Blackwater: The Complete Saga

By: Michael McDowell

Narrated by: Matt Godfrey

Blackwater is the saga of a small town, Perdido, Alabama, and Elinor Dammert, the stranger who arrives there under mysterious circumstances on Easter Sunday, 1919. On the surface, Elinor is gracious, charming, anxious to belong in Perdido, and eager to marry Oscar Caskey, the eldest son of Perdido’s first family. But her beautiful exterior hides a shocking secret. Beneath the waters of the Perdido River, she turns into something terrifying, a creature whispered about in stories that have chilled the residents of Perdido for generations. Some of those who observe her rituals in the river will never be seen again ...

Originally published as a series of six volumes in 1983, Blackwater is the crowning achievement of Michael McDowell, author of the Southern Gothic classics Cold Moon Over Babylon and The Elementals and screenwriter of Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas. This first-ever one-volume edition will allow a new generation of listeners to discover this modern horror classic.

©1983, 2017 Estate of Michael McDowell (P)2017 Valancourt Books LLC

Southern Horror & History

I have re-listened several times, and realized I should post a positive review if I like it so much. The characters are multi-dimensional and unique to each other (except while being possessed). It is a saga that follows a single family, and I just kind of wish it would keep following for a fifth or sixth generation!

Some characters remind me of strong-willed women I’ve known - they have very unique ways of interacting with the world and it is very well described here. The characters “come to life”, but…really. They really feel like real people.

I will absolutely listen to this again and again.

If you love a character-driven book, this is for you!

I listened to this book slowly over many months and I am sad to say goodbye to the Caskey family and Perdido, Alabama.

One of the best stories of all time.

A crisp Southern Gothic saga that spans decades, and generations of the Caskey family. It’s The Waltons as if seen through the eyes of Stephen King.

The best audiobook I’ve listened to

The story. The narration. The characterization. This is top notch audio entertainment. The family drama pulls you in. And there’s just enough horror elements to keep it interesting.

The old south, with a twist.

I really loved this story, I wasnt so sure at the beginning, it seemed mundane but as the characters were built along with the character of the place I found a love for all of it.

I love long and winding stories and this one fills all the gaps in a nice little bow by the end.

I will listen to it again someday. It is indearing to me.