Throwing Off Sparks: A Riley Reeves Mystery

"Riley Reeves is exactly how I like my sleuths: whip-smart, tenacious, and compassionate. And tougher than a Texas rattlesnake when it comes to meting out justice to violent criminals. With its page-turning pace, surprising turns, and an insider’s look at the underbelly of Texas society, author Michael Pool has launched a must-read series. I loved it!”  – Barbara Nickless, author of the bestselling Sydney Parnell series.

Texas private investigator Riley Reeves specializes in cases of at-risk and missing girls. When a socialite couple hires Riley to protect their teenage daughter from a mysterious stalker, things get off to a rough start with the girl's mother. Making matters worse, Riley’s troubled alcoholic brother and last living relative, Chip, shows up on her doorstep the same day, fresh out of the state penitentiary.

Riley’s investigation soon uncovers that the girl is involved with a dangerous group of older men, though their connection to her stalking remains unclear. Meanwhile, Chip is off the wagon and running wild, dredging up serious trouble that soon arrives at Riley’s doorstep. Before long, there is violence in the air and destruction on the horizon in every direction. Can Riley solve the case without losing everyone and everything that means anything to her in the process?

PRAISE FOR THROWING OFF SPARKS

"This is good, tough stuff, retro and modern at the same time. Not an easy trick. Highly recommend." -- Joe Lansdale, author of the Hap and Leonard series.

“Riley Reeves is a tough, capable heroine, and Pool writes PI fiction with hard-won authenticity and infectious love for the genre. Throwing Off Sparks is highly recommended.”  – Sam Wiebe, author of the Dave Wakeland series

“Right from the jump, I was drawn in by Michael Pool’s well-crafted Throwing Off Sparks. It’s got pace and heart, and well-drawn characters, some you’ll love, some you’ll hate. To put it simply, it’s sharp writing that makes for edge-of-your-seat reading. And like so many of my favorite series, the worst part of this one is having to wait for the next installment.” – Dietrich Kalteis, award-winning author of Ride the Lightning and House of Blazes

Michael Pool is the author of thrilling crime, mystery, and detective novels. Michael's stories are crafted from real-life experiences, most recently from his full-time work as a private investigator. Michael holds a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from Western Colorado University, and is the author of three full-length novels: the noir mystery novel Rose City; the Elmore Leonard-reminiscent crime novel Texas Two-Step; and the first book in the Riley Reeves female private investigator mystery series, Throwing Off Sparks (set for release in May 2020). Michael is also the author of the Seattle-set crime noir novella, Debt Crusher. Michael's work has been compared to writers such as Sue Grafton, Robert Crais, and Joe Lansdale. Michael's crime and mystery short stories have appeared in magazines such as All Due Respect, Heater, and Thuglit, as well as in multiple crime anthologies, including The Eyes Of Texas: Private Eyes from the Panhandle to the Piney Woods. Michael was the editor of the cult classic 80s-themed crime fiction anthology, Fast Women and Neon Lights: 80's-inspired Neon Noir. Michael lives and writes in Denver, Colorado, where he investigates real mysteries by day and trains grappling martial arts by night. He can also often be found roaming the countryside in his home away from home, Vancy Pants. Find him online at www.michaelpool.net.