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Mack's Bar Mystery #5
A Toast to Murder
Mack Dalton has named plenty of murderers since she and her barstool detectives began cracking cold cases. But as a new year looms, time is ticking on the hunt for her craftiest villain yet . . .
As Milwaukee counts down to New Year’s Eve, bar owner Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton has but one resolution—unmask the dangerous mastermind who has been taunting her and killed bouncer Gary Gunderson. Mack and her fellow barflies have fleshed out a suspect and arranged an invite-only party to put a cork in the murderer’s game for good. But when the clock strikes midnight and their suspect is found cold and stiff on the basement stairs, it seems the celebration may have come too soon. Now Mack must rely on her special talents to find the real criminal among the crowd of revelers—or someone won’t survive until last call . . .
As Milwaukee counts down to New Year’s Eve, bar owner Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton has but one resolution—unmask the dangerous mastermind who has been taunting her and killed bouncer Gary Gunderson. Mack and her fellow barflies have fleshed out a suspect and arranged an invite-only party to put a cork in the murderer’s game for good. But when the clock strikes midnight and their suspect is found cold and stiff on the basement stairs, it seems the celebration may have come too soon. Now Mack must rely on her special talents to find the real criminal among the crowd of revelers—or someone won’t survive until last call . . .
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2017
82 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Allyson K. Abbott
7 books259 followersAllyson K. Abbott is a pseudonym used by Beth Amos, author of the suspense novels COLD WHITE FURY, EYES OF NIGHT, SECOND SIGHT, NICK OF TIME, and FACE OF DEATH. Beth is also the author of the Mattie Winston mystery series written under the pseudonym Annelise Ryan, which includes WORKING STIFF, SCARED STIFF, FROZEN STIFF, LUCKY STIFF, and BOARD STIFF.
Beth lives in Wisconsin, where she changes identities nearly every day.
Beth lives in Wisconsin, where she changes identities nearly every day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
November 6, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
With New Year’s Day approaching bar owner Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton has decided she has just one New Year’s resolution . . . to get her life back! Two people close to her have been killed and she knows she is next. This dastardly letter writer has threatened her and her friends long enough. She has a plan to nab the killer right after the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s and put an end to the race against time she has been on long enough.
What could possibly go wrong?
Ms. Abbott has created a large dynamic and diverse cast of characters over the course of this series. I find them very easy to keep track of because of the excellent character development that has taken place. The cool thing is there is still room for them to grow. I love the Capone Club and its endeavors to solve mysteries. Mack has kept her personal case from most of them to try to keep them safe. She really does put everyone else first. Still on crutches she and the undercover cop pretending to be her boyfriend Mal work hard to chase down clues before the time runs out staving off another death.
What I really enjoy is virtually traveling with these characters to Milwaukee’s wonderful tourist attractions. In this book, we visit the Mitchell Domes, the Pabst Mansion, and the Milwaukee Museum all decked out in their holiday finery. They are all places I love to take my family. They also have perfect little nooks and crannies and dirt for Mack and Mal to look for clues. It was fun the last few books to go everywhere with them but being tied to a possible murder made things intense.
In past installments, there was always a primary mystery with the letter-writer mystery holding the secondary place. This time it had to be the main mystery to enable it to reach its satisfying conclusion. The author added plenty of twists and turns. Many involved Mack’s special Synaesthesia gift and others good old-fashioned legwork. With a long list of suspects, they had a quagmire of details to work through.
Also wrapped up at the end of this story was the romantic triangle of Mack, Duncan, and Mal, but I was pretty unhappy with the choice she made. I am curious to see how the relationship she has chosen works.
A Toast to Murder is a complex mystery with genuine characters. Having it set close to where I live and have traveled and the fact that I grew up in a bar environment too makes this series extra special for me. It was a Perfect Escape.
With New Year’s Day approaching bar owner Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton has decided she has just one New Year’s resolution . . . to get her life back! Two people close to her have been killed and she knows she is next. This dastardly letter writer has threatened her and her friends long enough. She has a plan to nab the killer right after the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s and put an end to the race against time she has been on long enough.
What could possibly go wrong?
Ms. Abbott has created a large dynamic and diverse cast of characters over the course of this series. I find them very easy to keep track of because of the excellent character development that has taken place. The cool thing is there is still room for them to grow. I love the Capone Club and its endeavors to solve mysteries. Mack has kept her personal case from most of them to try to keep them safe. She really does put everyone else first. Still on crutches she and the undercover cop pretending to be her boyfriend Mal work hard to chase down clues before the time runs out staving off another death.
What I really enjoy is virtually traveling with these characters to Milwaukee’s wonderful tourist attractions. In this book, we visit the Mitchell Domes, the Pabst Mansion, and the Milwaukee Museum all decked out in their holiday finery. They are all places I love to take my family. They also have perfect little nooks and crannies and dirt for Mack and Mal to look for clues. It was fun the last few books to go everywhere with them but being tied to a possible murder made things intense.
In past installments, there was always a primary mystery with the letter-writer mystery holding the secondary place. This time it had to be the main mystery to enable it to reach its satisfying conclusion. The author added plenty of twists and turns. Many involved Mack’s special Synaesthesia gift and others good old-fashioned legwork. With a long list of suspects, they had a quagmire of details to work through.
Also wrapped up at the end of this story was the romantic triangle of Mack, Duncan, and Mal, but I was pretty unhappy with the choice she made. I am curious to see how the relationship she has chosen works.
A Toast to Murder is a complex mystery with genuine characters. Having it set close to where I live and have traveled and the fact that I grew up in a bar environment too makes this series extra special for me. It was a Perfect Escape.
June 22, 2019
I have been enjoying this series, but was glad to finally reach this book. I've enjoyed the mystery regarding the letter writer who was challenging Mack with deadly consequences that had run through several books along side another mystery. However, this the book the resolves that mystery and it is the focus of the book. I thought the author did a good job of laying out clues along the way and provided the reader with enough twists and turns to keep them guessing as to the identity of the letter writer's accomplice. The mystery ends with a nice climax and is wrapped up nicely. In addition, the love triangle with Mack is finally resolved as well. I am not a fan of the love triangle so I'm glad it is finally resolved and hopefully Mack's romantic problems will not play such a focus in the future books.
I've enjoyed this series because of the main character and her unique condition which brings an interesting perspective to solving the mysteries. The secondary cast of characters are strong and play a large role in grounding Mack in both her life and solving mysteries. I'm off to read book six in the series and then I will be all caught up.
I've enjoyed this series because of the main character and her unique condition which brings an interesting perspective to solving the mysteries. The secondary cast of characters are strong and play a large role in grounding Mack in both her life and solving mysteries. I'm off to read book six in the series and then I will be all caught up.
June 25, 2017
I feel this is one of the best books that I have read recently. In order to get the full effect, it should be read in order. Each book story is complete but the subplot continues through the series. This is the fourth book and concludes the mystery of the letter writer and killer.
Mack Dalton has neurological disorders that allow her to tell if a person is telling the truth. She works with a homicide detective to help him solve the bus cases. The publicity she received has caused her problems with the police authorities and the general public. She received a letter informing that the letter has clues she must solve by a deadline of someone dear to her will die. It forbids her to seek help from The Police and specifically the homicide detective The author has made good on the threat. Two of Mack friends have been killed.
Mack is determined to find the killer and has made a plan in hopes to locate the killer. She decided to close her bar New Year's Eve and host a private party to find who is writing the letters and is the killer. Will she succeed before he/she kills again?
Drink recipes are included. I highly recommend this book and series. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Mack Dalton has neurological disorders that allow her to tell if a person is telling the truth. She works with a homicide detective to help him solve the bus cases. The publicity she received has caused her problems with the police authorities and the general public. She received a letter informing that the letter has clues she must solve by a deadline of someone dear to her will die. It forbids her to seek help from The Police and specifically the homicide detective The author has made good on the threat. Two of Mack friends have been killed.
Mack is determined to find the killer and has made a plan in hopes to locate the killer. She decided to close her bar New Year's Eve and host a private party to find who is writing the letters and is the killer. Will she succeed before he/she kills again?
Drink recipes are included. I highly recommend this book and series. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 23, 2017
This is the fifth book in the mack's bar series. Mack Dalton is a bar owner. It is almost the new year and Mack is determined to solve the mystery of who has been taunting her with threatening letters and killing people close to her. Mack uses her skill of knowing when people are telling her the truth or not to try to find the culprit. She relies on a few trustworthy friends to help her as the letter writer insists that the police not be involved. But when an article comes out about her consulting with the police things take a turn. Mack must solve the writers letter fast before someone else gets hurt.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I do however wish I would have read the previous books as part of the plots were given away. The mystery was very well done. I did not guess who the culprit was. I will definitely be going back to read the previous books to see how the full story played out. I received an advanced copy from net galley for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I do however wish I would have read the previous books as part of the plots were given away. The mystery was very well done. I did not guess who the culprit was. I will definitely be going back to read the previous books to see how the full story played out. I received an advanced copy from net galley for an honest review.
June 23, 2020
4 stelle e mezza
Finalmente in questo libro trova una soluzione il mistero che si stava trascinando da un paio di volumi. E mentre uno dei colpevoli è chiaro fin dall'inizio, il complice si è rivelato una sorpresa.
Finalmente in questo libro trova una soluzione il mistero che si stava trascinando da un paio di volumi. E mentre uno dei colpevoli è chiaro fin dall'inizio, il complice si è rivelato una sorpresa.
July 10, 2017
A Toast to Murder brings to a close an ongoing story arc about Mack Dalton's bar and the people who frequent it. Mac mostly grew up in the bar, as she was the only child of a widowed father and inherited it after he was murdered. Mack is grieving her father but wondering what she can do to solve the crime and enlists some of the long-time customers of the bar to help her. Mack has some unusual abilities that she thinks can help her. She has a neurological condition called synesthesia; one which gives her a heightened perception of stimuli. Synesthesia is described as a phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to an involuntary experience in a second pathway. For instance, she often sees colors and has tastes associated with certain people's voices. It also makes her an excellent lie detector. After a lifetime of coping with often conflicting sensory input, Mack sees a way to put her condition to good use. The detective investigating her father's murder, Duncan Albright, thinks so too.
