Sewerville: A Southern Gangster Novel

by Aaron Saylor

A small-time hood tries to escape the family business in this powerful story of crime and drug abuse in rural America. The town of Sewardville, Kentucky teeters on the edge of a violent abyss, overrun with methamphetamine and prescription drug abuse. The Slone family controls everything. Patriarch Walt Slone is the town’s mayor and head of one of the largest crime syndicates in the eastern United States. His son metes out justice from behind his sheriff’s badge, while his daughter handles all the numbers for the family business. Business for the Slones is good, too – at least until Walt orders his son-in-law Boone to kill his own brother. That becomes the first link in a chain of events that threatens not just the livelihood of all involved, but their lives as well. While the Slones move to strengthen their empire, Boone moves to break free and take his little daughter with him. Will he escape from one of America’s most heartbroken regions, or will his dark past bury him forever in the place they call Sewerville?

Genres: Fiction, Crime, Mystery, Southern Gothic, Contemporary, Drugs, Southern

315 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2012

Reviews

[Leslie Burgher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book - a really powerful look at crime and drug abuse. It takes place in a seedy small town in the Southern US, among corrupt officials and low-level thugs. The main character is one of those thugs, and he's looking for a way out of this life.

I don't really want to give away the story here - there are a lot of twists and turns - but I will say, the writing here is evocative and at times even poetic. To see the lives of these dark characters explored in such an interesting, literary way is refreshing.

For fans of southern literature, I can't recommend this book enough!

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sewerville is one of those novels some readers will like more than others. For this reader, the novel did not click.

The novel details the life of Boone, and others, as he has married into the local crime family. Boone's father in law, Walt is the Kentucky area crime kingpin and is assisted by his daughter Karen, Boone's wife, and Walt's son John, the county sheriff.

Of the characters in the novel, about the only likable one is Boone's daughter Samantha.

Oddly, the writing of the novel is quite good, although the author has the tendency to be repetitive in the storytelling area and seemed to prolong segments in the book for too long while accomplishing little to move the story forward.

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** 5 Cranky Stars ****



Beautifully dark and twisted.



A small town that has lost hope. Rampant drug use and little humanity. Deaths from drug overdoses are accepted in the form of a benign neglect.



The pushers? The very people who should be leading the charge against it.



Boone, the main character, is the son-in-law of the corrupt mayor. He is caught up in the age old dilemma between good and evil, right and wrong, and how principles conflict with reality.



He's stuck, but longs for change, and his one light in the world is the girl he loves.



The author does a brilliant job of using repetition to tie the pieces of the story together. The dark imagery used brings this tale to life. Props for the music referenced to set the theme and tone, too.



This is not a happy tale. Many of the characters are unlikable. It'll test your patience and humanity hoping for redemption. Rather, it's a character examination of the worst aspects of human nature, including our own.



For mature audiences for violence, language, drug abuse and generally dark/adult themes.



Highly recommended.

[Martha Sockel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take the best elements of The Soprano's and Boardwalk Empire, and marinate in the mosquito filled atmosphere of the swampy south.

This compelling crime drama follows the exploits of the Slone family, who hold Sewardville in an iron grip. As the patriarchal Walt pushes his lackeys with an increasingly violent zeal, some begin to question the meaning of the life they lead... and then one refuses to go any further.

The action is slick and well described, and pace of this well written book sucks you in from the first page. I loved the character of Boone, and this gritty thriller kept me reading until late into the night.

The characterizations are spot on, and the rich cast will provide something for everyone.
Recommended.

[Mike Birdwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Sewerville blind after seeing it listed as a giveaway here on Goodreads. The idea of a Southern gangster novel just seemed interesting, you know?

It didn't disappoint. Brutal but beautiful at the same time, melting memories and dreams with the present to create a haunting story. As realistic look at the rural South as I have read in some time.

[Mercedes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a First Reads Program winner. It's not my type of book but I wanted to try something different, I usually stick to horror. I did enjoy the book, I found myself really liking Boone and felt for him in the life he was living. I recommend giving it a read.

[Tom Barczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sewerville
From the first page, it will draw you in and leave you hanging on the edge of your seat.
Sewerville is a powerful, beautiful, and profane look into the human soul, seen through a window of violence and empire set in rural America. Aaron Saylor is an amazing writer with the true gift of voice. The story and the characters are crafted with depth and weight, but I think less created, than witnessed, as they are very much real and when you finally set this book down, a piece of you will be forever changed.

[Val · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate leaving a book unfinished. That is the only reason why I finished this book. Lots of violence, lots of profanity, lots of amateurish plots and sub plots. The characters were cardboard-ish without any depth. Even when their despair was trying to be described--it just never grabbed you. I only read this book because it was on a book club list here on Goodreads. I paid three dollars for the Kindle edition--it wasn't worth over a dollar. About midway the plot picked up a little and then merely disintegrated again. There was a good bit of EXACT repetition of the protagonists' thoughts and observations. If you cut out the repetition, and the extreme profanity then the book would only be 150 pages instead of 315. There are so many good reads out there; don't waste your money on this one. Other than a few lame descriptions of the scenery, this book could have been set anywhere. The only hint it is "southern" is a few poor allusions to 'incorrect Southern grammar. Another thing I found interesting is that the characters never ate a meal throughout the entire book. I think they drank some coffee once or twice. And it was set in Kentucky. Oh they drank some bourbon, shot a lot of guns, cursed a lot, and listened to strange music on the radio...and even their music never contained Southern rock. Don't waste your money or time.

[Arlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

By: Aaron Saylor
Published By: Point Nine Publishing
Age Recommended: Adult
Review By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:

"Sewerville" by Aaron Saylor was a good fiction read that hailed from Sewardville, Kentucky, a rural town where these 'rural crime Slones family' dwelled. This was quite a interesting group of people for they ran the town and seemed to be involved in a little bite of everything from ... 'drugs, violence, prostitution and gun smuggling.' We find from the read that it is of this family headed by Walt Slone(the mayor), his son (John) the sheriff, daughter (Karen) who kept the books and her husband (Boone). This was a read that you will have to pick up this read to get it all. Who in this family wanted out of all of this mess and why? Be ready for a read of plenty of violence and conflict. This author did a good job in the descriptions that were presented to the reader. "Sewerville" is definitely one read that keeps your interest until the last page with all of the twist and turns...you will not want to put it down. The characters were all well developed and very interesting as this story unfolded. "Sewerville" was simply a good crime mystery that took place in a small rural town and I would recommend this novel as a good read that left me saying Wow...that was some read!

[Jeanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did, but I was hooked once I started. One of the best things about this book is the fact that almost none of the characters are truly innocent. The only innocent character with dialogue was Boone's and Karen's five-year-old daughter, Samantha. Apart from her, everyone had some sort of skeleton in their closet. There were so many corrupt, shady characters to choose from, but I hated Karen more than all of them. Manipulative parents are bit of a trigger for automatic rage for me. But I digress. Saylor had great descriptions, created multifaceted characters, and set an easily visualized setting accompanied by an equally easily felt tone. Nothing was watered down, nothing was glossed over. There were some minor typos, and a couple scenes were a bit confusing, but other than that, it was a great, truly gritty read. I kind of want Saylor to write a sequel, but I don't think it's going to happen. Shame. Boone had a dark, corrupt past, but I was rooting for him all the way.

[Rob Carnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first few chapters of Sewerville made me think I had stumbled into the wrong book, and I was expecting Jack Reacher to appear!

But Boone becomes an interesting reluctant hero, and the plot has a number of quite interesting and unexpected twists and turns.

There were a couple of grammar issues, but nothing that would detract from enjoying this novel.

My only criticism is that I became a bit bored with the constant reference to the description of the orchid, but I realise this was intentional.

Keep up the good work Aaron!

[Finn Steward · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend told me I should check this out. It's pretty violent, she said, and most everyone in it is a bad person, but there's something else in there that really punches you in the gut by the end. She was right too. I found this book stuck with me for a while after I finished it. Gritty, bloody, dark, disquieting, hopeful, thoughtful, well-written -- all those words apply.

PS I saw a review on here where somebody complained about the bad words. Yes there are four letter words in this book, plenty of them. Give me a break. Know what you are getting into and you will be fine.

[C.L. Heckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to get into this book after having it recommended to me by a friend. It’s not my typical genre (I’m a romance novel lover), but I figured I would give it a shot. I got so caught up in the story, that I forgot what my reservations were about it in the first place. I loved the setting of it being in the south, and the characters -- to me -- felt very realistic. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future, and think this was a great read.

[James Chalk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hillbilly Sopranos! Great Fun!
Wow, what a fun read! I really enjoyed this book. I was immediately immersed in the hillbilly mobster world. From the beginning the book captured my attention. I quickly became fascinated by the characters in this hill country crime family. The writing style is well paced with just the right amount of vivid detail. There are enough surprises to keep it interesting and keep you guessing right up to the exciting conclusion.

[Jana Petken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't get much done whilst reading this book. I loved the lives of the family characters, mixing with the plotting and darker side of mankind. A great read. The book was dark but humanistic. It displays mankind's character and how, when in a situation or way of life, choices are not always the right ones or the desired ones. This was very well portrayed in this gritty read

[Ultra Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book - it reads like a dream sometimes, but then other times it snaps you back to a painful reality. If you want a gauzy look at a romantic South, this ain't for you, but if you want a well-written, honest story that will make you think, then try Sewerville by Aaron Saylor.

[Anna C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dug this book. It was emotionally raw not to mention dark but gave a good look at a world most of us don't know. Plenty of conflict - internal and external - and enough plot turns to keep you guessing but never feel cheated.

[Dialitdown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book - you don't read many about "Southern gangsters"! It seems to leave open the door to a next book, I'm looking forward to that.

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Of The Best Books I've Read This Year! Excellent!

[Chantal Bellehumeur · Rating 5 out of 5]

The interesting six part story starts off with an emotional introduction that pulls the reader right in.

After reading about Boone's mother yelling out her disapproval for her son's wicked way of life as well as her accusations regarding his brother jimmy's death, the author brings us to the past.

The reader first visits the big house of a millionaire which belongs to Boone's father in law. Inside, Boone's wife Karen helps her father Walt with his ledgers and we find out about his drug, sex, and gambling businesses; Karen must inform her father that the numbers are down.

During a dramatic scene full of sentimental flashbacks, we find out how Boone got involved in all of this. We eventually also discover why the numbers were down. Things actually start to become even more interesting at this point, but I won't spoil the surprise.

Unexpected twists as well as a shocking ending will leave you gasping.

I did not want to put the book down, and I am sure that you will have a hard time doing so as well. The ongoing drama and suspense will captivate you, giving you a need to keep reading.

I highly recommend this book!!!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don' t let the title fool you. Everyone thinks that the mob is Italian, Russian or Irish. This book proves everyone wrong. It is a interesting story set in the deep south. It's about 2 brothers that took the wrong turn in life and about an old man that runs the town. When I say runs the town he really runs it and no one will get in his way. Actually I thought this book portrayed the gangsters more like they were in the 20's as opposed to modern day. Good read and good story. So 4.5 stars for me.

[Nancy L · Rating 5 out of 5]

SEWWRVILLE by Aaron Saylor is a book that I found to be emotional and in some ways, profound. It weaves a dark tale of crime in a modern-day small American town, where prescription drugs and methamphetamines destroy lives and few families are unscathed.

The protagonist's journey is well thought-out and doesn't take any easy turns. I'd call it even gut-wrenching, byt he time everything I plays out.

This is a real well written page turner, one I would recommend to anybody!

[Martine · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something engrossing about a book that can transport readers to a different time, a different place. For me, this is not the book. There is something equally powerful about a book that can introduce readers to something new; a new people, a new land, a new culture. For me, this is not the book. Some readers will find the symbolic use of dreams, the mountain orchid, and repetition in the novel inspiration enough to call to their command every literary device and analytic approach they learned in their 9th grade English class. For me, this is not the book. For "furriners," mine is not a fair assessment. I am, to say the least, biased--blinded. Mine is an assessment for those who remember only one stop light, only one Dairy Queen, hard-to-pull Ale8s from the tops of vending machines (they were the coldest), turning around in the doctor's parking lot, an unfamiliarity with the terms "pill head" and "meth lab," and when the most shocking on-goings in town were the bootlegger (not so shocking in a dry county I suppose) and "smoke break." I am from a town very much like Sewerville.

I was often distracted by the familiarity of the characters in the beginning to grasp the seriousness of what I was reading. It only took a a few minutes and the realization of some not-so-subtle themes for me to shake off my nonchalant approach to the story. Before I knew it I found myself applauding the author for creating such a moving satire (is satire a fair label here?). He did not have to create this world, for it exists in so many places across the South. What he did was capture the true essence of a world that time once ignored, but is now overlooked because of the sheer abundance of ignorance and poverty.

I used to miss home. I used to be sad because I was not there. This book only reminded me that I should be more sad for those I left behind. How crippling it is to know the town I remember with such fondness has the potential to be as corrupt as the town the author depicts? It's easy to forget these things, until you find yourself feeling sorry for Boone and hoping that he can escape. Perhaps I will read it again, next time over looking the familiars that overwhelm me, instead, looking for the deeper analysis of what is wrong with small town America. It's definitely there! In the meantime, I choose to find comfort in knowing those I love can also remember when there was existed a thrill to small town loving--the flood and the county fair.

The only reason this book isn't getting five stars from me is the struggle I had with the abundance of profanity. Nevertheless, I'm certain it was needed to give some of the characters the only depth they had--and that is not a negative comment on the writer. That's a reflection of his brilliant ability to capture their ignorance. Although closer than other Americans, these hillbilly gangsters certainly wouldn't be speaking Shakespearean English.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bullets, Blood and Betrayal. I had a feeling this book was going to be good and it was more then that, it was great. It delivered all three things first mentioned and much more. It tells of a small town corrupted by one family and one man who is tired of doing their dirty work and has had enough. Violence wise I would say is threw the roof which I loved. Nothing like good ole' fashion southern gangster violence. I think the author did a excellent job in his vivid descriptions on scenary, people's emotions and the overall storyline surrounding the plot to which was going on. The only two thing I didn't like about this book were the repitition of words and sayings, along with the sometimes over use of swearing. Other then that I found this to be a great read.

It delivers in all aspects of violence, scenes you can imagine in your head and characters who alter your perception of them throughout the story. As I was reading I couldn't help but think it reminded me of the show 'Justified' with all the grimey criminals and the way they presented themselves. That being one of my favorite shows I of course enjoyed this book reminding me of it. Overall, I'm beyond glad I read such a gritty southern crime novel and will definitely be checking out future works of Mr. Aaron Saylor.

For those who like their violence, drugs, characters, guns, gangsters and AC/DC turned up full blast this is the book for you.

[Kathy Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I thought this book would be a stereotypical look at poor town junkie/meth-head culture, but it read more like the true-crime books of the 1980's and 1990's. I am aware that none of them which I have read appear on my Goodreads lists, but they have not come up on any recommended reading list to mark as read. I do read a wide variety of books. This story is about a single family unit that does not like outsiders including spouses and goes after everyone. The Mayor of the town is corrupt and is the biggest drug-dealer in town. The only competition is a methlab run by a drug addict. As the story progresses the reader learns that the son-in-law, Boone Sumner wants out of the business and to get his five-year-old daughter away from this town. This is the story of how he does that.

There is a lot of blood and mayhem in this book along with overdoses. There is a lot of swearing so readers who enjoy no profanity in their reading would not like this book. Ironically there is little sex. Crime is never a good thing and corrupt government officials are not a good thing, but read this as a cautionary tale of a worst-case scenario if there are local officials whose motives that you mistrust.

[Stephanie C. Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I loved the balance between the gritty, seamy life of the crime family versus the son-in-law who wonders how he got mixed up with them and how he will ever get away from them. The author also balances the contrast between the grimness of the scenery with the beauty of the blue mountain orchids that grow in the hills eastern Kentucky, which several of the characters love. It's intriguing to see a part of life that is loved by both good and bad, as a thing they hold in common. The pace moves along rapidly, from fast-moving incident to calm stretches of time to fast-moving incident, all while showing the reader the thoughts and emotions of the character whose points of view is being shown. This was a fun story to read.

[Mike McMann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent but heartbreaking take on crime in modern Appalachia. Sewerville is violent and unflinching, but also honest and beautiful in the way it handles its seedy characters, leaving the reader with a sense of hope that things can be better for even the most lost of souls.

I believe this is Aaron Saylor's first novel (I found some other short stories on Amazon, including one that is apparently related to Sewerville) but if it's any indication of what is coming, I look forward to more great work from the author.

[Diane Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot, but waffled some during the course of my reading. It started out very strong and impressive, but I noticed a few inconsistancies that bothered me here and there. But a great finish, with lots of action and resolution. I don't usually read things this violent, and maybe that's why the 3 star rating versus a 4. But a very good first novel, and there were definitely moments of lyricism. I would encourage Aaron Saylor to give us a second novel.

[Suzanne Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again this author has pulled off a story that will resonate with male readers, as well as female readers. That in itself is an accomplishment. I enjoyed this book also because it touched on a southern gangster's life and being a fan of criminal novels I found this to be an interesting twist. So many times there are novels on crime in city streets, but not southern back roads.
I will definitely be reading more from this author.

[Strother · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aaron Saylor has proved himself to be a natural storyteller with Sewerville, a dark (and sometimes darkly comic) crime tale in a small town that rings true for anyone in the rural South. It's a story of family, both blood and beyond, with sections that will have you postponing anything else until you're finished reading. This is a highly recommended book.