The protagonist of this novel is named Earl Marcus. He grew up in North Georgia in his father’s Church of the Holy Flame, a snake handling congregation. He leaves as soon as he can, but returns to solve the mystery when he hears rumors that his father is still alive years after his burial. Kirkus Reviews gave this novel a starred review and commented, “You won’t put down this powerful and painful tale . . . a gripping mystery.” Paul Tremblay called it “A twisty, page-turning modern Southern Gothic that packs an emotional wallop.” The author, Hank Early, grew up in the mountains of Georgia and is now a middle school teacher in central Alabama. He published four books of fiction as John Mantooth.
New York: Crooked Lane Books, 2017. 326 pages. Hardback in dust jacket