Filthy Rat

by Alan Lee

The year is 2010. Stackhouse is on her way to the top.
However, the old adage proves true again--
Cops make the best villains.

Detective Stackhouse has been headhunted by law firms and her days at the Roanoke City Police Department are numbered. The job isn't finished, however. The simmering feud between Stackhouse and Chief Almond erupts with new developments, proving Roanoke isn't big enough for both. One way or another, it's time for the score to be settled...

Read Book Six of the Stackhouse thrillers today!

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.

See this profile for the author of these novels:
• Mackenzie August series
• A Sinatra Thriller series
• The Girl Who Would Be Sheriff series
• Atlanta Burning series

Reviews

[Lynn Bienas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading Alan Lee’s books since the very first one he produced. I am a faithful reader. This one was everything I expected….., action, humor, great plot, evil, villain, and even one of my favorite characters thrown in.
I wish Alan would write faster. I am 83 years old and have limited time left on earth to read about these wonderful characters.

[Mari Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Alan Lee home run!

Every Andie Stackhouse story is better than the last one and Filthy Rat didn’t disappoint. I love how Mackenzie’s character was woven into the storyline. Hurry up and get the next Andie novel out!!!

[Debbie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stackhouse is WOW!

I didn’t want this book to end! This was one FAST roller coaster ride and I loved it!!!!!!! Keep it up!

[Bert Leysath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee's best Roanoke VA Thriller so far.

This prequel to the Mackenzie August series, starring Andie Stackhouse, (The girl who would be Sheriff) is IMO the best of them all, and I have read them all, which helps with references to characters who will later rear their nasty heads. "Tough and Lovely" was a close second, but this one really shines. It could be standalone, even if one weren't familiar with Lee's oevre.

[LEONARD CARROLL · Rating 5 out of 5]

need to read this one!!!!!

Makes you like McKenzie. Need to read the entire series. I have. 5 stars. Keep them coming and I’ll read them

[John P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just don't understand why Mr. Lee cannot publish a new August/Stackhouse/Sinatra book at least once a week. I mean, if all of his fans are hungering for the next book why not satisfy us?

Seriously, I have been a fan of Alan Lee since the first MacKenzie August book and I have never been disappointed, never, not even a little, nope.

Mr. Lee has his characters maintain their relationships and I love that. You never know who will pop up in a story. He maintain their personalities and so well written as to make the reader wish they lived in the August residence!

I just finished Filthy Rat and can't wait until the next adventure. Maybe it will come out next week?

[Jim E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a little slow start, I really enjoyed the latest chapter in the life of Stackhouse. It was great to have August join the story.

[Elizabeth Orella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Wow, wow, wow!!

First I love Lee’s writing, characters and style.

Andie Stackhouse is amazing! She is more than Superwoman and more exciting. Please read this book and all of Lee’s others. I love every book I’ve read. If this is your first of his books, read another. You have to meet McKenzie’s son Kix - he truly is a kick!!

[Douglas Grier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always good!

Good stories, good characters, good dialogue. I look forward to any Alan Lee book! Fun to turn each and every page.

[Lynne Caputi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filthy Rat

This latest installment in the Stackhouse series does not disappoint, and neither does Alan Lee!! Still my favorite author, and this book had me giddy!

[Michael Garin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Lee's Novels Keep Getting Better and Better

Filthy Rat is one more step up in the evolving saga of Alan Lee's wonderful cast of characters.
Having discovered what a powerful and compelling subject Lee created in Andie Stackhouse, he's managed to fill in her backstory while entertaining his readers with another riveting tale.
I can't wait until the sequel is ready to be published.

[Mike Muldowney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad it’s over….

So satisfying. The bad guys always get their due. Stackhouse is bigger than life but so relatable. She induces intense loyalty in the best people. Love seeing McKenzie in his younger years. Can’t wait for more books in this Universe!

[Dolores Guillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has you cheering for the good guys!

