What do you think?
Rate this book
Blood in the Low Country: A Tension-Filled Family Saga Of Betrayal
Blood in the Low Country, the first of the Atkins Family Low Country Sagas, tells the story of a southern family living in Charleston, South Carolina in 1973. The book follows the lives of Monty Atkins, his wife Rose, and their sons Eli and Walker. Rose’s childhood is plagued by poverty, abuse, and tragedy. Determined to prove she’s better than her past, she relentlessly pushes her sons to succeed in proper Charleston society. When Rose’s oldest son Eli, the product of her first, failed marriage, is accused of murdering his girlfriend Kimberly, Rose fears losing everything. Monty believes his son is innocent and hires a detective to find the killer. But when the murderer is revealed, Monty’s marriage and everything he holds true are tested. Can Monty and Rose save their family and confront Rose’s demons? Only time will tell. A story of love, faith, and redemption, Blood in the Low Country is a must-read for fans of Southern family sagas.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2023
60 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
Paul Attaway
3 books29 followersPaul was born and raised in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Paul and his wife, Lyn, met in college at Georgetown University and were married after Paul graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1988 where Paul embarked on a thirty-year business career before retiring so he could write fiction. Paul and Lyn raised three children together in Phoenix and now split their time between Phoenix and Charleston, South Carolina.
"Blood in the Low Country" is Paul Attaway’s debut novel. Writing this book, along with the move to Charleston, is a coming home of sorts, a return to the South. The history and culture of America’s South is rich, complicated, at times comical, sad, tragic, uplifting, and inspiring. Paul hopes that his novels capture even a small bit of this tapestry.
"Blood in the Low Country" is Paul Attaway’s debut novel. Writing this book, along with the move to Charleston, is a coming home of sorts, a return to the South. The history and culture of America’s South is rich, complicated, at times comical, sad, tragic, uplifting, and inspiring. Paul hopes that his novels capture even a small bit of this tapestry.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 16, 2026
The themes of the story center around parenthood, moral beliefs, dark secrets all incorporated into a murder mystery.
The main characters are the Atkins family: Monty, Rose, Eli and Walter but there are many more that are integral part of the story. Eli is accused of murdering his girlfriend Kimberly. He flees after being arrested and set free in bail. His father is distraught and doesn’t understand why his son fled as he believes in his innocence. He hires a private detective but Eli has vanished into thin air. Kimberly’s father is a prominent banker set to avenge his daughter’s death.
Rose is very self centered and is worried about her reputation more than in her son’s innocence. She carries much resentment from a hard childhood. Though the author tries to soften her image it’s hard to phantom such transformation possible. Monty is a God fearing man and exemplary father that worries about both his sons. Eli is a troubled boy but a good person. Walker gets caught in the crossfire of trying to meet the expectations of his parents, especially Rose that uses guilt as a method of manipulation.
Five years pass before the mystery unfolds and in that time much happens in the story with the Atkins’ & Kimberly’s families.
The 1H is a little slow pace accentuated by the many religious references. The 2H moves at a faster pace with the introduction of some lively characters and eventual resolution of the murder.
Overall entertaining and suspenseful.
The main characters are the Atkins family: Monty, Rose, Eli and Walter but there are many more that are integral part of the story. Eli is accused of murdering his girlfriend Kimberly. He flees after being arrested and set free in bail. His father is distraught and doesn’t understand why his son fled as he believes in his innocence. He hires a private detective but Eli has vanished into thin air. Kimberly’s father is a prominent banker set to avenge his daughter’s death.
Rose is very self centered and is worried about her reputation more than in her son’s innocence. She carries much resentment from a hard childhood. Though the author tries to soften her image it’s hard to phantom such transformation possible. Monty is a God fearing man and exemplary father that worries about both his sons. Eli is a troubled boy but a good person. Walker gets caught in the crossfire of trying to meet the expectations of his parents, especially Rose that uses guilt as a method of manipulation.
Five years pass before the mystery unfolds and in that time much happens in the story with the Atkins’ & Kimberly’s families.
The 1H is a little slow pace accentuated by the many religious references. The 2H moves at a faster pace with the introduction of some lively characters and eventual resolution of the murder.
Overall entertaining and suspenseful.
December 12, 2022
Intriguing! This one kept my attention. Looking forward to the next book in this series. I enjoy this author!
August 21, 2021
This book was not my cup of tea. The first 50% was very disjointed and hard to follow. The mother, Rose, was VERY unlikeable, despite knowing her backstory and what she went through in her life. There was no excuse for the way she treated her eldest son.
I like murder mysteries but couldn't believe I had accidentally chosen ANOTHER book about serial killers. There was foul language and disturbing details about the killings. I don't need or want graphic details. What I enjoy is the search for the truth and solving the case.
I felt the book was advertised as a family saga set in the beautiful low country with a little murder thrown in. I was very mistaken.
There were some interesting plot twists about halfway through the book and it got pretty interesting. Then the serial killer "reappeared" and I skimmed through the rest of the book just to get it over with. After everyone is safe there is a chapter about running. It seemed out of place with the rest of the book.
I purchased this book on kindle based on the many positive reviews from other readers. Some said they liked it because of the references to faith & scripture. Well, believe me, the praying and references to God do not make up for the violence.
I very rarely write bad reviews, but I really regret paying for this book. Read at your own risk.
I like murder mysteries but couldn't believe I had accidentally chosen ANOTHER book about serial killers. There was foul language and disturbing details about the killings. I don't need or want graphic details. What I enjoy is the search for the truth and solving the case.
I felt the book was advertised as a family saga set in the beautiful low country with a little murder thrown in. I was very mistaken.
There were some interesting plot twists about halfway through the book and it got pretty interesting. Then the serial killer "reappeared" and I skimmed through the rest of the book just to get it over with. After everyone is safe there is a chapter about running. It seemed out of place with the rest of the book.
I purchased this book on kindle based on the many positive reviews from other readers. Some said they liked it because of the references to faith & scripture. Well, believe me, the praying and references to God do not make up for the violence.
I very rarely write bad reviews, but I really regret paying for this book. Read at your own risk.
October 8, 2021
Blood in the Low Country by Paul Attaway is a true Southern suspense novel that will have you hooked from the first page. Vivid characters draw readers into a family saga of past trauma and hurt. Attaway's use of his own personal experiences having grown up in the South aids in creating this who-done-it tale. I highly recommend this read for those who have enjoyed books by authors like Leia Weiss and Donald Ray Pollock. A true, murder mystery, page turner! I look forward to more books by Attaway.
June 13, 2021
Set in Charleston, SC, in the 1970s, Attaway’s electrifying latest effortlessly incorporates themes of faith and redemption into a tale of revenge, murder, and betrayal to deliver a page-turning suspense thriller.
Life has been kind to Monty Atkins. With his highly-driven wife Rose, the girl of his dreams he met in college, by his side, two talented boys, Eli and Walker, and a successful law practice in the town, Monty is content. But when a girl is found murdered in the town, life takes a turn for the worse for the Atkins. With his family’s life in danger and business in shambles, Monty must get ready to face a sinister enemy who will stop at nothing to settle old scores.
Filled with verve and skill, Attaway’s writing is assured and full of understanding and he is graceful as he unravels the tensions of the plot. He does an excellent job infusing his protagonists with realistic traits, making even the frustratingly self-centered Rose thoroughly human. With a prose that is engaging and precise, he balances tightly written scenes of Monty, Eli, and Walker’s inner struggles with tension-filled storyline, shining a light on their dilemmas, fears, and insecurities.
The guilt and turmoil that Rose feels as she tries to balance her family life with her personal prejudices is incorporated skillfully into the narrative. Credibility never flags as the specifics of the event in Rose’s past are revealed, creating suspense as her family’s life comes unraveling.
Attaway effortlessly blends anticipation of a fast-paced thriller and emotional quotient of a well-crafted story into a complex and engrossing plot. Attaway’s imagery of the South brings it to life. The issues of faith, revenge, and redemption make up a hefty portion of the narrative, and careful revelations and the promise of renewal keep the reader invested.
