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The Outgoing: A Spinnerfall Thriller
Three old friends, mired in midlife crises, find a path forward in their lives while investigating a brutal cold case in the deep woods of Northern Michigan.
Arthur Jenkins, recently widowed and adrift in grief and the morass of middle age, retreats to a cabin in his native state of Michigan, hoping for a fresh start. That’s when his oldest friend, Eddie Fletcher, also in retreat after being relieved of duty by the Army while serving in Iraq, calls him on the pretense of a few days of fly fishing up north.
But Eddie had more on his mind than fishing. Two college students from Central Michigan University went missing more than 20 years ago while on a trip to the Au Sable River. Not a trace was ever found. What they did find were altars, stone circles and evidence of something called Werewolf Parties. Eddie is convinced that the authorities bungled the investigation by pinning it on a notorious serial killer called Big Foot, and he wants Art to help him solve the cold case. Nothing like someone else’s personal tragedy to help kill the time.
And so it begins. With the help of Eddie's Army buddy, licensed private investigator Zachariah Phoenix, the three wade into the often-hostile backwaters of Michigan’s northwoods, looking for old bones, answers and a new lease on life.
Arthur Jenkins, recently widowed and adrift in grief and the morass of middle age, retreats to a cabin in his native state of Michigan, hoping for a fresh start. That’s when his oldest friend, Eddie Fletcher, also in retreat after being relieved of duty by the Army while serving in Iraq, calls him on the pretense of a few days of fly fishing up north.
But Eddie had more on his mind than fishing. Two college students from Central Michigan University went missing more than 20 years ago while on a trip to the Au Sable River. Not a trace was ever found. What they did find were altars, stone circles and evidence of something called Werewolf Parties. Eddie is convinced that the authorities bungled the investigation by pinning it on a notorious serial killer called Big Foot, and he wants Art to help him solve the cold case. Nothing like someone else’s personal tragedy to help kill the time.
And so it begins. With the help of Eddie's Army buddy, licensed private investigator Zachariah Phoenix, the three wade into the often-hostile backwaters of Michigan’s northwoods, looking for old bones, answers and a new lease on life.
292 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2023
82 people are currently reading
6319 people want to read
About the author
Thomas A. Buhr
2 books35 followersI am a native Michigander and a lifelong fishing enthusiast chasing everything from bluegills and bass to snappers and snook. At 14 years old, I moved to Boca Raton – a place nobody had heard of yet – and fell in love with Old Florida. Watching "progress" steal away this magical land also spawned an interest in conservation.
While working my way through the academic thicket with degrees from Miami (FL), Central Florida, and University of Michigan, I found time for freelance writing. In over 30 years, I have written scores of articles in magazines, including Field & Stream, Florida Game & Fish, The Fisherman, Michigan Out of Doors, Midwest Fly Fishing, and several pieces for academic journals. I was an editor of The Riverwatch and won an Award for Conservation Journalism from The Sierra Club in 2011.
I founded the Au Sable Big Water Preservation Association in 2007 and have been a member of several Michigan-based conservation organizations, often serving on the board. When not fishing, writing, or protecting wild places, I cheer for my favorite sports teams: Leicester City Foxes, Michigan Wolverines, and Miami Dolphins.
While working my way through the academic thicket with degrees from Miami (FL), Central Florida, and University of Michigan, I found time for freelance writing. In over 30 years, I have written scores of articles in magazines, including Field & Stream, Florida Game & Fish, The Fisherman, Michigan Out of Doors, Midwest Fly Fishing, and several pieces for academic journals. I was an editor of The Riverwatch and won an Award for Conservation Journalism from The Sierra Club in 2011.
I founded the Au Sable Big Water Preservation Association in 2007 and have been a member of several Michigan-based conservation organizations, often serving on the board. When not fishing, writing, or protecting wild places, I cheer for my favorite sports teams: Leicester City Foxes, Michigan Wolverines, and Miami Dolphins.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 25, 2025
First of all, there are so many aspects of this book that I absolutely loved. Super engaging. Characters were awesome, and I wanted to know and be friends with almost all of them. I say almost because really I'm talking about the main characters. There are some hoodlums in this novel! I loved the aspects of the story that were personal, the mystery, and then the occult/Satan worshipers that I totally recall from the '80s. The satanic panic; totally brought back memories of my childhood in an odd-feeling but fascinating way. I loved all the stories about fishing, learning a little bit about Michigan and so many other subjects. There was a literary smorgasbord in this novel and I was a glutton for all of them! I feel like the writing was on point, and the storytelling was just spectacular. I really cared about the main character, I really cared about his relationship with his wife, his relationship with his dogs, his brother, his friends. it was really a well-told story. Above all, it felt REAL.
