Black Water Rising: A Novel
by Attica Locke
Published by Harper
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Reviewed by Peg Brantley
Houston. 1981. Not exactly the age of enlightenment. Jay Porter is a struggling young lawyer, with an equally struggling practice, and a very pregnant young wife. He has a history that includes an FBI file, betrayal, and an ex-girlfriend who happens to be Houston’s mayor. But he’s young and wiser than most, and confident he can move ahead. After all, he’s overcome every obstacle ever thrown in his path.
One night, trying to celebrate his wife’s birthday in a memorable way, he impulsively saves the life of a drowning woman. From that decision to his next—and the one after that—Jay finds himself traveling down a road where powerful people mean to stop him, and his past threatens to help them.
This powerful debut book may only have been able to be written by Attica Locke. With a keen knowledge of the civil rights movement, and a screenwriter’s ability to paint a picture and tell a story, Locke skillfully utilizes both third-person present and past tense to develop flawless narrative and backstory.
While billed as a literary thriller, or suspense, it is more of a literary mystery. It is a story about murder and greed and racism.
It is a story to sink your teeth into. And remember.
Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended.
Author’s Web site: http://www.AtticaLocke.com