Picture an Arizona storyteller who swapped copper mines for crime mysteries—meet Virgil Alexander! Born in the rugged heart of rural Gila County, this retired miner turned award-winning author crafts contemporary rural police mysteries that pulse with the landscapes, cultures, and history of the American Southwest. His Deputy Allred & Apache Officer Victor Series is a love letter to Arizona’s wild beauty and complex communities.
With a knack for weaving real-world grit with historical intrigue, Alexander’s novels are as much about place as they are about plot. His stories hum with authenticity, drawing from a life spent hiking canyons, riding horses, and soaking up the region’s lore. Let’s dive into the world of this unique voice in mystery fiction!
The Making of Virgil Alexander
Virgil Alexander was born in the Globe-Miami area of Arizona, where the desert meets the mountains. Raised in a family tied to law enforcement—his uncles were deputy sheriffs, his father a reserve officer—Alexander grew up steeped in cop-talk and rural life. His childhood was a blend of outdoor adventures and library visits, where he devoured mysteries, westerns, and Arizona history. After 42 years in the mining industry, from laborer to corporate management, he retired and turned his storytelling passion into a second career. Inspired by the likes of Tony Hillerman, Alexander began writing novels that reflect the Southwest’s soul.
Virgil Alexander’s Unforgettable Stories
Alexander’s Deputy Allred & Apache Officer Victor Series, published by Aakenbaaken & Kent, is a five-book saga that blends police procedural with Southwestern flair. His debut, The Wham Curse (2012), ties a modern Apache boy’s murder to the 1889 Wham Paymaster Robbery, a real Arizona treasure mystery. Saints & Sinners (2014) tackles border crime, following deputies and Apache police protecting a Mexican teenager from a drug cartel. The Baleful Owl (2015) dives into artifact theft, with a high-stakes chase for a priceless effigy. Murder in Copper (2018) explores espionage and revenge in Arizona’s mining country, while Broken Earth (2021) weaves Apache culture with issues like drug smuggling and missing indigenous women.
His style is vivid yet restrained, avoiding graphic violence or profanity, making his books almost cozy despite their thrilling stakes. Alexander’s settings—canyons, ranches, and reservations—are characters in their own right, enriched by his deep knowledge of Arizona’s geography and history. Themes of cultural respect, rural life, and justice resonate, with strong characters like Deputy Pat Haley and Apache officer Al Victor driving the action.
Why Virgil Alexander Matters
Virgil Alexander’s mysteries do more than entertain—they preserve the Southwest’s cultural tapestry. His portrayal of Apache, Hispanic, and ranching communities offers a nuanced look at a region often stereotyped. As a member of the Arizona Historical Society and Public Safety Writers Association, he’s earned awards for both fiction and nonfiction, cementing his role as a regional storyteller. His work inspires readers to see Arizona through a lens of history, humanity, and heart, making him a hidden gem in the mystery genre.
- Born: Rural Gila County, Arizona
- Key Works: The Wham Curse, Saints & Sinners, Broken Earth
- Awards: Public Safety Writers Association, Best Published Fiction Book
Snag The Wham Curse and dive into Virgil Alexander’s thrilling Southwest mysteries—your next favorite read awaits!