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Laying Autumn's Dust: A Southern Tragedy About Betrayal, Revenge, and Murder
Two murders and a suicide are linked to one long, dusty summer in rural Alabama. But the bones of secrets eventually get plowed up, and when the devil steals the angel’s share, there will be hell to pay.
Part murder mystery and part coming-of-age story, Laying Autumn’s Dust tells the poignant tale of a southern family carving out a living in a home stained with alcoholism and domestic abuse. The novel is set in northeast Alabama and features betrayal, revenge, and murder—as well as love, hope, and charity.
Concise writing, authentic dialect, and vivid images make Laying Autumn’s Dust an enthralling and memorable read. The story takes several twists and turns, and part of the fun of this novel is connecting all the dots to gain a better understanding of the consequences of secrets.
Mark L. Brooks hits a homer with this first novel if you love family dynamics, how each member plays on each other with the good, the bad, the most ugly, and how they can arrive victorious. Laying Autumn’s Dust is a novel told in three first-person voices. Donny, the father—you can feel sorry for him at first—is a man repressed, with a low moral compass, who can’t seem to rise above his worst instincts and doesn’t seem to care. He spreads his wounding to wife Abigail, who isn’t perfect but gives an unfortunate life her best shot. As for son Jesse—how much of Donny will affect him, and how much will Abigail’s soft resonance of strength steel him?
As the family grows and changes, you see each developing autonomy as the only answer when Donny’s shortcomings become a wedge. More like a backdrop for these highly dimensional characters, the plot features murder, suicide, mystery, and vengeance, as well as love, hope, and charity.
The pace is southern, like an evening breeze gently moving Spanish moss on an oak tree in Low Country. Brooks isn’t forcing readers to move too fast. But upon reaching the end, readers will feel part of this family and akin to the idea that Brooks is looking into us all.
Also at play is Brooks’ gift for “So I sat and watched the leaves fall in the yard and float across the field—and I realized death come in all colors”.
Carol Plum-Ucci, Author
2x Finalist, Edgar Allan Poe Awards
Winner, Michael L. Prinz Honor Book Award
Part murder mystery and part coming-of-age story, Laying Autumn’s Dust tells the poignant tale of a southern family carving out a living in a home stained with alcoholism and domestic abuse. The novel is set in northeast Alabama and features betrayal, revenge, and murder—as well as love, hope, and charity.
Concise writing, authentic dialect, and vivid images make Laying Autumn’s Dust an enthralling and memorable read. The story takes several twists and turns, and part of the fun of this novel is connecting all the dots to gain a better understanding of the consequences of secrets.
Mark L. Brooks hits a homer with this first novel if you love family dynamics, how each member plays on each other with the good, the bad, the most ugly, and how they can arrive victorious. Laying Autumn’s Dust is a novel told in three first-person voices. Donny, the father—you can feel sorry for him at first—is a man repressed, with a low moral compass, who can’t seem to rise above his worst instincts and doesn’t seem to care. He spreads his wounding to wife Abigail, who isn’t perfect but gives an unfortunate life her best shot. As for son Jesse—how much of Donny will affect him, and how much will Abigail’s soft resonance of strength steel him?
As the family grows and changes, you see each developing autonomy as the only answer when Donny’s shortcomings become a wedge. More like a backdrop for these highly dimensional characters, the plot features murder, suicide, mystery, and vengeance, as well as love, hope, and charity.
The pace is southern, like an evening breeze gently moving Spanish moss on an oak tree in Low Country. Brooks isn’t forcing readers to move too fast. But upon reaching the end, readers will feel part of this family and akin to the idea that Brooks is looking into us all.
Also at play is Brooks’ gift for “So I sat and watched the leaves fall in the yard and float across the field—and I realized death come in all colors”.
Carol Plum-Ucci, Author
2x Finalist, Edgar Allan Poe Awards
Winner, Michael L. Prinz Honor Book Award
284 pages, Paperback
Published June 16, 2024
About the author
Mark L. Brooks
2 books6 followersMark grew up in northeast Alabama on Puddin’ Ridge. After earning an M.A. in English from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, he lived in Colorado for several years, then returned home in 2016. For personal interests, he enjoys reading, creative writing, breweries, college football, scuba diving, rock climbing, snow skiing, trout fishing, and—foremost—trail running. He has instructed writing and literature courses for a handful of colleges.
