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Kevin Kerney #6
Under the Color of Law
“One of the most chilling and satisfying thrillers of the year.” --Los Angeles Times
Newly-installed Santa Fe police chief Kevin Kerney receives a deadly welcome when a U.S. ambassador’s ex-wife is brutally stabbed to death in her home. But before Kerney can begin to investigate, the FBI closes the case with trumped-up evidence. And the harder Kerney hunts for the truth, the more he knows that he may not survive the chase.
Newly-installed Santa Fe police chief Kevin Kerney receives a deadly welcome when a U.S. ambassador’s ex-wife is brutally stabbed to death in her home. But before Kerney can begin to investigate, the FBI closes the case with trumped-up evidence. And the harder Kerney hunts for the truth, the more he knows that he may not survive the chase.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2001
124 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
Michael McGarrity
22 books496 followersWith the publication of Tularosa in 1996, Michael McGarrity turned to writing full time. Many of his novels have been national best sellers. He holds a BA with distinction in psychology and a master's degree in clinical social work. As an undergraduate, he held a Ford Foundation Scholarship at the University of New Mexico. Additionally, he is an honor graduate of the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.
His career in criminal justice spanned over twenty-five years and included creating treatment programs for drug offenders, supervising outreach services for at-risk juveniles, and re-establishing mental health services for the Department of Corrections after the infamous 1980 riot at the New Mexico Penitentiary. As a Santa Fe County deputy sheriff, he worked as a patrol officer, training and planning supervisor, community relations officer, and was the lead investigator of the sex crimes unit, which he established. Additionally, he taught courses at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, served as a caseworker and investigator for the Public Defender's District Office, and conducted investigations for a state government agency. In 1980 he was named New Mexico Social Worker of the Year and in 1987 was recognized by the American Legion as Police Officer of the Year.
In 2004 he received the New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts -- Literature. He is also the 2015 recipient of the Frank Waters Exemplary Literary Achievement Award and the 2015 Santa Fe Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts – Literature. He has been instrumental in establishing the Hillerman-McGarrity Creative Writing Scholarship at the University of New Mexico, the Richard Bradford Memorial Creative Writing Scholarship at the Santa Fe Community College, and the N. Scott Momaday Creative Writing Scholarship at the Institute of American Indian Arts.
He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his wife Emily Beth (Mimi).
His career in criminal justice spanned over twenty-five years and included creating treatment programs for drug offenders, supervising outreach services for at-risk juveniles, and re-establishing mental health services for the Department of Corrections after the infamous 1980 riot at the New Mexico Penitentiary. As a Santa Fe County deputy sheriff, he worked as a patrol officer, training and planning supervisor, community relations officer, and was the lead investigator of the sex crimes unit, which he established. Additionally, he taught courses at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, served as a caseworker and investigator for the Public Defender's District Office, and conducted investigations for a state government agency. In 1980 he was named New Mexico Social Worker of the Year and in 1987 was recognized by the American Legion as Police Officer of the Year.
In 2004 he received the New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts -- Literature. He is also the 2015 recipient of the Frank Waters Exemplary Literary Achievement Award and the 2015 Santa Fe Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts – Literature. He has been instrumental in establishing the Hillerman-McGarrity Creative Writing Scholarship at the University of New Mexico, the Richard Bradford Memorial Creative Writing Scholarship at the Santa Fe Community College, and the N. Scott Momaday Creative Writing Scholarship at the Institute of American Indian Arts.
He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his wife Emily Beth (Mimi).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
September 1, 2016
After what I consider a slow start mixed with some craziness, this story picks up steam until the less than fulfilling ending. Nonetheless, 5 of 10 stars
October 1, 2021
This one is probably the best in the series so far. It's timely regardless of when it was written. It is cored in the Federal governmental or military power to know better and control. And make a reality regardless of what actually occurs or occurred. It's complex too. As complex and intricate emmeshed as corruption and bias intent to death of civilians and happenstance murder truly is.
The body count is so horrific that I doubt I'll read any more of these. Kevin's new wife, Sara, is more than fully partnered in her semi-annual occurrence of having to kill someone. Between the two of them, I believe in this series, each is up to 3 to 7 to 12 counts of demise. They are good shots. Rifle or other side arm. She is a lifer and graduate of the academy (West Point). In this novel, she meets up with some of her former school mates. They aren't doing it for "practice" now!
Regardless, the plot entirely intrigued me and for more than just the reasons of how our secret services/ military have been politicized and are group think dominated. It also held a partial quite close picture of my exact employer. The College of Santa Fe is the offspring of the university and order that is the "Midwest University" noted in this book. I could have transferred there to be buyer and was considering it at one time. Briefly! McGarrity didn't give us a name, but he did the Christian Brothers of de la Salle to perfection in this location and in this plot. And all of their mores and cultural "normal" too.
Of course, New Mexico in various different altitudes and climates is exceptionally described. We have a blizzard in some of the most dramatic portions too. But to be truthful, the beauty this time was lost in the horror of the government killers. Most, of course, assassins of School of the Americas fame-strongly suggested. And of the West Point training supreme first.
This is cored to onus on the software systems that will be the end of a republic, privacy of any type, or monetary integrity or any news promotion that isn't framed on permissible group think mantra. And will have total mobility, opinion, or demographic individual information attached. Also which will negate any individual country sovereignty- not only on any one continent. Yes, the book is depressing, and quite actual real in method and purposes too. McGarrity foresaw only partial uses. He never got to the election software reality distortions possible and used- but nearly all else.
