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Mack's Bar Mystery #2
Murder with a Twist
The regulars at Mack's Bar love putting their heads together to solve a good mystery. But Mack is learning there's a big difference between barroom brain teasers and real-life murder. . .
Milwaukee bar owner Mackenzie "Mack" Dalton has a unique neurological condition that gives her extra perceptive senses, and police detective Duncan Albright is convinced Mack's abilities can be used to help catch crooks. Mack may be at pro at mixing drinks, but she's still an amateur when it comes to solving crimes--and she's not sure she should mix business with pleasure by working with a man who stirs up such strong feelings in her. At her first crime scene--a suspicious suicide--she experiences a heady cocktail of mixed sensations and emotions that make her question whether police work is right for her. But when Duncan asks her to help find a kidnapped child, she knows she has to give it a shot. . .
"The first book in the Mack's Bar Mystery series is a hit!" --RT Book Reviews on Murder on the Rocks
Milwaukee bar owner Mackenzie "Mack" Dalton has a unique neurological condition that gives her extra perceptive senses, and police detective Duncan Albright is convinced Mack's abilities can be used to help catch crooks. Mack may be at pro at mixing drinks, but she's still an amateur when it comes to solving crimes--and she's not sure she should mix business with pleasure by working with a man who stirs up such strong feelings in her. At her first crime scene--a suspicious suicide--she experiences a heady cocktail of mixed sensations and emotions that make her question whether police work is right for her. But when Duncan asks her to help find a kidnapped child, she knows she has to give it a shot. . .
"The first book in the Mack's Bar Mystery series is a hit!" --RT Book Reviews on Murder on the Rocks
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
139 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
Allyson K. Abbott
7 books259 followersAllyson K. Abbott is a pseudonym used by Beth Amos, author of the suspense novels COLD WHITE FURY, EYES OF NIGHT, SECOND SIGHT, NICK OF TIME, and FACE OF DEATH. Beth is also the author of the Mattie Winston mystery series written under the pseudonym Annelise Ryan, which includes WORKING STIFF, SCARED STIFF, FROZEN STIFF, LUCKY STIFF, and BOARD STIFF.
Beth lives in Wisconsin, where she changes identities nearly every day.
Beth lives in Wisconsin, where she changes identities nearly every day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
August 5, 2017
Mack’s Bar is a local tavern filled with patrons who love a good mystery. Daily specials revolve around a crime of the day. The first to solve the crime wins a free drink and meal. Mackenzie Dalton is the owner of this Milwaukee bar. Not only does she make a mean drink, but she is able to use a unique neurological condition to help others. Her new friend, Detective Duncan Albright, believes that Mack could use her special ability in crime solving. Mack agrees to try out Duncan’s theory. The first crime scene she witnesses is a suspicious suicide. After the trauma of see a dead body Mack is not sure she wants to work with the police. However, when Duncan asks her to help find a child who has been kidnapped she is willing to help one more time.
This is the second book in the Mack’s Bar Mystery series. I enjoyed the first book very much and looked forward to reading this installment. I was glad I kept this book on my “to be read” list. If you have not read the first book I believe you will be able to pick this up and understand the background of the main character with no trouble. The characters in this book are an ensemble of unique people who all have something to contribute. They are developed well enough that you remember them and yet have room to grow within the series. The main setting is Mack’s Bar. As someone who spent my early years hanging out in my Grandmother’s Wisconsin tavern it is easy for me to sense the sights and sounds of the establishment, as well as the uniques accents you may encounter as customers chat with one another. I enjoyed this book as much as the first. The only problem I had was a threat was made near the beginning of the book and I don’t know if we are left hanging and will learn more in a later book, or it was just thrown out there never to be thought of again. But, I keep thinking about it. This cozy mystery is worth the read.
This is the second book in the Mack’s Bar Mystery series. I enjoyed the first book very much and looked forward to reading this installment. I was glad I kept this book on my “to be read” list. If you have not read the first book I believe you will be able to pick this up and understand the background of the main character with no trouble. The characters in this book are an ensemble of unique people who all have something to contribute. They are developed well enough that you remember them and yet have room to grow within the series. The main setting is Mack’s Bar. As someone who spent my early years hanging out in my Grandmother’s Wisconsin tavern it is easy for me to sense the sights and sounds of the establishment, as well as the uniques accents you may encounter as customers chat with one another. I enjoyed this book as much as the first. The only problem I had was a threat was made near the beginning of the book and I don’t know if we are left hanging and will learn more in a later book, or it was just thrown out there never to be thought of again. But, I keep thinking about it. This cozy mystery is worth the read.