With the help of the Capone Club, a group of old and new friends who meet in the bar, Mac has solved several cases, including that of her father, but there is a new problem. Two old friends have been murdered and Mac is receiving threating letters containing taunts about her abilities and newfound unwanted celebrity. Unless Mack solves the cryptic clues in the letters more friends will die and she will be the last victim. She must also do this without any help from the police or the Capone Club. The pressure is mounting and Mack decides that she must move to end it and forms a plan to bring all the suspects together at the Bar on New Year's Eve.
The Mack's Bar Mysteries have an interesting concept. Synesthesia is a real condition and Mac's version is an extreme one, as least from what I have read on the subject. My problem with the books is the number of suspects and characters, some of whom are not particularly memorable. Compounding the problem was the fact I missed reading one of the books and felt at sea until I realized it. There is a massive info dump at the beginning of A Toast to Murder but it didn't help so I went back to read the book I had missed. I don't recommend trying to read it out of series order.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a digital copy. The opinions above are my own.
RATING- 2.5 Stars
With the help of the Capone Club, a group of old and new friends who meet in the bar, Mac has solved several cases, including that of her father, but there is a new problem. Two old friends have been murdered and Mac is receiving threating letters containing taunts about her abilities and newfound unwanted celebrity. Unless Mack solves the cryptic clues in the letters more friends will die and she will be the last victim. She must also do this without any help from the police or the Capone Club. The pressure is mounting and Mack decides that she must move to end it and forms a plan to bring all the suspects together at the Bar on New Year's Eve.
The Mack's Bar Mysteries have an interesting concept. Synesthesia is a real condition and Mac's version is an extreme one, as least from what I have read on the subject. My problem with the books is the number of suspects and characters, some of whom are not particularly memorable. Compounding the problem was the fact I missed reading one of the books and felt at sea until I realized it. There is a massive info dump at the beginning of A Toast to Murder but it didn't help so I went back to read the book I had missed. I don't recommend trying to read it out of series order.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a digital copy. The opinions above are my own.
RATING- 2.5 Stars
March 13, 2023
I have really come to like this series and am sad to realize there’s only one book left to read. I like Mack and her friends, and the Capone Club is a great addition to the stories. I know Mack’s synesthesia is off-putting for a lot of readers, but I like the way she uses her unique abilities to help the police. The main character from David Baldacci’s Amos Decker series, has the same neurological condition, and I’ve learned a lot about it from these two series.
The mystery in this book is really a continuation of the last several books, with things really ramping up here. Instead of relying on the MC’s relationship with one member of law enforcement, there are several police officers involved in these books, as members of the Capone Club and as regulars at Mack’s bar, which makes it easier to relay clues and ideas to the appropriate authorities.
I was suspicious of one of the characters who was ultimately revealed to be one of the villains, but the motive was a complete surprise. As much as I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters, I look forward to reading the final book in this series.
The mystery in this book is really a continuation of the last several books, with things really ramping up here. Instead of relying on the MC’s relationship with one member of law enforcement, there are several police officers involved in these books, as members of the Capone Club and as regulars at Mack’s bar, which makes it easier to relay clues and ideas to the appropriate authorities.
I was suspicious of one of the characters who was ultimately revealed to be one of the villains, but the motive was a complete surprise. As much as I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters, I look forward to reading the final book in this series.
July 10, 2017
A Toast to Murder is an excellent addition to this exciting series by Allyson K. Abbott.
Mack is a strong character and her loyalty to her friends makes her extremely likeable.
I could imagine myself sitting down with her, just to get to know her.
In this thrilling story, Mack is done with the letter writer who is tormenting her with outlandish clues and killing those close to her.
She plans a New Year's Eve party and plans to draw the suspect out. Unfortunately, that means she needs to let all the members of the Capone Club know about the threats and the letters.
Knowing that her plans could backfire, Mack is still determined to put an end to this crime spree.
This is my favorite in the series so far. The plan to draw the suspect out was diabolical, and I found myself nervous that Mack would somehow get hurt.
I am looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Mack is a strong character and her loyalty to her friends makes her extremely likeable.
I could imagine myself sitting down with her, just to get to know her.
In this thrilling story, Mack is done with the letter writer who is tormenting her with outlandish clues and killing those close to her.
She plans a New Year's Eve party and plans to draw the suspect out. Unfortunately, that means she needs to let all the members of the Capone Club know about the threats and the letters.
Knowing that her plans could backfire, Mack is still determined to put an end to this crime spree.
This is my favorite in the series so far. The plan to draw the suspect out was diabolical, and I found myself nervous that Mack would somehow get hurt.
I am looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
December 30, 2021
This was a great entry in the series. It was good to see the story arc from the last couple of books come to a conclusion. I love seeing Mack use her synesthesia to solve crimes, it's so unique. Drink recipes are included at the end.
May 18, 2020
Yay! Another enjoyable one in this series! I will say that I'm happy we finally find out who the writer is behind the letters. I was a little surprised with the ending. My sadness for this one is because I like Mal better than Duncan. Good thing I'm not the writer and have to make that choice! :-)
September 24, 2023
FINALLY! The letter mystery of the letter writer is over, more relationship drama (manufactured) but finally the love triangle nonsense is over.
