Shots in the Dark

Mack's Bar Mystery #4

by Allyson K. Abbott

For Mack and her barfly allies, solving homicides calls for equal parts instinct and wit. To strain out a crafty criminal, the mixture has got to be absolutely perfect . . .

It's a week before Christmas, but Milwaukee bar owner Mackenzie "Mack" Dalton is hardly in good spirits. Chilled to the core by the murder of bouncer Gary Gunderson, Mack is determined to use her extra perceptive senses to identify the gunman responsible. Did Gary's patchy past brew up some fatal trouble, or could his death be linked to a series of cryptic letters concocted by Mack's anonymous adversary? With a second case to crack, innocent lives at stake, and a media frenzy in their midst, Mack and her barstool detectives have little time to mull over the grim details--especially when clues lead dangerously close to home . . .

Includes drink recipes

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Audiobook, Fiction, Christmas, Adult

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 26, 2016

About the author

Allyson K. Abbott is a pseudonym used by Beth Amos, author of the suspense novels COLD WHITE FURY, EYES OF NIGHT, SECOND SIGHT, NICK OF TIME, and FACE OF DEATH. Beth is also the author of the Mattie Winston mystery series written under the pseudonym Annelise Ryan, which includes WORKING STIFF, SCARED STIFF, FROZEN STIFF, LUCKY STIFF, and BOARD STIFF.

Beth lives in Wisconsin, where she changes identities nearly every day.

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read that covers both an ongoing mystery and a current one. The latter does involve a disturbing subject, one that, unfortunately, occurs in everyday reality. Great secondary characters.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mackenzie “ Mack” Dalton owns a bar in Milwaukee.
The bar is a friendly place to go where you are able
to get some of the following drinks: the Almond Joy
shot, the Pumpkin Pie shot, the Apple Pie shot, the
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake shot, the Butternut
shot and the Chocolate Bomb Pudding shot plus
any other drink that suitors your fancy.
But Mack is special as she has an uniquely different
neurological disease called " Synesthesia “ where
stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway
leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a
second sensory or cognitive pathway.
It was interesting the way the author added this
quirk into the story.
At Mack's Bar, there is a Capone Club set up
with some of the frequent patrons. This club
begin to solve cold cases but also has been
successful in helping solve current cases.
This story centers on two cases. The first: a man
who has been convicted of the murder of his wife
and is currently in jail. His sister approaches the
club with request to have them review the case.
The second: a diabolical killer is sending letters
to Mack with puzzle clues. She needs to figure
out the puzzle by a certain deadline or a person
she knows gets killed. The killer has just killed
Mack's bouncer and fill-in bartender.
Murder, mystery, puzzle clues that need to be
deciphered, family secrets, deception are the
mixed ingredients to an unpredictable plot.
An interesting, colorful, well created but realistic
cast of characters.
The story contains as many twists and turns as
well as drink recipes?
This is book # 4 in the Mack's Bar Mystery series.
It can be read as a stand alone.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Mack’s holiday is not going to be happy until she ends the letter writer’s reign of terror and they are held responsible for the death of her employee Gary Gunderson. While she awaits the next letter and nurses her broken leg she and her fellow barstool detectives agree to look into another case where an innocent man may be serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. Can her unique gift of Synaesthesia help break the case wide open?

What I love about this series is the cast of characters the author has created. Everyone has Mack’s back. Her employees keep the bar running while she sleuths out killers. Her relationship with Detective Duncan Albright is in flux because of a case they worked together and the letter-writing criminal has forbidden her to be in contact with the police specifically Detective Albright but they still manage a few meetings. Undercover cop Mal is posing as her boyfriend to help her with both cases but they are clearly developing feelings for each other. The Capone Club, a group of patrons that love to solve mysteries work so well together even when this time a new person is added to the group. Every character is distinct and has a purpose in the story. Their unique talents are used in many ways. They are also very believable and you could find people like them in any Wisconsin bar. They may not all have a group like the one at Mack’s bar but gossip, crime, and current news can all be topics mused over with a shot and a beer.

The mysteries included in this story are gripping. I was really taken in by the Capone Club’s case because I could poke holes in the police investigation immediately. Investigating a crime that takes place during a Wisconsin blizzard is tough but anyone could see they jumped to several conclusions not supported by the evidence. Right alongside that case, Mack is working tirelessly to solve the case she is personally involved in so another one of her friends doesn’t end up dead. This case has unfolded over the course of the series so it is good to read the prior books in order to understand everything but the author does a great job of recapping the highlights in each new book.

