Michael McGarrity is a renowned American author, best known for his crime fiction and suspense novels, which are set in his home state of New Mexico. Prior to his writing career, McGarrity had a distinguished career in criminal justice that spanned over twenty-five years. He holds a BA with distinction in psychology and a master's degree in clinical social work. As an undergraduate, he held a Ford Foundation Scholarship at the University of New Mexico. Additionally, he is an honor graduate of the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.
McGarrity's career in criminal justice included creating treatment programs for drug offenders, supervising outreach services for at-risk juveniles, and re-establishing mental health services for the Department of Corrections after the infamous 1980 riot at the New Mexico Penitentiary. As a Santa Fe County deputy sheriff, he worked in various capacities, including as a patrol officer, training and planning supervisor, community relations officer, and lead investigator of the sex crimes unit, which he established. He also taught courses at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, served as a caseworker and investigator for the Public Defender's District Office, and conducted investigations for a state government agency. His work in law enforcement earned him several accolades, including being named New Mexico Social Worker of the Year in 1980 and the American Legion's Police Officer of the Year in 1987. In 2004, he received the New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts -- Literature. He is also the 2015 recipient of the Frank Waters Exemplary Literary Achievement Award and the 2015 Santa Fe Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts – Literature.