Michael McGarrity lives and works where the novel takes place. I followed the story's locals with Microsoft's "Streets & Trips" and can attest that even the smallest village is a real place. McGarrity's story may be fictional and his characters well constructed and believable. But, his geography and local history is non-fictional. Such details lend credence and strength to a plot that commands one's attention. It's a good read and I've just received delivery of two more McGarrity novels; "Tularosa" and "Mexican Hat". I anticipate being well entertained.

This is the best of the KK books. I won't say too much about the plot since you can read that above. Suffice to say that KK investigates a serial killer and gets more than he bargained for.

Spoilers ahead.

My comments:
1) Reading the KK books in chronological order is a MUST. Otherwise you'll get confused with his relationships with various people, his status as a policeman and the sideplots.
2) This is the best of the KK books because we don't get to see from the killer's point of view so there is some suspense. Bravo, McGarrity should continue with it. Mystery writing 101: Don't reveal too much!
3) The end ends quickly as with all McGarrity books, but it doesn't feel rushed, and everything wraps up nicely, unlike some of his other books.
4) I don't particularly like the subplots, or sideplots as I call them as some of them have absolutely nothing to do with the story.
5) The romantic parts are all amateurly written and cliched. Case in point is at one part where Sara says she made dinner and dessert, and after dinner where KK asks where the dessert is Sara gives him that look and starts undressing. That's terrible writing and totally unrealistic. I have to ask if McGarrity really thinks this happens in real life. For a couple who's been apart, who has dinner first? Business comes first, especially if they have an empty motel room. And after dinner, nothing trumps a post prandial nap, and then maybe business. (OK, maybe you're not a pig like me who eats so much, but didn't your mother ever warn you not to exercise after a meal?)
6) There are some other minor logical lapses, but that's OK, McGarrity isn't one of those really technical writers and I won't allow those from preventing me to enjoy the book. eg. McGarrity never explains how Linda is able to construct a letter bomb. It's not something you can easily make. And letter bombs are not big enough to kill. He should have said parcel bomb.

The pros (or why I keep reading McGarrity's books)
1) His books are always easy to read and well written. A good book is always one which keeps me up past my bedtime and his books do, most of them.
2) Despite what some other people say, I think he does a good job of injecting life into his characters. Unlike some poor writers, he doesn't simply describe his characters, he puts them into situations where they interact, and from their reactions or speech, you get a feel for what the characters are like. For example, this is from Everyone Dies, page 50, where Thorpe questions the delivery man. This is just a simple 2.5 page section where a witness is questioned, but it is so well written that the witness's personality comes across and you feel the same as Thorpe does. It could have been a boring 30 lines where you just read what information Thorpe gets, but you don't, you also feel it. I think it's just a talent, some writers have it some don't.

The cons:
1) I suppose the big cons are Sara. There are quite a few minor recurring characters in KK's life and most of them are OK because they are connected with the plot somehow. But Sara really isn't. I'm not really interested in her job in the military and the problems she has there. Her sideplots just take away from the story for me.

McGarrity has his quirks, and like an old friend, I don't mind his quirks.

master storyteller michael mcgarrity pulled off again with this crazy and sad story about a terrible family tragedy. i love to see that kerney finally married the lovely sara and also became a grandfather out of the blue. this kevin kerney series has become better and better. i've so far finished 5 of it and still not getting tired of, that's a rare treat. keep it coming, sir, love it.

I suggest you order all books in the series and get comfortable
with the first book. You are in for a reading treat. Great characters, realistic plots, never boring. I enjoy the interaction between Kevin & his wife, Sara. Both very strong willed people who love each other. However, they find it
is not easy to love each other. Truly enjoyable. Looking forward to the next book.

This is a Kevin Kerney murder mystery. The book starts off with the investigation of a killing spree, which Kerney immediately assumes is actually a cover-up for a premeditated murder. As Kerney sorts the clues and interviews the subject, he uncovers the disturbing history of a family gone mad.

I picked up this book with the intention of reading a light who-dunnit. I was taken aback however, as the theme of the book began to become clear. The book is about perversion, on many levels, involving both individuals and families, from personal life to professional life. While following the lurid details of a family's dirty laundry can maintain interest, it wasn't exactly what I was in the mood for. McGarrity's style is also a bit uneven at times, with jarring switches of points of view from Kerney to other characters, telling not only what they are doing, but what they are thinking and feeling inside their heads. Kerney himself is not always believable as a character, with his instant recognition of the premeditated murder based solely on one victim of the killing spree receiving two shots in the chest instead of one and his exclusive investigation of only this one victim and his family. If you're looking for a light book to keep you awake and pass the time, this one may do, but it's not for everyone's tastes.