I love this book! Believable characters I care about. Great story, which to me is what fiction is all about. I think this book ranks right up there with Cold Mountain maybe even beats it. This is one I will most likely buy to add to my collection.

When I first came across this book back in September I knew I had to read it. So, Thank You St. Martin’s Press, Netgalley, and Taylor Brown for an advanced ebook copy.

Historical fiction is my first love and this book reminded me of why that is. Gods of Howl Mountain takes you to 1952 in Appalachian North Carolina. Home to Rory who is just returning from the Korean War, with part of a leg missing. He lives in an old shack with his Granny May (can I just say she is the real star and a force to be reckoned with), who raised him after his momma Bonni was put into the asylum. Throughout the book you are given Bonni’s love story and why she is where she is, my heart just broke for her.

There is so much going on and I loved every minute, so if you love a wild ride with; souped up cars to outrun lawless sheriff's, mountain switchbacks, NASCAR, bootleggers, southern folklore, healers, hollers, bawdyhouses, revenuers, moonshiners, questionable preachers, preachers daughter, snake charmers (lots and lots of snakes (God help me!)), vengeance, family history and an ending you won’t see coming, then read this book!

This book was very interesting. 1950's, North Carolina mountains. This book had it all! Moonshine, home remedies, dark part of religion. Family, cars and love. This was my first Taylor Brown brown so I wasn't sure what to expect as far as his voice. I immediately fell in love with his style. The characters are memorable and very likable. I will definitely be looking for more of Taylor Brown.

I requested this book from Net Galley because of the setting in the NC mountains, and the story description. As the daughter of a WWII amputee, who is in love with the lure and lore of the NC mountains, I thought this would be a good read for me. However, I'm abandoning it about 20%, but hope I'll feel like returning to it at some point. I've not read other work by Taylor Brown. The scene setting, is evocative, heavy, detailed. I feel as though I need a place to snug down by the fire and read without distractions. This simply did not capture my attention at this time.

Maybelline “Granny May” Docherty and her grandson Rory live in a shack high up in the North Carolina mountains. The vivid descriptions by Taylor Brown of the home, the people, and their habits carry you into the world and it is not a pretty picture. This isn’t a feel-good story but it could easily be a true story. The author delves into the lifestyle of the Appalachian mountain people that has persisted for years and to this day still does.
Rory is a Korean vet who returned from the war with one less leg. He’s a runner for the moonshiners; his love for his souped-up car Maybelline and his ability to handle her on the rough mountain roads is impressive. He lives with his grandmother Granny May who is one tough little gal, and a medicine doctor of sorts. Rory‘s mother is in a mental institution and hasn’t spoken for years, the result of a horrendous attack when she was a young teen. It continues to burn a hole and Rory and Granny May’s heart to solve who did this to their loved one and to serve retribution as needed.
This is a great story, a great environment and no bright sky in the future but as stated earlier, it could easily be true and it could easily happen today. I enjoy reading these kinds of plots; lifestyles of others that we’re oblivious to. I think there’s so much we take for granted in our daily lives. The author does such a fantastic job of putting you in the middle of Granny’s shack and living Granny’s life; the food, the lack of facilities, the body odors and the lack of respect for outsiders is so vivid. But also crystal clear is the love, dedication and deep respect for their home and family. This is a thoroughly engrossing and moving read.
(I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for making it available.)

This is the third book I️’ve read by Taylor Brown. MY APPRECIATION- RESPECT -
ADMIRATION- and ENJOYMENT has increased with each book!

My first go-around with Taylor Brown’s writing was with “Fallen Land”....which I️ struggled with. I️ appreciated the novel—and could see how many readers found it
remarkable- yet I️ had difficulties ‘feeling’ much emotional connection with the writing.

In “The River of Kings”....I️ was exhilarated with adventure- mystery - and the river itself.... In this story I️ was melting with the gorgeous prose: the wildlife descriptions alone were treasures. It’s a great book!

In THIS BOOK.....”Gods of Howl Mountain”.....I️ did my most thinking. Plus my feeling senses were wide open. I️ felt everything!
For me, I️’ve gotten real value from reading this book.
I️ kept noticing powerful symbolisms. For example Rory Docherty who spent 17 days in the Korea War....is haunted by the tragedies of war -his life having been threatened- and memories of death.
Although Rory escaped death -(came back to his childhood mountains with a wooden leg), ....his life is threatened once again on his childhood mountain.

There were many comparisons between the mountains and Korea - Rory couldn’t help remembering Korea...the Chosin Reservoir in 1950....the brutal landscape.
There were so many references to death and the mountains— that often I️ thought - it was no accident that Taylor Brown placed the Korean War in this story in the first place.
“Death presided over these lands like an entity itself, a thousand shreds of the same dread spirit looking for an opening, a wound or weakness of character. Once in, it was tough to get out”.

Or....as Granny said:
“It wasn’t dying that she feared, it was dying bad: leaving her grandboy alone in the world, unprotected, his wounds unhealed. Death, which walked ever through these mountains, knew she would not go down easy”.

Speaking of Granny ....and Rory.... they are both very strong memorable stand out characters. Another reason to LOVE THIS BOOK- Fabulous characters!!!

I️ love a novel that stretches my thinking - and touches my heart...both at the same time. I️ actually ‘could’ imagine dying in a Southern Country Mill Town where whiskey, cigarettes, and brothels, were as common as violence. A sad life - looking from the outside — but I’m guessing the people think differently who actually live there. Taylor Brown created such real images - I felt my body lifted to those mountains.

I️ also thought about the title of this book....and why *Gods* Of Howl Mountain? I️ have my thoughts about the title .....but if Taylor Brown wanted to share and speak about it — I’m all ears to listen.

Wonderful characters,....bootleggers, moonshiners, healers, a shady preacher and Sheriff, stock car racing....( I️’ve my own memories from Laguna Seca in Monterey), flannel shirts, a little love, family history and secrets, the inserted story about Bonni and Conner, suspense, snakes, surprises and one heck of a terrific ending!

An absolutely gifted author.... with a very unique style! I’m just beginning to realize I️ don’t come close to seeing through his eyes. There are more layers to Taylor’s work that I’ve unpeeled. I’ll be thinking about this novel awhile longer. I️ liked it very much!

Thank You Saint Martin’s Press, Netgalley, and Taylor Brown

Taylor Brown has written another winner with GODS OF HOWL MOUNTAIN. Atmospheric and suspenseful, the novel is gritty for sure, but each scene is portrayed masterfully and I loved every minute spent with Rory and Granny. The character development is outstanding and I felt as though I really knew these people intimately. Same goes for the setting. I like how Brown keeps things moving - the pace is never bogged down and yet we are also treated to striking descriptions that make us feel as though we're present in 1950's NC. Brown has quickly become one of my favorite writers. If you've read FALLEN LAND or THE RIVER OF KINGS you'll love this one too. And if you haven't, well, what are you waiting for?

Wow! Just wow! Brown has penned a masterpiece this time. I enjoyed his last book, "River of Kings", but this one....wow! His ability to describe a scene; the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and even the "aura" is incredible. You cannot read this and not feel that you are there, in the mountains of North Carolina in the 1950's. The character development is strong and convincing. The moonshiners, the lawmen, the church members, the healers. The suspense, the violence, the coming of age romances. The mystical, magical character of Granny is especially strong. And the plot is so believable and flows along at such a rapid rate that you cannot put the book aside, but find that you have to take breaks, otherwise you may find yourself actually swept away in the maelstrom! Super highly recommend this book!

I have a soft spot reserved for history served up Americana style, especially, the early to mid part of the 20th century. This novel stood boldly defiant in the face of bootleggers, thieves and scoundrels scattered throughout the mountains of North Carolina. So grab your scattergun and get ready for the ride of your life. Adequate time had been devoted to the main characters that were well-drawn out. Fully-developed scenes followed an action-driven storyline that kept my eyes glued to the print. The ending came with no disappointment. A shot of adrenaline delivered with a sonic boom. No way around It, Taylor Brown penned an entertaining narrative deserving of attention.

Recovering Korean War veteran Rory Docherty had returned home to Howl Mountain, North Carolina. A piece of him left behind. His foot. It had sustained damage beyond repair. The result of an enemy hand grenade that had his name on it. A memento of the war had left him with a nagging, aching peg leg. Still painful were the ever present demons of war that continually invaded his mind. You can leave the war...

In simpler times, long before the ADA, back in 52', there was little work for a one-legged man. Not looking for any handouts, Rory took what he could find. Immediate employment took him back in the lucrative, family business - moonshining. Delivery and collections. Tiger spit, so it was called by some, hailed at 120 proof. That'll do it. Happy to be working, though, not exactly the career move he had in mind.

Every business had it's competition and bootlegging was no exception. It was not uncommon in those parts to see blood spilled with the hopes of closing down a competitor. Cutthroat business. Tempers raged and guns blazed. Welcome home soldier.

Along the clients delivery route, Rory met a green-eyed girl who stole his heart and soul. Lust at first sight. She belonged to a fierce competitor. Not off to a great start. A conundrum in the making. Hope for the best but plan for the worst. He could never get her out of his mind. Only time would tell.

To further complicate matters, the government revenuers were always in pursuit of the bootleggers. It was a cat-and-mouse game. Their mission was simple. Shut them all down. No matter what it took. Easier said than done. Many times their encounters ended in deadly violence. For many of the mountain people, it was all they knew. Either continue to eat or starve. Not much of an option.

Since his return, Rory found himself face-to-face with a despicable character. The son of one of the main competitors was hell-bent on destroying him. Literally. Always harsh words and violence ensued whenever their paths crossed. It was plain, they were soon headed for a showdown. A deadly one. It was inevitable. And what better place than a racetrack where anything goes. High speed bumper cars. Hot rod versus hot rod. Only one of them would leave the track.

This ARC was was received complements of NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Gratitude sent to St. Martin's Press for allowing this pre-release to be made available.

1950's, South Carolina, the place Rory returns to after his service in Korea cost him the part of one leg. He returns to the mountain home of his granny, the women who raised him after his mother was committed to an asylum. Violence visited her, harm irrevocaly changed her life, and she was never able to raise her own son, never spoke again to tell who was responsible.

To read a Taylor Brown novel is to be drawn into the world he creates. His use of imagery, makes one feel as if they were actually there, observing all that happens. His characters drawn authentically, real people with real problems, flaws, soft spots, hopes and dreams. In this novel it is the world of white lightening, bootleggers, the beginning of auto racing, my husband a huge NASCAR fan, I was familiar with part of this. Ardent churchgoers, snake handlers, not a big fan of snakes, revenue agents and corrupt sheriffs, all under the control of a man they refer to as the King of the Montain. A time when herbs and plants were used for healing, loved this part, learning how they were used. Where a family meant everything and where violence was a way of life. There is plenty of action, revenge factors, fast cars and a love interest, alot going on but woven semlessley into the narrative. I loved every minute if it, and could have read more.

I have now read all three of this talented author's novels and enjoyed them all, though River of Kings is still my favorite. Haven't forgotten the horse though in Fallen Land. If you haven't experienced his novels yet, and you like gritty southern fiction mixed with great characters and some history thrown in, definitely give him a try. Don't think you'll be sorry.

This was my monthly read with Esil and Angela and as always loved their viewpoints and treasure these reads.

ARC from Edelweiss.

Gods of Howl Mountain was the first book I've read by Taylor Brown. He has a very distinctive style and sensibility. Set in the mountains of North Carolina in the 1950s, Brown portrays an insular world with its own rules and sense of justice. This is a gritty story full of moonshine, home remedies, corruption, car racing, dark religion and rough justice. The story is focused on Rory and his Granny. Rory is a recent Korean War veteran, who lost part of his leg in the war and now runs moonshine for a living. He lives with his Granny -- portrayed as old but only 54 years old -- who is tough as nails. In the background is a violent incident that happened many years ago that led to Rory's mother becoming silent and living in an asylum. It's a short book, but there are many intertwined narratives strands leading to a dramatic ending.

I really enjoyed Brown's writing. It's a real talent to be so descriptive while keeping the story moving so swiftly. I absolutely loved Rory and Granny as characters -- Brown does not fall into the trap of depicting stereotypical southern mountain dwellers, but rather he has created fully dimensional complicated people. Where the story waned a bit for me is that at times it became too action packed -- care races and hard scrabble fights aren't really my thing. But this is a minor criticism. Overall, this was an excellent read and I will look for Brown's earlier books.

One warning: you may not want to read this one if snakes freak you out. Lots of snakes...

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy. (This one won't be published until March 2018.)

And thanks to Diane and Angela for another excellent buddy read and for introducing me to Taylor Brown.

Taylor Brown invites the reader to this place and time with such fantastic descriptive writing and in a page you are there . To this mountain in 1950’s North Carolina, to the land of moonshine and makeshift churches where snakes rule, where evil deeds of the past still haunt, to a place of healing herbs and potions, violence, deceit and greed - all so gritty and dark and so beautifully written with a sad love story at the center of it . Brown has such a command of the language, nothing flowery here, just perfect descriptions with the perfect adjectives that made me reread some passages just to feel them again and see what he wants us to see.

Rory, a whiskey runner, is haunted by his time in the war in Korea, by the loss of a limb, by the killings, and by what happened to his mother before he was born. His Grandmother, feisty and formidable Granny May is haunted by what happened to her daughter and by what she had to do in the past for them to survive. So it’s Rory’s mother story that is central to the novel. I love that we get to know it from Bonni’s perspective with short chapters interspersed so we get to know how much she loved the Gaston boy. Flashbacks to the past from both Rory and Granny are seamless as well. They take us to the past but tell us so much about where they are in the moment, in their thoughts of the past.

No need to to rehash the plot, only to say it’s action packed in places , introspective in others, sad but with the injection of humor at times, repeating myself but gritty, sometimes violent and gruesome but all in all a fabulous story of the south, of love and family. 4+ stars from me.

This was a monthly read with my great Goodreads friends Diane and Esil. It took three tries to find one we all thought positively about and thanks to Taylor Brown this was it.


I received an advanced copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley.