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The Eighth Book in the Best Selling Mackenzie August SeriesA wealthy retired businessman knows someone is trying to kill him and he hires Mackenzie to keep him alive. But he doesn't just hire Mackenzie. He also hires two other private detectives. It's Mackenzie's first case working with other PIs, and it might be his last...The journey continues for the next great detective! Read Bad Aim today.

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2020

204 people are currently reading
62 people want to read

About the author

Alan Lee

39 books275 followers
Your favorite mystery author for the next twenty years.

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5 stars
1,005 (69%)
4 stars
344 (23%)
3 stars
63 (4%)
2 stars
19 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for Michele bookloverforever.
8,336 reviews39 followers
February 2, 2022
Actually, I thought the client was doing it to himself for attention. Hmm. The who wad a surprise though. I loved the ending.
Profile Image for Jill.
15 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2020
Love the Mackenzie August series and this latest one is as good as ever. Couldn't put it down so have finished it too early (like all the others). Write quickly Alan Lee I need more Mackenzie August and friends.
Profile Image for Connie.
121 reviews
October 24, 2020
I absolutely love Makenzie August. This series is one of my favorites.
Profile Image for Debbie Parker.
55 reviews7 followers
October 28, 2020
Fantastic

Reminds me of James Patterson with so much unexpected action and complex characters. I haven’t been able to put down any of the books in the series
Profile Image for Kathy Nelson.
11 reviews
June 26, 2021
Warning: you might get hooked!

I really enjoy these books, to the point not much else is getting done! Mackenzie, Ronnie, Manny, and Beck are some of my favorite people!
2,670 reviews23 followers
January 10, 2021
It's Clearly A Good Story!!

I have gotten to the end of the series and the writer finally gives us what we've been waiting on, and that is acceptance. We get one of the best mysteries, this has even Mackenzie stumped. The action between the characters is done so effortlessly ,that they just merge without interference. There are times when we get to see doubts, and adult insecurities. That's life,especially when we know that we are good at something. I also love the sexy easy going ,complicated relationship between Ronnie and Mackenzie. But I need moments when the man questions is in love with the right woman and missing out on something else. I get knowing who you love or are attracted to but come on a second or third glance is human.Also don't ruin the chemistry between Manny and Beck. Give them both time or Beck to see where a relationship can go and love. Also I want to see more of people of color and not just two men,and one woman. We need for just a little variety, to keep the men honest. Maybe see Courtney and Ronnie interact more in future stories. Now that was my little rant,now back to how good this story actually was and is. The ending is going to bring you to tears but good crying.
Profile Image for Steve Edelman.
74 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2023
“Bad Aim” Hits The Mark

Alan Lee’s Book 8 in the Mackenzie August series - “Bad Aim” delivers another page-turning whodunit with all the twists & turns, Mack humor and the regular cast of characters that make this series a remarkable, thought-provoking read that will keep you guessing (wrong) until the end.

In “Bad Aim” Mack is hired as the ‘second banana’ by another PI to help save a wealthy senior citizen who is positive someone is trying to kill him. The cast of suspects and the varied manner of murder leaves Mack, et.al. scratching their collective heads trying to make sense out of this convoluted mystery.

This eighth installment in the Mackenzie August series is as compelling, entertaining and engrossing as the previous seven books. A must-read for Alan Lee fans or those who will shortly become fans of this talented writer.
Profile Image for Art.
996 reviews6 followers
October 25, 2020
Mackenzie August is a guilty pleasure.

Indie author Alan Lee's Roanoke, Va., regional mystery series has a great cast of supporting characters that keep me coming back -- and supporting Lee's efforts by buying his books.

The first book in the series was published in 2015 and sold a few dozen copies. His latest effort has sold more than 10,000. I was an early adopter and have been along for a fun ride through all eight adventures. It helps that August is a Nats fan.

This time around Mack is hired to help protect a wealthy businessman who someone is trying to kill. But he is hired as part of a team of three local PIs and we know August is not really a team player. It's an enjoyable bit of escapism.

Give August a try. Maybe Lee will become, as he predicts, your next favorite author.

143 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2021
This is the eighth Mackenzie August story, and it's the first since the conclusion of a several novel story arc. It's a completely new case, with new clients, and new players all around.

