Plot Summary

Black Water Rising

Attica Locke
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Black Water Rising

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

Book Brief

Attica Locke

Black Water Rising

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Houston, Texas • 1980s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

3.8

10,104 ratings

58%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Black Water Rising?

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.

3.8

10,104 ratings

58%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Houston, Texas • 1980s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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