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Kerney Family Trilogy #3
The Last Ranch
The grand saga of an American ranching family continues in The Last Ranch, the final, mesmerizing book of New York Times bestseller Michael McGarrity’s gripping and richly authentic American West trilogy.When Matthew Kerney returns to his ranch in the beautiful San Andres Mountains after serving in Sicily during World War II, he must not only fight to recover physically and emotionally from a devastating war injury, but he must also battle attempts by the U.S. Army to seize control of his land for expanded weapons testing. Forced off public grazing lands, banned from gathering his cattle on high mountain pastures, and confronted by military police guarding a high security army post on the northern reaches of the range, Matt finds himself at the center of a heavy-handed government land-grab. The reasons behind this surge of secrecy and control become clear when Matt witnesses the boiling, blinding explosion of the first atom bomb at Trinity Site. As he struggles with an aging, stove-up father no longer able to carry a heavy load at the ranch, an ex-convict intent on killing him, and a failing relationship with a woman he dearly loves, Matt must draw upon all his mental and physical resources to keep his world—and the people in it—from collapsing. Following the New York Times bestselling Hard Country and its sequel Backlands, The Last Ranch enthralls with the deeply rich, sometimes heartbreaking Kerney family saga as it steps brilliantly into the mid-twentieth-century world of the new American West.
537 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2016
157 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
About the author
Michael McGarrity
22 books495 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 112 reviews
April 14, 2016
Not having read the first two novels in this trilogy about the Kerney family, I was somewhat anxious to start reading this third and concluding volume. Unlike many other books in series, The Last Ranch was easy to get into as the characters were well-developed and not too complex.
The story provides a number of surprising twists and turns, but they seem credible and adds dynamics to the story as the characters need to adjust their lives to accommodate these changes. Matt Kerney is a strong and likable protagonist who - much like C. J. Box's Joe Pickett - has such strong principles that he makes his life more difficult than it has to be. Many of his character traits are taken over by his son, Kevin, who serves as main protagonist in the latter part of the novel - a switch that works very well.
Although I am a big fan of C. J. Box, I am generally not much into cowboy stories set either today or half a century ago, but I really liked this book, and I will definitely pick up other books by Michael McGarrity as his prose and plot techniques are easy on the eye.
[An advance readers copy of this book was generously provided by the First to Read program]
The story provides a number of surprising twists and turns, but they seem credible and adds dynamics to the story as the characters need to adjust their lives to accommodate these changes. Matt Kerney is a strong and likable protagonist who - much like C. J. Box's Joe Pickett - has such strong principles that he makes his life more difficult than it has to be. Many of his character traits are taken over by his son, Kevin, who serves as main protagonist in the latter part of the novel - a switch that works very well.
Although I am a big fan of C. J. Box, I am generally not much into cowboy stories set either today or half a century ago, but I really liked this book, and I will definitely pick up other books by Michael McGarrity as his prose and plot techniques are easy on the eye.
[An advance readers copy of this book was generously provided by the First to Read program]
April 28, 2016
I have a sweet spot for expansive novels of the American Southwest that cover the last 60+ years of the 20th century. I particularly like sweeping multigenerational tales that introduce us to families that share a love for the land that encounters continual obstacles that shift as time progresses; no sooner has one generation managed the obstacles faced by their parent or grandparent, then they are presented by a new one that they are unprepared to confront. This is the larger-than-life love story of the American Southwest and it involves land, and ultimately, some form of organized human settlement, either as a city or a federal government.
In order for the tale to be as grand as the era and locale it is placed within, the characters and their story must have enough detail to fix the reader firmly in place. The author creates wonderful characters and sets up good scenes and than, oddly, drops them too quickly. He is in a hurry to cover the era in a long book (500+ pages.). So the reader is left wondering what happened to various characters and whether our main characters ever heard from them again. This is a story told from a vast distance when it would best be told up close and personal. This book takes place in Alamogordo and Truth or Consequences, both in New Mexico. The bomb testing is so lightly mentioned it is almost funny; perhaps the author meant it to be so. But it is an odd choice to choose the time period and the location and then lightly mention the bomb testing that was so famous. The story, like the bomb it mentions, was barely there.
I received my book from Penguin's First to Read program.
In order for the tale to be as grand as the era and locale it is placed within, the characters and their story must have enough detail to fix the reader firmly in place. The author creates wonderful characters and sets up good scenes and than, oddly, drops them too quickly. He is in a hurry to cover the era in a long book (500+ pages.). So the reader is left wondering what happened to various characters and whether our main characters ever heard from them again. This is a story told from a vast distance when it would best be told up close and personal. This book takes place in Alamogordo and Truth or Consequences, both in New Mexico. The bomb testing is so lightly mentioned it is almost funny; perhaps the author meant it to be so. But it is an odd choice to choose the time period and the location and then lightly mention the bomb testing that was so famous. The story, like the bomb it mentions, was barely there.
I received my book from Penguin's First to Read program.
February 13, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed McGarrity's Kerney family saga. The Last Ranch, the 3rd book in the series, is an excellent continuation of the tale of this ranching family. One of the things I love most about the book is the focus on both the men AND the women that shaped the family's destiny. McGarrity is even-handed, describing both the good and the bad traits of each character, making them real and relatable. As a New Mexico native, it's joyful reading about the history and landscape of the Tularosa Basin. McGarrity resists the temptation to overly focus on the sensational - i.e. the atomic bomb testing - and instead focuses on the experience of ranchers in that area as their land was taken for military installations. If you've ever been to this part of New Mexico, you'll still hear stories from ranching families who were displaced. McGarrity shows true appreciation for the dusty landscape, the complexities of race and culture, and the ever-changing world that reached even the remotest places. Excellent read!
February 9, 2018
This, the final book in the trilogy about Kevin Kerney's forebears, includes him from birth in 1950 through his service in Vietnam. Kevin is the main character in McGarrity's crime series that he wrote before this trilogy, although another book in the series apparently is being released this year. The last was published in 2008. Most of this third tome in the trilogy of the Tularosa Basin ranching family is about Kevin's father, grandfather and fellow ranchers in their fight with the American government to keep their ranches once the government decides to create the White Sands Missile Range, complete with all the government baggage that came with it, spread throughout most of southeastern and south-central New Mexico. Having read all of the Kevin crime novels, and the first two books in the trilogy, I feel it important to read the trilogy in order. When one reads the Kevin mysteries isn't as important, if at all, as reading the trilogy books in order. The damage done to an entire lifestyle, and the destruction of the fruits of a century of labor in some cases, on the Tularosa Basin ranches, is heart-breaking, and as always, McGarrity enables you to feel everyone's pain in spades. Few people, including New Mexicans, probably realize the full extent of the damage to families and the land that was done by the American government in the name of national defense, and which continues even today. Lives were ruined, people died, some still are sick, the story seems never-ending. An important location in this stage of the family story is the town of Hot Springs, eventually renamed Truth or Consequences. This novel details the efforts of one family to make the best of that death and destruction, after investing generations into creating a way of life shot to hell, sometimes seemingly literally, in a few short years. The difficulty the men in the Kerney family have in bonding with women in long-term relationships parallels the instability of their lifestyle, perhaps even making the statement that it must end in order for the men -- and their children -- to find even a semblance of happiness. The first two books in the trilogy held hope, this final book sadly, does not. The good news is that we get to see what happens to the youngest member of the Kerney family in the Kevin Kerney crime mystery series starting in the 1990s. Yes, he did survive the Vietnam War, and McGarrity has spun many a riveting tale around his work solving crimes in New Mexico in the subsequent years, all of which bring back so much of the hope lost in this 500-page-plus tome that lovers of the Kevin Kerney novels won't want to miss. You will have so much more insight into our beloved detective as a result. "Tularosa" is the first in the Kevin Kerney mystery series, and it should be read immediately after finishing this third book in the trilogy, even if the reader already has read it. I had and I did, and the complexity the trilogy knowledge gives one when reading "Tularosa" the second time is well worth the time spent on a re-read. To learn what happened to Kerney's girlfriend he had in college before going to Vietnam, read "The Judas Judge" in the Kerney mystery series.
August 19, 2016
A good story well told. If you are a fan of McGarrity's Kevin Kearney crime novels, this final installment provides a good back story to Kevin Kearney, but it's not necessary to be familiar with the crime series. This book, and the other two (HARD COUNTRY and BACKLANDS) are much more than an entertaining story behind the Kearney crime series. As a historical fiction, the author succeeds in using the post-WWII period as a backdrop to a family saga, a generational story that grabs your emotions. The land is very much a character in this novel as it is in the previous two and in the Kearney crime novels. Through his characters, the author conveys the power of an emotional attachment to the land of the Southwest. In the process, the reader learns about what goes into the hard work of making a successful ranch work. As a family saga, the reader enjoys the characters' self discovery and the meaning of family and community.
