The Long Ago

Written by Michael McGarrity

Narrated by George Newbern

Growing up in Montana, siblings Raymond and Barbara Lansdale held their chaotic world together through their shared childhood fantasy of The Long Ago: a distant place where happiness and tranquility reigned, far from the dysfunction at home. But imagination only goes so far. To escape his painful past, Ray joins the army and finds a career that gives him a sense of purpose and the promise of adventure.

Recent news of his kid sister's disappearance brings Ray home on leave before beginning a stateside assignment almost certain to send him back into the jungles of Vietnam. Determined to find Barbara despite a police investigation that has led nowhere, Ray embarks on a relentless search that takes him from the majestic Montana ranchlands and glitter of Hollywood to the mean streets of LA and beyond. As time dwindles, he must confront his worst nightmare. What if Barbara's search for The Long Ago ended in a shallow, unmarked grave, not in the carefree life she'd once so longed for and imagined?

A spin-off from McGarrity's nationally bestselling Kevin Kerney family saga, The Long Ago is a richly crafted and enthralling story of grit, determination, and the enduring, restorative strength of love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Highbridge Company
• Release date: Sep 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9781696613385

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 Long Ago

[Greer Deneen · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I love Michael McGarrity’s Kearney series. Each book is filled with fascinating characters and purposeful action. This story has engaging characters, but lost momentum mid-way through the plot. The characters did not go through true transformation or discovery, and the arc of the story faltered. Even so, the book does provide wonderful descriptions of the varied settings as well as a searing glimpse into the waste if the Viet Nam War.