February 20, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I found this series a few years ago and loved the first book in the series Murder on the Rocks. Then I picked up this book, Murder with a Twist but I immediately had to stop reading. I knew from reading the synopsis there was a suicide element but I hadn’t expected it to be so similar to the way my son took his life back in March of 2015. I put the book back on my To-Be-Read bookshelf but I kept passing over it until last week when I decided I should be able to handle the subject matter by now. Well, I was partly right. I still had to skip or skim some triggering passages but soon the suicide part of the book wrapped up and I was able to enjoy the rest of the story. I am glad I waited and didn’t just skip the book or forget about the series.
Mack is such an interesting character. She has Synaesthesia which means she experiences everything differently. Over the years she has learned to control it or she would continually be suffering from an overload of her unique senses. While trying to help Detective Duncan Albright solve her father’s murder (in Murder on the Rocks) they realize her unique extra perceptive senses can be helpful in solving his cases. So this time Mack tags along as he investigates a suspicious suicide and a murder with a missing child.
What I really enjoyed was The Capone Club. A bunch of bar regulars that love to solve puzzles and mysteries, both real cases and those dreamed up by members of the group. Some have special talents that become very helpful in closing Duncan’s cases. The investigations take on a real community feel as they sort through clues and dig up new ones. I usually try to solve the mystery before the protagonist but this time I felt like I had a place at the Capone Club table and we were all working it out together. I did like that there were two completely separate mysteries within the book. One wrapped up and another began which is easy to believe for a city like Milwaukee.
There are a wide variety of characters, regulars, and employees of the bar. Even one from “up Nort'”. I love the way the author brings the uniqueness of Wisconsin to the story. It is so comfortable. I was drawn to this series because Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton and I have some things in common. We both grew up in Wisconsin living above and working in our family’s taverns. Walking into Mack’s Bar virtually brings back so many memories. Unlike Mack, thankfully I never had to deal with a dead body.
I have the next book in this series, In The Drink, waiting on my TBR shelf. I hope to visit Mack’s Bar again soon.
I found this series a few years ago and loved the first book in the series Murder on the Rocks. Then I picked up this book, Murder with a Twist but I immediately had to stop reading. I knew from reading the synopsis there was a suicide element but I hadn’t expected it to be so similar to the way my son took his life back in March of 2015. I put the book back on my To-Be-Read bookshelf but I kept passing over it until last week when I decided I should be able to handle the subject matter by now. Well, I was partly right. I still had to skip or skim some triggering passages but soon the suicide part of the book wrapped up and I was able to enjoy the rest of the story. I am glad I waited and didn’t just skip the book or forget about the series.
Mack is such an interesting character. She has Synaesthesia which means she experiences everything differently. Over the years she has learned to control it or she would continually be suffering from an overload of her unique senses. While trying to help Detective Duncan Albright solve her father’s murder (in Murder on the Rocks) they realize her unique extra perceptive senses can be helpful in solving his cases. So this time Mack tags along as he investigates a suspicious suicide and a murder with a missing child.
What I really enjoyed was The Capone Club. A bunch of bar regulars that love to solve puzzles and mysteries, both real cases and those dreamed up by members of the group. Some have special talents that become very helpful in closing Duncan’s cases. The investigations take on a real community feel as they sort through clues and dig up new ones. I usually try to solve the mystery before the protagonist but this time I felt like I had a place at the Capone Club table and we were all working it out together. I did like that there were two completely separate mysteries within the book. One wrapped up and another began which is easy to believe for a city like Milwaukee.
There are a wide variety of characters, regulars, and employees of the bar. Even one from “up Nort'”. I love the way the author brings the uniqueness of Wisconsin to the story. It is so comfortable. I was drawn to this series because Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton and I have some things in common. We both grew up in Wisconsin living above and working in our family’s taverns. Walking into Mack’s Bar virtually brings back so many memories. Unlike Mack, thankfully I never had to deal with a dead body.
I have the next book in this series, In The Drink, waiting on my TBR shelf. I hope to visit Mack’s Bar again soon.
February 26, 2017
A lot going on in this one and sometimes hard to follow, but I like these characters. The synesthesia thing is just icing on the cake. Recommend this series! Some good sounding drink recipes, too.
June 5, 2019
This is the 2nd book in the series and I enjoyed it as much as the first. I like Mack and find her unique condition adds an interesting dimension to the stories. There is a large cast of secondary characters that each have a role to play. There were two mysteries in this story but not connected. I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
August 20, 2018
A cozy mystery set in and around a Milwaukee bar and an amateur detective having a rare neurological condition that gave her stronger senses by a new to me author and read by a new to me narrator tickled my fancy.
Murder With a Twist is book two in the Mack's Bar series, but I had no trouble reading it out of order as the first few chapters recapped matters (sans the solution) and led in slowly to the new mystery set up.
