Black Friday

MC McCall #1

by Judy M. Kerr

"Judy Kerr may be the new mystery kid on the block, but Black Friday is a crime novel you won't want to miss. This engaging debut will not only have you guessing as you move deeper into the story, but perfectly sets up the next in the series. Highly recommended!"
MWA Grandmaster Ellen Hart, author of the Jane Lawless series US Postal Inspector MC McCall has it all: a loving and supportive life partner, a nice home in St. Paul, and the job of her dreams. When she is assigned to a newsworthy joint task force headed by the FBI, she's excited to investigate a Ponzi scheme. MC is dedicated, smart, tenacious, and all seems to be going well for her until their critically important whistleblower goes missing, and MC and her work partner are unable to locate him. Two deaths follow and MC's professional world starts to tilt. When her personal life implodes, things topple altogether. Suddenly MC is drowning in the depths of darkness. Will she be able to keep her head above water in both her personal life and at work? Or will she be destroyed by corruption and dark deeds surrounding her? "A gripping debut novel, expertly crafted and impossible to put down. I loved, loved, loved this book!"
Pat Dennis, author of the Betty Chance mystery series "A story that will amuse you, touch your heart, and make you want to share a cup of coffee with cheeky Postal Inspector MC McCall, a woman committed to hunting down Truth, even through her own personal heartache. Dry humor and a strong sense of place add special sauce to this spirited adventure."
Michael Allan Mallory, co-author of the Snake Jones mysteries

Genres: Mystery

248 pages, paperback

Published June 27, 2019

About the author

Judy M. Kerr has published short stories in three anthologies. She resides with her extended family in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Judy retired from the US Postal Service in 2017 after more than thirty-eight years of federal service. Black Friday is her first crime fiction novel.

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars. What a read! Talk about having some mixed feelings. On one hand I thought this books was great, on the other I’m completely mad at the author. This book does not end on a cliffhanger but talk about a gigantic thread left open. I hope I’m not supposed to wait too long for the sequel but either way Kerr I’m still mad at you.

Like the book I just read In Harm's Way, this was another new mystery from Launch Point Press and again a debut book. I did feel the writing was a little bumpy in the beginning. The dialogue especially just seemed a little off or forced might be a better world. Luckily, Kerr really found her groove and the writing smoothed out nicely. This was a good debut book and Kerr is absolutely on my radar even though she’s also on the naughty list.

As I mentioned before this is a mystery book but it is also a procedural crime book. Instead of the usually alphabet agencies we see in many books, the main character MC is a postal inspector. That means carrying a gun and often investigating cases that overlap with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. While I sometimes questioned if she was overstepping what her job was, I did like the chance of pace. I have never read anything about postal inspectors before so that fact that was new I really appreciated it.

While there is plenty going on in the mystery part, this book really dives into the characters and makes you emotionally connected to them. MC, her work partner, her girlfriend of 19 years, and their two best friends made a real solid cast of characters that you can’t help but care about.

I have mentioned a few times that I’m angry at Kerr. I’m not going to say why. You will know when you read the book. But still even being mad, I was completely hooked on this book and I absolutely recommend it to mystery/crime fans. Kerr please get book two out soon, I don’t want to have to wait too long.

An copy was given to me by https://lezreviewbooks.com for a honest review.

[Fay Wallin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I began reading Black Friday, it was hard to put it down. Judy Kerr manages to intertwine the daily life struggles of MC with her responsiblities of a job. Joy, tears, determination, and tenacity are the parts of MC's life that the reader will quickly become a part of. The intertwining of the ongoing intense crime investigation and the personal tragedy of the protagonist as she struggles to balance her responsiblities as an investigator with the every day demons she faces had me turning pages to find out how MC manages both... As a reader, I quickly became a fan of Ms. Kerr's writing and will be waiting for the next chapter of MC's life.

[Elaine Mulligan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A suspense novel with slapstick humor mixed in with tragic consequences. The main character who goes by the nickname MC, she works for the US Post office in their criminal investigation team. She and her partner are involved in the biggest case MC has ever been involved with. They are weeks away from busting a Ponzi scheme in Minnesota we haven't seen the likes of since Bernie Madoff. Highly original storytelling, take advantage of the 'LOOK INSIDE' feature, the author gives you a completely in-depth picture to all aspects of her work and personal life. You will never forget MC McCall.

[Katie Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a big crime fiction reader but Black Friday impressed me with its carefully-researched setting, great sensory details and powerful relationships. Can't wait to read the sequel!

[Marlene Chabot · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great first novel. New topic not seen in other mysteries. The main character MC McCall is a U.S. Postal Inspector. Her significant other is Barb, an elementary teacher. Little does MC know her involvement with the FBI trying to track down a Ponzi scheme will eventually put her life and Barb's in danger. There are many touching moments in this mystery. I won't give away the ending, but I'll just say it didn't work out the way I hoped. Now, I'm anxious to read her second novel which continues the story from novel one.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

it only took me a million years to finish this one,,, a friends aunt (??) wrote it and at the time i was in the mood for mystery and sapphic and honestly it did meet both those criteria,,, just felt a bit forced and then ending did go on forever, for very little reward :/// fun minnesota based vibed tho

[Becky Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't wait to read more about MC.

[Sherri Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many unanswered questions?