Rating: 
Summary: Weakest of the series
Review: I've enjoyed the prior books in the series, but this one lacks the charm of his prior novels. The "action" is less believable, the pace moves slower, and the characters are less likable. As usual, McGarrity's female characters are very shallow. Because so many of this book's lead characters are female, that fault is especially problematic in The Judas Judge.
The Kevin Kearney series is showing signs of decline. I don't plan to continue reading any more of them.
Rating: 
Summary: A very good read, but a bit depressing
Review: If it's a mystery, I'm prepared to enjoy my time reading it. My dad enjoyed another book by this same author and encouraged me to start reading Michael McGarrity's books. He said that if I tried one, I'd be sure to read more. He was right. Kevin Kerney is feeling the pressure to solve this killing spree and arrest a murderer. Written in a very realistic manner, Mr. McGarrity writes about the politics governing a search for a killer. The New Mexico he describes is very much like the state I live in. My only thought is that sometimes his books get depressing. I found this one depressing at times as well- abusive fathers, affairs and frustrating long distance relationships all add to the occasional darkness of this story. However, it is all written with a very true to life feel and handled with tact. I have read other books written by Michael McGarrity and plan on reading more of his books.
Rating:
Summary: Another good story, but...
Review: McGarrity is one of my favorite authors, but this story is not one of my favorite stories. It is too full of baffling lies and stone-walling by the people being interviewed. That word 'interviewed' is key here. Most of the book is a series of inconclusive interviews of people who seem only marginally connected to the story, and who consistently tell the cops to get stuffed. The web connecting these interviews, the real meat of the story, is Kearney's life. Even that seems fractured and inconclusive. I enjoyed the little bits of Kearney's life that were included, but they were like an appetiser when I wanted a meal. I wish that the story had been written differently. It was a good story line, but too thinly constructed to hold my interest. Kearney's discovery of the existence of a son and the perfidy of the mother of that son should have been explored in more depth, but that, like the other story elements, left me asking "Is that it? Isn't there more?" Not the best in the series, but at least a link in the chain.
Rating: 
Summary: HERE COME DA JUDGE
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: HERE COME DA JUDGE
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Good read, not great read
Review: Reading along the back trail, I find McGarrity's novels entertaining and worth the effort, but I have become convinced that his newer efforts are great improvements. Yes I would tell myself to read The Judas Judge, but.....Perhaps the framework of familial dirty laundry on the part of the title character also takes some of the spice out of this novel. I don't really want to complain too much, but I also find the bad guys pathetic rather than evil. A reader can only take so many psycho-wimps, wreaking havoc because of their thwarted childhood development. Guess I liked Othello because I just like watch Iago types. Sometimes(especially in novels) out and out evil has a role.
Rating:
Summary: Good read, not great read
Review: Reading along the back trail, I find McGarrity's novels entertaining and worth the effort, but I have become convinced that his newer efforts are great improvements. Yes I would tell myself to read The Judas Judge, but.....Perhaps the framework of familial dirty laundry on the part of the title character also takes some of the spice out of this novel. I don't really want to complain too much, but I also find the bad guys pathetic rather than evil. A reader can only take so many psycho-wimps, wreaking havoc because of their thwarted childhood development. Guess I liked Othello because I just like watch Iago types. Sometimes(especially in novels) out and out evil has a role.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent work
Review: The pressure for a fast arrest is phenomenal, but New Mexico State Deputy Police Chief Kevin Kerney understands why. Six murders including a judge in a remote section of the southeast desert is fodder for the media and politicians. In turn, they stir the citizens into a frenzy of fear especially since the killings look like the work of a random lunatic. The brass believes that a maniac aimlessly committed the murders, but Kevin takes a different paradigm. He wonders if the judge was the target and the other five victims a cover. As he digs deeper into the case, an unknown assailant makes attempts to add Kevin to the count. The fifth Kerney mystery is an excellent entry in an already strong regional series. The why done it is powerfully laid out albeit at a more leisurely pace than usual because Kevin's personal life is more involved. He is now married to a military officer, has a woman from his past help him on the case, and is about to become rich from selling some land. This allows readers a more in depth look at the hero which shows how good Michael McGarrity has become in balancing characterization with plot. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Superlative Addition to Kevin Kerney series
Review: 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?
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