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Mackenzie August #15
Common Tragedy
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…
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…
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2026
108 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Alan Lee
39 books278 followersYour favorite mystery author for the next twenty years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 12, 2026
Good. Clever and funny as usual. The story seems a bit weaker than earlier ones. Interesting w the podcaster added in though.
February 4, 2026
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!
February 4, 2026
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.
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.
February 7, 2026
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.
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.
February 10, 2026
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.
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.
February 12, 2026
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.
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.
February 4, 2026
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.
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.
February 11, 2026
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.
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.
February 13, 2026
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!
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!
February 24, 2026
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….
February 25, 2026
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.
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.
February 4, 2026
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.
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.
February 6, 2026
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!
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!
February 7, 2026
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!
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!
February 8, 2026
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.
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.
February 8, 2026
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.
February 15, 2026
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!
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!
February 21, 2026
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.
February 22, 2026
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.
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.
February 4, 2026
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.
Fifteenth book of the Mackenzie August series didn’t disappoint- it’s another mystery mixed with all the messiness of real life.
February 5, 2026
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.
Read all the books in the MacKenzie series and have enjoyed them all. Always waiting for the next one to be published.
February 5, 2026
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?😀🤗
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?😀🤗
February 11, 2026
One of my favorite authors!! Alan hits another home run!! Can’t believe she’s pg.
Thank you Alan, love your writing.
Liz
Thank you Alan, love your writing.
Liz
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
A fun read
If you like fun and escapist reading the Mackenzie August series is a good one with humor and crime solving all together
If you like fun and escapist reading the Mackenzie August series is a good one with humor and crime solving all together
February 11, 2026
As I suspected
I noticed a new email from Mr Lee at 0415 today finished the book at 0825 made me miss breakfast!
I noticed a new email from Mr Lee at 0415 today finished the book at 0825 made me miss breakfast!
February 14, 2026
Mackenzie does it again!
I seriously love all of these books. I love how the characters have developed over the 3 series! Love all things Mack, Manny, and Andi!!!
I seriously love all of these books. I love how the characters have developed over the 3 series! Love all things Mack, Manny, and Andi!!!
February 15, 2026
Another great one
Read it in 3 days.
Couldn't put it down.
Some words i had to look up, but great story telling.
I am now waiting for Noelle and Mannys story to come out
Read it in 3 days.
Couldn't put it down.
Some words i had to look up, but great story telling.
I am now waiting for Noelle and Mannys story to come out
February 16, 2026
Another great story!
Boy do I love reading Alan Lee’s books. The plots twist, move fast, and keep you guessing to the end. I hope he writes another fifty books!
Boy do I love reading Alan Lee’s books. The plots twist, move fast, and keep you guessing to the end. I hope he writes another fifty books!
February 18, 2026
always hits the mark
Slow start but will defined plot and characters Kept me and maybe you guessing til the end with more to come. Can’t wait for the next in any of the series
Slow start but will defined plot and characters Kept me and maybe you guessing til the end with more to come. Can’t wait for the next in any of the series
February 20, 2026
McKenzie August, PI so much fun to read. I love his sarcasm and the voice of his young son Kix
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews