Haunted Design

A Patrick MacKenna Mystery

By: Peter H Green

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Paperback | 11 July 2025

At a Glance

Paperback
238 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
21.59 x 13.97 x 1.27

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Haunted Hearts

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spiring architect Patrick McKenna and his expecting young bride Kitty must leave their lakefront apartment to find a home for their growing family, while he completes the design for Joe Bohannon, a malaprop mob underboss, for an exurban casino, hotel and resort. Their search leads to the mansion of a former industrial magnate, a fading Victorian Gothic masterpiece, just right to accommodate them in style and impress Patrick's architectural clients.

While real estate agent Abigail, a similarly faded beauty, assures them there's no truth to the rumor that the house is haunted, Chet, Patrick's architectural partner in their historic Chicago design firm, sees great obstacles in their path. He fears the costly restoration of the elaborate building, its obsolete building systems, and rundown interior decor can never be achieved. When on their final inspection they discover a body in the basement coal bin, he warns them the project may be doomed. And Patrick's jilted fianc©e Gloria, Chicago Joe's daughter and co-owner of the casino resort, holds a secret that could shatter not only his restoration plans but their marriage.

But Patrick and Kitty are so sold on his vision and the estate's former charm, there is no turning back. As they investigate the feasibiity of restoring the Vicitiorian mansion, the are constantly assailed by others hidden within, who may be spirits, flesh and blood criminals, or both. Although Detective Sgt. Matthew O'Malley, who is called in to investigate the crime, advises them to give it up as hopeless, they persist with their plans to acquire the time-worn estate and restore it to its former glory.

Industry Reviews

Critical Review of Haunted Design

The architectural richness of the setting adds such depth to the atmosphere, and Patrick MacKenna is an admirable creation a grounded, earnest observer navigating the crumbling grandeur of a house full of secrets and unresolved ghosts (some literal, some metaphorical). I particularly appreciated how [the author] balanced genre suspense with a kind of architectural lyricism. It's a voice that stands out.

-George Saunders, author of Tenth of December, finalist for the National Book Award

Readers praise Chicago's Designs

Peter Green's two central themes, Architecture and Chicago, are linked with magic. His descriptions of Chicago architecture, the city of big shoulders and mob activity are strikingly similar to my own observations as a young architect in Chicago. Green's insights into architectural practice are spot-on. Rich, exciting, fun and a real page turner, this is the best mystery of architecture and Chicago since The Devil in the White City. -Robert O. Little, Former President, Ittner Architects

When a womanizing young architect meets a mobster with a multi-million dollar casino project and a beautiful daughter, what could go wrong? For Patrick MacKenna, "Chicago Joe's" plan to go legit is the career break he's been looking for, and dating the mobster's daughter is icing on the cake. Then Patrick finds himself attracted to a lovely barmaid fresh from Ireland, jeopardizing the deal and maybe even his life. With a murder investigation already linked to the casino property, Patrick turns amateur sleuth to find out who's responsible. This intriguing glimpse into Patrick's early years brings together fast-moving action, architecture and romance in a satisfying prequel to the Patrick MacKenna mystery/thriller series. -T.W. Fendley, Author of the Zero Time Chronicles

Chicago's Designs is...riveting...a gripping whodunit about murder, the mob, sex and love. A terrific read! -David Margolis, Author of The Misadventures of Buddy Jones

I am an architect and a serious mystery reader. So Mr. Green checked off two important boxes right away...kept it up and educated and entertained me the rest of the way. -Randall B. Miltenberger, AIA , Miltenberger Architects, Inc.

Green has an uncanny ability to describe scenes, develop characters, and create suspense -Nathan Manhart, Member, St. Louis Writers Guild

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