Edge of Dark Water

Cover art by Les Edwards.

May Lynn is a pretty girl who dreams of becoming a Hollywood star. Until her dead body is dredged up from the Sabine River. Sue Ellen, May Lynn’s strong-willed teenage friend, and her friends Terry and Jinx set out to dig up May Lynn’s body, burn it to ash, and take those ashes to Hollywood. If May Lynn can’t become a star, then at least her remains can be spread in the land of her dreams. All they need is some money and a raft; while the raft is easily available, stealing the money requires some gumption, but they manage it. Then they head downriver together with Sue Ellen’s agoraphobic mother: a motley crew on a mission.

Pursued by Uncle Gene and Constable Sy, who’re after the money, and Skunk, an all-too-real legendary killer who’s after their lives, they begin to understand that when you set out to make the dreams of a friend your own, your worst nightmares might come along for the ride.

“A charming Gothic tale... as funny and frightening as anything that could have been dreamed up by the Brothers Grimm or Mark Twain.” — New York Times Book Review

“A cast of unforgettable characters... a terrific read. From its pages waft memories of Huckleberry Finn, To Kill A Mockingbird, and even As I Lay Dying with its journey to lay a soul to rest. When I reached the final page, something happened that I can’t remember ever happening with a book I’ve read for a review. I wanted to read it again.” — Boston Globe

“Reading Joe Lansdale is like listening to a favorite uncle who just happens to be a fabulous storyteller. This book deals with dark and strange material, but it is hugely appealing as narrated in the first person by young Sue Ellen, who shines.” — Dean Koontz

“The strongest, truest, and most pitch-perfect narration since Huck Finn’s. Marvelous and terrifying, Edge of Dark Water is the result of real genius at work. A masterpiece.” — Dan Simmons, author of the national bestsellers The Terror and Drood

“Edge of Dark Water describes a trip downriver that is one-half Huck Finn, one-half Deliverance, and entirely Joe Lansdale. If you aren’t familiar with the work of this true American original, and master of hillbilly noir, climb in the boat and hang on for dear life: the water is rough.” — Joe Hill, author of previous PS best-sellers 20th Century Ghosts and Horns