Kirk Mitchell is an American author, well-established for his works in alternate history, time travel, adventure fiction, and historical fiction novels. He has also been involved in characterizing some of his novels into feature movies. Mitchell uses his real name for most of his works, but he also employs the pseudonym Joel Norst for some of his novels and movie tie-ins.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Mitchell had a career in law enforcement. He served as a deputy sheriff on the Paiute-Shoshone Indian reservations, which included Death Valley. His experiences in the reservations and his service as a SWAT sergeant in southern California have significantly influenced his writings, providing them with an air of authenticity and realism.
Mitchell is a descendant of California pioneers and was graduated magna cum laude in English from the University of Redlands. After his stint in law enforcement, he began his career as a full-time writer in 1983. To date, he has published fifteen original novels, including his Dee Laguerre Mystery series and the Emmett Parker and Anna Turnipseed series. He also wrote numerous blockbuster movie tie-ins, such as LETHAL WEAPON and BACKDRAFT, under the pseudonym Joel Norst. One of his notable works, HIGH DESERT MALICE, was an Edgar Mystery Award finalist in 1996. Mitchell currently resides in northern California.