February 19, 2018
two fourteen pee em the 19th of february 2018 monday afternoon...snowing...musta got about three inches overnight and that much more has fallen since this morning when i was out blowing snow. all is white. good read, just did make four stars...was, i dunno, three solid figured to be nice and go four just the kinda reviewer i am. monday.
or, monday, even.
what else? kindle, library loaner, first from mcgarrity...looks like he was in iowa city...saw some in an epilogue was it? epilogue? yeah, i think that was the sub-title title whatever. ranges over time almost three full generations of this family...up through the time nearing the end of the vietnam war. all the bells and whistles for one family between then and now, life, death, birth, love, danger, problems faced problems overcome more problems on the horizon. the last ranch. good read.
or, monday, even.
what else? kindle, library loaner, first from mcgarrity...looks like he was in iowa city...saw some in an epilogue was it? epilogue? yeah, i think that was the sub-title title whatever. ranges over time almost three full generations of this family...up through the time nearing the end of the vietnam war. all the bells and whistles for one family between then and now, life, death, birth, love, danger, problems faced problems overcome more problems on the horizon. the last ranch. good read.
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September 12, 2018The third book of multi-generational tale about a New Mexico ranching family. After returning home suffering from war wounds acquired in Sicily, Matthew Kerney must do battle with the US Army he served in as they try to take his ranch away for White Sands Missile Range. He must also deal with family issues.
May 9, 2016
Michael McGarrity's family saga of the American West ends with The Last Ranch, a novel that carries the Kerney family to near the end of the Vietnam War and to the adulthood of Kevin Kerney whose family history was the focus of Hard Country, Backlands, and The Last Ranch. Kevin Kerney is the main character in a series of mysteries and this trilogy was written to ground him and his family in the history of New Mexico. Screen Shot 2016-05-09 at 10.38.57 AM
This final novel begins near the end of World War II when Matthew Kerney comes home wounded from the war. There is a rapprochement with his father as they settle into ranching and he finds a way to move forward after losing his eye in Italy.
Much of the novel is spent on the hardships, ups and downs and struggles of ranching and the family's long conflict with the U.S. Army which was determined to annex their 7 Bar K ranch to what was to become the White Sands Missile Range. Some might be tempted to seek comparisons between the Kerney's and their neighbors' struggle with the Army and the current Buddy family standoffs with the Bureau of Land Management. They may even be thinking McGarrity is making an argument on behalf of the Bundys.
They would be wrong. The Kerneys and Mr. Prather (a neighbor who successfully fought annexation) owned their land and were fighting eminent domain. The Bundys grazed their cattle on public lands without paying for it. The Kerneys pioneered soil conservation methods to avoid overgrazing. The Bundys overgrazed land, destroying and degrading public lands with reckless disregard for basic conservation ethics. Their ranching ethos and methods are diametric opposites and I imagine the Kerneys, if they were real people, would feel contempt for the Bundys.
But that is not the focus on this novel. Instead, the story is about how the land shapes the people who live there, people who must have a certain kind of grit and steadiness. New Mexico is not gentle pastoral land. It is hard, extreme, and unforgiving. It takes people who can hunker down and endure, who can adapt and evolve, people like the Kerneys. The land shapes their character and they bond with the land, as tied to it as to each other.
The Last Ranch is dense with the quotidian details of life. With finals and honor rolls, burgers and fries, gardening, cooking, fencing, and just living life–not always with high drama, often just the simple living of it. Much of Kevin's story is just growing up, fighting bullies, getting his heart broken by feckless girl friends and simply becoming a man. Describing it, it sounds boring, but it is not. It is moving and powerful because you care about these people, you know them now. They are like neighbors whose struggles and victories you have celebrated your whole life. You've invested generations into this family, you want them to be good people with good lives.
I enjoyed The Last Ranch very much. The entire series was a joy to read. While the first two are much "easier" to like because they are more outside my own lifetime and experience, The Last Ranch earns so much respect for its honesty and the courage to write a big story of small things.
I received an e-galley of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley.
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March 17, 2018
Wonderful last book to the Kerney family series.
And a great first book to the Kevin Kerney series.
As always George Guidall hit a homer with this one. His voice is perfect for Westerns both from previous years and modern times. I this series he has a chance to perform both periods.
Poor Kevin has a problem keeping a girl. That is the challenge those of us guys who are attracted to willful, independant and self thinking girls. They are extremely interesting but one has to allow them some freedom or lose them for sure. We will see if, in later novels, he can find one to keep.
Well done Mr McGarrity!
And a great first book to the Kevin Kerney series.
As always George Guidall hit a homer with this one. His voice is perfect for Westerns both from previous years and modern times. I this series he has a chance to perform both periods.
Poor Kevin has a problem keeping a girl. That is the challenge those of us guys who are attracted to willful, independant and self thinking girls. They are extremely interesting but one has to allow them some freedom or lose them for sure. We will see if, in later novels, he can find one to keep.
Well done Mr McGarrity!
September 27, 2017
This book wasn't nearly as satisfying of a read as the other two books in the trilogy. The book seems more like a prequel to the Keven Kerney crime novels (of which I haven't read any). The author lacks the ability to portray emotional parts of the book. The selling of ranch comes off as a part of life and not a big deal. To me the ranch was just as much of the story as the characters. The selling of the ranch was a huge let down but I was more upset then the characters. All in all it's worth the read to finish the trilogy but the first book Hard Country is by the far the best out of the 3.
December 3, 2017
This series has been so enjoyable to read. The people are so real and earthy that I couldn't wait to keep reading about them. I love stories about the land, nature, and animals and people living along with them. This book has it all plus a series of low key events that keeps it going.
February 20, 2018
Highly recommend
This is one of those series that you hate to have end. I took a while getting into the first book of the series, but once it took hold I was hooked. Good characters, good pace, and most of all a good read.
This is one of those series that you hate to have end. I took a while getting into the first book of the series, but once it took hold I was hooked. Good characters, good pace, and most of all a good read.
January 22, 2018
Excellent conclusion to the "Kerney Family" saga. McGarrity's story telling is deep with vivid images to keep you in the story. I am looking forward to reading his Keven Kerney stories.
February 2, 2018
Good authentic read.
Very engaging and informative salt of the earth folks. Very interesting about NMSU, and south central New Mexico. Kept me awake too late every night.
Very engaging and informative salt of the earth folks. Very interesting about NMSU, and south central New Mexico. Kept me awake too late every night.
April 24, 2018
I've spent a summer reading all McGarrity's books. Saw him at the Tucson Festival of Books and I couldn't stop reading until they were all done.... All 18.
February 2, 2025
This book continues the saga of the Kearney family, ranchers in New Mexico, where the 2nd book left off: through primarily the third generation (Matt) and the younger years of the fourth generation (Kevin). Once again, the difficulties of ranching are highlighted and historical events are noted - wars in particular.
The entire series is well worth reading. However, in the first two books I was impressed by the author's obvious research; this third book seems based mostly on his own first-hand experiences. The writing is still very good, with intriguing characters and storylines.
However, I found the ending to this last book in the trilogy to be very dissatisfying. (Quite a surprise, because I did not feel that way reading the first two books even though I knew they weren't the end of the story). I don't want to give a spoiler, so I'll just say that I felt the book ended awkwardly and abruptly as if the author just ran out of steam or maybe had to finish writing to meet a deadline. I assume the story is continued in the author's Kevin Kearney mystery/thriller series. But a great ending with this third book would have made it another 5-star read for me.
The entire series is well worth reading. However, in the first two books I was impressed by the author's obvious research; this third book seems based mostly on his own first-hand experiences. The writing is still very good, with intriguing characters and storylines.
However, I found the ending to this last book in the trilogy to be very dissatisfying. (Quite a surprise, because I did not feel that way reading the first two books even though I knew they weren't the end of the story). I don't want to give a spoiler, so I'll just say that I felt the book ended awkwardly and abruptly as if the author just ran out of steam or maybe had to finish writing to meet a deadline. I assume the story is continued in the author's Kevin Kearney mystery/thriller series. But a great ending with this third book would have made it another 5-star read for me.
July 24, 2025
This is the third book in McGarrity’s American West trilogy, and it didn’t disappoint. This installment takes place through the end of the Vietnam war, and in multigenerational form, focuses on the 2nd and 3rd generation of the Kerney’s. It was helpful to read them close together as some of the character traits of a few ancillary characters remained fresh.
The author’s strong sense of setting and place was as much a part of the story as character and plot. Reminiscent of C.J. Box, one of my favorites, this contributed nicely to the reading experience.
Interestingly, this historical western series was written after the author penned his 12th Kevin Kerney novel, and this series expands upon Kevin’s family backstory. In hindsight, having read this trilogy first may have been backwards, we’ll find out, but it was so good I still plan to read the full Kevin Kerney series (14) in chronological order, along with his two more recent standalone novels.
The author’s strong sense of setting and place was as much a part of the story as character and plot. Reminiscent of C.J. Box, one of my favorites, this contributed nicely to the reading experience.
Interestingly, this historical western series was written after the author penned his 12th Kevin Kerney novel, and this series expands upon Kevin’s family backstory. In hindsight, having read this trilogy first may have been backwards, we’ll find out, but it was so good I still plan to read the full Kevin Kerney series (14) in chronological order, along with his two more recent standalone novels.
December 11, 2018
While this is probably the weakest of the three books in the trilogy, it was still an amazing read. I guess, for me, I love the Old West stuff the most. The Last Ranch takes the Kerney family from the WWII through Korea and finally ends with Matt and Mary's son, Kevin, in Viet Nam. The US Army finally gets its way, forcing the Kerney clan off their beloved 7-Bar-K ranch, ending the legacy started by Cal Doran and John Kerney back in the 1800s.
This was an amazing series about the hardscrabble life of Western pioneers trying to make a living in the beautiful but unforgiven wilderness of southern New Mexico. Rife with historical details and descriptions of a rugged lifestyle, anyone who ever enjoyed a John Wayne flick or the mini-series (and book) Lonesome Dove will enjoy this tale of the Kerney clan.
Now I'm off to read Kevin Kerney's adventures, starting with Tularosa. Wish me luck.
This was an amazing series about the hardscrabble life of Western pioneers trying to make a living in the beautiful but unforgiven wilderness of southern New Mexico. Rife with historical details and descriptions of a rugged lifestyle, anyone who ever enjoyed a John Wayne flick or the mini-series (and book) Lonesome Dove will enjoy this tale of the Kerney clan.
Now I'm off to read Kevin Kerney's adventures, starting with Tularosa. Wish me luck.
November 9, 2020
I was excited to finally read this final book of the Kerney family saga. As in the previous volumes I found the tales of southwest ranching family loves and hardships believable and totally engaging. The books are wonderful in giving the reader a feel for the old west and the slow march toward modernity. They call it progress but these books wonderfully portray the character of the land and people that has faded into memory. As Americans we feel pride of those who lived in harmony with these wild places. I couldn t help but think of the wonderful image of a young Sandra Day O Conner on a pony on her family s southwestern ranch.
Thinking of other western sagas and series - Ivan Doig Wallace Stegner and others this trilogy ranks with the best.
Thinking of other western sagas and series - Ivan Doig Wallace Stegner and others this trilogy ranks with the best.
October 9, 2018
Gosh I love these books!! I enjoyed Backlands so much that I just went right in to The Last Ranch. Now I want to re-read the Kevin Kerney novels and find all the new hidden gems I missed the first time.
This book begins almost immediately after Backlands ends. It focusses more on Kevin as he grows up, goes off to college and then Vietnam. His rodeoing and ROTC training are big parts of his life, and both help to get him girlfriends, and then lose them.
If you haven't read this trilogy (Hard Country, Backlands, The Last Ranch), you should!! And read them in order - they build on each other and add to the previous stories.
This book begins almost immediately after Backlands ends. It focusses more on Kevin as he grows up, goes off to college and then Vietnam. His rodeoing and ROTC training are big parts of his life, and both help to get him girlfriends, and then lose them.
If you haven't read this trilogy (Hard Country, Backlands, The Last Ranch), you should!! And read them in order - they build on each other and add to the previous stories.
April 25, 2020
This book of the Kerney Family Trilogy, I found to be the weakest or lest captivating. The story plot begins with the pass from the last old west generation to the emerging modern generation. I am not sure if entering the modern age, the taming of the west, a more civilized society, or what, but the excitement, challenges, and what made the other two preceding novels, just didn't exist in this book.
Sure, the characters are well developed, but seemed to be presented with no more than what most everyone else pretty much faces in life, with a few exceptions.
Yes the book was enjoyable and provided for a pleasant and enjoyable read, but just didn't have the excitement and thrill.
Sure, the characters are well developed, but seemed to be presented with no more than what most everyone else pretty much faces in life, with a few exceptions.
Yes the book was enjoyable and provided for a pleasant and enjoyable read, but just didn't have the excitement and thrill.
May 11, 2020
Book 3 in the Kerney Family Trilogy. This book follows Kevin Kearny from boyhood thru college and the Vietnam War. In general I enjoyed this series and following the ranching family thru generations. However, they’re written in a very staccato, just the facts, kind of way that lacks feeling. I think maybe the author was trying to cram too much into 3 books and as a result had to be sparse with his words. Maybe spreading the story out over more books would have resulted in more depth and feeling to the characters. These books are the prequel to the authors’s Kevin Kearney detective series. I’m still debating whether to give them a try or not.
June 11, 2017
Finishing the final book of this trilogy left me underwhelmed. In all three books, character development was minimal There wasn't much to like about them, but there wasn't much to dislike, either. Several characters were a focus of the plot for a few chapters, then disappeared, never to be seen again. The trilogy was fairly entertaining reading, in an "I've got nothing much to do day" kind of way. But if want to read a spread out family saga, I'd go to James Michener, and if I want a sweeping saga set in the West, I'd pick Larry McMurtry. McGarrity's books were OK, but nothing more.
April 28, 2019
Very good conclusion to McGarrity's trilogy about life in New Mexico.
In this volume the underhanded way the government, via the army, confiscated ranch land forcing many cattle outfits out of business. Those that survived did so on much smaller scale. And, following the scenes of war played out in the first two novels, this one has Kevin Kerney in Vietnam as a platoon leader near the end of the U.S. involvement.
Even if one has not read the Kerney mystery series this is a good read, rich in fictionalized history of the Tularosa Basin area of New Mexico.
In this volume the underhanded way the government, via the army, confiscated ranch land forcing many cattle outfits out of business. Those that survived did so on much smaller scale. And, following the scenes of war played out in the first two novels, this one has Kevin Kerney in Vietnam as a platoon leader near the end of the U.S. involvement.
Even if one has not read the Kerney mystery series this is a good read, rich in fictionalized history of the Tularosa Basin area of New Mexico.
August 4, 2023
Technically, I didn't read these in order, having totally skipped #1. The best part of this one was seeing a dear friend's name in print as one of the people McGarrity discussed in the dedication. I skimmed this fairly quickly as I was most interested in seeing what happened to the characters from #2. New Mexico milieu is a strength of this series. Long ago, I'd read some of the Kevin Kearney series, not knowing he had a back story. I'll go back to that series and maybe read some more or certainly think about some of them differently knowing what I know now.
February 16, 2020
The last book in the Kerney Family trilogy. You must read the first two books first. I liked #1 best. #2 was ok. This book #3 seemed rushed, I felt like there wasn't as much detail or richness of writing and the ending seemed rushed. All in all, the trilogy was very good. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes sweeping family epics, the southwestern US, ranching pioneer stories, Americana, etc.
July 7, 2020
I'm a big fan of Michael McGarrity and this series of books. I had read all of the Kevin Kerney series and now have finished the trilogy of the Kerney family/New Mexico history. Very enjoyable and historically accurate. The ONLY parts I didn't enjoy (despite the author's efforts to be better than many at gender issues) are the trite characterizations of women. No need to go into detail about that but it was a distraction from the story for me. Good reads.
March 16, 2022
Outstanding Epic Trilogy! 👏👏
Quality writing and a strong storyline are the backbone of this powerful family saga. The many significant characters are vibrant and well developed. Time and place is consistently well described. The interesting and powerful story takes place across several generations with all the love, hate, joy and heartbreak of life. Truly an outstanding epic!!🌟🌟🌟
Quality writing and a strong storyline are the backbone of this powerful family saga. The many significant characters are vibrant and well developed. Time and place is consistently well described. The interesting and powerful story takes place across several generations with all the love, hate, joy and heartbreak of life. Truly an outstanding epic!!🌟🌟🌟
August 19, 2022
Quickly read halfway through this #3 while waiting for others from my library. Because I came in late, some of the conflicts had been resolved but that meant I didn't need to rush through 1 &2 and could enjoy them.
The series showed me a different side of the settlers of New Mexico vs the US government vs the "Indians". Not very complimentary side of the government OR the settlers I would say.
The series showed me a different side of the settlers of New Mexico vs the US government vs the "Indians". Not very complimentary side of the government OR the settlers I would say.
January 9, 2018
#3 in the series. I listened to all of them in one month. There is lots of loose ends that didn't get tied up , I felt. People who had played a major role just left and one never knew what happened to them. Guess that is like real life, sometimes. I almost hope that there is a book 4 as this one goes just through the VietnamWar.
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