Picture a storyteller who spun the dusty trails of New Mexico into gripping mysteries—meet Steven F. Havill! Born in 1945, this American author has captivated readers with his southwestern-flavored police procedurals and westerns, particularly his beloved Posadas County Mystery series. With a knack for vivid characters and small-town intrigue, Havill’s stories feel like a sunbaked drive through the desert, full of twists and heart.
From his home in Datil, New Mexico, Havill crafts tales that blend the rugged charm of the Southwest with the suspense of classic mysteries. His work, rooted in the fictional Posadas County, has earned him a loyal following among fans of C.J. Box and Michael McGarrity. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this master of mystery.
The Making of Steven F. Havill
Born in New York in 1945, Steven F. Havill found his true home in the wide-open spaces of New Mexico. A graduate of the University of New Mexico with both B.A. and M.A. degrees, Havill balanced a career as a high school biology and English teacher for 25 years while nurturing his passion for storytelling. His early love for writing led to his first novel, The Killer, a western published in 1981. Teaching by day and writing by night, Havill honed a disciplined craft that would soon shine in the mystery genre.
His wife, Kathleen, a writer and artist, has been a constant partner in their creative life in Datil. Havill’s deep connection to New Mexico’s landscape and culture infuses his work, giving it an authentic southwestern soul. His later pursuit of an AAS degree in gunsmithing reflects his hands-on curiosity, a trait that spills into the meticulous detail of his novels.
Steven F. Havill’s Unforgettable Stories
Havill’s signature creation is the Posadas County Mystery series, a sprawling saga set in a fictional New Mexico county near the Mexican border. The series kicks off with Heartshot (1991), introducing Undersheriff Bill Gastner, a widowed, aging lawman whose compassion and insomnia drive his relentless pursuit of justice. Gastner’s gritty charm anchors the first nine books, blending police procedural precision with southwestern flair.
After Gastner’s retirement, Havill seamlessly shifted focus to Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman in Scavengers (2002), showcasing a new generation of Posadas County heroes. Prequels like One Perfect Shot (2012) and Easy Errors (2017) delve into Gastner’s early days, while the 2025 release If It Isn’t One Thing... keeps the series vibrant. Havill’s standalone westerns, like The Killer, and his Dr. Thomas Parks mysteries, set in 1890s Washington, highlight his versatility.
Known for crisp dialogue and vivid settings, Havill’s style paints Posadas County as a character itself—dusty, complex, and alive. His stories tackle themes of community, justice, and the human cost of crime, earning praise for their “melancholy reinterpretation of the western myth” and “marvelously detailed” procedurals. Whether it’s a murder in the desert or a quiet moment under the stars, Havill’s storytelling grips you like a New Mexico sunset.
Why Steven F. Havill Matters
Havill’s impact lies in his ability to make the fictional Posadas County feel real, capturing the heartbeat of small-town New Mexico. His multicultural casts and authentic settings resonate with readers who crave stories grounded in place and people. With 28 Posadas County novels and counting, Havill has built a legacy as a storyteller who blends suspense with humanity, earning accolades from Publishers Weekly and Booklist for his character-driven narratives.
His work inspires fans of southwestern mysteries to explore the genre’s roots, bridging classic westerns with modern crime fiction. Havill’s dedication to his craft, even while teaching and later mastering gunsmithing, shows a storyteller who lives for his art. His stories remind us that even in the quietest corners, secrets and heroism thrive.
- Born: 1945 in New York, USA
- Key Works: Heartshot (1991), One Perfect Shot (2012), Easy Errors (2017)
- Genres: Mystery, Western, Police Procedural
- Fun Fact: Havill taught high school for 25 years and earned a gunsmithing degree.
About Steven F. Havill
Snag Heartshot or One Perfect Shot and dive into Steven F. Havill’s thrilling Posadas County mysteries! Whether you’re a fan of desert noir or just love a good whodunit, his stories will keep you hooked under the New Mexico stars.