June 21, 2021
I have always told folks they should try to read books from a series in order, and certainly that was true with this book. I happened to pick it up at a garage sale and was extremely confused throughout most of the book. And I really wondered how the last book had ended sionce it seemed like we were in the middle of the mystery before I started reading. I also really thought the main character was a little annoying with how she seemed convinced that every guy she knew had a crush on her and all the women disliked her because their boyfriends/husbands liked her. Plus, there wasn't much mystery: she told us early on she thought Suzanne was behind the murders and strange clues -- and sure enough she was. And by the time they found her compatriot, I really didn't care.
January 15, 2019
I have enjoyed the Mack's Bar Mystery series. Learning about Synesthesia, which is a neurological glitch that mixes up the senses such as smelling or tasting something when you hear a sound or voice. This neurological glitch is a real thing and in Mack's case, allows her to figure out clues to crimes that others will miss. The ongoing story in this series is that someone has challenged Mack. She receives letters and clues that she has to figure out within a certain time or someone is murdered. In the previous books, she has kept this a secret from her friends and fellow bar detectives, but is not thinking that the person responsible for the murder of some of her friends and acquaintances is someone close to her and/or her bar. Her plan is to have a private New Year's Eve party and determine not only who the killer is, but their accomplice and get them to confess.
A Toast to Murder contains good writing and has a nice flow making it easy to read and enjoy. I will say that it is important to read these books in order or you will not be able to follow the story that continues with each book. I like Mack Dalton and her uncommon ability, although I really wanted her to make up her mind as far as which detective she really wanted to have a relationship with. I am happy to say she makes her choice in this book. This book did not showcase the Capone Club as much as in previous books. This story was pretty much Mack and the two detectives, solving this one. There was still a lot of computer work and sneaking around listening to conversations, but I missed some of the main characters from the other stories. The mystery is complex and it has developed over the five books in the series. There were plenty of suspects, and most readers, myself included, will be surprised when the guilty party is revealed. The clues pointing to the person’s identity are subtle, but in hindsight, you can see them. I was glad to see this storyline come to a satisfactory ending and look forward to what is next for Mack and The Capone Club.
A Toast to Murder contains good writing and has a nice flow making it easy to read and enjoy. I will say that it is important to read these books in order or you will not be able to follow the story that continues with each book. I like Mack Dalton and her uncommon ability, although I really wanted her to make up her mind as far as which detective she really wanted to have a relationship with. I am happy to say she makes her choice in this book. This book did not showcase the Capone Club as much as in previous books. This story was pretty much Mack and the two detectives, solving this one. There was still a lot of computer work and sneaking around listening to conversations, but I missed some of the main characters from the other stories. The mystery is complex and it has developed over the five books in the series. There were plenty of suspects, and most readers, myself included, will be surprised when the guilty party is revealed. The clues pointing to the person’s identity are subtle, but in hindsight, you can see them. I was glad to see this storyline come to a satisfactory ending and look forward to what is next for Mack and The Capone Club.
August 1, 2017
A Toast to Murder by Allyson K. Abbott is the fifth novel in A Mack’s Bar Mystery series. Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton owns Mack’s Bar in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mack has been able to use her synesthesia to help solve crimes. But one person does not believe in her ability. Mack keeps receiving letters that test her abilities and each missive has a deadline. If Mack does not interpret the clues in time, a person close to her will die. One person has already lost their life (Mack was in an accident and broke her leg). Mack, with the help of her friends, sets up a trap to catch the killer. She has an idea as to the identity of one of the perpetrator’s, but she believes the individual is not working alone. A New Year’s Party at the bar is the perfect venue to expose the evil doers. But things do not work out quite as planned. Mack will need to use her special gift to reveal the villain before he (or she) is disappears into the night. Will Mack’s New Year’s resolution come true?
A Toast to Murder contains good writing and has a nice flow making for an easy to read (and enjoy) cozy mystery. I like Mack Dalton and her uncommon ability (I consider it a gift not a disorder). It something I was unfamiliar with prior to this series, and it is unique in cozy mysteries. A Mack’s Bar Mystery series needs to be read in order. Otherwise, you will be missing pertinent details regarding the mysterious letter writer and havoc it has caused to Mack’s life. There is some repetition of details (Mack’s disorder and the case). I am rating A Toast to Murder 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The mystery is complex and it has evolved over the five books in the series. I did feel that the suspect list was a little long (over a dozen). I believe most readers (except armchair sleuths) will be surprised when the guilty party is revealed. Avid mystery readers, though, should be able to pinpoint the wrongdoer. The clues pointing to the person’s identity are subtle. My major issue with A Toast to Murder is the prominent romance. There is a love triangle (big sigh) that has unfolded slowly over the last four books. I am happy that Mack decides between her two beaux at the end of the book, but I was disappointed Mack’s choice. I did favor one fellow over the other (I would say which one, but then I would spoil it for you). I look forward to reading the next book in A Mack’s Bar Mystery series.
June 22, 2017
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked A Toast to Murder, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I'd read the previous books. There were so many characters I had to look back to keep track of them all.
Mack Dalton owns a bar and has a condition called synesthesia, which makes her experience people's voices as tastes or smells. She is also a human lie detector, because a lie tastes different than the truth. She hosts a group of amateur sleuths called the Capone Club in her bar, and they help solve puzzles and crimes.
Mack is receiving letters from a deranged killer. The letters dare her to figure out the clue contained in the letter, or someone, maybe Mack herself, will die. She's already had two people close to her killed, and she doesn't want to fail. She's concerned that the killer might be a member of the Capone Club, and isn't sure what to do.
The plot is very interesting, especially the synesthesia twist, which is fascinating to read about. The characters are unusual and well written. My only problem was when the killer was revealed, there wasn't enough information in this book to explain his/her significance to Mack.
I did enjoy the book, and would recommend it, especially if you've read the other books in the series. The writing is good enough that I'm going to go back and read them all.
I liked A Toast to Murder, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I'd read the previous books. There were so many characters I had to look back to keep track of them all.
Mack Dalton owns a bar and has a condition called synesthesia, which makes her experience people's voices as tastes or smells. She is also a human lie detector, because a lie tastes different than the truth. She hosts a group of amateur sleuths called the Capone Club in her bar, and they help solve puzzles and crimes.
Mack is receiving letters from a deranged killer. The letters dare her to figure out the clue contained in the letter, or someone, maybe Mack herself, will die. She's already had two people close to her killed, and she doesn't want to fail. She's concerned that the killer might be a member of the Capone Club, and isn't sure what to do.
The plot is very interesting, especially the synesthesia twist, which is fascinating to read about. The characters are unusual and well written. My only problem was when the killer was revealed, there wasn't enough information in this book to explain his/her significance to Mack.
I did enjoy the book, and would recommend it, especially if you've read the other books in the series. The writing is good enough that I'm going to go back and read them all.
July 14, 2017
I especially liked this because of Mack's synthenesia= not a condition I've seen in any other mystery novel. Although I had not read the earlier books, I was able to catch up quickly due to the synopsis in the early chapters (I know this probably bothered readers of the series but it was helpful to me). Liked the bar setting, liked the cast of characters, and liked the fact that it was a little different from the traditional cozy Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC Try this if you enjoy mysteries that are light but a little twisty and which have some unique aspects.
January 10, 2018
What a puzzler, this one had my mind going and to tell the truth I still didn't get it right, Mack, Duncan, Mal and the rest of the Capone club had a task on their hands before time ran out. But they were up to the challenge, and boy did they rattle a few nerves. The romance between Mack and Duncan is okay But I rather Mal had been the romantic hero, there's just something about that character that I love. All in all, this has been an intense mind boggler, the storyline was excellent and the characters are rather entertaining. This has been a most delightful read.
March 2, 2024
3.25 stars
January 6, 2018
I am extremely pleased that 'letter writer' story arc appears to be over. It was getting very tedious and way to unbelievable. This has been the worst read in the series. It feels full of holes as to how Mack jumped to the conclusions that she did to arrive at the persons responsible. I certainly hope the next book, if there is one, is much better written.
July 12, 2017
Book 5 in the series.
This book is an improvement over books 3 and 4. The plot is interesting and the characters are well developed but I still greatly dislike the mystery-within-a-mystery nonsense that was happening. I think weaving that plot-line through multiple books was kind of a cheap way of getting the reader to hang in there and keep reading. Between that and the love triangle, I very nearly didn't read this book. For the devoted reader, we do finally get an end to that mystery, and sort of an end to the love triangle, though at the end the other guy doesn't know Mac's made her choice.
So while I like Mac and her motley crew of mystery solvers, as well as Mac's special ability, I just don't think I will bother with reading any more books in this series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.*
This book is an improvement over books 3 and 4. The plot is interesting and the characters are well developed but I still greatly dislike the mystery-within-a-mystery nonsense that was happening. I think weaving that plot-line through multiple books was kind of a cheap way of getting the reader to hang in there and keep reading. Between that and the love triangle, I very nearly didn't read this book. For the devoted reader, we do finally get an end to that mystery, and sort of an end to the love triangle, though at the end the other guy doesn't know Mac's made her choice.
So while I like Mac and her motley crew of mystery solvers, as well as Mac's special ability, I just don't think I will bother with reading any more books in this series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.*
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June 27, 2017I received a copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I hadn't read any of the other "Mack's Bar" mysteries, and I felt like I was walking into the middle of something. The concept is really good, Mack is a bartender with synesthesia, which she uses to help solve crimes with the help of her boyfriend, Duncan, a police detective, and her friends in the Capone Club.
My issue with this book was it definitely picked up in the middle of several on going, yet related crimes. Also, other murders kept getting brought up, and some were related while others weren't. Throw in several love triangles and it was a bit confusing.
My issue with this book was it definitely picked up in the middle of several on going, yet related crimes. Also, other murders kept getting brought up, and some were related while others weren't. Throw in several love triangles and it was a bit confusing.
July 19, 2017
I think I will like this book better when I go back and read the 4 previous stories in the Mack's Bar series. Mack and her friends are being taunted by someone out to commit the perfect crime. This story has the Capone Club solving the murder of the bar's bouncer. Mack uses her special senses, being a human lie detector and extra sense of observation to catch the suspect before he can kill again. The cast of characters is unusual and likable and plenty of personalities for continuing the series.
August 3, 2017
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Another great story in this series. I love the main character, Mack Dalton. She is concerned for her friends/customers safety so she lays a trap for the killer AKA the Letter Writer. I love this series, can't wait until August to read what happens next.
Another great story in this series. I love the main character, Mack Dalton. She is concerned for her friends/customers safety so she lays a trap for the killer AKA the Letter Writer. I love this series, can't wait until August to read what happens next.
February 26, 2019
This was an adequate wrap-up to the overarching killer/stalker story of the series. It somehow felt both drawn out (why did it take multiple books) and rushed, though.
July 25, 2017
Mack Dalton is the owner of a bar and she has a disorder named synthenesia which implies that whenever she experience a feeling this is felt as a mix of several feelings combine. What before was seen as a disadvantage is now used to help the police solved cases. In this case Mack is receiving threatening letters which challenge her in a game were the stakes are very high. If she doesn’t meet the deadline, someone close to her will die. She has been with this for a while now and two people close to her have died.
Unique investigative procedure
I was very intrigued to read this book due to the disorder aspect and how would this be used in a police investigation and helped solved the case. It was fascinating to see how this was put to use. How the fact that Mack could “taste” people’s voices allowed her to know when someone was lying to her. And how this alaso helped her seeing things that other people missed.
Furthermore, a complete group of people with completely different backgrounds helping in the solving of a case was something that I haven’t read before, so it was interesting to see the dynamic of the group and how each of the characters personalities and previous experience helped. Though in this case this showed little I really enjoyed whenever the group was together and discussed.
Well-developed characters
I must confessed that when I requested this book I didn’t know that it was a series nor that it wasn’t the first book. It seems that this letter writing thing started a book or couple ago, so that explains some of my feeling of having lost some part. I’m not certain how much was spoken in the previous installment but I got the feeling, for the most part of the book, that something had happened before that we, readers, were not aware of even though we were following the point of view of Mack. This made me feel lost for most part of it. Like for example, the book starts with someone sending letters to Mack threating to kill her family and friends if she doesn’t follow through with the challenge and find the next clue. But they have already killed two people and Mack already suspects one person. But that part was skipped and gone to the conclusion.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy Mack’s character. She is very smart and had had insecurities due to her disorder but now she is determined to put it in good use.
Slow pace
In addition, I felt like for most part nothing really happened regarding the solving of the clues. It was like Mack didn’t give much attention to this and was postponing the day to find the clue when she could be wrong with the solution and didn’t get enough time to find the right one. Even more, an employee has already died because she was wrong and didn’t have enough time to find the correct one (this happened in a previous book apparently). It was like she didn’t care and prioritize other personal things.
As for the big finale it wasn’t as if they knew for sure who did it and “accused” him or her. It was solved in other way, which was intriguing to read.
Overall, even though that it had some flaws I did enjoy the reading and I think that I will be giving a chance to the series, starting from the first one.
Unique investigative procedure
I was very intrigued to read this book due to the disorder aspect and how would this be used in a police investigation and helped solved the case. It was fascinating to see how this was put to use. How the fact that Mack could “taste” people’s voices allowed her to know when someone was lying to her. And how this alaso helped her seeing things that other people missed.
Furthermore, a complete group of people with completely different backgrounds helping in the solving of a case was something that I haven’t read before, so it was interesting to see the dynamic of the group and how each of the characters personalities and previous experience helped. Though in this case this showed little I really enjoyed whenever the group was together and discussed.
Well-developed characters
I must confessed that when I requested this book I didn’t know that it was a series nor that it wasn’t the first book. It seems that this letter writing thing started a book or couple ago, so that explains some of my feeling of having lost some part. I’m not certain how much was spoken in the previous installment but I got the feeling, for the most part of the book, that something had happened before that we, readers, were not aware of even though we were following the point of view of Mack. This made me feel lost for most part of it. Like for example, the book starts with someone sending letters to Mack threating to kill her family and friends if she doesn’t follow through with the challenge and find the next clue. But they have already killed two people and Mack already suspects one person. But that part was skipped and gone to the conclusion.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy Mack’s character. She is very smart and had had insecurities due to her disorder but now she is determined to put it in good use.
Slow pace
In addition, I felt like for most part nothing really happened regarding the solving of the clues. It was like Mack didn’t give much attention to this and was postponing the day to find the clue when she could be wrong with the solution and didn’t get enough time to find the right one. Even more, an employee has already died because she was wrong and didn’t have enough time to find the correct one (this happened in a previous book apparently). It was like she didn’t care and prioritize other personal things.
As for the big finale it wasn’t as if they knew for sure who did it and “accused” him or her. It was solved in other way, which was intriguing to read.
Overall, even though that it had some flaws I did enjoy the reading and I think that I will be giving a chance to the series, starting from the first one.
August 2, 2017
Title: A Toast to Murder - Mack's Bar Mystery Book 5
Author: Allyson K Abbott
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 7-25-2017
Pages: 352
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuth; Cozy Mystery; Women Sleuths
ISBN: 9781496701725
ASIN: B01M6AOYKL
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars
Mack is in a race to find the one taunting her and who killed her friend. Finally it seems she has a chance at catching him. Using her unique abilities from her synesthesia which allows her to "taste" & "feel texture" to words and enables her to detect when someone is lying. she and her friends are finally closing in. This has been the common thread running through the series and because of this you truly need to read them book in order from the beginning.
Filled with intriguing and unusual characters, the chief among these is Mack herself. Her affliction, as she thinks of it, is what drew me to the series in the first place. I can imagine tasting or feeling something enjoyable would be fun for a while, but believe there are unpleasant taste and textures that would make her life difficult. She has learned to adjust her life and embrace life and her friends over the course of the series.
Allyson K Abbott has managed to keep her readers on the edge of their seats from the first chapter of book one until the last word in book 5. Not an easy task. Using her talent she has brought the Bar, the regulars and Mack herself to life. I hope this is not her last foray into Mack's life. I will hope to here from Mack and the gang again soon.
My rating of "A Toast to Murder - Mack's Bar Mystery Book 5" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6AOYKL/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-to...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Toast-...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-to...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Allyson K Abbott
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 7-25-2017
Pages: 352
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuth; Cozy Mystery; Women Sleuths
ISBN: 9781496701725
ASIN: B01M6AOYKL
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars
Mack is in a race to find the one taunting her and who killed her friend. Finally it seems she has a chance at catching him. Using her unique abilities from her synesthesia which allows her to "taste" & "feel texture" to words and enables her to detect when someone is lying. she and her friends are finally closing in. This has been the common thread running through the series and because of this you truly need to read them book in order from the beginning.
Filled with intriguing and unusual characters, the chief among these is Mack herself. Her affliction, as she thinks of it, is what drew me to the series in the first place. I can imagine tasting or feeling something enjoyable would be fun for a while, but believe there are unpleasant taste and textures that would make her life difficult. She has learned to adjust her life and embrace life and her friends over the course of the series.
Allyson K Abbott has managed to keep her readers on the edge of their seats from the first chapter of book one until the last word in book 5. Not an easy task. Using her talent she has brought the Bar, the regulars and Mack herself to life. I hope this is not her last foray into Mack's life. I will hope to here from Mack and the gang again soon.
My rating of "A Toast to Murder - Mack's Bar Mystery Book 5" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6AOYKL/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-to...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Toast-...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-to...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
October 20, 2017
There are suspects galore. The wannabe detective actually gets unwanted official recognition. The setting is interesting—a bar whose owner caters to the Capone Club, an informal crime solving group, by providing a room in the bar for their gatherings. There is a lot to like about this book.
You know what’s coming up next…a medium sized “but.” Yes, I liked the book, but it was not an “I just can’t put this down” mystery despite the fact that lives were hanging in the balance. This is not a case of book bashing because a serial book does not work well as a standalone: A Toast to Murder can stand on its own. The author actually does a good job of bringing the reader up to speed, but it is a constant process and becomes slightly intrusive. Because this mystery seems to occur over several books, it just doesn’t have a comfortable cohesiveness. Another problem I have with the book is that many of the suspects are not fleshed out enough for the reader to invest interest in the probability of their being the criminal. There are two love interests for bar owner Mack, but I had a hard time caring about her relationship with either of them. Perhaps that would be different if I had read previous books in the series.
On the positive side, the main character, Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton, has an interesting neurological disorder called synesthesia. In Mack’s words, “It causes one’s senses to get mixed up or cross-wired so that any sense I experience—smell, for instance—is manifested through a second sense at the same time. For instance, I not only hear people’s voices, I often taste them.” Although this disorder can be stressful for Mack, she has learned to use it to her advantage in solving crimes. The author deserves kudos for her creativity in constructing a plot that would focus on Mack’s skills in this area.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
You know what’s coming up next…a medium sized “but.” Yes, I liked the book, but it was not an “I just can’t put this down” mystery despite the fact that lives were hanging in the balance. This is not a case of book bashing because a serial book does not work well as a standalone: A Toast to Murder can stand on its own. The author actually does a good job of bringing the reader up to speed, but it is a constant process and becomes slightly intrusive. Because this mystery seems to occur over several books, it just doesn’t have a comfortable cohesiveness. Another problem I have with the book is that many of the suspects are not fleshed out enough for the reader to invest interest in the probability of their being the criminal. There are two love interests for bar owner Mack, but I had a hard time caring about her relationship with either of them. Perhaps that would be different if I had read previous books in the series.
