Everyone Dies

Kevin Kerney #8

by Michael McGarrity

With "a cunning mind for crime fiction" (New York Times Book Review), Anthony Award-nominated Michael McGarrity ratchets up the stakes in his novel of a vengeful killer with an unspeakable offing people with ties to the criminal justice system. Next on the Santa Fe Police Chief Kevin Kerney, his wife, Lieutenant Colonel Sara Brannon, and their unborn son.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Westerns

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2003

About the author

With 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).

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was just in New Mexico, and while reading looking up some of the locations on Google Maps, but just not good enough. And. Just too many murders. Animals. People. Innocents by criminals and cops. And, more to come. Jeez, Louise, enough already. Not finished.

[J.F. Juzwik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not going to go into detail about the storyline because that's very clear in the description of the book. This is the first in the series that I've read; I was not aware there was a series. I'm glad to find that out because I'd like to read more in this particular series and more by this author. Concerning this particular book, I really liked the way it moved through events, and I especially like the fact that the author didn't just fill pages with words to extend the word count. What I mean by that is sometimes authors describe people or places in so much detail that the reader is tempted to start skipping to get back to the story. This author doesn't do that. Everything is described with just enough detail to paint a picture in the reader's mind, but not so much as to become tedious. Too, the story moves along at a great pace and keeps you turning the pages to find out where it's going.

I only have a couple of issues with it that were rather disappointing. The first was the portrayal of Sara, Kerney's wife. I understand she is military police and that's fine. Thing is though, she's pregnant and close to delivering the child, and I was bothered by the fact that she comes across as quite heavy handed when it comes to dealing with the killer that's stalking them. Of course, she's going to be upset that she, her husband, and their unborn child are being threatened, and of course, she's going to be worried. But her attitude at times appears to be somewhat reckless and over the top in an aggressive way and doesn't seem appropriate all things considered. Perhaps that's just her personality though - pregnant or not. Since I haven't read any of the other books, I have to admit that I'm not all that familiar with her character and how she routinely behaves.

My other issue is with the ending. The story builds and builds beautifully and it is very suspenseful and exciting. Once you get to the end, it was kind of a letdown. What I was expecting to be a slam bang revelation at the end and for all to be made clear, in a couple of paragraphs, it was over and explanations were put in as sort of an epilogue. While the truth behind all that was happening was explained, it came across as an afterthought. As exciting as the story had been right from the beginning, the ending lacked the fireworks that thrillers' endings usually provide.

I would still highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced thriller, but perhaps some other reviewers are correct when they say to start at the beginning and read the series in order. I'm going to go back and look for the first and go from there. I think that might give me a better sense of the characters and the author's style.

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Police dramas can be rewarding, intriguing and enlightening or they can be dry, tedious and an obvious opportunity for the author to relive their police days in excruciatingly minute detail--this book was the latter. Incorporated in this basic plot of a serial killer stalking a police chief for unknown reasons (and not a very interesting reason either) is a police screwup that results in an investigation and officers getting suspended and the other daily routines of cops. Maybe there are those readers that thrive on the inner workings of police I am not one of those and all the characters that are introduced every other page are cliched and boring--theres the police chief with a heart of gold determined to save his family, a tough female in a man's world determined not to take no mess and countless other detectives, agents, investigators that occupy space and have little input in the story. There are actually two people on the force with the names Sid and Sal and though it was a short read when you finally find out who the serial killer is and his motive you are disappointed, and if you are like me just a litte frustrated you wasted two days on this snoozer. Recommended for those that want to learn what a police officer does during the day and a murder mystery that is not fast moving or intriguing. Even the serial killer was lame..

[Janet Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little more intense than the last book, and an interesting killer, bent on revenge.

