Absolutely adored this one -- despite some confusion with lingering plot threads from previous books in the series (which were easy to place in context) this book served as a brilliant introduction to Offutt's writing. With shades of JUSTIFIED (Although Mick Hardin is a far more easy going and morally adaptable character than Raylan Givens, less inclined to cowboy justice), this Kentuckian mix of thriller and procedural is at its best when exploring the day to day life of the community Hardin is serving as their reluctant Sherriff. The characters and locale are painted with warmth and humour, but the criminal elements are never anything less than dangerous, and violence is not shied away from. Like the best writers, Hardin tells his story straight-up and with minimal fuss, pulling you into his world like listening to a good friend tell his story to you over a glass of his finest bourbon. This may be the first in the series I've read but I imagine it won't be the last.

I enjoyed this. It kept my interest throughout. Thank you for the ARC.
I enjoyed this. It kept my interest throughout. Thank you for the ARC.

I was delighted to be afforded another opportunity to enter the world of Rocksalt in Eldridge County, Kentucky in the company of “Jimmy Hardin’s boy, Mick” in this 4th book in a unique and compelling series. I was not disappointed.

Fans of the Mick Hardin series will be well versed in “the way of the hills”, the unique Kentucky hill country culture that Chris Offutt portrays so well, and in Hardin’s back story. But there is sufficient exposition in this book to allow newcomers to enjoy it as a stand-alone read. Hardin is the eponymous law officer of the book’s title and he struggles with doing the job right and doing the right thing in accordance with his own moral code, shaped as it is by his upbringing in the hills and his military service.

It is a fast moving, gripping yet thoughtful narrative which focuses on loyalty to family, friends, brothers and sisters in arms and to a threatened way of life and code of behaviour.