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Mac McKenzie #14
What the Dead Leave Behind
Once a police detective in St. Paul, Minnesota, Rushmore McKenzie has become not only an unlikely millionaire, but an occasional unlicensed private investigator, doing favors for friends and people in need. When his stepdaughter Erica asks him for just such a favor, McKenzie doesn t have it in him to refuse. Even though it sounds like a very bad idea right from the start.
The father of Malcolm Harris, a college friend of Erica s, was found murdered a year ago in a park in New Brighton, a town just outside the Twin Cities. With no real clues and all the obvious suspects with concrete alibis, the case has long since gone cold. As McKenzie begins poking around, he soon discovers another unsolved murder that s tangentially related to this one. And all connections seem to lead back to a group of friends the victim was close with. But all McKenzie has is a series of odd, even suspicious, coincidences until someone decides to make it all that more serious and personal.
The father of Malcolm Harris, a college friend of Erica s, was found murdered a year ago in a park in New Brighton, a town just outside the Twin Cities. With no real clues and all the obvious suspects with concrete alibis, the case has long since gone cold. As McKenzie begins poking around, he soon discovers another unsolved murder that s tangentially related to this one. And all connections seem to lead back to a group of friends the victim was close with. But all McKenzie has is a series of odd, even suspicious, coincidences until someone decides to make it all that more serious and personal.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2017
187 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
David Housewright
70 books421 followersA past president of the Private Eye Writers of America, David Housewright has published 28 crimes novels including In A Hard Wind (June 2023 St. Martin’s Minotaur) and has contributed short stories to 15 anthologies and other publications. He has earned an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America, a Shamus nomination from the PWA, and three Minnesota Books Awards. A reformed newspaper reporter and ad man, he has also taught writing courses at the University of Minnesota and Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. His name and face were recently added to “Minnesota Writers on the Map” by the Minnesota Historical Society and Friends of the St. Paul Public Library.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 11, 2025
I am on a series binge of David Housewright’s Mac McKenzie collection, of which this is the fourteenth book. Housewright explores the life of Mac ‘Rushmore’ McKenzie, an amateur private investigator from St. Paul, Minnesota who is always eager to help those close to him. A familial favour soon puts Mac behind the eight ball and opens the door to a murder investigation. While Mac is determined, the evidence takes things in many unexpected directions, all of which could send things into a spiral. Housewright leaves readers hooked with this thriller!
Mac ‘Rushmore’ McKenzie came into a significant amount of money years ago, which led to his abrupt retirement from the St. Paul PD. Now, he’s working as an unlicensed PI and helping those worth his while. He has a weakness for helping his step-daughter, Erica, who only asks for things once in a while. This is why Mac reluctantly agrees to help in whatever way he can.
Erica explains that Malcolm Harris is a college friend of hers and has been suffering over the last year. Malcolm’s father was found murdered just on the outskirts of the Twin Cities, but no one has been identified as the killer. This cold case is not something Mac works regularly, but because Erica is so insistent, she convinces him to take a look. With few clues and any likely suspects tightly alibied, it seems like a dead end from the outset.
As Mac usually does, he puts it all into this case and soon learns that there is another cold case murder that could be closely related. The victim was part of a close-knit group, though no one is talking now. As Mac tries to bring closure to the recent murder, he is haunted by the lingering suspicion that the killer is in plain sight and ready to strike again. Housewright delivers a great nudge to keep the series moving along!
While I have the latest novel in the series as an ARC, I wanted some context and so am binge reading the entire collection. Housewright finds enticing ways to spin a narrative, injecting entertaining ways to spin a yarn. The reader cannot help but enjoy how Housewright delivers a reading experience. Characters are, as usual, well-developed and easily grows to flavour the larger story. The plot emerges to gain momentum, balancing progress and surprises to keep things on point. Housewright has me eager to forge onwards!
Kudos, Mr. Housewright, for a composition that had me tuned in!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Mac ‘Rushmore’ McKenzie came into a significant amount of money years ago, which led to his abrupt retirement from the St. Paul PD. Now, he’s working as an unlicensed PI and helping those worth his while. He has a weakness for helping his step-daughter, Erica, who only asks for things once in a while. This is why Mac reluctantly agrees to help in whatever way he can.
Erica explains that Malcolm Harris is a college friend of hers and has been suffering over the last year. Malcolm’s father was found murdered just on the outskirts of the Twin Cities, but no one has been identified as the killer. This cold case is not something Mac works regularly, but because Erica is so insistent, she convinces him to take a look. With few clues and any likely suspects tightly alibied, it seems like a dead end from the outset.
As Mac usually does, he puts it all into this case and soon learns that there is another cold case murder that could be closely related. The victim was part of a close-knit group, though no one is talking now. As Mac tries to bring closure to the recent murder, he is haunted by the lingering suspicion that the killer is in plain sight and ready to strike again. Housewright delivers a great nudge to keep the series moving along!
While I have the latest novel in the series as an ARC, I wanted some context and so am binge reading the entire collection. Housewright finds enticing ways to spin a narrative, injecting entertaining ways to spin a yarn. The reader cannot help but enjoy how Housewright delivers a reading experience. Characters are, as usual, well-developed and easily grows to flavour the larger story. The plot emerges to gain momentum, balancing progress and surprises to keep things on point. Housewright has me eager to forge onwards!
Kudos, Mr. Housewright, for a composition that had me tuned in!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 6, 2021
Typical of the series in many ways--first person narration by the investigator, doing a favor for the beloved daughter of his girlfriend. But very unusual in another: his investigation reveals that there are three victims, all of them men, and I counted six main suspects, all of them women, most of them very likable in different ways, and five of them, as it turns out, guilty of wrongful actions. Keeping all the relationships straight requires paying careful attention, but Housewright delivers his trademark blend of careful observation, witty writing, and mayhem.
April 4, 2023
When I miss Robert Parker's Spenser series, I turn to David Houseright's MacKenzie. Tough but compassionate. Inappropriate but trying to be better. This book has a complex mystery with a host of varied, interesting characters.
June 8, 2017
First Sentence: The way he paced recklessly in front of me, bouncing off the furniture, tripping on the throw rug/ the way he looked at me with unblinking eyes—I decided the kid was messed up.
Former police detective, now unlicensed investigator, Rushmore McKenzie is asked for a special favour; find out her killed the father of a friend. But nothing is simple and one case leads to another unsolved murder and a particular group of friends.
Housewright is very good at the concise; from the very beginning, we know who are the primary characters. We also have background on McKenzie and, through his internal voice, how he thinks and who matters to him. In addition to his many talents; he cooks—“braised boneless pork ribs simmering in gravy laced with chili powder; mashed potatoes seasoned with onion salt, black pepper, butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and chives; plus green beans and pecans sautéed in chicken broth and maple syrup.”—cautions one to not read when hungry and reminds one a bit of Robert Parker’s Spencer. However, knowing these things is of particular advantage to those jumping into this series for the first time.
Housewright’s dialogue is easy, natural, and, at times, quite delightful—“Do you think that the killer might be at the party?” she asked. “That is so Agatha Christie.”
“What the Dead Leave Behind” has an excellent protagonist and a very well done plot that goes unexpected places. Learning where everyone ends up is very refreshing.
WHAT THE DEAD LEAVE BEHIND (Unl. PI-Rushmore McKenzie-St. Paul, MN–Contemp) - VG
Housewright, David – 14th in series
Minotaur Books – June 2017
Former police detective, now unlicensed investigator, Rushmore McKenzie is asked for a special favour; find out her killed the father of a friend. But nothing is simple and one case leads to another unsolved murder and a particular group of friends.
Housewright is very good at the concise; from the very beginning, we know who are the primary characters. We also have background on McKenzie and, through his internal voice, how he thinks and who matters to him. In addition to his many talents; he cooks—“braised boneless pork ribs simmering in gravy laced with chili powder; mashed potatoes seasoned with onion salt, black pepper, butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and chives; plus green beans and pecans sautéed in chicken broth and maple syrup.”—cautions one to not read when hungry and reminds one a bit of Robert Parker’s Spencer. However, knowing these things is of particular advantage to those jumping into this series for the first time.
