As the 11th entry in Michael McGarrity’s Kevin Kerney series, DEATH SONG will delight readers both new and old. Coming into an ongoing series this late in the game can be frustrating for some, but like some of his predecessors – in particular, Ed McBain – the author doesn’t dwell on past plots. Even if you’re completely unaware of the previous titles, you won’t feel lost at all; McGarrity does a fine job giving all the pertinent information needed to understand the character and story dynamics.
DEATH SONG deals with Tim Riley, a new officer on the force, having transferred from another town. He enjoys being the cop on the beat, rather than a desk jockey. He’s well-liked by his fellow officers and has an impeccable record. Then the unthinkable happens: As Tim makes his way to his car, he is killed via a shotgun blast to the face.
Then his wife is discovered with her throat slit, and their murders drive the plot. Kerney is on the verge of retirement and calls it upon his son Sgt. Clayton Istee to take charge of the investigation with his full support. The only lead they find is that Tim’s teenage son Ben lived with him last summer. Could he be the one who killed his father and stepmother in cold blood? And, if so, why?
This leads Istee through a procedural that will make fans of the genre rejoice, since that is the focus of the book. We are never led along with red herrings or blatant clues; it’s just straight-up police work to crack the case, with Istee doing his best at following every lead, even when it takes him to another double homicide.
As someone who is new to this series, I appreciate that McGarrity didn’t rehash previous storylines, so I can safely start any of the earlier books without an idea of the outcomes. DEATH SONG is a terrific read for fans of both Tony Hillerman (since they share the idea of American Indians on the police force) and McBain (with the way the police work is handled so well within the story). It’s novels like this that make me want to read the entire series; it’s that well-crafted. –Bruce Grossman
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I’ve read it and agree it is really well written and fun to read.