Charlie's Secrets: The Mac 'n' Ivy Mysteries

by Lorena McCourtney

Mac, with Ivy's assistance, usually writes quirky articles about everything from a frog race to a garlic festival for a travel magazine, but now they've been hired to write a woman's memoirs for a rather nice sum.

Except these memoirs turn out to be a high-powered expose of the woman's three prominent and well-known husbands,. and each of those ex's is desperate to keep his past misdeeds from showing up in print. What will they do to stop the memoirs? Bribe, threaten ... or murder?

And now Ivy and Mac know The Wife's dangerous secrets too.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2024

Reviews

[BJ Rechtfertig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've missed these friends and can't wait for more. I've been reading Ms . McCartney's books for years with great pleasure and this did not disappoint.

I've missed these friends. And can't wait for more. I 've been reading her books for years and this one did not disappoint.

[Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie’s Secrets is a witty, charming, and suspenseful addition to The Mac ’n’ Ivy Mysteries. Lorena McCourtney blends humor and intrigue so effortlessly that you’re pulled in from the very first page. I loved how Mac and Ivy’s everyday quirky assignments suddenly spiral into a high-stakes situation, turning a seemingly simple memoir project into a dangerous web of secrets, threats, and surprises.

The pacing is spot-on, the dialogue sparkles with personality, and the Oregon setting adds a cozy richness to the mystery. McCourtney’s writing makes you feel like you’re right alongside Mac and Ivy, trying to untangle the lies and dodge the dangers. The balance between lighthearted moments and genuine suspense is masterfully handled.

This book and really the whole series is a must-read for cozy mystery fans who want characters with heart, clever twists, and just the right touch of humor. A thoroughly enjoyable, five-star read!

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Mac ‘n’ Ivy series. They’re still driving around in their motor home looking for a possible place to set down roots. Mac normally writes articles for travel magazines. Writing memoirs seems a little far fetched to him and Ivy, but that’s what he’s being hired to do. Charlie has kept all kinds of info about her three ex husbands that she wants exposed. While staying on her property to compile it, dead bodies start popping up. I really enjoy reading about Ivy and Mac and their sleuthing. Age makes you invisible, or at least Ivy thinks so. The stories are well written with a great twist at the end. I always have a few chuckles as I followed the story. Since this place had someone die, this won’t be an area that Mac and Ivy would settle in. I’m looking forward to reading about more of their adventures as they motor to the next place. Well done!

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peacock screeches and murder

Wow! I can't begin to express my admiration for the author, Lorena McCourtney, and this complex mystery! The twists and secrets alluded to are complex yet make this an amazing book.

Mac and Ivy are bombarded with deception and deceit, yet manage to stay true to their beliefs. Although there are minimal characters and similar to a locked room situation, the author's skillful writing keeps you in suspense until the very end!

In a wonderful series that consistently engages and entertains the reader, this book is at the top of the list! I can't wait for the next book!

[Paula Delory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful as Usual

I have read all of the Ivy series and now the Mac 'N Ivy series including this book, Charlie's Secret. I am always excited to see another book come out in this series and I was delighted to see what Mac and Ivy were up to now. The plot was suspenseful with plenty of twists to keep you guessing and then there was, of course, Lorena's delightful sense of humor sprinkled throughout to keep you giggling at Ivy's antics. It was delightful to read and I highly recommend this book and Lorena's entire collection of books. You won't be disappointed.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorena McCourtney’s Mac and Ivy books always entertain!

Mac and Ivy are caught up in a murder investigation once again after a reclusive woman who has hired Mac to write her memoirs is killed. Three possible suspects present themselves, but who had the most reason to kill?

This book, as in the others in the series, is full of enough twists to be entertaining and is fast paced as well. I love them. They are light reading and have enough plot to keep me interested. And who doesn’t like reading about senior citizen sleuths? I am looking forward to the next one already.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another mystery solved!

I love the Mac & Ivy books! They are funny and well-rounded mystery stories. The characters come to life and I find myself wanting to read straight through to find out whodunit. Looking forward to the next in the series. If you loved this book but haven't already read the Ivy Malone mystery books, you'll definitely want to read about Ivy before she met Mac.

[Lavender · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a huge disappointment for me. I don't really like the format of each chapter being alternately written in first person by either Mac or Ivy. For me it really makes the story disconnected somehow always switching back and forth. I felt like the magic between Mac and Ivy wasn't there in this book. I think the storyline and characters were good but the ending was so disappointing... It was just cut off in what seemed like a quick summary.

[Tracey North · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit disappointed

I love this series. I look forward to the release of each new book. That being said, Charlie's Secrets is not one of my favorites. It just doesn't grab my attention like other books from the series have. The ending is strange. It seems like it was dashed off without much thought to the reader. The characters are flat. There isn't a sense of urgency in the story.
I hope Ms. McCourtney has better success with future endeavors.

[Glenda Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book as well of all others

As usual, loved spending time with Mac and Ivy. I'm looking forward to the next trip with them. Hope it will be a while before the road trips stop.

[Janine Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy and Mac are back!

Great book! Love all the stories about Ivy. Can’t wait for the next one. The twists and turns in this book were great. Didn’t know who the “bad guy” was until just before the end. The end seemed a little rushed, but other than that, it was a great read!

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy and Mac at their Best

Thanks again for a great story! Lots of twists and turns. You out did yourself with suspects and reasons for the murder. Can not wait for the next book.

Lorraine

[Jan Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac 'n' Ivy devotee

Mac n Ivy mysteries are a delight. I always enjoy reading about spunky. Ivy than devoted mac and I look forward to the next book. Their adventures keep me guessing

[Sandy Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

It was good to be with Ivy and Mac again. Wild mix of other characters, none of them very likable. I am glad the peafowl had a happy ending, but poor Charlie had a sad end.

[Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love knowing that a favorite author has a new book. This mystery did not disappoint: not only did it also have interesting characters, but a quirky, fun plot as well. I enjoyed reading about the spiritual aspect, too. The Mac 'n' Ivy series is highly recommended.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

A lot of series get old after awhi!e and even boring! Not the Ivy & Mac series! This book was just as good, funny, and addicting as the others! Waiting for the next in the series!

[Deb]

Ms. McCourtney definitely has a formula for her stories that you can count on but she's also great at keeping you guessing. I hope there will be another Mac and Ivy book. This book was fun and if you like lorena McCourtney you will enjoy this one!

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac 'n Ivy Find Trouble Again!

I loved the series about Ivy and now am loving her adventures with Mac. This Christian couple are imperfect and strive to do what is right. They never give up, even when faced with dangerous situations.

[Shelia Pulliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac n Ivy are my favorite couple

I have enjoyed every book I’ve read by Lorena McCourtney. Mystery and a little humor make an easy enjoyable read.

[Peggy Martis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac n Ivy

Another wonderful book in the Mac n Ivy series by Lorena McCourtney. She makes her books fun and they are easy reading!

[Doranne Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Lorena McCourtney's Mac 'n' Ivy mysteries is great fun! Start with the first and read up to number six in the series.

[Steven Brower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting!!

So glad to read another Ivy story. I've read all of them and look forward to more. These books honor God. Are humorous and very interesting. Thank you!!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean, but entertaining. Ivy and Mac are great together.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so fun!

[Melanie Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series

I love the adventures of Mac and Ivy but especially enjoy how the love each other and the Lord. Sweet relationship with a mystery. Keep them coming.

[Amanda West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

This is a fun easy read. I like that they travel around wherever they feel like going. Can't wait for the next one.

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the only book of hers where I figured out the murderer. 4 stars bc it was still relatively unpredictable. She has absolutely hilarious and creative writing.

[L.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Invisible (Ivy Malone Mysteries, #1) was the very first ebook I read. I loved it so much I bought the original four books in the series in paperback and reread them all (I never reread but made an exception for Ivy). When the author started writing more Ivy books, and then Mac ‘n’ Ivy, I was all in! Ivy is so sweet and I love how she approaches life always looking for a new adventure and always thinking about the right thing to do (even as she admits to herself that she’d sometimes love to do something different). She’s done some really cool stuff, taking care of an ostrich farm, visiting an Old West town, hanging out on a movie set. In this particular book I felt like the setting was a bit duller than other books, though maybe I’m just missing the tension with the Braxtons being out of the picture. I did like the closed room aspect where there were only a few possible suspects and all were so clearly in a position to gain from Charlie’s death. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries or light adventure stories.

[madonna Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good to follow.

Reassuring to read about some retirees that enjoy their lives,deal with what comes along, and can trust the Lord ,too.