ISBN: 0-7887-1892-4 Order from: Recorded Books
A tense, well-written investigation of old murders and new hatreds, this mystery features likable characters, vivid depiction of the US Southwest, and is burdened by view-hopping.
Reviewed by David on June 15, 2003
Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural)
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of Mexican Hat.
Kevin Kerney, once a well-regarded police detective, has retired from police after a serious injury. Now, he works a seasonal ranger saving up for his dream—buying and running a small ranch.
However, his investigating days are far from over. A series of big-game poaching put him in conflict with more senior Park Service staff, until a murder of a Mexican tourist take precedence in the investigation.
Struggling with too many clues as well as vicious, ruthless murderers determined to stop Kerney and his partner, the detective uncovers old secrets, and finds new friends.
Full Review: This is a very well-written mystery, inviting comparison with Hillerman's Southwest mysteries. Like Hillerman's stories, the nature is a major player in the book; however, unlike them, McGarrity concentrates on the ranchers and towns of New Mexico instead of Hillerman's Navajo culture.
Kevin is an obvious hero—a former policeman, who despite his mostly amateur status and medical injuries is still better than most villains around. But he is more than a strong, silent icon—he is a sympathetic, thinking character, full of misgivings, emotions (e.g. attraction to the new District Attorney), weaknesses and strengths.
The surrounding characters are also interesting, although the villains are a bit flat, almost psychotic.
On the whole, the only weakness in this suspenseful, colorful mystery is the plethora of viewpoints, and the shifting between them. This is a pleasant, solid book, one that is complete in itself and yet invites the reader to seek out other books in the series.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 4.5;
Copyright date 1997, Recorded Books, 1998, Audio cassette, 6 cassettes
ISBN: 0-7887-1892-4 Order from: Recorded Books