Book Fourteen of the Best-selling Mackenzie August Series!
The wealthy widow Cecelia Townsend has a job for Mackenzie--follow her three adult grandchildren. She intends to bequeath sizable trusts to each, but she refuses to fund addictions or destructive behaviors. Mackenzie agrees to investigate the grandchildren, knowing there's more beyond her simple request.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Stackhouse's campaign to be the mayor is heating up. It's obvious that someone wants her dead, and it may be up to Mackenzie to stop the next assassination attempt.
Rejoin the adventure in the thrilling mystery To Have Everything!
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
Reading “To Have Everything” is Like Going to a Class Reunion and Seeing All Your Old Friends
In “To Have Everything,” Alan Lee masterfully brings together the beloved characters we’ve come to know and love from his previous works. This novel, in particular, feels like a delightful reunion, seamlessly weaving in characters from the McKenzie August series while continuing to explore the backstory of Andy Stackhouse.
Lee’s writing shines with the same warmth and wit that fans have come to expect, making this book a page-turner that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. Having read all of Lee's previous novels, it's a joy to see just how far he has come as an author, demonstrating a muturity and sense of confidence that adds depth and dimension to his work.
Whether you’ve followed his writing for years or are just diving in, “To Have Everything” stands out as a testament to Lee’s storytelling prowess.
If you were a fan of Robert B. Parker and Spenser, this is the series for you. At times, a tad over the top compared to Spenser, there MacKenzie August has the same cocky humorous personality with the same strong moral standards. Also, enjoyably, the same intellect and moral code hidden in a large fighter's body. Mackenzie, being a former English teacher, should also have the same grammatical standards as Spenser, but, although I have raised this with the author, it seems he will remain grammatically below his other high standards.
The plot of this one is top of the line for the series and the characters are still great and true to their form. I strongly recommend starting at the beginning so the characters can be appreciated in all their depth.
We start out with what appears to be a simple case of a grandmother wanting August’s help with her grandchildren and their inheritance. We add to the plot with someone attempting to kill Stackhouse as she runs for mayor.
Our usual characters are around, Ronnie, Kix, Timothy and Stackhouse. Early on Manny and Noelle go off on one of their missions. This small town is filled with interesting people. The wealthy, gangsters, unethical doctors, assassins, oh my.
The rare cancer was an interesting plot twist as was the payment an assassin accepts… think John Wick…
A really interesting, well written story. Looking forward to the Sinatra book in July.
The August extended family is doing well even with Martinez and Noelle gone. Stackhouse is a certain win for mayor even with "Harry Potter" who is running for city council trashing her every chance he gets. Mackenzie rides into action saving her from being assassinated by a rogue gunman and then saving her from her rigged car that blows up. He is determined to get to the bottom of the attempts as well help an elderly woman choose which grandchild is worthy of the greatest part of her inheritance. Various issues evolve with Mackenzie finally prevailing on her choice of appropriate grandchild.
Another great addition to the Mackenzie August collection. While there is plenty of action in the story, the thing that separates this from other thrillers is that Mack is a thinking man. I added a couple of titles to my TBR list today. The characters have been developed well. The story line is great, well thought out, and believable. Not just this book but the entire series is highly recommended.
My only complaint is that I reach the end waaay too soon. As usual I need s dictionary a few times to look up some words I don’t recognize. Also now I know that I don’t need to ever try Pappy bourbon as my love for Buffalo Trace is sufficient. When is the next Sinatra???? Keep up the great work Alan. Still wish some of the earlier Sinatras would come off KU so I can purchase again to finish rereading the entire series!
I simply cannot get enough of Alan Lee and his novels. I am a reader. I enjoy when I find an author who creates characters that then morph into a series which I can then devour. I have my favorites but this is the only series I have written reviews. The writing is clever, funny, serious, emotional, and just plain good. I enjoy each and every character. If you haven't read anything by Alan Lee, do yourself a favor and well...start!
When you leave out Manny I give (no soup for you, oops no 5 stars for you) . Those Seinfeld flashbacks come and go. Great job on the story, because August is a riot as stated. The baby thoughts are incredibly cute and comical. You've introduced so many likeable characters its really unique. Choo are a superhero writer mang,! Its superb....that's what I said. Thanks for your hard work and wonderful imagination its appreciated.
