Picture a duo of historians spinning tales of smugglers, spies, and medieval intrigue—meet A.J. MacKenzie, the pseudonym of Anglo-Canadian couple Marilyn Livingstone and Morgen Witzel! This husband-and-wife team blends meticulous research with gripping storytelling, crafting historical fiction that transports readers to the windswept marshes of 1790s Kent or the battle-scarred fronts of the War of 1812. Their collaborative magic has made them a hidden gem in the world of historical mysteries.
With Marilyn’s expertise in medieval economic history and Morgen’s knack for early modern history, A.J. MacKenzie’s novels are a masterclass in bringing the past to life. Whether it’s a chilling murder mystery or a high-stakes wartime epic, their stories captivate with vivid characters and intricate plots. Ready to dive into their world? Let’s explore how this dynamic duo became A.J. MacKenzie!
The Making of A.J. MacKenzie
Marilyn Livingstone and Morgen Witzel’s journey to becoming A.J. MacKenzie began in Canada, where they met at the University of Victoria while studying history. Marilyn, hailing from Ontario, and Morgen, raised in northern British Columbia, bonded over a shared love for the past. After marrying in 1980 and braving a famously freezing European honeymoon, they moved to the UK in 1987. There, Marilyn earned a PhD in medieval economic history, while Morgen lectured on business and management, penning over 25 non-fiction books. Their shift to fiction under the A.J. MacKenzie pseudonym marked a thrilling new chapter, combining their scholarly rigor with a passion for storytelling.
A.J. MacKenzie’s Unforgettable Stories
A.J. MacKenzie’s novels are a treasure trove of historical intrigue, spanning multiple series that showcase their versatility. The Romney Marsh Mysteries, set in 1790s Kent, kick off with The Body on the Doorstep (2016), where Reverend Hardcastle and the sharp-witted Mrs. Chaytor unravel smuggling-fueled murders. Follow-ups like The Body in the Ice (2017) and The Body in the Boat (2018) deepen the duo’s knack for blending gritty realism with suspense, earning comparisons to Antonia Hodgson and M.J. Carter.
The War of 1812 Epics, including The Ballad of John MacLea (2019), The Hunt for the North Star (2019), and Invasion (2019), plunge readers into espionage and betrayal along the Canadian frontier. Captain John MacLea’s desperate battles against traitors and spies are lauded for their fast-paced action and historical depth, appealing to fans of Bernard Cornwell. Their Hundred Years’ War series, starting with A Flight of Arrows (2021), and the Simon Merrivale Mysteries, like By Treason We Perish (2023), further showcase their ability to weave complex narratives across eras.
Their writing style is a seamless blend of scholarly precision and narrative flair. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the human cost of war resonate across their works, with richly detailed settings—like the eerie Romney Marsh or the volatile Niagara frontier—acting as characters themselves. A.J. MacKenzie’s ability to balance historical accuracy with page-turning plots has carved them a niche in historical fiction.
Why A.J. MacKenzie Matters
A.J. MacKenzie’s impact lies in their ability to make history feel urgent and alive. By focusing on lesser-known settings like Romney Marsh or the War of 1812, they shine a light on overlooked corners of the past, inviting readers to explore new perspectives. Their collaborative approach—merging Marilyn’s economic insights with Morgen’s strategic lens—creates stories that are both intellectually rich and emotionally gripping. Fans and critics alike praise their work for its authenticity and immersive storytelling, making them a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts.
As members of the Historical Writers’ Association and the Crime Writers’ Association, A.J. MacKenzie continues to inspire aspiring authors, proving that teamwork and passion can yield extraordinary results. Their growing fanbase eagerly awaits each new release, a testament to their lasting appeal.
- Pen Name: A.J. MacKenzie (Marilyn Livingstone and Morgen Witzel)
- Key Works: Romney Marsh Mysteries, War of 1812 Epics, Hundred Years’ War series, Simon Merrivale Mysteries
- Genres: Historical Mystery, Historical Thriller
Snag The Body on the Doorstep or The Ballad of John MacLea and dive into A.J. MacKenzie’s thrilling world of historical adventure!