Mark Reps

Mark Reps is an American crime novelist best known for his Zeb Hanks series, set in southeastern Arizona. His work blends crime fiction with themes of Native American culture and rural life. He is best known for the novel Native Dreams (2020), the eleventh book in the Zeb Hanks: Small Town Sheriff, Big Time Trouble series. His books are often compared to those of Craig Johnson’s Longmire series and Tony Hillerman.

Reps was born in a small town in south-eastern Minnesota. Although he trained in mathematics and chiropractic care, he continued to tell and write stories throughout his life. “My day-to-day life includes dreaming, creating, and simply enjoying life,” he once said. His experience as a chiropractor and acupuncturist has shaped his interest in ancient traditions and healing practices.

He spends winters hiking through the deserts and wilderness of southeastern Arizona. These trips have had a strong influence on the settings and characters in his fiction. Meeting a colourful sheriff in the region inspired him to create the Zeb Hanks character. He often returns to Graham County and the San Carlos Apache Reservation to conduct research and connect with the local community.

He began writing fiction while exchanging letters with Tony Hillerman, who offered him early guidance and feedback. This mentorship helped shape his approach to regional crime fiction. His writing explores the tension between traditional and modern values in the contemporary American Southwest.

The Zeb Hanks series now comprises more than ten books. Native Dreams focuses on Echo Skysong, Zeb’s wife, who is an Afghanistan veteran, an Apache mystic, and a healer. The book explores themes of PTSD, crime investigation and spiritual knowledge. “The more novels I write in the series, the more I discover about each character,” said Reps.

Mark Reps leads a quiet life, focusing on writing, family, learning and outdoor activities. He describes life as “a dream with infinite options”.

Photo credit: X @markreps1