R. Brian Mackey

Brian was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is a consummate storyteller influenced by his family's roots in Northern England and Scotland. His first three published children's books come from stories he would tell his own children which eventually led to re-telling them to hundreds of children at libraries, schools and other events.

The children's books come alive with colourful characters, created by the talented artist Stephen Clarke, connecting seamlessly to the narrative which is full of child friendly lessons of friendship, courage and persistence.

There are three books in the Mouse Hamlet Series: Fire in Mouse Hamlet, Mystery in Mouse Hamlet and Ghost in Mouse Hamlet. These books can be read to or by children from preschool to grade two.

'Kings of East York' is Brian's first novel. This fictional work deals with regrets and the what-if chance to go back and do it over again - to change your past, to make it right.

Kings of East York is both a roman a clef and a bildungsroman fictionalized story.

Here is WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT KINGS OF EAST YORK…

“A story of triumph over tragedy set in the east end of Toronto during the fifties and sixties. The author skillfully recreates the emotional ups and downs, challenges and struggles faced by various members of a family of working-class poor. A well told story that evokes an emotional response from the reader.” Ray Switzer

“You will feel like you are present, so sit back and enjoy. The story line has all the aspects of hard work and determination, as well as, the “what ifs” in one’s lifetime. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.” Debbie Bolduc

“Its twists and turns kept me engaged from cover to cover. I didn't want to put down the book because each chapter took me on another new and emotional journey! This book is well written and invokes many different emotions as well as having a surprise ending.” Gloria Charbonneau

“A meticulous job of re-creating the time and setting for the novel. The Kings of East York brought back many memories; the novel resonated with me. In a word: BRILLIANT.” Carol Gray

“I could hardly put it down. A marvelous job of bringing the characters to life and making them people the reader would like to know more about. Having been brought up in Toronto, many of the references made a special impact on me.” Anne Millar

“The author pulls you into his world on a deeply personal, emotionally connected level…you won’t want to put it down.” Aaron Watt

“Hard to put down – a wonderful and unexpected ending!” Anne Hodgson

The editor and publisher of the East York Chronicle Newsmagazine reviewed the book under the heading: "Gripping new 'Kings of East York' novel vividly recreates the past." Gary Webb-Proctor went on to say, "...the unusual and grippingly interesting 'Kings of East York' is actually a combination of a coming-of-age story, a nostalgic but unsentimental travelogue...of bygone days and a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the last page - and perhaps beyond. The past unfolds vividly through recounting of incidents...and other seminal events and developments of the age. The interplay of all these forces and facets make for an absorbing read no matter where you grew up. And the ending ensures you'll continue to ponder it all long afterwards.

Happy reading!