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]

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.

[Debbi]

This is the seventh book in the Mac ‘n’ Ivy series. They’re still driving around in their motor home looking for a possible place to set down roots. This one starts out with Ivy getting into a fight in the little town of Stumble. Then later that person ends up dead. So Mac and Ivy begin to look into who really did it. I really enjoy reading about Ivy and Mac and their sleuthing. Age makes you invisible, or at least Ivy thinks so. The stories are well written with a great twist at the end. I always have a few chuckles as I followed the story. Since this place had someone die, it is off the list for Mac and Ivy to settle in. I’m looking forward to reading about more of their adventures as they motor to the next place. Well done!

[Barbara Hackel]

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!

[L.M.]

I love this series so much! Ivy is so charming (though she’s not quite as feisty in this book as she’s been in previous books). In this book Ivy gets a part-time job at a library in Washington and they make a new friend who almost immediately gets arrested for the murder of her arch-enemy. Of course Ivy gets to the bottom of that pretty quickly! All the books in this series are so sweet, and I just love following Mac and Ivy as they travel and meet all kinds of interesting people. They don’t only solve crimes, they play cupid, they make new friends, see beautiful sites, and they live life to the fullest. If this is what it looks like “over the hill” I can’t wait to crest that summit!

[Kathy King]

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]

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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Deb]

I love a good who dunnit. I also love Lorena McCourtney and Ivy and Mac. These are more than who dunnits because you really know the characters and care about them. I enjoyed this story even though I sometimes got annoyed with Ivy using poor judgment to her detriment. I would like to see her get gun training! Lastly, not a huge plot twist at the end because the possibilities of murderers was limited, but enjoyable and fun ending.

[Sandy Quinn]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Judy Fiely]

Love Mac and Ivy's Adventures

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I'm always anxious to see what Mac and Ivy are up to. It's refreshing to read about a mature couple. I like the scenery descriptions. The Christian theme makes it a winner for me. I can't wait for their next adventure.

[Carla Oehlerking]

Mac & Ivy

I love the adventure they seem to fall into and the humor that goes along with it. Most of all I love how much they love the Lord and how they always make the time to go to church. A great fun read.

[madonna Lewis]

Great reading for over The hill dreamers!

What I like is thel simplicity of the storyline and it's ability to get involved in other people's lives and new places.
Interesting lite reading.

[BJ Rechtfertig]

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]

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]

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]

I love Ivy and Mac.

[Steven Brower]

Great book

You would love this book by it self. But better even to start at the beginning with Vet's story. I have read all of them!! And can't wait for the next one!!!

[Karen A.]

a fun book!

I love this Ivy Series. This is light hearted easy read that has an intelligent view of the elderly plus a message that God loves each person.

[Stacy]

Super!

I love this series. It’s funny and the twists and turns are just right. I most wholeheartedly recommend reading it!

[Lisa]

Ivy and Mac stumble upon a brawl that leads to murder. So, Stumble is not going to be where they put down roots.

[David M]

excellent read

I love these books great mysteries and wonderful themes. Just what the doctor ordered when you need something you can count on.

[Elyse]

worth the read

Have read all the books in this series. Love the characters and the adventures they find themselves in. Nice easy read.

[Brenda Edmunds]

I love this series! Realistic people, realistic Christians, funny but possible scenarios. Excellent writing and story!

[Catherine Loux]

Enjoyed another adventure with the lol

A nice read for a summer day on the front porch. I love the Ivy Malone series. Always interesting and funny.

[Lorraine]

A GEM

This is one of your quirkiest yet. I look forward to the next in a long line of fun books to read. It is a joy to read clean books with familiar characters.

Thank you!