Whitley County Public Library held a book signing for Southeastern Kentucky author Mark Hargis on Monday, June 20.
Hargis’s first novel, ‘The Twelfth Precinct,' is a crime fiction based in Texas. The story revolves around three main characters (Jonathan, Marsha, and Ariana) who work together to solve several murders while battling everyday life’s issues.
“Each character talks about their problems,” said Hargis. “[For example,] one detective has gone through a couple divorces and now he can’t get along with his new, young crime partner because he’s used to working with a man his age. So they have conflict initially. Soon they become best friends and talk about their lives.” Hargis added, “I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression over the years so I like to bring out mental health stigmas when my characters communicate with each other.”
“I loved that the characters were relatable to real life and had issues that many struggle to talk about today,” said reader Sara Stephens. “I feel the way it was written helps break the stigma around mental health.”
The novel, of course, addresses mental health, but Hargis said there is also plenty of crime, drama, humor, touching moments, and sadness to keep readers at the edge of their seats.
The Twelfth Precinct is available on Amazon.com or for checkout at Whitley County Public Library and McCreary County Public Library.
If you would like to reach out to Hargis to purchase his new novel, you may contact him on his personal Facebook blog at ‘Mark Hargis – Author.’
Hargis’s next book signing is Wednesday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at McCreary County Public Library.
Author Mark Hargis was raised on a small dairy cattle farm in Somerset, Kentucky and now resides in Monticello, Kentucky. He has taught elementary school Special Education in McCreary and Pulaski counties for 17 years. Now he is following his passion for writing with a second novel in the works and more books to follow in the future.
Samantha Walden, Staff Writer at the Kentucky Daily