Review: Code Of The Hills: A Mick Hardin Novel by Chris Offutt

 

As Code Of The Hills: A Mick Hardin Novel begins, it has been two years since the events of Shifty’s Boys (Mick Hardin #2) and Mick Hardin has retired from the Army. 39 years old now, he has come home to Rocksalt, Kentucky, and back to his sister’s house for a few days. He plans to move to France and has a place lined up for the next six months. There is not a lot of reason for him to stay in Kentucky as the only family he has, Linda, is the sheriff and they are not that close.

But, that plan does not survive first contact.

A legendary local mechanic, Pete Lowe, is dead. Pete was known as a cranky genius on the dirt tack circuit. As good as he was with engines, he was the opposite with people. It is not long before Mick, with nothing to do and far too many memories and regrets, gets pulled into helping investigate his murder.

As has happened before, things get violent quick after Mick Hardin is involved.

The third book in the series that began with The Killing Hills is a complex and interesting read that builds on the solid foundation of the first two books. The final fifty pages or so in Code Of The Hills: A Mick Hardin Novel significantly surprised this reader. One is left to wonder what the future holds for Mick Hardin. One hopes we find out soon as these reads keep getting better and better.

Make sure you read Lesa Holstine's review today here. 

 

My reading copy came by way of a digital ARC from NetGalley.

 

Kevin R. Tipple ©2023