SCOTT MACKAY
SCOTT MACKAY is an heir to the likes of Ray Bradbury and Kurt Vonnegut, a brilliant prose stylist whose work transcends genre boundaries. He has had marked success both as a novelist and short story writer, and in both the science fiction and mystery/thriller genres.
His first novel was thriller A FRIEND IN BARCELONA, published by HarperCollins and A&B in Poland. Subsequently, he commenced the Barry Gilbert police procedural series. Series debut COLD COMFORT was a finalist for the Arthur Ellis Award, and Kirkus called it "a debut to cheer." He won the Arthur Ellis Award for his mystery short story "Last Inning."
In the science fiction genre, debut novel OUTPOST was called "an absolute classic" by the Globe and Mail, and has sold in Bulgaria, while his second sf novel THE MEEK was a finalist for the John W. Campbell Memorial Award and has sold in Portugal.
He is also an an established writer of literary short fiction, having won the prestigious Okanagan Short Story Award for "Reasons Unknown."
He has won both the Okanagan Short Story Award, one of the most prestigious literary awards in Canada, for the short story 'Reasons Unknown,' and the Arthur Ellis Award for his short story 'Last Inning' (EQMM).
Scott is a life-long resident of Canada and currently resides with his wife and children in Toronto. His newest SF novel OMNIFIX was published by Roc in 2004, and his Barry Gilbert mystery OLD SCORES by St. Martin's in 2003 with a Worldwide paperback arriving in February 2005.
PRAISE FOR SCOTT MACKAY'S SCIENCE FICTION
Scott Mackay's OMNIFIX is the one we've been waiting for: the breakout novel that will firmly establish him as a bona fide big name in 21st-century science fiction. This is a terrific book, from first page to last: big ideas, believable characters, great action -- it's all here. Enjoy!
Robert J. Sawyer
Author of HYBRIDS
Satisfying action sf, quite suitable for a weekend's entertainment.
Booklist
Quite cleverly done. Very suspenseful, a good scientific puzzle, and enough plot twists to give the entire novel an original feel.
(Science Fiction) Chronicle
A lot of interesting ideas. It is clear Scott Mackay has a lot to say, and the skill to say it.
NY Review of Science Fiction
A decidedly Philip K. Dick pose ... a distinctly retro approach to Mackay's future and an underlying atmosphere of distrust and conspiracy. The combination is gripping.
Rambles
Omnifix may appeal to readers who like biotech-themed novelsÑthe damage done by the alien nanogens is brought into sharp focus, with every medical detail fully explored and described.
SciFi.Com
Original in design, yet absorbing and populated with a cast of characters that unite for a common goal.
Midwest Book Review
Intriguing alternate history ... a good liberation-quest adventure.
Booklist
Riveting drama.
Locus
A stunningly strange novel, an alternate history at once familiar and beyond comprehension, generous with the type of speculative fix craved by fans of the subgenre... Mackay creates a unique alternate history, a science fiction story that works to his strengths, a compelling experience for jaded fans of the genre.
Crystalline Sphere
Following along the lines of his great novel, Outpost, author Mackay, again, spins an original yarn steeped in history combined with imaginative verisimilitude. His construct of a technologically repressed Catholic society though not unique is nonetheless beautifully realized and his players impressively brought to life. Highly Recommended.
Yet Another Book Review
For THE MEEK
Finalist, John W. Campbell Memorial Award
Some intriguing ethical problems within a satisfyingly complex plot.
SF Chronicle
Extraordinarly piercing and powerful.
Locus (reviews)
Provocative SF of prejudice and human genetic engineering.
Locus (new & notable)
In this fast-paced read with plenty of action and suspense, Mr. Mackay embroiders THE MEEK with emotional depth and hard scientific details.
Romantic Times
A dynamic complex science fiction thriller ... Mackay toasts the optimistic inevitability of the human spirit with a culturally shocking and disturbing, but quite enjoyable novel.
Midwest Book Review
His players are well drawn and sensitively evoked; the plot taut and interesting; and the science adroitly rendered so as not to be overwhelming to us simple types! All told a fine SF tale. Recommended.
Yet Another Book Review
Moving ... stirring images of humans battling for life, and freedom, against the prison and the planet it stands on ... the novel's strength lies in its characters, heroic yet vulnerable, facing tough decisions and tough situations.
Publishers Weekly
Absolutely classic ... stunning ingenuity ... extraordinary.
Spider Robinson
in The Globe and Mail
Mackay deftly doles out bits and pieces of a puzzle in this fast-moving blend of mystery and sf adventure. Fans of Renaissance Italy will enjoy the cultural overtones that lend a unique atmosphere to a well-written and engrossing tale. Most libraries should own.
Library Journal
An intriguing puzzle scenario and tense prison action ... worth trying.
Kirkus Reviews
If you are looking for a good scientific romance set in the mid-future, you'd be hard pressed to find another as well crafted as OUTPOST.
NY Review of Science Fiction
A fast-paced action adventure.
The Washington Post
His characters and setting have an eerie reality, evoked in a spare and effective style.
Quill & Quire
A pretty effective and often intense novel ... ingenious and satisfying ... a complex and winning heroine....OUTPOST wins you over in the end because of the intensity and texture of its setting, the sheer doggedness of its characters, and the intricate backstory ... Mackay delivers on the surprises when he needs to, and he writes with impressive grace and clarity. His vision is original enough, his imagery vivid enough, and his characters engaging enough, that we might expect even better surprises in the future.
Locus
SF adventure novel with a well-drawn prison planet setting, interesting characters, aliens -- and werewolves!!
Locus
New & Recommended (4/98)
This is one dynamite, original SF story. Author MacKay brings together subtle characterizations and with his aforementioned original plot, presents it all in an intelligent and smoothly paced fashion. It truly knocked my socks off! Highly Recommended.
