Mark Mitten was born in Texas and raised in Colorado. He is a member of the Western Writers of America, and is known for his western novels Sipping Whiskey in a Shallow Grave and Hard To Quit. Both books were finalists for the Peacemaker Award. Mark has written a trilogy about a sheriff in the Colorado mountains, dealing with drugs, politics, and the quirks of small town drama: Breck's Quandary (2019) Ghosts of the Past (2021) A Time Between Times (2022). Praise for Breck's Quandary: “In addition to dramatizing the issues surrounding marijuana legalization, the novel offers a realistic window into a sheriff’s everyday struggles of budget, staffing, and community relations. Sheriffs are sure to recognize themselves in this action-packed, modern noir.” —Sheriff & Deputy Magazine Praise for Hard to Quit: 2018 Peacemaker Award Nominee Best Western Novel Category "Fast-paced and at times gripping, this book was difficult to put down." —Historical Novel Society "Gripping material indeed." —Western Fiction Review Praise for Sipping Whiskey in a Shallow Grave: 2013 Peacemaker Award Nominee Best First Western Category "Lyrical, fresh, and an impressive debut." —Roundup Magazine "Mitten awakens images of Gunsmoke and The Magnificent Seven...Certain to be a favorite of equestrians, modern ranchers and history buffs." —The Summit Daily "Dialogue and actions resonate with authenticity." —Western Fictioneers