Death Must Wait

by Don Kingery, Charles Binger (Illustrator)

A Swamp Noir Classic -- Back in Print for the First Time in 60 Years!Jed is a poor trapper living in the Louisiana Bayou and supporting his impoverished parents, his drunk brother, and his prostitute sister. His life takes a dramatic turn when he kills a man in a bar fight and is hunted down by a brutal Sheriff. Now Jed must prove his innocence in the face of rampant corruption...or die trying. "An intriguing story that explores criminal behavior, immorality and mental issues." Paperback Warrior

Mass Market Paperback

Published January 1, 1956

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louisiana Newsman Don Kingery produced four novels, Death Must Wait (1956), Swamp Fire (1957), Paula (1959), and Good Time Girl (1960). He had a long illustrious career in reporting, professional sports, judo instructing, and oil field work.

Death Must Wait is set in the backwoods swamps of Southwestern Louisiana, an area well known to Kingery. Jed, the lead character, hails from a colorful family on the bayou. Jed mainly concerns himself with hunting and trapping. But that was all set to change when he is accused of killing a man during a bar fight. Chased by hounds through the swamps until his own kin betrayed him, Jed is not only incarcerated awaiting trial, but escapes only to be caught again.

While the story initially seems akin to other swamp novels, it stands head and shoulders above the rest.