Having the series set nearby is an absolute delight especially when my current place of residence is mentioned several times in the story due to the correctional facility just down the road. It is easy to imagine Mack there visiting one or more of the residents using her personal method of lie detection.

Shots in the Dark was a gripping story but only one mystery is solved by the final page. There are also some romantic issues up in the air and I am starting to support one cop over the other so I am very interested in what will happen next. I am thankful that the next book in this series is on my To-Be-Read shelf and I will be jumping into A Toast to Murder soon.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still annoyed the author is dragging out the letter writer mystery and the alleged love triangle. The mysteries themselves are really good, but those two incredibly dumb troupes and longgggg recaps diminish the enjoyment of the book. We get it, she has whatever, her dad died, she inherited money, two friends died, we don’t need a chapter recap every single book 😒😒plus the “muddled mess” of the love triangle 🤬🤬
Anyway, the Scooby Doo gang ( not the real name of the club) takes on the case of a man accused of murdering his wife. His sister believes in his innocence and after reviewing some evidence and speaking with the inmate, the amateur sleuths and real detectives believe him too. This is a sad case and the conclusion is 💔💔💔. Important clues are discovered in the letter-writing mystery and I’m not sure I care.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book and I am really enjoying the series for the most part. I find the main character in this book to be interesting and a bit frustrating. She has a unique conditions which allows here to process clues in a different way which makes the stories/mysteries intriguing. She has a good group of friends that make of the Capone Club that help round out the her quirks and help to interpret clues and gather information to solve the mysteries. What frustrate's me about Mack is the author's continuation of what appears to be a love triangle. It has gone on for three books now and it doesn't show signs of ending. I don't mind romance mixed with my cozy mysteries, but I don't enjoy the love triangle - not even in the romance books I read.

Starting with book 2, there have been two mysteries. One involves an anonymous letter writer that has challenged Mack with a series of clues which if not solved lead to deadly consequences. This story line runs along side of a second mystery which has been a cold case that the police have not solved or an innocent person in jail. I enjoy both mysteries and like how the author intertwines them both through the story. It keeps the plot moving and the pace quick. The story line regarding the letters is continual and not solved in the books so each story has ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. That doesn't bother me much as long as we eventually get it solved.

I have enjoyed the series, the characters and the mysteries. I just need the love triangle solved to fully enjoy the stories because I feel it is starting to detract from the books.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still enjoying this series with the multiple mysteries going on. My only issue is why the author puts in about Duncan sneaking in so much so they can get it on. I understand that they're a couple, but this is a mystery and not a romance novel...once is enough :-) hahaha...onto the next one!

Also, I would definitely recommend reading these in order. There is an ongoing mystery happening between these last few books!

[Alise HARRIS · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t read any other book in this series and started with this one because it was set at Christmas. I didn’t realize there was an ongoing mystery which takes up most of the book and isn’t solved here in addition to the one her little club is working on. I don’t like that sort of thing. Probably won’t read any more of these.

[Juuli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series.

[Monica Gearhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. Keeps you on the edge wondering who the letter writer is. But I’m disappointed that we still don’t know who it is.

[Alisha Carderella · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Star read. Shots in the Dark featuring Mackenzie "Mack" Dalton is the fourth book in this series. Even though I read it out of order, I am really enjoying it. I would recommend that you read this series in order though. Mack's unusual "talents" (synesthesia)are very unique in detecting and crime solving as well as it being a very interesting condition. The main storyline is continued from previous book with her bartender/bouncer Gary being killed in the previous book.

With only a week before Christmas Mack is caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The letter writer is still sending Mack "clues" to solve a puzzle. The threat of someone close to her dying if she fails to solve the puzzle in time, has her on edge. With many of her friends and members of The Capone Club, not knowing that they might be in danger, Mack, Mal, Duncan, and a few of her closest friends are trying desperately to solve the mystery of who the letter writer is before someone else is killed. Along with this, The Capone Club is asked to look into a murder that has been adjudicated. The sister of the convicted man is sure that her brother did not kill his wife and wants them to prove it! This case has a dark and disturbing side to it when it is solved. I had a feeling about the situation, but the culprit escaped me until the end.

The author has created a wonderful cast of characters that are quirky and lovable. This story was fast paced and kept me reading many times when I had other things to do. Once again, this book ended with a cliff hanger that left me wanting more! My only problem with this is that by the time the next book comes out, I will have forgotten some of what is happening in the story. I think this is a fantastic series and I am waiting anxiously for the next book in the series. A definite read for cozy mystery lovers and even those who enjoy an old fashioned mystery with a twist. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is Christmas time and Matt Dalton is not feeling the spirit of the season. There have too many deaths of friends in the last year. She still upset that she did not reach the market in time to prevent Garry's death. Matt is on crutches because of the accident that prevents her from arriving at the market in time. Duncan can only see her in disguise as the mystery writer has sent another letter.The clues are a willow leaf and a blue aster. The letter was written in green ink The Capone Club has accepted another murder to investigate. The convicted killer's sister insisted he is innocent of killing his wife. As the group explores the incident the facts of the case indicate that he has been wrongly convicted. Mal O' Riley is still accompanying Matt as her bodyguard. As Matt sees little of Duncan, she began to feel for Mal. Will Matt and Mal find the answer in time to prevent another death? Can the Capone Cub find evidence to free the convicted man?
The twists and turns this tale takes at Christmas time will hold your attention until the book is done. I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I
would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book 4 in a series.

I like Mack and her buddies, and I like the premise that Mack has a little extra something that she uses to help solve crimes with her bar buddies. They make for a fun read.

This time around, Mack and her friends are trying to help a wrongly convicted man. It was an interesting plot, and moved right along. The secondary plot is more of a cliffhanger, designed to get the reader to come back for the next book(s). I'm not a fan, cliffhangers feel like a money grab and I've actually stopped reading series that try them in the past. The previous book annoyed the heck out of me and this one isn't much better.

My other issue with this book is that I have never been a fan of the love triangle trope. I need Mack to make up her mind, NOW. Mack either wants to be with Duncan (the guy she's actually dating) or she wants to be with Mal, the other guy she's attracted to. The waffling gets on my nerves and really detracts from the story for me.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Dorina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really do like the main character, Mack, in this series. She is strong, smart and witty. I am enjoying this series. There was two mysteries to solve, one solved with the help of the Capone club and it had me going to the end. The other mystery continued from the previous book in the series (the mystery involving the letters) which I think should have been cleared up in this one. Why drag it into yet again into the next book? We already like the series, time to solve this particular mystery and have the storyline move on. But I am not the author merely the reader willing to see where Abbott takes it in the next installment. Looking forward to it.

FYI, I have never been a huge fan of the cozy mystery but this is a good one.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ci sono due misteri in questo libro: uno prosegue dal volume precedente e finirà, almeno lo spero, nel prossimo, tanto che il finale del libro ci lascia in sospeso e credo che leggerò presto il seguito perché sono rimasta col fiato sospeso. L'altro mistero riguarda un caso indagato dal Capone Club (gli avventori del bar della protagonista), che decidono di riesaminare un caso dove potrebbe essere stato condannato la persona sbagliata. Devo dire che in questo caso ho capito ben presto dove si andava a parare, ma avevo sbagliato colpevole... Non dico di più perché rischio di fare spoiler.

[Corinne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I've had enough of this series. This book started in the middle of a case and finished in the same way, with a slightly more interesting case in the middle. The characters are mostly unlikeable, and the police are not portrayed in a good light.

I wonder how long the mystery letter-writer storyline can be dragged out. Unless I run out of other books to read, I may never find out.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

shot recipes included

1 mystery solved, 1 mystery continued. Definitely read this series in order as there is an ongoing mystery. I really like Mack and the rest of the characters and watching them come together to solve crimes. I loved the names of the drinks included at the end of the book.

[Michael Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

One more to finish the serial stalker / killer plot. Too drawn out. Otherwise series is alright but way too complicated.

[Lauren Scheibal · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ How have we still not completed the letter-writer plot!?!? I don’t know if I can do another full book of that.

[Denise Zendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it’s the holidays, Milwaukee bar owner Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton is still reeling from the death of her bouncer, Gary Gunderson. Could his death be related to his conman past, or is Mack’s anonymous adversary ratcheting up the pressure to get to Mack? This loss compounds upon several other recent losses, so Mack isn’t feeling the holiday spirit at all. And she’s having to contend with a leg in a cast from a recent traffic accident, and being on crutches.

Mack suffers from synesthesia, a neurological disorder that causes her sensory input getting cross wired. She experiences every sense in two ways – she may “taste” something she hears, or “see” something she smells. And the experience is complicated by her emotions hitting her differently than the average person. She used to consider synesthesia a curse, but after solving a string of murders, she’s coming to see it as a gift. I’m fascinated by this medical condition and inclusion in the story makes for an interesting plot. (I like stories where I incidentally learn something.)

It's been some time since I read the previous books in this series, but the author did a really good job of bringing readers up to speed without the plot being clunky, so I enjoyed this book as much as the previous three. And I didn’t feel lost at all. I was able to pick up right where I left off and enjoy watching Mack and the Capone Club (a group of bar regulars who like to hang out and discuss murders like the Baker Street Irregulars) work out the various angles of the bouncer’s death, a second crime involving a wealthy family with a lot of secrets, and Mack being menaced by an anonymous letter writer.

There’s a hint of a possible love triangle between Mack, her cop boyfriend and a newcomer undercover cop, but it’s brief, not belabored, and everyone handles the attraction like adults, which I appreciated. I thought I had figured out the whodunnit part about midway through the book, but I was wrong. The ending was action-packed and satisfying. The book also contains recipes for drinks (lost on me because I don’t drink, but they did sound good).

I thoroughly enjoy this series and am pleased to see there are currently two more for me to enjoy. I will read more in this series.

[Dawn]

Christmas is right around the corner and Mack Dalton is struggling to find any Christmas spirit. She is still reeling from the murder of her bouncer, Gary, and she is on the edge waiting for the letter writer to send the next missive. She must figure out who is taunting her, or face the murder of another person close to her.
The Capone Club is taking on a new case. The sister of a convicted murderer is asking them to prove her brother innocent of the crime. This case takes them into a new relationship with a local reporter. Mack hopes by forging a relationship with him she can turn negative publicity around and possibly explain her neurological condition rather than have people believe she is a mind reader, or psychic.

This is the 4th book in the Mack’s Bar mystery series and it did not disappoint. This is a series that can not be read out of order. Too many threads in the story rely on making connections to the previous books. At the beginning of the book I was worried the letter writer storyline was going to go on too long, probably because while looking at the recipes in the back I noticed the ominous, “To be continued...” on the last page. I was pleased that the book seemed to wrap up some important information and we may have a solution to that mystery in the next book. The characters remain interesting and well written. There are many suspects in the murder case due to Abbott’s ability to weave in character traits nicely. The setting remains a favorite of mine, an old bar in Wisconsin. Having grown up in my grandmother’s tavern in Wisconsin I find the setting comfortable and easy to picture, hear and smell. The plot in this book seemed to move at a steady pace and takes place over the course of a week. I look forward to reading the next book and I recommend this series.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a continuation from the previous book. Mack Dalton owns a bar in Milwaukee and uses her unique sensory abilities to help solve crimes. She has been receiving letters from a person who doesn't believe her abilities are real and is testing them by having her follow clues. If she doesn't follow the clue and get to the end in time one of her friends/employees/associates will be killed. He bouncer Gary Gunderson has been killed in such a manner and she is very upset. The letters keep coming and she is determined to figure out who is sending them and stop the person. The letters specifically tell her not to involve her boyfriend, Duncan, who is a homicide detective. She pretends to be dating someone else, who is also a cop, but keeps Duncan informed about what is going on.
In the meantime the group she has formed called the Capone Club is investigating a woman's murder. The woman's sister-in-law has asked for their help as it is her brother (the woman's husband) who was convicted of the murder and she believes he is innocent. This case along with the letter writer put Mack in danger. The members of the Capone Club are very helpful and look out for her. It is right before Christmas and Mack has a broken leg to deal with besides all the holiday business and bad weather.
Lots of intrigue in the story and interesting clues. I kind of like the pretend boyfriend, Mal, better than the real one, Duncan. Interesting descriptions of the sensations, feelings, smells, etc. that Mack experiences with her synesthesia. Am enjoying this series. It is best read in order.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mack’s Bar Mystery #4

Mack has a unique neurological condition called synesthesia. It heightens her senses allowing her to hear colors, taste feelings and see sounds. It comes in quite handy when this amateur sleuth is interrogating suspects.

This is a cozy series that must be read in order. The books pick up right where the previous one ends and there is a continuous second mystery that has spread throughout the series. Not only does Mack and The Capone Club (a murder mystery group that meets at Mack’s bar) solve a very intriguing cold case, but someone is out to expose Mack’s special ability. After four books, we might have a good lead on who is behind these deadly cat and mouse games! I was rather surprised by this revelation and curious to see how this will play out.

I’m still not a fan of Mack’s love interest, Duncan. He kind of gives me the creeps. I really wish she would fall for Mal who is incredibly considerate.

