I wasn't going to buy Moon Lake.

It's not that I no longer enjoy Joe R. Lansdale's work. He has always been a huge favorite of mine. I made a pledge to myself to purchase fewer books. My rooms are bursting with them as it is, and I am trying to spend less money. I have my own future to consider. I'm crazy to keep paying for books when I can read them for free from the library. I know authors gotta eat, but I've spent tens of thousands of dollars to support them. It's high time I supported myself.

I was patiently waiting for my library reserve for Moon Lake to come up. Our two granddaughters were visiting. I've always encouraged reading for all people, but I especially like seeing children with books. I took them to Barnes and Noble and allowed them each to pick out a book.

Of course I peeked in the Mystery/Suspense section, and there was Moon Lake, shimmering like Luna over the vast pool of other titles. I had a free Sunday the next day. How could I resist?

So I bought the book anyway, and I ended up paying around ten dollars more than I would have with an Amazon preorder. As we used to say as kids, Smooth move, Ex Lax.

At least I didn't waste my money. Moon Lake is excellent. I think it's one of Joe's best, and I don't believe I've enjoyed one more since the underrated Leather Maiden.

The last major Lansdale book was More Better Deals. That's a good one, expertly written and compelling, but it's steeped in noir tradition. Moon Lake has the unbridled, unique imagination Joe R. Lansdale fans love.

Moon Lake begins with a potent chapter in which a despondent man drives himself and his son into the titular lake, in an attempt to wipe out his wretched existence and the boy's life along with him. The son, Daniel Russell, miraculously survives. Cut to a decade later. The boy is now a man, and is a burgeoning author. He is contacted by the police when his father's car and remains are finally recovered. Rather than bring closure to the emotionally scarred Russell, deeper mysteries are unveiled.

The novel portrays corruption and bizarre situations in a small town in ways that would do David Lynch proud. The usual trademark Lansdale elements are present: racial inequality, class division, political misconduct, and human greed. But he goes further than usual this time, delving into ritual cabalistic practices.

Daniel Russell is a good character, and Moon Lake is wide open for a sequel. I wouldn't mind seeing it.

You should read everything by Lansdale, but Moon Lake is something special. It's a perfect entry point for the uninitiated, and a poison confection for the longtime Lansdale devotee.

Written by Mark Sieber

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