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Gabe McKenna #1
Red Gold
“If you’re going through hell, keep going…”Shaken by the death of his beloved wife and wrestling with powerful personal demons, Professor Gabriel McKenna leaves New York City for New Mexico to claim an inheritance from mysterious distant relatives. He finds something other than a Land of Enchantment.Unseen enemies threaten his life. Old friends turn up and rally to his side. Together they plunge into a lethal struggle for a 19th Century treasure, the fabled Lost Adams gold. McKenna enters a world of violence, passion, sexual abuse, deceit, and death that cause him to question his core beliefs and values, and even his sense of self. Desperate to find a way home, McKenna must first unearth the secret of an old family manuscript and risk his life against overpowering odds. He must rekindle his long-dead fighting spirit and discover new reasons to live and love.
246 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
January 26, 2019
I received this as a free e-book, so I feel I can't complain too much. I would only read another book in this series to see if the writing improves. So, yeah - I probably won't be reading another book in the series.
The protagonists were ridiculously easy to identify. The main character was ridiculously reckless and, frankly, stupid. In spite of multiple admonitions not to trust anyone, he gladly tells his story to just about everyone he meets and brings them into his inner circle. And mind you, with the exception of C.J. (who he hasn't seen in many years), he just met all of these people on his arrival in New Mexico. I went with biggest idiot on the planet because the other choice was trusting fool.
There's almost no character development, and the path of the story is too easy to spot for this to be a really good book. Nevertheless, I read the entire thing and didn't feel like it was too much of a slog, even if I was mentally berating myself the entire time because I knew how it would end.
The protagonists were ridiculously easy to identify. The main character was ridiculously reckless and, frankly, stupid. In spite of multiple admonitions not to trust anyone, he gladly tells his story to just about everyone he meets and brings them into his inner circle. And mind you, with the exception of C.J. (who he hasn't seen in many years), he just met all of these people on his arrival in New Mexico. I went with biggest idiot on the planet because the other choice was trusting fool.
There's almost no character development, and the path of the story is too easy to spot for this to be a really good book. Nevertheless, I read the entire thing and didn't feel like it was too much of a slog, even if I was mentally berating myself the entire time because I knew how it would end.
March 6, 2022
When Professor Gabe McKenna inherits his aunt's property in New Mexico, he figures it'll be a quick trip from New York to dispose of whatever trinkets there are and he'll be done with it. Having lost his wife to cancer about a year previously, he'd rather hide out in a bottle than do anything else.
However, the inheritance is sizable ... and he's being pressured to sell it off far more than he'd expect. Pretty soon, the threats begin ... and Gabe wants to get to the bottom of "why." Armed with a journal by his great-grandfather, and with help from his long-time friend CJ, Gabe starts investigating on his own.
Very few people in this book are quite what they seem. That's part of what makes it so interesting; no one is a cardboard cut-out character. The book is part fair play puzzle (the clues really are laid out for the reader) and part thriller as we all hope Gabe and the other "good guys" can stop the "bad guys" before they wreak any more havoc.
Highly recommended.
However, the inheritance is sizable ... and he's being pressured to sell it off far more than he'd expect. Pretty soon, the threats begin ... and Gabe wants to get to the bottom of "why." Armed with a journal by his great-grandfather, and with help from his long-time friend CJ, Gabe starts investigating on his own.
Very few people in this book are quite what they seem. That's part of what makes it so interesting; no one is a cardboard cut-out character. The book is part fair play puzzle (the clues really are laid out for the reader) and part thriller as we all hope Gabe and the other "good guys" can stop the "bad guys" before they wreak any more havoc.
Highly recommended.
June 19, 2016
Gabriel McKenna is grieving the loss of his wife and marinating in a sea of liquid gold, but nothing can prepare him for the surprise that awaits him in New Mexico. It’s easy to appreciate the history, the setting and the characters, especially for Albuquerque residents. As we follow Gabriel through a helter-skelter of incidents, a threatening white envelope on the windshield of his car and a Pueblo Revival style house he can now call his own, there is always that inescapable feeling of tension that kept me riveted.