Love the slight nods to the Christmas season sprinkled throughout this story. The book includes several cleverly named holiday cocktails. I believe I would order The Santa Claus shot.

The next book takes place at New Year so hoping to read that one soon!

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

CHALLENGE # 23- FOOD OR DRINK
Drink on cover pic

Because the previous book ended in a cliffhanger, I had to immediately start this one.  
Mack’s crew forms “the Capone club” that plays fun mystery puzzles as well as using their various resources trying to solve cold cases. One of the smart things the writer delineates from the usual cozy formula is that there are multiple mysteries to solve instead of just the one. This helps the story move at a good pace instead of the usual slower one of a cozy. I really like that as it keeps the reader from getting bored. 
I thought I knew who the anonymous letter writer was but more clues were added in this book so it really kept me guessing. 
I like the way Duncan is always kissing Mack on the nose. And then at one point he says to her, “I love your nose.” Sweet! 
But seriously, did you have to drag out the bigger mystery thru yet another book? I’m seriously dying here trying to figure out who it is!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an interesting twist on the abilities of an amateur sleuth, Mackenzie (Mack) has synesthesia which allows her to experience every sense in at least two ways. She literally gets a bad taste in her mouth when someone is lying. She uses this to her advantage, and the amazement of others, as she asks questions to solve a crime. This story, set in December in Milwaukee, focuses on the bar Mack has inherited from her dad, her cop friends, and other friends that make up the group who solves crimes out of her bar. There are two story lines running - one is the conviction of a murderer whose sister thinks he's innocent and the second relates to letters with evil consequences. One is resolved at the end of the book but the other is a cliffhanger.

It's rare for me to give 5 stars to a book. However this one kept my attention, and kept me reading late into the night.

[Linda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The deadly letter clues guaranteeing a friend will die if not solved show up again after the death of Mack's bartender. The Capone cold case team, Duncan (Mack's boyfriend) and Duncan's undercover pal Mal get to work with Mack who's in a cast for her broken leg. This runs throughout the book and continues into the next, not favorite device of mine. Another case is also being worked on by a broader group of the Capone Club. They have let a reporter join in on this case to keep him away from the letter writer case. The other case involves a man in prison for killing his wife, brought to them by his sister, who is sure he is innocent. I love the characters and the byplay of ideas generated by everyone trying to solve the cases. I guess I need to continue in order to get the personal case solved.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

The next installment in the series has Mack and her gang working on two mysteries--the ongoing one of the person who is killing her friends and a new one. As per usual, one mystery is solved but at least there are some new leads on the other. And Mack is still struggling with her feelings for Duncan and Mal. I like the entrance of a new person into the Capone Club and I am sure glad I don't have to live through Milwaukee winters, though I would love to visit. I did guess the answer to the last clue, for once. I do like the characters, though I wonder how Mal is always available to chauffeur Mack around. Doesn't he have a full-time job? And doesn't Cora have to work at her office more than at the bar?

A good addition to this series. I didn't realize I hadn't been keeping up with it, so am glad to get back into them. It looks like there are only two more books in the series.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things are starting to heat up at Mack’s bar and the mystery behind the letter writer. Mack keeps trying to save her friends from impending death, in this cat and mouse game between a letter, writer and a killer. They are one step closer to figuring out who it is. They found a source of possibly who is writing the letters, there’s just only Conjecture, not definitive proof, for them to bring to the police. Can’t wait to see where the next book leads, and if they discover any new evidence to point, the direction of who the killer or killers could possibly be. I do have to think that it’s a little bit of an inside source, but what would be the motive for him to be testing her this way. So many questions can’t wait to get to the next book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenges: RRRCs August 2019 - Author name 'A' (1); and, Create Your Own Readathon/Steeped in Books/Stacking the Series - Primary List/Level 5/Book 4. An interesting device in the series: a killer threatens the main character and those close to her throughout several books in the series, and continues in this book and the next. At the same time, cold cases or questionably adjudicated cases are reviewed to gain justice or to prove innocence and solved. Set in a bar in Milwaukee, this one right before Christmas, makes for a great atmospheric read.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mack has her hands full with the current murder of one of her own and then the letter writer comes again after another person. She does figure out the first clue which involves a cemetery and actually gets a few clues about the possible murderer. She also gets more information and it is now leading towards a possible woman who is torturing her and tormenting her friends instead of a man.
Mack also is getting closer to Mal but still has feelings for Duncan. They still have to be cautious because the letter writer already killed one of her friend's and is getting ready again.