Mackinac Murder: Crude Intentions

Nick Steele #8

by Dave Vizard

The maintenance supervisor of an underwater oil and gas pipeline dies in what police deem a horse-riding accident on Mackinac Island, one of America’s great summer playgrounds. News reporter Nick Steele is assigned the story to find out how the man from Bay City, Michigan died. But when the veteran newsman goes to the magical resort island and digs into the facts surrounding the accident, they simply don’t add up. Follow Steele as he chases the story across Michigan and unravels the mysteries behind the man, his work on the pipeline, and his fatal fall. The story the reporter unearths reveals a horrifying blackmail plot that Steele races to derail.

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2024

About the author

Dave is a former award-winning newspaper reporter, editor, and columnist. He also edited a Northern Michigan life style magazine called True North. He is a founding member of the Huron Area Writers Group, and is a licensed Realtor to keep slobbering, drooling wolves away from his door while continuing to write and edit from his home near Lake Huron in the Thumb of Michigan.

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mackinac Murder

A reporter is trying to help a family that is desperate to find their missing daughter. While looking into the story, he uncovers a more sinister plot. Armed with only a strong suspicion, he can’t call the authorities. Along the way he locates and rescues the missing girl. In the end he gathers enough information and is able to tip off law enforcement about this mysterious group. Now the group members need tracked down and stopped before tragedy strikes.

This could have been a four star book, but there was one thing that ruined this book for me. There was a young girl going through a very difficult situation. She made a decision about what she felt was best for her and her future. Her high school guidance counselor talked to her and made the young girl have a change of heart. The disturbing part was the counselor wanted to benefit from the girls condition, which caused the counselor to pressure the girl to change plans. Which explains why the counselor always sent the parents away when she spoke with the girl.

#GoodreadsGiveaway

[Rose Brownley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dave Wizard’s Mackinac Murder: Crude Intention delivers precisely what its evocative title promises: a classic whodunit wrapped in the unique, atmospheric cloak of Michigan’s iconic Mackinac Island. This isn't just a backdrop; it’s a central character in its own right. Wizard leverages the island’s postcard-perfect facade, the absence of cars, the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages, the scent of fudge and lake air to brilliant, contrasting effect against a plot dealing in oil, greed, and brutal murder.

The premise is strong and immediately engaging. When a high-stakes executive from a controversial oil company is found dead on the island’s pristine shores, the clash of worlds is instant and compelling. Wizard smartly introduces an investigator who feels both integral and slightly at odds with the setting, which creates a natural friction that drives the early investigation. The author’s clear affection for Mackinac Island shines through in the descriptive passages; you can feel the chill of the lake breeze and hear the bustle of Main Street. This grounding sense of place is the novel’s greatest strength, offering a fresh and welcome locale in the crowded mystery genre.

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mackinac Murder is the kind of mystery that starts off calm and cozy, and then, you’re knee-deep in secrets, lies, and murder. A maintenance supervisor dies in what’s supposed to be a horse-riding “accident.” But reporter Nick Steele? He’s not buying it, and honestly, neither will you once the clues start piling up.

Nick heads to Mackinac Island, you know, that picture-perfect tourist spot, and suddenly it’s less about fudge and ferry rides, more about cover-ups and blackmail. The deeper he digs, the darker it gets. Every lead opens another can of shady secrets, and it’s a total page-turner.

What makes this story click is the mix of mystery and newsroom hustle. Nick’s not just chasing a story, he’s chasing the truth, and he’s ready to tick off a few powerful people to get it. It’s got that classic investigative thriller vibe with a modern, fast-paced punch.

The whole thing unravels into a high-stakes blackmail plot that’ll have you side-eyeing everyone. Dave Vizard serves suspense, smart writing, and just the right dose of small-town drama.

[HAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

1 Angry Father Unleashes Unlimited Action!

Vizard delivers a fast paced mystery I found fascinating from the start. It is clean but gritty and suitable for mature teens through adults.
It deals with sexual assault in a very emotional way. Either the author has observed reactions from victims and close relationships of this crime or has a very knowledgeable source help him pen scenes so accurately.
But that crime (raw in its reality minus the fresh apple pie) is just a springboard to a murder, a few side murders in a newspaper reporter's life and a crime with terrorist and environmental qualities unimaginable. Can Nick and Dan cope with the pressure? Can everyone stay alive!
I couldn't put it down. Read and enjoy. Carve out enough time to finish it ahead of time - I warned you.

[Karen]

Mackinac Murder by Dave Vizard

Nick Steele, Investigative reporter for the Bay City Blade, is back on Mackinac Island investigating the death of a rider accidentally thrown from his horse, and the disappearance of a teen girl. With the help of his friend and co-worker, Dave Balz, he digs into what has become larger than just the two cases. How is it possible that these two cases are connected to a terrorist plot against the Line 5 oil pipeline or even the Mighty Mac? Meanwhile, Dave is struggling with personal issues as he becomes suspect in his mother's murder.

This is an engaging and suspenseful story, told with the details for which Dave Vizard is known. It contains humor, compassion and current events. He gives a nod to Bay City, MI, including streets, landmarks and restaurants. This next book in the Nick Steele series is a must read.

I was honored to have the author ask me for a blurb of the ARC. I will let this stand as my review.

[Edward Bleck · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a bit boring of a read. Predictable and the nicknames the author gave to some of the characters were bothersome. If you name a character I prefer you stay with that and not give them a nickname like gold chains. No character in the book would use this name just the author.

I grew up in Bay City and did enjoy the accuracy of describing the town.

I was glad to finish the book but have no desire to read another from this author.

[Thomas Mihalchick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well constructed story.

I appreciate that this is a straight up story about an investigative journalist. It's absolutely believability given the current state of affairs in this country. The main characters seem real and ring true. The villains are, well, villainous, but they also ring true. Well done Mister Vizard.

[Lacey Scheidel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story line, two mysteries to be solved at once really kept my attention. So many unexpected twists. I really enjoyed reading this one!
I received this book as a giveaway from Goodreads and these are my honest opinions.

[sandra k smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story

Complicated plot, intriguing characters, many twists and turns. Not much about the island but still a good read for natives of Michigan who may have moved away and want some nostalgia!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced and quick easy read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was a little stilted and isn’t breaking into someone’s computer illegal?, but I liked how the author seemed to know Michigan pretty well.

[Jackie Simons]

Read 8/25

[Marlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a local story. My husband spent quite a bit of time in Midland and Bay City. This book held my attention with twists and turns.