“Southern Gothic, an American sub-genre of the late-18th century English Gothic novel, often features a bizarre if not pathological misfit whose presence terrifies neighbors and threatens the protagonist for cause that borders on insanity. Howard Owen skillfully evokes this peculiar American region. Although violence drives the plot in Rock of Ages and a vicious bullying dominates the landscape, it is setting—tacky, beautiful, comforting, dangerous—that most impresses. Owen reminds readers that despite the hip pizzazz of urban 21st century America and the ‘leafy, corduroy-jacketed world of academia,’ large parts of the country are still remote and nurture the kind of people who, for bad or good, force sophisticates to know themselves.” —Joan Baum, The Independent

 

“Owen, who has a cult following among fans of southern fiction, here brings his formidable skills to bear on the mystery genre. The novel is beautifully written, driven by its lush characterizations, and should appeal both to readers of southern fiction and to genre fans who favor character-driven crime stories.” — David Pitt, Booklist

 

Turn Signal

Howard Owen has eight published novels, including Harry & Ruth, Littlejohn, and Turn Signal. He is deputy managing editor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and has lived in and around Richmond with his wife, Karen.