A slumping detective is hired to investigate the most powerful man in his city – the priest. ★★★★★ “I’ve read seven of his books in the last ten days.” – Amazon Review★★★★★ “A delicate subject matter, expertly done.” – Amazon ReviewMackenzie August is a private detective and he’s in a rut. His is a feast-or-famine profession, and seasons of mundane work are wearing him down. What he needs is a … down. What he needs is a stimulating case…
Two men come to Mackenzie in secret and request his services. The leader of their church is a venerable and nationally celebrated priest, yet rumors circulate that all is not as it seems. A young clergyman, recently hired, alleges the man is really a villain in disguise. Who can be trusted, the newcomer or the respected priest?
Mackenzie is charged with discovering who is telling the truth and who is lying, and do it before the public catches wind. What he discovers, however, is far worse than anyone could’ve guessed…
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I became an Alan Lee follower after reading this book. I’ve even indulged in 2 others, out of sequence, but it matters not. The protagonist, an M&M ( crusty on the outside, soft on the inside ) is a private investigator, once a cop , single dad of a toddler , in love with a gorgeous lawyer , lives with his dad ( or was it the other way around? No matter) who is in a relationship with a beautiful law enforcement officer.. then it gets complicated ….a local charismatic priest is hinted to have behaved in a sexually inappropriate way with other younger male church officials….add a few subplots, mix it all up, and you’ll be up all night despite your better judgement. The protagonist, Mackenzie August is my new heartthrob tough guy, just like Lucas Davenport, Virgil Flowers, Harry Bosch and Jack Reacher . They do it their ( off-the-wall) way and you’ll love it!
Plot dragged on, confusing at times. The background and development of certain characters are never explained and the ending has more action in a few minutes than the rest of the whole book!!
I’m into realistic, gritty police procedurals, so this was a little too chick-lit for me. I liked the characters, and there was some humor, but not enough for me to read another of her books.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I will be reading more!
The start of a great series. Very good writer. Funny!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well written with a healthy infusion of proper English and useful vocabulary, there’s humor mixed into the resolution of the case. Stereotypes are introduced but conflated, enhancing the plot. Intriguing characters fill the story line.
I love this character and am reading every Alan Lee book I can get my hands on. Keep them coming!
I highly recommend it !!
Don’t bother. The plot is pretty good. But you’re constantly being pulled out of the plot by the author’s strange affliction akin to verbal thesaurus diarrhea.
Big words from a big guy who finds himself the most clever person on the planet. Blech
And “stand alone” it is NOT.
It’s coming from somewhere unexplained and going somewhere unexplained.
(If you bother to finish it you’ll learn the plot is right between books one and two) So… book 1.5 which is the number of stars it deserves in rating. .
An entertaining and engaging read. A nice twist at the end too.
An interesting and mostly enjoyable read. Not sure it is a “stand-alone” book as the characters definitely feel like part of an ongoing series. Well worth reading.
Protagonist is refreshingly cerebral, principled and humble… best I’ve encountered in some while.
Great read!
The book has a unique perspective that engages one to want to keep reading more. Well worth reading and provides great entertainment. Not to be confused with a religious dissertation.
What a great book. The best entertainment for a quarantine. Superb kickoff to an exciting series. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
My connections to Roanoke go back 50 years, so a decent, entertaining book in that locale has special appeal.
Clever dialogue similar to Robert Parker. Have to visit Roanoke
I loved this book and want to read more.
I could not finish this book which rare for me.
I really enjoyed the plot and the main chatacter.