In a Hard Wind

Mac McKenzie #20

by David Housewright

When asked to investigate a murder in a seemingly idyllic Minnesota town, Rushmore McKenzie finds that all the evidence points directly at his client, in the next installment in David Housewright's McKenzie novels, In a Hard Wind…

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Thriller

320 pages, Hardcover

First published June 27, 2023

About the author

A past president of the Private Eye Writers of America, David Housewright has published 28 crimes novels including In A Hard Wind (June 2023 St. Martin’s Minotaur) and has contributed short stories to 15 anthologies and other publications. He has earned an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America, a Shamus nomination from the PWA, and three Minnesota Books Awards. A reformed newspaper reporter and ad man, he has also taught writing courses at the University of Minnesota and Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. His name and face were recently added to “Minnesota Writers on the Map” by the Minnesota Historical Society and Friends of the St. Paul Public Library.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am on a series binge of David Housewright’s Mac McKenzie collection, of which this is the twentieth book. Housewright explores the life of Mac ‘Rushmore’ McKenzie, an amateur private investigator from St. Paul, Minnesota who is always eager to help those close to him. After agreeing to retire, Mac is pulled back into the mix once again. When asked to investigate a murder in a quaint Minnesota community, Mac discovers his client's guilt might be the least of his worries. He's pushed to the limit to get answers while never doubting the woman who's hired him. Housewright weaves a tale that takes the reader on quite the adventure.

Mac ‘Rushmore’ McKenzie came into a significant amount of money years ago, which led to his abrupt retirement from the St. Paul PD. Now, he’s working as an unlicensed PI and helping those worth his while. When Mac agrees to help a woman in a heap of trouble, he bends all the rules he has set for himself. Jeanette Carrell has been arrested and is about to go on trial for murder. The victim was found in a shallow grave and had a shady past, including duping one of Jeannette's friends with dementia. The last time Jeannette and the victim were seen together, she had been threatening him for his horrible actions. Mac may have bitten off more than he would like to chew with this one.

While Mac tries to build some sort of case for his client, but she disappears into thin air. The fact that she has no alibi for the crime either makes her guilt seem almost guaranteed now, though Mac is not yet ready to throw in the towel, even when others insist he stop wasting his time. Still, there is some niggling feeling in Mac's mind that Jeannette might be innocent and the real killer still out there. He begins looking into her past and tries to piece it all together, which only sends him down a troubling rabbit hole.

Faced with the daunting task of trying to advocate for someone who is on the lam, Mac does everything he thinks possible to find the truth. He knows full well that the odds are against him and that Jeannette Carrell could simply have been using him. Yet, he has an idea and when Mac McKenzie has one of those, people stand back and let him run with it. Housewright delivers a great page-turner that series fans and readers in general will applaud.

While I have the latest novel in the series as an ARC, I wanted some context and so am binge reading the entire collection. Housewright offers up a narrative that spins things a tad differently. The story flows with little interruption, though nothing is quite as it seems. A stellar narrative keeps things in order for all to enjoy. The momentum increases as the various characters flavour this thriller. The plot builds to a wonderful crescendo and then simmers, with surprises for all to enjoy. Another winning novel in this strong series.

Kudos, Mr. Housewright, for keeping things from being too predictable.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Maren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to seek out books written by local authors because I absolutely love reading stories that take place in a known environment. It creates such clearer mind pictures while I am reading and can practically see the words come to life.

I met David Housewright at a book festival awhile back for the first time and when he asked my name to write the inscription he said that he loved that name, and had he used it? We searched through his last few books but didn't come across it. I asked if he used my name to not make me the victim, haha!

Well surprise, surprise! As I am reading this book - there it is! My name! I don't know for sure what the timing was on the writing of this book and our encounter but having that little connection with the book and author sure made it special and really fun.

I really like the character of Rushmore McKenzie. The books are fun and read very fast. This book had many twists which made things exciting to see how they all played out.

[MandM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is a great crime mystery book without all the grizzly stuff. The plot was very well developed and you feel like you know the characters and have been in their homes. Just a plain GREAT crime/mystery. Thank you David Housewright and Minotaur Books for allowing me the pleasure of reading this book.

[Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough book to review. Not because it’s complex and deep; frankly, it’s neither of those things. But just when you think you have all the loose ends tied together, Housewright brilliantly reorients the universe, so to speak, and you’re left surprised.

They said Jeanette Carrell murdered a real estate developer whom she accused of tricking an Alzheimer’s-saturated friend of hers. Not only did she not kill the guy, but she also ultimately produces an alibi, and you need to read this to see how cleverly Housewright introduces that.

So, early in the book, Carrell is off the hook for the murder you assume the book is about. Ah, but as the great Ron Popeil used to say, “But wait! There’s more!” And, indeed, there is.

It isn’t long before they unearth the bodies of Carrell’s husband who allegedly disappeared years earlier and an originally unidentified woman. Just when he was content to help Carrell escape a murder charge, McKenzie realizes she’s back in trouble.

If you read this, you’ll realize that Carrell is resourceful beyond belief, and only McKenzie can find her when she’s in a hard wind.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Housewright is one of my favorite local authors, McKenzie is the main character and always the hero. McKenzie was able to retire early from the
St Paul PD, because he cracked a case and collected a huge reward. He now does unofficial PI work, for friends or friends of friends and doesn’t get paid for his work. He puts his whole heart in his work and never gives up until he solves the case. The author puts quite a bit of subtle humor into McKenzie, I especially enjoy when he he carries on a conversation with his inner self.
The book was excellent, but I was a bit disappointed in the way it ended.
I’m not doing a spoiler and giving away the ending, you’ll just have to read the book and see if you agree.

[Laura Hundley]

In a Hard Wind by David Housewright

Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Pace: 5/5
Suspense/Thrill: 5/5

This is the third book I have read and reviewed from this author, I have come to love the POV McKenzie and his ways of finding the truth. I can honestly say that this one , this one is spot on a 5/5 stars. If I could rate it higher I definitely would.

Ther was not much in the way of a blurb so I pretty much went with my gut.on this one and am so happy I did. Obviously this is a series from this author and I did not in any way think that it could not be a stand alone novel. Rushmore McKenzie has a lot of work to do. In his quest for answers he is thrust into a mystery so full of layers that he must try to understand and figure out the truth. Could his client actually be guilty of murder?

This book contains everything you will need to have an evening full of murder, suspense, thrills, twists and turns. The pace is perfectly planned and will keep you engrossed and entertained from page one until it’s finality. The author is great about leaving a few hints here and there but ensuring the ending will surprise you. This is one hell of a ride you don’t want to miss.

Release date June 27, 2023

Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and Macmillan publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

[Cindi Chipping · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started out slow and I thought I’d have to force myself to read it, which was weird because I’ve read all of David Housewright’s McKenzie books and have generally really enjoyed them. But the second half of the book really picked up and involved some good detecting work. So enjoyed it in the end. One of my favorite MN authors!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Library

[Reader1657]

who am I to say if this book is good. I can say that it's a wonderful distraction while you're sitting in the waiting room as your fiance has their wisdom teeth removed for HOURS. read this in about a day and it was a very easy, quick, and entertaining read for that situation. just the right amount of plot to distract me from the stressful situation.

[Becky Loader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Housewright has created a true master of disguise to lead the reader on a merry chase thru a convoluted plot.

[Brenda Bergman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading an advanced readers copy of In a Hard Wind by Minnesota author David Housewright, set to release this month. This is the second book I have read by this author. I love the main character, Rushmore McKenzie. He is an unlicensed private investigator that is so endearing. He reminds me of the old Columbo TV character for some reason. McKenzie is quirky, funny, and one of the best at his job. He feels like someone that could be your neighbor or friend. Being a Minnesotan, the setting of Housewright’s books makes you feel like you are there. This book has some really great plot twists, believable characters, suspense, and humor. It’s a quick, fun read.

[Dick Aichinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This is the latest in the Mac McKenzie series by David Housewright. I enjoy the McKenzie character because he is certainly about to get himself into serious danger and somehow get out of it but other stories also work well when it is just good investigation. That is how this story goes.

Once a homicide detective in St. Paul, Minnesota, McKenzie is, through a series of unlikely events, both a millionaire and an occasional private investigator. As an unofficial PI, McKenzie only looks into the occasional situation for friends or friends of friends.

Jeanette Carrell has been arrested, indicted, and about to go on trial for murder. The body of the victim was found buried in a shallow grave at the far edge of her property. The victim was not only a neighbor, he was real estate developer accused of tricking a man with dementia, a friend of Carrell's, into signing away his property for development, property that he'd worked to keep pristine. When the developer was last seen, Carrell was heard threatening to kill him. Even more damning, a potential witness swears she saw Carrell digging near the grave site shortly after the victim disappeared. The final nail in the proverbial coffin is her alibi―she has none.

With all the evidence―motive and means and opportunity―pointing to her guilt, and precious little in her defense, perhaps the most confusing aspect is Carrell’s calm attitude. McKenzie is now faced with a challenging case―how to protect Carrell and unearth the truth of what really happened when all the circumstantial evidence is against her.

Another good McKenzie story with intriguing developing twists along the way.

[Mike Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Housewright's McKenzie series is the gift which keeps on giving. The McKenzie novels never fail to entertain and I'm happy to report In a Hard Wind is the best one yet. McKenzie is caught up in a mystery with more layers than he could have imagined. But, in his quest for answers, McKenzie is able to peel away the layers and paint the portrait of truth which has eluded the authorities. We're reminded McKenzie is very good at what he does and so is his creator. Housewright has few peers in terms of his perfectly paced stories. McKenzie is such a likeable character and the series remains one of the most entertaining out there. The pages will fly past you as you lose yourself in the engrossing mysteries of In a Hard Wind. Thanks to St. Martin's Press & Minotaur Books for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Keila (speedreadstagram) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting. I really appreciated the excepts from the police reports in this one – that’s always fun to come across. This book was an interesting thriller and had plenty of suspense. This was my first book by this author and I had high hopes, but I was underwhelmed. I can really understand why so many people love this series, but overall it just didn’t work for me. I didn’t find that my interest was held enough to really care about any of the characters.

This one is out June 27th!

Thank you to the publisher St Martin’s Press, @stmartinspress, @minotaur_books, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Kelso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this series from the beginning and I think this is one of the best ones.

McKenzie is asked by an old friend to help another friend. When a developer is found dead, his client is the suspect. When even more bodies are found, the suspicion is ratched up a notch. McKenzie's client goes on the run with evidence this has happened before. The book is full of great flashbacks that tie everything together. The characters are well developed and I thought the ending was excellent. It would be easy to give spoilers in this review and I don't want to do that. Read it for yourself.

[Mary McIntyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time with this author and I liked it. Good plot with interesting main character McKenzie. I will read more of his work.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.5 of 5

Rushmore 'Mac' McKenzie is asked by a friend for a favor - look into the murder of a real estate developer in a nearby community and help prove the innocence of the friend's friend. The evidence against the woman (Jeanette Carroll) is overwhelming but Jeanette doesn't seem too worried, and yet she won't offer up an alibi for where she was at the time of the murder. McKenzie promises to look into it, but he won't try to get the woman off is he thinks she's guilty. But upon meeting the woman, just like his friend, he believes in her innocence.

But two more bodies are soon discovered in the same location, including that of Jeanette's husband who had been missing (and presumably had run off with another woman) years earlier. And then Jeanette disappears, leaving her passport, driver's license, and credit cards in a pile on her table. Her guilt seems all but convicted now, yet Mac still believes that there is something else going on and that she didn't commit the murders - at least not that of the real estate agent. Of the others, he wants to know more.

McKenzie sets off to track the now disappeared Ms. Carroll and discovers a much more interesting history than he ever expected.

This is the 20th book in the Mac McKenzie series and there's a reason a series lasts this long ... it's just plain good.

If you don't already know Mac, you don't get much background on him (a passing paragraph suggests why he's able to spend his time helping others) but it's probably all you need to enjoy the book. Like most detective mysteries, what's key here is 1) the protagonist, 2) the mystery, and 3) the supporting cast. In all three of these things, author David Housewright has excelled.

McKenzie has been a great character for some time now (I'm not sure how many of these books I've read, but I've reviewed 5 to date) and I've seen some real growth to this character. Although you won't know it if you haven't read some of the other books, I think the relationship he has with Nina has grown through the course of the books, and while her role is minimal here, it feels very authentic.

The character of Jeanette Carroll seems most challenging - how do you make the reader truly like and believe someone when all the evidence and everything they do seems to point to them as guilty? In large part, the reader has to truly trust in the protagonist and trust in his 'gut' feelings about a person. But you also have to give the reader a good reason to trust the guilty-looking character, and Housewright really delivers with Ms. Carroll.

But the mystery here is exceptional. The twists and turns in the plot are quite serpentine and it's a lot of fun going on this investigative journey with McKenzie. All the clues are in the book and we discover them as Mac does.

There were tiny little moments that I found bothersome. I'm hardly an English teacher and my own use of the language would make a teacher cringe, but when I read incorrect pronoun use in a major published novel, I can't help but wonder who's editing these. Two such incidents popped out at me here: "Harry agreed to meet Swenson and I..." (it should be "Swenson and me") and "You and her were dancing in the gazebo." (It should be "You and she...".)

Looking for a good book? In a Hard Wind by David Housewright is a near perfect blend of character and story. This 20th book in the Mac McKenzie series is a truly delightful read.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

library book 1 17 2025 i requested

i love this series!

mckenzie is asked by a friend of a friend to look into another friends murder case. the body was found in the hill behind her yard, but it belongs to her. she had said she wanted to kill the man before he was murdered as he and his son are trying to develop the area. everyone knew the man who sold his land was not in his right mind and they are fighting it, he would have never signed to sell

her first husband has been missing for years

the mob , who mckenzie didnt know was there, was brought up

hes trying to ask all the neighbors what they saw. the husband who goes jogging but never breaks a sweat is seen going into her house. he also saw the toilet seat up. but they dont want to let her alibi known as then his wife would find out

they found 2 bodies under her gazebo. she didnt kill them, it was her husband and his girlfriend. she found their dead bodies in the car parked in her driveway. she knew she would be blamed or they would find out she stole money from a bank where she worked, so she buried them

when she was working at the bank she found out the other lady made more than she did cause she had a spanish name. she took the money she had earned. that wasnt even her name, she didnt know what her name was, as a child she was stolen and abused

so she kept changing her name. she got a college degree and met her husband, who was the one she buried

mckenzie found her when the fbi couldnt for 20 years
she told him the story and where to find the photos of the woman that was in the car with her husband

as he was looking at them, the man who did kill them showed up. they confessed to him not knowing his phone was recording and a cop was in the next room. they were arrested

she returned with a plead deal to make sure they were convicted, but she was double crossed and disappeared again

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you're nodding your head and think you know where this is going- it goes sideways. This is a clever- very clever- mystery with terrific characters that very much kept me guessing. Mackenzie agrees to do a favor for a friend and look into the case of Jeanette Carroll, who has been accused of killing and burying a developer who has purchased the land behind her house. All the neighbors have something to say, not only abut Jeanette (who is generally beloved) but also about the victim and it's those statements that lead Mackenzie to at least part of the answer. But then, just after the charges are dropped, Jeanette disappears and Mackenzie starts off after her. Housewright makes good use of the Minnesota setting and communities (coffee!) and incorporates COVID smoothly (masks, vaccinations) and naturally. But best of all, is MacKenzie, who maintains a good relationship with his former colleagues in law enforcement, isn't afraid to take on a bully (and crime figure) and who is just plain dogged. I've only read a couple of books in this series and I honestly don't understand why I haven't read them all. This will be perfectly fine as a standalone and I'm sure fans will greatly enjoy it as well. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Great read that kept me turning the pages.

[P.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thoroughly enjoyable entry in the McKenzie series, a series fast becoming one of my favorites. In this book, McKenzie is asked by a friend of a friend to determine if Jeanette Carrell is guilty as accused of murdering a neighbor and local developer. McKenzie, with his usual mix of intuition and determination, soon discovers that the peaceful neighborhood known as The Circle is anything but and that there are jealousies and intrigues aplenty. While increasingly convinced that Jeanette is innocent of this particular charge, other buried bodies turn up and it seems that Jeanette has a mysterious past and isn't who she appears to be. The ending is one of the few times that the guilty party did come as a complete surprise, but for me, the book was enjoyable for it's realistic handling of motivation and dialogue, it's topical and current references to world events such as the Covid pandemic (something that is already being forgotten by the populace and that books like this will serve to remind future readers of just what a big deal it was) , and the very genuine empathy McKenzie feels for the other characters. (My one unanswered question; how did Jeanette, as a 16 year old runaway with with false credentials and a false identity, afford college???) Looking forward to continuing this series.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

IN A HARD WIND is precisely what readers have come to expect in the Rushmore McKenzie series, and that is a good thing.

McKenzie leads a fantastic life. In this long-running series serendipitous wealth has allowed him to investigate a sequence of grand conspiracies, murders, kidnappings, and other mysteries with no badge, public or private, and no other discernible authority the likes of which would normally be required to compel anyone to respond to his queries. Somehow, author David Housewright makes the fantastic seem organic.

IN A HARD WIND, McKenzie is initially asked to look into a murder, a request coming from what is essentially a friend of a friend who believes the currently accused is innocent. Readers follow the investigation as McKenzie methodically uncovers many of the truths that exist under a placid suburban veneer and, he is able to reveal a solution that had evaded local law enforcement. The plot could end at this point, but unexpected twists erupt and McKenzie has to dig deeper. The result is a more nuanced novel, in which plot, process, and characters fit together seamlessly.

It doesn’t have to
be complicated. Some folks
just aren’t who they seem.

[Reviews from the perspective of a 66 year old moderate who won't judge you by your politics, but by how you treat others · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great surprise!
I picked this book up at the library hoping it would be a good read to tide me over while I waited for my reserved book to come in. I found myself enjoying the beginning and how quickly it moved. The characters were easy to get to know with distinguishable voices. Then my reserved book came in, so I almost returned In A Hard Wind, but was intrigued enough by the beginning that I kept it to finish later, and I'm so glad I did.
It's a mystery/detection novel. You're familiar with the formula. But David Housewright is really good at this. I liked his characters/people. Even the unlikable ones were at least not too cartoonish of caricatures. Once or twice Housewright started to introduce complications and I was worried things would get too complicated, but his pacing moved everything right along. He even included a poem from Longfellow I was unfamiliar with. Enjoyment and education. Love it!
Housewright reminds me of another Minnesota-centric author, John Sandford, whom I also just love, because of their fast pace, enjoyable characters and realistic, quick and witty dialogue.
Happy to add David Housewright to my must read list.

[Paul Pferdner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book to read in this series, the first was a while back. I enjoyed this quite a bit, in spite of what should have been very boring procedural detail as McKenzie tries to track down someone who has disappeared. During these searches I was a couple of steps ahead of the detective, but still it kept me reading on and I didn't seem to mind. On reflection, I attribute this to the author's creation of some very interesting and original characters, including the detective and his wife, but also including quite a few of the other main and incidental characters in the book.

My only complaint about this book is that McKenzie makes dealing with villains look too easy, mostly because the main villain isn't very bright. So there is curiosity about the outcome, but not a lot of tension That's okay with me, I'm not a huge fan of tension, but the lack of tension seems to induce a too-comfortable distance from the action. Still, recommended, unless you have to have shootouts and major injuries to enjoy a mystery.

[viemag · Rating 5 out of 5]

In A Hard Wind by David Housewright is the 20th installment in his Mac McKenzie series. In his story McKenzie sets out to help a friend of a friend who wants him to help a neighbor who has been accused of murder. I just couldn't put this book down. I found it so entertaining and full of twists and turns. I especially enjoyed the dialogue between McKenzie and his inner self (who is pretty funny). The Dunstans make a quick appearance which I always enjoy and of course Nina is there too. McKenzie gets to shine in this book and do what he does best, get in trouble while solving a mystery that has stumped everybody else. Also with out giving any spoilers, this is very very clever.

[Sandi Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeanette Carrell is in a bind and needs Rushmore McKenzie's help, only he's an unlicensed private investigator who only does favors for friends. She's been arrested for the murder of her neighbor Charles Sainsbury, who was a real estate developer, and his body was found buried in a shallow grave at the far edge of her property. Sainsbury had been accused of tricking a neighbor with Alzheimer into selling his property for development. McKenzie is now faced with a challenging case—how to protect Carrell, who has no alibi, and unearth the truth of what really happened when all the circumstantial evidence is against her later to discover all her little secrets.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Minotaur books for an advance copy!
I have read many of the McKenzie novels and this one stays true to the character and style. It was a slow start before I found myself actually engaged in the story. But, as usual, I enjoyed McKenzie's internal dialogue, his search for the truth, and the references to MN (and Midwest) locations. The cast of characters is eclectic, as usual for a McKenzie novel. And while the accused is not fully innocent (as usual) she ends up likeable by McKenzie and the reader.

[Maryanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cleverly written engrossing page turner that just kept getting better with the many characters, plots and twists and turns. McKenzie is such a likable protagonist and at his best doing favors for friends, tracking down evidence and discovering the truths of the mystery. The story is narrated by McKenzie with dialogue and his 'inner voice' and kudos to author for having him read the latest book by William Kent Krueger, another one of my favorite authors. Most enjoyable!

[Tami Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading David Housewright for years. I love his humor and quirkiness. This one had great twists, and it's a fun whodunit. He's a local author, and I always love when books take place here locally (Minnesota) because I can really see them playing out in my mind with the setting being so familiar. This is just another reason to read his books. This one was part of a long-running series, but his book can all be stand alones also.

[Amanda Flickinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I did not realize it was part of a series. This could be by it was not a page turner for me. It is a well written book however just wasn’t what I was expecting.

Thank you to the publisher St Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest mystery by my favorite local (Twin Cities, MN) author. This one, through most of the book, left me a little disappointed, since there is little suspense, little action, little local color, and a lot of talk. But the last fifty pages make it all worth while in the careful summing up and explanation of all that we have read. A very satisfying conclusion.