and "The Judas Judge" is a fast and entertaining read, although not as strong as the prior 4 books in the Kerney series.
Here, the minor faults do not lie with Kerney himself, whose life takes some interesting twists and turns while he continues to pursue his cases with the single-mindedness and coping strategies for the tedium and the detail that are necessary to most murder investigations. New Mexico itself also plays a strong role in the novel, and McGarrity's view and visuals of the southwest continue to provide a successful backdrop.

No, here the story breaks down with the eventual discovery of the reasons for the terrible crime, and how they center upon a depraved judge, of whom little evil is known until his death. Generally, those as unsympathetic as Judge Vernon Langsford are known to their surroundings as evil, long before their death. In the book, it takes Kerney quite some time to unearth his secrets, even though it is obvious from the beginning that there are a lot of things that are "not quite right" about his lifestyle.

Still, the book moves at a rapid pace and has an interesting new insight into Kerney, when an unknown family is revealed to him. His reactions and conduct make him continue to be a favorite hero in suspense and mystery novels.
Worth the read!

This action packed story, set in New Mexico, is a book I couldn't put down. Michael McGarrity continues to develop his primarary character, the man's man, Kevin Kerney. This is a GREAT READ from the exciting first chapter through the final page.

Buy and read this book and you will, if you are not already a fan, be reading the other four of his books.

I highly recommend this book, without any reservation. I can't wait for the next one to emerge from this author with the background, experience and knowledge of his subject matter. He tells things as they really are in law enforcement and on the street.

I've seen it all, as a lawyer and criminal procecuter, and from my personal view, McGarrity has directness and tells things truthfully and factually as they happen in the "real world" of criminal investigation.

Michael, thank you for another great read. Keep up the good work; my wife and I can't wait until your next book is published and we continue to follow the development of your characters. We and our friends that we have passed our books on to have all enjoyed your work.How about incorporating the Good Friday murders on the walk to Chayamo into a future plot?

Michael McGarrity is a strong writer with a marvelous protagonist in Kevin Kerney.

Set in New Mexico, the reader can experience the landscapes that Mr. McGarrity paints with a wonderful verbal brush.

Kevin Kerney has grown, evolved and developed greatly as a central character as the series has progressed. That is not to say that any in the series is weak. Quite the contrary...it is a powerful series.

It is realistic as the procedural part is most logical. It shows the grunt work necessary, the part luck plays and never to believe in coincidences in solving crimes.

The plot is always in motion and this action is the focus of the book. The personal life of the primary characters weaves thru the narrative, but never gets in the way of the flow of the whodunit.

Mr. McGarrity is high on my "A" list and I recommend this series highly. Start with "Tularosa" and I think you will be hooked.

This is one writer I would really like to meet at a reading and signing.