Tom Franklin

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter

    Set in rural Mississippi, the novel explores themes of friendship, racial tension, and the long-lasting impact of past events. It follows the lives of two men, Silas "32" Jones, a black constable, and Larry Ott, a white mechanic ostracized by the community due to a decades-old suspicion of murder. As a new crime brings them back into each other's lives, they must confront their shared history and the secrets that have shaped their paths. The narrative delves into the complexities of human relationships and the possibility of redemption amidst prejudice and misunderstanding.

  2. 2. Poachers

    Stories

    Set in the dense, atmospheric woods of the American South, this collection of short stories delves into the lives of individuals living on the fringes of society, often grappling with the harsh realities of their environment. The narratives explore themes of survival, morality, and the complex relationships between people and nature. Through vivid storytelling and richly drawn characters, the tales capture the raw beauty and brutality of life in a world where the line between hunter and hunted is often blurred.

  3. 3. Smonk

    Set in the lawless town of Old Texas, Alabama, in 1911, this gritty and darkly humorous tale follows the notorious and grotesque E.O. Smonk, a man with a penchant for violence and chaos. As he faces trial for his numerous crimes, the town becomes a battleground of moral ambiguity and unchecked brutality. Amidst the chaos, a mysterious young woman named Evavangeline arrives, bringing with her secrets that could change everything. The narrative unfolds with a blend of Southern Gothic elements, exploring themes of vengeance, survival, and the thin line between justice and anarchy.

  4. 4. Hell At The Breech

    Set in the late 19th century in the rural South, this gripping tale unfolds in the wake of a brutal murder that ignites a fierce and bloody feud between a group of vigilantes and the local law enforcement. As tensions rise and violence escalates, the lines between justice and revenge blur, drawing the community into a spiral of chaos and moral ambiguity. The narrative delves deep into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the haunting consequences of unchecked vengeance.

  5. 5. The Tilted World

    Set against the backdrop of the devastating Mississippi Flood of 1927, this gripping tale weaves together the lives of a federal agent and a bootlegger's wife in a small Mississippi town. As the floodwaters rise, threatening to engulf everything in their path, the two protagonists find themselves drawn together by shared secrets and a desperate need for survival. Amidst the chaos and destruction, they must navigate a world of corruption, betrayal, and unexpected alliances, ultimately discovering the power of love and redemption in the most unlikely of circumstances.

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