Speaking of the players, of course the usual suspects that are part of Mack's life--wife, father, son, best friend and sometime sidekick, and dog--are providing moral support. The new client, a couple of fellow investigators, and all of the suspects are vividly presented, and they represent an odd lot of folks from a variety of perspectives.

No spoiler alerts are necessary, as I won't tell you who the culprit is. Suffice it to say that the denouement will harken back to a classic of our literary investigative past. Which classic investigative past? You'll have to read "Bad Aim" to learn it.
7 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2020
Another Great Read from Alan Lee

My first thought as I started Bad Aim was that Mr Lee had picked a rather trivial subject. After reading all the previous stories(in order and all in the last 2 months)
I should have known better!
Mr Lee has gotten better with each book and I look forward to his next. I spent the time trying to figure out the bad guy, and couldn't. That doesn't often happen to me and I loved it. As a retired high school English teacher and a very funny guy, I can easily connect with August ( although I am a bit smaller and older). I eagerly await his next book. But, for now, I will turn to Sinatra.
302 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2020
Best yet in a great series

I am an unabashed Alan Lee fan.
I picked up the first book because it was a new mystery series. I was soon pulled into the author's writing style and enjoyed the unusual main characters.
After book one, I have bought everything this author has released, as soon as it was released, so that I could continue the journey. My only criticism is that he isn't writing fast enough, and really that complaint is a backhanded compliment. Keep them coming Alan!
59 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2020
Enjoyable

I promised myself that I would not buy another Alan Lee book after the last Sinatra book, but I lied. I can’t seem to stay away from Mack, Kix and Manny. I will admit that Ronnie gets trying at times, but I guess she is TRYING to be a normal person. I hope she makes it. This story was interesting. I thought I knew who the bad guy/gal was, but I was wrong again. I think you will enjoy this one.

P.S. Manny is better with Mack than solo as Sinatra..just my humble opinion.
32 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2020
Mack is back

I am a big fan of Alan Lee and his books and Mackenzie August in particular. Mack is tough and strong and literate and humorous and has a heart of gold. The cast of characters in this series are unique and interesting (although Ronnie is getting a bit tiresome with her personal angst). This installment in the series is like an Agatha Christie "who done it ' and is missing any Mack action. It is more cerebral and a lot more "talky". Love Mack and this series but miss some of the other aspects of his persona in this one.
Profile Image for Paul.
70 reviews
October 10, 2020
Loved it

I discovered the Mackenzie series early in 2020. I read through them way too quickly. It's the kind of P.I. novel I love. The wit and dialogue (snappy banter) similar to the genre's beginnings. The kind of feel I get from the Elvis Cole novels.
The characters are interesting, engaging and fun. The stories are great even if sometimes a little farfetched. I was excited to see this book release and I'm hoping for many more.
One of my greatest finds of the last couple years
10 reviews
August 6, 2021
Things just keep getting better

I surprise myself that I've read so much in such a short time. I love these stories for so many reasons One being that I've learned so many new words due to Mckenzie's extensive vocabulary. Second is I love how Faith and God play a part in their lives and I love the twists and turns that come into play and keep my interests going such that I can't stop reading until the end Thank you Alan for your efforts in writing these stories. Lastly I love the way true love binds Ronnie & Mckenzie and Manny and Kix and their friends and family.
636 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2020
Bad Aim is a Bullseye!

Like a good wine, Mack is getting better with age. I think this is the best in the series so far. Very good main characters, developed nicely. Good supporting secondary characters also. With everyone blending together. While there was plenty of action, it was secondary to the mystery of who is the villain. Humorous dialogue as needed. And the last chapter was special. Highly recommended.
2 reviews
October 4, 2020
Allen Lee is brilliant!! The Mackenzie August and Sinatra series have everything! Action, family, love, humor, mystery!

Alan Lee's series Mackenzie August and Sinatra are the best!! his characters are funny, warm, exciting, and family is everything! The mystery is always complicated and keeps you guessing! Mackenzie always makes me laugh out loud! Manny is the guy of your dreams!! These are the books that are impossible to put down.
94 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2020
Another great one...........

For those of you who are Mack, Ronnie, Kix, Manny and the rest of the August family fans, you will enjoy this latest caper. Those of you who have not yet spent time with this perfect family, should, really really should. The characters are great the story lines are great, there is excitement and humor, what more can an avid reader ask for, except more of the same. So please Alan, more of the same.
301 reviews
October 24, 2020
Mr. Lee,

I am NOT a monster!! I read the last two pages THREE times. I teared up, I felt joy in my heart, and I had a hard time coming down from the high. THANK YOU!

I have a HUGE list of vocabulary words highlighted in each book of your series that I have to look up. I looked up Hickum's Dictum (who knew?) as well as the Unto the Breach speech. I learn so damned much from these books! Again, thank you!
Profile Image for Ricki.
1,412 reviews14 followers
December 17, 2021
If you like banter and lots of English Lit quotes this series is for you. Seems even Kix has some thoughts that are clearly only in Mack's head. The description of mack/Manny/Ronnie/Kix is beyond explanation - are any people really this beautiful or haven't I met them yet.

The story is not bad- being hired by a rich guy because someone is trying to kill him and of course Mack is going to solve it.
Profile Image for Tim Walker.
38 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2022
Are You a Mackenzie August Fan? You Should Be!

Mackenzie August is today's True Detective! He's Mike Hammer or Philip Marlow with a softer heart and bigger muscles. He's a wise cracking behemoth like Spencer and has a brilliant, beautiful lady as his wife. And he has a dad, a U. S. Marshal best friend, and a son! And much more! Please, please, please start reading Alan Lee's Mackenzie August books!
224 reviews
October 2, 2020
Alan Lee channels Agatha Christie and pulls it off

Bad Aim is the 8th volume in the MacKenzie August series in which Alan Lee continues to delight his readers with a wonderful cast of characters and increasingly clever plots.
In an Agatha Christie-like whodunit, he successfully keeps us guessing until the end.
Looking forward to reading volume 9 whenever it is published.
Profile Image for thomas davisson.
21 reviews
October 3, 2020
Bad Aim Great Book

This book just moves along taking you on a fun ride. It is a pure mystery book that keeps you interested until the end. The dialogue between the characters is sharp and witty. It's a great book with great characters and a sharp plot that keeps you guessing. Now I look forward to book 9 in the series.
474 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2020
Bullseye !

Mackenzie August has returned in another literate, puzzling, and exciting mystery. Who is trying to kill the wealthy philanthropist ? The suspects are slim on means, motive , and opportunity. Only our patient private detective can pull all the pieces together. It's an exceptionally good read, and very hard to put down.
38 reviews
October 6, 2020
I love to watch the charActer developments as the story line pdogtessrd

I always anticipate a new McKenzie August novel like CRAZY!? A light and entertaining series sure to please anyone looking for a witty detective and friends. I crave these books as the perfect ight dessert: yummy and satodfying as a hot guy in for ¡
19 reviews
October 6, 2020
Always a reading pleasure

Keep writing, Alan, and for sure we will keep reading! Love these characters, especially Mackenzie and Manny of course. They may be the most colorful characters I have ever met. Really loved the ending on this one. It is special that you can do emotional as well as sarcasm and wit, all just a little over the top. Great entertainment.
10 reviews
October 11, 2020
Oh so good!

Another excellent and well written novel in the Mackenzie August series. I just love the dialogue, both internal and external. And yes, some tears at the end. I am so very glad that Mr. Lee has plans to continue with these wonderful characters and look forward to the next adventure.
7 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2020
Another one that just makes me smile...

In these days of unrest and unknown it is so good to pick up a Mackenzie August book and get lost in the story, the characters (who I know like family), and everything in between! I always know I’m going to love it and be all in for a few hours because I won’t put it down until the last page.
Thank you Alan, these are my favorites!
Profile Image for Jeff.
49 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2020
Fairly good but missing one important thing

And that is Mackenzie August. He’s the main character, sure, but the story is missing all the elements that drew me to this series. I had thought August was a good follow-on to Spenser (from the Robert Parker series) but this book lacks the inner conflicts and tensions that made Spenser so interesting.
Profile Image for Al Beard.
110 reviews
November 10, 2020
Love me some MacKenzie August

Alan, you keep writing and I promise to keep reading. Lee's style is distinctive and entertaining. This was an easy read, with an Agatha Christy type story. All the Antagonists are present, you just have figure out the "who done it". Nice job. Loved the ending that I will not give away here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews

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