Though Attaway delivers an emotional blitz in the Atkins family’s story, the novel, with its relentless suspense and high tension remains a suspense thriller at heart. There’s a nonstop supply of surprising twists and shocking revelations, plus tender moments of longing and love. The result is an expertly plotted, utterly engaging thriller that keeps the reader deeply invested all the way to its satisfying conclusion.
With its atmospheric Southern setting, masterful execution of the plot, and nail-biting action, this well-polished, multifaceted novels shines.
Life has been kind to Monty Atkins. With his highly-driven wife Rose, the girl of his dreams he met in college, by his side, two talented boys, Eli and Walker, and a successful law practice in the town, Monty is content. But when a girl is found murdered in the town, life takes a turn for the worse for the Atkins. With his family’s life in danger and business in shambles, Monty must get ready to face a sinister enemy who will stop at nothing to settle old scores.
Filled with verve and skill, Attaway’s writing is assured and full of understanding and he is graceful as he unravels the tensions of the plot. He does an excellent job infusing his protagonists with realistic traits, making even the frustratingly self-centered Rose thoroughly human. With a prose that is engaging and precise, he balances tightly written scenes of Monty, Eli, and Walker’s inner struggles with tension-filled storyline, shining a light on their dilemmas, fears, and insecurities.
The guilt and turmoil that Rose feels as she tries to balance her family life with her personal prejudices is incorporated skillfully into the narrative. Credibility never flags as the specifics of the event in Rose’s past are revealed, creating suspense as her family’s life comes unraveling.
Attaway effortlessly blends anticipation of a fast-paced thriller and emotional quotient of a well-crafted story into a complex and engrossing plot. Attaway’s imagery of the South brings it to life. The issues of faith, revenge, and redemption make up a hefty portion of the narrative, and careful revelations and the promise of renewal keep the reader invested.
Though Attaway delivers an emotional blitz in the Atkins family’s story, the novel, with its relentless suspense and high tension remains a suspense thriller at heart. There’s a nonstop supply of surprising twists and shocking revelations, plus tender moments of longing and love. The result is an expertly plotted, utterly engaging thriller that keeps the reader deeply invested all the way to its satisfying conclusion.
With its atmospheric Southern setting, masterful execution of the plot, and nail-biting action, this well-polished, multifaceted novels shines.
June 13, 2021
A decade-old grievance, regret, and hidden secrets provide the backdrop for an account of vengeance and redemption in the beautiful Charleston, SC, in Attaway’s multilayered mystery set in the 1970s.
Life is good for Monty Atkins: he is married to Rose, the girl of his dreams he met in college, and they are raising two boys Eli and Walker. With a profitable, well-respected law practice in the town, things are looking up great. But when a brutal murder implicates one of his own, Monty must do everything in his power to save his family or risk losing everything dear to him.
Attaway’s tension-filled narrative is rife on unexpected turns, effortlessly drawing the reader into the story while the intelligent, crisp prose keeps the pages turning. Struggling to find answers to their deep-rooted questions about identity and liberation, the protagonists carry heavy emotional baggage, and Attaway is excellent when it comes to exploring their inner turmoil, fears, insecurities, grief, rage, and regrets.
Along the way, he examines themes of faith, revenge, redemption, and freedom. With its expert plotting, atmospheric setting, and relentless suspense, the novel makes for a page-turner.
Both lovers of fast-paced thrillers and Christian mystery fans will be delighted.
Life is good for Monty Atkins: he is married to Rose, the girl of his dreams he met in college, and they are raising two boys Eli and Walker. With a profitable, well-respected law practice in the town, things are looking up great. But when a brutal murder implicates one of his own, Monty must do everything in his power to save his family or risk losing everything dear to him.
Attaway’s tension-filled narrative is rife on unexpected turns, effortlessly drawing the reader into the story while the intelligent, crisp prose keeps the pages turning. Struggling to find answers to their deep-rooted questions about identity and liberation, the protagonists carry heavy emotional baggage, and Attaway is excellent when it comes to exploring their inner turmoil, fears, insecurities, grief, rage, and regrets.
Along the way, he examines themes of faith, revenge, redemption, and freedom. With its expert plotting, atmospheric setting, and relentless suspense, the novel makes for a page-turner.
Both lovers of fast-paced thrillers and Christian mystery fans will be delighted.
September 20, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this read! The book is part family drama, part crime mystery, and an ode to the beauty of the low country through and through. It’s 1973 in Charleston, South Carolina. The protagonist of the book, Monty Atkins, has built a great life for himself with his wife, Rose, and his two boys, Eli and Walker. In one night, Monty’s world is turned upside down with a heartbreaking murder and devastating betrayal that leave him, his family, and the city of Charleston reeling. Monty must uncover a conspiracy of lies and decide what he will do to protect his family, which includes protecting the secret past of his wife, Rose… a past she has been striving for years to outrun and bury. The reader is left wondering, can Monty save his family, his business, and potentially his own life?
I can tell you right now that, while reading this book, I didn't see the ending coming! I always consider this a sign of a great book because the author kept me guessing and was always one step ahead of me, the reader. I also loved being transported to a city I love, Charleston, but in another time and era. A great read overall!
I can tell you right now that, while reading this book, I didn't see the ending coming! I always consider this a sign of a great book because the author kept me guessing and was always one step ahead of me, the reader. I also loved being transported to a city I love, Charleston, but in another time and era. A great read overall!
January 9, 2022
Really excellent, fast paced book. A great mystery. Rose and Monty had a wonderful marriage but Rose's anger toward her oldest boy and her ridiculous pride, would be the wedge that would hurt family and friends. Her husband, a prominent attorney in town, adopted her boy, Eli. Eli gets accused of killing his girlfriend and Rose, knowing he was home, refuses to be his alibi. Why? As the mystery unravels, hidden secrets are discovered and Monty's faith is all that's holding this torn up family together.
March 13, 2025
I only finished this book because I live in Charleston and was expecting Charleston and the beautiful low country to be spotlighted in the book. Instead, I felt like I was following another unbelievable Murdock family saga from the Post and Courier. Mother Rose was unlikable from the start with her true character worsening as the story went on. Her ever forgiving husband Monty’s actions seemed inconsistent and unbelievable. As a mystery, there were some interesting twists and turns but the ending rushed to conclusion and left me with no desire to read the sequel.
January 14, 2021
Wonderful read- very engaging and kept me reading late into the night. Especially liked the character development and could vividly picture the Atkins family in my mind. Twists & turns were well played out and kept me involved in the story. The Charleston location and various Southern locales contributed to understanding the characters better. I was sorry to turn the last page on this well-written book!
February 27, 2022
A very interesting and well-written story. My grade is actually a solid 4 and 1/2 starts. It's about a dysfunctional family in Georgia in the 1970s and 1980s. The family's problems mostly stem from the mother's extremely difficult experiences while growing up and the last effects of a failed first marriage. While her loving second husband does everything in his power to try to hold the family together, her past threatens to destroy everything they've built with their two sons.
May 19, 2022
This book grabbed me right from the start. Hated Rose, loved Monty and was intrigued by the plot. Paul developed the characters so well that I truly felt I was walking with them through the story. This book would make an excellent movie! Both book clubs I am in read this book and the discussion was lively to say the least! Can’t wait to read Eli’s Redemption to see what Eli does now. Highly recommend!
April 8, 2023
Good story, the characters for the most part are believable. The story does bog down a bit in the middle, but it comes with a satisfying ending.
Not 5 stars simply because the mothers reprehensible behavior from the very beginning and gets worse throughout the book, is a problem. No one would put up with it or accept it, let alone forgive it, but the book is peppered with religious beliefs and apparently forgiveness was a biggie.
Not 5 stars simply because the mothers reprehensible behavior from the very beginning and gets worse throughout the book, is a problem. No one would put up with it or accept it, let alone forgive it, but the book is peppered with religious beliefs and apparently forgiveness was a biggie.
May 8, 2021
Excellent Reading
I started this book this afternoon and just finished at 1:00 AM. The book is written to where you can feel the pain and love of the characters. I love the Christian aspect of it too. I learned a lot from it and would recommend it to anyone that just wants to read a good book!
I started this book this afternoon and just finished at 1:00 AM. The book is written to where you can feel the pain and love of the characters. I love the Christian aspect of it too. I learned a lot from it and would recommend it to anyone that just wants to read a good book!
June 13, 2021
This debut thriller was simply outstanding! The only criticism I have is with the end of the book. I have no problem with the resolution of the situation; it was that it felt like he just stopped writing. Unless there is a sequel in the works, there were a number of issues left unresolved. So here’s hoping for Book 2!
September 10, 2020
I received an ARC print copy complimentary.
Get ready to be taken through a really good paced read. It has elements of quaint meets thriller. Very well written characters and scenes that you can imagine laying right in from of you.
Get ready to be taken through a really good paced read. It has elements of quaint meets thriller. Very well written characters and scenes that you can imagine laying right in from of you.
January 10, 2021
Twists and Turns
It was a good book but at times a little hard to follow. It kept you wanting to read even though I wish some of the graphics were a little less. All in all it was good and will recommend to others.
It was a good book but at times a little hard to follow. It kept you wanting to read even though I wish some of the graphics were a little less. All in all it was good and will recommend to others.
February 13, 2021
So biased when reading books about the Charleston area. If written well, they are always page turners for me as the familiar locations and events are referenced! This had a murder mystery twist and was almost a little Greg Iles like at the end! Great fast read!
October 12, 2021
I gave it 5 stars but the ending confused me. Was the last chapter in the present? If it was, I’m really confused.
I recently met the author. Up until the end, the book was better than expected.
Looking forward to his second book.
I recently met the author. Up until the end, the book was better than expected.
Looking forward to his second book.
Read
November 8, 2021This book is my cup of tea. I have read it twice and found the nuances in Attaway's writing.
He captures the culture of the deep South with his complex flawed characters. I'm going to read it for the 3rd time to find more twists and turns.
He captures the culture of the deep South with his complex flawed characters. I'm going to read it for the 3rd time to find more twists and turns.
November 25, 2021
I couldn’t believe how quickly this story reads — it was so absorbing that the pages turned almost too quickly! What a great first novel: so perfectly navigating low country culture. Congratulations to Paul Attaway on this novel — can’t wait to read his next!
January 2, 2022
Good story but lots of typos which is disappointing.. also should be classified as a Christian book because of so many references to “letting God fix it.” Seemed like that was just an easy way to develop the plot without actually creating it.
July 8, 2022
Rath is the key to a new life for Rose.
But then is he? Her life is never the same after Rath. She has Monty, Eli and Walker, but Rose is not the same. This was a good read. I did not like that it was preachy. Could have left all that out.
But then is he? Her life is never the same after Rath. She has Monty, Eli and Walker, but Rose is not the same. This was a good read. I did not like that it was preachy. Could have left all that out.
September 9, 2022
4.5 rounded up. I was quite lost at the beginning due to a large cast of characters, and the end felt maybe a little rushed. But overall, it was wonderful, and I would recommend. I loved the themes addressed here, the realistic humans, and the turn of phrase. Can't wait to read the sequel
March 9, 2023
very exciting, a page turner!
I couldn’t put the book down. Lots of excitement!
Very well written, and the flow was great. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll leave it right there.
I couldn’t put the book down. Lots of excitement!
Very well written, and the flow was great. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll leave it right there.
September 12, 2024
The storyline was good, hard to follow at first but got better as the story progressed. My rating is due to the overwhelming amount of religion that was infused into the story. I wanted to read a story filled with mystery, family conflict, etc. and not a book about religion.
Read
December 3, 2020so far, I really enjoy! but please can someone tell me what the end is?
December 13, 2020
Exciting, plot-driven novel. The nuances of the South enrich the story. Characters are well-developed and the relationships believable and relatable. Enjoyed the story all around. Hoya Saxa.
June 21, 2021
It was a great read! I look forward to more books by Paul Attaway in the future.
July 8, 2021
Great mystery.
This book captured me on page one. It is well written. The characters are very real. You love to hate the mother, but you also pity her. Great mystery.
This book captured me on page one. It is well written. The characters are very real. You love to hate the mother, but you also pity her. Great mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews