Jackie McMahon

Jackie McMahon writes murder mysteries with history, twists, and perhaps a romance (or two). She currently resides in Florida with her two cats, and in her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and sharing obscure historical facts she has recently learned.

McMahon's new novel is The Cloak and Dagger Club, the first in a new historical mystery series.

Recently I asked the author about what she was reading. McMahon's reply:

I recently read An Ordinary Sort of Evil by Kelley Armstrong, the latest installment in the Rip Through Time mystery series. This series follows Mallory Atkinson, a modern-day homicide detective, who finds herself transported back in time to Victorian-era Edinburgh. In the body of a housemaid, she helps her employer, medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray, solve murders. Mallory’s evolution in the series has been interesting as she finds her footing in the 1800s. What I particularly love about these books is the vibrant cast of side characters. (Major Hugh and Isla fan here!) The series has two very lovable, will-they-won't-they romances at its heart as well.

One of my favorite reads of the year so far was a NetGalley ARC, The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies by Kate Westbury. It is the first in a new historical mystery series set at 1950s Oxford University. I love a good romantically involved sleuthing duo (as anyone who has read my book can probably tell), and I'm eager to see more of the slow-burn between students-turned-spying-partners Ginevra and Sidney. This book follows Gin and Sidney when they're recruited by MI5 to investigate a murder at Oxford and a potential connection to a Soviet spy. I was left guessing until the very end and am eager to see what will happen in the second installment!

Finally, I have to shout out Death Was Not on the Guest List by Jenni L. Walsh. This is a stand-alone historical mystery set in Jazz Age Chicago. I instantly knew I wanted to read this when I discovered it was about Ginevra King and Edith Cummings, two real-life socialites who allegedly inspired the characters of Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker, respectively, in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. I loved Gatsby in high school, but had no idea it was partially inspired by two real women. Combine that with a closed circle Christie-style mystery, and I was hooked.

Visit Jackie McMahon's website.

--Marshal Zeringue