Common Tragedy

Mackenzie August #15

by Alan Lee

A neighborhood picnic is interrupted by screaming. Tragedy has struck and two neighbors are dead, their drinks still fresh and plates full. The stymied police detective declares it a double-suicide. There’s only one problem—Mackenzie August was at the picnic too, and he disagrees.

There’s more trouble at this picnic than meets the eye. Rivalries and grudges run deep, and one of the neighbors is a killer. This one’s personal for Mackenzie, because it happened on his street.

Meanwhile, Noelle Beck knocks on Mackenzie’s door with a problem of her own…

Genres: Mystery, Suspense

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2026

About the author

Your favorite mystery author for the next twenty years.

Reviews

[Rod]

Good. Clever and funny as usual. The story seems a bit weaker than earlier ones. Interesting w the podcaster added in though.

[Jacqueline]

I've read all of Alan Lee's books from the first, called The Last Teacher. That story occurs when Mackenzie August returns to Virginia from LA with his baby son, where he was a homicide detective. His very good friend Manny Martinez soon follows him. MacKenzie's father Timothy bought a large four square house where they could live together. Moving on, 15 Mackenzie, 4 (eventually) Sheriff Stachouse and 6 Marshal Manny books, the writing and storylines are clever and intriguing enough to keep me turning the pages and eager for the next book. I love the witty dialogue, especially MacKenzie's and sometimes Manny's. There's also Manny's partner, Noelle Beck, with whom he goes on occasional secret missions for the government, and not forgetting MacKenzie's son Kix, who I'm sure should be at school by now. Stackhouse is now Timothy's lady friend and the family has a dog, a boxer called Georgina Princess and they all live to be in the house, one happy family. There have been many adventures over all the books and in this one, Mackenzie is sure what the police decide is a double suicide is, in fact, murder. With a nosy amateur podcaster broadcasting the goings on in the neighbourhood every day, it's a frustrating case. Most of all, book 14 ended on a crisis for Noelle Beck but rather than solve her problem, we're still left curious about what will happen. Roll on book 16!

[ashley e harvey]

Addicted to the August household

I don’t think I’ve ever been this disappointed to reach the end of a book and realize there isn’t another one in the series waiting for me. I am absolutely desperate for more.

Common Tragedy was incredible. The way it wove in civilian sleuths and true crime podcasts added such a compelling layer to the story, especially in a world where technology is changing the way law enforcement works and investigates.

I had such a hard time putting it down that I switched from reading on my iPad to listening on my AirPods while I made dinner. It was that good. The twists kept coming, the suspense never let up, and the ending genuinely surprised me.

I loved this book and would happily dive into another one immediately.

[Cynthia Mello]

Excellent and engaging series

I've been looking forward to this book. The characters are wonderfully funny. The banter and comedic ,witty rapport is too funny. I'm thinking of actually rereading the entire series which would be a first for me. That's saying something . Nooo....not that I'm bored silly. It's the pull of the characters and the authors ability to easily immerse a reader in this world. While simultaneously making one wish that could also move in. My thanks to Mr. Lee for his talent and sharing it. A joy to read for sure.

[Anne Jenkins]

As Per Usual . . .

Alan Lee’s book is unputdownable, except I did for a little bit. The writing is superb, as always. Manny seems to have lost a touch of his verve, Kix is as delightful as ever, and this mystery was distinctly lighter than some of the past episodes. I hope Alan Lee never stops writing so that I can never stop reading what he writes. He does leave us with a little cliff hanger, and that’s all right when he does it. Just don’t leave us waiting too long. We are waiting.

[Dolores Guillen]

This is Mackenzie at his best, investigating a murder!

It starts with a HOA meeting when neighbors are found dead. Mack was stepping back but the next door neighbor podcaster has everyone involved by secretly recording them. But Mack being Mack he only wants to solve the crime. I love it, following Mackenzie through every clue and trying to solve it first. Highly recommend. You will gasp and laugh or giggle.

[Vicki]

Another Great Read

I read too fast, racing to find out what would be next, then tried to slow down because I didn’t want it to end. The characters are alive, the storyline is perfect. I don’t know how you tell a serious story and incorporate such humor into the characters but I’m so thankful that you can. I live in Roanoke so that makes reading your books even more enjoyable.
Now, get busy. You need to write another book.
Thank you.

[Kelly]

So Good

Best book yet. Alan Lee keeps raising the bar, and I for one appreciate the dedication. I am looking forward to the next book.
My only criticism is that this ends as a cliffhanger, and that puts me off. I have quit reading series because authors use the cliffhanger device.
However miffed I may be over the cliffhanger, this was an excellent book. The next book had better be released soon. I can't wait.

[Rebecca DeHart]

Never stop writing this series!!

I want to live in Chez August. I totally enjoy every one of the characters. I laugh out loud a lot reading these books. I’m caught up in the mysteries. But most I love the intelligence. The sarcasm about our silly human views and behaviors. Love it! Cannot recommend highly enough.

[Michael Garin]

Yes, Alan Lee can chew gum and walk at the same time

Common Tragedy is a cracking good detective novel while advancing the continuing saga of MacKenzie August and Lee's compelling cast of characters.
Both stories are told with a sense of confidence and humor that only a mature author can master.
I can't wait until the saga continues.

[Katharine Everson]

Excellent as always!

I love these Mackenzie mysteries! From the start, this book demands to be read. You may not figure out The Who-done-it until the last chapter, but you’ll love every moment of these fabulous characters. You’ll probably laugh out loud, like I did. More, Alan Lee, more!

[Jim E.]

Not my favorite book in the series. The plot was not that interesting to me. There were too many characters which resulted in much repetition to keep the story straight. Also, Noelle taking cocaine and getting pregnant was out of character. Finally, Kix grows his vocabulary, yet he never ages. Strange….

[Jim]

Book 15 in the series

Noelle confides in Mackenzie and then Ronnie. There are two deaths of people involved with the local homeowners association. Mackenzie tries to figure out the deaths but has no client. The cops reluctantly help because Stackhouse, the sheriff, told them to. A great story.

[Terry Hillier]

Makenzie’s neighbors are dead

At a neighborhood meeting of the Board of the HOA, a other (board member) and daughter are found dead. Is it a suicide?
Mackenzie is determined to find the truth of this death right under his nose.
As he starts and continues his investigation, he finds his neighbors have many secrets.

[Laura Poppenwimer]

Excellent addition to this series. The plot was full of twists and turns and the ending was a surprise. The characters are still growing and their relationships getting deeper and deeper which adds to the suspense. Hard book to put down once you start. Sorry that the next is the ending in this series, have it ordered can't wait to see how it is all tied up.

[Al Beard]

Master of Dialogue. Another great mystery

Another great mystery with the appropriate cliffhanger. You will love this book, just like you love Mackenzie. Reads like an Agatha Christie or an episode of Columbo. Seriously, great writing Alan. Thank you.

[Mona Mckenzie]

There's going to be a #16!!!

What I didn't like about this book is that Mackenzie wasn't his usual funny self.
But it was still an awesome read. Still deserves 5 stars.
The way it ended makes it impossible NOT to have at least one more book in this series! I love it!

[Gayla S. Johnson]

They just keep getting better

From timeless Kix to Ronnie and Stackhouse, Timothy and Noelle and Manny, this crazy, wonderful bunch with Mackenzie as the star...I will never get tired of this wonderful group of characters! And of course we can't leave out GPA!

[sheryl]

Good stuff

Another great read. Maybe not as gritty,but a good mystery. I always find your books entertaining. Mckenzie is still my favorite, but I am always waiting for your next release.

[Rick Mitchell]

If you are unfamiliar with this series, think Robert Parker and Spenser with slightly worse grammar. The characters, humor and plot are so so excellent. A word of advice. The experience will be enhanced if you read them (at least mostly) in order. For those familiar, this is the top few.

[Suzanne]

What!?

Mackenzie August is out to solve neighborhood murders. A convoluted cast of characters that live in his neighborhood with fingers being pointed in every direction. A classic whodunnit with lots of twists and turns. I can’t wait to read what happens next!

[Jeffrey Taylor]

Alan Lee keeps authoring better books. His early book tend to be more physical beat downs, now they are more thoughtful mysteries. Lee used the Agatha Christie formula to gather all the suspects for the dénouement. It was fun.

[Lynne Caputi]

Alan Lee's latest Mackenzie August story

It's like Christmas morning whenever there's a new Alan Lee story. Whether it's Mackenzie, Sinatra, or Andie - they are all such a treat. And at 15 books, Mackenzie's story is as great and entertaining as ever.

[Daniel Fedko]

Enjoying the series

I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment  I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.

[Donna]

an HOA meeting ends in death. August Mackenzie is there with Ronnie, their lawyer, Manny and Kix
Investigation necessary and is accompanied by the usual dynamic with Manny and Noelle who might be pregnant, but is the child Manny's. Ronnie is beside herself with interest

[Audrey]

oh My Gosh!

How dare you leave us with this hanging over us. I absolutely love the Mackenzie books. Manny is and his cohort are great. Sheriff Stackhouse too. Please don’t leave us hanging for a long time.

[Mari Schaefer]

Another Mackenzie August home run!

Fifteenth book of the Mackenzie August series didn’t disappoint- it’s another mystery mixed with all the messiness of real life.

[Beverly]

Wonderful as always!

Read all the books in the MacKenzie series and have enjoyed them all. Always waiting for the next one to be published.

[Nancy]

Laughter and longing.

If you like Alan Lee's universe, you're going to enjoy this. All the usual loved ones and maybe a new one or two. And a cliff hanger....how dare he?😀🤗

[Elizabeth Orella]

One of my favorite authors!! Alan hits another home run!! Can’t believe she’s pg.

Thank you Alan, love your writing.

Liz