Black Water Rising
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009
384
Novel • Fiction
Houston, Texas • 1980s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Black Water Rising by Attica Locke follows Jay Porter, a struggling black lawyer in 1981 Texas, who becomes entangled in a murder case after rescuing a mysterious woman during a bayou boat trip. As he investigates, Porter confronts powerful oil executives and faces traumatic memories from his past as a radical activist, all while navigating complex personal relationships and societal tensions. The book contains depictions of racial violence and trauma.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Gritty
Challenging
10,104 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Attica Locke's Black Water Rising is widely praised for its atmospheric depiction of 1980s Houston and its gripping, socially conscious mystery. Reviewers commend the complex protagonist and tight plotting but note occasional pacing issues and a dense narrative that sometimes hinders the story's flow. Overall, it’s an engaging, thought-provoking read.
Readers who enjoy legal and political thrillers interwoven with social issues will appreciate Black Water Rising by Attica Locke. Fans of John Grisham’s A Time to Kill or Walter Mosley’s detective novels will find Locke's complex characters and atmospheric setting compelling. This book is perfect for those interested in civil rights history and suspenseful storytelling.
10,104 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
384
Novel • Fiction
Houston, Texas • 1980s
2009
Adult
18+ years
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