The intro to Mack and her special mystery-oriented bar, her patrons, and her romance with police detective Duncan Albright dropped me easily into the world of the series. I thought it was fun that the bar is patronized by the law enforcement community and a crime solving group calling themselves the Capone Club. Mack goes with it and even serves special crime themed drinks each night.
This might have been the second book in the series, but it felt like the first one in many ways. The early chapters of the book were taken up with catching the reader up on Mack's past, details of her condition, how she came to have a crime-themed bar, her staff, her patrons, and how she came to be acquainted with detective Duncan Albright. Next, it introduces the first crime scene he takes her to even while detailing out her sensory gifts and what its like for her as she encounters new stimulae. I found it fascinating at first, but on top of the longer introduction, I did get impatient and wanted things to start moving. Mack's hemming and hah-ing around about whether she wanted to be involved in police investigations along with all the rest left me with that feeling that first books sometimes leave.
There were a couple of cases for Mack to work on with Duncan's team and it was neat how her condition really helped. I liked following along with her and Duncan. Things were very tentative all around and I wanted her to get some confidence in herself as the story went along. The Capone Club group cases were interesting too, but paired with the current cases she was working on, it was a lot going on.
Nicole Poole is a long-time favorite of a few audiobook loving friends so I was eager to listen in to her work. She has an amazing versatile voice for both genders and a large cast. I felt her narration definitely added a fantastic layer of goodness to this book and can definitely see why others enjoy her storytelling.
All in all, this was just light and mostly fun. Loved the crime-themed bar setting and found the heroine's quirky condition an interesting twist on the usual. Not a particularly riveting book, but has definite appeal particularly when taken on audio. Those who enjoy the lighter Cozy mysteries might want to give this one a go.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
COYER Summer Birthday Bash Scavenger Hunt Clue #5 a murder weapon on the cover
Murder With a Twist is book two in the Mack's Bar series, but I had no trouble reading it out of order as the first few chapters recapped matters (sans the solution) and led in slowly to the new mystery set up.
The intro to Mack and her special mystery-oriented bar, her patrons, and her romance with police detective Duncan Albright dropped me easily into the world of the series. I thought it was fun that the bar is patronized by the law enforcement community and a crime solving group calling themselves the Capone Club. Mack goes with it and even serves special crime themed drinks each night.
This might have been the second book in the series, but it felt like the first one in many ways. The early chapters of the book were taken up with catching the reader up on Mack's past, details of her condition, how she came to have a crime-themed bar, her staff, her patrons, and how she came to be acquainted with detective Duncan Albright. Next, it introduces the first crime scene he takes her to even while detailing out her sensory gifts and what its like for her as she encounters new stimulae. I found it fascinating at first, but on top of the longer introduction, I did get impatient and wanted things to start moving. Mack's hemming and hah-ing around about whether she wanted to be involved in police investigations along with all the rest left me with that feeling that first books sometimes leave.
There were a couple of cases for Mack to work on with Duncan's team and it was neat how her condition really helped. I liked following along with her and Duncan. Things were very tentative all around and I wanted her to get some confidence in herself as the story went along. The Capone Club group cases were interesting too, but paired with the current cases she was working on, it was a lot going on.
Nicole Poole is a long-time favorite of a few audiobook loving friends so I was eager to listen in to her work. She has an amazing versatile voice for both genders and a large cast. I felt her narration definitely added a fantastic layer of goodness to this book and can definitely see why others enjoy her storytelling.
All in all, this was just light and mostly fun. Loved the crime-themed bar setting and found the heroine's quirky condition an interesting twist on the usual. Not a particularly riveting book, but has definite appeal particularly when taken on audio. Those who enjoy the lighter Cozy mysteries might want to give this one a go.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
COYER Summer Birthday Bash Scavenger Hunt Clue #5 a murder weapon on the cover
February 21, 2018
Another good installment in the series, this time with Mack starting to take an active role in helping the police solve crimes with her synesthesia. This one was a little different as there were two cases she was involved in but I liked it. Definitely kept me guessing. Love the Capone Club at her bar as well and their puzzles were lots of fun to try and solve. Also loved all the crime theme named drinks.
September 9, 2021
Book2 Mac ( Mackinzie) owns a CSI Bar with food and all kinds of drinks she makes ( like Sneaky Pete, and Bad Attitude and others.) that her and her dad had. .But her dad died in book 1. Mac made the bar on all days of the week like a Crime solving day. Monday Fraud Day related to Fraud Tusday Vandalism Day Wednesday Larceny Day Thursday Assult and Battery Day Friday and Saturday death related puzzles and Sunday a Free for all. Everyone loves to play along the costumers and the employees. Mac also has a condition Synesthesia her senses cross wire. She tends to experience things in multiple ways. When she smells order she can hear or feel them. Sounds she may taste or see them. Duncan a detective ( that Mac is kinda together but she is not sure if he wants her for the cases she solves with him or not) asked Mac to help him try to solve 2 murders ( her first one because of her condition). The first one is of man hanged himself. ( Just like Last Friday At the bar it was a it was a hanging puzzle) At first Mac was scared because of the sight of him but she went ahead. Duncan interview 4 suspects Shelly ( Dan the hangman girlfriend) Cindy Theo and Will. Mac was in the mirrored room to watch and listen. Theo seemed very very nervous but Will and Cindy were confidand smug. She helped solved who did that one. The next crime was a woman Belinda and her son Davey. He was kidnapped and she was dead. Mac started not wanting to help Duncan anymore because she was scared if she messed this investigation up. Davey life might be in trouble if Mac senses are not correct. I like this book. It is not one of my favorites. Love the crime solving days that the CAM Bar has for fun. That the make up on Fridays and Saturdays Capone Cases. I might read book 3
September 10, 2018
La storia mi ha preso, come pure i personaggi, tanto che mi è rimasto un po' di amaro in bocca per come finisce il libro per quanto riguarda la vita personale della protagonista. Mi è quasi venuta voglia di leggere subito il volume successivo, ma credo che cambierò serie...
September 6, 2014
I love this series, Mack's synesthesia gives this series such an interesting twist, having senses that are short wired, hearing, tasting and smelling things that nobody else can. There are plenty of characters in this series many of which are in the Capone Club at the bar, all are very likeable, you feel like you can sit down right with them. You actually get more than one mystery with this book, and it had so many twists that had me guessing until the end. I can't wait for the next in the series.
November 17, 2014
4.5 stars. I love this one, and I loved that the author shook things up a bit from the bog-standard formula of one crime, or multiple crimes that tie together. It felt like a fresh read to me. There's a lot going on, and the book might have been better had there been fewer puzzles/riddles and fewer moments of MC angst, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one nonetheless and I'm looking forward to book 3.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/104713...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/104713...
October 5, 2014
More like 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book but slightly less then the first. Cannot wait for the next one.
August 6, 2017
Something about the man in front of me bothered me, something more than the simple fact that he was dead.
Mackenzie "Mack" Dalton is back in the second installment of Mack's Bar mysteries. The bar regulars have formed the Capone Club that works at solving crimes after being involved in the murder from the previous book. The bar now has daily drink special that correspond to different crimes. Detective Duncan Albright is grooming Mack to assist him with his cases. Her synesthesia, a rare neurological condition, makes her hyperaware of sights, sounds and tastes.
Duncan takes Mack to the scene of a crime that is thought to be a suicide but quickly becomes obvious that it is a murder. Mack's insights lead to the conclusion of the case. Then a child goes missing and Mack must beat the clock to solve the case.
I really enjoy hearing how Mack describes her condition and how her environment differs from everyone else. Her senses are so hypersensitive that she can pick up something as simple as a heavy smoker from a piece of paper to the way the air feels after a person has moved through the space.
Mack's relationship with Duncan seems to teeter between hot and heavy and lackluster. Everything sorta fades to black when they are together. I know that it is a cozy but I don't mind a bit more to the romance than what we get.
The Capone Club is a hoot! Cora is my favorite member although the Signoriello brothers are a close second. I appreciate how everyone supports Mack and the bar.
The mysteries are tied up nicely at the end but there is a bit of a cliffhanger to bring you back for book three. I look forward to catching up with Mack and the gang then.
3.5 stars
Mackenzie "Mack" Dalton is back in the second installment of Mack's Bar mysteries. The bar regulars have formed the Capone Club that works at solving crimes after being involved in the murder from the previous book. The bar now has daily drink special that correspond to different crimes. Detective Duncan Albright is grooming Mack to assist him with his cases. Her synesthesia, a rare neurological condition, makes her hyperaware of sights, sounds and tastes.
Duncan takes Mack to the scene of a crime that is thought to be a suicide but quickly becomes obvious that it is a murder. Mack's insights lead to the conclusion of the case. Then a child goes missing and Mack must beat the clock to solve the case.
I really enjoy hearing how Mack describes her condition and how her environment differs from everyone else. Her senses are so hypersensitive that she can pick up something as simple as a heavy smoker from a piece of paper to the way the air feels after a person has moved through the space.
Mack's relationship with Duncan seems to teeter between hot and heavy and lackluster. Everything sorta fades to black when they are together. I know that it is a cozy but I don't mind a bit more to the romance than what we get.
The Capone Club is a hoot! Cora is my favorite member although the Signoriello brothers are a close second. I appreciate how everyone supports Mack and the bar.
