Serpent Gate

McGarrity and Kerney just keep getting better. I barely made it through "Tularosa" (way too gory for the drive to Santa Fe with my 70 something mother). "Mexican Hat" was an improvement, with great atmosphere but a less than memorable plot. In "Serpent Gate", everything comes together. There's lots of New Mexico (and Santa Fe in particular) for atmosphere. More importantly, there are a pair of interesting plots: the murder of a small town cop whose background isn't pretty; and a major art theft by Kerney's nemesis from Tularosa - DeLeon. Frosting on the cake are a couple of interesting side players including Kerney's landlord/host Fletcher. McGarrity uses an interesting contrast in writing styles. In the murder case, the reader is left in the dark and stumbles right along with Kerney. Meanwhile, the reader is the fly on the wall for all of DeLeon's planning in the art theft and the subsequent events. Bottom line: A throughly enjoyable romp -- particularly if you're fond of Santa Fe (one of my favorite places).

I have now devoured all 3 McGarrity and I'm wishing for more. Kevin Kerney is sexy, dangerous and moral. Pick up this book ASAP if you have read "Tularosa" and "Mexican Hat", if you haven't read the first 2, BUY all 3 and read them in order.

he's done it again!!! usually, the third book is the one that does in new authors but this one is a winner!!! mc garrity is just getting better and better with each book....and i just love his great cast of characters....hopefully, we'll be seeing fletcher again...and the women allllllllll adore kerney, don't they? mc garrity writes such vivid descriptions of every scene that you are there...you feel the winter air or the hot mexican sun on your back...you sense the terror of a shootout...keep 'em coming and i'll keep on enjoying....one book a year is just a perfect pace!!!! also, the cover of each book is so beautiful...thank goodness, what's inside equals the cover!!

Once again McGarrity's knowledge of police procedure enlightens the story. "Serpent Gate" is equal to his first two novels, "Tullarosa" and "Mexican Hat". His characters are believable, his word pictures are masterpieces and the plot is like reading current events. Although I have never visited Santa Fe it is apparent the writer has deep rooted feelings for the area and the inhabitants.

Serpent Gate is one of those page turners with fast-paced dialogue and action. Scenes are wonderfully depicted with McGarrity's keen, accurate knowledge of the place, a beautiful, magical part of New Mexico. It's a truly remarkable book, and Kerney is now (this, Michael's third Kerney book) like an old friend who I want to meet again . . . and again.