Randy Reaves admits he isn't on Clive Cussler's level just yet. But the Ahwatukee Foothills resident just took his first step on that path when he published his first novel, "Eldorado."

Reaves, who is also an Arizona Department of Public Safety highway patrolman and general manager for a local business, said he found the spare time to develop the story behind the nearly 400-page novel over the last two years.

It revolves around a not-your-average main character, named Chance Kincade, who stumbles through adventure, discovers treasure and is confronted by drug runners. There is a supernatural twist and a love story thrown in for good measure. A brief synopsis: "As he's riding across his ranch one day, he finds his friend at the bottom of an open sinkhole. While rescuing his friend, he suffers multiple rattlesnake bites and falls into a coma. Upon waking up, he discovers his body has taken on superhuman qualities. With his superpowers, Chance attempts to find a lost treasure in a caldera at the bottom of the sinkhole."

"Instead of drinking martinis like James Bond, this guy drinks beer and chews tobacco," Reaves said. "I wanted my characters to be different. The storylines came together and intertwine throughout the novel. A lot of angles come through to the reader."

The setting is Cochise County, where Reaves, who is from Sierra Vista, grew up. He moved to Ahwatukee Foothills in 1992.

"I guess there is always a hint of yourself in everything you write," he said. "My goal was just to finish the novel. It wouldn't matter if I didn't sell any copies. I like telling stories and this is one I've had in my head for a long time."

Reaves said he is already working on a follow-up novel to "Eldorado."

Copies can be purchased at www.Amazon.com by searching for his pen name, "R. W. Reaves."

• Contact writer: (480) 898-4903 or troemhild@ahwatukee.com