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Kevin Kerney #1
Tularosa
It's been two years since an on-the-job shooting forced ex-Santa Fe chief of detectives Kevin Kerney to retire. He is drawn back into action when Terry Yazzi, his former partner and the man responsible for his wounds, pleads for Kerney's help. Yazzi's son, a soldier, has disappeared in the barren desert surrounding the White Sands Missile Range.
Kerney's investigation resurrects the long-forgotten thrill of the hunt—and other emotions surface after meeting the tough-but-beautiful Capt. Sara Brannon, the Army's investigating officer. Together, they uncover a crime far greater than an AWOL soldier: a conspiracy of death that snakes from the secretive world of military operations, to the cutthroat alleys of a Mexican border town, leading them to a final, shocking revelation that may cost them both their lives....
Kerney's investigation resurrects the long-forgotten thrill of the hunt—and other emotions surface after meeting the tough-but-beautiful Capt. Sara Brannon, the Army's investigating officer. Together, they uncover a crime far greater than an AWOL soldier: a conspiracy of death that snakes from the secretive world of military operations, to the cutthroat alleys of a Mexican border town, leading them to a final, shocking revelation that may cost them both their lives....
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 17, 1996
257 people are currently reading
1725 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 272 reviews
August 28, 2021
This book has an excellent plot. The characters are totally realistic and their dialog works. Where the author goes overboard and the reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5, is in the excessive detail. Every character is described: hair, eye color, height, weight, and what they're wearing. And speaking of clothing, I was beginning to wonder if the author was a clothes fanatic. From hat to shoes, each time a character walked into a scene, we got a detailed listing of their garments. Out of 304 pages, I began to feel this book was at least 50 pages too long based solely on the extra details.
All of the action takes place in the Southwest and Mexico. Truthfully, you don't have to be from the area in order to get an amazing image of the place from this book. Just as the author spares no words to show us what his characters look like, the same goes for the scenery. Lots of "pink sky" and National Geographic quality descriptions of what the characters are seeing. Again, it's overdone and does little to move the story forward.
Nonetheless, I've got another book by this author ready to read. Hopefully, he's gotten the excess wordage under control.
All of the action takes place in the Southwest and Mexico. Truthfully, you don't have to be from the area in order to get an amazing image of the place from this book. Just as the author spares no words to show us what his characters look like, the same goes for the scenery. Lots of "pink sky" and National Geographic quality descriptions of what the characters are seeing. Again, it's overdone and does little to move the story forward.
Nonetheless, I've got another book by this author ready to read. Hopefully, he's gotten the excess wordage under control.
February 6, 2015
(Audiobook) A highly improbable plot involving an Kevin Kierney, an invalided sheriff's lieutenant. He is asked by his former partner to locate his son who has disappeared. The search leads Kierney to the White Sands military range and treks through the mountains, into Mexico, and a pile of artifacts worth millions from some old Civil War stuff.
The book has the classic plot: the wounded hero who becomes drawn into action because it’s the proper thing to do. Add the good-looking and competent girl who becomes romantically involved and a bunch of bad guys. There you have it. It feels sometimes like a Craig Johnson wanna-be but perhaps that was only because both were so ably read by George Guidall. The first half of the book is better than the second.
The landscape rendition is the best part of the book. It’s the first in a series that shows promise so I’ll probably read the second.
The book has the classic plot: the wounded hero who becomes drawn into action because it’s the proper thing to do. Add the good-looking and competent girl who becomes romantically involved and a bunch of bad guys. There you have it. It feels sometimes like a Craig Johnson wanna-be but perhaps that was only because both were so ably read by George Guidall. The first half of the book is better than the second.
The landscape rendition is the best part of the book. It’s the first in a series that shows promise so I’ll probably read the second.
February 4, 2019
I will admit I chose to read this book because I lived in the area for six months. McGarrity totally captured the beauty, wild weather, and history of White Sands!
