Michigan author Ed McKenna invites readers to delve into a thrilling mystery with his latest novel, "The Grand Secret." Set against the iconic backdrop of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, this page-turner combines a high-stakes murder investigation with the rich history of Michigan’s auto industry and the state’s stunning locales.
McKenna, a Michigan State University graduate and long-time resident of South Lyon, draws on decades of experience in business, travel, and storytelling. In 2015, he won the Write Michigan Short Story Contest, which launched his career as an author. Since then, McKenna has penned several novels, each deeply tied to Michigan’s unique heritage.
Some may know McKenna as a tour representative of Collette Travel Tours, most recently helping prepare travelers for WNMU-FM's British Landscapes tour, scheduled for April 2025.
"The Grand Secret" begins at the Mackinac Policy Conference, an (actual) annual event where Michigan’s political and business leaders gather. When an auto executive witnesses a murder, he becomes the target of a conspiracy that threatens his life, his family, and his future. Framed for the crime, he must unravel a web of intrigue before the conference ends.
McKenna’s connection to Mackinac Island runs deep—he met his wife there, worked as a tour guide, and cherishes the Grand Hotel’s historic significance. “This story weaves together the beauty of Michigan, its auto industry legacy, and a gripping murder mystery,” McKenna shares. “It’s a tribute to the state I love.”
While "The Grand Secret" is McKenna’s first foray into the mystery and thriller genre, he enthusiastically embraced the challenge. He joined local writers' groups, like the South Lyon Writers Group, and immersed himself in works by James Patterson and Sandra Brown to refine his craft. The result is a novel packed with suspense, local flavor, and memorable characters—including nods to Michigan’s auto industry icons through cleverly named protagonists.
“I wanted readers to feel the tension and excitement,” McKenna explains. “The goal was to create a story so engaging they couldn’t put it down.”
Beyond its gripping plot, "The Grand Secret" shines a light on Michigan’s rich history, from the rise of the United Auto Workers (UAW) to the state’s lumber and tourism industries. McKenna’s personal experiences—such as his summer job at a Firestone plant and his love of Michigan’s natural beauty—add authenticity to his storytelling.
Listen to Kurt Hauswirth's interview with Ed McKenna:
"The Grand Secret" is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online sources. Fans can meet McKenna in person at a book signing at the Ann Arbor Barnes & Noble on December 11, with more events to follow in the new year.
For readers who crave a blend of mystery, history, and Michigan pride, McKenna’s latest novel promises a captivating journey through the Great Lakes State.