The mysteries are tied up nicely at the end but there is a bit of a cliffhanger to bring you back for book three. I look forward to catching up with Mack and the gang then.
3.5 stars
July 11, 2023
2.5 ⭐️
Well I liked this one far less than book #1… The cases didn't hold my interest much either. Mack is pretty annoying this go around… whiny, repetitive, while she keeps vacillating about Duncan’s interest in her and her abilities to help him. This was also broken up into 2 boring cases…. with a lot of other unnecessary "test cases" thrown in that just felt like filler. Yes, I wanted to see how the kidnapping story turned out, but the police force seemed to be purposely delaying in processing the house and the car just in an effort for the author to showcase Mack’s abilities, having her notice completely obvious things that the cops definitely should have by day 2 of the investigation! It just made for sloppy writing and police work. She would ‘brilliantly” notice something like no carseat in the mother’s car when several police and crime scene investigators missed it, but then say something half-witted like, “search warrant thingy”?? It made her character seem less intelligent or developed than the first book. Not sure how eager I am to continue the series, although there was a sort-of cliff hanger I would like to see resolved…
Well I liked this one far less than book #1… The cases didn't hold my interest much either. Mack is pretty annoying this go around… whiny, repetitive, while she keeps vacillating about Duncan’s interest in her and her abilities to help him. This was also broken up into 2 boring cases…. with a lot of other unnecessary "test cases" thrown in that just felt like filler. Yes, I wanted to see how the kidnapping story turned out, but the police force seemed to be purposely delaying in processing the house and the car just in an effort for the author to showcase Mack’s abilities, having her notice completely obvious things that the cops definitely should have by day 2 of the investigation! It just made for sloppy writing and police work. She would ‘brilliantly” notice something like no carseat in the mother’s car when several police and crime scene investigators missed it, but then say something half-witted like, “search warrant thingy”?? It made her character seem less intelligent or developed than the first book. Not sure how eager I am to continue the series, although there was a sort-of cliff hanger I would like to see resolved…
September 11, 2020
This is the second book in the Mack's Bar mystery series. Mackenzie Dalton is been working on using her synesthesia to help the police department with cases. She tags along with Detective Duncan Albright to a crime scene to see what interpretations she can add to the scene.
I really enjoyed this book. Mack is a realistic and fun character who is independent but very unique. I love the idea of her using her synesthesia to help Duncan with his cases. The Capone club is awesome and I love the different characters involved in the club. The mystery was good. I was not expecting the killer.
I really enjoyed this book. Mack is a realistic and fun character who is independent but very unique. I love the idea of her using her synesthesia to help Duncan with his cases. The Capone club is awesome and I love the different characters involved in the club. The mystery was good. I was not expecting the killer.
April 12, 2020
Great follow up to the first book! I definitely got sucked in to it. When the first murder was solved, I was like "huh, there's still a ton of book left!", but I soon realized there was going to be another case. I liked that about this one. The characters work so well together. I love the bar family and can't wait to read more about them!
April 26, 2022
a great read that is very interesting and fun.
December 3, 2018
3.5 stars
July 17, 2022
While I like the premise, I didn’t finish. This book is padded out with multiple rehashing of the main character’s insecurities to the point where I could recite them without reading them. I was ready to scream the third time she explained that she’d hired new staff and I just gave up when she voiced her self-doubt for the fourth time in as many chapters and then her bf picked up the mantra and started the recitation all over again. Uncle already!
March 3, 2020
The writer did a great job of summing up events/characters from the first book concisely in the first chapter.You won’t be lost as a reader if you haven’t read the previous book. The synesthesia makes an interesting twist in the usual sleuth crime solver.Plus, instead of food recipes at the end of the book (Like other cozy series) this one prints the drink recipes. Some of them are pretty cool if you drink. The other difference is that while slightly skeptical, the cops to utilize her talents to consult on crime as opposed to other cozies where the cops ignore them.
Good chemistry b/w Mack & Duncan. Good supporting characters and interesting mysteries. Because of events from the first book, Mack redid her bar to reflect the crime solving theme. So as she says, it has attracted a variety of clients who have various fields of expertise that can be used to solve crimes. (on one hand a clever detail by the writer, on the other-any easy out to use for future books)
I did this one on audio. The narrator Nicole Poole does a good job. Since I liked the first book and my library had the others available (there are only 6 books in the series), I chose this for my series this week. (if I can, I try to listen to series while working as it adds a pleasing,engrossing way to spend time)
The only issue I have is that the writer set up 2 unsolved cases & I wonder if they’ll show up in a future book.