Laying Autumn’s Dust is his debut novel.
Laying Autumn’s Dust is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this! I felt like it was easy to read and pulled me in very quickly. Of course it’s even better because it’s written by a North Alabama author. Highly recommend!
October 3, 2025
Long review- I met Mark by happenstance in Fort Payne, at a store that actually didn’t sell books but art. I was immediately drawn to this cover and told him, “I’m judging this book by its cover, it’s the single most amazing art I’ve yet to see on a book.” An absolute masterpiece of a debut; the prologue had me hooked and thinking, “okay, I NEED to figure out what is going on.” I have to say I am a bit biased on it because the familiarity of it all. Last names like Hartline, Blevins ( I’ve 2 brothers last named Blevins, McCurdy (family on my mommas side, town names like Ider, Cullman, Stevenson and Birmingham.. the cornbread talk we all speak around here. I’m notorious for saying, “ain’t dunnit” 😂. The book is made up of 3 first person perspectives of a father, wife and son navigating life in Alabama, from drinkin, cheatin, murder, jealousy, and the good Lord workin on folks (read the book to find out who 😎. Did I mention the southern one-liners we’re known for here? “ So I sat and watched the leaves fall in the yard and float across the field and I realized death comes in all colors.” I could not put this down, especially on part 3. I stayed up till nearly midnight to finish it. I smiled when I saw where the title got its name. 5/5⭐️ easy!! Mark, you did phenomenal, and I look forward to a second writing.
April 24, 2026
Laying Autumn's Dust has more twists and turns than a Cullman County backroad.
I absolutely adored Abigail and the strength she carried for her child and family, it felt both grounded and unwavering. Donny seemed to have moments of clarity, but ultimately, he succumbed to his vices and desires, which made his character all the more tragic.
Jesse stood out as an admirable blend of both parents. What I appreciated most was his choice to rise above the hardships of his childhood. He could have remained a victim, like so many do, and repeated the cycle of hurt, but instead, he drew from Abigail’s faith and resilience to carve a different path.
There are so many layers, connections, and hidden gems woven throughout this story that it’s not a one-and-done read. You’ll want to experience it once to immerse yourself in the dusty, rural Alabama setting and then read it again to catch everything you missed the first time.
I absolutely adored Abigail and the strength she carried for her child and family, it felt both grounded and unwavering. Donny seemed to have moments of clarity, but ultimately, he succumbed to his vices and desires, which made his character all the more tragic.
Jesse stood out as an admirable blend of both parents. What I appreciated most was his choice to rise above the hardships of his childhood. He could have remained a victim, like so many do, and repeated the cycle of hurt, but instead, he drew from Abigail’s faith and resilience to carve a different path.
There are so many layers, connections, and hidden gems woven throughout this story that it’s not a one-and-done read. You’ll want to experience it once to immerse yourself in the dusty, rural Alabama setting and then read it again to catch everything you missed the first time.
June 20, 2024
MUST READ that I plan to enjoy again and again!
Tragedy, betrayal, revenge, and murder—the perfect recipe for a book I couldn’t put down. I was immediately hooked by the engaging prologue that left me NEEDING to know the answers. Before I knew it, I was deep into this southern tragedy, appreciating the pace and Brooks’ uncanny ability to thread the storyline together with the use of fulfilling flashbacks and varying perspectives. Brooks perfects the art of structuring a novel with the use of alternating character narration in the first person. As a reader, you will appreciate the way he uses this approach to paint a full picture of the main events without ever being redundant. A measure of success for any great novel, Brooks keeps the reader engaged to the very last page, mastering the ability to give us all the answers we desire yet leave us wanting more! I can’t wait to see what this author gives us next! In the meantime, I’ll read this one again. I have a feeling it will be even better the second time around as I'm certain there are clues planted in every chapter. I can't wait to go back and uncover them.
