The Reluctant Sheriff - Blog Tour

 

Author: Chris Offutt

Publisher: No Exit Press

Publishing Date: 10th April 2025 

Many thanks to Random Things Tours and the publishing team for my physical copy of the book  and a spot on the tour

Blurb

The Reluctant Sheriff is Chris Offutt's fourth book featuring Mick Hardin.

Back in the familiar setting of the Kentucky hills, Mick Hardin returns standing in as the sheriff while the previous sheriff, his sister Linda, recuperates from a gunshot wound sustained in the line of duty. Living in Linda's house in Rocksalt, Mick finds himself entwined in the trials and tribulations of being a sheriff in the perturbing Kentucky community. Unable to retire from a world of dubiousness and violence, Mick Hardin is back with determination to deliver retribution.

A dark and fierce return to the Kentucky hills, where nothing is what it seems.

My Thoughts 

This is book 4 in a series and my first read. The author did a good job in giving the recurring characters a bit of a back story so they can remain relevant to book 4 plat, however I did find myself at times wanting to learn more and some unanswered questions. But that is more for me as reader to pick books 1- 3 up to to find the answers and learn more about the characters!

I did enjoyed the character development. some characters were more reliable and relatable than others. Mick's characters took while to fully shine through his hard exterior but that was well done. I would have liked a bit more about Linda post injury and her recovery and feelings since her brother stepping in her role. 

We also get to learn a bit about Mick's old colleague Johnny boy who finds a way out and is also recovering. But you gain an insight to the importance of this friendship and actually how much weight it holds for Mick. 

The author has a good way of story telling and keeping you fixated into the plot. From start to finish I was engaged. 

I really enjoyed this crime book and would recommend