement. It isn't a book you're going to just walk away from casually after you finish it and not remember you read it in a few months.
November 14, 2025
I was very confused as this one opened, wasn't sure what was going on. Quickly it became clear that McKenzie got pulled into some shenanigans and was up to his usual chaos. It was interesting to see McKenzie work with this group. At the start he didn't like them at all, but the longer he was around them, the more the started to understand the why of what they did and he felt sorry for him.
I thought it interesting that these folks ever thought they could keep getting away with what they were doing. It seemed like everyone and their brother knew what they were up to and wanted in on things, which led to things getting messy.
McKenzie had to do some quick thinking at the end to make sure the real bad guys got theirs and the ones he empathized with were protected, but also shut down. I thought he did a good job of that, especially with the acts he did at the end for them.
I thought it interesting that these folks ever thought they could keep getting away with what they were doing. It seemed like everyone and their brother knew what they were up to and wanted in on things, which led to things getting messy.
McKenzie had to do some quick thinking at the end to make sure the real bad guys got theirs and the ones he empathized with were protected, but also shut down. I thought he did a good job of that, especially with the acts he did at the end for them.
August 17, 2025
I don't think I've given any Rushmore McKenzie novel less than four stars, and he does not disappoint here. The book starts out immediately with a prison break. We learn McKenzie is undercover working with the ATF and the FBI to retrieve a cache of stolen guns. He hooks up with a family of rookie small-time robbers (think grocery stores) who made me cringe at the same time. They're holed up together in a cabin in northern MN and McKenzie utilizes them to get to the gunrunners.
I love David Housewright's writing. Humor, snappy dialog, wonderful characters (sometimes I even root for the bad guys). This is #10 in the Rushmore McKenzie series and I'm looking forward to #11.
I love David Housewright's writing. Humor, snappy dialog, wonderful characters (sometimes I even root for the bad guys). This is #10 in the Rushmore McKenzie series and I'm looking forward to #11.
September 15, 2019
McKenzie is off on his wildest favor yet ... the government, the ATF specifically. McKenzie goes undercover to find the source of weapons coming into the country through the Canadian border. To discover the source, he must befriend a group of amateur bandits operating from a small town in Northern Minnesota. But, before that can happen, he has be escape custody as he pretends to be the master criminal, Nick Dyson.
A fun read as McKenzie tries to make any sense out of the hapless process of these 'bandits'.
A fun read as McKenzie tries to make any sense out of the hapless process of these 'bandits'.
April 12, 2023
I generally like David Housewright books, but this one was not a favorite. I found the plot a bit implausible and the dialog quite silly at times. So he infiltrates a Gand of thieves that he develops an affection for in order to find out where they are getting their illegal weapons. Then, he decides to help them plan an armored truck heist, like. Nothing could go wrong there…no innocent bystanders could possibly be involved. Then, in the end, the inept gang goes free cause they learned their lesson. Ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2018
Oh, so, Midwest Nice! Our rogue main character, Mac McKenzie, a former cop but now independently wealthy from a reward for capturing a miscreant, is tasked with infiltrating a crime family gang in the North Woods of Minnesota. He grows to like this family who turned to crime to support themselves when the economy tanked. Elaborate plotting is in the forefront again. Sarcasm is prominent again too. (Love Mac's humor!) And, the ending has the truth and justice winning again!
April 1, 2024
Took me awhile to get into this book. Early part of the book didn’t draw me in, but about a 3rd into it I started to get into the story and then enjoyed it.
A fictional crime story. Certainly not realistic but fun anyway. The author wrote with humor which I think drew me into the story more…it was a fun read.
By the time I got to the last chapters I couldn’t wait to get back to it to see how it ended.
A fictional crime story. Certainly not realistic but fun anyway. The author wrote with humor which I think drew me into the story more…it was a fun read.
By the time I got to the last chapters I couldn’t wait to get back to it to see how it ended.
July 14, 2019
I liked this book but I really didn't want to. McKenzie (or Dyson) suffers from being too clever, too smart and too cocksure for the book's own good. I can almost hear Humphrey Bogart‘s Philip Marlowe being channeled. Not sure how he kept from killing or sleeping with at least one of the Iron Range Bandits.
March 20, 2020
4.5 stars. Definitely one of my favorite McKenzie stories out of the first 10. Mac goes undercover for the AFT to root out some elusive gun runners who have a connection to a small-time family gang of armed robbers. The clever, well written plot is full of suspense and thrills with some very colorful characters. A must read!
May 13, 2023
If you like crime fiction, Housewright has a winner here, and a noticeable low body count. How can you make small time low-life criminals sympathetic? Somehow he manages and we are at a loss to see how he can avoid them all having a tragic end, yet stay to the end and be surprized. Great series, great entry, and great writer.
February 20, 2017
Nicely done, and quite sweet. McKenzie is up to hijinks again in this novel, manages to get into and put of trouble several times during the longer plot arc. This one takes him beyond his usual Minneapolis environment, and brings in a new cast of just-for-this-book characters.
February 7, 2018
I read one of this author's novels a while ago and have been hooked ever since.
I get to travel all over Minnesota and share his adventures too.
If Minnesota's tourism department isn't paying him a commission they should.
I get to travel all over Minnesota and share his adventures too.
If Minnesota's tourism department isn't paying him a commission they should.
May 17, 2023
This is my least likable book in the series. At the request of the ATF, Mckenzie posed as a criminal to infiltrate a gang and find out how the illegal guns were entering Minnesota. It is not a good idea as he finds out.
June 8, 2023
McKinzie goes under cover to help the FBI recover stolen firearms near the border of Minnesota and Canada. In the process he gets caught up with the local family who may have access to those weapons. The author just keeps getting better with his writing. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
December 12, 2023
Quite the romp! McKenzie takes on undercover work for the ATF. Non stop action in this one and an interesting resolution.
Not quite sure the whole premise of what happened is believable, but it was fun.
Not quite sure the whole premise of what happened is believable, but it was fun.
Read
December 31, 2024Audio book with my husband. We enjoy this author and the local flair. In this book Mac is talked into going undercover to infiltrate a group of armed robbers who are also mixed up in stolen weapons trade and shenanigans on the Canadian border.
January 16, 2018
Wasn't my favorite of the series, but a decent commute read.
February 14, 2020
Interesting that this is set in northern MN rather than Twin Cities. Also that McKenzie acts like a criminal to catch the bad guys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2020
3 1/2 stars. It dragged a bit but good ending.
March 1, 2021
It was a typical McKinsey book, very entertaining, funny at times, always a surprise or two.
Read
April 25, 2021A little slow and cumbersome to start with but once you’re in the plots, it is actually rather enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews