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Mackenzie August #9
Dead Stop
Mackenzie needs a vacation, and Ronnie has just the ticket--a luxury sleeper-train voyage through the Rockies. Along with Manny, they pack up and board the West Coast Zephyr in Chicago, ready for five days of peace.
The first signs of trouble appear, however, when members of the crew go missing, a true mystery. Relaxation for Mackenzie will have to wait if the train ever wants to reach its destination beyond the mountains, where a howling blizzard waits.
The first signs of trouble appear, however, when members of the crew go missing, a true mystery. Relaxation for Mackenzie will have to wait if the train ever wants to reach its destination beyond the mountains, where a howling blizzard waits.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2021
152 people are currently reading
53 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 67 reviews
September 17, 2021
Wild Ride
Full disclosure, Alan Lee is one of my favorite authors and I have read everything he has written. I loved this book and read it in two days. Because I can't put his work down once I have started, I try to start reading his novels early in the day.
Even when the train is at a dead stop, this book is one wild ride.
Full disclosure, Alan Lee is one of my favorite authors and I have read everything he has written. I loved this book and read it in two days. Because I can't put his work down once I have started, I try to start reading his novels early in the day.
Even when the train is at a dead stop, this book is one wild ride.
June 7, 2022
Mr. Lee mentioned that this was a difficult book to write. It was also difficult to read. Some parts of it are too current and realistic, such as the political hatred of some between parties, and the ridiculous gender identification crap that the crazies are pushing. With those exceptions aside, I always enjoy reading about Mackenzie August and usually rate him 5 stars. This one I rate 4.5 stars. And I look forward to reading the next adventure.
November 12, 2023
“Murder On The Orient Express” Meets “The Silver Streak”
Alan Lee’s “Drop Dead” - the 9th Book in the Mackenzie August series - delivers a fascinating look into the age-old mystery… ‘Two men are locked in a room when a gunshot is heard. When the door is opened, one man is laying dead on the floor and the other is standing over him. Whodunit!’
“Dead Stop” revolves around a short, but luxurious vacation on the American Luxury Train’s ‘West Coast Zephyr’, leaving from Chicago and going to San Francisco, Ronnie booked for Mack, Manny and Manny’s gorgeous, ‘on-again-off-again’ girlfriend Bronwen (who cancels at the last minute due to a few ‘red-flags’ her passport triggered when she was trying to board her flight at Heathrow Airport).
The West Coast Zephyr is an elegant First Class Train reminiscent of the way the wealthy traveled before planes were the vogue. It had first class Accommodations, a first class Staff and first class Meals. Unfortunately, most of the very wealthy Travelers were certainly less than first class human beings.
Unlike Mr. Lee’s previous Mackenzie August books, this story takes place entirely within the confines of an elegant 12-car luxury train… two Locomotives, a Baggage Car, The Rose (a Private Car housing Manny), The Tulip (home to Mack & Ronnie) two Sleeper Cars, a Dining Car, an Observation Car and, finally, three First Class Cars. The Crew numbered 24 and the Passengers numbered 64. And within hours of departing Chicago, The West Coast Zephyr has it’s first murder.
Once again Mackenzie, Manny, Ronnie, et.al. are up to their eyebrows in a train-stopping blizzard hitting the Rocky Mountains and trying to solve this death. As in the previous Mackenzie August books, Mack has an incredible vocabulary (much to the chagrin of various suspects) that seems to constantly perplex Manny.
Manny’s comical malapropisms as he tries to emulate Mack is just the kind a ‘comic relief’ needed, especially when juxtaposed with Mack’s non-stop monologues of what Kix says and thinks, as well as Georgina Princess their dog’s thoughts.
Needless to say, “Dead Stop” was a great read with more ‘red herrings’ than the Fulton Fish Market. Mr. Lee told the story magnificently mixing murder, the blizzard, a stalled train and our heroes into a fast-paced, ever-evolving story.
As with Alan Lee’s previous novels, I highly recommend “Dead Stop”. You won’t be disappointed.