It reminded (more than 4 times in this plotting sequences) me so much of the almost dozen Clinton "disappearing" or "accident" or "suicide" (Epstein was just one of at least 4) associate events. This is a book on the bigger and wider uses of FBI, CIA, Military, State Dept, Banking Head etc. that only can exist if they are "one way, our way". In either pseudo members of each division or actual duo or undercover members, being used for various "protected knowledge" services purposes.
Sometimes fiction can get so close to reality that it is scary. This one was for sure. And written in early 2000's. 2002 published. The government intrusion into our lives is so menacing and quite "normal" now. Oh if I could give my descendants the freedoms that I lived and enjoyed.
Keven and Sara are such killers themselves and have/ develop such terrible outcomes for their seconds in command and closest coworkers through their choices! To such an extent, that I don't even think I care to read another for eons. Not even to see if Sara has a boy or a girl.
The body count is so horrific that I doubt I'll read any more of these. Kevin's new wife, Sara, is more than fully partnered in her semi-annual occurrence of having to kill someone. Between the two of them, I believe in this series, each is up to 3 to 7 to 12 counts of demise. They are good shots. Rifle or other side arm. She is a lifer and graduate of the academy (West Point). In this novel, she meets up with some of her former school mates. They aren't doing it for "practice" now!
Regardless, the plot entirely intrigued me and for more than just the reasons of how our secret services/ military have been politicized and are group think dominated. It also held a partial quite close picture of my exact employer. The College of Santa Fe is the offspring of the university and order that is the "Midwest University" noted in this book. I could have transferred there to be buyer and was considering it at one time. Briefly! McGarrity didn't give us a name, but he did the Christian Brothers of de la Salle to perfection in this location and in this plot. And all of their mores and cultural "normal" too.
Of course, New Mexico in various different altitudes and climates is exceptionally described. We have a blizzard in some of the most dramatic portions too. But to be truthful, the beauty this time was lost in the horror of the government killers. Most, of course, assassins of School of the Americas fame-strongly suggested. And of the West Point training supreme first.
This is cored to onus on the software systems that will be the end of a republic, privacy of any type, or monetary integrity or any news promotion that isn't framed on permissible group think mantra. And will have total mobility, opinion, or demographic individual information attached. Also which will negate any individual country sovereignty- not only on any one continent. Yes, the book is depressing, and quite actual real in method and purposes too. McGarrity foresaw only partial uses. He never got to the election software reality distortions possible and used- but nearly all else.
It reminded (more than 4 times in this plotting sequences) me so much of the almost dozen Clinton "disappearing" or "accident" or "suicide" (Epstein was just one of at least 4) associate events. This is a book on the bigger and wider uses of FBI, CIA, Military, State Dept, Banking Head etc. that only can exist if they are "one way, our way". In either pseudo members of each division or actual duo or undercover members, being used for various "protected knowledge" services purposes.
Sometimes fiction can get so close to reality that it is scary. This one was for sure. And written in early 2000's. 2002 published. The government intrusion into our lives is so menacing and quite "normal" now. Oh if I could give my descendants the freedoms that I lived and enjoyed.
Keven and Sara are such killers themselves and have/ develop such terrible outcomes for their seconds in command and closest coworkers through their choices! To such an extent, that I don't even think I care to read another for eons. Not even to see if Sara has a boy or a girl.
July 25, 2018
Loved this book, 6th in the Kevin Kerney series. McGarrity wrote this one with a fast pace, a lot of local color, and intelligence. The story line is (sadly) believable with military personnel disguised as FBI and citizens. This one was very enjoyable and I finished it in 2 days.
June 2, 2018
PROTAGONIST: Kevin Kerney, police chief
SETTING: Santa Fe, New Mexico
SERIES: #6
RATING: 4.0
WHY: Kevin Kerney is newly installed as the chief of police in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The unit is thoroughly demoralized, and he has to work hard to earn their trust. The main case involves the estranged wife of a US ambassador who has been murdered. Does her death have anything to do with his job or with one of her many lovers? I thought the plot suffered due to its reliance on conspiracy theories, but the development of several new characters was good. I do have a hard time understanding the relationship between Kerney and his wife who works at a government job in DC.
SETTING: Santa Fe, New Mexico
SERIES: #6
RATING: 4.0
WHY: Kevin Kerney is newly installed as the chief of police in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The unit is thoroughly demoralized, and he has to work hard to earn their trust. The main case involves the estranged wife of a US ambassador who has been murdered. Does her death have anything to do with his job or with one of her many lovers? I thought the plot suffered due to its reliance on conspiracy theories, but the development of several new characters was good. I do have a hard time understanding the relationship between Kerney and his wife who works at a government job in DC.
September 8, 2023
It was an easy and entertaining read, but too far out there to seem even realm of possibility. Kind of disappointing honestly.
October 18, 2016
The Best so Far
Unfortunately, I found the scenarios involving our government and the collection of information on the citizens of our country all too real and all too possible. I'm 67 years old, so, I'm close to the end of my time on mortal earth, but, I fear greatly for the futures of my kids and particularly for my grandkids as we continue down the road of government intrusion into our lives. The 2016 Presidential election could be our last chance to stem the tide. The quality of the Presidential candidates we have to choose from leaves me depressed.
