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…

324 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2026

About the author

Your favorite mystery author for the next twenty years.

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.

[Dolores Guillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · 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.

[Michael Garin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[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.

[Mona Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[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.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Thank you Alan, love your writing.

Liz

[Lesley Behrndt · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Penny Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I suspected

I noticed a new email from Mr Lee at 0415 today finished the book at 0825 made me miss breakfast!

[Rod · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Jessica conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!

[Joellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Tod Burhans · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

McKenzie August, PI so much fun to read. I love his sarcasm and the voice of his young son Kix