Thank you, Mr. Buhr, for the signed copy and the opportunity to enjoy your novel and ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND to others for their reading pleasure.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway ✨️
Thank you, Mr. Buhr, for the signed copy and the opportunity to enjoy your novel and ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND to others for their reading pleasure.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway ✨️
October 21, 2023
Captivating read
This book, with its captivating cover, delves into the intricate lives of three friends grappling with midlife crises while unraveling a chilling cold case in the heart of Northern Michigan. Arthur Jenkins and Eddie Fletcher, each at a crossroads in their lives, embark on a journey that unearths a perplexing mystery: the disappearance of two college students two decades ago, falsely attributed to a serial killer known as Big Foot.
Buhr weaves a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The trio's pursuit of answers takes them into Michigan's unforgiving wilderness, where they uncover eerie altars, stone circles, and the enigmatic 'Werewolf Parties.' As the past collides with the present, the book skillfully navigates through the intricacies of friendship, personal tragedy, and the yearning for a fresh start. "The Outgoing" is a thrilling page-turner that seamlessly blends suspense with introspection, making it a must-read for those seeking an enthralling and thought-provoking thriller.
This book, with its captivating cover, delves into the intricate lives of three friends grappling with midlife crises while unraveling a chilling cold case in the heart of Northern Michigan. Arthur Jenkins and Eddie Fletcher, each at a crossroads in their lives, embark on a journey that unearths a perplexing mystery: the disappearance of two college students two decades ago, falsely attributed to a serial killer known as Big Foot.
Buhr weaves a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The trio's pursuit of answers takes them into Michigan's unforgiving wilderness, where they uncover eerie altars, stone circles, and the enigmatic 'Werewolf Parties.' As the past collides with the present, the book skillfully navigates through the intricacies of friendship, personal tragedy, and the yearning for a fresh start. "The Outgoing" is a thrilling page-turner that seamlessly blends suspense with introspection, making it a must-read for those seeking an enthralling and thought-provoking thriller.
December 26, 2023
The Outgoing tackles a lot of things that are hard to look in the eye: addiction, grief, purpose, and, the most scandalous of them all, murder. It does so immediately, with sincerity and weight, and then posits: what drags one out of the darkness? What redeems a man who no longer has and, therefore, no longer wants for himself?
As a story, it’s distinctly human. Taking us from our depravity to our unintended salvation, and always allowing for the ebbs and flows between the two. Camaraderie and compassion glow in an absurd, dark world obscured by evil. Never ridding the world of its inherent problems but offering reasons and moments enough to trivialize them. There are laughs, reprieves, and ah-ha’s. There are backwoods and beaches. For each friend, there’s a demon, and they prove powerful enough in their own rights to continue turning the page, almost subconsciously.
I’d recommend The Outgoing to anyone, knowing everyone will find glimpses of themselves in its pages. Michiganders and people who’ve lived enough to see and experience a thing or two, notwithstanding.
As a story, it’s distinctly human. Taking us from our depravity to our unintended salvation, and always allowing for the ebbs and flows between the two. Camaraderie and compassion glow in an absurd, dark world obscured by evil. Never ridding the world of its inherent problems but offering reasons and moments enough to trivialize them. There are laughs, reprieves, and ah-ha’s. There are backwoods and beaches. For each friend, there’s a demon, and they prove powerful enough in their own rights to continue turning the page, almost subconsciously.
I’d recommend The Outgoing to anyone, knowing everyone will find glimpses of themselves in its pages. Michiganders and people who’ve lived enough to see and experience a thing or two, notwithstanding.
October 18, 2023
"The Outgoing: A Spinnerfall Thriller" by Thomas Buhr is an enthralling blend of mystery, friendship, and redemption that takes readers on a captivating journey through the deep woods of Northern Michigan. Three middle-aged friends, each grappling with their own demons, embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind a chilling cold case involving missing college students.
The author skillfully weaves together the personal struggles of the protagonists with a suspenseful investigation, making for a riveting and emotionally charged narrative. As the characters delve into the dark secrets of stone circles and Werewolf Parties, the story takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
This is not just a thriller but a tale of rediscovery and second chances, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a gripping mystery with a touch of heartwarming humanity.
