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