The Judas Judge

Written by Michael McGarrity

Narrated by Bruce Greenwood

Deputy State Police Chief Kevin Kerney is weeks away from trading in his badge for a rancher's hat, when six murders are committed at a remote campground in New Mexico. Most of the evidence points to the work of a spree killer, but peculiarities at one crime scene suggest another grisly possibility: that five random people have been shot to death to cover the premeditated murder of the sixth, Vernon Langsford, a retired judge and wealthy businessman.

Ruling out neither scenario, Kerney mounts a high-profile search for the possible spree killer and conducts a deep probe into the life of Vernon Langsford -- which quickly reveals a number of motives for Langsford's murder. But Kerney has no clear suspect, nor does he know why Langsford's son scornfully refers to his murdered father as "the Judas Judge."

As Kerney pieces together a shocking history of family betrayal, he is harassed by a stalker, forced into a gunfight with a c rooked cop, and is shaken by new doubts about his plan to give up police work. Challenged by the most sensational case of his career, Kerney must use all his skill to track down and bring to justice a brilliant and ruthless killer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Jul 1, 2000
• ISBN: 9780743549080

Michael McGarrity

Michael McGarrity is the author of the Kevin Kerney mystery novels including Tularosa, nominated for an Anthony Award; Mexican Hat; and Serpent Gate. A former Santa Fe County deputy sheriff, he also served as an instructor at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy and as an investigator for the New Mexico Public Defender’s Office. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Reviews for The Judas Judge

[Melissa Verett · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was difficult to follow the cast. With so many plots, the development of the story was challenging. I would advise the reader to take notes about all the relationships. This was not the author’s best…as if a team had written the script.

[sparmelee_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a really appalling story.

[drled_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Synopsis: Family issues plague Kevin Kerney on several levels and don't make it any easier to find the spree killer. He still has to make a decision about his future: law enforcement or ranching, or both.Review: Once again McGarrity leads the reader on a merry chase through a set of interesting scenarios. The characters continue to be interesting, well developed with new ones entering and old leaving, just to keep the story fresh.