Rating: 
Summary: Delightfully surprised!
Review: I had never heard of Michael McGarrity, and found the cover and the plot summary both a bit off-putting, and wasn't expecting to like this book. I was delightfully surprised to discover that unlike many writers in the murder, mayhem and mystery genre, McGarrity didn't slipslide at all into the murky depths of horrifying psychotic evil, gratuitous garbage-language,-sex,-blood,-gore and cruelty, and wallow there for several hundred pages. He wrote a book about a psychotic killer, yes, but he didn't allow his writing to sink to the level of the killer. It's a very good book with breadth and depth even with a "less-is-more" control over the verbiage, which I like and respect. His story line and characters are engaging. The mystery is compellingly presented. I finished it and rushed to my nearest bookstore to buy all the other Mike McGarrity murder, mayhem and mystery books and have since read them and found them as engaging as Everybody Dies! Keep on writing, Mr. McGarrity!
Rating:
Summary: Delightfully surprised!
Review: I had never heard of Michael McGarrity, and found the cover and the plot summary both a bit off-putting, and wasn't expecting to like this book. I was delightfully surprised to discover that unlike many writers in the murder, mayhem and mystery genre, McGarrity didn't slipslide at all into the murky depths of horrifying psychotic evil, gratuitous garbage-language,-sex,-blood,-gore and cruelty, and wallow there for several hundred pages. He wrote a book about a psychotic killer, yes, but he didn't allow his writing to sink to the level of the killer. It's a very good book with breadth and depth even with a "less-is-more" control over the verbiage, which I like and respect. His story line and characters are engaging. The mystery is compellingly presented. I finished it and rushed to my nearest bookstore to buy all the other Mike McGarrity murder, mayhem and mystery books and have since read them and found them as engaging as Everybody Dies! Keep on writing, Mr. McGarrity!
Rating:
Summary: Great Continuation of Series
Review: I'm rewriting this review because I don't feel I may have done justice to the book in my first review. As aCaveat to the readers of this review, I was contacted by the publisher of the book and sent a free copy of Everyone Dies. My guess being that I had written reviews on books of similar ilk.Several factors entered at the time that I was asked to read the book and review it. To be honest the publisher never intimated it was required I write a review because they sent me a book. Anyway, the major factor that I felt kept me from writing a review worth the book's good and bad points adequately was trying to write the review from a hospital bed while being diagnosed and then treated with pneumonia. So, here goes my second attempt of Everyone Dies. The latest in the long running series written by
Michael McGarrity and featuring main character Kevin Kerney. Everyone Dies takes place in and around Sante Fe and other scenic areas in New Mexico. Santa Fe Police Chief Kevin Kerney and his wife, Lt. Colonel Sara Brannon, are on leave and eagerly awaiting the birth of their son when a prominent gay attorney is gunned down outside his office by an unknown assailant. Called to the crime scene and faced with scanty evidence and no apparent motive, Kerney directs his chief of detectives to delve into the victim's personal and professional life, a decision which ultimately leads to a SWAT team screw-up and the death of two innocent people. But the killer has just begun. Kerney's horse, a mustang he'd gentled trained, is viciously and senselessly destroyed, a dead rat is left on his doorstep, and a second victim with ties to the criminal justice system is found in bed with her throat cut along with a warning, EVERYONE DIES.
I need to admit right now that I wasn't that impressed with EVERYONE DIES after reading it. I put that off to being ill and feeling like I "owed " the publisher something for sending me the book.
I must say that I've read MOST of the other books in the series. After doing so, I've come to feel that the characters that Michael McGarrity writes about are members of my family. After rereading EVERYONE DIES, I still can't say this is the best Kevin Kerney book. But it does add more "character" to the already lifelikemanship (is THAT A WORD?) to Kerney, his fiance' Sara, and how the other characters react and "live" a certain situation. I strongly encourage readers of action-packed police stories to check all of the Kevin Kerney series out. There's alot going for the series. Number one for me: it doesn't take place in LA or NYC. The writer, Michael McGarrity does an excellent job of portraying the natural beauty of the American Southwest. (specifically New Mexico). McGarrity develops believable human relationships for his
characters to engage his readers. Again, I'd like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of EVERYONE DIES. Not the best of the writer's work. But good enough to make me want to read more in this series. Another BTW - Many of his published editions have maps drawn by (I believe McGarity's son) placed somewhere close inside the inside cover. I noticed another reviewer who thought the books would be enhanced with a map. The maps are helpful. Just don't expect USGS hiker scale type maps, ok?
BTW, This is a review of the UNABRIDGED RECORDED VERSION. I had a relative pick up a copy to listen to while recuperating in bed. John Row
Rating:
Summary: So-so McGarrity, But Always a Superior Mystery
Review: I've been an avid reader of McGarrity's Kevin Kerney police novels since the first, because he is a highly skilled writer, the plots move quickly and smoothly, the characters are quirky and intuitive, Chief Kerney is very empathetic, and the scenic descriptions take me right back to New Mexico state. Despite the provocations of sociopathic killers, Kerney always remains laconic and cool, in control of his emotions and, seemingly, the events. For good or ill in its attractiveness to the reader, the author never ratchets terror high, even when a killer stewed in revenge, as here, intends it.
My total enjoyment of this story had only two blemishes. Midway through, the author mistakenly let us see how the murderer is planting a false trail (rather than let us make that chilling conclusion). Rather than a clever twist in the plot, this view quite took the rising suspense out of the next 50 pages for me. (Perhaps McGarrity should be excused, in view of the subsequent shocking twist he gives to the "false" suspect.) Second, the ending was too rushed, both as a scene and relative to the intricate build up to it. The climax was too vaguely described, leaving me in doubt as to who had their finger on the final trigger. Minor disappointments are that we never do find out all the ways in which the killer got his incredibly detailed info on his targets; and Kerney allows his wife, Sara Brannon, a military policewoman, to insist on committing a great breakdown in discipline, leading to a more dangerous final confrontation.
Thankfully, this is the first time McGarrity has used the plot device--targeting and terrorizing the hero's family--that, repeated, turned me right off of later Cornwall and Patterson mystery series. I'd not like to lose McGarrity, too. The art on recent covers is too generic, urban even, which the horse-loving rancher/policeman Kerney is not at all about; the art should return to New Mexican scenes of the earlier and strongly atmospheric books, please.
Rating:
Summary: Nearly everyone dies
Review: Kevin Kerney is chief of police in Santa Fe, his wife is due to give birth to their first son and he is building a house. More than enough to cope with without some oddball coming after you with a vengeance, threatening to kill your whole family. And this guy is serious and deranged: people and animals around Kevin are being murdered and his grown-up son's house is blown to pieces. And all the while nearly the whole police force of Santa Fe is involved in trying to track the killer down before he can murder their boss and his family. But the guy is smart and not easy to catch: he has made quite a few false tracks. Until things start to go wrong for him and slowly but surely his plan is starting to go to pieces. This was my first encounter with this series starring Kevin Kerney. He is definitely a very real life police man and the way in which his team tackles the problems is also very believable, which can be explained by the fact that the author was a deputy sheriff in Santa Fe is a very probable explanation for this. The plot is ingenious, even though the reader knows in the end who the killer is. And the descriptions of the landscape, though not disrupting the flow of the story, make you long to go to New Mexico to see for yourself. A very enjoyable read.
Rating: 
Summary: Spectacular in every way!
Review: Michael McGarrity's "Everyone Dies" is an outstanding, intricately plotted police procedural. With his experience at various law enforcement agencies, Mr. McGarrity writes with a most authoritative voice. There is a lot of credibility between the covers. Mr. McGarrity peoples the novel with a host of characters in support of Santa Fe Police Chief Kevin Kerney. The important and continuing ones are fully developed---you truly get to know and care about them. Ultimately this sophisticated tale is one of revenge. A diabolically clever villain from Chief Kerney's past is out to kill Kerney---but not before eliminating those Kerney holds dear. Kerney's wife and unborn son are among the targets. A massive manhunt with all New Mexico law enforcement organizations involved is mounted. Kerney's reputation for decency, fairness and integrity prevents the usual inter-agency turf battles. You feel the frustration, disappointment and stimulation brought on by the day-to-day info gathering, false leads and cold trails the cops encounter---and the elation felt as the pieces of the puzzle come together. In a wonderful twist, the inventive and resourceful villain shrewdly sets up an unwitting loner to take the fall. It is a brilliant cover up, foiled only by the patsy's own extra-legal activities. One of the best reversals I have experienced. New Mexico is an important character in all the Kerney novels. Mr. McGarrity puts you inside the investigation and the Land of Enchantment. An under appreciated author and series. All eight in the Kevin Kerney series are keepers. Do not hesitate to follow this series.