Housewright’s dialogue is easy, natural, and, at times, quite delightful—“Do you think that the killer might be at the party?” she asked. “That is so Agatha Christie.”
“What the Dead Leave Behind” has an excellent protagonist and a very well done plot that goes unexpected places. Learning where everyone ends up is very refreshing.
WHAT THE DEAD LEAVE BEHIND (Unl. PI-Rushmore McKenzie-St. Paul, MN–Contemp) - VG
Housewright, David – 14th in series
Minotaur Books – June 2017
August 14, 2017
Another winner by David Housewright. I love sense of humor he puts into his character, McKenzie, and the inner voice is a great addition to his character. Another excellent Minnesota author.
June 11, 2018
Ex-police detective Rushmore McKenzie is asked to look into the murder of a man, Frank Harris. He is asked by Erica , the daughter of his current girlfriend , Nina. Frank's son, Malcolm persuades his college friend Erica to ask for McKenzie to see what he can find out. He can't refuse and as he digs into the case, he finds that there was a suspicious murder two years before and that there may be a connection between the two deaths.
I am sorry but I have to give this book only 2 stars. It is a very complicated murder mystery which moves at agonizingly slow pace. Yes, the action picks up in the last 30 or so pages to an interesting? conclusion. But it will take you some time to put all the pieces together. Too many characters are involved with the plot. Even Malcolm's mother Jayne is not very interested in finding out what happened......and that in itself is a bit of a mystery. Sorry guys this was not a book I would recommend.
I am sorry but I have to give this book only 2 stars. It is a very complicated murder mystery which moves at agonizingly slow pace. Yes, the action picks up in the last 30 or so pages to an interesting? conclusion. But it will take you some time to put all the pieces together. Too many characters are involved with the plot. Even Malcolm's mother Jayne is not very interested in finding out what happened......and that in itself is a bit of a mystery. Sorry guys this was not a book I would recommend.
July 1, 2020
First, I would have given this a 3.5 star rating if Goodreads allowed it. In light of that I prefer to round up vs. down in deference to the author.
I certainly enjoyed this book and David Housewrights’s writing style. There is a lot of character development, along with a large host of characters, which keeps things interesting. There are multiple story lines to follow, but not too many where you can get easily lost. In fact, they force you to pay closer attention to the overall story. The ending did not disappoint, in either simplicity or confusion, which is always nice as I like to have things "make sense" after investing several hours in a book. I do, however, prefer my murder mysteries to be a tad “darker” in nature, but this one was satisfying enough. It’s a good, quick read and I would recommend it if this is your preferred genre.
I certainly enjoyed this book and David Housewrights’s writing style. There is a lot of character development, along with a large host of characters, which keeps things interesting. There are multiple story lines to follow, but not too many where you can get easily lost. In fact, they force you to pay closer attention to the overall story. The ending did not disappoint, in either simplicity or confusion, which is always nice as I like to have things "make sense" after investing several hours in a book. I do, however, prefer my murder mysteries to be a tad “darker” in nature, but this one was satisfying enough. It’s a good, quick read and I would recommend it if this is your preferred genre.
October 23, 2023
Interesting read-It kept my attention throughout as many turns unfolded. New characters brought into the story made you wonder how it will all connect. I was surprised with the ending!! Was a good read!!
August 3, 2017
Housewright's latest addition to the Rushmore McKenzie series is a complexly plotted, satisfying mystery. Each book in the series exhibits McKenzie's debates with his Inner voice and his dry sense of humor, though the latter is less evident in this one.
Early in the book McKenzie tells someone that there are only six people in the world who are important to him. He doesn't name them, but longtime readers will know he is referring to his girlfriend Nina, her daughter Erika, and his childhood friend Bobby Dunsmore, his wife and two daughters. Nina and especially Erika are present in the story, but other than a reference to Bobby, the Dunsmores are missing.
