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Mackenzie August #5
Only the Details
Mackenzie August is a married man, a fact he's stunned to learn about himself. Matrimonial bliss will have to wait, however, as danger comes knocking. Arch nemesis Darren Robbins submerges Mack into the dangerous underworld of the Camorra in Naples, Italy, as retribution for his many sins against the District Kings. If he ever wants to get back to his son and new bride, Mack will have to fight his way out...
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2018
544 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Alan Lee
39 books280 followersYour favorite mystery author for the next twenty years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 21, 2023
I’m a fan of Alan Lee’s Mackenzie August series, but I could have done without this one. For some reason, Lee decided to take Mack out of his natural environment in Roanoke, Virginia, and set him down in Naples, Italy. He also decided to ramp up the violence, blood, and gore to the point where it’s almost a caricature. My guess is that he was going for a James Bond vibe. In fact, one character describes one of Mack’s feats as “very James Bond.” But despite Mack’s many skills and his quick wit, he just isn’t in the same league as the famous MI6 agent.
The adventure begins when Mack—who’s just beginning to adjust to the idea that he is married to Veronica Summers— is kidnapped by a member of the District Kings crime syndicate. Mack has tangled with the Kings before, and his relationship with the gang is complicated. But now Mack, in shackles, is being entered as the Kings’ “champion” in a brutal tournament pitting representatives of the top international crime organizations against one another. It’s a fight to the death, but Mack may not survive even if, against all odds, he manages to win.
There is lots of action and suspense in the book, but the story is so far removed from the typical Mackenzie August scenarios that for me, it jumped the shark. There have always been annoying aspects of Mack’s persona, despite his admirable principles, and he hasn’t left those aspects behind in the U.S. In fact, his enormous self-regard is even more pronounced in this international setting, maybe because his antagonists are more ruthless and dangerous than usual. Often it’s humorous, but sometimes, after a while, it’s just tiresome.
It’s nice to see some of the regular characters from the series make their appearance in the second half of the book. But a couple of these characters, like Mack himself, begin to wear on me after a while. No matter whether they are in the U.S. or abroad, all women (and many men) swoon in the presence of the godlike Mack and Manny, and all men are willing to sell their birthrights for the incomparably beautiful Ronnie. (When Ronnie strolls topless through the hotel pool, onlookers wonder whether she is “some angel descended from the sun.”) It’s not that I don’t like them. I do. But for God’s sake, tone it down once in a while.
One small blessing of this atypical storyline is that we are spared the philosophical “dialogues” between Mack and his toddler son, Kix. But if it’s a choice between Kix and some of the over-the-top violence on display in this one, I think I’d opt for Kix.
I’d probably give the book 2.5 stars if that were possible, and 2 stars wouldn’t be out of the question, but I’ll nudge it up to 3 because of my enjoyment of the series as a whole.
The adventure begins when Mack—who’s just beginning to adjust to the idea that he is married to Veronica Summers— is kidnapped by a member of the District Kings crime syndicate. Mack has tangled with the Kings before, and his relationship with the gang is complicated. But now Mack, in shackles, is being entered as the Kings’ “champion” in a brutal tournament pitting representatives of the top international crime organizations against one another. It’s a fight to the death, but Mack may not survive even if, against all odds, he manages to win.
There is lots of action and suspense in the book, but the story is so far removed from the typical Mackenzie August scenarios that for me, it jumped the shark. There have always been annoying aspects of Mack’s persona, despite his admirable principles, and he hasn’t left those aspects behind in the U.S. In fact, his enormous self-regard is even more pronounced in this international setting, maybe because his antagonists are more ruthless and dangerous than usual. Often it’s humorous, but sometimes, after a while, it’s just tiresome.
It’s nice to see some of the regular characters from the series make their appearance in the second half of the book. But a couple of these characters, like Mack himself, begin to wear on me after a while. No matter whether they are in the U.S. or abroad, all women (and many men) swoon in the presence of the godlike Mack and Manny, and all men are willing to sell their birthrights for the incomparably beautiful Ronnie. (When Ronnie strolls topless through the hotel pool, onlookers wonder whether she is “some angel descended from the sun.”) It’s not that I don’t like them. I do. But for God’s sake, tone it down once in a while.
One small blessing of this atypical storyline is that we are spared the philosophical “dialogues” between Mack and his toddler son, Kix. But if it’s a choice between Kix and some of the over-the-top violence on display in this one, I think I’d opt for Kix.
I’d probably give the book 2.5 stars if that were possible, and 2 stars wouldn’t be out of the question, but I’ll nudge it up to 3 because of my enjoyment of the series as a whole.
December 26, 2019
Sometimes the enemy who wants you dead finds another use for you - and Mac's enemy has found a use for him and his fighting skills. Now all Mac has to do is fight his way out of the illegal fighting ring, but can he? Because, as fantastic a fighter as he is, it's not as easy as it seems.
Plus he's, you know...married. Surprised him, too.
The cavalry is on its way, but will they be too late?
Entertaining!
Plus he's, you know...married. Surprised him, too.
The cavalry is on its way, but will they be too late?
Entertaining!
May 5, 2019
Greatest books ever...72 yo woman and “there is nothing new under the sun” when it comes to new books, ie story lines....great characters...except possibly Ronnie...it is impossible to fix her type of abuse....love men who keep a clean house, cook and have different brands of beer every time they open the fridge!
September 9, 2021
This is my favorite in the series so far, but I don't think it would work as well if one hadn't read all the other books first, to better appreciate how and why some characters are reacting the way they do.
In this one Mackenzie is abducted and forced to participate in a gladiatorial ring combat competition arranged by organized crime on a global level -- sort of an Underworld MMA Olympics to the death with a week of indulgences for the wealthy spectators that would make SuperBowl Week look bland. This is held on a mountaintop in Naples.
Lee adopts an interesting new strategy here, he divides what happens into different versions of the same timeline of events, first from Mack, shackled and drugged by Duane Robbins and his henchmen in Italy, and then by unconsummated wife Victoria, his wingman Manny, and underworld loyal pals Marcus and Carlos, all back in the States and anxious to rescue the hero. It has become almost cliche for 21st century writers to alter such voices back and forth chapter by chapter, but I am grateful Lee chose to cover first all one side then the other in his experimenting with this type of writing. I found it much more effective, recalling the confusing clues I got, alone with Mack, in the first part when I later better understood their significance as I revisited them in the second.
And Mack's vocabulary and constant wit are very entertaining, as always -- even when he's been doused with drugs to knock him out. HIs nobility is the soul of the series, perhaps, but his humor is the driving force. All in all, the best installment so far!
In this one Mackenzie is abducted and forced to participate in a gladiatorial ring combat competition arranged by organized crime on a global level -- sort of an Underworld MMA Olympics to the death with a week of indulgences for the wealthy spectators that would make SuperBowl Week look bland. This is held on a mountaintop in Naples.
Lee adopts an interesting new strategy here, he divides what happens into different versions of the same timeline of events, first from Mack, shackled and drugged by Duane Robbins and his henchmen in Italy, and then by unconsummated wife Victoria, his wingman Manny, and underworld loyal pals Marcus and Carlos, all back in the States and anxious to rescue the hero. It has become almost cliche for 21st century writers to alter such voices back and forth chapter by chapter, but I am grateful Lee chose to cover first all one side then the other in his experimenting with this type of writing. I found it much more effective, recalling the confusing clues I got, alone with Mack, in the first part when I later better understood their significance as I revisited them in the second.
And Mack's vocabulary and constant wit are very entertaining, as always -- even when he's been doused with drugs to knock him out. HIs nobility is the soul of the series, perhaps, but his humor is the driving force. All in all, the best installment so far!
December 24, 2019
I love his books but this one was hard to read.
I understood the premise but the story was almost absurd. A lot going on , none of it good for Mack but he survived with a little help from his friends. It was all too much for me to find it enjoyable and I skipped pages to see how it ended. I was glad when it did.
I understood the premise but the story was almost absurd. A lot going on , none of it good for Mack but he survived with a little help from his friends. It was all too much for me to find it enjoyable and I skipped pages to see how it ended. I was glad when it did.
September 15, 2019
Disgusting Details
It’s very disappointing that the author, who started with a great series, decided to go way overboard on violence in this one. It is all about sickeningly violent events, with none of the charm of the other volumes. Be warned.
It’s very disappointing that the author, who started with a great series, decided to go way overboard on violence in this one. It is all about sickeningly violent events, with none of the charm of the other volumes. Be warned.
September 27, 2022
Should be two stars but I really liked the series, until this one. Dragging us off to Japan? To fight in some weird combat challenge? Not going for it. I'll try #6, and hope it gets back to Mack doing what he does best - solve mysteries.
February 22, 2019
I have enjoyed the MacKenzie August books so much - until now. This book was bad. Just. Plain. Bad.
March 26, 2019
Felt like it violence for the sake of violence for me. Not my favorite of Lee's books...
May 2, 2021
I really enjoy Mackenzie's adventures. Makes for light enjoyable reading.
August 14, 2020
Light spoilers follow. You may wish to read the book first but the reveal in here isn't really too much of a twist.
