The murder of an ad executive kicks off this fast-paced mystery/thriller from the author of LIES and THE SILKE WEB.
Evan Flynn arrives at work one day to discover that the Media Director at his small ad agency has been murdered, shot in his car in the parking lot. Evan becomes a prime suspect after he lies about his whereabouts on the night of the murder.
Evan’s life has taken a turn for the worse since we last saw him, embroiled in an industrial espionage case in THE SILKE WEB. The ad agency he works for now is crumbling, gutted when two of the top execs left to form their own agency and took clients and key people with them. His personal life isn’t going well, either, as his wife left him, precipitated at least in part by the disaster of the espionage case.
And now murder? It’s an ad agency, for crying out loud. Why would someone want to kill an ad guy?
As bad as things are for Evan, things will get worse. Much worse. He searches for why and who shot his friend and finds some things that look suspicious. They’re not reason to kill, surely, he thinks, but then he literally has to run for his life. The media director won’t be the only ad guy who gets shot.
Praise For Jay Mackey's
"Great page-turner! Lots of action and well-paced. I was disappointed when I came to the end and wanted more!"
"Loved it! A page turner."
"Great pacing and lots of action."
"Loved it!!! Couldn’t put it down."
"Fast-paced mystery, great character development…Ending was a surprise!!! Can’t wait for the next novel!"
"I especially enjoyed the crisp dialogue, which kept me turning pages!"
"A great read!"
"Solid Story, nicely woven plot."
"Do not read this book ... unless you’ve cleared the next 8 hours. Spellbinding plot - couldn't put it down!"
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Jay Mackey’s “It’s Not Personal” is a fast-paced mystery thriller that plunges readers into the cutthroat world of advertising, where ambition and betrayal collide with deadly consequences. This novel is a gripping exploration of how far one man will go to uncover the truth and clear his name.
The story centers around Evan Flynn, an ad executive whose life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers the body of his colleague shot in his car in the agency’s parking lot. As the prime suspect, Evan’s situation worsens when his alibi falls apart, and he finds himself entangled in a web of lies and deceit. The plot thickens as Evan delves deeper into the mystery, uncovering secrets that suggest the murder is part of a more sinister scheme. Mackey’s narrative is tightly woven, with each chapter escalating the tension and revealing new twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
“It’s Not Personal” explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the dark side of corporate ambition. Mackey delves into the psychological impact of being falsely accused and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets. The novel also examines the moral ambiguities of the advertising industry, where the line between personal and professional lives often blurs. Through Evan’s journey, Mackey highlights the resilience required to navigate a world where appearances can be deceiving and trust is a rare commodity.
Mackey’s writing is sharp and evocative, perfectly capturing the high-stakes environment of the advertising world. His ability to create multi-dimensional characters adds depth to the narrative, making readers deeply invested in Evan’s plight. The dialogue is crisp and realistic, reflecting the tension and urgency of the situation. Mackey’s pacing is impeccable, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that compels you to keep reading.
“It’s Not Personal” is a standout thriller that offers a compelling blend of suspense, emotion, and intricate plotting. Jay Mackey has crafted a novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways. This book is a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense who enjoy delving into the darker aspects of human nature.
Jay Mackey has once again proven his mastery of the thriller genre with “It’s Not Personal.” This novel is a testament to his ability to weave complex, emotionally charged narratives that resonate long after the final page. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a gripping, atmospheric read.
I never watched Mad Men so I don’t even have a fictional perspective from which to base an opinion on the advertising industry but… Yeesh! these guys ALL seem nutty, including Evan who, in addition to - to an extent - juggling exes Ally and Ann is also trying to get and keep something moving with Brenda, all while dodging murder charges and an actual murderer while keeping his dubiously stable job intact! it’s a lot. I can totally believe that one would kill under the circumstances of a scam being exposed tho. folks kill for a lot less. my favorite part of the book tho was Evan explaining heartbreak using the Lucy/Charlie Brown analogy. that made the book with the read in itself.