Good chemistry b/w Mack & Duncan. Good supporting characters and interesting mysteries. Because of events from the first book, Mack redid her bar to reflect the crime solving theme. So as she says, it has attracted a variety of clients who have various fields of expertise that can be used to solve crimes. (on one hand a clever detail by the writer, on the other-any easy out to use for future books)
I did this one on audio. The narrator Nicole Poole does a good job. Since I liked the first book and my library had the others available (there are only 6 books in the series), I chose this for my series this week. (if I can, I try to listen to series while working as it adds a pleasing,engrossing way to spend time)
The only issue I have is that the writer set up 2 unsolved cases & I wonder if they’ll show up in a future book.
September 16, 2015
I was super disappointed in this one after really liking the first book. This was just really implausible to me and to top it off had too much going on with the Capone Club and more than one mystery. I get that the author was trying to show all aspects of the protagonists life but I think she tried too hard and jam packed this book with too many things. I felt like I had whip lash going from real mystery to "fake mystery/riddle". I think one quick session with the Capone Club would have sufficed. My main issue with this book is probably influence by my own profession which is very closely connected to the police so I know So because a good part of the book was Mac doing what I listed in my spoiler it was getting harder and harder for me not to roll my eyes (I think I finally did). I think perhaps if you have no involvement with law enforcement on a daily basis you might enjoy this one and just go with it more than I was able to do. I still think there is potential for this series if she just reigns in the story a little bit and just has Mac investigating on her own. This could just be a sophomore slump or it could have just been me!
August 12, 2014
A vastly different book than the first. Felt like multiple mysteries inside a mystery. The end got a touch confusing but overall it was very good and enjoyable.
September 5, 2021
2.5, they are easy reads but kinda lame mysteries and the synesthesia is a lot, there is an excessive amount of explanation that makes it drag.
September 6, 2023
I enjoyed this, generally. It's a reasonably solid mystery in and of itself. I like the characters and the set-up. It did end up annoying me in the end though. There are two problems, but the second was the more annoying.
1. This book takes place about a month and a half after the first one. And it seems to skip over the romantic development. There's in a flirtation in the last one, and apparently they've been seeing each other some in the interim, and the protagonists sleep together at the start of this one (happens very early on, so I wouldn't consider it a spoiler). The thing is, I'd have been interested in seeing how we got from point A at the end of this book to point B at the start of this one. Like, don't skip over major relationship development between books.
2. Pet peeve, but I get annoyed when what are essentially procedural mysteries put the basic assumptions of the series in jeopardy. By which I mean, if you're reading this book, you basically have to just accept the fact that a cop would consult someone with synesthesia to help solve cases. Like fine, I've accepted that - these books are not reality. But then not great to have the book basically point out how problematic that is in the ending as a dramatic plot point for the next book. It feels like needless drama. I don't disagree that it's something that should be questioned, but you required me to accept it to essentially accept that the series functions. I feel like that is the one assumption you don't get to question.
It's like how when reading some cozies you just have to accept that the protagonist just stumbles across a disproportionate amount of dead bodies. No, it's not realistic, but it's required for the series to function, so I go with it.
I'm not saying it's utterly unreasonable in this context to ask the question. But it's asked in such a way as to create as much drama as possible, which seems ridiculous at this point, given how far down the road we've already come. Like don't make it narratve implosion. Now, to be fair, this is very much a pet peeve of mine, but it did rather spoil what was an otherwise entertaining read.
1. This book takes place about a month and a half after the first one. And it seems to skip over the romantic development. There's in a flirtation in the last one, and apparently they've been seeing each other some in the interim, and the protagonists sleep together at the start of this one (happens very early on, so I wouldn't consider it a spoiler). The thing is, I'd have been interested in seeing how we got from point A at the end of this book to point B at the start of this one. Like, don't skip over major relationship development between books.
2. Pet peeve, but I get annoyed when what are essentially procedural mysteries put the basic assumptions of the series in jeopardy. By which I mean, if you're reading this book, you basically have to just accept the fact that a cop would consult someone with synesthesia to help solve cases. Like fine, I've accepted that - these books are not reality. But then not great to have the book basically point out how problematic that is in the ending as a dramatic plot point for the next book. It feels like needless drama. I don't disagree that it's something that should be questioned, but you required me to accept it to essentially accept that the series functions. I feel like that is the one assumption you don't get to question.
It's like how when reading some cozies you just have to accept that the protagonist just stumbles across a disproportionate amount of dead bodies. No, it's not realistic, but it's required for the series to function, so I go with it.
I'm not saying it's utterly unreasonable in this context to ask the question. But it's asked in such a way as to create as much drama as possible, which seems ridiculous at this point, given how far down the road we've already come. Like don't make it narratve implosion. Now, to be fair, this is very much a pet peeve of mine, but it did rather spoil what was an otherwise entertaining read.
