Black Water Rising

By: Attica Locke

Narrated by: Dion Graham

Attica Locke—a writer and producer of FOX’s Empire—delivers an engrossing, complex, and cinematic thriller about crime and racial justice

Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist (Mystery/Thriller)
Edgar Award Nominee (Best First Novel)
The Orange Prize for Fiction (Shortlist)

“A near-perfect balance of trenchant social commentary, rich characterizations, and action-oriented plot.... Attica Locke [is] a writer wise beyond her years.”
— Los Angeles Times

“Atmospheric… deeply nuanced... akin to George Pelecanos or Dennis Lehane.... Subtle and compelling.”
— New York Times

©2009 Attica Locke; (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Black water Rising

Not a bad read, but felt it would have been much better with less filler material. The writer often gave way too many details about the main character's backstory that weren't really essential to the story. Narration was just okay, voice changes between characters sounded either unbelievable or stereotypical.

Compelling but missing something

I truly enjoy Lockes work, and this novel is so different. Jay is a compelling character, with a tragic background and a moral code that really make you like him. There were many times when I found myself really wanting him to just walk away, but I respect that he didn't. Although this is a long book it really flew by. The only thing I didn't like was that music played in between every chapter. That was weird and unnecessary.

Delightful Surprise

Author was mentioned in another book’s storyline by a different author. This author had me hooked in the few first chapters. When I was not listening via Audible I caught myself thinking about the characters, the era … the decades from a different generation and perspective. Humbling. Storyline with flashbacks was enlightening. I felt invested in the characters slice of life local, national politics. Only 4 stars for performance because I did not like the music at the beginning of the chapters or the voice over the music.

I'm so glad I stumbled upon Attica Locke!

This is my 3rd Locke book! She had a great way of keeping you wanting more. I would put her style along side Greg Isle and John Grisham.
I enjoy that they have a small town feel with a mystery / conspiracy to solve. Her Blue Bird Blue Bird series is phenomenal as well.
The narrator did an awesome job and really got into his performance. 5 stars for him also ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Can't wait to start the sequel to Black Water Rising since she intentionally left us hanging at the end 😉

Hated the melodramatic music

Great writer and drama enough in a well told story. The music between chapters distracted from experience for me.