The author skillfully weaves together the personal struggles of the protagonists with a suspenseful investigation, making for a riveting and emotionally charged narrative. As the characters delve into the dark secrets of stone circles and Werewolf Parties, the story takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
This is not just a thriller but a tale of rediscovery and second chances, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a gripping mystery with a touch of heartwarming humanity.
October 10, 2023
This is a compelling story that combines mystery, friendship, action and individual salvation.
The protagonist is Arthur Jenkins, a newly widowed man struggling with loss and middle age. When his old friend Eddie Fletcher offers him a special chance, Arthur Jenkins sets off on a voyage of self-discovery. The premise of this book, which centers on the unexplained disappearance of two college students and the enigmatic "Werewolf Parties," adds suspense from the very beginning.
Throughout the plot, there’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that made me feel as I was right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
I strongly recommend “The Outgoing”.
The protagonist is Arthur Jenkins, a newly widowed man struggling with loss and middle age. When his old friend Eddie Fletcher offers him a special chance, Arthur Jenkins sets off on a voyage of self-discovery. The premise of this book, which centers on the unexplained disappearance of two college students and the enigmatic "Werewolf Parties," adds suspense from the very beginning.
Throughout the plot, there’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that made me feel as I was right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
I strongly recommend “The Outgoing”.
October 11, 2023
Three friends get entangled in a mystery surrounding the disappearance of two young students in northern Michigan which need to be solved. This keeps us entertained and hooked up until the very end.
This storyline is fresh and its main challenge was to put forth a sequence of characters which are originally put together, allowing us to enjoy a tapestry of events through their lives and adventures. The plot gets ebullient and twisty at some points. It is a gem of a book!
It may never be the best idea to judge a book by its cover, but this one features a stained-glass portrait of what would later be a great literary piece.
This storyline is fresh and its main challenge was to put forth a sequence of characters which are originally put together, allowing us to enjoy a tapestry of events through their lives and adventures. The plot gets ebullient and twisty at some points. It is a gem of a book!
It may never be the best idea to judge a book by its cover, but this one features a stained-glass portrait of what would later be a great literary piece.
October 12, 2023
The Outgoing is the beginning of the series “A Spinnerfall Thriller”, written by Thomas A. Buhr, which has a very interesting and captivating plot.
The protagonists of this original story are three friends, retired seniors. When it was believed that it would be time for them to rest after an active and intense life, the desire to embark on a new path of investigation awakens in one of them, thus the three end up embarking on major investigations into disappearances and never-solved cases.
It is a very engaging story and one that I have enjoyed a lot, thinking that surely my retirement will be, like theirs, a new possibility of choosing what I am passionate about.
The protagonists of this original story are three friends, retired seniors. When it was believed that it would be time for them to rest after an active and intense life, the desire to embark on a new path of investigation awakens in one of them, thus the three end up embarking on major investigations into disappearances and never-solved cases.
It is a very engaging story and one that I have enjoyed a lot, thinking that surely my retirement will be, like theirs, a new possibility of choosing what I am passionate about.
October 12, 2023
The Outgoing by author Thomas Buhr tells the story of three old friends, occasionally turned into investigators of the disappearance of two college students from Central Michigan University more than 20 years ago.
This novel is exciting and gripping. It combines the crime and mystery of crime fiction with the suspense and mind-bending of a noir thriller. The author managed to masterfully combine all these literary elements to finally achieve an exciting plot. In the story, everything is connected and as a reader, this kept my eyes glued to the pages as I wanted to know what would happen next.
All in all, I will recommend this book to all fans of this genre.
This novel is exciting and gripping. It combines the crime and mystery of crime fiction with the suspense and mind-bending of a noir thriller. The author managed to masterfully combine all these literary elements to finally achieve an exciting plot. In the story, everything is connected and as a reader, this kept my eyes glued to the pages as I wanted to know what would happen next.
All in all, I will recommend this book to all fans of this genre.
September 23, 2023
An outstanding first effort by an author who his an in depth knowledge of his home State, the Northern Michigan life style and mind set, and fishing! After a sad and emotional start, the lead character returns to his roots and joins old friends to create a team of sleuths that methodically connect the dots on brutal murders. A suspenseful page turner that can’t be put down, along with character development that makes want to read the next book it what will be a very successful series. Can’t wait!
September 26, 2023
THE OUTGOING: A Spinnerfall Thriller, by Thomas A. Buhr.
Author Thomas A. Buhr has done a superb job with this I-Can’t-Put-It-Down page turner. THE OUTGOING is good to the very last page. The reader feels they are part of the investigation. If a reader invests time reading a book, they shouldn’t be disappointed. You will not be disappointed with this book. This is my first read by author, Thomas A. Buhr, and THE OUTGOING: A Spinnerfall Thriller, exceeded my expectations. You will like this book a lot. Thank you to the author and Goodreads for my signed copy.
