The Judas Judge

by Michael McGarrity

Book Overview

In a remote New Mexico campground, six people are killed in an apparently senseless murder spree. Deputy State Police Chief Kevin Kerney suspects the slaying wasn't random at all--but rather a calculated plot to eliminate one high-profile victim, retired judge, Vernon Langsford. In piecing together the judge's shocking past, Kerney discovers the victim's predilection for sexual indiscretions, a history of family betrayal and greed, and a dark marriage...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451203607
• ISBN13: 9780451203601
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

The best of the Kevin Kerney books

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 a

HERE COME DA JUDGE

Michael McGarrity and detective Kevin Kerney return with a vengeance in this superlative addition to this well done series. Kerney is called in when six murders along a single stretch of highway include a well respected judge. Kerney doesn't think it's just a random sweep killer, but the judge was the intended, and the other murders done to confuse authorities. Along with this, Kerney is now a married man, with his wife Sara off doing her thing, and their long distance marriage causing some strain. Add to this, Kerney had to kill a fellow cop who threatened his life and someone out there doesn't like killer cops, no matter what they did. And on a personal note, Kerney finds out he has a son by a previous relationship years ago..this son is also a cop for the Indian Reservation.As always, McGarrity knows how to write his stuff, once again involving other law enforcers in solving the case. While the murderer's identity is not totally surprising, proving it is worth the effort.Excellent writing.

Superb

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.

A Juicy Thriller/Mystery!

Deputy sherrif Kevin Kerney is about to retire to the ranch when a serries of grusome murders occurs. At first it appears to be the work of some crazy, but evidence begins to suggest something else? This was a one night read for me, and I am not a speed reader. This is a well plotted mystery, with well developed characters. I especially like Deputy Kerney, he is a real man's man in this day of Alan Alda clones. Wish I could find a man like him in real life!

Superlative Addition to Kevin Kerney series

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?