Iowa Writers’ Workshop alum and bestselling author Chris Offutt will read from his newest book, The Reluctant Sheriff, which is a continuation of his Mick Hardin thriller series. Praised by bestselling author Ian Rankin as “righteous Kentucky noir with top notes of Daniel Woodrell and S. A. Cosby,” The Reluctant Sheriff follows sheriff Mick Hardin as he navigates the “treacherous terrain of a town’s festering secrets and the violent forces who want to keep them hidden” (groveatlantic.com). Lesa Holstine of Library Journal calls The Reluctant Sheriff “atmospheric, exquisitely written Southern noir,” while David Pitt of Booklist says, “The novel is a lovely balance of character and story, and it is, frankly, impossible to imagine anyone not falling a little bit in love with the people of Rocksalt.”

   Chris Offutt is the author of two collections of short stories, three memoirs, and six novels, including four in the Mick Hardin series which began with The Killing Hills. His books have been translated into twelve languages and won four international awards in France. He wrote screenplays for True Blood, Weeds, and Treme. He is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize, a Guggenheim Fellowship, an NEA grant, and a Lannan Fellowship. He received an award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters for “prose that takes risks.” His work is included in many anthologies and textbooks, including Best American Short Stories, Best American Essays, Best American Food Writing, and Modern American Memoirs. He grew up in the hills of eastern Kentucky and lives in Iowa City, Iowa.