August 17, 2022
Book #: 32
Title: Murder with a Twist
Author: Allyson K. Abbott
Format: paperback 325 pages, ILL
Pub Date: Published August 5th 2014 by Kensington
Started: 8/13/22 Ended: 8/16/22
Awards: none
Categories:
A book with a recipe in it (PpSgr 23); A book you can read in one sitting (PpSgr 24); A book by an author with two sets of double letters in their name (GrRds 05); A book with fewer than 5000 ratings on Goodreads 819 ratings · 99 reviews (GrRds 14); A book without a person on the cover (GrRds 15); A book with a theme of food or drink (GrRds 41); Over 300 Pages (BkHdr 06); Thriller Mystery Suspense Paranormal (BkHdr 09); A book with a protagonist with a disability (Dag);
Next book in a series (Dag);
Death Certificates issued: Dan Thornton - hanged; Belinda Cooper- stabbed; Jamie Cooper - choked
Rating: **** four out of five stars
Mackensie Dalton, "Little Mack" to her friends, runs Mack's Bar which she inherited from her father, "Big Mack". She has synesthesia, a medical condition where her neural pathways have crossed. She can hear color and taste sound. It's something she's tried to keep hidden. Detective Duncan Albright uses her as his 'secret weapon' since her senses pick up on traces that only a bloodhound would pick up on.
The cover has a noose on it, so I was expecting a hanging. And there was. But, interestingly enough, Mack solves the mystery a third of the way thru the book. Immediately thereafter, a small child is missing and his mother is dead. Duncan and Mack spend the rest of the book solving that mystery. So, two mysteries for the price of one! I picked up this book thinking I could use it and the previous novel, Murder on the Rocks as the duology prompts. After getting the book, I discovered there are more books in the series, so it doesn't count. :( I like the writing, I'll be tracking down the rest.
Title: Murder with a Twist
Author: Allyson K. Abbott
Format: paperback 325 pages, ILL
Pub Date: Published August 5th 2014 by Kensington
Started: 8/13/22 Ended: 8/16/22
Awards: none
Categories:
A book with a recipe in it (PpSgr 23); A book you can read in one sitting (PpSgr 24); A book by an author with two sets of double letters in their name (GrRds 05); A book with fewer than 5000 ratings on Goodreads 819 ratings · 99 reviews (GrRds 14); A book without a person on the cover (GrRds 15); A book with a theme of food or drink (GrRds 41); Over 300 Pages (BkHdr 06); Thriller Mystery Suspense Paranormal (BkHdr 09); A book with a protagonist with a disability (Dag);
Next book in a series (Dag);
Death Certificates issued: Dan Thornton - hanged; Belinda Cooper- stabbed; Jamie Cooper - choked
Rating: **** four out of five stars
Mackensie Dalton, "Little Mack" to her friends, runs Mack's Bar which she inherited from her father, "Big Mack". She has synesthesia, a medical condition where her neural pathways have crossed. She can hear color and taste sound. It's something she's tried to keep hidden. Detective Duncan Albright uses her as his 'secret weapon' since her senses pick up on traces that only a bloodhound would pick up on.
The cover has a noose on it, so I was expecting a hanging. And there was. But, interestingly enough, Mack solves the mystery a third of the way thru the book. Immediately thereafter, a small child is missing and his mother is dead. Duncan and Mack spend the rest of the book solving that mystery. So, two mysteries for the price of one! I picked up this book thinking I could use it and the previous novel, Murder on the Rocks as the duology prompts. After getting the book, I discovered there are more books in the series, so it doesn't count. :( I like the writing, I'll be tracking down the rest.
September 15, 2020
Wow, this book was incredibly unique and captivating from start to finish. The MC has such a fascinating ability! Mack has a rare neurological condition known as synesthesia. It makes her hyper aware of senses causing her to hear colors, taste feelings or see sounds. This condition plays in perfectly to help solve crime scenes. She pairs up professionally and romantically with a local detective to assist him in solving a few puzzling cases. It was so interesting to watch the clues unfold in such a different manner. You never knew when or what would cause Mack to react to something and it was always exciting when she did and everything fell into place. The scenes were intense and I was immediately caught up in the kidnapping case. The author included plenty of well placed cliffhangers to keep you eagerly starting a new chapter.
At the same time, Mack also manages a local bar that has become quite a favorite hangout. It has attracted the attention of some regulars who formed a group called the Capone Club, basically the ultimate murder mystery fanatics. They meet to present a case full of riddles and slowly work through the reasonings to solve them. I would join this group in a heartbeat!! They crack me up and contain so many wonderful characters. Cora is hands down my absolute fav. The snark, innuendos and ability to unlock illegal knowledge makes me smile each and every time.
