The Bayou

If you like your books with a palpable feeling to it, this should definitely be on your list. This is an original gothic romance with bank robbers, ghosts, and pedophile priests deep in the Southern swamplands.
It starts normal enough with 1930s photo journalist Eugene being on scene for a bank robbery that ends in a murder, but the two criminals aren't what they seem and Eugene gets swept up into their web that tangles with his past, present, and what's left of his future. The ending should definitely take you by surprise but in the best way.
This story is very multi-layered and it's another example of the impressive skill Powell has at world building in such short stories. It's a definite recommend.

There is a luscious, lurid quality to The Bayou by Arden Powell. It is as if the reader is peeping into the characters' private moments, mainly those of the photographer protagonist, Eugene. Powell's descriptions are dark and sweltering. I felt a little dirty and careworn after reading some passages, as if the words on the page transferred themselves to my skin. It is quite a talent to show readers this version of the 1950s small town of Louisiana.

My only issue with this gothic story is that sometimes the language is incredible; you feel like you are there staring down gators or sweat is running down the middle of your back. But sometimes, it seems like it switches to very “tell” heavy descriptions. These are pretty jolting and in sharp contrast to other heavy “show” descriptions in the story. Because of the contrast, it feels uneven.

However, sticklers aside, this is beautifully written and would be a perfect Halloween read to get you in the spirit. Check it out