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

nope. no thanks.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The eighth Kerney series book from master story teller Michael McGarrity is a dark suspense thriller that pushes an emotional Kerney to struggle to save his new family. Now the Santa Fe police chief Kevin Kerney faces a crisis when a prominent lawyer is gunned down as he was walking down the street. The killing was up close and personal, meaning the victim knew his attacker. Jake Potter who was gay and an influential attorney had no known enemies. Detective Ramona Pino and Lt. Sal Molina seem to be spinning their wheels trying to solve the case. Soon the killer leaves the cryptic message "Everybody Dies", at the scene of his second killing. Former clinical psychologist Dora Manning, now retired was found with her throat cut. As Kerney digs into the investigation the killer sneaks off to Kerney's ranch and slays his favorite horse. Kerney's new wife Lt. Colonel Sara Brannon who is very pregnant fears for her safety and that of her unborn baby. The killer makes it very clear the end game is by killing Kerney and his entire family. At just over 320 pages paperback, "Everyone Dies", is a compelling who done it. As with all of author Michael McGarrity's novels his characters are all well developed. The supporting characters on both sides of the law really help to maintain a tightly knit plot. With some interesting twists and turns this tale very difficult to put down. I read the last 120 pages in one sitting in order to find out how conclusion would play out. I've read a number of Michael McGarrity's Kevin Kerney novels and all of them are really really good reads. McGarrity is most definitely one of most very favorite writers. "Everybody Dies", gets four stars out of a possible five stars, and I'd highly recommend this one and all of the Kevin Kerney series books. Be sure to check this excellent series out.

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was a rare "I can't put this one down". The main plot is about the hunt for a killer who is murdering people Kerney knows and is leaving notes directed towards Kerney letting him know he is coming for him. The sub plot is the personal story of Kerney. His wife is getting ready to have their son and so the threat of the lives is that much more dangerous and personal. Enter Kerney's recently discovered son who is helping the team figure out who this killer is.
The suspense hovers at the maximum brink and I couldn't wait to find out what happens at the end.
Well, I have to say I was a bit disappointed at the end. I actually looked to see if there were pages missing. It ended so fast and I felt cheated.
This would have been a 5 if it wasn't for the ending. However, I'm still going to continue the series. I'm committed to the characters.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#8 in the Kevin Kearney series.

Kevin Kerney series - Kerney, chief of the Santa Fe police force, and his wife, Sara Brannon, pregnant and due to give birth at any moment, have just begun a much needed vacation. Sara is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Military Police and will be assigned to the Pentagon just six weeks after the baby is born-a career move that Kerney opposes. A vicious killer slashes his way into the midst of this family crisis, beginning by shooting a Santa Fe lawyer, and in quick succession murdering Kerney's beloved horse, a forensic psychologist and a probation officer. It doesn't take long for Kerney to realize that his entire family has been targeted, especially after the killer begins leaving messages that say, "Everyone Dies." Area law enforcement personnel rally around the chief and begin a massive investigation.

[Vannessa Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone Dies is one of the better police thrillers. Someone is out to kill Police Chief Kevin Kerney and all his blood relations and no one has a clue why nor can they link the threat with past cases.

Everyone Dies was an on edge on your seat read.

[Anne, Unfinished Woman · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT

This installment was a gruesome one. The villain was after Kevin Kerney for having shot him years earlier. However, only hints are provided through most of the story; and the killer is not known to Kevin until the very end and only then vaguely. He had killed an older woman by beating her with a hammer, and Kevin had shot him in the genitals, so he was unable to perform or have kids. When he concocts his well-developed plan to kill "everyone" he is focused on Kevin family. He also goes after the juvenile judge and the psych evaluator, and others that further his plan.

In the process of killing the people he leaves notes meant to predict future killings and to create fear for Kevin and Sara, whose son is to be born soon. He is cruel, killing animals: Kevin's horse by shooting him in the stomach, a painful way to die, which Kevin knows having been shot in the stomach himself. He leaves poisoned rats at Kevin's home and other sites. He kills a pet dog and beheads it, putting the body in one place and the head with another victim. He blows up Clayton and Grace's house. And there are other killings in gruesome methods that show him as a psychopath, with no conscience or feelings for his victims. He also cannot stop thinking about the joy he will get when he viciously kills their baby. It's a difficult read. Additionally, there are individuals who are collateral damage because of misunderstandings, miscommunications and the culture of militarized police...SWAT acting without regard for the mental health of the suspect. It will compel Kevin to begin a new training for his people.

Formally changing his name, with the intention of getting away with his revenge, Samuel Green, nee Richrd Finney picks an "unwitting beard", Noel Olsen, to take the fall, and he chooses unwisely. While Noel Olsen had been in prison for raping and killing a young woman with two friends, he comes out a reformed man from the sound of things. He plays great volleyball, and has a job, is a loner but not disliked. The only caveat...he dislikes gays. Probably because he was a white supremacist's "bitch" in prison. In the end Olsen's property yields five bodies of gay men he has killed over the five years he has been out of jail. They are found in cairns on the 85-acre parcel that he tells a neighbor he has no intention of selling to the government for a wildlife sanctuary, though it is a good deal, on land that is not worth anything. It is just another part of the disintegration of Green's plan. When Clayton Istee, Kevin's son and Apache policeman gets in the picture, he finds things that were missed in the original search of Olsen's property, and that refute the idea that Olsen has run.

Green sets up an elaborate set of evidence at a remote setting for the police to find, taking Olsen's body away so it appears he has run. But the vast investigation involving dozens of law enforcement individuals picks apart his plan. The process of Clayton involved in this case changes his mind about his father, and has his chewing of the long-term dislike that his mother has planted in his mind in doubt. His decision to go to see his new brother saves the day, when Green comes to kill Kevin and his family, by disguising himself as a flower delivery man; he is unaware that Clayton is there. Clayton shoots him.

[Dave Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone Dies was number eight in the Kevin Kerney series, and I read the previous seven. I liked this thriller quite a bit. Kerney is the chief of police for the Santa Fe police force, and he previously worked for the state police under Andy Baca, so he is well connected. Kerney is married to Sara Bannon, and Sara is pregnant and rapidly approaching childbirth. Sara and Kevin are building a new home using money that Kerney inherited from a surprise benefactor. At the outset of the book, Jack Potter is found murdered on the sidewalk in Santa Fe. Potter was a highly regarded attorney within the capital of New Mexico. Kerney's detectives follow some leads, and end up killing a suspect in a shootout. An investigation ensues, because a SWAT team was probably called in prematurely without adequate cause. This sidetracks the investigation for awhile and adds some tension between the DA and Kerney. Meanwhile another person, Dora Manning, is found murdered. I'll stop there. This novel is well done. The suspense builds as the killer adds more bodies to the revenge spree, and he kills animals along the way and leaves notes that make clear his end game...killing Kevin Kerney and his pregnant wife, Sara. The author does a thorough job of delineating all the steps and careful preparation that the killer takes to avoid identification. I've read numerous books that use the same ploy, and this is one of the better ones in that regard. Kerney has a son from a relationship with a native American woman, while he was in college, and Clayton and his family become key players in the novel. Many of the detectives carry over from earlier books, and I like the familiarity. I'm ready for book nine.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vicious crooks

Very attractive series based on a lawman in New Mexico and his family. This is part of the series called the Kevin Kerney Novels. This paragraph applies to all books in this series. The story’s are great, but what makes this series stand out is how the country is worked into the story, It’s almost as if you are there. The author is a gifted story teller.

Do you need to read this series in order: Yes, it helps a lot. Note that Hard Country and Backlands (and one pending maybe) are the prequels.

Triggers: Cops and police situations, there are rapes, homicides, and crime.

Santa Fe Police Chief Kevin Kerney and his wife, Lieutenant Colonel Sara Brannon, are on leave and eagerly awaiting the birth of their son when a prominent gay attorney is gunned down outside his office by an unknown assailant. Called to the crime scene and faced with scanty evidence and no apparent motive, Kerney directs his chief of detectives to delve into the victim's personal and professional life, a decision that ultimately leads to a SWAT team screw-up and the death of two innocent people.

But the killer has just begun. Kerney's horse, a mustang he'd gentled and trained, is viciously and senselessly destroyed; a dead rat is left on his doorstep; and a second victim with ties to the criminal justice system is found in bed with her throat cut along with a warning: EVERYONE DIES.

As a time of joy turns into a nightmare, Kerney and Sara search desperately for a seemingly unstoppable chameleon like killer who promises to murder them and their unborn son.

[Terry Steinborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine entry in this very entertaining series about Kevin Kerney, now police chief in Santa Fe. McGarrity gets it all right - vivid and accurate picture of the physical settings, details of law enforcement investigations, and well-developed and consistent characters. In this book, Kerney is pitted against a murderer with a grudge against several people who put him away years earlier, but especially against Kerney. The killer has clearly targeted Kerney and his wife and (unborn) son, and it's a race against time to identify and stop the killer before he can complete his plans. The case is complicated, and involves Santa Fe police, New Mexico State police and Lincoln County/Rudioso/Mescolero Apache Tribal police, including Kerney's long-estranged son. The case very slowly unfolds as the perpetrator is very clever at masking his activities. A very worthwhile entry on this good series.

[Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kevin Kerney is the fictitious chief of police of Santa Fe, New Mexico. His wife, Sara, is days away from giving birth to their first child as the book opens. But someone wants Kevin and his wife dead. And the killer will do everything possible to make it happen. It's a vengeance killing, and you learn the full intent of what that means near the end of the book. I won't go into it here. The killer's intent is to ensure that no surviving member of the chief's bloodline remains.

This is a nicely written highly entertaining book in the Kevin Kerney series. I have dipped in and out of this one at random, and I suspect you would do well to read these in order. It's not necessary with this book though because the author explains so much that you get a nice sense of completion. You can read this as a standalone. The question is, should you read it? It is relatively short at just over 9 hours normal speed, and however many hours you devote to the book our hours well spent.

[Viva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the Kevin Kearney series. I like it for the small town police protocol, the New Mexico setting and the cast of characters. It's highly recommended that you read the series from the beginning.

I'm not a great fan of this particular book. There is a pretty good build up and lots of things are going on. But like the last book, there are too many law enforcement characters. Why have so many? Also a lot of suspense is gone because we see the action from the criminal's stand-point. I think it's better that we don't see it from his/her point of view. And the worst thing is the ending, it just ends in a few pages like the author had to finish the book in the allotted number of pages or time.

[Richard Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara is on leave and Kerney is about to take holiday time. The baby is due any day now. Then the murders start, there is little clue as to who the killer is, but soon he is leaving messages to let Kerney know that he and his family are on the list. This is a very nasty guy who is good at covering his tracks and knows enough about police procedures that he is almost impossible to find. Clayton Istee and his family become targets because the killer knows that Kerney is Istee's father.

I have docked McGarrity a star because I think he unnecessarily overtaxed my willingness to suspend disbelief with the five cairns scenario. But we enjoyed the book despite that.

This was book #20 on our 2022 Read-alouds With Lutrecia List and book #26 on our own 2022 Read-alouds List.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of this was tedious to me and so unclear that I could not stay embedded. Revenge, especially within the very brutal, it's not a topic that seems approachable to me. Beyond off putting, it's constantly viscous in recounting. Intense and dark. But this one also had a lot of procedure (rather think it was a former policeman in remembering mode) that just slogs.

For some reason too, I am NOT drawn to Sara at all in the way she thinks and advances an argument all told. That's unusual but in this situation? Jobs and life career choices ARE secondary.

Regardless, there is not a lot of happy at all in this one. And the brutal and nasty is extended to animals, as well.

He writes well of the job.

[Jennifer Bolton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one much better than the previous read, The Big Gamble. Someone's out of get Kerney, leaving seemingly random bodies and clues in their wake. When it looks like Kerney's wife, Sara, and their unborn son are the killer's next target, the suspense ramps up as Kerney and the unknown gunman rush towards the finale. Fast-faced and suspenseful, this was a quick and enjoyable read. Can't wait for the next instalment in the series.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series that I've read. What I didn't like: sick and twisted violence, a rather abrupt ending. What I did like: well-described setting in beautiful Santa Fe and environs, complicated relationship between white Kerney and his Indian son (both in law enforcement), well-paced tension and suspense, promises of better things to come in Kerney's life, believable explanation of the perpetrator's motives and background. Yes, I will gladly try another book in the series.

[Rosemary Dreyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was intriguing and a page turner in the Kevin Kerney series. It’s all on the line as Kerney and his family are in the sites of a serial killer. What I liked: the descriptions of their new ranch and house building; the frustrations of the final portion of pregnancy; the characters. What I didn’t like: all the animals killed; the lack of complete details on the killer; the rather abrupt ending. Overall, this book was a good one.

[Janie Prim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't like the beginning of this, as it involved dead animals and leaving them on the front doorstep as warnings; but the further I read, the more engrossed I became with the very real threat of death to Kerney, his wife, and as of yet unborn baby. So well written, and the description of the outstanding police work done, I raced through it, as I have done with other McGarrity books. Thank you, Mr. McGarrity, for another winner!!

[Doug Sundseth · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the suspense that wasn't in the previous book was apparently saved for this one. There's a serial killer on the loose, people around Chief Kerney are being killed, and the Chief is being threatened.

The plot here has interesting twists, the killer is smart, and the suspense is well handled. The downside is that there is less character development than I would prefer. But I do like the way the book ended without really wrapping up every loose end.

Recommended.

[Stephanie Tanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kevin Kerney and his wife Sara are expecting their first child and facing Sara's decision to return to her military assignment. While they are building their new home, multiple murders occur that are a direct threat to Kevin and his family. Unraveling the identity of the killer provides an in depth look at the means and specialists involved in a complex crime. A good mystery.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Kevein Kerney novel by Michael McGarrity.

He has the ability to keep fleshing out his characters while he gives you just enough information to follow along, leaving the final bits of information solving the crime for the few last pages.

I have turned into a bit of a mystery fan it seems.

[Karen McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serious page turner

Loved this fast paced story in the Kevin Kearney series. Very tension building & convoluted enough to to keep one guessing & reading. The personal story element gave new details about the main characters & gave a more vivid urgency to the action. Good read in a well written series.

[Andrew Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book. It has all of the makings of a classic mystery and will keep you on the edge of your seat. McGarrity has put a lot of pressure on Kerney in this book as he tries to find out who is killing prominent people in Santa Fe and also has his own family in danger. Read it for the suspense and put it away before you go to sleep. A very good read.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ripped through this one pretty quickly. When McGarrity sticks to mostly believable plots the books benefit. Though the dead count gets unnecessarily upped in an unlikely manner, and the main storyline deaths are a bit much, at least they are sufficiently plausible to reduce the eye rolling silliness of his more outlandish plots.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. Please note that Conrad Hilton wasn’t born in Socorro but rather San Antonio, NM just to the south. It’s an even tinier dot on the map known for its Owl Cafe green chile cheeseburgers and as the gateway to the Bosque del Apache and it’s sandhill cranes.
Aside from that, this is a nail biting story with accompanying elevated pulse and blood pressure.

[Dave Delsigne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy the story … I was hoping for more of the McGarrity description of his beloved New Mexico country … that aside … Kevin Kerney was a bit moody in this story, which is a more accurate representation of a man living life as a police chief. I love this series and look forward to reading every Kerney novel.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you like expertly written well developed stories from a master you should read McGarrity

It was very pleasant to discover that Michael Magarity is right up there with my two favorite authors Connelly and Sanford. It just has everything that I appreciate and I find read. I am so sad to discover I’m almost finished with the 14 books