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MASSACHUSETTS FALL

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In the aftermath of a devastating EMP attack that cripples the United States, Matt Bradley is stranded 100 miles from home. Desperate to get home to his wife, Catherine, and their three young children, he is left with no choice but to walk.

Back in Lexington, Massachusetts, Catherine is left to fend for herself and their children as their Boston suburb descends into chaos. Aided by her friend and neighbor Ellen, Catherine makes plans to escape to their cabin in the mountains.

Meanwhile, their eccentric neighbor, Brian Kirby, attempts to insert himself into Catherine’s life, offering help that may be more sinister than supportive. As Matt battles the odds to return to his family, Catherine must navigate a dangerous new world and the unsettling attention of Brian.


Massachusetts Fall is the story of ordinary Americans trying to navigate a nation-wide disaster while facing an uncertain future together.

This is a family-friendly post-apocalyptic EMP story with a thread of faith and trust in God woven into the storyline. There are no scenes to make you blush and no language to offend. Due to the genre, there are some depictions of graphic violence. The story is suitable for older teens and adults.




376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2025

60 people are currently reading
6 people want to read

About the author

Michael McDonald

9 books1 follower

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5 stars
119 (70%)
4 stars
34 (20%)
3 stars
12 (7%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
290 reviews7 followers
February 17, 2025
As good as it gets!

A winner like all the rest of the Fall books. Great characters following a convoluted plot. Good people that perciver and bad people that should not survive! You will enjoy this book. Can not wait for the journey to the cabin!
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,973 reviews66 followers
June 21, 2025
I've read quite a few in this October Fall series set and have found them to be a bit hit and miss. I do like Massachusetts, so tried this one. The premise is solid, though fairly standard with one person (the man, naturally) aware when an EMP hits. They stated Matt and Catherine were somewhat preppers, but other than Matt's get home bag, they were not all that well prepared. That was kind of reasonable to me, because I think you would not be able to keep a high level of prep for an event, that "might happen" someday. I did rather like Matt who is a fairly smart guy, desperate to get home but wanting to do the right thing. There might be a lot of people like that. I especially liked how he helped Lewis and his mom and then took a foster role for Lewis. Catherine was OK and I can't imagine having 3 young children in a disaster like this, though she was lucky with her neighbor Ellen. Less lucky was the other neighbor and the crazy infatuation seemed overdone. I was disappointed in the female stereotype of getting scared and just fainting...not a good survival mechanism. I was fairly bothered by so much religion and praying, and did not an indication that this was Christian fiction. I get that in the apocalypse a lot of people would have some religious reactions and certainly have no issue with praying over someone's grave. However, the constant reference to religion and reciting sets of Bible verses was too much for me. The writing was good, but I'm not sure I will continue if there is a Massachusetts Fall 2.
114 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2025
It was a long trek home fraught with danger

Matt started out While working on the job site when the EMP hit He had his get home bag with him It's a great read I'm glad I read. That went missing. . I was really surprised about all the craziness that happened in only a week after the EMP. People need to be better prepared have backup food and a plan that if something disastrous happens that they can protect their family and save themselves.
36 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2025
I was mesmerized

The storyline moved! The characters were likable except for villians, of course. I could barely put this book down. I did not like the religious part but because the story and characters were so good I was willing to accept it. I appreciated that this was at the beginning of the Fall timeline
Profile Image for G S.
573 reviews5 followers
February 19, 2025
Massachusetts Fall

Well that was some read. Matt poor guy went through so much, and Catherine looking after the kids worried about Matt. Scary at the ending sitting on the edge of my chair. Well written.
6 reviews
February 18, 2025
Absolutely one of Michael McDonald’s best books. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Love ALL of his books.
109 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2025
Massachusetts Fall

What an emotional ride! From the first day of the EMP until the reunion, it was a rollercoaster of emotions! Waiting to see what happens next!
89 reviews
February 28, 2025
Loved this book

I totally enjoyed this book, only complaint is that it ended. I was hoping there was a book 2 to add to story.
Profile Image for Patty Brennan.
35 reviews
April 30, 2025
I really like that there isn't any vulgar language or situations! All the while, keeping it exciting! Please tell me there are more in this series!
37 reviews
July 21, 2025
I thought the Bible verses were a bit too much for me
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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