Just because Penns River is an economic backwater doesn't mean it's immune from current events. An active shooter at a local discount department store leaves several people dead and the shooter in the wind. Maybe. It's hard to say as the man arrested at the scene definitely shot someone but claims to be a Good Guy with a Gun.

Meanwhile, a Canadian fugitive lands in town and pulls a job to tide him over while his cache of cash makes its way across the border. He and his partner--a local just dumb enough to serve a purpose--see an opportunity and begin a robbery spree while the police focus on clearing the mass shooting.

The usual small-town hijinks still go on: There's a robbery in the new strip club, an old woman wanders off, a domestic situation that starts as an argument over cookies turns violent, and the widower of a past victim needs attention. The Canadian Mountie who came to town hunting the fugitive may be helpful or more trouble than he's worth.

Penns River's economic status may be static, but the level of mayhem seems only to increase.

Praise for PUSHING WATER:

"An extraordinary voice. A mix of Pelecanos, Leonard and Wambaugh." --Colin Campbell, author of the Jim Grant novels and 30-year veteran of the West Yorkshire police

"Pushing Water is smart, rhythmic, and relentless with a gripping narrative and a keen eye for how cops act and think." --Sgt. Adam Plantinga, San Francisco Police Department, 19-year police veteran and author of 400 Things Cops Know and Police Craft

"Facing a flood of armed robberies--and murder--Detective Doc Dougherty and his partners never lose their professional edge or hometown humanity in Pushing Water. With twists that shock and detective work that rings true, King is among the best cop writers going." --Mark Bergin, Alexandria VA Police Department (retired) and author of Apprehension