The Great Dempseys
New York City, 1978.
“The Great Dempseys offers an engaging and heartfelt love story that’s as accessible as it is thought-provoking. [. . .] The characters in this book are one of its greatest strengths. Each one is distinct, well-rounded, and brings a unique perspective to the story. MacMahon explores the dynamics of economic disparity among the students at Great Gray, giving readers a glimpse into how different backgrounds shape worldviews. What makes The Great Dempseys stand out is its underlying message of resilience. It beautifully illustrates that love, while not without its challenges, has the power to overcome obstacles.” -Literary Titan




Why Should You Read It?
Discover what makes The Great Dempseys such a compelling, emotionally charged story.
Well-Developed Characters
Get ready to fall in love (or in hate!) with these characters. Everyone is multi-dimensional and flawed. There are no perfect heroes or one-note villain.

Great Tropes
The book explores themes of class differences, family legacy, dark secrets, forbidden love, found family, and appearances vs. reality.

A Well-Written Story
From beginning to end, you will find yourself fully immersed in the novel. It will be almost impossible for you to put it down, and you’ll be thinking about it long after you finish reading.
High Emotional Stakes
The characters pull you right into their world. This is more than a surface-level YA/NA romance; there are layers and nuance, and there is a lot to discuss afterward.

Vivid World-Building
If you love books with a historical feeling, then you’ll love this! The book is set in 1970s/1980s NYC. You’ll feel like you’re there with period-appropriate references and language.

A Phenomenal First Entry
The best part is… this is only the beginning. But The Great Dempseys does a masterful job of introducing you to the world, characters, and stakes, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat waiting for the next installment!

Learn More!
Synopsis
Thanks to a generous scholarship, fifteen-year-old Audrey Nielsen is able to attend Great Gray, a prestigious private high school on the Upper East Side, as a member of the Class of 1981. Though uncomfortable in this new environment, Audrey quickly adapts, and at Great Gray, she meets Bobby Dempsey, the sole heir to his family’s fortune. Everyone knows about the Dempsey family; the patriarch, Robert Dempsey, is the CEO of Dempsey Corp, one of the largest, most influential conglomerates in the United States. Bobby is expected to someday follow in his father’s footsteps, but perhaps he has his own aspirations. Instantly, sparks fly between Bobby and Audrey, and their relationship piques their peers’—and their families’—interest. Together, they do their best to navigate class differences, family drama, and the difficulties of teenage romance. Nevertheless, near the end of their senior year, something happens that shatters the euphoric bubble they had been living in. In the aftermath, dark family secrets resurface, threatening to topple the great Dempsey dynasty. Bobby and Audrey are thus forced to make a decision: a decision that will change the trajectory of their entire lives.
Content Warning
Trigger Warnings for the Book
Topics such as abuse, suicidal ideation, and attempted suicide are discussed throughout the book.
Please read with care.

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Need More Convincing?
Learn What the Critics Have Said!
Check out the Press & Reviews page to read excerpts from reviews and see which awards the book has won (so far)!