A MacKenzie Clan Gathering
McKenzies & McBrides, Book #8.5
By Jennifer Ashley
Author Website: www.jenniferashley.com
ISBN: 9781101615959
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Una
Synopsis:
The Mackenzie clan has gathered for Hart’s birthday at the sprawling family estate in Scotland. But before the festivities can start, the house is robbed, and thieves make off with an untold fortune in rare art.
Ian Mackenzie and his brothers must do what they can to retrieve the family treasure, but Ian is distracted by a family friend who claims he might have the power to “cure” Ian of his madness forever. All the Mackenzies must draw together as courage, love, and a tantalizing mystery serve to strengthen their bond, and redefine the meaning of family.
Review:
I loved this book as Jennifer Ashley again, immerses the reader into the Scottish history while telling a really interesting and well thought out mystery. Having read another one of the McKenzie Clan stories I was delighted to meet up with characters and history I knew, however, this book really stands alone as is.
Ian McKenzie has social issues and in today’s society would likely have some sort of Autism. With the love and understanding of his wife Beth he is able to function well with routine and has developed a fierce loyalty to his wife, 3 children and immediate family. He works in the family business producing whiskey that is known throughout the land and lives at the family estate maintaining it for his brother. Ian is a methodical thinker and frequently can solve things that happen, just by knowing how and what happened having explored minute details. He also knows the way of the land which proves an asset when trying to outsmart the enemy.
As the mystery unfolds as to the robbery, the damage to the still where the brothers produce whiskey and a kidnapping, Ian knows who is responsible even though the police and his brothers doubt him. Al l Ian knows is that his family are in danger and he must protect them.
Having been tormented as a child and adult for his “madness” he turns to his wife’s deceased husbands brother when he states he has a “cure” that will help him. Ian has to decide whether he truly wants the cure knowing that his family accepts him as he is.
The mystery bonds the families together and as they solve the mystery the bond is strengthened and the love between them grows. Love, loyalty and friendship prevail.
This is a fast moving story that keeps the reader turning pages. I think anyone who likes Scottish fiction would truly love this series. I know I hope Jennifer Ashley will keep writing the McKenzie Clan stories.
