The last book I read that used language so beautifully, so sparingly, and created such a vivid picture of a place, was James Anderson’s The Never-Open Desert Diner. Chris Offutt’s The Killing Hills takes readers into rural Kentucky with a hero whose story will break your heart. Mick Hardin is a man trapped between his career and his personal life. He’s suffocating, but he’s hanging on.
Mick Hardin is a combat veteran with time spent in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. Now, he’s in the Criminal Investigation Division, specializing in homicide. He’s the right man to help when his sister, Linda, a sheriff, needs assistance. But, he’s really home on family leave because his wife is about to give birth. However, he and his wife are barely speaking to each other, and he’s living out in his grandfather’s old cabin in the woods.
Linda is the local sheriff in Morehead, Kentucky, but some of the locals aren’t happy that a woman is sheriff. When a widow is found dead, murdered, the bigshots see it as their chance to push Linda out of her first homicide investigation. They can call in the FBI, but Mick is Linda’s secret weapon. He knows the hills, the woods, and the local families. He understands respect for property, and, most of all, blood family. As long as he’s home, he’ll help her. He knows how betrayals and family feuds can lead to more death. “An eye for an eye” is more than a Biblical saying in this area. Mick and Linda aren’t the only ones looking for a killer. So is the family of the dead woman.
When Mick starts to avoid calls from his commanding officer, Linda knows he’s in trouble. But, Mick knows he has to resolve the situation with his wife before he can move on. His easiest problem just might be the murder investigation, the case of the dead widow.
Voice and language. Chris Offutt has a spare writing style that can create a memorable character, Mick Hardin, while also bringing rural Kentucky to life. If you’re looking for a thoughtful story, a vividly portrayed setting, a remarkable man who slips perfectly into his environment, try Chris Offutt’s The Killing Hills.
Chris Offutt’s website is http://chrisoffutt.com/
The Killing Hills by Chris Offutt. Grove Press, 2021. ISBN 9780802158413 (hardcover), 240p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a .PDF to review for a journal.
Sounds great! Surprisingly, my library lists it as “on order” so I was able to put a hold on it.
It was great, Richard. I hope you like it!
I’ve now read it, and can’t figure if it’s a standalone or if he’ll write a follow-up and if so which person, Sheriff or Mick, would be the protagonist. So, standalone? I’ll share my additional thoughts Thursday.
I don’t know either. But, it would be weird if Mick came back to Kentucky again, unless he retires from the army.
50 pages in and it is an interesting read.
I just like Mick Hardin.
110 pages in and I do as well. Took me a bit to get into this one. Stayed with it because of you and your review.
I hope you find it satisfying when you’re finished, Kevin.
Did. Enjoyed it very much and have recommended it to The Boy Genius who is now planning to check it out.
Great to hear, Kevin!