I read plenty of Chris Offutt’s father’s SF and Fantasy novels growing up. Andy Offutt was a prolific writer and his son is certainly following in his footsteps with the Mick Hardin mystery series. I read and reviewed the first two books in the series–The Killing Hills and Shifty’s Boys–a few years ago (you can read my reviews here)

Now I’m getting caught up with the next two books in the series, Code of the Hills (2023) and The Reluctant Sheriff (2025). “Three months ago he’d retired from the army with a plan to live on a French island, and here he was trapped like a mouse with no choice but to eat the cheese.” (p. 36)

After serving in the U.S. Army for 20 years, mostly as a CID officer, Mick Hardin returns to visit his sister, Linda, who lives in a small town in eastern Kentucky called Rocksalt. Linda is the Sheriff and Mick’s plans get upended when Linda is shot. Mick becomes “Acting Sheriff” and focuses on finding out who tried to kill his sister.

Pete Lowe, an in-demand mechanic for local race cars, is found murdered. Is this murder connected to Linda’s shooting? Mick uses all of his investigative experience to untangle the plot behind the violence.

Mick Hardin is tired of being interim Sheriff in The Reluctant Sheriff. His sister, Linda, is recovering from her gunshot wound but not ready to return to duty. The murder of a local bar owner brings in Mick’s ex-wife to complicate matters. The murder leads to two more fatal shootings. The conclusion of The Reluctant Sheriff presents a confrontation worthy of a Jack Reacher novel. Very cinematic! If you’re in the mood for some Rural Noir, Code of the Hills and The Reluctant Sheriff will satisfy your craving. GRADE: B+ (for both)