Death song

Mysteries set in the Southwest and New Mexico are always  appealing; the very popular books written by Tony Hillerman are a good example of this.  Michael McGarrity is another author who uses this setting very well.   And since a Native American character has been introduced into the series, some Apache beliefs and traditions have been incorporated as well.

Death Song is the eleventh book in the series, which began with Tularosa in 1996, all featuring Kevin Kerney, currently the police chief in Santa Fe (though he is nearing retirement).   Series readers have followed Kerney though many major life events:  his marriage, the birth of his son, career changes, and the discovery that he has a grown son, Sergeant Clayton Istee, an Apache, who is also in law enforcement.  

Deputy Tim Riley, a newly hired fellow officer of Sgt. Clayton's in Lincoln county, has been murdered, shot in the face at close range.  His wife Denise, is also murdered at about the same time in Santa Fe.  Work on the  case quickly brings Clayton and Kevin together, and does a lot to improve their strained relationship.  Kerney feels pressured to resolve the case before his retirement and does so due to the strong work of his team. 

McGarrity's books are strong on police procedures, family relationships and character development.  This is a well written and enjoyable series.