Author Thomas A. Buhr has done a superb job with this I-Can’t-Put-It-Down page turner. THE OUTGOING is good to the very last page. The reader feels they are part of the investigation. If a reader invests time reading a book, they shouldn’t be disappointed. You will not be disappointed with this book. This is my first read by author, Thomas A. Buhr, and THE OUTGOING: A Spinnerfall Thriller, exceeded my expectations. You will like this book a lot. Thank you to the author and Goodreads for my signed copy.
July 1, 2025
The Outgoing is a fast paced mystery/thriller about three friends solving a missing persons cold case. The author does an incredible job of connecting us to the main leads and providing difficult but relatable backstories. While the mystery was engaging, it was the three main characters that kept me reading. I hope this is the first of many books bringing these friends together. Thank you to GR and the author for this giveaway!
January 14, 2026
It was an intense mystery/suspense novel following two (and later three) men seeking to find two missing men who had gone missing 40 years before. An aside is that the main character was recently widowed, and this quest helped hime find closure and peace. I just found it a little too dry, and a little too long. There were also more typos I expected, even in an ARC. It wasn't bad, though.
I won this from a Goodreads giveaway.
I won this from a Goodreads giveaway.
February 19, 2024
Northern Michigan Thriller
This intense crime solving thriller is set in the Northern Michigan woods where I live. The author , Tomas Buhr, captures the beauty of this area with his lively story. Knowing many of these haunts personally made it so much more fun to read.
Thanks Tom.
This intense crime solving thriller is set in the Northern Michigan woods where I live. The author , Tomas Buhr, captures the beauty of this area with his lively story. Knowing many of these haunts personally made it so much more fun to read.
Thanks Tom.
July 6, 2024
I always feel bad for giving low ratings bc I still love all the authors who put their hearts into their books 💚😂 however I couldn't get into it until the last 100p because there were so many characters mentioned and not a good flow. The last 100 pages I reallllly enjoyed and I liked the mention of the buckeyes and MSU 🌰
July 2, 2025
I won a copy of this one in a goodreads giveaway. The hook for this one is lightly set, but it is set. I kept debating on setting it aside, but it just would slowly draw me back in. I think I would have been more "in it" had the lead in not been so long and drawn out. Lots of tell, not show, in the early chapters. It does show promise though.
July 4, 2023
Attention to detail!
This story required from me, more concentration than usual. It is a good story with a lot of character development. I look forward to more of this author’s work.
This story required from me, more concentration than usual. It is a good story with a lot of character development. I look forward to more of this author’s work.
July 29, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. Growing up in northwest Ohio, I loved that it took place in Michigan and the author is from there. Lots of great references to the area. Very well written and good character development.
July 31, 2023
Excellent read!
I recommend this book to all Michiganders. You will recognize the locations and understand the quietude (or not, in this case) of beautiful northern lower Michigan. It certainly kept me turning pages long after bedtime.
I recommend this book to all Michiganders. You will recognize the locations and understand the quietude (or not, in this case) of beautiful northern lower Michigan. It certainly kept me turning pages long after bedtime.
September 13, 2023
good book.
The story flows well and makes sense of a cold case that was supposedly still a very active open case.
The three main characters were all former military men who knew the value of honor and searching for the truth.
The story flows well and makes sense of a cold case that was supposedly still a very active open case.
The three main characters were all former military men who knew the value of honor and searching for the truth.
April 5, 2025
Outstanding in every way
This novel is a delight. Suspenseful and dramatic, while retaining a solid sense of place and developing characters you truly enjoy. This book is outstanding in every way, and I look forward to more from this author.
This novel is a delight. Suspenseful and dramatic, while retaining a solid sense of place and developing characters you truly enjoy. This book is outstanding in every way, and I look forward to more from this author.
July 12, 2025
This book started out slow with the introduction of the characters but it sure made up for that with the remainder. It had believable characters and a great storyline which kept me on the edge of my seat—a real page turner!
June 20, 2023
A must read for lovers of Nortern Michigan
A bit of reality for those who think the North woods are safe from the big city evils that plague places like Detroit andFlint
A bit of reality for those who think the North woods are safe from the big city evils that plague places like Detroit andFlint
July 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this novel it was well written and had a great plot. I would recommend it to anyone!
January 28, 2024
Can't recommend this enough. Great story; interesting characters
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews