Over the Hill

by Lorena McCourtney

Wham! And Ivy is down, smack in the middle of a sidewalk brawl with a woman in a red cape.

Senior-age Ivy is not generally a brawling-on-the-sidewalk sort of person, and this is not what she and Mac had in mind when they headed their motorhome to the small town of Stumble, on the banks of the Washington state side of the Columbia River. All Ivy wanted was a temporary job advertised by the local library.

What she got in addition to the library job and the brawl was the angry enmity of the red-caped woman who now seems determined to get her fired from the job.

There's also murder. By unicorn. And with Ivy as a suspect in the murder, she and Mac are sleuthing again.

With several complications. The oddity of the murder weapon. Unplanned involvement in a local feud over a new community for wealthy retirees. Ivy's arrest draped in a lacy black negligee. A hostile cat, and a killer with deadly plans to bring Ivy's future to a murderous end.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

Reviews

[Diane K. Stanko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an LOL myself now, I can really relate to Ivy even more than when I first met her in Invisible. I love how she manages to innocently fall into adventures - well, usually murders. And then she uses her observation abilities and curiosity to find that one clue to help someone like Jodi, whose unicorn lawn ornament was a murder weapon. Crazy! But Lorena fits it so perfectly into the story, and you'll find yourself saying "one more chapter" before you turn off the light.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific addition to this series.Ivy and Mac are in the town of Stumble, and have stumbled into another murder mystery! Ivy takes a job at the library, filling in for a librarian on maternity leave. Meanwhile the person arrested for murder just happens to be the owner of the house where they are renting space and hookups for their motor home. Of course Mac and Ivy are trying to find the real murderer...
Exciting and realistic murder story that had me worried until the very end. Plenty of happy times, interesting characters, and unexpected developments kept me racing to the end! Marvelous!

[Kathy King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a fan of Ivy and Mac and have read all of them in this series. It’s good to read a book with characters you all ready feel at home with. The stories are clean and eventful without being gory or disgusting. Reminders of our Father and Savior are written into the story much like my normal day thoughts and feelings. But of all the books in this series, the last chapter was absolutely the best ending of any of the books, bringing tears and reflection into my heart! Well done Lorena McCourtney!

[The Wise One · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Adventure!

I was so excited when I saw that another Mac and Ivy book was coming out this month.
I bought it the day it came out and it was worth it. I got to reconnect with old friends and solve new mysteries. The lovable hijinx for Ivy was present and amusing as always. Thank you Mrs. McCourtney!
A much needed escape from the daily grind. Five stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sandy Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

another good adventure

I enjoyed this book. I have read all the Ivy books plus the Mac and Ivy books. They seem like good friends. Ivy is so nosy! Always getting into tight spots. I like the addition of Magnolia and Geoff showing up to visit. The setting in this book was great. The descriptions are so good I can “see” it. I look forward to the next book and a new adventure.

[Sandra Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

They make me glad I’m a senior

I have read all of Lorena McCourtney’s books and they never disappoint. When you want to escape the stress of life and don’t want to read a book full of those same stresses, these stories will fill that spot. There are even some laugh out loud moments. If you are looking for a truly cozy mystery, check this whole series out!

[Peggy Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Lorena McCourtney!!!

I so love her books I hope to see more. She has kept me so entertained me!! Her writing makes you feel like you are right the in the story. I love the Christian values she write in the book. The funny parts of the book are so hilarious! I just love Mac and Ivy and hope she continues to write about them. I so hope another book is coming out SOON!!!

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy and Mac are a hoot in Over the Hill. As they work to solve a murder and free their friend from prison, Ivy steps into some precarious situations. If you enjoy light-hearted cozy mysteries this is a great series and this book will make you smile. I purchased a copy and opinions are my own.

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy!!

I love Mac 'n' Ivy! The old couple finds a mystery to solve once again. I like how the author has them share their Christian faith with a natural ease that isn't preachy. Also, the author just tells us the character cursed, no need to be specific.

[BJ Rechtfertig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great as always!

I've followed these folks for years. And they're never dull. Can't wait for the next one, maybe in Maine or Vermont. Thanks Lorena!

[Karen Cragin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another quirky adventure!

I always enjoy Lorena McCourtney's books… And Mac and Ivy mysteries have been fun and interesting stories! Humor, suspense, and endearing characters.

[Theresa Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great Mac n Ivy book! They try to help a friend accused of murder and run into trouble that could turn the tides on Ivy.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ivy and Mac.