The main character, Kevin Kerney, is pulled into investigating the disappearance of his godson, Sammy, who has been reported AWOL from White Sands Missile Range. (Sammy's father, Terry, is the former partner who ended Kerney's career with the Santa Fe Police Department when his drinking got Kerney shot into early medical retirement.) Captain Sara J. Brannon is in charge of the military investigation into Sammy’s disappearance and she's not thrilled with Kerney, although they forge an uneasy alliance and eventually grow to respect each other's investigative skills.
Would I have rated this book four stars had I not lived in the area at one time? Probably more like three stars. The part of the story about the Apache war chief named Victorio plundering and then hiding gold and other treasures on the White Sands Missle Range felt far-fetched, although it is an actual legend. The romance between Sara and Kevin seemed a bit forced and unnecessary. Having written that, though, I'm eager to read the next book in the series!
The main character, Kevin Kerney, is pulled into investigating the disappearance of his godson, Sammy, who has been reported AWOL from White Sands Missile Range. (Sammy's father, Terry, is the former partner who ended Kerney's career with the Santa Fe Police Department when his drinking got Kerney shot into early medical retirement.) Captain Sara J. Brannon is in charge of the military investigation into Sammy’s disappearance and she's not thrilled with Kerney, although they forge an uneasy alliance and eventually grow to respect each other's investigative skills.
Would I have rated this book four stars had I not lived in the area at one time? Probably more like three stars. The part of the story about the Apache war chief named Victorio plundering and then hiding gold and other treasures on the White Sands Missle Range felt far-fetched, although it is an actual legend. The romance between Sara and Kevin seemed a bit forced and unnecessary. Having written that, though, I'm eager to read the next book in the series!
December 4, 2020
A quick and enjoyable audio read. I read this because of the setting (southern New Mexico, particularly White Sands) and the author came through for me, with descriptions of landscape & history that I enjoyed. Forty years ago my husband and I camped in the back country of White Sands National Monument & I still clearly remember that experience.
Main character, Kevin Kerney, is the son of a ranching family who lost their land when the federal government took over White Sands for a missile testing range. He's made a career as a police detective in Santa Fe but career ended early after injuries in a stakeout gone wrong. So, he takes on the case of looking for a friend's son who has gone AWOL from the Army at White Sands, returning to his old childhood stomping grounds.
The mystery itself plays out predictably -- last third of the book a disappointment but I will at least read one more of these, for the location if nothing else. Kerney is an interesting & even admirable main character for series.
Main character, Kevin Kerney, is the son of a ranching family who lost their land when the federal government took over White Sands for a missile testing range. He's made a career as a police detective in Santa Fe but career ended early after injuries in a stakeout gone wrong. So, he takes on the case of looking for a friend's son who has gone AWOL from the Army at White Sands, returning to his old childhood stomping grounds.
The mystery itself plays out predictably -- last third of the book a disappointment but I will at least read one more of these, for the location if nothing else. Kerney is an interesting & even admirable main character for series.
August 26, 2021
New to me author and the series beginning is a find. I'll be reading more.
This is before cell phones and in an area of desert to mesa to mountain landscape of New Mexico. The prose flow is excellent. Despite all the natural world description, the characters and the movements are never lost or secondary. There is familial history to a homeplace and also you can feel the distances. Wonderfully achieved placement emotive, quite beyond the crisp character reveals and progressions.
Very much like Longmire, and also has the cultural ambiance and disparities of a Hillerman.
The case itself being military entwined was done well. Not an easy task.
But most especially I loved the writing skill here. Succinct, crisp and yet poignant stinging when it needed to be. And I will be looking for more.
This is before cell phones and in an area of desert to mesa to mountain landscape of New Mexico. The prose flow is excellent. Despite all the natural world description, the characters and the movements are never lost or secondary. There is familial history to a homeplace and also you can feel the distances. Wonderfully achieved placement emotive, quite beyond the crisp character reveals and progressions.
Very much like Longmire, and also has the cultural ambiance and disparities of a Hillerman.
The case itself being military entwined was done well. Not an easy task.
But most especially I loved the writing skill here. Succinct, crisp and yet poignant stinging when it needed to be. And I will be looking for more.
October 26, 2016
Third tier mystery. Solid, but uninspiring.
November 26, 2020
Tularosa by Michael McGarrity is the first novel in the series featuring former police officer Kevin Kerney. Kerney, physically disabled from a previous shoot out, is now a handyman on a ranch located in the Southwest.
Kerney is approached by a former colleague regarding a missing area soldier, that happens to be Kerney's Godson. Soon, Kerney finds himself pulled into a complex theft ring of ancient artifacts that reaches down into Mexico and includes a circle of violent people, while also being forced to thread his way through the bureaucracy of the US military.
Tularosa is like a modern-day western with an interesting story and a promising new character.
Kerney is approached by a former colleague regarding a missing area soldier, that happens to be Kerney's Godson. Soon, Kerney finds himself pulled into a complex theft ring of ancient artifacts that reaches down into Mexico and includes a circle of violent people, while also being forced to thread his way through the bureaucracy of the US military.
Tularosa is like a modern-day western with an interesting story and a promising new character.
July 26, 2020
A good first novel by McGarrity has lots of action and excellent characters. I understand this became a series and I will read more.
November 15, 2011
I love geography and this compelling mystery by Michael McGarrity is full of geography. The plot hinges on secrets held within the White Sands missile range and Tularosa Basin, which the redoubtable hero, Kevin Kerney, explores on horseback with his love interest, Army investigator Sara Bannon.
There are mountains, crevices, escarpments, gullies, petroglyphs, and caves with hidden treasure. There is heat and cold, and sunsets and sunrises. You are very close to nature in New Mexico and McGarrity doesn't let you forget it for a minute.
And then there is the Rio Grande, that fateful river, and the divided city of El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico, which also plays a role in this tale of murder, smuggling, and lost artifacts. McGarrity, a former policeman, moves easily in and out of the law enforcement community (not surprisingly his police officers are largely sympathetic). Added to the mix in this story is the U.S. Army, with its own hierarchy and its own set of priorities. The friction between civilian and military authority, the permeability of a secret, secure location that comprises thousands of square miles, and the added frisson of gold coins and precious artifacts from another century all make this an engaging story.
Kevin Kerney (KK to McGarity's MM, Irish of course) is the classic loner ex-cop. Not only is he divorced he is bitterly estranged from his former partner, whose malfeasance left him disabled with a trick knee and a nasty car in his belly. And yet, when that former partner's son, Kerney's godson, goes missing from the Army base is classified AWOL, all is forgiven and Kerney pledges to track him down.
The narrative never flags though it is not always fast-paced. The beautiful descriptions of New Mexico punctuate the story and give it a terrific sense of place. But the plot itself involves people that are part of the geography, too. Sammy Yazzi, the native American soldier who goes missing; Eddie Tiapa, the Army investigator who has unsuspected talents as an undercover agent in Juarez; and other assorted archaeologists, gamekeepers and Army personnel. One blurb cites Dick Francis as a reference, and Kerney indeed undergoes the masochistic pummeling that characterizes Francis's jockey heroes.
McGarrity seems equally at home in Kerney's pickup truck, on horseback dodging flash floods and ambushes, and in the seedy drug and smuggling underworld of Juarez. The love story is adult and anything but maudlin. The supporting cast, both friends and foes, is engaging. It's just a really good book.
There are mountains, crevices, escarpments, gullies, petroglyphs, and caves with hidden treasure. There is heat and cold, and sunsets and sunrises. You are very close to nature in New Mexico and McGarrity doesn't let you forget it for a minute.
And then there is the Rio Grande, that fateful river, and the divided city of El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico, which also plays a role in this tale of murder, smuggling, and lost artifacts. McGarrity, a former policeman, moves easily in and out of the law enforcement community (not surprisingly his police officers are largely sympathetic). Added to the mix in this story is the U.S. Army, with its own hierarchy and its own set of priorities. The friction between civilian and military authority, the permeability of a secret, secure location that comprises thousands of square miles, and the added frisson of gold coins and precious artifacts from another century all make this an engaging story.
Kevin Kerney (KK to McGarity's MM, Irish of course) is the classic loner ex-cop. Not only is he divorced he is bitterly estranged from his former partner, whose malfeasance left him disabled with a trick knee and a nasty car in his belly. And yet, when that former partner's son, Kerney's godson, goes missing from the Army base is classified AWOL, all is forgiven and Kerney pledges to track him down.
The narrative never flags though it is not always fast-paced. The beautiful descriptions of New Mexico punctuate the story and give it a terrific sense of place. But the plot itself involves people that are part of the geography, too. Sammy Yazzi, the native American soldier who goes missing; Eddie Tiapa, the Army investigator who has unsuspected talents as an undercover agent in Juarez; and other assorted archaeologists, gamekeepers and Army personnel. One blurb cites Dick Francis as a reference, and Kerney indeed undergoes the masochistic pummeling that characterizes Francis's jockey heroes.
McGarrity seems equally at home in Kerney's pickup truck, on horseback dodging flash floods and ambushes, and in the seedy drug and smuggling underworld of Juarez. The love story is adult and anything but maudlin. The supporting cast, both friends and foes, is engaging. It's just a really good book.
March 7, 2024
I've had this book, along with a few others in the series, on my shelves for a few years. I remember picking this up in a used book store because I had seen it compared to the Longmire series by Craig Johnson and also seeing a recommendation on the cover by Tony Hillerman, author of the great Leaphorn and Chee series. I enjoy both of these series so this seemed like a good bet.
Kevin Kerney is an ex-Santa Fe detective who was forced to retire after a bad injury on duty. But he is drawn back into action when he is approached by his former partner, Terry Yazzi. Kerney has no love for Yazzi who was instrumental in contributing to Kerney's injuries. But when Yazzi asks him to try and locate his missing son, Sammy, who has gone AWOL from the White Sands Missile Base in New Mexico, Kerney agrees, mainly because Sammy is Kerney's godson who he still has much affection for. The trail leads to a mystery involving murder, treason, and some priceless artifacts. Kerney is joined by Captain Sara Brannon from the base and together their lives are put in peril by a smuggling operation being run out of Juarez, Mexico.
Well, I was not disappointed in this one and glad I finally got around to reading it. The story takes place in New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico and was a real page-turner with lots of action. I thought the characters were well-written and the locale of the novel was also a plus. I am quite familiar with this area of the country; I was stationed at Biggs Field, near El Paso when I was in the military in the 1970s. My wife is also from El Paso and we have visited there quite often. I enjoyed McGarrity's writing including his descriptions of the desert landscape of the area. This did somewhat remind me of the Longmire books and even more so of the Hillerman novels which also take place in the desert Southwest. I'll be looking forward to continuing with this series.
Kevin Kerney is an ex-Santa Fe detective who was forced to retire after a bad injury on duty. But he is drawn back into action when he is approached by his former partner, Terry Yazzi. Kerney has no love for Yazzi who was instrumental in contributing to Kerney's injuries. But when Yazzi asks him to try and locate his missing son, Sammy, who has gone AWOL from the White Sands Missile Base in New Mexico, Kerney agrees, mainly because Sammy is Kerney's godson who he still has much affection for. The trail leads to a mystery involving murder, treason, and some priceless artifacts. Kerney is joined by Captain Sara Brannon from the base and together their lives are put in peril by a smuggling operation being run out of Juarez, Mexico.
Well, I was not disappointed in this one and glad I finally got around to reading it. The story takes place in New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico and was a real page-turner with lots of action. I thought the characters were well-written and the locale of the novel was also a plus. I am quite familiar with this area of the country; I was stationed at Biggs Field, near El Paso when I was in the military in the 1970s. My wife is also from El Paso and we have visited there quite often. I enjoyed McGarrity's writing including his descriptions of the desert landscape of the area. This did somewhat remind me of the Longmire books and even more so of the Hillerman novels which also take place in the desert Southwest. I'll be looking forward to continuing with this series.
September 23, 2017
Another new author to me and well narrated by George Guidall. Ex Santa Fe policeman, Kevin Kerney was injured and has withdrawn from associations. But his godson, who is in the military at white sands missile Range, goes missing; so Kersey agrees to search for him. This causes him to deal with military personnel and procedures and eventually leads him to a Mexican border town and unscrupulous sellers of stolen artifacts. I want to read more of McGarrity's books.
December 26, 2018
Pretty great book! I do really appreciate they way Michael McGarrity writes. Definitely will be reading more of his work.
Good character and plot development. Not predictable, but easy to follow.
Good character and plot development. Not predictable, but easy to follow.
June 22, 2009
Book 1 of the Kevin Kerney series - based in the New Mexico area where the author is from. Those that liked Tony Hillerman's work will like McGarrity's. He knows his territory.
Kerney, a retired chief of detectives from Santa Fe, New Mexico is called in on a favor to find his missing Godson, a soldier believed gone AWOL near the White Sounds military base. Those close to him do not believe he could be. It has been 2 yrs since Kerney was forced to retire from an injury in a shooting that has left him limping and in constant pain. This case draws him back into action. In the process he meets the Army's investigative Officer, female Capt. Sara Brannon, and together they uncover much more than they bargained for. A very good series that moves right along. Both my husband and I are enjoying it and looking forward to Mexican Hat and Serpent Gate, books 2 and 3. Kerney is a very likeable character and McGarrity an excellent writer.
Kerney, a retired chief of detectives from Santa Fe, New Mexico is called in on a favor to find his missing Godson, a soldier believed gone AWOL near the White Sounds military base. Those close to him do not believe he could be. It has been 2 yrs since Kerney was forced to retire from an injury in a shooting that has left him limping and in constant pain. This case draws him back into action. In the process he meets the Army's investigative Officer, female Capt. Sara Brannon, and together they uncover much more than they bargained for. A very good series that moves right along. Both my husband and I are enjoying it and looking forward to Mexican Hat and Serpent Gate, books 2 and 3. Kerney is a very likeable character and McGarrity an excellent writer.
August 13, 2019
I was sure I had read this series in the distant past, and so had not picked this first book up. But now that I finally did and have read it, I am pretty sure that I would not have forgotten writing this good, nor one that has so many elements that I enjoy in a novel. First, it is set in the mountains and deserts of the southwest U.S., with specific beautifully written descriptions of that area. Elements of the Native American cultures of that area are woven into the story. The characters are so superbly drawn that they seem real. And the mystery is unique and layered. This was a 4.5 read for me, and I hope to continue with the next book in the series soon.
November 3, 2008
TULAROSA - VG
McGarrity, Michael - 1st Kevin Kerney
Disabled police officer Kevin Kerney is brought out of retirement by his ex-partner, Terry, whose son has disappeared from the White Sands Missile Range, and Kevin's love for his work is rekindled with the help of a beautiful army officer.
The book had very good characters. Even though the plot needed beefing up, I would probably read more.
McGarrity, Michael - 1st Kevin Kerney
Disabled police officer Kevin Kerney is brought out of retirement by his ex-partner, Terry, whose son has disappeared from the White Sands Missile Range, and Kevin's love for his work is rekindled with the help of a beautiful army officer.
The book had very good characters. Even though the plot needed beefing up, I would probably read more.
July 16, 2009
The first, excellent mystery featuring that cool, impossibly progressive, cowboy cop Kevin Kerney. Set in New Mexico, which is the best! If you like detective fiction, start here.
December 8, 2020
I listened to this audiobook. This is the first in a series. The main character is Kevin Kerney. He was a retired detective in Santa Fe. He was forced into retirement after being gravely injured on a case that included negligence by his alcoholic partner. He now hates his former partner, Terry Yazzi. But when Terry comes to him to beg his help in finding his son, Kevin can’t refuse. Sammy Yazzi is Kelvin’s godson. He is a soldier stationed at the White Sands Missile Range near Las Cruces. Kevin turns to a friend, a local police chief who reinstates him as a lieutenant detective so that he has a legitimate reason to go on base. Kevin is not exactly welcomed at the base, but Captain Sara Brannon allows him to question soldiers who knew Sammy. Sara doesn’t initially trust Kevin, but soon they are partnered up when Sara and Kevin realize that this is not a simple AWOL case. Sara can’t trust some of those with whom she works. Sammy’s disappearance was not him running away, but may point towards corruption both on the base and in the Mexican border area involving stolen artifacts, and murder. Fast paced with a strong central character I enjoyed this book.
January 14, 2015
This book is in the excellent tradition of Men’s Fiction. I’m not being sarcastic, I’m being serious. We got the hero, the girl and “Mission Accomplished” ™
Men’s Fiction is a truly awesome category in the best tradition of virtually every great writer. It’s always a page turner. The protagonist (an “anti-hero”) reluctantly gets dragged into a mission/quest because “It’s. The. Right. Thing. To. Do.” ™. Usually the reader does not want to put it down because the action is intense and non-stop. Once the quest begins, our anti-hero suffers greatly, both physically and mentally but through great moral strength the mission/quest is brought to a successful conclusion. There is always a love interest, and this varies with the writer. The love interest is a literary device, who gets to be the mirror that the anti-hero reflects off of. Often, the love interest is an intellectual equal who also shows great personal character and strength, and is similarly emotionally stunted. The best part of Men’s Fiction is you know it will be a solid read and that “The. Reader. Will. Not. Be. Disappointed.” ™.
I strongly recommend this book. I’m sure it will appeal to anyone who likes “Men’s Fiction”. It has all the right elements in all the right places with a special bonus of horses. It’s satisfying. It’s comfortable and our anti-hero gets the girl and solves the mystery/obtains the treasure/and smites the bad. It even has international mystery.
“Why,” you may ask, “did you give this a three star rating instead of a four if you liked it so much.” Fair question. Answer: Our hero failed to smite the evil overlord, a smuggler and purveyor of drugs. If anyone deserved to be smited…
Triggers: Homicides (at least 3 “on camera”, and many “off camera”), torture as an interrogation technique, grieving parents that lose their “all-American” son, death of a horse, hunchbacks (“jorobado”), sale of drugs, corruption of officials, theft, treasure hunting and M/F consensual sex and attempted rape. Probably less violence and certainly much less sex than a prime time TV show.
Other than the author failing to smite a person that richly deserved it, this is a great read. It’s a perfect traveling companion for an airline trip.
I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that even that teenage boy who hates to read would enjoy it. (Of course it’s up to you to shove the book into his hands, open the book to page one and force him to get through the first couple of sentences…) As they say when it comes to teenagers, “no guarantees” and “your mileage may vary.”
Men’s Fiction is a truly awesome category in the best tradition of virtually every great writer. It’s always a page turner. The protagonist (an “anti-hero”) reluctantly gets dragged into a mission/quest because “It’s. The. Right. Thing. To. Do.” ™. Usually the reader does not want to put it down because the action is intense and non-stop. Once the quest begins, our anti-hero suffers greatly, both physically and mentally but through great moral strength the mission/quest is brought to a successful conclusion. There is always a love interest, and this varies with the writer. The love interest is a literary device, who gets to be the mirror that the anti-hero reflects off of. Often, the love interest is an intellectual equal who also shows great personal character and strength, and is similarly emotionally stunted. The best part of Men’s Fiction is you know it will be a solid read and that “The. Reader. Will. Not. Be. Disappointed.” ™.
I strongly recommend this book. I’m sure it will appeal to anyone who likes “Men’s Fiction”. It has all the right elements in all the right places with a special bonus of horses. It’s satisfying. It’s comfortable and our anti-hero gets the girl and solves the mystery/obtains the treasure/and smites the bad. It even has international mystery.
“Why,” you may ask, “did you give this a three star rating instead of a four if you liked it so much.” Fair question. Answer: Our hero failed to smite the evil overlord, a smuggler and purveyor of drugs. If anyone deserved to be smited…
Triggers: Homicides (at least 3 “on camera”, and many “off camera”), torture as an interrogation technique, grieving parents that lose their “all-American” son, death of a horse, hunchbacks (“jorobado”), sale of drugs, corruption of officials, theft, treasure hunting and M/F consensual sex and attempted rape. Probably less violence and certainly much less sex than a prime time TV show.
Other than the author failing to smite a person that richly deserved it, this is a great read. It’s a perfect traveling companion for an airline trip.
I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that even that teenage boy who hates to read would enjoy it. (Of course it’s up to you to shove the book into his hands, open the book to page one and force him to get through the first couple of sentences…) As they say when it comes to teenagers, “no guarantees” and “your mileage may vary.”
December 19, 2017
A solid, old school, Hillerman-style mystery set in and around White Sands Missile Range (a real place with some fascinating history) located outside Tularosa, New Mexico and featuring a very likable, retired police detective named Kevin Kerney.
In this first of a series of twelve, Kerney's godson, Sammy Yazzi, has been listed AWOL from the missile range for six weeks, and after hitting nothing but dead ends in his own search for Sammy, Sammy's father asks Kerney to step in and find his son (that request has its own backstory). This book is intelligent and entertaining, filled with all the requisite horses, hookers, gamblers, gangsters, smugglers, snitches, romance, treasure, dead bodies and beautiful scenery. I'm now a Kerney fan and look forward to reading the 2nd installment, 'Mexican Hat.'
P.S. If you decide to try this one, don't let the author's use of "escarpment" 4 times in the first 10 pages scare you off - he gets it out of his system early :-)
In this first of a series of twelve, Kerney's godson, Sammy Yazzi, has been listed AWOL from the missile range for six weeks, and after hitting nothing but dead ends in his own search for Sammy, Sammy's father asks Kerney to step in and find his son (that request has its own backstory). This book is intelligent and entertaining, filled with all the requisite horses, hookers, gamblers, gangsters, smugglers, snitches, romance, treasure, dead bodies and beautiful scenery. I'm now a Kerney fan and look forward to reading the 2nd installment, 'Mexican Hat.'
P.S. If you decide to try this one, don't let the author's use of "escarpment" 4 times in the first 10 pages scare you off - he gets it out of his system early :-)
June 13, 2018
Having read every Craig Johnson/Walt Longmire novel (new one expected Sept. 4, 2018); and most of the Tony Hillerman novels; this was a wonderful find for a series. Both listened to (George Guidall that also does Walt Longmire was perfection in this one too) and read this book. Loved the story-line, the writing style, and the historical facts that comprised this book. The second book in the series is on its way to me and can't wait to see if Michael McGarrity does as bang-up job with it as he did in the first one.
February 22, 2018
Tularosa by Michael McGarrity is the first in a series featuring Kevin Kerney, an ex-Santa Fe chief of detectives who teams up with Sara Brannon, an army officer, to discover who murdered a young soldier. The search takes them to a cave filled with treasure and a Mexican kingpin who rules a vast smuggling ring. The action is intense and McGarrity's descriptions of the New Mexico's wilderness makes for a great read.
March 10, 2010
It was fun to see local place names in this book by M. McGarrity, but I thought the writing and plot were predictable and ho-hum. I've heard from friends that some of his later novels were better.
Katrin
Katrin
March 6, 2024
If I had randomly purchased this book somewhere, or had been gifted it at some time without research, I wouldn’t have guessed it was the authors first published work.
It’s often said to anyone wanting to write, write about what you know. The author is a former member of the Santa Fe New Mexico police department and also ranched.
Both aspects of his background are used to create three dimensional, well rounded characters and a solid storyline.
It didn’t slow down, leave me feeling bored at all. Good dialogue.