Tragedy, betrayal, revenge, and murder—the perfect recipe for a book I couldn’t put down. I was immediately hooked by the engaging prologue that left me NEEDING to know the answers. Before I knew it, I was deep into this southern tragedy, appreciating the pace and Brooks’ uncanny ability to thread the storyline together with the use of fulfilling flashbacks and varying perspectives. Brooks perfects the art of structuring a novel with the use of alternating character narration in the first person. As a reader, you will appreciate the way he uses this approach to paint a full picture of the main events without ever being redundant. A measure of success for any great novel, Brooks keeps the reader engaged to the very last page, mastering the ability to give us all the answers we desire yet leave us wanting more! I can’t wait to see what this author gives us next! In the meantime, I’ll read this one again. I have a feeling it will be even better the second time around as I'm certain there are clues planted in every chapter. I can't wait to go back and uncover them.
April 14, 2026
A powerful coming-of-age story told through three distinct points of view—Donny, the father; Abigail, the mother; and Jessie, their child. Set in rural Alabama, where everyone knows everyone and vengeance seems to be an accepted pastime, the novel immerses the reader in a world shaped by secrecy and consequence.
I was particularly moved by the sense of inevitability woven throughout the narrative and by the weight of buried secrets. The story suggests that those who find happiness must fight for it and are all the more blessed because of it.
The author captures the tone beautifully, delivering striking lines such as: “Forgiveness was a hammer she only swung at church.” Moments like this linger long after reading.
The characters are richly developed; I found myself sympathizing with some while shaking my head at others. That emotional push-and-pull added depth and authenticity to the story.
It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel, given the strength of the prose and the confidence of the storytelling.
I was particularly moved by the sense of inevitability woven throughout the narrative and by the weight of buried secrets. The story suggests that those who find happiness must fight for it and are all the more blessed because of it.
The author captures the tone beautifully, delivering striking lines such as: “Forgiveness was a hammer she only swung at church.” Moments like this linger long after reading.
The characters are richly developed; I found myself sympathizing with some while shaking my head at others. That emotional push-and-pull added depth and authenticity to the story.
It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel, given the strength of the prose and the confidence of the storytelling.
May 27, 2026
I recently finished reading Laying Autumn's Dust by Mark L. Brooks, and overall, I thought it was a very good effort for a first novel!
What I truly enjoyed about the book was the shifting points of view. Getting to experience the story from the different characters' perspectives added so much depth and made them feel incredibly real and layered. It was refreshing to see how each family member perceived the very same situations.
However, I did have a little trouble completely following the story at times. The way the narrative jumps between characters and different timelines took some adjusting to, and occasionally made the plot a bit tricky to keep track of.
That said, the vivid Southern setting and the strong emotional core make it a compelling read. If you enjoy deep family dramas and character-driven stories, it's definitely worth checking out. I'd highly recommend it, and I'm excited to see what the author writes next!
What I truly enjoyed about the book was the shifting points of view. Getting to experience the story from the different characters' perspectives added so much depth and made them feel incredibly real and layered. It was refreshing to see how each family member perceived the very same situations.
However, I did have a little trouble completely following the story at times. The way the narrative jumps between characters and different timelines took some adjusting to, and occasionally made the plot a bit tricky to keep track of.
That said, the vivid Southern setting and the strong emotional core make it a compelling read. If you enjoy deep family dramas and character-driven stories, it's definitely worth checking out. I'd highly recommend it, and I'm excited to see what the author writes next!
Read
July 15, 2024I am a slow reader so reading it this quickly is the first plus. The second plus is that I have known the author for at thirty-five years and count him as a friend. The third plus is that he has woven a compelling story that could have happened. It has secrets, darkness, and still nudged me on to read it. He used place names and family names which were familiar to our area of Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama. I have read a few regional authors lately and it seems that there are many sad and disturbing things that are happening on Sand Mountain. Oh wait, I taught school in the area for 33 years, ain't no surprises left for me.
