Title: Edge of Dark Water
Author: Joe R. Lansdale
First published March 1, 2012
292 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316188432 (ISBN10: 0316188433)
Rating: 3.94
Overview
Jacob is a simple man with a simple life, living in a small town near the Sabine River. That is until he finds himself wrapped up in the mystery surrounding the death of May Lynn, a girl from a troubled family who wanted nothing more than to escape to Hollywood.
As he and May Lynn’s best friend, Sue Ellen, set out to fulfill May Lynn’s final wish and scatter her ashes in Tinseltown, they uncover a shocking secret in her diary – the location of a large sum of money. Suddenly, they find themselves on the run from dangerous men who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the cash.
With danger lurking around every corner, Jacob, Sue Ellen, and their unlikely companion, a wise-cracking black man named Jinx, must navigate the treacherous waters of the Sabine River and fight for their lives as they race to uncover the truth and claim the money before it’s too late.
About the Author
Joe R. Lansdale is a renowned storyteller who has authored more than 40 novels and countless short stories.
His writing has been featured in national anthologies, magazines, and collections, as well as numerous foreign publications. Lansdale’s talent extends beyond just traditional writing; he has also written for comics, television, film, newspapers, and Internet sites.
His work has been recognized with many prestigious awards, including the Edgar Award, the Bram Stoker Award, the Horror Writers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, and the British Fantasy Award, among others.
Lansdale’s stories have been adapted for both film and television, including the novella that was turned into a movie starring Bruce Campbell and Ossie Davis. He is currently co-producing several films, including one based on his Edgar Award-winning novel, and another with Greg Nicotero.
In addition to his writing career, Lansdale is also a member of both the United States and International Martial Arts Halls of Fame. He founded the martial arts system Shen Chuan: Martial Science and its affiliate, Shen Chuan Family System.
Lansdale currently resides in Nacogdoches, Texas with his wife, dog, and two cats, and serves as the Writer In Residence at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Editoral Review
Joe R. Lansdales Edge of Dark Water is a thrilling and heart-wrenching novel set in Depression-era Texas.
Lansdale, a prolific author and winner of numerous awards for his writing, has crafted a story that is both brutal and beautiful, with characters that are unforgettable and a setting that feels alive. The novel tells the story of Sue Ellen, a teenage girl from a small town in Texas, who sets out on a journey to escape her abusive father and find a better life.
She’s joined by her closest friends, Jinx and Terry, and they set out on a perilous journey down the Sabine River, pursued by the law, a vengeful killer, and their own fears. Lansdale does a masterful job of creating richly drawn characters embroiled in a compelling plot that keeps readers on edge.
The characters are developed with care, and the reader becomes emotionally invested in their struggles and triumphs. Lansdale also creates a vivid and immersive setting, drawing on his own experiences to paint a picture of Depression-era Texas that is both historically accurate and surprisingly modern.
One of the strengths of Edge of Dark Water is the way Lansdale explores themes of race, class, and gender, showing how these issues affected the lives of people in the 1930s and continue to impact us today. The novel does not shy away from depicting brutal violence and prejudices that were prevalent at the time, but it is also a story of hope, resilience, and the power of human connection.
Lansdales style is spare and elegant, with a keen eye for detail that brings the story to life. The pacing of the novel is well-crafted, building tension and excitement as the characters face one challenge after another.
The plot is tightly woven, with twists and surprises that keep readers engaged until the very end. While there are some minor flaws in the novel, such as occasional moments of predictability, these are outweighed by its many strengths.
Lansdales writing is powerful and evocative, and Edge of Dark Water is a story that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. Overall, Edge of Dark Water is a stunning achievement and a must-read for fans of historical fiction, Southern Gothic literature, and thrilling adventure stories.
It is a novel that will make readers laugh, cry, and think deeply about the human experience. For those looking for a powerful and emotional journey through the heart of America, Edge of Dark Water is not to be missed.
