David Housewright Books In Order

Publication Order of Holland Taylor Books

Publication Order of Mac McKenzie Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Grifter's Song Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

David Housewright is an award winning American author of the crime fiction and mystery fiction genres. He was born on February 7, 1955 in St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. The crime fiction writings of David have been so much successful that they have been compared to the famous crime writers such as Ross MacDonald and Raymond Chandler. He has written two novel series’ in his entire career as an author and both have been very popular. The first series titled Mac McKenzie series comprises of twelve novels, whereas the other one titled Holland Taylor series consists of three books till now. Most of the novels written by David are set in and around his hometown St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. The success of the novels of David, has allowed him to get awarded by prestigious awards such as the Edgar Award by the Mystery Writers of America as well as a few Minnesota Book awards. Because of his expertise in writing crime novels, David was also elected as the President of the American association of Private Eye Writers in the year 2014. David was raised in Minnesota by his wealthy parents, Eugene Housewright, Sr., who was a successful businessman and Lagevin Housewright. As a child, David attended the Cretin High School. His love for writing and reading allowed him to become the editor of the school newspaper,however, he was fired soon because of his views of opposing the Vietnam War. Later, he joined the University of St. Thomas and earned hid degree in journalism. With a successful writing career and a peaceful life, David currently lives happily with his wife Renee Marie Valois in Roseville, Minnesota. Renee herself is a writer and a theater critic.

The writing career of David Housewright began with the first novel of the Holland Taylor series in the year 1995. The novel helped David to win the Edgar Award and a Shamus Award nomination. The next novel of the series helped him to win the Minnesota Book and went on to be optioned for movies. After that, David began with the Mac McKenzie series of novels, which also won several prestigious awards and recognitions. Before becoming a writer, David used to work for a number of Twin Cities advertising agencies as a creative director and copywriter. The agencies that he worked for include the DBK&O, Andersen Windows, Kamstra Communications, Blaisdell & Westlie and his own agency named Gerber-Housewright. David had a number of clients of popular brands. His dedication and determination at work allowed him to receive a number of industry awards, including the CLIO, Silver Microphone, Communication Arts, etc. After that, David changed the course of his career and started working as a sports and news reporter for a number of daily newspapers through summer internships. While working as a news reporter, David honed his writing, interviewing, editing, and research skills. After becoming a successful novelist, David was invited to teach at the University of Minnesota, a course related to the Modern American Mystery Novel. Other than that, David also works as a writing instructor for a literary center in Minnesota. Through his writings, David is well known for characterizing the fictional characters of Rushmore McKenzie and Holland Taylor. McKenzie is described as a former cop and current millionaire, whereas Taylor is depicted as a former cop and a current private detective.

The novel series Holland Taylor written by author David Housewright comprises of 3 novels published between the years 1995 and 1999. The plots of the series are set in St. Paul, Minnesota and deal with the life of the a former police officer turned private investigator named Holland Taylor. The first novel of the series was titled ‘Penance’. It was published in the year 1995 by the Berkley publishing house. The plot of the novel opens up with the introduction of Holland Taylor as a private investigator and an ex-cop. Being a former police officer, Holland was aware of the fact that he was being used by the higher officials at the police headquarters. He was forcefully asked to investigate a murder case by his former commanding officers at the police station. While dangling with the important clues related to the murder case, the officers at the police headquarters also string Holland with the case. Holland was reluctant to investigate the murder case at first, but agrees later and moves ahead with the investigation. He is approached by Carol Catherine Monroe in order to help her to diffuse a fresh scandal that could damage her image in the media. However, when an innocent campaign worker gets murdered brutally, Holland Taylor becomes furious and heartbroken. He learns from the incident that some sins can never be forgiven or forgotten, and gets determined to find the real killer. The novel went on to be nominated for the Shamus Award in the category of Best First Private Investigtor Novel in the year 1996. It even won the Edgar Award in the Best First Novel category in the year 1996.

The second novel of the series was titled ‘Practice to Deceive’. This novel was published by the Foul Play Press in the year 1997. The novel continues to deal with the life of the private investigator Holland Taylor. The plot of the novel starts with the past life of Taylor. He is described as a former cop who has become a private investigator. Taylor has an American African associate who takes care of him in the times of emergencies and high contacts in the police force. Other than this, he also has a smart woman in his life who always tries to show him the correct path to follow. Taylor’s habits include drinking exotic coffee, enjoying a local beer of a special brand and practicing martial arts. Taylor is asked by his father to help an elderly neighbor recover her life savings from an investment counselor, who has stolen it from her. To help the elderly woman Taylor takes the help of a computer expert to harass the counselor. However, things take an ugly turn when several gunshots are fired. The novel became successful in a short period of time and went on to win the Minnesota Book Award in the ‘Mystery & Detective’ category in the year 1998.

5 Responses to “David Housewright”

1. John R Rapacz: 2 months ago

   Love your website. Have recommended it to many other readers. But …. suddenly some authors’ new books are only available on Kindle (David Housewright’s last four – for example) I want to hold my paper book when reading!! Will some of these books eventually be in paperback or will some only be in Kindle?

   Reply
   • Graeme: 2 months ago

     Thanks for the feedback John, much appreciated. And a lot depends on the author – some go ebook only, others release them physically later on. Although looking at Davids, they appear to all be available on hardcover as well?

     Reply
2. Pat Baker: 3 months ago

   David, Are there any more McKenzie books in the future? Finishing up The Devil May Care and I am totally hooked on the McKenzie character! Your writing style is awesome and I can’t get enough. Thanks, Pat Baker

   Reply
3. Kathy Lindfors: 2 years ago

   I would like a list of your books in order. My printer isn’t working.
   I enjoy your books. I heard you speak at the Osseo book club @ Edinborough golf several years ago.
   Kathy Lindfors

   Reply
   • Graeme: 2 years ago

     Hi Kathy – That’s what this page is? A list of David’s books.

     Reply