A crime novelist accused of shooting her father in the legs and buttocks last month has been referred for a mental evaluation to determine whether she's fit to stand trial, Washtenaw County prosecutors said.

Lisa Reardon, 47, of Ann Arbor, is in the Washtenaw County Jail, charged with assault with intent to commit murder and possession of a firearm during the incident.

Reardon is accused of showing up at her parents' Dexter Township home Aug. 21 after an argument and opening fire with a 20-gauge shotgun, Washtenaw County sheriff's deputies said.

Her father suffered non life-threatening injuries.

Reardon, who wrote "The Mercy Killers" and other books, is being held on $500,000 bail, jail officials said this afternoon.