Another good one. Your imagination is remarkable and the characters names are always interesting. I liked Reacher a lot but haven’t read anything but Many , Stackhouse and Austin for several months. I do have one question tho , in Tough and Lovely in the bus accident an outraged lady is referred to as Mrs. Several times but then referred as him in the dialog. ???no biggy got ‘dam just confused ??? Jimminy Christmas
I love Mackenzie and I missed him and his quips that make you giggle at odd times. He has a new client that wants him to investigate her grandchildren. And at the same time someone is trying to kill Sheriff Stackhouse. The action is on going. Love these books. Own them all. This one had me gasping in shock several times! Really recommend.
The gang is back together, even though Beck and Manny are not as active. Lots of things going on with action and twists and turns. Another strong story and realization that family is the best and most important. You can tell by the ending that there is more to come, and I am excited about it. Great read. I finished it in one sitting Enjoy.
Oh, how I have missed Mac August and crew. This one moved along at a steady clip. Action, suspense, intrique - everything you want in a mystery series. LOVED it!! And can't wait for the NEW Sinatra coming out this summer!! Shoot, I missed them all so much I re-read the entire MacKenzie August series!
I have read all of Alan Lee's books. Excellent writer. My only complaint is that his books are so good that I usually read them in one setting and miss a lot of sleep. I've read most of the books more than once. He never disappoints. Can't wait for the next one.
After binge reading ALL of the author’s other books, I was really looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint. I just love the writing style and the characters and story lines are riveting and exiting and amusing. Can’t wait for the next Sinatra book to continue the journey.
What I enjoy the most about these books is that the characters continue to develop as individuals as well as part of the August clan. The stories are fine, but the character development drives the narrative. Always looking forward to the next installment!
I have read all of the Mackenzie August books 14 in all. I can honestly say everyone of them are great. Nora Roberts was my favorite author; but now Alan Lee has taken that spot. Please keep this series going because they are the best!!!
I live in Roanoke and have read all of Alan Lee's books. The stories are always good and its hard to stop reading. I recommend his books to all my friends who are readers . All the extended family has a story to tell.
Alan Lee found his mojo again. Thank goodness! I did not enjoy his last Mackenzie book, at all. However, this one was great. Impressive, since Manny and Beck were barely in it.
This visit with Mackenzie and his family was great as always. I missed Manny and Noelle but am looking forward to seeing them in the next Sinatra adventure! A new Alan Lee book is always a must-buy and devour as soon as it appears.
Mackenzie August detective extraordinaire. Exceptional as always.
I downloaded this book but had to wait a few days to read it because I knew once I started I wouldn't be able to put it down. I missed Manny being part of the story. I can hardly wait for the next one.
I so enjoy the Alan Lee books. They read smooth. They are entertaining,exciting, and intellectually stimulating. I'm thinking about rereading them. I can't wait for the new Sinatra. I am also curious how things play out in Atlanta.
Mackenzie August fans, get ready for another good story!
Mackenzie is "at it" again and in top form! This is an intricate and exciting story that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. And the end may blow your mind!
Wonderful to be back in Roanoke! On the surface all is well. The sheriff is leading the polls for Mayor, Kix is forever inquisitive, and Mackenzie has a new case. But all begins to unravel as the Kings attempt to force their will into the community…
Diving into this book was like going to visit friends I'd been missing without even realizing how much. Kix is the perpetual baby and the hilarious seasoning in the perfect Alan Lee dish!
Once again revealing that the happiest people aren't always the wealthiest. Two detective stories in one. One, a mundane family struggles over money. And a second story about the Kings efforts to control Roanoke Va.
Mack is hired to investigate three sibling grandchildren to allow their grandmother to decide their suitability to inherit her money. Stackhouse is running for mayor and someone doesn’t want her to be elected. A great story.
I LOVE THIS SERIES I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK (which I just got) TO FIND OUT ABOUT BECK'S PREDICAMENT. OH MY! THAT PLOT WAS SUPER TWISTED IT WAS GREAT. YOU DID IT AGAIN MR. LEE. WOW! FIVE + STARS. ;D
I can't say enough about this siers. Start from the beginning, you won't be disappointed. You will get lost in big words, lots of colorful people and love.