Alan Lee’s “Drop Dead” - the 9th Book in the Mackenzie August series - delivers a fascinating look into the age-old mystery… ‘Two men are locked in a room when a gunshot is heard. When the door is opened, one man is laying dead on the floor and the other is standing over him. Whodunit!’
“Dead Stop” revolves around a short, but luxurious vacation on the American Luxury Train’s ‘West Coast Zephyr’, leaving from Chicago and going to San Francisco, Ronnie booked for Mack, Manny and Manny’s gorgeous, ‘on-again-off-again’ girlfriend Bronwen (who cancels at the last minute due to a few ‘red-flags’ her passport triggered when she was trying to board her flight at Heathrow Airport).
The West Coast Zephyr is an elegant First Class Train reminiscent of the way the wealthy traveled before planes were the vogue. It had first class Accommodations, a first class Staff and first class Meals. Unfortunately, most of the very wealthy Travelers were certainly less than first class human beings.
Unlike Mr. Lee’s previous Mackenzie August books, this story takes place entirely within the confines of an elegant 12-car luxury train… two Locomotives, a Baggage Car, The Rose (a Private Car housing Manny), The Tulip (home to Mack & Ronnie) two Sleeper Cars, a Dining Car, an Observation Car and, finally, three First Class Cars. The Crew numbered 24 and the Passengers numbered 64. And within hours of departing Chicago, The West Coast Zephyr has it’s first murder.
Once again Mackenzie, Manny, Ronnie, et.al. are up to their eyebrows in a train-stopping blizzard hitting the Rocky Mountains and trying to solve this death. As in the previous Mackenzie August books, Mack has an incredible vocabulary (much to the chagrin of various suspects) that seems to constantly perplex Manny.
Manny’s comical malapropisms as he tries to emulate Mack is just the kind a ‘comic relief’ needed, especially when juxtaposed with Mack’s non-stop monologues of what Kix says and thinks, as well as Georgina Princess their dog’s thoughts.
Needless to say, “Dead Stop” was a great read with more ‘red herrings’ than the Fulton Fish Market. Mr. Lee told the story magnificently mixing murder, the blizzard, a stalled train and our heroes into a fast-paced, ever-evolving story.
As with Alan Lee’s previous novels, I highly recommend “Dead Stop”. You won’t be disappointed.
April 1, 2024
I do love Alan Lee's writing! However dark and serious the events in the storyline, the dialogue and thoughts of the hero, August MacKenzie can make laugh. It is a good idea to read the Books in this series in order because the story continues from one book to the next but each would be enjoyable alone nevertheless. In this book, Ronnie - veronica Summers, attorney and saviour of prostitutes, also Mrs MacKenzie August, booked a luxury train ride across the states for the two of them and their best friend Manny Martinez, Federal Marshall and devoted American. She also invited the mysterious blonde that Manny has been missing since he encountered her during the adventure in Sinatra
Thriller book 3, a spin off. High in the Rocky mountains with a blizzard raging and the train stuck, the crew start getting shot. Most of the passengers are obnoxious. MacKenzie and Manny take over to investigate and try and protect the passengers, in the face of their objections. This is a novel Agatha Christie would be proud of!
Thriller book 3, a spin off. High in the Rocky mountains with a blizzard raging and the train stuck, the crew start getting shot. Most of the passengers are obnoxious. MacKenzie and Manny take over to investigate and try and protect the passengers, in the face of their objections. This is a novel Agatha Christie would be proud of!
October 2, 2021
What awesome book. Too bad Mann's sidekick from the NSA didn't show up.
I was so glad to see this book show up on my Kindle. You are the only writer I don't cheat on. In other words I don't go as close to the end as I can to see who the villain is and then go back and read the rest of the book. Most writers are predictable and I can usually figure out who the villain is but not with these books. I don't want to miss a second of what is written that is why I don't flip to the end. The dynamics between Mackenzie and Manny is just beyond words. I love the the enlightenment of Kid's thoughts as well, they are as witty as his Dads but without his vocabulary. I started this book this book around and just finished it six hours later. I can always count on your books to be suspenseful, engaging and very thrilling. I can't wait for the next one.
I was so glad to see this book show up on my Kindle. You are the only writer I don't cheat on. In other words I don't go as close to the end as I can to see who the villain is and then go back and read the rest of the book. Most writers are predictable and I can usually figure out who the villain is but not with these books. I don't want to miss a second of what is written that is why I don't flip to the end. The dynamics between Mackenzie and Manny is just beyond words. I love the the enlightenment of Kid's thoughts as well, they are as witty as his Dads but without his vocabulary. I started this book this book around and just finished it six hours later. I can always count on your books to be suspenseful, engaging and very thrilling. I can't wait for the next one.
September 18, 2024
Mysterious
Well done. I couldn't figure this one out quickly at all. Usually good at that but not with my new favorite author. In the very beginning when you said there were people acting like jerks. Who wouldn't know the worlds full of them these days? They're lurking everywhere , usually behind a smile. Anyway thanks for the great train dinner mystery. You're writing is very impressive. Hope that's not a problem/poblam (spg?) ? These characters are the best I've enjoyed in a bit. These are keeping me from my arc authors. Ill just have to catch up. Great books to get lost in . I don't often give 5 stars or long revealing reviews. You are worthy of the effort. Many thanks.
Well done. I couldn't figure this one out quickly at all. Usually good at that but not with my new favorite author. In the very beginning when you said there were people acting like jerks. Who wouldn't know the worlds full of them these days? They're lurking everywhere , usually behind a smile. Anyway thanks for the great train dinner mystery. You're writing is very impressive. Hope that's not a problem/poblam (spg?) ? These characters are the best I've enjoyed in a bit. These are keeping me from my arc authors. Ill just have to catch up. Great books to get lost in . I don't often give 5 stars or long revealing reviews. You are worthy of the effort. Many thanks.
June 25, 2025
Peril in the Rockies
I really like the Mackenzie August series. The wit, the humor, the camaraderie, the cast of characters, the mysteries, and thrills. Mack’s dialog for Kix, and the over-the-top Manny Rodriguez.
This was my least favorite of the series - for a bunch of reasons: the contentiousness, cowardice, and churlishness of the cast, the overt racism of the chefs, the tone deafness both of cast as well as storyline. And, don’t get me started on the geographical errors describing the terrain in Colorado. I’m not sure Alan Lee has ever been there but he got most of it wrong. Maybe that “helped” the story, but also maybe not. It certainly took me out of the story on several occasions.
So, I’d only recommend this to “die hard” fans.
I really like the Mackenzie August series. The wit, the humor, the camaraderie, the cast of characters, the mysteries, and thrills. Mack’s dialog for Kix, and the over-the-top Manny Rodriguez.
This was my least favorite of the series - for a bunch of reasons: the contentiousness, cowardice, and churlishness of the cast, the overt racism of the chefs, the tone deafness both of cast as well as storyline. And, don’t get me started on the geographical errors describing the terrain in Colorado. I’m not sure Alan Lee has ever been there but he got most of it wrong. Maybe that “helped” the story, but also maybe not. It certainly took me out of the story on several occasions.
So, I’d only recommend this to “die hard” fans.
September 18, 2021
Another Alan Lee/McKenzie August triumph
Picking up a new Alan Lee/McKenzie August novel is like meeting a life-long friend after not seeing them for a while; you just pick up where you left off as though it yesterday.
Dead Stop is just like that.
I'm sure that the author had a great time (and great challenge as well) plotting a story that in many ways was an homage to some of the greatest storytellers, their great detective creations and some of their their most renowned plots while remaining fresh and original.
The best part of Mr. Lee's endnote is that we have more MacKenzie August tales to come.
Picking up a new Alan Lee/McKenzie August novel is like meeting a life-long friend after not seeing them for a while; you just pick up where you left off as though it yesterday.
Dead Stop is just like that.
I'm sure that the author had a great time (and great challenge as well) plotting a story that in many ways was an homage to some of the greatest storytellers, their great detective creations and some of their their most renowned plots while remaining fresh and original.
The best part of Mr. Lee's endnote is that we have more MacKenzie August tales to come.
March 29, 2022
Good story, but hire a proofreader for the next book!
I love trains, so the setting was fine with me. One thing that struck me is that it is NOT that easy to get from the train proper to the locomotive cabin. Details, details...
Another problem for me was grammatical errors. I am not a "grammar nazi", but even I noticed several violations as well as a spelling error or two. Please use an editor/proofreader next time. As always, Mr. Lee's love of vocabulary was appreciated; I always learn new words when I read his books.
Keep up the good work, Mr. Lee. I'm wating for your next release in the Mackenxie August series!
I love trains, so the setting was fine with me. One thing that struck me is that it is NOT that easy to get from the train proper to the locomotive cabin. Details, details...
Another problem for me was grammatical errors. I am not a "grammar nazi", but even I noticed several violations as well as a spelling error or two. Please use an editor/proofreader next time. As always, Mr. Lee's love of vocabulary was appreciated; I always learn new words when I read his books.
Keep up the good work, Mr. Lee. I'm wating for your next release in the Mackenxie August series!
July 5, 2024
I do really like Mackenzie August, but can't Alan Lee do a little basic research? He's really muddled up our law enforcement structure in Colorado...and his geography has me scratching my head. This the West! outside of cities, the principal law enforcement is the county Sherriff. 100 miles east of Grand Junction includes several counties before Amtrack route (the old Denver and Rio Grande West) reach the city, so the Grand Junction Police Chief would have no jurisdiction at all. Another example: Lee's bizarre representation of the Episcopal church in Desecration of All Saints. Come on, Lee! take a little trouble!
January 25, 2022
Just finished all 9.
It's a little funny that the grammar nerd makes grammatical errors That there were a couple in this book too.. The dog started out as GPS, became GPA for a book or 2 and went back to GPS in this One. So, well these books aren't perfect, they're darn good And I've bred all mine in a row although I still have some reviews to catch up with. They're certainly all worth reading. There are obviously more to come and there are some books with Manny as a hero said I'm going to have to look at also. Don't Miss this series!
It's a little funny that the grammar nerd makes grammatical errors That there were a couple in this book too.. The dog started out as GPS, became GPA for a book or 2 and went back to GPS in this One. So, well these books aren't perfect, they're darn good And I've bred all mine in a row although I still have some reviews to catch up with. They're certainly all worth reading. There are obviously more to come and there are some books with Manny as a hero said I'm going to have to look at also. Don't Miss this series!
September 16, 2021
Dead Stop doesn’t stop!
This installment of Mackenzie and family was different then the others in the series. And it was just as good as the rest. This was more a mystery rather than a thriller. The characters throughout the book are well drawn, with a couple slipping over the edge into parody. There was plenty of suspense trying to figure out the culprit was, with the ending coming as a surprise. It was a great read. Highly recommended.
This installment of Mackenzie and family was different then the others in the series. And it was just as good as the rest. This was more a mystery rather than a thriller. The characters throughout the book are well drawn, with a couple slipping over the edge into parody. There was plenty of suspense trying to figure out the culprit was, with the ending coming as a surprise. It was a great read. Highly recommended.
September 17, 2021
Outstanding
I didn't know what to expect about Mackenzie and Ronnie on a train trip. What I didn't expect was a good old fashioned murder mystery. It has the twists and turns that keep your interest and keeps you reading. I have read these novels since book one and just can't wait until the next one. This was no disappointment. I won't go into any part of the book so as not to give anything away. Just start reading and you won't put it down until the end which is what I did.
I didn't know what to expect about Mackenzie and Ronnie on a train trip. What I didn't expect was a good old fashioned murder mystery. It has the twists and turns that keep your interest and keeps you reading. I have read these novels since book one and just can't wait until the next one. This was no disappointment. I won't go into any part of the book so as not to give anything away. Just start reading and you won't put it down until the end which is what I did.
September 19, 2021
I love these stories
I have read every Mackenzie book and can't wait for the next. Dead Stop, was another great story but i missed the full list of characters and the August home. I always hope Kix grows very slowly since he it's one of my favorite characters. Sadly, this book highlighted the crazy, childlike political divide in this country that we are all stuck in, just like the passengers on the train.
I have read every Mackenzie book and can't wait for the next. Dead Stop, was another great story but i missed the full list of characters and the August home. I always hope Kix grows very slowly since he it's one of my favorite characters. Sadly, this book highlighted the crazy, childlike political divide in this country that we are all stuck in, just like the passengers on the train.
October 22, 2021
I read all the books in order to include Manny's
I stumbled upon Mackenzie August and Manny Martinez through BookBub. I am so glad I did. The humor along with the mystery/thriller genre made for delightful reading. Not too heavy but relevant and the characters developed into friends I looked forward to communing with each day. I don't watch much tv. I read in the evenings. I recommend spending some time with these characters you will definitely find the time well spent.
I stumbled upon Mackenzie August and Manny Martinez through BookBub. I am so glad I did. The humor along with the mystery/thriller genre made for delightful reading. Not too heavy but relevant and the characters developed into friends I looked forward to communing with each day. I don't watch much tv. I read in the evenings. I recommend spending some time with these characters you will definitely find the time well spent.
October 30, 2021
Mack is back!
I can't help it I love this character and his pal Manny. Talk about a fun ride--and in a train. Very well written both in characters and plot and, of course, suspense. Still it has the humor we all have come to know with this series. Glad that Ronnie is maturing as a character. This can be read as a stand alone but I would be remiss if I didn't recommend the whole series. Loved it! Can't wait for next installment.
I can't help it I love this character and his pal Manny. Talk about a fun ride--and in a train. Very well written both in characters and plot and, of course, suspense. Still it has the humor we all have come to know with this series. Glad that Ronnie is maturing as a character. This can be read as a stand alone but I would be remiss if I didn't recommend the whole series. Loved it! Can't wait for next installment.
November 16, 2021
Absolutely couldn't put it down ! Of all the train mysteries that I have read, this one is the best. Mackenzie , Ronnie, and Manny take a long luxurious train trip for a little vacation and respite. Well ,you can guess how that went. Most of the action, and there is plenty, takes place in a snow storm in the Rockies. My feet were freezing reading about all the snow and the shenanigans and I live in Florida. I love this series.
April 30, 2022
Alan Lee is an American Treasure
I can’t remember the last time I’ve enjoyed a series as much as I’ve loved the Mackenzie August books. I learn something new in each one and it’s like hanging out with good friends.
Train mysteries are hard to write, but Alan did a tremendous job of balancing a lot of characters and delivering a satisfying twist of a conclusion.
Looking forward to jumping into book 10 next.
I can’t remember the last time I’ve enjoyed a series as much as I’ve loved the Mackenzie August books. I learn something new in each one and it’s like hanging out with good friends.
Train mysteries are hard to write, but Alan did a tremendous job of balancing a lot of characters and delivering a satisfying twist of a conclusion.
Looking forward to jumping into book 10 next.
September 20, 2021
Different but great!
Truly enjoyed and highly recommend this book. I’ve always wanted to go on a train trip like this and of course Mac had to jink their vacation. It was an interesting read and yes, I had to pull out the dictionary again.
Having Ronnie be involved was a nice change. Manny who can resist him….
Looking forward to the next book.
Truly enjoyed and highly recommend this book. I’ve always wanted to go on a train trip like this and of course Mac had to jink their vacation. It was an interesting read and yes, I had to pull out the dictionary again.
Having Ronnie be involved was a nice change. Manny who can resist him….
Looking forward to the next book.
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September 27, 2021Don't Stop
I've enjoyed all the Mckenzie,and Mannie books. This one did not have much action. I still enjoyed it but prefer some of the other books more. I like the gangster, and death match stories more. Keep writing faster. I like when you include all the other characters. Hopefully we will see another book by the holidays?
I've enjoyed all the Mckenzie,and Mannie books. This one did not have much action. I still enjoyed it but prefer some of the other books more. I like the gangster, and death match stories more. Keep writing faster. I like when you include all the other characters. Hopefully we will see another book by the holidays?
October 25, 2021
Another good one.......
Well, Alan Lee, you did it again! This one was a little different from all the other Mack and Manny adventures. Being set on a train made it so, but as usual the excitement and crazy characters were all there. Another very enjoyable read. More please........!
Well, Alan Lee, you did it again! This one was a little different from all the other Mack and Manny adventures. Being set on a train made it so, but as usual the excitement and crazy characters were all there. Another very enjoyable read. More please........!
December 18, 2021
A mystery on a train-something mack always wanted and of course got. Murder on the Orient Express it is not but is was interesting. Not as much Manny/Ronnie as usual and the rest of the crew (Kix/Dad/Stackhouse) not really in this one.
Argumentative politics included (Dems vs Republicans)- both sides irrational.
Argumentative politics included (Dems vs Republicans)- both sides irrational.
September 20, 2022
Dead Stop
This is just another mesmerizing book with lots of good and evil characters. It was difficult in the beginning due to the myriad of characters. Thank God for Mackenzie’s lists which kept them straight. It is so hard to put down. I’ve read Book 11 so I only have Book 10 to read in the series. What will I do without this August family? Yikes!
This is just another mesmerizing book with lots of good and evil characters. It was difficult in the beginning due to the myriad of characters. Thank God for Mackenzie’s lists which kept them straight. It is so hard to put down. I’ve read Book 11 so I only have Book 10 to read in the series. What will I do without this August family? Yikes!
January 14, 2023
Just as the author said that this was a hard book to write, I found it hard to read. The confines of the train were difficult, but I enjoyed the characters and the story. I ignored all the political references, even though they were written sarcastically. I rated all the previous books in the series at 5 , except for the fighting adventure in Italy at a 3. Maybe Mackenzie is at his best at home.
May 9, 2025
Mackenzie rides again!
I love this series and although I felt this one lasted a bit longer than it should have, the trio of Mack,Ronnie and Manny solve another mystery. The characters on the train were both interesting and infuriating so I could empathize with Mack’s frustration with them.
A fun read!
I love this series and although I felt this one lasted a bit longer than it should have, the trio of Mack,Ronnie and Manny solve another mystery. The characters on the train were both interesting and infuriating so I could empathize with Mack’s frustration with them.
A fun read!
September 17, 2021
Mackenzie and Manny together are golden
I loved the train setting. I was afraid I would miss Kix this time but Alan Lee managed to get him in via the magic of FaceTime! I have grown really fond of these characters and look forward to reading the next!
I loved the train setting. I was afraid I would miss Kix this time but Alan Lee managed to get him in via the magic of FaceTime! I have grown really fond of these characters and look forward to reading the next!
September 22, 2021
Dead Stop
As usual, a fun rollicking blast of a story. All characters were perfect and I'm still smiling. Thanks Mr. Lee. My only request is you write faster. Just kidding. It is I who will learn patience.
As usual, a fun rollicking blast of a story. All characters were perfect and I'm still smiling. Thanks Mr. Lee. My only request is you write faster. Just kidding. It is I who will learn patience.
September 25, 2021
I was spellbound
I always look forward to the new August Mackenzie novels. Manny and Kit make me laugh. I tried and tried to figure out the killer but to no avail. The political fighting between the two sides was a bonus.
I always look forward to the new August Mackenzie novels. Manny and Kit make me laugh. I tried and tried to figure out the killer but to no avail. The political fighting between the two sides was a bonus.
October 5, 2021
This will keep you shivering.
Alan Hale is an inventive writer and this book continues to interest me. The train locale and inhabitants are a micro look at current society and well done.
Alan Hale is an inventive writer and this book continues to interest me. The train locale and inhabitants are a micro look at current society and well done.
October 27, 2021
Book 9 in the series
Think about the other murder mysteries that are set aboard a train. This train is stalled in the Rocky Mountains. Mack, Manny, and Ronnie are aboard so you know that bad things happen. A great read.
Think about the other murder mysteries that are set aboard a train. This train is stalled in the Rocky Mountains. Mack, Manny, and Ronnie are aboard so you know that bad things happen. A great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews