Rating: 
Summary: Intrigue and Murder
Review: UNDER THE COLOR OF LAW
AUTHOR: Michael McGarrity
PUBLISHER: Simon & Schuster
REVIEWED BY: Barbara RhoadesBOOK REVIEW: Kevin Kerney returns in this book. He has become the Chief of Police in Santa Fe. A murder has occurred and is no less than a U.S. Ambassador's wife. As Kevin starts his investigation into this murder, he is thwarted by the FBI and warned off, his life is put under surveillance and a good officer is murdered while helping in the investigation. To learn why all this is happening, Kevin calls in a marker or two and warns his pregnant wife to remain at the Army post where she is stationed. She refuses to listen and between the two of them and a very good police department, the murder comes to some resolution. From the Jungles of South America to the southwest of Santa Fe, this story holds the attention of anyone who enjoys an intriguing mystery/murder. Be sure to pick up a copy of UNDER THE COLOR OF LAW.
Rating:
Summary: Colorful characters and a new direction
Review: When I finished this novel from Michael McGarrity in the continuing saga of detective Kevin Kerney, it tooks me a few days to formulate how to write this review. All of it was positive and I couldn't be happier with the novel, however, I didn't know what angle to expound on that hasn't been discussed so many times about his prior novels. Then it dawned on me. It was a departure from the norm of these novels. Certain loose ends were tied up once and for all, the ending wasn't what one would expect...that is, it wasn't neat and tidy. Also Kerney has progressed quite a bit, and author McGarrity introduced new ideas that surely will breathe life into the main character and makes for many sequels down the road. But most importantly was the introduction of many new characters. While this was and still is a Kevin Kerney novel, McGarrity debuts several new characters in this installment, and I was surprised how fleshed out they all became. In some aspects this just wasn't a Kerney novel. Two other detectives come into their own and a good deal of written word was on the following of their exploits. It was like reading the same novel from 3 different and varying perspectives which was quite unique. Only at the end was it clear they were all after a common goal, and it was done brilliantly. Again, the ending was a nice change. The CIA and a covert black-op organization aren't always fighting for good, or are they? The events that unfold force the reader to constantly re-evaluate the 'color' of law, and even though this novel takes place in New Mexico...events taken place here will shape how US policy effects other regions and Kerney's decisions he will never know what ball he sets in motion. Great read!
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