4.5 Star read. Shots in the Dark featuring Mackenzie "Mack" Dalton is the fourth book in this series. Even though I read it out of order, I am really enjoying it. I would recommend that you read this series in order though. Mack's unusual "talents" (synesthesia)are very unique in detecting and crime solving as well as it being a very interesting condition. The main storyline is continued from previous book with her bartender/bouncer Gary being killed in the previous book.

With only a week before Christmas Mack is caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The letter writer is still sending Mack "clues" to solve a puzzle. The threat of someone close to her dying if she fails to solve the puzzle in time, has her on edge. With many of her friends and members of The Capone Club, not knowing that they might be in danger, Mack, Mal, Duncan, and a few of her closest friends are trying desperately to solve the mystery of who the letter writer is before someone else is killed. Along with this, The Capone Club is asked to look into a murder that has been adjudicated. The sister of the convicted man is sure that her brother did not kill his wife and wants them to prove it! This case has a dark and disturbing side to it when it is solved. I had a feeling about the situation, but the culprit escaped me until the end.

The author has created a wonderful cast of characters that are quirky and lovable. This story was fast paced and kept me reading many times when I had other things to do. Once again, this book ended with a cliff hanger that left me wanting more! My only problem with this is that by the time the next book comes out, I will have forgotten some of what is happening in the story. I think this is a fantastic series and I am waiting anxiously for the next book in the series. A definite read for cozy mystery lovers and even those who enjoy an old fashioned mystery with a twist. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

( )

Shots in the Dark is a fantastic book! I couldn't put it down, and finished it in one day.

There are two mysteries in Shots in the Dark. The Capone Club is asked by a woman to prove that her brother did not kill his wife. The other mystery began in book #3, In The Drink. Mack is desperately trying to solve the Letter Writer's puzzles in time, before anyone else is killed because of her. She also wants to determine the identity of the Letter Writer.

The Letter Writer is taunting Mack to prove that she is a Super Sleuth, by solving different puzzles within a certain time limit. If she fails to solve a puzzle, someone close to her will be killed. She can't involve the police in this. In the previous book, two friends from her bar were killed as her punishment, and she is still reeling from it.

Mack Dalton is an engaging character, whom I enjoy reading about..Her synesthesia makes her unique among cozy mystery sleuths. The Capone Club members add a lot to the book also. The Letter Writer mystery ends in a cliffhanger, which left me eager to read book #5! ( )

Shots in the Dark featuring Mackenzie "Mack" Dalton is the fourth book in this series. Even though I read it out of order, I am really enjoying it. I would recommend that you read this series in order though. Mack's unusual "talents" (synesthesia)are very unique in detecting and crime solving as well as it being a very interesting condition. The main storyline is continued from previous book with her bartender/bouncer Gary being killed in the previous book.

With only a week before Christmas Mack is caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The letter writer is still sending Mack "clues" to solve a puzzle. The threat of someone close to her dying if she fails to solve the puzzle in time, has her on edge. With many of her friends and members of The Capone Club, not knowing that they might be in danger, Mack, Mal, Duncan, and a few of her closest friends are trying desperately to solve the mystery of who the letter writer is before someone else is killed. Along with this, The Capone Club is asked to look into a murder that has been adjudicated. The sister of the convicted man is sure that her brother did not kill his wife and wants them to prove it! This case has a dark and disturbing side to it when it is solved. I had a feeling about the situation, but the culprit escaped me until the end.

The author has created a wonderful cast of characters that are quirky and lovable. This story was fast paced and kept me reading many times when I had other things to do. Once again, this book ended with a cliff hanger that left me wanting more! My only problem with this is that by the time the next book comes out, I will have forgotten some of what is happening in the story. I think this is a fantastic series and I am waiting anxiously for the next book in the series. A definite read for cozy mystery lovers and even those who enjoy an old fashioned mystery with a twist. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

Shots in the Dark by Allyson K. Abbott is the fourth book in A Mack’s Bar Mystery series. Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton owns Mack’s Bar in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her boyfriend, Duncan Albright is a homicide detective, but they have had to keep their relationship under wraps. Duncan got into trouble with his superiors for using Mack’s ability on a few cases and because of the letters. Someone does not believe in Mack’s synesthesia (a neurological disorder where she experiences every sense in two ways). They are now sending her letters that are puzzles. If she does not figure out the clues before the deadline, someone she knows and cares about will die. Mack was unable to meet the last deadline because of a car accident and Gary Gunderson was killed. Mack broke her leg in the accident and is still in a cast. The Capone Club is approached by Sandra Middleton. Sandra would like them to look into her brother, Ben’s case. Ben was convicted of killing his wife, Tiffany and Sandra does not believe he committed the crime. The Capone Club decides to take the case after making sure Sandra understands that their investigation could uncover that Ben is guilty. Sandra just wants the truth. Mack is glad the group is busy with another case while she handles the mystery letter writer. She does not want another friend to die because she could not figure out a clue in time. Who is behind these letters? It is obvious they do not believe in her skills (her synesthesia). Each letter with its clues are getting increasingly more difficult. Will they be able to find the person responsible before there is another victim? Is Ben Middleton innocent or guilty? Join Mack, Mal, Duncan, and the Capone Club as they set out to get answers.

Shots in the Dark was an engrossing novel. Mack is a unique character. Her synesthesia is an interesting disorder, and I like how it used to solve the puzzles. The mysteries are complex and twisty (just wonderful). Shots in the Dark is well-written and goes a good pace (fast). I give Shots in the Dark 4.5 out of 5 (I more than liked it). There was some repetition of information (about Mack’s disorder especially). I believe that the love triangle between Mack, Duncan, and Mal needs to be resolved (soon). I hope Mack picks Mal (I like him better than Duncan). I thought it was odd that Mack would “sleep” (euphemism) with Duncan when she is falling for Mal. This book, like the previous one, ended with the mysterious letter writer case still unsolved. I am hoping this case will get wrapped up in the next book (how long can it drag on). This is the fourth book in the series, but it can be read alone. The author rehashes the previous books right away to bring readers up-to-date. I am looking forward to reading the next book in A Mack’s Bar Mystery series to see if I am on the right track with the mystery letter’s writer identity.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation. The comments and opinions expressed above are strictly my own. ( )