Tualatin, Oregon - May 4, 2012- In the first volume of a planned trilogy, Michael McGarrity takes a slightly different approach to his Kevin Kearney mysteries as he traces the long history of the Kearney family starting in 1875 as John Kearney settles on the plains of west Texas with hopes and plans to build his Double K Ranch.  Spanning the years 1875 to 1918, Hard Country is as much about the expansion of a nation as it is about the search for love, lost family, and new beginnings in harsh, sun-scorched lands.

Hard Country is a richly authentic adventure of rough-hewn men and courageous women set in the frontier of the American Southwest, an epic story that rings of the tradition of the great Western novel with historically accurate depictions of range wars, Indian raids, cattle rustling, rough justice, long-standing feuds, murder, and the final closing of the frontier.

About Michael McGarrity

Michael McGarrity is the author of the Kevin Kearny mystery series that started with the publication of his first novel Tularosa  in 1996, nominated for an Anthony Award.  A former Sante Fe County deputy sheriff, McGarrity is a bestselling author and the recipient of numerous awards including the 2004 New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts.

McGarrity holds a BA with distinction in psychology and a master's degree in clinical social work.  His career in criminal justice includes work in corrections, law enforcement, security, and police officer training.  In 1987, he was honored as Santa Fe's Police Officer of the Year.

To date, McGarrity has authored thirteen books including:  Tularosa (1996), Mexican Hat (1997), Serpent Gate, Hermit's Peak (1999), The Judas Judge (2000), Under the Color of Law (2001), The Big Gamble (2002), Everyone Dies (2003), Slow Kill (2004), Nothing But Trouble (2005), Death Song (2007), Dead or Alive (2008) and Hard Country (May 2012) .

VJ Books (http://www.vjbooks.com) is offering signed copies of Hard Country, as well as many other signed Michael McGarrity titles, many at special “Author of the Month” pricing.