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McKenna Mystery #6
Bad Things
What happens when you open the door to the past?
In book six of the McKenna Mystery series, Grace locks eyes with Toby Melville, Bridgeton business owner and handyman.
It only takes a second to set Grace on the path to justice once again, when visions spin from Toby’s eyes. A stream of blood cascading down a bronzed man’s chin, creating a river that descends his neck and chest, before his body slips beneath a crush of white, foamy water. And then, a horizon of emerald green trees on a blue sky backdrop so beautiful it looks like a painting.
With baby Ellie now in the picture, the stakes are higher than ever before, as Grace struggles with the push and pull of being a working mother and a detective with a gift. As she adjusts to parenting life, questions her relationship with Mark, and finds out that her job might be in jeopardy, Grace sets out on a road trip that brings her back to the past, on a hunt to track down the source of Toby’s secrets.
Following a handful of tips provided by the locals in a small lakeside town, Grace is forced to do some digging, awakening secrets that have been sleeping for decades. As she keeps a pulse on the Bridgeton Police Department happenings, she learns that her job could be threatened by hidden agendas within the police station, and she will end up needing to make a choice between her gift and her career.
What she discovers about herself as she solves this next crime, ends up shaping the person she becomes.
The twistiest installment in the McKenna Mystery series yet.
In book six of the McKenna Mystery series, Grace locks eyes with Toby Melville, Bridgeton business owner and handyman.
It only takes a second to set Grace on the path to justice once again, when visions spin from Toby’s eyes. A stream of blood cascading down a bronzed man’s chin, creating a river that descends his neck and chest, before his body slips beneath a crush of white, foamy water. And then, a horizon of emerald green trees on a blue sky backdrop so beautiful it looks like a painting.
With baby Ellie now in the picture, the stakes are higher than ever before, as Grace struggles with the push and pull of being a working mother and a detective with a gift. As she adjusts to parenting life, questions her relationship with Mark, and finds out that her job might be in jeopardy, Grace sets out on a road trip that brings her back to the past, on a hunt to track down the source of Toby’s secrets.
Following a handful of tips provided by the locals in a small lakeside town, Grace is forced to do some digging, awakening secrets that have been sleeping for decades. As she keeps a pulse on the Bridgeton Police Department happenings, she learns that her job could be threatened by hidden agendas within the police station, and she will end up needing to make a choice between her gift and her career.
What she discovers about herself as she solves this next crime, ends up shaping the person she becomes.
The twistiest installment in the McKenna Mystery series yet.
Audible Audio
First published September 23, 2023
430 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Kate Anslinger
25 books230 followersKate is the author of the Grace McKenna Mystery series and The Town Series. She’s also penned several standalone novels and co-authored a nonfiction book or two. In addition to her life as a novelist, Kate is a ghostwriter, book coach, and a veteran of the United States Air Force. Her debut novel Saving Jason, touches upon the struggles of PTSD, a topic that is near and dear to her heart. Kate lives on the North Shore of Boston with her husband, two daughters and golden retriever pup.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 16, 2023
It’s a good read, and could wrap up the Grace McKenna series, which I have enjoyed. At least that was my impression. Her gift is an interesting and completely different take on criminal investigation.
I did find myself annoyed by a few things. Several typos that should have been caught. Repeated use of “amongst” (common in the UK but no one in the US says that unless they’re over 80 and/or reciting the rosary). Two characters from NH-saying “y’all”-something nobody from north of the Mason—Dixon Line would say.
I did find myself annoyed by a few things. Several typos that should have been caught. Repeated use of “amongst” (common in the UK but no one in the US says that unless they’re over 80 and/or reciting the rosary). Two characters from NH-saying “y’all”-something nobody from north of the Mason—Dixon Line would say.
December 9, 2023
Such a great read. This detective series mixed with paranormal elements is among my favorites.
April 6, 2024
Enjoyable Read.
What a ride this book turned out to be for me. I don't want to go into any detail fir spoilers sake. But this book just proved more to me how much I have enjoyed this series. So with that said, Happy Reading.
What a ride this book turned out to be for me. I don't want to go into any detail fir spoilers sake. But this book just proved more to me how much I have enjoyed this series. So with that said, Happy Reading.
February 15, 2025
I enjoy the McKenna Mystery series, as the ability of the main character is a fresh take on psychic abilities. However, for me this particular book just felt rushed and forced and was quite a slog to get through.
October 14, 2024
im skipping a few books in the series
she is the cop that has visions of bad things people did when she looks in their eyes. her boyfriend was a cop but now runs a gym in past books
she had a baby girl in the missing books i didnt get to read yet
a man stopped when they were going for a walk with the baby in the stroller and her dog on a leash. the man gave the dog a treat but she saw a vision when she looked in his eyes
i dont think she is married to the father of her child. her dad is in her life.
she saw a vision from the man who runs the marine shop. they went to a lake to learn more about what she saw, a fit man water skiing who died. the man was the dock owners son , but didnt know it. he was being raised by his moms husband as his own
turned out his friend had poisoned him, just enough for him to mess up his skiing trick, but he crashed into the dock and died. he felt guilty ever since. he married the woman carrying his friends son and raised him as his own
there is another woman cop working there, she came on when she was out after her baby was born, but this woman stayed on. no one likes her. and now she is being reported by the woman as to why she is solving so many cases. she is afraid she will lose her job which she loves
the man she turned away from her house after her mother invited him , that she saw visions from, has been following her for years
the woman cop who no one likes has been following her and knows about her visions. she told her the man is one of the shrinks her mom sent her to when she was 5 yrs old. she didnt remember him. he was busted for drugs when he told the cop about her visions. she went to that pd so she could become chief like all her family members
so they decided to work together to figure out who he killed and let the cop no one likes take the credit for it
the man from the boat shop was just about to confess about the water skier who died when she was interrupted by that lady cop
she told them both so they reunited and he was able to meet his grandson and great granddaughter, he opened his snack shack again
they bought a fixer upper on the lake and she told her daughters dad she would marry him
she is working with the lady cop to bring down the shrink, who is a serial killer
she is the cop that has visions of bad things people did when she looks in their eyes. her boyfriend was a cop but now runs a gym in past books
she had a baby girl in the missing books i didnt get to read yet
a man stopped when they were going for a walk with the baby in the stroller and her dog on a leash. the man gave the dog a treat but she saw a vision when she looked in his eyes
i dont think she is married to the father of her child. her dad is in her life.
she saw a vision from the man who runs the marine shop. they went to a lake to learn more about what she saw, a fit man water skiing who died. the man was the dock owners son , but didnt know it. he was being raised by his moms husband as his own
turned out his friend had poisoned him, just enough for him to mess up his skiing trick, but he crashed into the dock and died. he felt guilty ever since. he married the woman carrying his friends son and raised him as his own
there is another woman cop working there, she came on when she was out after her baby was born, but this woman stayed on. no one likes her. and now she is being reported by the woman as to why she is solving so many cases. she is afraid she will lose her job which she loves
the man she turned away from her house after her mother invited him , that she saw visions from, has been following her for years
the woman cop who no one likes has been following her and knows about her visions. she told her the man is one of the shrinks her mom sent her to when she was 5 yrs old. she didnt remember him. he was busted for drugs when he told the cop about her visions. she went to that pd so she could become chief like all her family members
so they decided to work together to figure out who he killed and let the cop no one likes take the credit for it
the man from the boat shop was just about to confess about the water skier who died when she was interrupted by that lady cop
she told them both so they reunited and he was able to meet his grandson and great granddaughter, he opened his snack shack again
they bought a fixer upper on the lake and she told her daughters dad she would marry him
she is working with the lady cop to bring down the shrink, who is a serial killer
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2025
I've read three of her books now and this author is not for me. I find her books boring, long-winded, and dull as dishwater. There are situations added to her books that have no reason to be in there. They don't add anything to the story and in some cases are just depressing.
I can usually read a book in a few days, however, book #6 only had about 250 words and yet it took me a week to finish the book even though I skimmed through most of the book. It just couldn't keep my attention. Sometimes I felt like I was reading her personal diary with all her fears about her mother and her dementia.
This author is definitely on my 'never read again' list.
I can usually read a book in a few days, however, book #6 only had about 250 words and yet it took me a week to finish the book even though I skimmed through most of the book. It just couldn't keep my attention. Sometimes I felt like I was reading her personal diary with all her fears about her mother and her dementia.
This author is definitely on my 'never read again' list.
October 14, 2024
EPIC PAGE TURNER
This book was a freebie which I stored it on my kindle and forgot about it. So I was looking for a read and opened it up. I was more than pleasantly surprised. The storey was a page turner, the main character is Grace a detective with the ability, with an ability to see the past just by looking into a criminal’s eyes. Great storey and characters. Will be looking to read others in this series
This book was a freebie which I stored it on my kindle and forgot about it. So I was looking for a read and opened it up. I was more than pleasantly surprised. The storey was a page turner, the main character is Grace a detective with the ability, with an ability to see the past just by looking into a criminal’s eyes. Great storey and characters. Will be looking to read others in this series
December 24, 2024
A different mystery style
A special vision she would not wish on anyone. Look into the eyes and see all the murders they have committed. Grace was a top notch police officer that solved many crimes using her gift. Cassidy was a newcomer to the force with big dreams to become chief. She was after Grace to bring her down. Read to find out what happens.
A special vision she would not wish on anyone. Look into the eyes and see all the murders they have committed. Grace was a top notch police officer that solved many crimes using her gift. Cassidy was a newcomer to the force with big dreams to become chief. She was after Grace to bring her down. Read to find out what happens.
October 2, 2023
Can’t get enough of this author!
This book doesn’t disappoint! Hands down, Kate Anslinger is my favorite author. She has a knack for creating characters that grab you from the beginning and hold you hostage to seek out what twists each will encounter. I assure you; it is never what you really expect will happen!
This story has a ‘blast from the past’ twist that is sure to surprise you! I can’t wait to see if Grace and Mark’s daughter Ellie takes after her mom.
Highly recommend this read along with the other 5 books in the series!
This book doesn’t disappoint! Hands down, Kate Anslinger is my favorite author. She has a knack for creating characters that grab you from the beginning and hold you hostage to seek out what twists each will encounter. I assure you; it is never what you really expect will happen!
This story has a ‘blast from the past’ twist that is sure to surprise you! I can’t wait to see if Grace and Mark’s daughter Ellie takes after her mom.
Highly recommend this read along with the other 5 books in the series!
October 10, 2024
Detective McKenna goes after a killer but is it worth it ? Sometimes the past is best left alone and this seems to be one of them. Another one seems to be worthy of attention though and she is glad to hand it off. Good story and characters and scope for a follow on.
December 22, 2024
An unwanted gift
The story has a slow start and sometimes unbelievable but the characters are interesting . The author takes the r e Adler on a convoluted journey to the end and the answers . One is left as a cliffhanger to the next novel.
The story has a slow start and sometimes unbelievable but the characters are interesting . The author takes the r e Adler on a convoluted journey to the end and the answers . One is left as a cliffhanger to the next novel.
June 23, 2024
If you live in or want to visit the lakes region of NH this book gives you a glimpse with a decent mystery. Local NH Author and lake resident. Very cool!
October 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book so much! I loved all the characters and the story line was great. I will be reading more from this author!
November 20, 2024
Grace has a special ‘gift’ whereby she can see the past through other people. As a detective she uses this to solve mysteries. An ok read, a bit predictable.
December 23, 2024
Once again caught up with the McKenna series and once again a satisfied reader! Would love these to become a movie or TV series!
January 6, 2025
Good as Usuaal
This was an attention grabbing story as usual from this author . I've enjoyed every book I've read in this series.
This was an attention grabbing story as usual from this author . I've enjoyed every book I've read in this series.
January 20, 2025
Worth reading
Interesting, nice twist in the story, keeps you captivated to continue reading. Enjoyed the book. Will recommend to anyone enjoying crime stories.
Interesting, nice twist in the story, keeps you captivated to continue reading. Enjoyed the book. Will recommend to anyone enjoying crime stories.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews