Common Tragedy

by Alan Lee

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2026

About the author

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Reviews

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Cynthia Mello · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rebecca DeHart · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Al Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mari Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.