Alan Lee's Mackenzie August is a compelling character whose attempts to grapple with the realities of his life as a private investigator make for very interesting reading. He's quippy (in a good way; Lee is actually funny and writes funny dialogue well) and his self-examination has a religious dimension that a fellow in my profession finds particularly intriguing. His description of how the woman in his life, Veronica "Ronnie" Summers, is trying to figure out her real self after a horrid upbringing and young adulthood is also well-done and reflects a care not always taken with female characters in tough-guy detective novels. While all of those features can be found in the fifth novel of the August series, Only the Details, they don't matter a lick because the story which contains them is so very, very stupid.
One of the less compelling features of the August books is their conception and handling of organized crime, which seems to owe more to comic books and bad Mario Puzo ripoffs than the more realistic world inhabited by the flawed characters on our side of the good guy line. Mack wouldn't be the first private eye to arrive at an uneasy and semi-respectful truce with the folks on the wrong side of that line, but all of the commandments, codes and a upright "honor among thieves" tropes Lee uses stretch credulity until it snaps in half. And unfortunately for Only the Details, its entire plot turns on a cooperative venture among different bodies of organized criminals to stage one of the most hackneyed clichés of '80s low-budget action movies, the faux-gladiator tournament in which our hero must fight to the death in order to survive.
The combination alone would wreck the book, but Mack comments more than once to his captors about the stupidity of their whole concept -- a lesson Lee should probably have taken to heart and scrapped the plot in favor of one that wouldn't have made Michael Dudikoff say, "Who writes this stuff?" Mack also lectures them extensively on why their ideas are so wrong in big and sometimes repetitive dialogue chunks that are only barely lightened by Lee's witty dialogue.
It's a rare series that doesn't have at least one dead mackerel slapped down on the nice white linen tablecloth and left there to stink the place up. Details is the fifth of seven Mackenzie August books (as of this review in August 2020) and it's the first one to really tank this badly. By steering away from his John Wick-ish concept of organized crime and from recycled American Ninja movie plots, Lee will probably produce better work as the series continues.
Also available here.
Alan Lee's Mackenzie August is a compelling character whose attempts to grapple with the realities of his life as a private investigator make for very interesting reading. He's quippy (in a good way; Lee is actually funny and writes funny dialogue well) and his self-examination has a religious dimension that a fellow in my profession finds particularly intriguing. His description of how the woman in his life, Veronica "Ronnie" Summers, is trying to figure out her real self after a horrid upbringing and young adulthood is also well-done and reflects a care not always taken with female characters in tough-guy detective novels. While all of those features can be found in the fifth novel of the August series, Only the Details, they don't matter a lick because the story which contains them is so very, very stupid.
One of the less compelling features of the August books is their conception and handling of organized crime, which seems to owe more to comic books and bad Mario Puzo ripoffs than the more realistic world inhabited by the flawed characters on our side of the good guy line. Mack wouldn't be the first private eye to arrive at an uneasy and semi-respectful truce with the folks on the wrong side of that line, but all of the commandments, codes and a upright "honor among thieves" tropes Lee uses stretch credulity until it snaps in half. And unfortunately for Only the Details, its entire plot turns on a cooperative venture among different bodies of organized criminals to stage one of the most hackneyed clichés of '80s low-budget action movies, the faux-gladiator tournament in which our hero must fight to the death in order to survive.
The combination alone would wreck the book, but Mack comments more than once to his captors about the stupidity of their whole concept -- a lesson Lee should probably have taken to heart and scrapped the plot in favor of one that wouldn't have made Michael Dudikoff say, "Who writes this stuff?" Mack also lectures them extensively on why their ideas are so wrong in big and sometimes repetitive dialogue chunks that are only barely lightened by Lee's witty dialogue.
It's a rare series that doesn't have at least one dead mackerel slapped down on the nice white linen tablecloth and left there to stink the place up. Details is the fifth of seven Mackenzie August books (as of this review in August 2020) and it's the first one to really tank this badly. By steering away from his John Wick-ish concept of organized crime and from recycled American Ninja movie plots, Lee will probably produce better work as the series continues.
Also available here.
September 27, 2019
WAY Over the Top... but Still Fun
I never would have said that Mackenzie August action mysteries are realistic, per se. More like a Hollywood version of realism. There’s some serious suspension of disbelief going on in each of the previous books in the series, but Only the Details takes it to a whole new level.
Think James Bond at its most absurd.
Then raise that a couple of clicks.
And maybe another notch or two.
A fight-to-the-death gladiatorial cage match, with Mack as one of the prisoner/contestants, enforced by a high-tech bracelet that can inject a cocktail of anaesthesia at a moment’s notice.
Impossible odds for escape.
Of course, we know that somehow Mack *will* escape, so the story is all in the how. Which gets goofier and more over the top as we go along. (Not to mention violent and gory.)
Meanwhile, part way through we switch from first person narration to third person—a bit jarring, especially given that one of my favorite parts of Mack August novels is Mack’s *voice.* When that goes away, a good part of the fun dissipates.
Still, although I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as the previous books, it was an entertaining read. Gory and violent (despite Mack himself making every attempt to avoid violence), and highly sexist (women’s only power in this universe is through sexual manipulation of men—God help Ronnie when she loses her looks!), but pretty fun nonetheless. What can I say—I enjoy a good action story.
I do hope future installments in Mack’s series get a bit less over the top, however... And I really hope Mack’s first person narration comes back!
I never would have said that Mackenzie August action mysteries are realistic, per se. More like a Hollywood version of realism. There’s some serious suspension of disbelief going on in each of the previous books in the series, but Only the Details takes it to a whole new level.
Think James Bond at its most absurd.
Then raise that a couple of clicks.
And maybe another notch or two.
A fight-to-the-death gladiatorial cage match, with Mack as one of the prisoner/contestants, enforced by a high-tech bracelet that can inject a cocktail of anaesthesia at a moment’s notice.
Impossible odds for escape.
Of course, we know that somehow Mack *will* escape, so the story is all in the how. Which gets goofier and more over the top as we go along. (Not to mention violent and gory.)
Meanwhile, part way through we switch from first person narration to third person—a bit jarring, especially given that one of my favorite parts of Mack August novels is Mack’s *voice.* When that goes away, a good part of the fun dissipates.
Still, although I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as the previous books, it was an entertaining read. Gory and violent (despite Mack himself making every attempt to avoid violence), and highly sexist (women’s only power in this universe is through sexual manipulation of men—God help Ronnie when she loses her looks!), but pretty fun nonetheless. What can I say—I enjoy a good action story.
I do hope future installments in Mack’s series get a bit less over the top, however... And I really hope Mack’s first person narration comes back!
October 18, 2023
A DIFFERENT LESSON FOR MACK
“Only The Details” puts our illustrious, sarcastic, intrepid Protagonist you wouldn’t want to see your worst enemy in (well… maybe your worst enemy would be okay). Mack, at 6’4” and with the body of a Greek god, finds himself kidnapped from his P.I. Office in broad daylight. He is whisked into a car and injected with a sleep-inducing medication.
When he wakes up he finds himself on a private jet, handcuffed & strapped in his seat, with an armed German Mercenary, a blonde Doctor and Duane Chambers, a Board Member of the Kings. When Mack is told the reason for his kidnapping he is - in his own inimitable way - angry and resorts to the ‘Mackenzie Rapier Wit’ and his ‘Vocabulary, Grammar & Syntax Sarcasm’.
The bottom line is Duane ‘bought’ the contract on him to have Mack killed so Mark could enter the “Gambia Cremisi” - tournament held in Naples, Italy that pits one ‘Gladiator’ from 8 of the worst gangland organizations in the world… The Yakuza, Triads, Cosa Nostra, Cramorra, Brothers Circle, Mexican cartel, Colombians and The Kings against another in a fight to the death!
“Only The Details” has more twists and turns then Lombardo Street in San Francisco. You’ll be unable to put it down (like all his books) while you scratch your head trying to figure out what’s going to happen to Mack.
I’ve already recommended this book to all my relatives and friends. Now, I’m recommending to you.
Steve
“Only The Details” puts our illustrious, sarcastic, intrepid Protagonist you wouldn’t want to see your worst enemy in (well… maybe your worst enemy would be okay). Mack, at 6’4” and with the body of a Greek god, finds himself kidnapped from his P.I. Office in broad daylight. He is whisked into a car and injected with a sleep-inducing medication.
When he wakes up he finds himself on a private jet, handcuffed & strapped in his seat, with an armed German Mercenary, a blonde Doctor and Duane Chambers, a Board Member of the Kings. When Mack is told the reason for his kidnapping he is - in his own inimitable way - angry and resorts to the ‘Mackenzie Rapier Wit’ and his ‘Vocabulary, Grammar & Syntax Sarcasm’.
The bottom line is Duane ‘bought’ the contract on him to have Mack killed so Mark could enter the “Gambia Cremisi” - tournament held in Naples, Italy that pits one ‘Gladiator’ from 8 of the worst gangland organizations in the world… The Yakuza, Triads, Cosa Nostra, Cramorra, Brothers Circle, Mexican cartel, Colombians and The Kings against another in a fight to the death!
“Only The Details” has more twists and turns then Lombardo Street in San Francisco. You’ll be unable to put it down (like all his books) while you scratch your head trying to figure out what’s going to happen to Mack.
I’ve already recommended this book to all my relatives and friends. Now, I’m recommending to you.
Steve
March 16, 2024
I'm not really a fan of violence, especially gratuitous. Which makes the hero of the series MacKenzie August so attractive. He is an articulate man, a former English teacher with a larger than average vocabulary who also abhors violence but somehow it finds him. Having found himself unknowingly married to the love of his life, the "Sun Goddess" who was forced into. prostitution by her late abusive father (she shot him) and her forced fiancé, she finally found the strength to tell her tormentor Enough. Mack backed her up, which obviously angered the fiancé, an important man in Washington who used her and her body to get what he wanted from judges and Politicians etc, Whilst contemplating his surprise marriage certificate Mack is drugged and taken off to a gladiator type competition to the death in Naples by those who want him dead.
I love the way Alan Lee writes. His characters are larger than life, the August household is idyllic and the quirky way MacKenzie thinks and speaks make me laugh out loud, even in the midst of terrible violence and terror. If you love a long series with great characters and stories, you'll love this one. Especially if you have experience of young toddlers - MacKenzie has a one year old son. Since each book carries straight on from the previous one, they're all very hard to put down!
I love the way Alan Lee writes. His characters are larger than life, the August household is idyllic and the quirky way MacKenzie thinks and speaks make me laugh out loud, even in the midst of terrible violence and terror. If you love a long series with great characters and stories, you'll love this one. Especially if you have experience of young toddlers - MacKenzie has a one year old son. Since each book carries straight on from the previous one, they're all very hard to put down!
August 22, 2018
I had a bad couple of days. I saw the new book with Mackenzie August was out and I had to buy it. I started reading the series when I saw an ad on Facebook. Yep, I became addicted and caught up with all the books when this new book came out. Read the previous books 2x (3x for Aces Full--I loved the ending and wanted to make sure I caught all the nuances and jokes that came before) and I was more than ready for the new book. My last review said that each book was great and the latest is the best.
There's a new BEST in this one.
I don't like recapping the book, and I don't like adding spoilers. Mack is a self-contained person and looked for solutions he could achieve. And has a sense of humor that had me cracking up from the beginning. I love him and the people that love and care for him. But Ronnie amazes me the most because of the love she has for Mack, and his love for her leaves me in awe. These two deserve each other in the very best sense of that phrase. Wow!
Buy this book, it's more than worth it but read the series from the beginning--you won't regret it.
Oh, after the bad days previous to reading this book, I had a 180-degree turnaround in outlook and mood. Your results may vary but that alone made this the best purchase of the year.
There's a new BEST in this one.
I don't like recapping the book, and I don't like adding spoilers. Mack is a self-contained person and looked for solutions he could achieve. And has a sense of humor that had me cracking up from the beginning. I love him and the people that love and care for him. But Ronnie amazes me the most because of the love she has for Mack, and his love for her leaves me in awe. These two deserve each other in the very best sense of that phrase. Wow!
Buy this book, it's more than worth it but read the series from the beginning--you won't regret it.
Oh, after the bad days previous to reading this book, I had a 180-degree turnaround in outlook and mood. Your results may vary but that alone made this the best purchase of the year.
April 29, 2025
I literally do not even know where to start!! This is the first book review I have ever written. This particular book was so intense start to finish. The action, the planning and plotting, the money, the situations and scenarios, and oh my God, the characters! Alan Lee’s vocabulary and writing style has got to be nearly the best I’ve ever read! And I read a lot of books…mostly crime/psychological thrillers. I am absolutely in love with Mackenzie, Ronnie, Carlos, Manny, Marcus… and though not in this book very much little Kix. Their charm, wit, confidence, loyalty, and their unusual family dynamic. I love, love, love it. I cannot give this author enough praise! What drew me to him in the first place was a Facebook ad about a thriller writer from Southwest Virginia (I live in Elliston) When you read an author for the first time, you never know what you’re going to get, but there hasn’t been one word of disappointment in any of his books! I am most certainly dreading the day when I’ve read all of the books and have to wait for a new one! Alan Lee says often that he is going to be my favorite author for the next 20 years. Well, Alan, I’m going to hold you to that promise. Do. Not. Stop. Writing. Thank you!!!
March 5, 2020
The fifth book in this wonderful Roanoke, Va., regional mystery series is a real departure from the previous four.
The characters and their commitment to one another continue to be strong. But Alan Lee has transported them all to another very violent location this time around.
Mackenzie August has just discovered he is a married man. There was no ceremony, but he is holding a valid marriage license certifying he is married to his one true love, Veronica Summers.
But before he can wrap his arms around the idea or his new bride, a woman comes into Mack's detective office and asks for his assistance in a vacant space down the hall. As our hero tries to help, he finds himself suddenly drugged and kidnapped, taken to a gladiator tournament pitting underworld combatants in battle to the death.
And Mack has been shanghaied to be one of the competitors.
It's a bit of a surreal change, full of violence and quick thinking. But it is another worthwhile entry in this very good series. It's a good thing Lee can write them so quickly. I need more.
The characters and their commitment to one another continue to be strong. But Alan Lee has transported them all to another very violent location this time around.
Mackenzie August has just discovered he is a married man. There was no ceremony, but he is holding a valid marriage license certifying he is married to his one true love, Veronica Summers.
But before he can wrap his arms around the idea or his new bride, a woman comes into Mack's detective office and asks for his assistance in a vacant space down the hall. As our hero tries to help, he finds himself suddenly drugged and kidnapped, taken to a gladiator tournament pitting underworld combatants in battle to the death.
And Mack has been shanghaied to be one of the competitors.
It's a bit of a surreal change, full of violence and quick thinking. But it is another worthwhile entry in this very good series. It's a good thing Lee can write them so quickly. I need more.
August 14, 2020
Mucho Mucho Mucho Grande Book!
Am not much on anything that has to do with fighting, phony MMA stuff, phony and real wrestling. To know there was going to be lots of this sort of stuff crammed in this book gave me grave issues about even bothering to read it. Allen Lee changed my mind.
Still feel the same about the fighting but as it is used in the context of this book to weave a story that refuses to let your interests pale, it was beyond acceptable. Course we know all along Mack has to be saved and escape. Series couldn’t go on without him. But just how Mr. Lee weaves the reader in to following the path that allows Mack his freedom is just great.
One thing, I knew almost instantaneously who the final killer would be early on in the reading. Too bad for them things ended the way they did. I was so upset was hoping for a very different outcome.
And guess what?? You have to read the book to know what I really wished had happened! Ah ha! Another mystery!
Enjoy this wonderful read.
Am not much on anything that has to do with fighting, phony MMA stuff, phony and real wrestling. To know there was going to be lots of this sort of stuff crammed in this book gave me grave issues about even bothering to read it. Allen Lee changed my mind.
Still feel the same about the fighting but as it is used in the context of this book to weave a story that refuses to let your interests pale, it was beyond acceptable. Course we know all along Mack has to be saved and escape. Series couldn’t go on without him. But just how Mr. Lee weaves the reader in to following the path that allows Mack his freedom is just great.
One thing, I knew almost instantaneously who the final killer would be early on in the reading. Too bad for them things ended the way they did. I was so upset was hoping for a very different outcome.
And guess what?? You have to read the book to know what I really wished had happened! Ah ha! Another mystery!
Enjoy this wonderful read.
August 28, 2018
As usual, Alan Lee, doesn't disappoint. I get so much enjoyment from the Mackenzie August series. It is a good PI book, without the foul language, drinking and womanizing. Just stories about a decent man, with an amazing set of morals, who manages to get in and out of situations. It is lucky that he appears to be a close relation of Superman, because I find his strength, abilities, perseverance and honor to be far above that which I have ever observed or heard of in a man. How refreshing.
I did have one problem with this book and that is Veronica. Here is a woman who is now working on her third chance at life (prostitution, paramour and finally, Mackenzie) and instead of reveling in her good fortune, what does she do but forge a marriage certificate between her and Mac. I am afraid that I do not very much care for this woman and feel that she is, in no way, good enough for our very own Lochinvar.
I did have one problem with this book and that is Veronica. Here is a woman who is now working on her third chance at life (prostitution, paramour and finally, Mackenzie) and instead of reveling in her good fortune, what does she do but forge a marriage certificate between her and Mac. I am afraid that I do not very much care for this woman and feel that she is, in no way, good enough for our very own Lochinvar.
October 26, 2020
In his Author's Note at the end of the book, Mr. Lee writes, "This was Mack's most intense story yet, on the wild and surreal side." He is accurate. While still enjoyable and head and shoulders above many thrillers, the fifth installment in this series requires even more suspension of belief (by a lot) than the fourth.
I continue to enjoy these books and say again, for me, the most addictive aspect is the characterizations of characters and their evolution as individuals. Unfortunately, in this one, some of the characters were not as true to how they had been presented in the previous stories. Some of the things they said rang false, and some of their actions weren't consistent with their past choices.
I hope this is a one off and that in the sixth installment they go back to being the characters the author had created and build so carefully in the first three novels (and the prelude, The Last teacher).
I continue to enjoy these books and say again, for me, the most addictive aspect is the characterizations of characters and their evolution as individuals. Unfortunately, in this one, some of the characters were not as true to how they had been presented in the previous stories. Some of the things they said rang false, and some of their actions weren't consistent with their past choices.
I hope this is a one off and that in the sixth installment they go back to being the characters the author had created and build so carefully in the first three novels (and the prelude, The Last teacher).
May 29, 2022
Holy Mackenzie August! I’ve recently been introduced to Alan Lee’s Mackenzie August series and have been devouring them either by audible or KU! I’ve grown to love Mack’s wit and vocabulary. Not too embarrassed to say, I’ve had to use the dictionary feature on my kindle for one or two of them. But that’s part of his charm. To disarm and confuse with English! I’m hooked!!!
This book in particular was a combination of Mackenzie at his finest with a bit of ‘Gladiator’ thrown in. I was totally wrapped up in the action, suspense and… wit of Mackenzie. Also loved that Veronica (Mack’s very complicated love interest) didn’t sit around and wring her hands, but showed how strong a woman she is. Go Ronnie!!! Underworld watch out… Mack is going to shake the pillars of the temple.
These books should be read in order to get the maximum enjoyment out of the overall story arc and growth of the characters.
This book in particular was a combination of Mackenzie at his finest with a bit of ‘Gladiator’ thrown in. I was totally wrapped up in the action, suspense and… wit of Mackenzie. Also loved that Veronica (Mack’s very complicated love interest) didn’t sit around and wring her hands, but showed how strong a woman she is. Go Ronnie!!! Underworld watch out… Mack is going to shake the pillars of the temple.
These books should be read in order to get the maximum enjoyment out of the overall story arc and growth of the characters.
May 22, 2020
I made the mistake of reading the novella before reading this book, and this was obviously out of order, as I realized right away. So...I read this book knowing something of the ending from the beginning. It was not my favorite read in the series, but I'm hoping the next full novel will put me back in good humor with this author and his interesting characters.
I guess it's time I mention that Mackenzie August is a former English teacher and he continues
to use amazing vocabulary [in mostly humorous settings]. I wince, therefore, when I see a character who corrects other people's grammar in the books make mistakes [only a few per book]. I want to get out my red pen and correct his wrong word choices that aren't caught by spell check, for example. The proofreader and grammar geek in me wants to fix it because these books are usually so great and entertaining that I want them to really sparkle all the way through. Maybe this only bothers me, but the author puts so much good writing and humor in the stories that I think he would mind knowing there are a few "goofs" that someone missed.
I guess it's time I mention that Mackenzie August is a former English teacher and he continues
to use amazing vocabulary [in mostly humorous settings]. I wince, therefore, when I see a character who corrects other people's grammar in the books make mistakes [only a few per book]. I want to get out my red pen and correct his wrong word choices that aren't caught by spell check, for example. The proofreader and grammar geek in me wants to fix it because these books are usually so great and entertaining that I want them to really sparkle all the way through. Maybe this only bothers me, but the author puts so much good writing and humor in the stories that I think he would mind knowing there are a few "goofs" that someone missed.
July 26, 2022
The best Mack and Manny book I have read so far!!!
From the word go, this book proved that it was in a class of its own! Mack is kidnapped, flown to Italy and made to participate in a fight that is supposed to finish him off by the end of the horrendous, inhuman contests! How Mack tries to get out of the imbroglio he is in and how his team of Manny, Ronnie ( I developed deep affection for her) and Marcus travel to Italy to help and support him forms the content of this fabulous book that kept me glued to it and at the edge of my couch ! I even sacrificed my sleep to finish it in one sitting!! After finishing it, I felt like I had emerged from an ugly, cruel, evil world yet one filled with great love, family values and everything good back to my own life and existence.
Thanks for an exemplary superb book, Akan.
From the word go, this book proved that it was in a class of its own! Mack is kidnapped, flown to Italy and made to participate in a fight that is supposed to finish him off by the end of the horrendous, inhuman contests! How Mack tries to get out of the imbroglio he is in and how his team of Manny, Ronnie ( I developed deep affection for her) and Marcus travel to Italy to help and support him forms the content of this fabulous book that kept me glued to it and at the edge of my couch ! I even sacrificed my sleep to finish it in one sitting!! After finishing it, I felt like I had emerged from an ugly, cruel, evil world yet one filled with great love, family values and everything good back to my own life and existence.
Thanks for an exemplary superb book, Akan.
January 6, 2021
A Good Time Was Had!
Oh!.What situations does Mackenzie find himself in, that boogle the mind. We find our hero in a very tight situation that's going to take all of his reserves. This was one really great adventure but I feel there was just a few.parts missing. I really wanted at some point to flash back to at the beginning when they discovered that Mackenzie was gone. I think that was a needed moment for a dad,a best friend,A wife/girlfriend and a son.Overall there are moments when you encounter just really good writing and feeling. This was good and the action and the dialogue was just so so good.Looking forward to some of the after effects.
Oh!.What situations does Mackenzie find himself in, that boogle the mind. We find our hero in a very tight situation that's going to take all of his reserves. This was one really great adventure but I feel there was just a few.parts missing. I really wanted at some point to flash back to at the beginning when they discovered that Mackenzie was gone. I think that was a needed moment for a dad,a best friend,A wife/girlfriend and a son.Overall there are moments when you encounter just really good writing and feeling. This was good and the action and the dialogue was just so so good.Looking forward to some of the after effects.
July 10, 2021
Lots of "Yah, sure"s, but a fun read...
At first, I wasn't sure how many Mackenzie August books I would be reading, but now I am a fan. I like the author's obvious appreciation of the English language (both vocabulary and grammar), and I always enjoy a hero who is a "gentle giant". I am a little confused about Mackenzie's relationship with God; he seems to have a rather worldly view of killing, albeit tempered by conscience. The character of Manny needs a bit more development; what in his past has made him so bloodthirsty? How did he and Mack meet, and what experiences bonded them?
Looking forward to more as Alan Lee develops his skill and style.
At first, I wasn't sure how many Mackenzie August books I would be reading, but now I am a fan. I like the author's obvious appreciation of the English language (both vocabulary and grammar), and I always enjoy a hero who is a "gentle giant". I am a little confused about Mackenzie's relationship with God; he seems to have a rather worldly view of killing, albeit tempered by conscience. The character of Manny needs a bit more development; what in his past has made him so bloodthirsty? How did he and Mack meet, and what experiences bonded them?
Looking forward to more as Alan Lee develops his skill and style.
November 6, 2019
Another great entry into the Mackenzie August series, however this one was a little more dangerous and intense than some of the other stories. Location switches to Italy where, against his wishes, Mack is entered into a "fight to the death" tournament sponsored by the underbelly dregs of society. Rich ones, at that. As I said, though all the stories have danger and intense moments, this story was a bit more intense than the others, but still a good ride. Through all the danger and pains, Mack retains his snarky personality.
October 12, 2018
Another great read
I am a fan of Alan Lee. I am enjoying this series, but I did not enjoy this book as much as the others. This plot was 90 percent violence and it was just too unbelievable that through all the violence and all the rigged rules and schemes, the hero survives.
I hope the next book returns to more snappy dialogue and complex problem solving. The hero is a private eye, not a gladiator.
Still, the writing is well done, so I gave this book four stars.
I am a fan of Alan Lee. I am enjoying this series, but I did not enjoy this book as much as the others. This plot was 90 percent violence and it was just too unbelievable that through all the violence and all the rigged rules and schemes, the hero survives.
I hope the next book returns to more snappy dialogue and complex problem solving. The hero is a private eye, not a gladiator.
Still, the writing is well done, so I gave this book four stars.
August 11, 2019
Keeps you guessing!
I love this series about Mack, the ex-English teacher, ex-cop turned private investigator, and Ronnie, the lawyer, who have a very different kind of relationship. He is full of funny quotes that no one seems to understand, especially the mobster guys he is always running into. His character is hilarious at times. If you like suspense/mystery this series is a must read!
I love this series about Mack, the ex-English teacher, ex-cop turned private investigator, and Ronnie, the lawyer, who have a very different kind of relationship. He is full of funny quotes that no one seems to understand, especially the mobster guys he is always running into. His character is hilarious at times. If you like suspense/mystery this series is a must read!
July 12, 2020
Alan Lee's MacKenzie August series just gets better and better. Only the Details is the most fully developed novel yet. The characters and the plot make it both highly entertaining totally original.
The moral imperatives of the title character provide an added dimension to this wonderful series of novels.
My binge reading continues as I am about to begin Good Girl.
That's the highest recommendation I can offer.
The moral imperatives of the title character provide an added dimension to this wonderful series of novels.
My binge reading continues as I am about to begin Good Girl.
That's the highest recommendation I can offer.
September 4, 2018
Love these books
I read this book in one day. (Retirements a good thing!) Having enjoyed the previous four Mackenzie August books, I was a little disappointed that it was all so far away from home. I missed the "back and forth" that goes on in the August house. Please Mr Lee keep them coming, love, love, love these books!
I read this book in one day. (Retirements a good thing!) Having enjoyed the previous four Mackenzie August books, I was a little disappointed that it was all so far away from home. I missed the "back and forth" that goes on in the August house. Please Mr Lee keep them coming, love, love, love these books!
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