Rating:
Summary: The story line is exciting
Review: Santa Fe Chief of Police Kevin Kerney looks forward to the vacation with his beloved pregnant wife US Army MP LTC Sara Brannon. The couple is at odds over her next assignment at the Pentagon only six weeks after their baby is due. However, their time alone is put on hold when the murdered body of attorney Jack Potter is found on the streets with the crime scene contaminated by a moronic media menace (oxymoron?). Soon others related either by blood or professionally to Kevin are killed with the brazen culprit leaving the message "Everyone Dies". Kerney and other law enforcement officials in the region put together a massive manhunt seeking to stop a killer who is getting closer and closer to Kevin's epicenter, Sara. Though at times this police procedural feels like Cecil DeMille cast the players, fans will appreciate the energy Michael McGarrity imbues in his hero, support players, and New Mexico that turns a serial killer tale into a personal who-done-it for readers rooting for Kevin. The story line is exciting though the death toll rises rather quickly. The investigation is top rate and the family crisis is fully developed and understandable so that the audience receives a solid episode in a strong series. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: Santa Fe Police Chief Kevin Kerney is on the hunt for a revenge killer while waiting for the birth of his child. Not everyone dies, but there is a lot of death. Within barely 100 pages, there were already three human deaths and two dead animals. By the end of the book, there were so many deaths past and present that I was immune to it. That's not really a good thing. The book dragged quite a bit. I frequently put it down and really felt no need to get back to it. The narrative seemed disjointed; there was just too much going on. The climax was very anti-climatic. It seemed more like an afterthought to the story. There was a lot of buildup, but not much pay-off. I do like the characters of Kevin Kerney and his wife Sara. There is good character development throughout the series. I have liked the Kevin Kearney series in the past and wanted to like this one, but this just was not as good as the others.
Rating: 
Summary: Engrossing, readable, but undistinguished crime story
Review: There are so many police-centered mystery novels flooding the market these days that even the most devoted fans of the genre(s) cannot possibly keep up. Given that murder and mayhem are endlessly popular, competition for readers' attention is keen. In light of the sheer numbers of crime novels that appear annually, it behooves an author to create a work that somehow stands out as uniquely memorable in terms of plot, characters, or literary style. Unfortunately, Michael McGarrity's *Everyone Dies*, while certainly readable, ultimately comes across as just another gore-filled day at the criminologists' office. McGarrity, who apparently bases his writing efforts on real life experience in the field of criminology, displays a knack for weaving a tale of vengeance and criminal plotting that is clever, and at times even inspired. His criminal investigators unravel the deceptions perpetrated by the villain in sometimes fascinating fashion. Also in his favor is the geographically intriguing Santa Fe, New Mexico, setting for this story. Overall, however, McGarrity's literary efforts pale in comparison with other, better-established practitioners of the mystery-writing craft. He includes a few riveting descriptive passages depicting place, situation, and mood, but his efforts pale when compared with those of a more gifted writer like James Lee Burke. His protagonist, Kevin Kerney, simply isn't memorable or particularly interesting when compared to others, such as Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch, and his villain, a cartoon-ish lout who calls himself Samuel Green, lacks the psychological depth that someone like Dennis Lehane would likely provide. There is an excess of gratuitous blood and gore, and the case ultimately is wrapped up in too much of a hurry, almost in "made for tv" fashion. I also found the strong "family values" angle featuring Kerney's pregnant wife and long-long son to be cloying rather than truly touching. Overall, this is a quick, easy read that will keep most readers turning the pages. Perhaps that's enough. But whereas McGarrity certainly demonstrates some talent for mystery writing in this book, there are so many better writers out there that I would hesitate to recommend this novel to my friends.
Rating:
Summary: Engrossing, readable, but undistinguished crime story
Review: There are so many police-centered mystery novels flooding the market these days that even the most devoted fans of the genre(s) cannot possibly keep up. Given that murder and mayhem are endlessly popular, competition for readers' attention is keen. In light of the sheer numbers of crime novels that appear annually, it behooves an author to create a work that somehow stands out as uniquely memorable in terms of plot, characters, or literary style. Unfortunately, Michael McGarrity's *Everyone Dies*, while certainly readable, ultimately comes across as just another gore-filled day at the criminologists' office. McGarrity, who apparently bases his writing efforts on real life experience in the field of criminology, displays a knack for weaving a tale of vengeance and criminal plotting that is clever, and at times even inspired. His criminal investigators unravel the deceptions perpetrated by the villain in sometimes fascinating fashion. Also in his favor is the geographically intriguing Santa Fe, New Mexico, setting for this story. Overall, however, McGarrity's literary efforts pale in comparison with other, better-established practitioners of the mystery-writing craft. He includes a few riveting descriptive passages depicting place, situation, and mood, but his efforts pale when compared with those of a more gifted writer like James Lee Burke. His protagonist, Kevin Kerney, simply isn't memorable or particularly interesting when compared to others, such as Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch, and his villain, a cartoon-ish lout who calls himself Samuel Green, lacks the psychological depth that someone like Dennis Lehane would likely provide. There is an excess of gratuitous blood and gore, and the case ultimately is wrapped up in too much of a hurry, almost in "made for tv" fashion. I also found the strong "family values" angle featuring Kerney's pregnant wife and long-long son to be cloying rather than truly touching. Overall, this is a quick, easy read that will keep most readers turning the pages. Perhaps that's enough. But whereas McGarrity certainly demonstrates some talent for mystery writing in this book, there are so many better writers out there that I would hesitate to recommend this novel to my friends.
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