On the positive side, the main character, Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton, has an interesting neurological disorder called synesthesia. In Mack’s words, “It causes one’s senses to get mixed up or cross-wired so that any sense I experience—smell, for instance—is manifested through a second sense at the same time. For instance, I not only hear people’s voices, I often taste them.” Although this disorder can be stressful for Mack, she has learned to use it to her advantage in solving crimes. The author deserves kudos for her creativity in constructing a plot that would focus on Mack’s skills in this area.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2017
The chilling scavenger hunt where Mack’s ability to decipher clues determines whether or not one of her friends or even she herself will die finally comes to a head in A Toast to Murder. Don't be afraid to pick this novel up if you haven't read Allyson K Abbot’s previous novels. She does an exemplary job of explaining previous events without it being boring or repetitive to readers who have read the previous novels. Mack has synesthesia. She experiences sensory information in multiple modalities, making her privy to information others are not, including giving her an uncanny sense when others are lying. A Toast to Murder is a game changer. While Mack believes she knows the identity of the letter writer, she has little concrete evidence. She is also uncertain of who the writer’s accomplice is, although it is clear it is a member of the Capone club that has betrayed them. As the police have put forth that Mack and her crew have been working as consultants all along, Mack and her friends know that time is of the essence. If Mack can’t trap the killers before midnight strikes on New Year’s Eve, she may not survive the festivities.
A Toast to Murder is a fantastic conclusion to the story arc begun in Murder on the Rocks. Mack is an unusual and unforgettable lead. Abbot skillfully details how Mack experiences information making it possible for readers to not only empathize but to understand the challenges that face her as well as the nature of her gift. The Capone Club has successfully solved cold cases and redeemed a man unjustly imprisoned. I can’t wait to see what is in store now that a serial killer isn’t pursuing Mack and now that she and the Capone club are openly to liaison with police.
5 / 5
I received a copy of A Toast to Murder from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
A Toast to Murder is a fantastic conclusion to the story arc begun in Murder on the Rocks. Mack is an unusual and unforgettable lead. Abbot skillfully details how Mack experiences information making it possible for readers to not only empathize but to understand the challenges that face her as well as the nature of her gift. The Capone Club has successfully solved cold cases and redeemed a man unjustly imprisoned. I can’t wait to see what is in store now that a serial killer isn’t pursuing Mack and now that she and the Capone club are openly to liaison with police.
5 / 5
I received a copy of A Toast to Murder from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
June 13, 2017
A Toast to Murder is the fifth book in Allyson K. Abbott Mack’s Bar Mysteries series. The author is very talented in creating suspense and tension with her written words. The mystery in this book is presented well throughout the entire book, there are a lot of twists and turns to deal with, and there is no shortage of suspects. The characters are well developed and likeable.
Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton owns Mack’s Bar and has a neurological condition called synesthesia, which causes her to experience sensations in multiple modalities, such as a voice triggering a taste and a lie tasting different from the truth. This makes her an asset to Milwaukee Homicide Detective Duncan Albright and her crime-solving group, The Capone Club, which is comprised of a diverse crew of amateur sleuths and a couple of detectives. For the past couple of weeks, Mack has been stalked by a letter-writing killer. This person, who doubts Mack’s special ability, sends her a letter, sending her to search for clues, with a deadline, and threatening to murder someone close to her if she fails. To date, two people have been killed. Mack and those closest to her think there may be two people involved and believe they have identified the letter writer but the evidence against that person is circumstantial and they are having a difficult time narrowing the suspect list to only one other person. Mack, who is frustrated and tired of the letter writer’s games, comes up with a plan and hopes to identify the guilty parties during a New Year’s Eve party she is hosting for selected guests.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton owns Mack’s Bar and has a neurological condition called synesthesia, which causes her to experience sensations in multiple modalities, such as a voice triggering a taste and a lie tasting different from the truth. This makes her an asset to Milwaukee Homicide Detective Duncan Albright and her crime-solving group, The Capone Club, which is comprised of a diverse crew of amateur sleuths and a couple of detectives. For the past couple of weeks, Mack has been stalked by a letter-writing killer. This person, who doubts Mack’s special ability, sends her a letter, sending her to search for clues, with a deadline, and threatening to murder someone close to her if she fails. To date, two people have been killed. Mack and those closest to her think there may be two people involved and believe they have identified the letter writer but the evidence against that person is circumstantial and they are having a difficult time narrowing the suspect list to only one other person. Mack, who is frustrated and tired of the letter writer’s games, comes up with a plan and hopes to identify the guilty parties during a New Year’s Eve party she is hosting for selected guests.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
August 4, 2017
This series is one of my favorites - always an automatic pre-order for me - and this book did not disappoint! The puzzling letters Mack was receiving totally kept my interest. With the personal threat to Mack resolved, it will be interesting to see where the series leads - Mack's synesthesia is certainly a unique element and I can see this series continuing for a long time. The mystery was not easily solved - not that I like to solve them along the way, I actually like to be surprised - but this story had many suspects and I found it somewhat difficult to keep track of them all, but at the same time made it suspenseful because you definitely didn't know who it was!. I like my cozies with a little romance, so I pay a little attention to that portion of the story. After all the angst with Duncan was solved, I thought that the wrap-up with Mack's feeling towards Mal all the sudden changing from "attraction" and "tingles" to "brotherly feelings" was awkward. Despite the few minor hiccups I experienced (that others might not), this series is still one of my favs and August of 2018 is a long time to have to wait to read the next book!
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