Dead Man's Mistress

Mac McKenzie #16

by David Housewright

An investigation of missing property takes a darker turn near Lake Superior in Dead Man’s Mistress, the next mystery in David Housewright’s award-winning McKenzie series.

Louise Wykoff is arguably the most recognizable woman living in Minnesota, known for her presence in over one hundred paintings by the late and brilliant Randolph McInnis. Louise, known better as “That Wykoff Woman,” was just a young apprentice when her intimate representation and the fact of the McInnis’s marriage caused rumors to fly—and Louise to hide away for decades.

All of McInnis's paintings are in museums or known private collections, until Louise confesses to having three more that no one has ever heard of—and now they've been stolen. Rushmore McKenzie, an occasional unlicensed private investigator, agrees to look into the theft. As he investigates, following clues that appear far too straightforward, he finds himself on the wrong side of the bars wondering if the trail might be deeper and darker than he’s been led to believe. Hours away from St. Paul, deep in the nature of Grand Marais, the truth seems murkier—and deadlier—than usual.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2019

About the author

A 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.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am on a series binge of David Housewright’s Mac McKenzie collection, of which this is the sixteenth 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 few missing pieces of art has Mac busy in his latest investigation. While it seems straightforward, things take a turn and Mac ends up in Canada to track down his most significant lead. Housewright hangs another thriller in his gallery of successful publications.

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. Louise Wykoff is one of the most recognisable women in Minnesota. Wykoff rose to fame as the muse of the late painter, Randolph McInnis. His paintings were always provocative and left people to toss their money around to have some of his work on their walls. Wykoff used her early fame to forge her own career as a painter, where her artwork was also sought after by private collectors and art galleries.

Wykoff has a problem that she feels only Mac McKenzie can solve. While much of her artwork has made her popularity rise, three of her paintings were never released to the public, fuelled only by rumours. Those paintings have been stolen and Wykoff is unsure how to handle things, as she desperately wants them back. Mac agrees to poke around and look into the theft, hoping that he can solve things before too many waves emerge. While Mac follows the leads he has acquired, things seem too simple, which is a tip-off to Mac that someone is spinning a tale.

The investigation takes Mac to a smaller Minnesota community of Grand Marais, where people have a great deal to say about Louise Wykoff. Mac is sure that it could be a treasure trove to discover the truth about Wykoff and her missing paintings. When he turns over a few rocks, what emerges surprises him and sends the case in a spiral and north to Canada. Mac will have to judge just how hard to push, while keeping himself safe. Housewright paints quite the thriller with this piece and keeps the reader brushing up with exciting reads.

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 develops a great story with a solid narrative, gaining depth and momentum with each passing chapter. As with many pieces in the series, Housewright keeps things on point and provides a wonderful pathway for the reader to follow. Characters are gritty and offer up great backstories while adding to their development, which is something Housewright has done with regularity in the past. Plot points help surprise the reader, while also grounding the story in ways that keep the series feeling fresh. I am eager to keep moving forward with my binge.

Kudos, Mr. Housewright, for something well worth my time and effort.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEAD MAN'S MISTRESS is the second David Housewright book I've read this year. It is also the sixteenth in the Rushmore McKenzie series and the 21st book by this author overall that I've read. I like him. His books contain engaging characters, substantive plots, and pithily get to the point creating quick and easy reads. This book is one of the better novels by Housewright, continuing a trend in which the McKenzie series outdoes the Holland Taylor series. Though, lord, I really should not disparage either series in any way. It must be beyond difficult to produce annual books for each of two series and keep them compelling. I can't even imagine.

Housewright's books are set in Minnesota, and place does play a role in most of this books, including this one, but location does not set the stage and create the ambiance like it does in other books (Paul Doiron's Maine or Ann Cleeves's Shetland Islands would be examples of books in which location is central).

McKenzie is getting long in the tooth, and by now he is years removed from leaving the police force so that he could accept a reward for solving a case that renders him financially independent (he would never say wealthy--the reward was not that big). The early idiosyncratic charm Housewright created for this character, as McKenzie bought toys for himself, took on Quixotic cases to help the put-upon, and hung out on the fringes of his best friend's family, has been replaced. Friend, Bobby Dunston, barely gets a mention here. McKenzie is more comfortable in his life and has established his own familial routines. Now, he has a network of acquaintainces built up over 16 books, and that is how he is introduced to new cases. That is how it happens here. So, McKenzie is hobnobbing with the famous and the wealthy in this book.

The story works, for the most part (more later). Housewright writes well. It is easy to get comfortable and spend several hours at a stretch with this book. The author is confident enough after so much success that he introduces occasional editorial asides through the voices of his characters, asides that add some humor and kick to the reading. He is even able to introduce a couple (not just one) of sexagenerian women who haven't been put out to the romantic pasture. Housewright is very much a master of his craft. One quibble with this book, however. There does seem to be a sizeable plot hole, having to do with a contrived crime that was set up to be to be solved by McKenzie. Did that not mean that the contracted criminal would go to jail for a crime he had been asked to do? How were these partners in crime going to deal with that? There may be an easy answer here, but I do not want to get too specific. The conclusion ties most of the loose ends together, though it is also a bit contrived. Overall, a fun book.

When is art, art and
when is a crime truly a
crime? See it. Know it.

[Beachreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

McKenzie, the self-deprecating Minnesota detective whose dry humor and irreverent attitude is often off-putting to those he encounters, is asked to locate three missing paintings by a deceased Minnesota artist.

His investigation takes him to the lovely town of Grand Marais on Lake Superior and to Duluth, Minneapolis, and several locations in Canada. The settings are part of the draw of this series, and the author manages to include food and beer, bars, restaurants and jazz clubs into the story. Betty's Pies is an Iron Range landmark that has appeared in several books in the series.

One of the authors strengths is character development. There are a few reappearing characters such as Nina and LT, but long time friend Bobby Dunston is absent from this story. The many characters were easy to keep straight, but parts of the plot were confusing. I thought the client was one person, and it turned out to be someone else. I don't know if he purposely created a smoke screen there, or if I just missed the information about who was actually his client.

The story has good pacing, plenty of tension and surprises to keep the reader engaged. This is one of my favorite mystery series. The Minnesota settings are familiar, and I love McKenzie, who is a wealthy ex-cop who will investigate problems for his friends, though he is not a licensed private investigator (as everyone is quick to remind him).

I think this is one of the best In the series. Sometimes the asides in which McKenzie talks to himself can become annoying, but they didn't seem excessive in this book.
4.5 stars

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

My ‘inner voice’ is telling me that this was another fun filled, fantastic Rushmore McKenzie book. Of course I always tend to listen to my ‘inner voice’. To those of you who have followed this series, you know about the inner voice.
I love the honest relationship McKenzie and Nina have. Also, I enjoy all of the humorous asides that the inner voice throws in throughout the book.
Another series that takes place in my hometown of Minneapolis. In this book, however, we also spend a great deal of time in Grand Marais on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Northern Minnesota.
Kudos, Mr Housewright, for a great addition to the series.

[Vontel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Latest Rushmore McKenzie book, good quick read, although I had figured out the over-arching motivation/plot early in the book(except for the final scenes for "who done" the murder part). Many little side actions, just needed to read to see how it all played out.

I enjoy these books taking place mostly in Minnesota. Had to do a quick look up for the other detective series I read featuring the same general St. Paul/Minneapolis geographic area. However, Lucas Davenport is a much more hard-boiled/noir kind of protagonist.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jumping from one of the first in a series to one of the last--the series holds up very well. This one involves much travel--up from the Twin Cities to Grand Marais on the north shore of Lake Superior, then further north to Grand Portage, Thunder Bay, and Quebec City, all of which places I've been to in the last few years. The plot is complex, the characters real, and the locations beautifully described. The final solution was not even on my radar screen, and the ethical conundrums were interesting.

[Tasula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent mystery, but not my cup of tea, mainly because I didn't like the characters much. Even the hero, an ex-cop doing a favor for a friend, and devoted and faithful to his live-in girlfriend didn't impress me. Obviously since this is the 16th book in the series with that hero, others do not agree with me.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very obviously written by a man. At first, I felt annoyed that Louise (an object for the male gaze) enlisted McKenzie, a man, for help. It seemed sexist, especially due to the way Louise was initially depicted. As her motives became clear, this feeling subsided, yet most of the female characters were objectified throughout the story. For example, McKenzie detailed the appearances of Mary Ann and Peg by mentioning what lingerie they were wearing and how “sexy” they looked. Jennica, who was twenty years old, was even thought to be a lover of McKenzie, furthering the notion that all the women in the story were simply there just to be desired and could not exist without the male gaze. I agree with other reviews that the main issue was revealed early in the book, and the rest of the plot was a little boring. Overall, I thought the ending was neatly tied together, but I can’t get past how much the story relies on sexism.

[Mordecai · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing is difficult to read - it's what I imagine a computer would spit out if someone created a computer algorithm for the typical detective novel. It's basic, beginner and mostly unenjoyable. I can't begin to fathom all the 4- and 5-star reviews. To each his own, I suppose.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could not get into it. Speed read the last half.

[Paula · Rating 1 out of 5]

The climax was such a fizzle. I felt I'd wasted my time with this book.

[Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hard book for me to review because it focuses on art theft. As I have mentioned before in this space, my perspective on art theft is take all you want, just don't tell me about it. I understand the extremely minority perspective on that and that it is not a popular position, but it isn't one I'm likely to change. So, when I craft a review of a book that focuses on art theft, my initial impulse is to short shrift the book. That's not fair to this author. He is too talented for me to perfunctorily kick him to the curb just because of my rather ridiculous bias.

What I most want you to know about this book is that if you start it, you'll finish it, and you won't grumble about spending the time with it. I enjoyed the book largely because of the characters. Rushmore (Mac) McKenzie has a brief conversation with an art gallery owner in whose sheets he would love to play were he not already fully committed to club owner Nina. Karen tells him three paintings are missing from a home in a nearby county. She asks whether McKenzie could investigate the apparent theft, and he agrees.

A major reason to read this book is the association you get with some of the more memorable characters. There is a father/daughter team Who are filming a documentary about the missing paintings. There is a bevy of women, all of whom at some point in time slept with a guy whom Mac discovered dead in his house. You get a firsthand look at the widow of the artist who painted the missing paintings, and you see the book from the point of view of a woman whom he painted in the nude and upon dropping his brush, picked up something else. The two women claim to have vehemently loved the deceased, and why not?

This is highly entertaining, and the dialogue between McKenzie and his inner voice is something you won't want to miss. That dialogue runs throughout the series, and it just seems to get better with each book.

The end may have been a bit predictable, but it was still surprising enough that I enjoyed it and did not come away feeling let down or disappointed by it.

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although one of the perpetrators was obvious, I enjoyed the main character. He wasn't over written, he wasn't hard-bitten, angry, or a wise-guy. He was pretty down to earth and a decent human being.

When a gallery curator calls McKenzie to find 3 previously unknown paintings of her friend (a well recognized artist's model), given to the model by the artist just before his death that have been stolen a circus ensues.

The model, the artist's wife & the collector to whom she sold the original collection to all claim ownership. In addition a well known maker of film documentaries & his over zealous (annoying) daughter zoom in to make a documentary on the lives of the artist, the model & the paintings, which is being financed by the collector.

To add to the confusion, a local young man (the town's hottie) is found dead by McKenzie, after being identified as the seller of items stolen from the model's home.

On top of all that, there is a tough-nasty cop and a group of nasty local thugs who are responsible for a rash of burglaries.

Things become interesting when a ransom is offered for the paintings, but no one can provide McKenzie with the dimensions or accurately describe the paintings. Even more interesting is the illegal auction of the purported paintings that turn out to be forgeries.

This was a pretty interesting book, it held my interest, I liked McKenzie but not the majority of the other characters.

[P.J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was, by far, the weakest thus far of the Mackenzie series by David Housewright that I've read. While the main character, Mackenzie, was engaging, the plot was plodding, weak, and uninteresting and the secondary characters cardboard and dull. Asked to look into the theft of three paintings by a (fictional) American master, Mackenzie has to work closely with the deceased artist's mistress, a character given to illogical and incomprehensible actions. Sidetracked by a murder and a burglary ring, Mackenzie flits between Minnesota and various locations in Canada on a loosely defined mission to recover the paintings, neatly unraveling the burglaries but not revealing the murderer or actual art thief until the very anti-climatic ending. It took me twice as long to plod through this book than usual and in the end I wondered why I bothered. I will still read books in the Mackenzie series as I like the character's intuition, personality and dialogue (especially when his inner voice pitches in because, after all, we all have this very same inner voice), but if I see the phrase 'art theft' in any synopsis again, I'l tossing the book right back where I found it.

[viemag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead Man's Mistress: A McKenzie Novel by David Housewright is the 16th outing of his Twin Cities P.I. Mac McKenzie. I have read almost all of Housewright's McKenzie series and enjoy them a great deal and this addition to the series did not disappoint me. It has all of Housewright's signature elements: McKenzie gets involved in a case that seems easy at first but quickly becomes complicated, characters that seem like good people but really aren't, sarcastic dialogue that makes the reader laugh, and McKenzie's ingenuity when faced with difficulties. I missed the Dunstans and there wasn't quite enough of Nina in this story for me to give it a 5 star review. I also missed the great Twin Cities setting and characters that Housewright usually presents. Instead this story takes place mostly up on the North Shore of Lake Superior. I read this book on vacation while riding in the car and before falling asleep at night. It is a great vacation read. Now I just have to wait for the next book in the series.

[Robert Jamieson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a let down when compared to previous entries. The main resolution was telegraphed within the first 50 pages, which led to the over reliance of MacGuffins to drive the plot and McKenzie away from what should have been a quick resolution.

I appreciated the author trying to be more proactive in making female characters more than just hysterical about men, but by the end (with the exception of one character) every new female character's arc was defined by their relationship to a man. While some of this fits within the framework of the plot and makes sense in the story, there were a few examples that this felt lazy (withholding details because of spoilers, but this relates to an art dealer, neighbor, ex-wife of a minor character, and secretary). I have not had this issue with previous McKenzie novel's and I found these issues more egregious due to the resolution of the climax.

[Dick Aichinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

McKenzie helps another friend. This time it is Perrine at the City of Lakes Art Gallery. She asks him to look into the theft of three paintings by a renown painter from the woman who had been both his mistress and primary model for many years. The painting had been kept private by the woman.

This time McKenzie finds himself having to spend his time on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Grand Marais, Minnesota. A theft turns into more when McKenzie finds one of his suspects dead on the floor of his home. It turns even more when he has run-ins separately with both the local Sheriff's Deputy and thugs on shore of the lake. The case spreads McKenzie from Minneapolis to the North Shore to Canada. In typical McKenzie fashion, his is beat up, threatened, shot at and generally become a nuisance to people and law enforcement, both Cook County and Canadian. His smartass attitude and inner voice continue to make for enjoyable reading.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The former model and mistress of a late painter resembling Andrew Wyeth, asks McKenzie to find three paintings by him that have been stolen. Their existence was unknown to the world, especiallty to McGinniss's (the painter) ex-wife and to the rich guy with less culture than cottage cheese who bought the existing unsold paintings. McKenzie dives in, which takes him to Grand Marais and to encounters with angry corrupt cops, a lying client, unforthcoming suspects and witnesses, and to a couple of local criminal groups that make his life difficult, if not impossible. He faces them with his wisely skills, an independent economic base, and the willingness to absorb punishment. It's not the strongest of the McKenzie books, but it is pretty well written and sometimes rather funny. The ploy is interesting.

[Lori Bonkoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well woven mystery that keeps you figuring out the suspects along the way. McKenzie is busy trying to figure how 3 paintings came to be stolen and in the process one man dies, a string of thefts is solved, a trip to Canada and several brushes with death. Two rich people struggling to get the paintings, a film crew to document all that goes on - there is a lot in this book. It is well written and leaves you satisfied in the end. There is humor and thoughts of good food and drink in the midst.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise this book was! It was the right combination of mystery and thriller. My favorite part was that it was set along the north shore of Lake Superior. Mainly in the city of Grand Marais, MN. The plot was well paced and the cast of characters developed just so. I enjoyed all the name dropping the author did of local stops and shops, restaurants and galleries. Makes me want to take another trip up the shore. I have never read any of David Housewrights tales, but am pleased to say I will for sure pick up another!

[Nese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those series that get you hooked after the first book with the suspenseful plot, such a fast but steady pace, and ever evolving story line as complex of the characters in the books. What I like the most about the books are the intimate tone since the main character narrates the story, and the skill of describing the ambivalence of the relationships of McKenzie with the others as well as the local culture and the surroundings. While reading this book, I felt like I was transported to Minnesota observing the events as they unfolded. Five stars all around.

[Jim Bogue · Rating 4 out of 5]

McKenzie, an ex cop PI (bit cliche here) heads north in Minnesota to do a favor for an art director friend. He winds up in a mystery involving art theft, murder, a wide range of eccentrics, and maybe a crooked cop.
As a protagonist McKenzie is snarky, connected and bright (still cliche). But he makes mistakes, gets outsmarted and beaten up, and realizes when he’s outmatched. The minor characters are interesting and flawed. The action is fairly constant. This is a fun book that leaves a reader wanting to explore the other mysteries in this series.

[John Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disappointed. One of my favorite authors, I couldn’t wait to finish the previous book I was reading to start this one. While the book was certainly better than many, I just didn’t think it was as good as almost all of his others. I found the story-line ok but uneven, fairly predictable in some respects as it neared the end, and mostly a “big who cares” when all was done. And I just didn’t think that the writing itself was anywhere near what I’ve come to enjoy. Oh well. -J.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

mckenzie (he is the x cop who quit after turning in the stolen money for the reward) was looking into 3 stolen paintings. the woman who owned them was also a painter. this is the first book i actually guessed the paintings were done by her and not the artist. she concocted a plan where her handyman 'stole' them so they would be found and worth more. but he was killed by her jealous neighbor. mckenzie was able to figure it out, but getting into some dangerous situations on the way.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

McKenzie agrees to investigate the theft of 3 priceless paintings for a woman who many years ago was a famous local painter’s apprentice and subject in the paintings. I felt the plot developed slowly and lacked a lot of the mystery and thrills of other stories in the series. As usual though, Housewright manages to introduce several potential suspects during the course of the story and surprise you when everything comes together at the end.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy read but kept one interested in the story. It is a story of murder, theft and there was a certain amount of intrigue as McKenzie works to solve the whereabouts of the stolen art.

It is set in the Arrowhead region of Minnesota so the businesses etc. that were cited in the book along Hwy 61 were familiar to me. The Arrowhead location is scenic and the people gracious and kind in the Grand Marais area. It was like a walk through nostalgia with the author.

[R Fontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can truly say that I’ve enjoyed all of the David Houswwright novels, in my estimation Dead Man’s Mistress is the best. it combines a tight community - Grand Marais on the shore of Lake Superior, with a diverse cast of characters and a murder tied to an ART crime.proving a proverb that “ all small towns are the same in different ways” .
MacMckenzie continues to deliver suspense and humor on the same sandwich.

[Lee Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st book I've read by David Housewright and I really enjoyed it. Interesting plot and characters, story moves along at a good pace. Liked the humor of the main character, McKenzie and thought he was totally likeable and genuine. Many facets to the story. Appreciated the MN setting and author's inclusion of local businesses and restaurants. Will definitely read more of Mr. Housewrights books.

[Steve Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Housewright pretty much sticks to the McKenzie formula for this one. Every woman he meets is beautiful, he gets beat up a couple of times but doesn't worry about it, lots of action and everything works out in the end. That's the problem with this one. It's just too damn tidy. I wish the ending was a little messier. Officer Kurzer is a complete jerk and a terrible excuse for a policeman but McKenzie forgives all that. Other culprits just fade away.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

McKenzie got himself into quite the mess in this one, all for trying to help a sort of friend. It was interesting to see things start, versus how it ended and who was the "real" client. I think with the info McKenzie spouted at the end, things resolved in the best way possible for all the parties involved. It was fun to see McKenzie track things down, sending him all over the north shore and the great north, along with Canada.