There are about 10 female characters involved in this story, and it was difficult to keep track of what some of there roles were. The mystery actually expanded to include two murders, corporate maneuvering, and personal relationships. McKenzie makes sense of it all and wraps it all up at the end in a believable, realistic conclusion.
Housewright always includes a chapter at the end titled "What you need to know" which takes the reader a few steps beyond the solving of the mystery to the wrapping up of any loose ends regarding characters or events. This is not really necessary, but I like the use of this device.
4.5 stars
More satisfying than the previous story about the Countess. A few of the recent McKenzie books have disappointed me, but this one exemplifies Housewright's skill as an author.
Early in the book McKenzie tells someone that there are only six people in the world who are important to him. He doesn't name them, but longtime readers will know he is referring to his girlfriend Nina, her daughter Erika, and his childhood friend Bobby Dunsmore, his wife and two daughters. Nina and especially Erika are present in the story, but other than a reference to Bobby, the Dunsmores are missing.
There are about 10 female characters involved in this story, and it was difficult to keep track of what some of there roles were. The mystery actually expanded to include two murders, corporate maneuvering, and personal relationships. McKenzie makes sense of it all and wraps it all up at the end in a believable, realistic conclusion.
Housewright always includes a chapter at the end titled "What you need to know" which takes the reader a few steps beyond the solving of the mystery to the wrapping up of any loose ends regarding characters or events. This is not really necessary, but I like the use of this device.
4.5 stars
More satisfying than the previous story about the Countess. A few of the recent McKenzie books have disappointed me, but this one exemplifies Housewright's skill as an author.
June 12, 2017
Minnesota is currently fertile ground for mystery authors, especially those veteran writers who produce series that are consistently excellent. David Housewright is one of these authors. His Rushmore McKenzie series is now 14 books long, and yet his lead character still intrigues. McKenzie is an ex-cop who stumbled on fortune and now seeks justice when the opportunity arises, which it seems to do with some frequency and with great violence.
Housewright is able to produce a McKenzie book every summer, and I always look forward to reading the new story. In fact, summer and Housewright seem to go together in my thinking. That is said in the best light. Like his other books, WHAT THE DEAD LEAVE BEHIND is fun, a quick read because it is so engaging, and fulfilling. Yes, the conclusion here does seem a bit rushed, but that is a negligible complaint in the grand scheme. This isn't the best Rushmore McKenzie novel, but it is pretty darn good.
In Minnesota
Winters are cold, beer is too
Writers write, thank you!
Housewright is able to produce a McKenzie book every summer, and I always look forward to reading the new story. In fact, summer and Housewright seem to go together in my thinking. That is said in the best light. Like his other books, WHAT THE DEAD LEAVE BEHIND is fun, a quick read because it is so engaging, and fulfilling. Yes, the conclusion here does seem a bit rushed, but that is a negligible complaint in the grand scheme. This isn't the best Rushmore McKenzie novel, but it is pretty darn good.
In Minnesota
Winters are cold, beer is too
Writers write, thank you!
June 10, 2017
Very well done. Dialogue is natural, easy, and fun. Characters are generally quick-witted and likable. Plot is fun, and did not expect the outcome. A quick, fun read. I'll definitely pick up more by Housewright.
But... needed one more pass by an editor. Some internal descriptions are mutually inconsistent. There are some extremely questionable comma choices, and despite the author's making all the relevant characters except his detective female, essentially every one of those female characters is viewed through a sexual lens. I don't know if that is the author or his keeping faithful to a character he created many years ago, but I could have stood to get that sexualization cranked down a few notches.
But... needed one more pass by an editor. Some internal descriptions are mutually inconsistent. There are some extremely questionable comma choices, and despite the author's making all the relevant characters except his detective female, essentially every one of those female characters is viewed through a sexual lens. I don't know if that is the author or his keeping faithful to a character he created many years ago, but I could have stood to get that sexualization cranked down a few notches.
January 18, 2018
OMG! Why have I not read this man's books before?!?! Thank goodness I went to a local author event that he was part of and picked up this book. His writing is incredible, the book was amazing, and I can't wait to read all his other books! This book had layers of mystery, from the big mystery to the tiny hidden ones that are finally revealed. What makes a great book too is the inclusion of the protagonist's personal life and it was intertwined wonderfully, in a way that made me want to call him up and hang out at his dinner table with him and his loved one. That is when I know I'm hooked on a series, for sure! If you love thrillers, you need to read this book, and I'm betting the others will be just as good. I will be checking them out very soon.
December 23, 2022
Liked it...didn't love it! Do still love the character of McKenzie and author David Housewright weaves a good story....just wasn't crazy about the plot. Still a fan!
September 5, 2018
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.0 of 5
I don't know if I'm alone in this feeling or not, but there are a few authors whose work I always enjoy and yet for whatever reason, I don't seek them out. Yet when I come across one of their books I think, "Oh yeah, I like this writer." David Housewright is one such author for me.
What the Dead Leave Behind is the fourteenth book in Housewright's Rushmore 'Mac' McKenzie series. McKenzie is a former St. Paul, Minnesota police detective who, years ago, accepted the reward money for the solving of a crime, even though it was through his police work - a decision that made him a millionaire and for which he has taken a lot of flack. Now he does some detective work - usually getting beaten up along the way - as a favor for friends in need.
Here the request for help comes from his step-daughter, Ericka. The father of Ericka's friend, Malcolm Harris, was found murdered in a park the year before in a Twin Cities suburb. With not many clues to go on, the case has gone cold and Malcolm isn't handling it well. Mac starts looking into it and his investigation takes him from suburban hot-dish groups to corporate espionage and bar brawls to shootings.
I started reading the Mac McKenzie books because of the Minnesota connection (being Minnesotan I enjoy books written by Minnesotans and featuring Minnesota landscapes). But once I get into the books, I stay with them because of the character of Mac McKenzie. In part he's a throwback to the Sam Spade-like, hard-boiled, noir detectives of the 1930's. But he manages to live comfortably in the modern day. He's no Luddite, despite his throw-back toughness.
And make no mistake, McKenzie is tough. He takes a beating that would kill a normal man. Said beating is so intense it almost becomes laughable that McKenzie survives. Almost. Housewright pushes the scene to the very edge, maybe toes just over the line, and then pulls it back.
And like all good literary PIs, McKenzie has a code of ethics that he lives by. He's in a committed relationship, but enjoys flirting with the attractive women he meets. And while he might be tempted to go beyond flirting, he manages self-restraint.
The story here is quite interesting and while I can't say that I saw the ending coming, it also wasn't a surprise. This is a good detective mystery with a great character in the lead.
Looking for a good book? What the Dead Leave Behind by David Housewright is the fourteenth book in the Mac McKenzie series and judging by the strengths of this volume the series is going strong and will be around for many more volumes.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I don't know if I'm alone in this feeling or not, but there are a few authors whose work I always enjoy and yet for whatever reason, I don't seek them out. Yet when I come across one of their books I think, "Oh yeah, I like this writer." David Housewright is one such author for me.
What the Dead Leave Behind is the fourteenth book in Housewright's Rushmore 'Mac' McKenzie series. McKenzie is a former St. Paul, Minnesota police detective who, years ago, accepted the reward money for the solving of a crime, even though it was through his police work - a decision that made him a millionaire and for which he has taken a lot of flack. Now he does some detective work - usually getting beaten up along the way - as a favor for friends in need.
Here the request for help comes from his step-daughter, Ericka. The father of Ericka's friend, Malcolm Harris, was found murdered in a park the year before in a Twin Cities suburb. With not many clues to go on, the case has gone cold and Malcolm isn't handling it well. Mac starts looking into it and his investigation takes him from suburban hot-dish groups to corporate espionage and bar brawls to shootings.
I started reading the Mac McKenzie books because of the Minnesota connection (being Minnesotan I enjoy books written by Minnesotans and featuring Minnesota landscapes). But once I get into the books, I stay with them because of the character of Mac McKenzie. In part he's a throwback to the Sam Spade-like, hard-boiled, noir detectives of the 1930's. But he manages to live comfortably in the modern day. He's no Luddite, despite his throw-back toughness.
And make no mistake, McKenzie is tough. He takes a beating that would kill a normal man. Said beating is so intense it almost becomes laughable that McKenzie survives. Almost. Housewright pushes the scene to the very edge, maybe toes just over the line, and then pulls it back.
And like all good literary PIs, McKenzie has a code of ethics that he lives by. He's in a committed relationship, but enjoys flirting with the attractive women he meets. And while he might be tempted to go beyond flirting, he manages self-restraint.
The story here is quite interesting and while I can't say that I saw the ending coming, it also wasn't a surprise. This is a good detective mystery with a great character in the lead.
Looking for a good book? What the Dead Leave Behind by David Housewright is the fourteenth book in the Mac McKenzie series and judging by the strengths of this volume the series is going strong and will be around for many more volumes.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2017
I found it hard to get through "What the Dead Leave Behind," and ended up skimming the last quarter or so of the novel. Initially, I picked it up because the title grabbed my attention, and I stayed with it just to see it through.
Though this was the 14th book in the series, I didn't have a difficult time following along. The writer did a good job of keeping a new reader up-to-date on what'd transpired before. Police detective turned millionaire, McKenzie is now an unlicensed private investigator. He ofentimes does favors for those in need. This time, it's for his girlfriend's college-age daughter, Erica. Her friend's dad was murdered over a year ago and the police are no closer to catching the killer. Malcolm, the friend, recruits McKenzie to solve the mystery, if only so Malcolm can find peace and know what really happened. McKenzie doesn't want to do it, sensing it's a bad idea, but ultimately agrees, for Erika's sake. Looking into the unsolved murder, McKenzie discovers a second murder, and starts working to put the pieces together.
I thought that there were a lot of subplots to follow along, and I didn't need them all. There was backdoor corporate scheming, an older-woman/younger-man dalliance, two college-age students hooking up, non-essential mystery with a fight that happened, etc. I also was turned off when it was revealed that one of the characters was raped. (Side note: when is rape going to stop being used as a plot device? And a flimsy one at that.) I thought the writer tried too hard to make McKenzie seem sympathetic, like an ally to women, but it wasn't happening for me.
I didn't love the dialogue - I didn't need all the details about weather, the character's drinking habits, etc. There were also too many characters to keep up with. They didn't feel like individuals either, so they started blending together. The book didn't work for me.
Though this was the 14th book in the series, I didn't have a difficult time following along. The writer did a good job of keeping a new reader up-to-date on what'd transpired before. Police detective turned millionaire, McKenzie is now an unlicensed private investigator. He ofentimes does favors for those in need. This time, it's for his girlfriend's college-age daughter, Erica. Her friend's dad was murdered over a year ago and the police are no closer to catching the killer. Malcolm, the friend, recruits McKenzie to solve the mystery, if only so Malcolm can find peace and know what really happened. McKenzie doesn't want to do it, sensing it's a bad idea, but ultimately agrees, for Erika's sake. Looking into the unsolved murder, McKenzie discovers a second murder, and starts working to put the pieces together.
I thought that there were a lot of subplots to follow along, and I didn't need them all. There was backdoor corporate scheming, an older-woman/younger-man dalliance, two college-age students hooking up, non-essential mystery with a fight that happened, etc. I also was turned off when it was revealed that one of the characters was raped. (Side note: when is rape going to stop being used as a plot device? And a flimsy one at that.) I thought the writer tried too hard to make McKenzie seem sympathetic, like an ally to women, but it wasn't happening for me.
I didn't love the dialogue - I didn't need all the details about weather, the character's drinking habits, etc. There were also too many characters to keep up with. They didn't feel like individuals either, so they started blending together. The book didn't work for me.
March 1, 2021
This was rather interesting: Nina's daughter, Erica, beings home a friend (Malcom) whose father,, Frank, was murdered a year previously. Malcom asks McKenzie's help in discovering who killed his father...
Malcom's father was a wife-beater, and everyone in their dinner group knew it.... With the agreement of 2 other police jurisdictions, McKenzie investigates Frank's murder & he finds two other murders that are very likely connected to Frank's murder.
Frank worked as HR director for a cosmetics manufacturer, the previous owner (also murdered) was a rapist and preyed upon the female employees; a member of the dinner group was promoted to run the company and she subsequently fired the HR Director that allowed the abuse to continue.
Also in the story is a company spy... and the children of the dinner group.... All involved in some manner or another.
I like McKenzie: he's not a "tough", he's not arrogant, but he's really a good guy who does his best to help people pro-bono. The book was pretty fast moving & held my interest.
Malcom's father was a wife-beater, and everyone in their dinner group knew it.... With the agreement of 2 other police jurisdictions, McKenzie investigates Frank's murder & he finds two other murders that are very likely connected to Frank's murder.
Frank worked as HR director for a cosmetics manufacturer, the previous owner (also murdered) was a rapist and preyed upon the female employees; a member of the dinner group was promoted to run the company and she subsequently fired the HR Director that allowed the abuse to continue.
Also in the story is a company spy... and the children of the dinner group.... All involved in some manner or another.
I like McKenzie: he's not a "tough", he's not arrogant, but he's really a good guy who does his best to help people pro-bono. The book was pretty fast moving & held my interest.
February 7, 2020
McKenzie is asked for another favor. This one by the friend of Erica, the daughter of his girl friend. Actually, Erica asks or he might not have been inclined to help. This favor is to find out why his father was killed a year ago. It is an unsolved case, a mystery of a man found murdered in the park near where the family lives.
Its an unsolved case the police haven't been able to make much headway on. There were suspects, including the wife (mother of Erica's friend) and others in their social group. But, no good evidence tying anyone to it. McKenzie is surprised when he is allowed to get involved, even seeing the case files, though discretely. As McKenzie probes, it leads him to where the man worked, it leads him allegations of sexual assault, it leads him to another murder unsolved, and it leads him to wondering if the growing cast of characters might not somehow be intertwined in the two murders. Or ... are they?
Typical McKenzie and it is what I do enjoy.
Its an unsolved case the police haven't been able to make much headway on. There were suspects, including the wife (mother of Erica's friend) and others in their social group. But, no good evidence tying anyone to it. McKenzie is surprised when he is allowed to get involved, even seeing the case files, though discretely. As McKenzie probes, it leads him to where the man worked, it leads him allegations of sexual assault, it leads him to another murder unsolved, and it leads him to wondering if the growing cast of characters might not somehow be intertwined in the two murders. Or ... are they?
Typical McKenzie and it is what I do enjoy.
July 21, 2017
Another great installment the Mac McKenzie series by David Housewright. In this episode MacKenzie is asked by his girlfriend, Nina's daughter to helper friend discover who killed his father. At first MacKenzie says no but because he likes a puzzle he begins to investigate and the more he looks the more he uncovers and the more complicated things become. I missed the Dunstan family in this episode, they haven't been around in the last few books but did really enjoy that Housewright is developing Erika, Nina's daughter's character more. I enjoyed all the twist and turns and was surprised at the complexity of the case. Good job!
October 13, 2017
The book, the first one in the series I have read, is a fast-paced complex murder mystery with a good story flow, and well-described characters, studying people’s inner worlds as well as their interpersonal relationships. As the story develops and gets more complex with each chapter, the suspense keeps building up and one can’t help being engrossed in the story. I don’t care the fact that the book has some explicit language describing violent sexual abuse, but it is brief, relevant to the story, and not used for the shock value. Because I enjoyed the writing style of the book, the complex story, and the realistic characters, I plan on reading more books from this series.
June 29, 2017
Cop turned millionaire McKenzie can't say no to his stepdaughter, so when she brings home a friend whose father was murdered, he agrees to see why the police investigation has stalled. Easy--no evidence, but McKenzie is led to the company where the dead man had been HR director, and whose president had been murdered several years previously. And then there's the lovably ditsy woman and the secrets she's hiding. And someone is following Mac through the wintry Twin City streets. A bit more violence than I usually care for, but not bad at all.