Yet Another Book Review
Mr. Mackay has a pulse-pounding tale of discovery and a fourteenth century, first-contact situation. Lots of fun.
Philadelphia Weekly Press
Harrowing
Publishers Weekly
Blending deft, inventive characterizations into a masterfully lucid, action-centered narrative, Mackay's latest should appeal strongly to fans of military and alien-world-based sf.
Booklist
Set in a fully realized alien landscape, Tides is an intriguing "first contact" story. Readers will appreciate the clever twists of plot and Mackay's subtly dropped clues that not all is as it seems.
Starlog
Scoot Mackay delivers a story in the tradition of Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth, Murray Leinster's The Forgotten Planet, Edgar Rice Burroughs' The Land That Time Forgot and even Waterworld. ...a strong dose of traditional science-fiction adventure. Mackay hurls the reader through waver after wave of intense action. Readers will thirst for action, adventure and drama, no to mention massive amounts of water, will love this book.
SciFi.com
Mackay put forth an interesting and thought-provoking novel. While the novel ended with closure, the world itself may be ripe for more stories about Parras and Ortok. In total, Tides was an entertaining novel of cultural conflict and rite of passage.
SFF World
Scott Mackay's TIDES is a suspenseful odyssey across the seas and continents of a strange new world, fast-paced and satisfying.
Robert Wilson
A rousing narrative of discovery and survival in a world where you don't want to be around when the tide comes in. Mackay left me hanging onto my lifeboat.
Jack McDevitt
Award-winning author of Polaris and Seeker
Mackay manages to breathe life into the tired alien-invasion genre, deftly juggling hard sci-fi and a bleak tale of postapocalyptic survival. Mackay churns up enough high-tech intrigue and old-fashioned suspense to make a fresh read.
Publishers Weekly
A scary look at a seemingly possible future. A book that both hardcore science-fiction readers and others will equally enjoy.
Romantic Times Book Review
Mackay continues to astound in his writing... Mackay's writing is meticulous, never wasting words. If you have not read Scott Mackay, I suggest you do so as fast as you can. His stories are superb. The only other 21st century science fiction writing I have enjoyed reading this much is Orson Scott Card.
Grasping for the Wind
Mackay has created a twist on the typical alien invasion. This book is an exhilarating read and was addictive right from the start. You just can't put this book down. Scott Mackay delivers one suspenseful impact after the next, and this is what keeps the pages turning as you sit on the edge of your seat throughout the book. ...it illustrated the depravity and degradation of man under extremely harsh circumstances and it does this extremely well. We also get a healthy dose of Science Fiction and that's a good thing. I highly recommend this book.
Ian Hoar (blog)
A gripping story... once I started, I had trouble putting the book down... I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I'll keep an eye open for future releases by Scotty Mackay.
SF Site
A suspenseful story based on ideas and personal conflicts. Mackay has written several very good SF novels in recent years.
Critical Mass
PRAISE FOR SCOTT MACKAY'S MYSTERY/THRILLERS
For COLD COMFORT
Arthur Ellis Award finalist
Mackay makes his cops' first case as crisp and snappy as a Canadian winter and a lot more light-footed. A debut to cheer.
Kirkus
Mackay plays out the evidence to keep the plot spinning along ... a cool tale for a hot day from a new crime author.
Rocky Mountain News
This nifty mystery provides snappy action, comfortable characters, excellent local atmosphere and high readability.
Toronto Star
The twists and turns of the investigation recall the work of the procedural master Hillary Waugh.
Ellery Queen Mystery Mag.
Crisp, purposeful prose, meaningful subplots, and strong effective use of location make this an excellent procedural.
Library Journal
Mackay provides a banquet of betrayal, vengeance, and felony for readers hardy enough to stay the rewarding distance.
Kirkus
A clever procedural ... a skillful storyteller ... Mackay does atmosphere and setting well, and his characters are full-bodied and believable.
Booklist
Mackay takes his detectives on an intricate route in this police procedural ... a raw and painful account ... a quietly satisfying piece of police work that reveals few absolutes other than that the detectives have survived to serve another day.
Houston Chronicle
Even better than their debut ... a great story.
The Globe and Mail
Devilishly plotted and populated with carefully drawn, motivated suspects. The whole is superbly anchored by Gilbert, a decent, hardworking family man who forges ahead despite the possibility that all he holds close may soon collapse around him. A fine, fine effort.
Booklist (Starred Review)
A neatly turned presentation of the classic too-close-to-home scenario, with a particular flair for bringing each of Glen Boyd's sorely used victims to life.
Kirkus
A satisfying series.
Library Journal
A plot that is bound to hold his readers, and in Gilbert, he had invented a hero certain to elicit sympathy. As a bonus, Mackay has the knack of drawing readers into moral dilemmas faced by his characters. OLD SCORES should prove to be a stepping stone to greater success for Mackay. There is room in Canada, and in crime literature generally, for more writers like him.
Halifax Chronicle Herald
An excellent police procedural, and Barry Gilbert is a human and believable cop. I'm happy to discover that this book is the third in the series. That means I can go out and buy the other two.
Peter Robinson
award-winning mystery author
A pleasure to have such an appealing hero to root for.
New Mystery Reader
and for his World War II thriller A FRIEND IN BARCELONA
A Second World War version of The Hunt For Red October.
The Globe and Mail
Keeps one turning the pages, the ultimate thriller test.
Quill & Quire
Mackay writes well, evokes his period skillfully and involves the reader with his characters.
The Star Phoenix
He has won both the Arthur Ellis and Okanagan Awards for Best Short Story.
Click to go Back