Prodigal: A Thriller

by Bobby Mathews

Johnny Riles was the ultimate bad example until a drug-fueled car accident brought him crashing to a halt. Alone and unable to continue his musical career, Johnny returns to his hometown in rural Alabama. To everyone there, he's just John Riley -- a constant screwup and delinquent. Starting an affair with his brother's wife didn't elevate anyone's opinion of him, either. But when Johnny's brother Aaron -- a football-star-turned-hero-cop -- finds out about the fling, things get really messy. With a couple of murderous cops on their trail, Johnny and his mistress will do whatever it takes to survive -- if they can.

356 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2010

About the author

Bobby Mathews attended Troy University, where he majored in journalism and minored in theater and English. His checkered past includes stints as a reporter and editor for daily newspapers, where he won awards for his writing, editing and leadership. No, he has no idea what the contest judges were smoking, either.

He's also been a bartender, paralegal, and bum, occupations—or sidelines—that creep into his stories and novels.

"I write weird stories about monumentally fucked-up people," he says. "That's what interests me. I hope it interests other readers, too."

Mathews lives in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with his wife and sons.