Kidera’s writing is first rate and keeps at a consistent pace. From the development of Gabriel’s character and to his dry sense of humor, I enjoyed everything about him. He’s human, likeable, and will resonate with a multitude of readers. If you like a book that will keep you turning the pages and makes you shiver with anticipation, then this is just the ticket.
Kidera’s writing is first rate and keeps at a consistent pace. From the development of Gabriel’s character and to his dry sense of humor, I enjoyed everything about him. He’s human, likeable, and will resonate with a multitude of readers. If you like a book that will keep you turning the pages and makes you shiver with anticipation, then this is just the ticket.
October 23, 2018
The first in this series brings Gabe McKenna to Albuquerque from New York after his aunt’s death to learn that, as her only living relative, he inherited her house in Albuquerque and a property in Catron county. But it’s a book by his great grandfather called Red Gold, about the Lost Adams gold. His search for both the property and the gold is fraught with death and intrigue. Luckily he finds old and new friends to help in his search. I enjoyed this, partly because I know the places Gabe visits. I’ll definitely read more in the series.
January 7, 2017
Meh
It's hard to provide a review of this book without spoilers. The setting and descriptions of the landscape and culture were interesting. The main character was ridiculously reckless and put others in danger to meet his own ends. The relationships were poorly developed and unrealistic. Still, although I rolled my eyes a lot, I read the whole thing and it got me thru some boring wait times.
It's hard to provide a review of this book without spoilers. The setting and descriptions of the landscape and culture were interesting. The main character was ridiculously reckless and put others in danger to meet his own ends. The relationships were poorly developed and unrealistic. Still, although I rolled my eyes a lot, I read the whole thing and it got me thru some boring wait times.
May 31, 2018
Gabe McKenna is a throwback to the noir detectives--hard drinking, prone to getting into jams, gun-toting hard-boiled guy who acts like he has nothing to lose. He is a widowed retired history professor who comes into a sizeable inheritance in Albuquerque and lands in the middle of a dispute over a lost treasure. Very entertaining. Carefully crafted story.
July 21, 2021
I got this for free and got what I paid for it. This won a Tony Hillerman award? How? To be fair it didn't start out badly but it went down hill especially at the end. Gabe McKenna is a history professor in NYC who is on a long sabbatical after the death of his wife (which is not how sabbaticals work btw) and has just lost his aunt Nellie whom he hasn't been in touch with for years but has left him everything, her home in Albuquerque and all the land. He flies out to wrap things up with every intention of going home but after an attempt on his life he does his second impulsive, stupid thing (one of many) he decides to stay.
No, not to stay to see what is going on and why some lawyer is hot to have him sell out the land (as if the title didn't give away the why) no he decides to quit his job and move out here, depending on friends back home to pack up his crap. This is the level of his decision making through the whole novel, one ill thought out move after another (and at 54 you don't have enough to retire and you don't quit a tenured teaching job with nothing lined up, take this from a 54 year old professor! At this point he has no idea his aunt's property is worth enough for him to retire on)
He is reunited with a boxer he knew from his own fighting days CJ Jester who now owns a BBQ joint and with a former student when he was doing work in Pre Columbian history. He also teams up with the lady cop next door.
So I mentioned his second impulsive stupid act, so what was his first, finding someone connected to his aunt dead and only reports it anonymously which comes back to bite him in the ass. He ends up hospitalized several times in his search for the titular gold. And the real problem is he tells everyone, people he's just met or hasn't spoken to in decades all about it even though he knows someone is after him and the gold. This is just dumb.
But let me put spoilers on the ending which really should have taken this review to two stars but I felt generous. In fact I wouldn't have finished if I wasn't reading this in a doctor's office and couldn't get the wifi hooked up to download something else and it fit a prompt for a reading challenge I'm doing.
At one point he is supposed to be 'dead' a plan he's worked out with the detective investigating the case. He instead goes out for coffee, for dinner and goes to a few other public places and he TELLS everyone he's supposed to be dead. Um...what the hell? And he does some other hinky manly man stuff that is eye rolling and nearly gets him killed. What is harder to swallow, the final ending nearly costs a friend his life because of how stupid McKenna handles everything.
What I know is I won't be moving on with the series.
No, not to stay to see what is going on and why some lawyer is hot to have him sell out the land (as if the title didn't give away the why) no he decides to quit his job and move out here, depending on friends back home to pack up his crap. This is the level of his decision making through the whole novel, one ill thought out move after another (and at 54 you don't have enough to retire and you don't quit a tenured teaching job with nothing lined up, take this from a 54 year old professor! At this point he has no idea his aunt's property is worth enough for him to retire on)
He is reunited with a boxer he knew from his own fighting days CJ Jester who now owns a BBQ joint and with a former student when he was doing work in Pre Columbian history. He also teams up with the lady cop next door.
So I mentioned his second impulsive stupid act, so what was his first, finding someone connected to his aunt dead and only reports it anonymously which comes back to bite him in the ass. He ends up hospitalized several times in his search for the titular gold. And the real problem is he tells everyone, people he's just met or hasn't spoken to in decades all about it even though he knows someone is after him and the gold. This is just dumb.
But let me put spoilers on the ending which really should have taken this review to two stars but I felt generous. In fact I wouldn't have finished if I wasn't reading this in a doctor's office and couldn't get the wifi hooked up to download something else and it fit a prompt for a reading challenge I'm doing.
At one point he is supposed to be 'dead' a plan he's worked out with the detective investigating the case. He instead goes out for coffee, for dinner and goes to a few other public places and he TELLS everyone he's supposed to be dead. Um...what the hell? And he does some other hinky manly man stuff that is eye rolling and nearly gets him killed. What is harder to swallow, the final ending nearly costs a friend his life because of how stupid McKenna handles everything.
What I know is I won't be moving on with the series.
October 28, 2024
Engaging read. Kept wishing the protagonist would start thinking more before spilling his story to everyone and rushing to act, but the story was entertaining and I read straight through.
January 20, 2019
This was a pretty good story. I’ll check out what the next book holds in store for Gabe.
February 19, 2019
An exciting rollercoaster ride with a romantic tint!
This book is a well written mystery that is action-packed and full of twists and turns. It's an interesting mix of old school mystery/detective novels with modern touches. The main character is a flawed man who is dealing with grief in the wrong way, but he gets on the right track by the end of the story!
You have to like history and it helps to have a little knowledge about the old West and gold prospecting. I enjoyed it so much that it was impossible to put down at times! A great must read for mystery and/or detective novel lovers!
This book is a well written mystery that is action-packed and full of twists and turns. It's an interesting mix of old school mystery/detective novels with modern touches. The main character is a flawed man who is dealing with grief in the wrong way, but he gets on the right track by the end of the story!
You have to like history and it helps to have a little knowledge about the old West and gold prospecting. I enjoyed it so much that it was impossible to put down at times! A great must read for mystery and/or detective novel lovers!
February 20, 2019
Keeping you in suspense!
An excellent read with several unforeseen twists - at one point I couldn't figure out who the main character could trust! The characters are realistic, the main character flawed yet human, the writing is pithy and yet eloquent. Definitely recommended and I am about the download the next in the series!
An excellent read with several unforeseen twists - at one point I couldn't figure out who the main character could trust! The characters are realistic, the main character flawed yet human, the writing is pithy and yet eloquent. Definitely recommended and I am about the download the next in the series!
January 17, 2019
Liked character development of Gabe McKenna. Represents a protagonist with diverse background and one who sometimes makes the wrong decision. Having spent some time in New Mexico, I enjoyed the depiction of the area and the reference to specific points in the state. Looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.
January 17, 2019
Great story
As others have commented, it's a page turner. Finished it in two sittings. Kidera brought all of his characters to life and kept them moving. Will probably be reading more of his work.
As others have commented, it's a page turner. Finished it in two sittings. Kidera brought all of his characters to life and kept them moving. Will probably be reading more of his work.
January 16, 2019
Great series beginning
Any New Mexican will love it, the locations will be familiar to most. Well written, fun read, great characters. Seemed like the characters could have been developed deeper.
Any New Mexican will love it, the locations will be familiar to most. Well written, fun read, great characters. Seemed like the characters could have been developed deeper.
January 15, 2019
Congratulatios on your first book
I picked this book because it seemed to be in line with my current reading grnte...treasure hunting. I was certainly not disappointed. Now I eagerly await the next novel roof the series. Just loved the flawed Gabe!!
I picked this book because it seemed to be in line with my current reading grnte...treasure hunting. I was certainly not disappointed. Now I eagerly await the next novel roof the series. Just loved the flawed Gabe!!
February 8, 2017
I enjoyed this book, it wasn't bad. I found it held a good pace with good characters that produced a plot. If you're looking for something quick and easy to read and to get through than this is for you!
October 16, 2016
A likable novel
One that at times stretched the imagination and twice became unbelievable. All In all though a very enjoyable and entertaining reading.
One that at times stretched the imagination and twice became unbelievable. All In all though a very enjoyable and entertaining reading.
May 30, 2019
What I found refreshing about this book was that the author has a crystal clear vision of both story and characters, which removes the irritation of inconsistency. I’ve read three books in a row now that were all over the place in terms of story and characters, which makes it a significantly less fun to read.
That said, you will need a pretty massive dose of suspension of disbelief here – annoying decisions and the pretty silly gold hunting trope muddy what should be a very positive experience. The redemption for these is that the protagonist sometimes does include the police in the various attempts on his life and investigation etc, which makes the times that he doesn’t more palatable. I must be careful not to exaggerate this – there are hints of cliché tropes here but it’s never that bad and the writing is good enough to water those down. Another element is that people are being murdered over a rumour that there is possibly gold hidden somewhere. I know that in real life it’s actually happened where people went ‘gold crazy’ and people were murdered, but I found the motivation for the murders a bit ridiculous. By the end, the bad guy is basically acting like a super villain – it was extremely difficult to take him seriously.
The treasure hunt itself is less prominent than I expected and honestly, it’s not that interesting. While the more ‘recent’ parts of the treasure hunt are more fleshed out, the actual original gold source is only very vaguely mentioned and it felt more like an excuse than a solid part of the story. I wanted to know more about that and ended up having to Google it instead.
I’d say this is a very good book - it’s reduced from being excellent by the occasional stupid decision and the bit over the top gold hunting element of the story, which are just annoying enough to sour the experience a bit. I will continue reading the series without hesitation because of the quality of the writing and characters, but it did annoy me occasionally.
That said, you will need a pretty massive dose of suspension of disbelief here – annoying decisions and the pretty silly gold hunting trope muddy what should be a very positive experience. The redemption for these is that the protagonist sometimes does include the police in the various attempts on his life and investigation etc, which makes the times that he doesn’t more palatable. I must be careful not to exaggerate this – there are hints of cliché tropes here but it’s never that bad and the writing is good enough to water those down. Another element is that people are being murdered over a rumour that there is possibly gold hidden somewhere. I know that in real life it’s actually happened where people went ‘gold crazy’ and people were murdered, but I found the motivation for the murders a bit ridiculous. By the end, the bad guy is basically acting like a super villain – it was extremely difficult to take him seriously.
The treasure hunt itself is less prominent than I expected and honestly, it’s not that interesting. While the more ‘recent’ parts of the treasure hunt are more fleshed out, the actual original gold source is only very vaguely mentioned and it felt more like an excuse than a solid part of the story. I wanted to know more about that and ended up having to Google it instead.
I’d say this is a very good book - it’s reduced from being excellent by the occasional stupid decision and the bit over the top gold hunting element of the story, which are just annoying enough to sour the experience a bit. I will continue reading the series without hesitation because of the quality of the writing and characters, but it did annoy me occasionally.
August 10, 2024
The best part of this first Gabe McKenna mystery is the pursuit of the Lost Adams gold. The author's description of being out on the trail in a remote area brought back memories of many pleasurable hours my husband and I spent doing the same thing in our Jeep. I also liked following along as McKenna did his research and began putting all the clues together. (I can't resist old maps and manuscripts.)
But I also had problems with Red Gold. I have very few hot buttons in my reading, but alcoholism is one of them. When McKenna's wife died, he fell face-first into a bottle, and I tired of his constant reaching for one. An example? "I felt overwhelmed. So I walked into a bar at the end of the block." He knows people are trying to kill him, but he makes sure he has a flask of booze at hand when he's heading out to a dangerous situation. I know we're supposed to feel compassion for this man, but I just rolled my eyes. However, when things really began heating up, he started forgetting to reach for the bottle, so there was hope.
It also felt as though the author was trying to make his main character all things to all people. He's an alcoholic. He's a college professor and published author. He won the 1977 Golden Gloves in boxing. He was an Army Ranger in Grenada. He has a Ph.D in Pre-Columbian history. And he's the lucky recipient of a sizable inheritance. I only wish that Golden Gloves of his had been more useful because Gabe spent entirely too much time getting the stuffing knocked out of him (which is something of a hot button, too.)
Although I did enjoy the search for treasure, Gabe McKenna just didn't do a thing for me. Your mileage may vary, and I hope that it does.
But I also had problems with Red Gold. I have very few hot buttons in my reading, but alcoholism is one of them. When McKenna's wife died, he fell face-first into a bottle, and I tired of his constant reaching for one. An example? "I felt overwhelmed. So I walked into a bar at the end of the block." He knows people are trying to kill him, but he makes sure he has a flask of booze at hand when he's heading out to a dangerous situation. I know we're supposed to feel compassion for this man, but I just rolled my eyes. However, when things really began heating up, he started forgetting to reach for the bottle, so there was hope.
It also felt as though the author was trying to make his main character all things to all people. He's an alcoholic. He's a college professor and published author. He won the 1977 Golden Gloves in boxing. He was an Army Ranger in Grenada. He has a Ph.D in Pre-Columbian history. And he's the lucky recipient of a sizable inheritance. I only wish that Golden Gloves of his had been more useful because Gabe spent entirely too much time getting the stuffing knocked out of him (which is something of a hot button, too.)
Although I did enjoy the search for treasure, Gabe McKenna just didn't do a thing for me. Your mileage may vary, and I hope that it does.
June 23, 2024
I picked this up as a free download a while ago. I decided to read it because I'm focusing on books publish in 2014 as part of the Bookgirls ICYMI challenge. It wasn't one of their highlighted books but I figured I would use it as a way to get through my TBR list.
Recently widowed Gabe returns to Alb NM to settle the estate of his aunt. He immediately gets threatening notes, attempts on his life and a mysterious message from a family friend that he finds dead. He ends up in the hospital at least 4 x in a matter of weeks. He runs into a few old friends makes a few others some of which were obvious false. * more dead to find the mysterious Red gold...
Engaging read, with interactions with history both whiteman and native
Recently widowed Gabe returns to Alb NM to settle the estate of his aunt. He immediately gets threatening notes, attempts on his life and a mysterious message from a family friend that he finds dead. He ends up in the hospital at least 4 x in a matter of weeks. He runs into a few old friends makes a few others some of which were obvious false. * more dead to find the mysterious Red gold...
Engaging read, with interactions with history both whiteman and native
January 26, 2019
The first in this series. It's main character, Gabe McKenna is a history professor who lives in New York. He coupes with the grief of his wife's death by living on a diet of alcohol. That is, until he learns of his aunts death in Albuquerque. A place he know well as he used to live there. He his the only living relative and who has inherited her house in Albuquerque and a property in Catron county. Once he arrives there things don't feel right to him and things start to go wrong until he find out about a book by his great grandfather called Red Gold, about the Lost Adams gold. His search for both the property and the gold becomes his mission to unearth the truth. He finds his old boxing partner by chance who helps him, when needed. He makes new friends who also help him but turn out to have their own secrets.
May 21, 2019
I'm a Tony Hillerman fan, so I look forward to reading the Tony Hillerman Prize books when they come out. They are for the best first mystery set in the southwest. A father of one of my former first grade students was the winner a few years ago, and that's how I learned about the award. I also live in the southwest, so many of the places I read about are familiar to me--some of them practically in my own backyard!
This book says it's "A Gabe McKenna Mystery Book 1). I'm assuming that means there will be more. I hope so! Well done.
This book says it's "A Gabe McKenna Mystery Book 1). I'm assuming that means there will be more. I hope so! Well done.
January 15, 2019
Outstanding writing!
Not one to be ebullient in a book review, I must give Mr. Kidera his due... this was a superb work and one that I read in a day (very unusual for me). Treat yourself to a great book, but only start it when you have time to read it all. I am now a Kidera fan and will purchase the next Gabe McKenna book in the series, but will not start it until my next day off. He sets high expectations for his readers! Great work Mr. Kidera.
Not one to be ebullient in a book review, I must give Mr. Kidera his due... this was a superb work and one that I read in a day (very unusual for me). Treat yourself to a great book, but only start it when you have time to read it all. I am now a Kidera fan and will purchase the next Gabe McKenna book in the series, but will not start it until my next day off. He sets high expectations for his readers! Great work Mr. Kidera.
July 10, 2025
Okay, maybe two and a half stars, but that extra half star goes to Richard Poe, the audiobook reader—which was, truth be told, the reason I plucked it out of Audible to begin with.
Not bad, per se… but corny throughout and with an insufferably indulgent denouement that made me want to scream by the time it was finally over.
I won't be listening to the next two books in the series, despite Richard Poe's involvement.
Not bad, per se… but corny throughout and with an insufferably indulgent denouement that made me want to scream by the time it was finally over.
I won't be listening to the next two books in the series, despite Richard Poe's involvement.
June 5, 2018
I read this free book on my Kindle. I was pleasantly surprised at the beginning and interested in the story. Was pretty predictable as it went along though, and not super satisfying. The love story was not believable and almost an afterthought. There are more books in the series but I’m not interested enough to read.
January 17, 2019
A readers delight.
Unlike any book I have read before, the plot keeps moving the reader filled with anticipation and suspense. It isn’t filled with bad language nor sex. It keeps ones interest right to the end. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who likes a story, it was never boring or repetitive.
Unlike any book I have read before, the plot keeps moving the reader filled with anticipation and suspense. It isn’t filled with bad language nor sex. It keeps ones interest right to the end. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who likes a story, it was never boring or repetitive.
March 1, 2019
"An Amazing, Captivating, Excellently Written Novel"
This is the author's debut novel and one which I really enjoyed. It's a spellbinding novel of intrigue with wonderful characters, mystery, action, and also some love. I'm glad to have the opportunity to read this nail-biting novel. Well done, new Author!
This is the author's debut novel and one which I really enjoyed. It's a spellbinding novel of intrigue with wonderful characters, mystery, action, and also some love. I'm glad to have the opportunity to read this nail-biting novel. Well done, new Author!
April 4, 2019
Gripping novel
From the first sentence to the last, this debut novel kept me transfixed. I couldn’t put it down, luckily I had 2 days off, one to drive and the next to finish it. It is rare for me to devote so much time to 1 work. I usually read 3 thrillers, rotating the reading of each. Not with “Red Gold”. Can’t wait to read more of his works.
From the first sentence to the last, this debut novel kept me transfixed. I couldn’t put it down, luckily I had 2 days off, one to drive and the next to finish it. It is rare for me to devote so much time to 1 work. I usually read 3 thrillers, rotating the reading of each. Not with “Red Gold”. Can’t wait to read more of his works.
April 25, 2019
Great
One of the best books I've read a long time, and I read a lot. Can't say why but I just felt good reading this book. Not to say all scenarios were fun. There were plenty of bits of humor between the lines. Maybe because I am familiar with the area. I will read more from this author.
One of the best books I've read a long time, and I read a lot. Can't say why but I just felt good reading this book. Not to say all scenarios were fun. There were plenty of bits of humor between the lines. Maybe because I am familiar with the area. I will read more from this author.
October 28, 2021
Very interesting
This is a very good book by a first time writer. It is interesting and keeps you reading and wanting more. The characters are well developed and show growth. The stress Gabe goes through seems almost to much for one person. This book will keep your interest working to figure out what happens next. Read and enjoy.
This is a very good book by a first time writer. It is interesting and keeps you reading and wanting more. The characters are well developed and show growth. The stress Gabe goes through seems almost to much for one person. This book will keep your interest working to figure out what happens next. Read and enjoy.
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