I definitely look forward to continuing the series. I’m anxious to see what happens between Mack and Duncan, how the public will react now that Mack’s abilities have been leaked and the exciting changes that are coming with the expansion of the bar. I’m assuming book 3 will follow Tiny and the cold case surrounding his sister.
Cozy fans - add this series to your must read list!!
At the same time, Mack also manages a local bar that has become quite a favorite hangout. It has attracted the attention of some regulars who formed a group called the Capone Club, basically the ultimate murder mystery fanatics. They meet to present a case full of riddles and slowly work through the reasonings to solve them. I would join this group in a heartbeat!! They crack me up and contain so many wonderful characters. Cora is hands down my absolute fav. The snark, innuendos and ability to unlock illegal knowledge makes me smile each and every time.
I definitely look forward to continuing the series. I’m anxious to see what happens between Mack and Duncan, how the public will react now that Mack’s abilities have been leaked and the exciting changes that are coming with the expansion of the bar. I’m assuming book 3 will follow Tiny and the cold case surrounding his sister.
Cozy fans - add this series to your must read list!!
March 16, 2020
Positive: I really enjoyed delving further into the personality of Mack and her customers because they all had so much depth and each of them were memorable in their own way. I accidentally read this book without reading the first one and it wasn't as hard to understand as I thought it would be because I realized in the middle of the book. I especially liked how she used her so-called disability as an advantage in order to solve crimes. I also loved how in the end all the leads they followed were related in a way. The character development was on point.
Not so good: I surprisingly didn't like Duncan as a character and felt that he didn't have much personality to him. This might just be because I haven't read the first book but it could have done better in this division. Towards the end it was a bit hard to understand but once I got the hang of it, it made a lot more sense.
Overall: I thought the mystery was a mind boggling one that had me thinking the whole time. Mack is obviously a very intelligent character that I hope to read more about in the rest of the series.
~diya joshy
Not so good: I surprisingly didn't like Duncan as a character and felt that he didn't have much personality to him. This might just be because I haven't read the first book but it could have done better in this division. Towards the end it was a bit hard to understand but once I got the hang of it, it made a lot more sense.
Overall: I thought the mystery was a mind boggling one that had me thinking the whole time. Mack is obviously a very intelligent character that I hope to read more about in the rest of the series.
~diya joshy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2022
Murder with a Twist in a unique, intriguing and sometimes fun read. Mack has a real neurological disorder, Synaesthesia, that caused her to read input through multiple senses. The concept of using "miswired" senses to help solve crimes was both cool and confusing. I had trouble keeping up with what smells also translated to tastes or what sense also read as vision, but I was fascinated by how intricately the author developed Mack's world. As much as the real crimes, it was fun to try to solve the made-up mysteries that her Capone group worked to solve. For anyone who enjoys puzzles, that element is enough reason to read the book. The characters were great, and everything made sense!! That is not always the case in mystery novels. This is the kind of book that makes readers feel as if they are there.
March 22, 2023
I enjoyed the first book so much. I really wanted to read the next one. I still love the whole premise of the detective and the bar owner. This time around he is asking her to really be involved in helping the case like a consultant originally there’s two separate cases, but the first one they solve pretty fast. In the second case, which is the main case they are trying to find a little boy. His mom was murdered in the child was kidnapped. Mac really struggles with doing this type of work and she goes back-and-forth on helping but because this is a young child missing she does continue. The overall bad guy was understandable. I kind of figured out what was going on as you meet different suspects. Not as great as the first one but I think the ending does grab you to want to grab the next one.
August 2, 2018
Milwaukee bar owner Mackenzie "Mack" Dalton has a unique neurological condition that gives her extra perceptive senses, and police detective Duncan Albright is convinced Mack's abilities can be used to help catch crooks. Mack may be a pro at mixing drinks, but she's still an amateur when it comes to solving crimes-and she's not sure she should mix business with pleasure by working with a man who stirs up such strong feelings in her. At her first crime scene--a suspicious suicide--she experiences a heady cocktail of mixed sensations and emotions that make her question whether police work is right for her. But when Duncan asks her to help find a kidnapped child, she knows she has to give it a shot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2018
Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton owns and runs a bar in WI where she previously helped solve the mysteries of her father's and his girlfriend's deaths using her synesthetic senses, a cross-wiring that gives her tastes with smells or colors with sight, etc. Now her police detective boyfriend, Duncan asks her to act as a consultant at crime scenes. A suicide/murder and a kidnapping case are covered in this installment. I really am enjoying the unusual crime solving methods explored here. The Capone Club of regular bar patrons who are using their various talents and computer skills to solve 'game' cases are really fun to watch. This is a series I will continue to follow.
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