Debt Crusher was my introduction to Michael Pool and oh boy am I glad we were
introduced! This novella reads like a kick to the balls; it came out of
nowhere, left me gasping for air, and it’s gonna take a while until I return to
my initial condition.
It
will be easier for me to allow the main character, Cam Reynolds, give his own
book synopsis: “I’m a debt collector. My job is to convince gamblers who owe
money to my boss that they ought to take care of their outstanding debt. I made
a mistake last week that involved someone important to (my boss's) new business
partners…so (my boss) tried to hand me over to them…for punishment. I didn’t go
easy…”
Pool
is razor sharp and manages to cut out all extraneous bullshit and just gives us
the hard hitting action, tough dialogue, and the plot points that keep you
hooked through each page. The book seems to go way too quickly, but it many
ways the editing was one of its strengths. While it is a quick read, it never
rushed; the plot unfolds at a pace that allows the reader to be immersed, yet
not feel like they are missing anything.
All
Due Respect has another winner in their lineup and I will be putting my eyes on
Pool’s forthcoming short story collection, New Alleys for Nothing Men in the very
near future. Speaking of the future, Pool seems to have a very bright one. A
lot of people are going to love this one … trust me.
Highly
Recommended.
Reviewed
by Derrick Horodyski.