It’s also said when writing a novel, have in mind to make the story or main character into a multi volume series.
This is the first of several featuring the main character Kevin Kerney.
I’d recommend. 4.5/5.
It’s often said to anyone wanting to write, write about what you know. The author is a former member of the Santa Fe New Mexico police department and also ranched.
Both aspects of his background are used to create three dimensional, well rounded characters and a solid storyline.
It didn’t slow down, leave me feeling bored at all. Good dialogue.
It’s also said when writing a novel, have in mind to make the story or main character into a multi volume series.
This is the first of several featuring the main character Kevin Kerney.
I’d recommend. 4.5/5.
February 7, 2022
I enjoyed this one - McGarrity is new to me, and I love a good series. A definite plus is the southwest, with rich descriptions of a part of the country that I love. I've already started the next one.
April 14, 2025
Rounded up to 3 for the New Mexico interest. Could do without his awkward descriptions about female characters. Gets exciting and fast-paced toward the end. I probably won’t be continuing the series.
June 21, 2019
A reread after reading the prequel trilogy a month or so ago.
May 8, 2022
Read in 2004. Has more deadly and seductive twists than a desert sidewinder.
July 29, 2024
3.5 stars. Enjoyable but not great.
August 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this mystery. Love that is was written with Nee Mexico as the setting. I could visualize where things were taking place.
May 13, 2017
This started out strong, with a missing loved one and an estranged friend asking our hero, Kevin Kerney, for help. When Andy explains his son (an ARMY solider and Kerney's godson) has gone A.W.O.L. under mysterious circumstances, Kerney agrees to take the case and heads for Las Cruces. I was immediately intrigued by Kerney, a former cop who was forced to retire early due to an on the job injury. He's a loner, tough as nails cowboy, with no immediate living family. We see pictures of his past...the old ranch house he grew up in...an old tree that he once spent the day under in the shade...and it's clear something tragic abruptly ended his charmed youth.
There was a lot that I liked about this book, despite a few problems. Kerney has a vulnerability about him that he keeps hidden from others, but I like how he doesn't allow that to keep him isolated from people. He has his buddies and calls on them as he's working the case. The book felt like a mixture of wild west adventure and modern day conspiracy. There is so much more to this book than the search for a missing man, which was an unexpected surprise. I liked the fast pace as well, even if at times it felt like the characters couldn't possibly do things so quickly without rest and recovery. I just went with it.
What I didn't like was the inattention to police procedure and blatant lack of crime scene protocol. If you don't care for those details and just want the action, this is definitely the right book for you. It didn't take me completely out of the story, but I would've liked to see a little caution from Kerney not to contaminate the scenes. I was a bit baffled by the ending...it didn't really "feel" like an ending, but maybe the next book will pick up where this one left off. I am glad I read the book, but there was potential for so much more!
The saving grace in the book was Kerney's character. I want to know more. I began to care what happened to him, where he's going and why. So... I'll be moving on to the next book!
There was a lot that I liked about this book, despite a few problems. Kerney has a vulnerability about him that he keeps hidden from others, but I like how he doesn't allow that to keep him isolated from people. He has his buddies and calls on them as he's working the case. The book felt like a mixture of wild west adventure and modern day conspiracy. There is so much more to this book than the search for a missing man, which was an unexpected surprise. I liked the fast pace as well, even if at times it felt like the characters couldn't possibly do things so quickly without rest and recovery. I just went with it.
What I didn't like was the inattention to police procedure and blatant lack of crime scene protocol. If you don't care for those details and just want the action, this is definitely the right book for you. It didn't take me completely out of the story, but I would've liked to see a little caution from Kerney not to contaminate the scenes. I was a bit baffled by the ending...it didn't really "feel" like an ending, but maybe the next book will pick up where this one left off. I am glad I read the book, but there was potential for so much more!
The saving grace in the book was Kerney's character. I want to know more. I began to care what happened to him, where he's going and why. So... I'll be moving on to the next book!
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