# Mick McKenna — Murder in the Gunroom character guide

> Mick McKenna in Murder in the Gunroom by H. Beam Piper.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** McKenna, Mick

**First appearance:** 0002-i

## Snapshot

The police sergeant whose rivalry with Rand pushes him to arrest Pierre Jarrett before the private investigator can close the case himself.

## Who they are

McKenna is the law's man on the Rivers murder, competent enough to check long-distance calls and pull Walters in for questioning, but vain enough to want the collar ahead of Rand. He arrests Pierre Jarrett on appearances, a move Rand calls a serious tactical error born of fear that the detective will beat him to the solution. His competition with Rand shapes the middle of the book, forcing the private investigator to work around the police while the real killer stays loose.

## Relationships

### [Jeff Rand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/characters/jeff_rand)

_professional_

Mick McKenna, a private investigator colleague, assists Jeff Rand with legwork and local intelligence during the case.

### [Jeff Rand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/characters/jeff_rand)

_professional_

Mick McKenna, a private investigator colleague, assists Jeff Rand with legwork and local intelligence during the case.

### [Jeff Rand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/characters/jeff_rand)

_professional_

Mick McKenna, a private investigator colleague, assists Jeff Rand with legwork and local intelligence during the case.

## In the story

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/chapters/x)

Investigates the murder scene with Rand, suggests the butler as the killer, and agrees to share information.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/chapters/xii)

State Police officer in charge of the murder investigation; defends Rand's integrity and argues with Olsen about Gresham's involvement.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/chapters/xiv)

Mentioned as someone who will handle Umholtz after the Walters experiment.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/chapters/xvii)

Police sergeant present during Walters' confession and arrest.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/chapters/xviii)

State Police sergeant who assists Rand with the trap and the arrest of Gwinnett; expresses concern for Rand's safety.

### [The Trap Springs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/chapters/xx)

Loaned Rand the bulletproof vest that saved his life.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/characters/mick_mckenna
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/characters