I loved this book and love the character of Stackhouse. She is tough and brave and kind to her fellow Officers. I also love the banter between Two officers that are championing her. Hilarious 😂. Highly recommend.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't be better if he tried

Picks up and runs for the finish...I wanted to read faster to see what happens, but not so fast that I miss the nuances
Next one please

[Donna Fromme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. Alan Lee doesn’t write fast enough!

[DON W SHELTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thriller ........

I think Alan has the most incredible characters in his books. As of today i have read them all. Waiting for the next one.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been following this universe that Alan Lee has created since book 1, The Last Teacher, in which MacKenzie August, having left Los Angeles PD with his baby son (not straightforward story) after the death of his partner and before deciding to move in with his father, Timothy in Roanoke, used his English teaching degree. Running in parallel, Andie Stackhouse joined the Roanoke PD as a rookie at a later age than usual. Beautiful, strong intelligent she soon makes a reputation for her courage and strength - but also enemies, especially Chief Almond. The five previous books have been exciting, thrilling and suspenseful, documenting Stackhouse's rise, fall, rise again, earning every award possible. But also the jealousy of a lot of her other male colleagues - and Chief Almond becoming more and more unhinged. Law degree complete, Andie is demoted to foot patrol night shift. Here she comes into contact with MacKenzie August - and briefly his father. The climax of this book is breath - holding, pulse pounding - on a screen I'd be yelling No! Don't go in there!!! Phew! Since meeting MacKenzie as she does here doesn't fit with the timeline in August Origins, MacKenzie August book 1, Alan Lee has included a bonus chapter revising than scene. This is great stuff. I've been waiting for when Stackhouse enters the Austin men's world. I just can't wait for the next book, whichever character is the principal next time.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'VE HAD THIS SINCE IT CAME OUT, I WAS TRYING TO SAVE IT WHICH WASN'T EASY TO DO BECAUSE I LOVE THIS AUTHOR. I HAVE READ ALL THE MACKINZIE AUGUST SERIES, ALL THE SANATRA SERIES AND NOW ALL THE STACKHOUSE. SO, I'M SURE THAT QUALIFIES ME A VERY BIG FAN OF MR. LEE'S BOOKS. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ALL OF THOSE BOOKS AND HE DIDN'T DISSAPPOINT THIS TIME EITHER. OMG THAT RAT SCENE & THAT ENDING WAS BRILLIANT I LOVED IT. PLEASE WRITE MORE OF ALL THE ABOVE-MENTIONED SERIES I'll KEEP ON BUYING'EM. MR LEE YOU HAVE A MIND THAT AMAZES ME AT WHAT YOU COME UP WITH. BRAVO! WOO HOO! YAY! ;D

[David L Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

harrowing days for Sergeant stackhouse

What a roller coaster ride of intrigue! As Andie waits for the results of her bar exam and counts down the days until she’s working for a prominent law firm, Police Chief Almond spirals further and further into madness. From an encounter with a pack of rats in a Roanoke alley to a wood chipper on the top of a mountain, the threats just keep on coming.

[Colleen Slee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just keeps getting better, each book, each tale.

The back end story of Stackhouse finally arrived!
And what a champion story it is.
Looping in the favourites from the rest of Alan's books- fantastically woven into a story that kept me guessing page after page.
The worst part of the book?
Two words:
The End.

[Laura Poppenwimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sorry to see this series come to an end. The ending was a surprise but it left the plot open for another book to continue the story. Like previous books, fast paced with multiple plot lines and a number of complete surprises.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 in the series

The story is set in 2010 when Andie is bouncing back and forth between patrol and detective work because the police chief hates her. She takes a temporary undercover assignment with the Feds on a yacht and things get interesting. A great story.

[Charles K. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

Didn't t like the title! But the story became great! Loved the part of McKenzie being part of the story line! I have really enjoyed all of his books!

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

You knew it would come to this. A very dangerous, wild ride.

[Louise Mickel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual a gripping edge of the seat read. Alan Lee never fails to write with charm and whit, and of course mystery and suspense. I for one absolutely love this series and can't wait for the next book. Thank you Alan for leaving me wanting more of Andie, and of course Mackenzie too! We can't forget him.