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Mackenzie August #3
Flawed Players
THE THIRD NOVEL IN THE NEXT GREAT DETECTIVE SERIES.
★★★★★ 'Jack Reacher with a wicked sense of humor.'
Meet Dr. Everett Owens--a respected anesthesiologist bringing his tale of woe to the door of professional sleuth Mackenzie August. Roanoke City's premiere residents are being burglarized and Everetts' been framed for the crime.
Mack is hired to investigate, unearthing dirty secrets buried by Roanoke's royalty. As the plot thickens, Mackenzie's carefully ordered world is struck by tragedy and he comes ever closer to Veronica Summer's final secret...
Read Flawed Players today, the third book in your new favorite mystery series.
★★★★★ 'Jack Reacher with a wicked sense of humor.'
Meet Dr. Everett Owens--a respected anesthesiologist bringing his tale of woe to the door of professional sleuth Mackenzie August. Roanoke City's premiere residents are being burglarized and Everetts' been framed for the crime.
Mack is hired to investigate, unearthing dirty secrets buried by Roanoke's royalty. As the plot thickens, Mackenzie's carefully ordered world is struck by tragedy and he comes ever closer to Veronica Summer's final secret...
Read Flawed Players today, the third book in your new favorite mystery series.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2018
886 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Alan Lee
34 books269 followersYour favorite mystery author for the next twenty years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 6, 2022
Officially, this is book #3 in the Mackenzie August series, although there’s also a prequel, The Last Teacher, and a standalone Mackenzie August book, The Desecration of All Saints, that seems to fit in between books #1 and #2. In any event, it’s another good story from Alan Lee that features vivid characters, some exciting action, and a decent mystery.
This time around, series hero Mack August agrees to represent an upper-middle-class man who’s been accused of stealing various items from his neighbors. The evidence is pretty clear, and it seems like an open-and-shut case. Even the client’s wife and daughter think he’s guilty. But Mack smells a setup and resolves to clear his client’s name.
Meanwhile, a woman that Mack has been dating is murdered, and Mack wants to investigate that too. Not that he was in love with her. That honor is reserved for Ronnie Summers, the stunningly beautiful, universally admired and/or lusted after, lawyer/bartender who, unfortunately for Mack’s principles, is engaged. All this would be enough to keep any private detective on his toes, but Mack also has to deal with some shady underworld characters.
Ronnie told Mack some time ago that she has three secrets that will keep him from loving her. This is the book in which her “third secret” is revealed, and it is indeed a doozy. But however Mack’s relationship with Ronnie turns out, I am just so glad that it’s taken a turn in a completely different direction from the saccharine relationship between Robert B. Parker’s Spenser (with whom Mack shares some similar traits) and his idealized Susan Silverman.
As I’ve noted before, my two complaints about the Mack August books are Mack’s over-the-top self-regard and his conversations with his toddler son Six, which are intended to be cute but after a while come off as annoying. In this book, I have to also say that the solution to the primary mystery was not too difficult to guess.
On the plus side, one of my favorite aspects of the series is the interplay between Mack and his friend U.S. Marshal Manny Martinez, which, as I’ve said before, also brings to mind the banter between Spenser and Hawk in the Parker books. In book #2, The Second Secret, Mack and Manny kidded each other about which of them was the Lone Ranger and which was Tonto. In this book, they’ve moved on to debate which is Wyatt Earp and which is Doc Holliday. Small touches like that enrich the books and make for a fun read.
This time around, series hero Mack August agrees to represent an upper-middle-class man who’s been accused of stealing various items from his neighbors. The evidence is pretty clear, and it seems like an open-and-shut case. Even the client’s wife and daughter think he’s guilty. But Mack smells a setup and resolves to clear his client’s name.
Meanwhile, a woman that Mack has been dating is murdered, and Mack wants to investigate that too. Not that he was in love with her. That honor is reserved for Ronnie Summers, the stunningly beautiful, universally admired and/or lusted after, lawyer/bartender who, unfortunately for Mack’s principles, is engaged. All this would be enough to keep any private detective on his toes, but Mack also has to deal with some shady underworld characters.
Ronnie told Mack some time ago that she has three secrets that will keep him from loving her. This is the book in which her “third secret” is revealed, and it is indeed a doozy. But however Mack’s relationship with Ronnie turns out, I am just so glad that it’s taken a turn in a completely different direction from the saccharine relationship between Robert B. Parker’s Spenser (with whom Mack shares some similar traits) and his idealized Susan Silverman.
As I’ve noted before, my two complaints about the Mack August books are Mack’s over-the-top self-regard and his conversations with his toddler son Six, which are intended to be cute but after a while come off as annoying. In this book, I have to also say that the solution to the primary mystery was not too difficult to guess.
On the plus side, one of my favorite aspects of the series is the interplay between Mack and his friend U.S. Marshal Manny Martinez, which, as I’ve said before, also brings to mind the banter between Spenser and Hawk in the Parker books. In book #2, The Second Secret, Mack and Manny kidded each other about which of them was the Lone Ranger and which was Tonto. In this book, they’ve moved on to debate which is Wyatt Earp and which is Doc Holliday. Small touches like that enrich the books and make for a fun read.
May 25, 2018
Love these books
I'm totally in love with whole August family, including Manny. These are fun and amusing books with a good story woven through. I already have #4 on my to read list. Thanks for the fun reading Alan Lee, I hope there are more coming.
I'm totally in love with whole August family, including Manny. These are fun and amusing books with a good story woven through. I already have #4 on my to read list. Thanks for the fun reading Alan Lee, I hope there are more coming.
April 4, 2018
The characters are quirky. The storyline good. The writing a little abrupt but once you get used to it enjoyable.
May 21, 2018
A great story
I love the characters. Mack is funny and sweet. Ronnie's last secret is a doozy. But, God, the typos caused my eyes real pain.
I love the characters. Mack is funny and sweet. Ronnie's last secret is a doozy. But, God, the typos caused my eyes real pain.
October 8, 2019
Third book in the series (fourth if you count the prequel, which I recommend you start with).In this one, Mackenzie August discovers the third big secret his love interest Ronnie has been keeping from him, he takes on a client from the local rich elite neighborhood that has its own closed and corrupt ranks, and his relationship with underworld crime becomes even more complex. But count on Mack to be witty, entertaining, playfully arrogant in a chivalrous alpha sort of way, and a loving dad to little Kix, the baby charmer of the ladies. This is a series you can count on for strong writing and a bit of vocabulary expansion, although the proofreaders are letting too many typos, missing words, or even wrong word errors (such as "few"/"view" switch) slip by. And when I see proper nouns going uncapitalized, I think Mack would not let the students writing papers when he taught high school English get away with this. Are these errors just in the Kindle edition I wonder? Who is responsible? Alan Lee is a strong enough writer, he should have this problem I note recurring as I read more books looked into and amended!
March 5, 2020
The third book in the Roanoke, Va., regional mystery series featuring Mackenzie August is as good as the first two.
A wealthy doctor asks August for help after he is arrested for stealing from his influential neighbors. The man is accused of breaking into homes, taking valuables and then asking the neighbors to meet him to retrieve their items. When he didn't show for the meeting (which he did not arrange but had been set up on his cell phone), his wife finds the stolen items hidden in their home.
It seems like a slam dunk except the doctor says he is innocent.
And as August looks into the neighborhood, he finds it is not nearly as attractive as it might appear to outsiders.
And along the way he discovers Ronnie's third secret, which spins his personal life into an ethical maelstrom.
Alan Lee wrote the first three books of this series in 18 months. Large like Reacher and talking and acting like Spenser, August is a keeper in the regional mystery series genre. I am reading through it as fast as I can and can't wait to see where these exciting characters take us next.
A wealthy doctor asks August for help after he is arrested for stealing from his influential neighbors. The man is accused of breaking into homes, taking valuables and then asking the neighbors to meet him to retrieve their items. When he didn't show for the meeting (which he did not arrange but had been set up on his cell phone), his wife finds the stolen items hidden in their home.
It seems like a slam dunk except the doctor says he is innocent.
And as August looks into the neighborhood, he finds it is not nearly as attractive as it might appear to outsiders.
And along the way he discovers Ronnie's third secret, which spins his personal life into an ethical maelstrom.
Alan Lee wrote the first three books of this series in 18 months. Large like Reacher and talking and acting like Spenser, August is a keeper in the regional mystery series genre. I am reading through it as fast as I can and can't wait to see where these exciting characters take us next.
September 24, 2019
Mack is slipping, but he’s still got charm
What I love about Mack August is how witty and snarky he is. And that he loves his baby son, Kix, more than anything. And that he refuses to sleep with the woman he lusts after/loves, because she’s engaged to another man, and he knows a roll in the hay—as much as he longs for it—will ruin their long term chances.
He’s a complex character, that Mack August. Plus a MMA fighter and a good detective.
Though this time around it took him a lot longer than it should have to interview a key person in the case. I was shocked, really.
The previous two books, whodunnit came as a complete surprise. This time it felt like Mack was slipping. Tsk, tsk.
He’s still entertaining. And the other characters in this world are mighty entertaining, too (though it looks like Mack may self-destruct on the fire of his love for Ronnie. We shall see!)
Keep ‘em coming, and I’ll keep reading!
What I love about Mack August is how witty and snarky he is. And that he loves his baby son, Kix, more than anything. And that he refuses to sleep with the woman he lusts after/loves, because she’s engaged to another man, and he knows a roll in the hay—as much as he longs for it—will ruin their long term chances.
He’s a complex character, that Mack August. Plus a MMA fighter and a good detective.
Though this time around it took him a lot longer than it should have to interview a key person in the case. I was shocked, really.
The previous two books, whodunnit came as a complete surprise. This time it felt like Mack was slipping. Tsk, tsk.
He’s still entertaining. And the other characters in this world are mighty entertaining, too (though it looks like Mack may self-destruct on the fire of his love for Ronnie. We shall see!)
Keep ‘em coming, and I’ll keep reading!
January 4, 2021
So So Good!!
Going into this story I thought we a had a fun case of the absent minded professor and the cheating wife. What we got was a whole lot more,the story takes us on a journey down a dark road..The writer gives us a complex story of not judging and being able to accept what you can not change .This was simply some of the best writing for a thriller, that's some what turned into a romance with a mystery. Mackenzie's character continues to give us a multi layers of a man who is working on himself to be better and a willingness to help the woman he has fallen in love with. Now I accept that Mackenzie and Ronnie are in love ,but I will play devil's advocate and say that their should be quite a few trip ups along the way. I look forward to the next episode of this wonderful series.
Going into this story I thought we a had a fun case of the absent minded professor and the cheating wife. What we got was a whole lot more,the story takes us on a journey down a dark road..The writer gives us a complex story of not judging and being able to accept what you can not change .This was simply some of the best writing for a thriller, that's some what turned into a romance with a mystery. Mackenzie's character continues to give us a multi layers of a man who is working on himself to be better and a willingness to help the woman he has fallen in love with. Now I accept that Mackenzie and Ronnie are in love ,but I will play devil's advocate and say that their should be quite a few trip ups along the way. I look forward to the next episode of this wonderful series.
May 3, 2020
I find I'm still enjoying the writing of Alan Lee in this series. Sometimes the situations are preposterous, sometimes hilarious (as Mackenzie is a bit of a smart mouth, with a smart brain).
I have found these on Kindle Unlimited and I plan to keep reading this series.
Mack is an interesting guy who is trying to find his faith amid the culture that has good examples of such few and far between; he is a single dad, living with his single dad and a Marshall who's more than a mysterious character. Mack gets involved in gang-style investigations, not intentionally, but he never backs down. You'll either like him, his wit, his family and his stories or you won't. I don't know if there are those who keep reading if they don't find these stories enjoyable to read on some level.
I have found these on Kindle Unlimited and I plan to keep reading this series.
Mack is an interesting guy who is trying to find his faith amid the culture that has good examples of such few and far between; he is a single dad, living with his single dad and a Marshall who's more than a mysterious character. Mack gets involved in gang-style investigations, not intentionally, but he never backs down. You'll either like him, his wit, his family and his stories or you won't. I don't know if there are those who keep reading if they don't find these stories enjoyable to read on some level.
June 21, 2020
‘Flawed Players’ is right. When anaesthesiologist, Dr Everett Owens is accused of theft, he hires Mac to clear his name, introducing Mac to a very sordid set of neighbours. Being the wise-cracking paragon of virtue he is, temptation has never been tougher to avoid! These really are fun books, Mac’s sarcasm and one-liners work their usual irritating magic on suspects, while amusing us. I hadn’t really noticed the overarching story arc that links the books together until this book, making it all the more satisfying as long-standing secrets come out. 🎧 Every now and then you get an author / narrator match made in heaven. Scott Ellis delivers Mac’s thoughts and lines so perfectly that it’s an incredible pleasure to listen to. Too good!
July 6, 2019
Growing on me
This third book was just as enjoyable as the first two. Mack and his dad, Timothy, live with Kix, Mack's baby son. Manny, from Puerto Rico, who was previously a police officer with Mack, sleeps on the floor of Mack's bedroom, snoring loudly, although they both do. I lived the comment, “He’s straight as a tongue depressor.” Mack,the big tough private detective, directly or indirectly responsible for the deaths of numerous criminals, is madly in love with Ronnie, the daughter of a criminal top dog. He treats her like scum and has done since her mother died. I can't stop yet! I have to read them all!
This third book was just as enjoyable as the first two. Mack and his dad, Timothy, live with Kix, Mack's baby son. Manny, from Puerto Rico, who was previously a police officer with Mack, sleeps on the floor of Mack's bedroom, snoring loudly, although they both do. I lived the comment, “He’s straight as a tongue depressor.” Mack,the big tough private detective, directly or indirectly responsible for the deaths of numerous criminals, is madly in love with Ronnie, the daughter of a criminal top dog. He treats her like scum and has done since her mother died. I can't stop yet! I have to read them all!
August 17, 2019
Love the writing and the characters. Hate the (unfinished) book. The reader is left hanging at the last page of the book, with the story far from finished. Good writers (and this one IS good) should not feel the need to employ sleazy "cliffhanger" endings in order to entice readers to purchase more books.
Alan Lee has a writing style that is more entertaining than most, but a non-ending like this one leaves me frustrated and angry. After enjoying the second book in this Mackenzie August series, I looked forward to this one, but I will probably NOT be reading anything else by this author.
Alan Lee has a writing style that is more entertaining than most, but a non-ending like this one leaves me frustrated and angry. After enjoying the second book in this Mackenzie August series, I looked forward to this one, but I will probably NOT be reading anything else by this author.
October 21, 2019
This was another fine entry in the series. This time, August has to investigate a string of burglaries in a rather exclusive neighborhood. Secrets abound and nothing is quite what it seems. Meanwhile, Mackenzie investigates the death of one of the women he dated while continuing to try to sort out his feelings for Veronica Summers. Good stuff. With a wonderful supporting cast, August's laugh out loud humor, and another fantastic performance by Scott Ellis, this one is fun! I wish the author (who writes as Alan Lee) and Audible would go ahead and have the rest of the books in the series recorded. Scott Ellis fits these books perfectly! More please!
October 21, 2019
The Mackenzie August series, again, does not disappoint. After finding a surprising murder victim and feeling compelled to solve the crime, Mack is also hired by a local doctor, who has been charged with the theft of his high-end neighbors belongings. The doctor's wife turned him in after finding the items in his home office. While interviewing the wife and the other members of this less than savory community, Mack is sure the doctor is innocent, and he sets out to discover the culprits. As usual, many secrets are revealed, including Ronnie's third. Much happens and it would be wrong to say too much, except that this is another great read in the Mackenzie August series.
October 5, 2018
I love Mack August!
I read the first 2 books awhile back and really liked them. The character is quirky, funny and smart. His family and extended family of acquaintances is central to his stories. I'll keep reading them as long as Alan Lee keeps writing them. This story covers a girlfriend's murder, a client framed for stealing from his neighbors and his ongoing relationship with Veronica, gorgeous !after who is the daughter of an abusive father who also happens to be with the mob. Great read!!!
I read the first 2 books awhile back and really liked them. The character is quirky, funny and smart. His family and extended family of acquaintances is central to his stories. I'll keep reading them as long as Alan Lee keeps writing them. This story covers a girlfriend's murder, a client framed for stealing from his neighbors and his ongoing relationship with Veronica, gorgeous !after who is the daughter of an abusive father who also happens to be with the mob. Great read!!!
March 12, 2020
Wowzer and Ah Hah
The third of Veronicas secrets was revealed and Mackenzie didn’t run but gave her space. Some more people died. Mackenzie cleared a local Dr of charges pressed against him. Took down the king of a corrupt street by his own secrets. Lots of booze and Mack still being the Rock of Gibraltar... Manny wanting to shoot someone. Sheriff Stackhouse still being her flirty and loyal law enforcement officer. Kix still be cute and adorable.
Got to love this series.
The third of Veronicas secrets was revealed and Mackenzie didn’t run but gave her space. Some more people died. Mackenzie cleared a local Dr of charges pressed against him. Took down the king of a corrupt street by his own secrets. Lots of booze and Mack still being the Rock of Gibraltar... Manny wanting to shoot someone. Sheriff Stackhouse still being her flirty and loyal law enforcement officer. Kix still be cute and adorable.
Got to love this series.
July 30, 2020
This is my favorite new series. Whipsmart dialogue, hilarious quips, and a hero to cheer for. What else could a mystery reader want? Alan keeps you guessing and builds tension like a pro. The relationship between Ronnie and Mackenzie has all the slow-burn romance you could ask for, and the villains keep getting more nefarious. I'm on to book 6 now and reading like there's no tomorrow. Luckily Alan keeps putting out superb fiction and I'll keep snatching them up. When I run out, I'll be tempted to start over and read them again.
November 23, 2021
The detective portion of the story was pretty predictable as to the people responsible for the "thefts" however reasons why were not until most of the way through.
Veronica's last secret however was a doozy. We know from the previous two books that her father was a mean, nasty man that controlled her life but not to these depths. Mack and Ronnie as a couple are doomed in my view, she has too much baggage .
Mack's other sometime "date" Kristen is also now gone and who is ultimately responsible? I blame Ronnie thus another nail in the Mack-Ronnie pairing
Veronica's last secret however was a doozy. We know from the previous two books that her father was a mean, nasty man that controlled her life but not to these depths. Mack and Ronnie as a couple are doomed in my view, she has too much baggage .
Mack's other sometime "date" Kristen is also now gone and who is ultimately responsible? I blame Ronnie thus another nail in the Mack-Ronnie pairing
December 6, 2019
This mystery is just as humorous and quirky as the previous books in this series, but it's not quite as engaging. The characters are great, though, and Scott Ellis has really made these characters his. His performance is outstanding.
The next book in the series was previewed at the end of this one and I can't wait to review it.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The next book in the series was previewed at the end of this one and I can't wait to review it.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 29, 2020
Great book that will hook you into reading all the squeals. A look at the underworld and how it works.
I got hooked by reading the last teacher and it on from there. Great stories that you will have a difficult time putting down. I like the way August go against the grain and still prevails. He is a great father and along with his father and Marshall friend make a stable household. You will love the series and will keep on buying the next book.
I got hooked by reading the last teacher and it on from there. Great stories that you will have a difficult time putting down. I like the way August go against the grain and still prevails. He is a great father and along with his father and Marshall friend make a stable household. You will love the series and will keep on buying the next book.
October 22, 2020
I am totally addicted Mr. Lee -Each book gets better and juicier and quirkier -than the last
I love your proselytizing-though I do believe you would say it is not your nature-Perhaps controverted reflection is more accurate-The criminal and flawed characters you use as a backdrop for Mackenzie to bounce thoughts/morality/ethics off of-are brilliantly played out-- Can't wait for the next hand-
I love your proselytizing-though I do believe you would say it is not your nature-Perhaps controverted reflection is more accurate-The criminal and flawed characters you use as a backdrop for Mackenzie to bounce thoughts/morality/ethics off of-are brilliantly played out-- Can't wait for the next hand-
June 2, 2021
Interesting Whodunit
Mackenzie August, Private Investigator, continues to live his complicated life. While attempting to prove one person's innocence, Mack makes a discovery that rocks his world, and, deepens his familiarity with the Mafia. Additionally, he stumbles onto Veronica Summers' secret...which, while, inadvertently, removing a nemesis for August, could prove deadly for Ms. Summers. Two thumbs up!
Mackenzie August, Private Investigator, continues to live his complicated life. While attempting to prove one person's innocence, Mack makes a discovery that rocks his world, and, deepens his familiarity with the Mafia. Additionally, he stumbles onto Veronica Summers' secret...which, while, inadvertently, removing a nemesis for August, could prove deadly for Ms. Summers. Two thumbs up!
January 17, 2022
I have been reading Alan Lee's books and started with the Manny series and now onto the August series. I am surprised a publisher hasn't picked him up yet. His books are funny, well thought out, and just enjoyable. These are easy quick reads but in a good way. I enjoy the Jack Reacher style books and his books definitely meet that style.
I love the humor of both character's and the supporting cast. I would highly recommend Alan Lee and both his series.
I love the humor of both character's and the supporting cast. I would highly recommend Alan Lee and both his series.
September 5, 2024
Neither of the mysteries in this book were particularly compelling. I'm guessing we're supposed to think Ronnie may have been responsible for one? The thing I have the most trouble with is that the "baby" doesn't seem to age. From The Teacher to the end of this book the child should be a walking, talking, toddler of at least three, but seems to still be one based on the way things are written. That distraction takes me out of the "reality" of the books every time.
April 27, 2018
Good series getting better
I am enjoying this series. Good plotting. Action, good dialogue which reminds me of Spenser and Hawk by Parker. I like the relationship between Mack and Ronnie and want to see how that works out, even after finding out Ronnie’s third secret. Highly recommended.
I am enjoying this series. Good plotting. Action, good dialogue which reminds me of Spenser and Hawk by Parker. I like the relationship between Mack and Ronnie and want to see how that works out, even after finding out Ronnie’s third secret. Highly recommended.
May 20, 2018
Mack, Ronnie and Secret #3
Truthfully, I am ready to focus on Manny. That is after I get my happy ending for Mack and Kix. I would like it to be with Ronnie, but I also recognize that some secrets once revealed require a new path. So, who knows? The quick witted Mack deserves a little more stabi!ity and maybe roles can switch. Roanoke is only so big...
Truthfully, I am ready to focus on Manny. That is after I get my happy ending for Mack and Kix. I would like it to be with Ronnie, but I also recognize that some secrets once revealed require a new path. So, who knows? The quick witted Mack deserves a little more stabi!ity and maybe roles can switch. Roanoke is only so big...
August 26, 2018
I got the box set containing the first 3 Mackenzie August books. The recommendation said they were similar to Janet Evanovich. I wouldn’t say that exactly. They are funny but Mack isn’t as flighty as Stephanie and is only in love with 1 girl. I really enjoyed these books and I’ Moving on to the next in the series.
January 1, 2019
Keep writing - please
I started reading this series while riding in a car through Virginia. Interesting, twisting plots, well developed characters, and wonderful vocabulary. My dictionary skills are always in use...expanding my mind. I have recommended this series to my favorite and only book club member, my husband. A very special ,Thank you, to the author. Keep writing!!
I started reading this series while riding in a car through Virginia. Interesting, twisting plots, well developed characters, and wonderful vocabulary. My dictionary skills are always in use...expanding my mind. I have recommended this series to my favorite and only book club member, my husband. A very special ,Thank you, to the author. Keep writing!!
July 28, 2019
All McKenzie August books
These stories are full of characters who are wonderful creations. The reader can absolutely love or hate them. The story lines are well written with just the right amount of suspense and surprises lie in store in every book. Added to this is the use of words I have to look up to understand. I love the expansion in my vocabulary via Mack August.
These stories are full of characters who are wonderful creations. The reader can absolutely love or hate them. The story lines are well written with just the right amount of suspense and surprises lie in store in every book. Added to this is the use of words I have to look up to understand. I love the expansion in my vocabulary via Mack August.
October 20, 2019
Overall, the characters are interesting although some are less well developed than others. The story lines are generally interesting, perhaps a little thin in spots. However, the aspect of these novels that, after reading three or four, just does not add anything to the substance of the books is the mind numbing repartee that is a common thread throughout. I read on a Kindle and fast forwarded over multiple pages of cutesy dialog to the point I skipped to the end and called it a day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews