With the publication of his debut novel, LOVERS CROSSING, Shamus Award nominee James C. Mitchell was hailed as a crafty plotter and creator of appealing, realistic characters. The narrator of the story, the Tucson private investigator Brinker, was described as "instantly likeable" and full of surprises. In CHOKE POINT, Mitchell returns to the border area where his strong sense of place won praise from critics. The second Brinker novel also was nominated for a Shamus Award, this time for Best Novel of 2004.

   Mitchell's first venture into fiction followed years of work in journalism and law. His short story writing has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. He is an award-winning writer on law topics. His commentary on media issues and topical events has appeared in newspapers nationwide, including The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. He is member of the Mystery Writers of America.

   Jim spent much of his former life as a television news broadcaster in Louisville, Kentucky, Los Angeles, and New York City. He earned his law degree at the University of Louisville. Combining his law and journalism backgrounds, he taught writing and news media law at the University of Arizona until starting to write full time.

   Jim is now at work on his third novel. When he's not writing, he enjoys reading, traveling, and flying; he is a licensed pilot. Jim lives in Fort Collins, Colorado.