February 16, 2023
This is the third book that I read in the series. Previous books seemed very violent, especially towards women, multiple murders, too many guns and nefarious characters. I was ready to hang up the series, glad I gave it another chance and will continue. The protaganist, McKenzie is vey likable, straightforward, observant and in a committed relationship. Housewright's writing style makes for a quick read, first person with thoughts italicized as he relays the story/mystery with the complications and corruption issues. The final chapters quickly summarize the complicated conclusion.
December 11, 2025
This one got sticky, so very sticky the more that McKenzie looked into things. I sort of don't blame some of the people for what they did, especially the actions taken by McKenzie and a new ally of his at the end and how it was communicated that there would never be blow back. I'm glad that it seems like all the dirty secrets are coming out, so that the real villains will be known, even if they can't be punished. I think Vanessa, while in a difficult situation, will come out ahead and be stronger for what she is left with and will be a force to be reckoned with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2020
McKenzie is asked by his girlfriends daughter to look into the murder of her friends father. By the half way point of the story at least 18 characters have been introduced and almost that many could be the murder suspect. Parts of the story get bogged down in corporate infighting and way too many seductive women, but it comes to an interesting, although complicated conclusion. Not to fear, McKenzie remains faithful to Nina.
May 30, 2022
It's been years since I've read a McKenzie book. What I like about his character is his polite, almost chivalrous behavior, even as he may be judging or evaluating a witness or suspect. He's straightforward in his questioning, and he seems to try to avoid violent confrontations, although they inevitably do take place. The violence is more confined, while the focus of the story is on his efforts to put the pieces of the puzzle together in order to solve the case.
December 7, 2022
I agree with reviewer Stephen, who wrote: "I am sorry but I have to give this book only 2 stars. It is a very complicated murder mystery which moves at agonizingly slow pace. Yes, the action picks up in the last 30 or so pages to an interesting? conclusion. But it will take you some time to put all the pieces together. Too many characters are involved with the plot. Even Malcolm's mother Jayne is not very interested in finding out what happened......and that in itself is a bit of a mystery."
January 1, 2025
Mac McKenzie’s stepdaughter, Erica, needs help. Actually, her friend, Malcolm, needs help. Someone murdered his dad, and the case is now cold. Erica intervened to see whether McKenzie would help. He has no private investigator license, but he was a decent cop when he did that work. He agrees to investigate the killing.
This is a fast-paced hard-action mystery filled with secrets, deception, and a great surprise ending that was wholly satisfactory.
This is a fast-paced hard-action mystery filled with secrets, deception, and a great surprise ending that was wholly satisfactory.
June 23, 2017
It was barely a two star. The authors depiction of women is despicable, I can't believe his portrayal in this day and age. Rape is rape, forget the job. Erica is a spoiled brat and I'm sick of hearing how beautiful Nina is, isn't there any more to her than a pretty face and an available body? I've read all the previous McKenzie novels but this will be my last.
August 9, 2017
Mac agrees to help a friend of Erica, his girlfriend's college age daughter. This leads him into a suburban social club (Hotdish) of sports parents - one of the group was murdered years before. This leads him to investigate other deaths.
I have never read a book in the series before, but was still able to enjoy the storyline & characters. This series will now go on my "to purchase" list.
I have never read a book in the series before, but was still able to enjoy the storyline & characters. This series will now go on my "to purchase" list.
February 11, 2018
There were too many sub plots. Inspite of all these sub plots even if you skip some chapters , you will not be missing anything.
Too many characters and the characterisation was not strong enough for few main characters.
Unwanted lengthy conversations at many places. I think story and twists was good, but the narration was boring.
It didn’t work out for me.
Too many characters and the characterisation was not strong enough for few main characters.
Unwanted lengthy conversations at many places. I think story and twists was good, but the narration was boring.
It didn’t work out for me.
December 7, 2020
Enjoyed the developing relationship with Nina's daughter Erica. Erica's group of friends, even though of college age, were still not adults with greater discernment and created some of their own problems. The company and its problems and associations with the young adults didn't really tie it all together--just complicated the multiple tie-ins. Enjoyable, but not one of his best.
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