To Bring My Shadow

This haunting, hardboiled tale follows detective Frank “Slim Fat” Pinson and his partner as they try to unravel the vexing mystery surrounding a who-done-it drug murder in San Diego.

Frank “Slim Fat” Pinson is your regular hardboiled murder cop—hell, Frank’s a cliché. His wife is dead after jumping from a bridge and he’s a mal-practicing Catholic. He’s tough as nails. Hard as sin. Except not.

When Frank and his partner, “Skinny” Slade Ryerson, catch a cartel murder case, they’re sucked into a black hell of political corruption with ties to Santa Muerte. And Frank—a man who knows himself so well—spins into an epic crisis of faith.

The first detective novel from acclaimed pulp writer Matt Phillips introduces readers to a fascinating character of indefensible fault, immense morality, and incalculable demise.

Praise for TO BRING MY SHADOW:

“An intelligently conceived and executed crime drama...A thrilling addition to an old but still vital literary genre.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Phillips gets better with each book, using crime as a vehicle to penetrate the depths of the human soul…” —Travis Richardson, Derringer winner and author of Bloodshot & Bruised

“An outstanding hardboiled police thriller full of intrigue, corruption, murder, existential dilemmas, and more. One of the best and most prolific contemporary authors working—make room on your bookshelf for Frank Pinson and Slade Ryerson.” —Andrew Davie, author of Pavement and Ouroboros

“In To Bring My Shadow, Phillips treats readers to the down-and-dirtiest whodunnit they’ll ever read. Gritty, post-modern, and self-aware, this detective novel introduces readers to Frank Pinson and Slade Ryerson (the suave Watson to Frank Pinson’s slovenly, self-destructive Holmes). Let’s be clear: this ain’t no tea-cozy and hardboiled doesn’t quite cut it, either. Some of the central tropes are Tarantinoesque and Phillips’ dialog and eye for detail bring to mind The Wire. But this is something else—something unclean, cheeky and fun. Have a go.” —Steve Lambert, author of Philisteens

“Relentless, gritty, and heart-pounding…To Bring My Shadow reads like a fast-paced novelization of a banger episode of ‘The First 48.’ An authentic portrayal of San Diego, fantastic characterization, and Phillips’ sharp-as-a-knife writing skill make this a must-read.” —Curtis Ippolito, author of Burying The Newspaper Man

“A master storyteller in this genre...This is a brilliant work of crime fiction...highly recommended for its taut pacing, solid characters, and gripping plot.” —Readers’ Favorite