Unfortunately, I found the scenarios involving our government and the collection of information on the citizens of our country all too real and all too possible. I'm 67 years old, so, I'm close to the end of my time on mortal earth, but, I fear greatly for the futures of my kids and particularly for my grandkids as we continue down the road of government intrusion into our lives. The 2016 Presidential election could be our last chance to stem the tide. The quality of the Presidential candidates we have to choose from leaves me depressed.
June 6, 2020
Some people have trouble adding new authors to their personal canon. The present reviewer is guilty as charged. Never having picked up a novel by Michael McGarrity until this one was given as a gift, said reviewer will have to confess a limited breadth in the genre—often grabbing onto certain authors and ignoring others to his personal loss and shame. Under the Color of Law once again illustrates the reviewer’s ignorance. It is a suspenseful combination of mystery and thriller. It brought out my old anti-government suspicions and it gave me reasonable satisfaction with the resolution when my total satisfaction would have destroyed the verisimilitude.
Under the Color of Law is a novel which is several novels deep in McGarrity’s Kevin Kerney series. Readers who were more cognizant of the series than the current scribbler would already know how the protagonist was shot in the line of duty and has a lame knee as a result, but continued serving in law enforcement capacities even when it meant difficult undercover assignments. He had apparently shot a corrupt fellow officer when serving as deputy chief of the New Mexico State Police. But in this novel, he seems to have settled in, at least for a while, as the police chief in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
So, one of the standard tropes of the modern detective novel is the detective who is constantly running into antagonists who are above him or her in the hierarchy or simply have assumed jurisdiction that the protagonist believes would be better served with her or him. When I read that Kevin Kerney was the police chief, I was expecting political interference, but not jurisdictional disputes. Enter the FBI. You don’t have to have read many procedurals to know that local law enforcement despises the way the FBI invades their jurisdiction, high-handedly treats them like hillbillies (my apologies to any hillbillies who may have been harmed in the writing of this sentence), and promises to keep them in the loop while simultaneously confiscating and impounding anything which could possibly be of use to the local investigation.
In Under the Color of Law, we find that Kerney has a built-in antagonist within the FBI, an antagonist who is so arrogant that he assumes Kerney’s success in an earlier operation must have been due to luck. Since the success didn’t include the antagonist, said success could not possibly be a noteworthy achievement. So, naturally, this person shows up in Kerney’s backyard and immediately establishes a perimeter of bureaucracy and high-level interference to attempt to incapacitate Kerney’s investigation. What Kerney does in attempting an end run and getting to the root of his case is creative and imaginative, quite the opposite of the FBI (apparently in real life, as well as in fiction).
Abuse of power is not welcome at any time, especially in this era of polarized allegiances with one side thinking the other is out to get them and the other side think the other is out to subvert the constitution. Well, this novel made me as paranoid as even event since Nixon. The abuse of power exercised in its pages is nauseating. But the result is an impactful tale with characters one legitimately cares about and an ending which both satisfies and leaves one with a certain ambivalence. It is not a cliffhanger, but one senses there is plenty of unfinished business to be encountered in later books in the series. And now that McGarrity is in my personal canon for the genre, I’ll be there to see it finished.
Under the Color of Law is a novel which is several novels deep in McGarrity’s Kevin Kerney series. Readers who were more cognizant of the series than the current scribbler would already know how the protagonist was shot in the line of duty and has a lame knee as a result, but continued serving in law enforcement capacities even when it meant difficult undercover assignments. He had apparently shot a corrupt fellow officer when serving as deputy chief of the New Mexico State Police. But in this novel, he seems to have settled in, at least for a while, as the police chief in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
So, one of the standard tropes of the modern detective novel is the detective who is constantly running into antagonists who are above him or her in the hierarchy or simply have assumed jurisdiction that the protagonist believes would be better served with her or him. When I read that Kevin Kerney was the police chief, I was expecting political interference, but not jurisdictional disputes. Enter the FBI. You don’t have to have read many procedurals to know that local law enforcement despises the way the FBI invades their jurisdiction, high-handedly treats them like hillbillies (my apologies to any hillbillies who may have been harmed in the writing of this sentence), and promises to keep them in the loop while simultaneously confiscating and impounding anything which could possibly be of use to the local investigation.
In Under the Color of Law, we find that Kerney has a built-in antagonist within the FBI, an antagonist who is so arrogant that he assumes Kerney’s success in an earlier operation must have been due to luck. Since the success didn’t include the antagonist, said success could not possibly be a noteworthy achievement. So, naturally, this person shows up in Kerney’s backyard and immediately establishes a perimeter of bureaucracy and high-level interference to attempt to incapacitate Kerney’s investigation. What Kerney does in attempting an end run and getting to the root of his case is creative and imaginative, quite the opposite of the FBI (apparently in real life, as well as in fiction).
Abuse of power is not welcome at any time, especially in this era of polarized allegiances with one side thinking the other is out to get them and the other side think the other is out to subvert the constitution. Well, this novel made me as paranoid as even event since Nixon. The abuse of power exercised in its pages is nauseating. But the result is an impactful tale with characters one legitimately cares about and an ending which both satisfies and leaves one with a certain ambivalence. It is not a cliffhanger, but one senses there is plenty of unfinished business to be encountered in later books in the series. And now that McGarrity is in my personal canon for the genre, I’ll be there to see it finished.
February 23, 2021
In this story Kevin is now the new Police Chief in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
He is starting his new job and has to prove to the officers under him that he is the right man for the job. Not long after he starts his new job the ex wife of an Ambassador is murdered. Kevin has his investigators on the job but soon the FBI arrive to take over the case and what transpires is a complete cover up and lies about the murder and the man who is supposed to have killed her supposedly commits suicide. It does not take long for Kevin and his officers to conclude that there is some major conspiracy at play that involves the Ambassador and illeagl dealings and that certain members ofthe CIA, DEA, FBI and others are involved. Bodies start to turn up and Kevin is determined to find out what is happening.
Here is a definition of the title Under "color of law", it is a crime for one or more persons using power given by a governmental agency (local, state or federal), to deprive or conspire willfully to deprive another person of any right protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
With that definition and with all those government agencies involved it becomes quite a story and quite the wild ending. I enjoyed the story and will continue to read the Kevin Kerney series. I am not sure how many books there are.
I like this book for a couple of reasons. The fact that it takes place in New Mexico is a good reason to like this book. I like the way he describes the area it reminds of reading Tony Hillerman. I like the character Kevin because he is a no nonsense kind of guy. He also has a disability that he has to work around. I like the way McGarrity talks about police procedures because he sounds like he really knows what he is talking about.
He does need help with the romantic side of things but this is a detective story and not a romance.
He is starting his new job and has to prove to the officers under him that he is the right man for the job. Not long after he starts his new job the ex wife of an Ambassador is murdered. Kevin has his investigators on the job but soon the FBI arrive to take over the case and what transpires is a complete cover up and lies about the murder and the man who is supposed to have killed her supposedly commits suicide. It does not take long for Kevin and his officers to conclude that there is some major conspiracy at play that involves the Ambassador and illeagl dealings and that certain members ofthe CIA, DEA, FBI and others are involved. Bodies start to turn up and Kevin is determined to find out what is happening.
Here is a definition of the title Under "color of law", it is a crime for one or more persons using power given by a governmental agency (local, state or federal), to deprive or conspire willfully to deprive another person of any right protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
With that definition and with all those government agencies involved it becomes quite a story and quite the wild ending. I enjoyed the story and will continue to read the Kevin Kerney series. I am not sure how many books there are.
I like this book for a couple of reasons. The fact that it takes place in New Mexico is a good reason to like this book. I like the way he describes the area it reminds of reading Tony Hillerman. I like the character Kevin because he is a no nonsense kind of guy. He also has a disability that he has to work around. I like the way McGarrity talks about police procedures because he sounds like he really knows what he is talking about.
He does need help with the romantic side of things but this is a detective story and not a romance.
November 20, 2025
I am so glad the books in this series are now available as audiobooks - I enjoyed the books I read while I could still read printed books and was disappointed when I had to switch to audiobooks, and had to abandon the series.
The books in this series remind me of the Joe Pickett series by C.J. Box and, to a lesser extent, the Walt Longmire series by Craig Johnson. This series, especially this book, is more violent than the Longmire books, but we still get the "cowboy country" feel to the stories. I like Kevin, the MC, who is now the police chief in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with a lot to prove to the officers under his command. I'm not quite sure how his wife, Sara, fits in with his work or these stories, but maybe future books will expand on her role.
This is one twisty story, with enough unexpected turns to confuse the reader... or maybe it was just me? It seemed relatively obvious who some of the bad guys were fairly early in the story, but it was still tense to see who else was involved and how they were all brought down. It's scary to think of how some of the events in this book could actually happen, especially with the way the US is *so divided over so many things and with so many people who could slow things down are instead fueling the fire.
I am now halfway through this series, and I plan to wait a bit longer than usual to read the next book, in an effort to forestall the time when I reach the final book :)
The books in this series remind me of the Joe Pickett series by C.J. Box and, to a lesser extent, the Walt Longmire series by Craig Johnson. This series, especially this book, is more violent than the Longmire books, but we still get the "cowboy country" feel to the stories. I like Kevin, the MC, who is now the police chief in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with a lot to prove to the officers under his command. I'm not quite sure how his wife, Sara, fits in with his work or these stories, but maybe future books will expand on her role.
This is one twisty story, with enough unexpected turns to confuse the reader... or maybe it was just me? It seemed relatively obvious who some of the bad guys were fairly early in the story, but it was still tense to see who else was involved and how they were all brought down. It's scary to think of how some of the events in this book could actually happen, especially with the way the US is *so divided over so many things and with so many people who could slow things down are instead fueling the fire.
I am now halfway through this series, and I plan to wait a bit longer than usual to read the next book, in an effort to forestall the time when I reach the final book :)
March 6, 2022
From the Goodreads Blurb: Newly-installed Santa Fe police chief Kevin Kerney receives a deadly welcome when a U.S. ambassador's ex-wife is brutally stabbed to death in her home. But before Kerney can begin to investigate, the FBI closes the case with trumped-up evidence. And the harder Kerney hunts for the truth, the more he knows that he may not survive the chase...
Well plotted. Good characters including a very nasty Nasty Person. A loose end from earlier books gets tied up. Another marathon read-aloud in the final hundred pages.
The title was confusing until I realized near the end of the book that Color of Law is a "thing"; it's defined as "a mere semblance of legal right; something done with the apparent authority of law but actually in contravention of law".
This was book #9 on our 2022 Read-alouds With Lutrecia List and book #11 on our 2022 Read-alouds List.
Well plotted. Good characters including a very nasty Nasty Person. A loose end from earlier books gets tied up. Another marathon read-aloud in the final hundred pages.
The title was confusing until I realized near the end of the book that Color of Law is a "thing"; it's defined as "a mere semblance of legal right; something done with the apparent authority of law but actually in contravention of law".
This was book #9 on our 2022 Read-alouds With Lutrecia List and book #11 on our 2022 Read-alouds List.
April 5, 2025
Rushed ending, a billion characters, depressingly violent (violently depressing?), and government shenanigans I can totally see happening in the current turd reich. I’ll give this series one more book, then I’m probably done.
May 1, 2022
Faster paced than the last one, this kept me on the edge of my seat. And reinforced my belief that Kearney is one of the good guys.
June 25, 2023
Even though this book was written over 20 years ago, it highlights the atrocities that can happen under the color of law. Even though it is a story, there is a hint of reality to it. 😕
September 7, 2008
(#6 in the Kevin Kerney series)-This was pretty good but very complicated. Kerney is investigating the murder of an ambassadors wife. What was at first considered a jealous lover’s revenge becomes a high security, highly secret FBI involvement. Kerney smells something fishy and starts his own secret investigation.When a priest dies and his murder is linked to the ambassador’s wife, things heat up. During all this, Kerney is trying to put together his staff at his new job as chief. With the help of 3 of his key players, they continue Kerney’s undercover work of what it turns out as a government cover up. The book is very suspenseful. But, like some of McGarrity’s other work, the plot is very complicated and sometimes hard to follow. The ending is a big disappointment as well. Sara appears in the middle of the book and helps Kerney out. She is in the early stages of her pregnancy and helps Kerney out in an ambush. A bit unbelievable. In this book, a drug dealer that Kerney pissed off in an earlier book, is killed off. Almost like a tying up of loose ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2017
Formula murder mystery genre fiction set in New Mexico featuring Kevin Kerney, now Santa Fe police chief. Goes a bit over the top with the female killer in this one and the body count mounts.
September 30, 2021
SPOILER ALERT
The is a creepy one. Kevin Kerney is the new Chief of Police in Santa Fe, inheriting a force of bad morale, infighting and incompetence. They do not trust him. He is going to contend with getting the force back on track from corrupt predecessors, and dealing with the city manager and council who like to throw their weight around, and the policemen's union.
To make matter worse he is faced with the murder of an ambassador's wife, Phyllis Terrell. He was Kevin's commanding office briefly, and had the nickname of "the snake". He is just as nasty now, as the story plays out. Now on the mission for South America, he returns to take care of his wife's funeral and arranges for several murders as the attempt to cover up what is actually going on is taken over by the FBI. There are multiple individuals carrying out the faked killer profile, the murder of the actual man who was sleeping with Terrell's wife, from whom he was getting a divorce. There is a sadistic former Army officer, who had been in Sara Brannon's class, Elaine Applewhite. She is the assassin. At the same time a priest, Father Joseph Mitchel is also killed at the College of Santa Fe. He was conducting research into the death of his brother, which he had been doing for years, which involved military history. He was wary of the School of the Americas, which was believed to be a training school for assassins. The plot is convoluted and complex as it explains that the government is possibly trying to take over Columbia and installing American control. The politics are difficult to understand, as is the organization behind the former general/ambassador. There is new technology involved that could result in a big brother situation, collecting intelligence on all US citizens, as well as globally. Someone stands to make billions. After the case is closed Kerney cannot leave it alone. He keeps digging and finds all sorts of evidence that does not support the conclusion of the FBI. He realizes that he and others are being surveilled. He gets Lt Sal Molina and Bobby Sloan to begin surveillance on Applewhite and FBI Agent Charlie Perry, who is leading much of the investigation, with the approval of Andy Baca, chief of the State Police.
As the FBI frame one man for Terrell's murder, Scott Gatlin, they arrange the killing any of the others involved that could possibly talk, including the man who really slept with her, Randall Stewart. Fred Browning a retired security man is killed after helping with some of the frameup. It is probable that her husband arranged for her killing, though nothing is ever stated about her death. She had been communicating with Father Mitchell, and sending him information. Her father Proctor Straley was a powerful man in the media. They killl Santiago Terjo, the man working on Terrell's home. They set up Enrique Deleon to take the rap for killing Kerney and Sara as they know too much, and then Applewhite kills DeLeon. As Kerney and Sara are returning from seeing Straley, an ambush is set up intending to make it look like an accident. Kerney sees through the setup, and they have been warned by another of those involved, who is getting tired of the killing, Tim Ingram. They shoot Applewhite who then commits suicide. In the process, Bobby Sloan is killed by the FBI in the helicopter backing Applewhite.
Throughout the story Kevin is aware that he to become a father, that he and Sara have a life and he needs to be careful, but it is not in his makeup to stop. Sara realizes that that stubbornness once saved her life. She insists on going with him. Kerney also is getting William DeMarco, the city manager fired up as he doesn't kowtow to his orders. He promotes Capt Larry Otero, who had been sidelined by the former Chief when he wrote up the lazy officer Herrera, who uncle was on the council. His actions bring his both suspicions and approval. But the whole idea of an under the table group of government leaders conspiring to take over countries, to kill whomever gets in their way, and to spy on anyone without impunity is revolting. but really sets one to thinking.
The is a creepy one. Kevin Kerney is the new Chief of Police in Santa Fe, inheriting a force of bad morale, infighting and incompetence. They do not trust him. He is going to contend with getting the force back on track from corrupt predecessors, and dealing with the city manager and council who like to throw their weight around, and the policemen's union.
To make matter worse he is faced with the murder of an ambassador's wife, Phyllis Terrell. He was Kevin's commanding office briefly, and had the nickname of "the snake". He is just as nasty now, as the story plays out. Now on the mission for South America, he returns to take care of his wife's funeral and arranges for several murders as the attempt to cover up what is actually going on is taken over by the FBI. There are multiple individuals carrying out the faked killer profile, the murder of the actual man who was sleeping with Terrell's wife, from whom he was getting a divorce. There is a sadistic former Army officer, who had been in Sara Brannon's class, Elaine Applewhite. She is the assassin. At the same time a priest, Father Joseph Mitchel is also killed at the College of Santa Fe. He was conducting research into the death of his brother, which he had been doing for years, which involved military history. He was wary of the School of the Americas, which was believed to be a training school for assassins. The plot is convoluted and complex as it explains that the government is possibly trying to take over Columbia and installing American control. The politics are difficult to understand, as is the organization behind the former general/ambassador. There is new technology involved that could result in a big brother situation, collecting intelligence on all US citizens, as well as globally. Someone stands to make billions. After the case is closed Kerney cannot leave it alone. He keeps digging and finds all sorts of evidence that does not support the conclusion of the FBI. He realizes that he and others are being surveilled. He gets Lt Sal Molina and Bobby Sloan to begin surveillance on Applewhite and FBI Agent Charlie Perry, who is leading much of the investigation, with the approval of Andy Baca, chief of the State Police.
As the FBI frame one man for Terrell's murder, Scott Gatlin, they arrange the killing any of the others involved that could possibly talk, including the man who really slept with her, Randall Stewart. Fred Browning a retired security man is killed after helping with some of the frameup. It is probable that her husband arranged for her killing, though nothing is ever stated about her death. She had been communicating with Father Mitchell, and sending him information. Her father Proctor Straley was a powerful man in the media. They killl Santiago Terjo, the man working on Terrell's home. They set up Enrique Deleon to take the rap for killing Kerney and Sara as they know too much, and then Applewhite kills DeLeon. As Kerney and Sara are returning from seeing Straley, an ambush is set up intending to make it look like an accident. Kerney sees through the setup, and they have been warned by another of those involved, who is getting tired of the killing, Tim Ingram. They shoot Applewhite who then commits suicide. In the process, Bobby Sloan is killed by the FBI in the helicopter backing Applewhite.
Throughout the story Kevin is aware that he to become a father, that he and Sara have a life and he needs to be careful, but it is not in his makeup to stop. Sara realizes that that stubbornness once saved her life. She insists on going with him. Kerney also is getting William DeMarco, the city manager fired up as he doesn't kowtow to his orders. He promotes Capt Larry Otero, who had been sidelined by the former Chief when he wrote up the lazy officer Herrera, who uncle was on the council. His actions bring his both suspicions and approval. But the whole idea of an under the table group of government leaders conspiring to take over countries, to kill whomever gets in their way, and to spy on anyone without impunity is revolting. but really sets one to thinking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2020
It was a little complicated trying to follow all the different connections some of the characters had. What agencies they belonged to and how different agencies and organizations connected to each other. I liked how Chief Kerney took control of his department and made changes and didn't cave to some of the city's politics when it came to running an efficient police department. He is portrayed as a tough but caring person who has some inner conflicts about his personal life but liked seeing things thru on the job and doesn't mind getting in the trenches with his subordinates.
The mystery is rather complicated and starts off with the death of an Ann's wife. It gets rather murky from there with some supposed FBI agents talking over. Kerney and his men don't believe th story they are given as to who is responsible and they keep investigating even though they are told not to. A seemingly unrelated murder of a priest occurs and when they did deeper they find ties to the first victim. People keep disappearing or ending up dead.
Didn't really like the ending as I didn't feel justice has been served and there were still some unresolved questions. Lots of spy craft and tech involved in the story along with a big conspiracy including the government.
The mystery is rather complicated and starts off with the death of an Ann's wife. It gets rather murky from there with some supposed FBI agents talking over. Kerney and his men don't believe th story they are given as to who is responsible and they keep investigating even though they are told not to. A seemingly unrelated murder of a priest occurs and when they did deeper they find ties to the first victim. People keep disappearing or ending up dead.
Didn't really like the ending as I didn't feel justice has been served and there were still some unresolved questions. Lots of spy craft and tech involved in the story along with a big conspiracy including the government.
March 3, 2022
McGarrity really loses it in this episode. His first book covered an almost Qanon level absurdly improbable conspiracy over hidden treasure, murder and Area 51. This one, sixth in the series, leaves detective mysteries far behind and jumps whole hog into Qanon conspiracy thriller territory. Sheesh, give us a break.
Covert government operations and systems designed to spy on everyone, everywhere are classic spy thriller tropes. Yes, similar types of actions are happening right now, fueled by easy, instantaneous media access-inducing paranoia, as well as actual reasons not to trust the government, especially the military. Bush43 got slapped back for some of his reputed anti-terrorist spying on US citizens. The FBI's long history of racism, homophobia, bungled handling of Waco, Oklahoma, Ruby Ridge, Pine Ridge, Alcatraz and others, do make them untrustworthy, but McGarrity goes way over the top.
Curious, given the bloodbaths in these books, I looked up New Mexico murder records. Turns out it is much worse than I imagined, with 100 murders in 2017. Albuquerque, as the largest city, had 74! Still, they were mostly unconnected events, I suspect, and not like the serial murders in these books.
Covert government operations and systems designed to spy on everyone, everywhere are classic spy thriller tropes. Yes, similar types of actions are happening right now, fueled by easy, instantaneous media access-inducing paranoia, as well as actual reasons not to trust the government, especially the military. Bush43 got slapped back for some of his reputed anti-terrorist spying on US citizens. The FBI's long history of racism, homophobia, bungled handling of Waco, Oklahoma, Ruby Ridge, Pine Ridge, Alcatraz and others, do make them untrustworthy, but McGarrity goes way over the top.
Curious, given the bloodbaths in these books, I looked up New Mexico murder records. Turns out it is much worse than I imagined, with 100 murders in 2017. Albuquerque, as the largest city, had 74! Still, they were mostly unconnected events, I suspect, and not like the serial murders in these books.
June 17, 2023
Under the Color of Law was the sixth in the Kevin Kerney series, and I read the first five. In this book the estranged wife of an ambassador is found dead in her home near Santa Fe, NM. Kevin Kerney is the new police chief for Santa Fe, and the Phyllis Terrell homicide falls under his jurisdiction. My favorite aspects of this book revolve around the developing relationship between Kerney and his staff. The Santa Fe police department was poorly managed prior to his arrival, and key personnel are reluctant to take charge and make decisions without the blessing of the chief. Kerney sets out to change that. My interest in the novel also picked up when Kerney's pregnant wife, Sara Brannon, arrived to play a key part in the narrative. Unfortunately the main plot of this thriller was way too complicated for this reader. The FBI, the State Department, and several high tech startups are involved in a tangled web to insure that the highly regarded software product called SWAMI owned by APT Performa makes the stakeholders wealthy. Phyllis Terrell apparently knew some of the secrets, and she paid for that knowledge with her life. It was all very confusing, and I felt like the matter never came to a resolution. Maybe others can read this book and explain it to me.
July 2, 2017
Things are not what they seem to be
Very attractive series based on a lawman in New Mexico and his family. This is part of the series called the Kevin Kerney Novels. This paragraph applies to all books in this series. The story’s are great, but what makes this series stand out is how the country is worked into the story, It’s almost as if you are there. The author is a gifted story teller.
Do you need to read this series in order: Yes, it helps a lot. Note that Hard Country and Backlands (and one pending maybe) are the prequels.
Triggers: Cops and police situations, there are rapes, homicides, and crime.
When Kevin Kerney is installed as Santa Fe's new police chief, he's welcomed with the brutal stabbing of the wife of a U.S. ambassador. Before Kerney can investigate, an FBI antiterrorism team takes over the case--forcing Kerney to watch from the sidelines as the case is closed with trumped-up evidence. Refusing to accept the FBI's whitewash, Kerney's hunt for the truth becomes more sinister.
Very attractive series based on a lawman in New Mexico and his family. This is part of the series called the Kevin Kerney Novels. This paragraph applies to all books in this series. The story’s are great, but what makes this series stand out is how the country is worked into the story, It’s almost as if you are there. The author is a gifted story teller.
Do you need to read this series in order: Yes, it helps a lot. Note that Hard Country and Backlands (and one pending maybe) are the prequels.
Triggers: Cops and police situations, there are rapes, homicides, and crime.
When Kevin Kerney is installed as Santa Fe's new police chief, he's welcomed with the brutal stabbing of the wife of a U.S. ambassador. Before Kerney can investigate, an FBI antiterrorism team takes over the case--forcing Kerney to watch from the sidelines as the case is closed with trumped-up evidence. Refusing to accept the FBI's whitewash, Kerney's hunt for the truth becomes more sinister.
July 25, 2024
This is one fast-paced, multi-level, multiple murder mystery! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am now a fan of Kevin Kerney, the Santa Fe police chief who needs to untangle the web of lies and the FBI cover-up which, unfortunately, results in too many deaths. How are they connected? Why have two witnesses disappeared? His life and the lives of his colleagues, along with that of his wife, are all in grave danger once they find themselves closer and closer to the truth. After all, the force of the government's anti-terrorism task force is formidable.
The story begins at the scene of the first murder and moves quickly, never dragging or getting caught up in what I often call "fluff" - unnecessary filler, which quickly looses my interest. I was also quite pleased with the ending. I would highly recommend "Under the Color of Law" and will be looking for more Michael McGarrity mysteries!
The story begins at the scene of the first murder and moves quickly, never dragging or getting caught up in what I often call "fluff" - unnecessary filler, which quickly looses my interest. I was also quite pleased with the ending. I would highly recommend "Under the Color of Law" and will be looking for more Michael McGarrity mysteries!
October 31, 2024
I've meandered away from thrillers and suspense for the most part, but every once in a while one on Mt Git'r'Read will catch my eye at just the right time. This is one of those thrillers. I've read some of the books in this series, in no particular order, and enjoyed them all. I like the premise and the idea that the main character, Kevin Kerney, is in law enforcement but not always in the same role. In this he's the chief of police for the Santa Fe police department. He's got some clean up to do after some less than stellar predecessors.
And his wife is pregnant and stationed at Fort Leavenworth at a prestigious school. And there's a murder investigation involving the wife of an ambassador. And a government cover up.
This sounds like it could be convoluted and confusing but it flows really well and amps up the heartrate while reading. I call it 'aerobic reading'.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
And his wife is pregnant and stationed at Fort Leavenworth at a prestigious school. And there's a murder investigation involving the wife of an ambassador. And a government cover up.
This sounds like it could be convoluted and confusing but it flows really well and amps up the heartrate while reading. I call it 'aerobic reading'.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
July 12, 2017
This is another in the Kevin Kearney series, set in and around Santa Fe, New Mexico. In this installment, Kearney has become the Chief of the Santa Fe Police Department. The story revolves around a couple of murders that happen in the Santa Fe jurisdiction, but are soon clouded and escalated by apparent FBI and other federal involvement. The nastiness increases to the end, involving Kearney, his police department and his wife. One factor that makes this book, and the series as a whole, is that it is obviously written by someone who has a thorough understanding of the Santa Fe and New Mexico setting. All of his geographic descriptions are spot on. All-in-all, this is a very enjoyable series to read.
December 20, 2019
Spoilers:
Not really a big fan of this book in the series. The plot tried to go big time with national implications and a spy type thriller but I like the local setting better and the small town crime flavor. The backstory was a little bit complicated and I'm still not sure if there was a final ending to it. What exactly was Hamilton doing? What exactly was the secret his wife was killed for? I'm now on the next book #7 and I already can't remember if they even found her killer.
I like the Kevin Kearney for the New Mexico vibe, the small town police procedural and the character development. I liked the continuing story of him resurrecting the Santa Fe Police Department. Let's hope the next book stays on track.
Not really a big fan of this book in the series. The plot tried to go big time with national implications and a spy type thriller but I like the local setting better and the small town crime flavor. The backstory was a little bit complicated and I'm still not sure if there was a final ending to it. What exactly was Hamilton doing? What exactly was the secret his wife was killed for? I'm now on the next book #7 and I already can't remember if they even found her killer.
I like the Kevin Kearney for the New Mexico vibe, the small town police procedural and the character development. I liked the continuing story of him resurrecting the Santa Fe Police Department. Let's hope the next book stays on track.
Read
February 19, 2018This novel in the Kerney mystery series was refreshing because it brings Kerney and thus the reader into Santa Fe, but with an international plot for added complexity. Anyone who loves Santa Fe will enjoy this novel, whether they have read other Kerney novels or not. Published in 2002, it is more relevant today, given the state of current events internationally in 2018, than it was then, with New Mexico at the center of foreign intrigue and corruption. The wealthy Mexican man who has been trying to kill Kerney through several books shows up yet again, same goal in mind.
March 2, 2023
OK, as much as I have enjoyed the earlier boos in this series, this one was a little bit of a disappointment. The plot has moved out of the realm of somewhat normal and (to my taste) strayed over into issues of national security plots. That's a genre I can live without forever!
That doesn't mean I'm giving up on Kerney-I've already downloaded the next installment on my phone. I just hope to goodness that this whacko government conspiracy stuff goes away. Permanently!
That doesn't mean I'm giving up on Kerney-I've already downloaded the next installment on my phone. I just hope to goodness that this whacko government conspiracy stuff goes away. Permanently!
November 24, 2025
McGarrity hardly lets his foot off the gas in this book, and he continues to develop his characters, especially Kerney’s growing family and his police team. This volume includes more political corruption, layers of military and corporate involvement, and illicit drug trade south of the border. Of course, McGarrity loves to sketch in lots of details about New Mexico’s landscape and physical terrain — all good if you like that sort of thing.
March 15, 2018
Mr McGarrity continues to impress me. His twisting tale of murder with the addition of deep conspiracy was a new twist. IMHO, this novel could have been written by Ian Fleming or Dan Brown. My only complaint is the book ended to soon.
I am glad Mr McGarrity made his New Mexico Old West Trilogy a longer story. The Kevin Kerney mystery series is an excellent read.
I am glad Mr McGarrity made his New Mexico Old West Trilogy a longer story. The Kevin Kerney mystery series is an excellent read.
April 10, 2018
Kerney's persistance sometimes makes me question his sanity. He has new wife, pregnant, an inheritance, but still he risks all to investigate the multiple murders despite attempts on his life.
This book features an evil villian and is actually frightening because it presents the evil that a government can do in the name of protecting the citizens.
This book features an evil villian and is actually frightening because it presents the evil that a government can do in the name of protecting the citizens.
June 8, 2021
Short and sweet
I enjoy these books because I’ve spent much of my life in New Mexico. However, they are so short, 270 or so pages, double and triple spaced, I feel like I’m reading the sample and it,s over. we are getting ripped off with ebooks. They don’t have the cost of manufacturing or distribution yet they charge us almost the same price as the paperback.
I enjoy these books because I’ve spent much of my life in New Mexico. However, they are so short, 270 or so pages, double and triple spaced, I feel like I’m reading the sample and it,s over. we are getting ripped off with ebooks. They don’t have the cost of manufacturing or distribution yet they charge us almost the same price as the paperback.
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