Third and Long

Book 10 in the John Keegan Mystery Series

"NetNest almost changed the internet. This case is why you never heard of it."

Third and Long, the third installment of the Retro John Keegan Series, transports readers to early-2000s New York City—an era standing at the crossroads of old-school policing and the dawn of digital forensics.

Against the gritty backdrop of Manhattan’s streets, two NYPD detectives embody this pivotal transition: John Keegan, a young, determined investigator still honing his instincts and craft, and Mateo “Matty Long” Villalargo, a seasoned veteran nearing retirement. Their partnership isn’t just about solving crime—it’s a passing of the torch.

Their latest case revolves around the brutal murder of Martin Reeves, an online marketing mogul connected to “NetNest,” a once-promising digital platform that nearly reshaped the internet. As Keegan and Long dig into Reeves’ hidden dealings, they find themselves navigating a world where technology leaves digital breadcrumbs and motives lurk behind screens. This clash of cutting-edge computer analysis and hard-earned street smarts defines their pursuit of justice.

Throughout the investigation, Keegan grows under Long’s guidance, learning to look past the obvious and understand the criminal mind. Through vivid flashbacks to Long’s past cases, readers glimpse the veteran detective’s legacy—both his triumphs and the ghosts haunting him—while witnessing Keegan’s transformation into a more nuanced, forward-thinking detective.

Third and Long seamlessly blends mentorship, personal growth, and the complexities of justice. It offers a down-to-earth, suspenseful narrative capturing a moment in time when police work was evolving under the weight of new technology. Whether you’re a fan of traditional detective stories or are fascinated by the emergence of digital forensics, this installment promises a compelling read, casting a bright light on Keegan’s future and marking the end of an era for Long and the NYPD itself.