June 16, 2024
Every family has its history and its secrets, character develops from the struggles and as the story unfolds we often find ourselves with a better understanding of the generation that came before. You can feel these characters, as each speaks from their unique vantage point. Your minds eye can see and feel the landscape, hear the southern drawl, and even smell the earth and hay. Life isn’t easy, there is something in this story that will resonate for any reader. I highly recommend you pick this one up, curl up in a cozy space and get ready to be lost in this story of perseverance.
June 19, 2024
Great book with rich language
Laying Autumn’s Dust is rich with story and with beautiful language. The tale of generational trauma and the effects it has on more than just the victim is woven throughout this book. As we hear from Donny, Abigail and Jesse we see the lives of a family from each person’s perspective. Brooks writes with eloquence and has a clear talent for storytelling and painting a picture for the reader. Great read!!
Laying Autumn’s Dust is rich with story and with beautiful language. The tale of generational trauma and the effects it has on more than just the victim is woven throughout this book. As we hear from Donny, Abigail and Jesse we see the lives of a family from each person’s perspective. Brooks writes with eloquence and has a clear talent for storytelling and painting a picture for the reader. Great read!!
June 22, 2024
Mark L. Brooks weaves seamlessly from character to character opening their lives up bit by bit until you feel that you are there with them. His writing is so descriptive that the words paint a landscape on your mind as the story unfolds. The prologue provides a foundation that will tie back to all that you uncover in the following pages. With his unique style, the author peels back layers as you turn the pages to find many complexities in this seemingly simple Southern town. I did not want to stop reading until I knew the full story of Laying Autumn’s Dust.
June 21, 2024
Great character development and engaging storylines that are woven together skillfully throughout the book. The way that the last few plot points are wrapped up near the end is clever and satisfying. This book is reminiscent of “As I Lay Dying” though it is much easier to follow!
April 1, 2026
Beautifully crafted, perfectly Southern, and captivating as hell. The atmosphere pulled me in immediately, and I found myself thinking about these characters even when I wasn’t reading. Absolutely loved it.
July 1, 2026
Each narrator had a distinct voice that carried me through the rambling switchbacks of time, leaving me just a moment to catch my breath and a couple thoughts before moving ahead with a fresh perspective.
October 21, 2024
The book was Good. I was surprised at the end . It was hard to follow at times.
February 26, 2025
*Book Club March 2025 Pick*
I wanted to like this more, but there was a lot that bothered me. It was very difficult to keep the shifting perspectives straight. The constant time skips were also very disorienting. The editing was disappointing, and the number of typos increased as the story progressed. I'm also not a fan of written slang, so it being set in the southern Dust Bowl-era made it difficult for me to get past the dialogue. I would have preferred non-authentic dialogue with a storyline that made more sense.
I appreciate that this is a debut novel, and I think there were some good elements, but they were lost underneath poor dialogue and a shoestring narrative.
I wanted to like this more, but there was a lot that bothered me. It was very difficult to keep the shifting perspectives straight. The constant time skips were also very disorienting. The editing was disappointing, and the number of typos increased as the story progressed. I'm also not a fan of written slang, so it being set in the southern Dust Bowl-era made it difficult for me to get past the dialogue. I would have preferred non-authentic dialogue with a storyline that made more sense.
I appreciate that this is a debut novel, and I think there were some good elements, but they were lost underneath poor dialogue and a shoestring narrative.
September 25, 2025
So good! I couldn’t put it down!
December 11, 2025
A cleverly written story of the rural South with all the twists and turns of small town intrigue.
March 23, 2025
An easy escape from reality
I enjoyed this book so much, the characters were easy to imagine and see in my mind. The line about Abigail having a wet strip on her clothes from doing dishes nailed it!
I really looked forward to escaping real life for a short while every evening, so was sad when it came to an end.
Thank you Mark Brooks for an enjoyable read.
Hlfaatz
P.S. what was Donny's last thought?
I enjoyed this book so much, the characters were easy to imagine and see in my mind. The line about Abigail having a wet strip on her clothes from doing dishes nailed it!
I really looked forward to escaping real life for a short while every evening, so was sad when it came to an end.
Thank you Mark Brooks for an enjoyable read.
Hlfaatz
P.S. what was Donny's last thought?
August 24, 2025
Audiobook Update:
I read Laying Autumn’s Dust originally in the summer of 2024 soon after it was released and was immediately captivated. The mellifluous prose transports you to another time and place while the intricate layering of multiple narratives and strategic story telling keep you guessing and engaged in this mystery/thiller!
I was immeasurably excited to hear that it was released as an audio book because I desperately wanted to share the experience with my non-reading husband. The perfectly paired voices brought the characters’ experiences to life in an entirely new and exciting way. I felt as though I gained deeper insight into their inner thoughts and complex motivations. My feelings toward each of them intensified as the story progressed.
Beyond enjoying the uniquely voiced stories, the reread of this novel made me appreciate and respect it so much more! I relish the reread of a good thriller. I love going back through the story already knowing the twist so that I get to enjoy all of the clues the author laid out for me along the way. This reread did not disappoint, it was all the more apparent how brilliantly Brooks crafted this tale. The entire journey is rife with information and startling connections that make the ending all the more satisfying!
Original Review:
An impressive debut novel, Laying Autumn's Dust is a fast-paced thriller that investigates generational trauma set against a backdrop of the deep south.
Mark L. Brooks seamlessly blends two genres together in this dramatic novel. On one side, this is an intelligently calculated thriller that hooks you from the beginning and becomes increasingly satisfying to read as pieces of the plot fit delicately into place. On the other, it is a beautiful, lyrical, coming-of-age story reminiscent of A River Runs Through It. This nonlinear story is told from three uniquely-voiced POVs, and it is about a boy simply trying to become a better man than his circumstances want to allow. All of this takes place in a vibrant setting that will draw you in and make you hesitate to let go.
You'll be unable to look away from the train wreck that is inevitably coming, while you cheer Jesse on to break the cycle. While it is a fun and exciting read, the novel also compels one to reflect on deeper messages. It will leave you thinking about and discussing it long after you read the last page
I read Laying Autumn’s Dust originally in the summer of 2024 soon after it was released and was immediately captivated. The mellifluous prose transports you to another time and place while the intricate layering of multiple narratives and strategic story telling keep you guessing and engaged in this mystery/thiller!
I was immeasurably excited to hear that it was released as an audio book because I desperately wanted to share the experience with my non-reading husband. The perfectly paired voices brought the characters’ experiences to life in an entirely new and exciting way. I felt as though I gained deeper insight into their inner thoughts and complex motivations. My feelings toward each of them intensified as the story progressed.
Beyond enjoying the uniquely voiced stories, the reread of this novel made me appreciate and respect it so much more! I relish the reread of a good thriller. I love going back through the story already knowing the twist so that I get to enjoy all of the clues the author laid out for me along the way. This reread did not disappoint, it was all the more apparent how brilliantly Brooks crafted this tale. The entire journey is rife with information and startling connections that make the ending all the more satisfying!
Original Review:
An impressive debut novel, Laying Autumn's Dust is a fast-paced thriller that investigates generational trauma set against a backdrop of the deep south.
Mark L. Brooks seamlessly blends two genres together in this dramatic novel. On one side, this is an intelligently calculated thriller that hooks you from the beginning and becomes increasingly satisfying to read as pieces of the plot fit delicately into place. On the other, it is a beautiful, lyrical, coming-of-age story reminiscent of A River Runs Through It. This nonlinear story is told from three uniquely-voiced POVs, and it is about a boy simply trying to become a better man than his circumstances want to allow. All of this takes place in a vibrant setting that will draw you in and make you hesitate to let go.
You'll be unable to look away from the train wreck that is inevitably coming, while you cheer Jesse on to break the cycle. While it is a fun and exciting read, the novel also compels one to reflect on deeper messages. It will leave you thinking about and discussing it long after you read the last page
July 5, 2024
I’m giving this book five stars because I WILL read it again. The book is very well written and will make you want to reread it just so you can catch new details you may have missed the first time through. It is based on three different perspectives revolving around the same events in their lives and this book really shows how different people view situations in their own way. While reading, you might not realize you had already visited this event already until it becomes obvious due to their distinct view points. This is what makes the book so realistic without being repetitive. From the beginning, the hook will draw you in and not let you put the book down. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews