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The Redemption of Howard Marsh #5
Walking The Darkness Down: The Redemption of Howard Marsh 5
Howard Marsh has returned, and he's just as ornery as ever! Once again caught up in a pair of mysteries set in the backwoods of Alabama's Lost County, our favorite redneck wizard is up to his eyeballs in shenanigans.
In "Hot Times on the Shores" Marsh hears two words he never thought to encounter sex ghost. There isn't enough stolen wine in Jubal County to drag him into such a mess...or is there? What is causing the aged inhabitants that line the Shores to become so 'frisky?' What is lurking there beneath the blue-brown waves? What does Lidda have to do with it all?
In "Nose to the Grindstone" our hero gets a job as a night watchman. Why would anyone with sense hire him to guard their valuables? What has Horace the possum familiar too scared to enter the woods? Just what did the MacGregors leave behind?
Marsh is once more on the case and just as unwilling as ever!
In "Hot Times on the Shores" Marsh hears two words he never thought to encounter sex ghost. There isn't enough stolen wine in Jubal County to drag him into such a mess...or is there? What is causing the aged inhabitants that line the Shores to become so 'frisky?' What is lurking there beneath the blue-brown waves? What does Lidda have to do with it all?
In "Nose to the Grindstone" our hero gets a job as a night watchman. Why would anyone with sense hire him to guard their valuables? What has Horace the possum familiar too scared to enter the woods? Just what did the MacGregors leave behind?
Marsh is once more on the case and just as unwilling as ever!
- GenresFantasy
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2023
About the author
Bob McGough
12 books67 followersBorn and raised in South Alabama, Bob is an author, podcaster, tabletop game designer, and all around hot mess. His cause of death will most likely result from one of the hitchhikers with he picks up reckless abandon. A study in contrasts, he once skinny-dipped at a wedding and is also an Eagle Scout. He has two useless college degrees, has roadied for bands, and broke his wrist in a wall of death at a Divine Heresy show. He’s written for video games, designed board games, and owns a disturbing number of roleplaying games. When he was eight he give a camel a coke in Israel and got flashed in Paris. When he grew up he watched a monkey steal a man’s wallet in Costa Rica. He’s made passible podcasts, filmed terrible short horror movies, and been the producer on a trio of albums you've never heard of. Thriving on the groans of those he has punned around he spends far too much time nervously laughing. He once dug up a dead cow in a creek thinking it was a human cadaver and had a cousin that’s a water witch. In college he gave haunted ghost tours (even though he’s pretty sure ghosts aren’t real). He’s been stalked, gave a Prophet a lift, and been stagger drunk in more states than he would care to admit.
More relevant he wrote these books, some other books, and has been published by a number of other folks with questionable judgement. The fictional things he writes sometimes come weirdly true.
He lives in the middle of Alabama with his amazing LadyWife, the Kiddo, and a number of portly cats.
More relevant he wrote these books, some other books, and has been published by a number of other folks with questionable judgement. The fictional things he writes sometimes come weirdly true.
He lives in the middle of Alabama with his amazing LadyWife, the Kiddo, and a number of portly cats.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 7, 2023
That’s the fifth in the series that I’ve raced through, and the last currently published (April 2023) though it’s clear more stories are to come.
I’ve enjoyed them a great deal as I’ve said in reviews of previous books in the series and this volume is no different. Easy reads about a bum in rural Alabama. Howard Marsh, a drug addict with some magical abilities, trying to survive and a better person than he realises he is.
Good writing, absorbing short stories, nice characterisations. Quite humorous in places to counterbalance the sad, drug hazed, lifestyle. Plenty of expletives too, just so you know!
In this particular book, with its two novella length stories, it starts with a rather more barbed view of small town Alabama life than the author has hitherto given. It’s an area he clearly loves but he’s not a fan of some of the local culture or beliefs. Howard has a particularly tough time when he tries selling fossils he’s collected at a local church yard sale…
I did take some offence at the basis of the plot for the first story. I say this only partly tongue in cheek. It concerns Howard being asked by family to investigate a small community of elderly folks in rented properties near a lake. The concern seems to be that they’re partying all night, skinny dipping, drinking lots of booze and, heaven forbid, indulging in sexual activities! And they’re described in unflattering physical terms, being in their sixties, one even being about 70 years old. As someone of a similar age, and admittedly probably past regular all night partying, I thought these characters should be awarded a medal and plaudits. But it seems a 30 something author regards such behaviour as suspicious, even magically so, and maybe purvy! Such are generation gaps…
The second story is more magically involved that most in the series and seems to set the scene for a major revision of Howard’s magical status in future stories. Which I certainly look forward to.
If you want an easy reading, light series of gently magical stories but with a hard down to earth edge then I recommend this series.
5* despite the ‘Ageist Hate Crime’ content of the first story!
I’ve enjoyed them a great deal as I’ve said in reviews of previous books in the series and this volume is no different. Easy reads about a bum in rural Alabama. Howard Marsh, a drug addict with some magical abilities, trying to survive and a better person than he realises he is.
Good writing, absorbing short stories, nice characterisations. Quite humorous in places to counterbalance the sad, drug hazed, lifestyle. Plenty of expletives too, just so you know!
In this particular book, with its two novella length stories, it starts with a rather more barbed view of small town Alabama life than the author has hitherto given. It’s an area he clearly loves but he’s not a fan of some of the local culture or beliefs. Howard has a particularly tough time when he tries selling fossils he’s collected at a local church yard sale…
I did take some offence at the basis of the plot for the first story. I say this only partly tongue in cheek. It concerns Howard being asked by family to investigate a small community of elderly folks in rented properties near a lake. The concern seems to be that they’re partying all night, skinny dipping, drinking lots of booze and, heaven forbid, indulging in sexual activities! And they’re described in unflattering physical terms, being in their sixties, one even being about 70 years old. As someone of a similar age, and admittedly probably past regular all night partying, I thought these characters should be awarded a medal and plaudits. But it seems a 30 something author regards such behaviour as suspicious, even magically so, and maybe purvy! Such are generation gaps…
The second story is more magically involved that most in the series and seems to set the scene for a major revision of Howard’s magical status in future stories. Which I certainly look forward to.
If you want an easy reading, light series of gently magical stories but with a hard down to earth edge then I recommend this series.
5* despite the ‘Ageist Hate Crime’ content of the first story!
June 24, 2026
Yet another collection of Howard Marsh short stories (also finished over a month ago) -- same breezy feeling, with a lot of hear. I especially liked how you can truly start to see the MC's 'redemption' occur story by story, becoming a better person (and a better mage).
March 30, 2023
Read this book immediately
I was so excited to see the next book in this series and I have say that McGough did not disappoint. He left this one on a cliffhanger from the epilogue, so I cannot wait to see what he does next for the redemption of Howard Marsh.
I was so excited to see the next book in this series and I have say that McGough did not disappoint. He left this one on a cliffhanger from the epilogue, so I cannot wait to see what he does next for the redemption of Howard Marsh.
March 27, 2023
I just finished reading this book a day or so ago. Haven't got the Amazon review up yet.
Why 5 stars for all the books? Because they're just that good!
I've seen reviewers that compare Marsh to Harry Dresden on drugs. If Marsh had all the advantages Dresden had, he'd be 10 times the wizard Dresden is. Why? Because he doesn't have the ego Dresden does. I like Harry Dresden—mostly—but compared to Marsh he had the world handed to him on a silver platter. He's had training Marsh can only dream of and yet Marsh takes on situations just as fraught with danger. Possibly moreso. And he has no cadre of best friends to back him up.
I'd like think Dresden would admire the hell out of Marsh.
Marsh is my favorite anti-hero character. He's smarter than anyone knows. He's honest about his failings, at least with the reader. And when he cares about someone he's willing to dig deep for them.
By the way, I'm ready to start digging a grave for his granny and throw that ***** in. Is McGough going to redeem her? It would be best for Marsh if he did, but I don't that rotten old woman can be redeemed.
And like McGough says, if you know someone with an addiction or if you have an addiction, there's help out there. (respect for McGough)
Why 5 stars for all the books? Because they're just that good!
I've seen reviewers that compare Marsh to Harry Dresden on drugs. If Marsh had all the advantages Dresden had, he'd be 10 times the wizard Dresden is. Why? Because he doesn't have the ego Dresden does. I like Harry Dresden—mostly—but compared to Marsh he had the world handed to him on a silver platter. He's had training Marsh can only dream of and yet Marsh takes on situations just as fraught with danger. Possibly moreso. And he has no cadre of best friends to back him up.
I'd like think Dresden would admire the hell out of Marsh.
Marsh is my favorite anti-hero character. He's smarter than anyone knows. He's honest about his failings, at least with the reader. And when he cares about someone he's willing to dig deep for them.
By the way, I'm ready to start digging a grave for his granny and throw that ***** in. Is McGough going to redeem her? It would be best for Marsh if he did, but I don't that rotten old woman can be redeemed.
And like McGough says, if you know someone with an addiction or if you have an addiction, there's help out there. (respect for McGough)
March 15, 2023
Every new Howard Marsh is a must read!
Once again, McGough doesn’t disappoint! Two excellent, entertaining novellas. In the first, the Methgician investigates magic that’s turning a small trailer community of senior citizens into a weekly sex party—and yes, I actually typed those words… In the next story, Marsh investigates magic that’s keeping a logger from clearing timber. I loved them both, but the second was my favorite as it gave some hints of what’s in store for Marsh’s next development. Enjoyed highly! As always, a brand new Howard Marsh installment is a first-day must read!
Once again, McGough doesn’t disappoint! Two excellent, entertaining novellas. In the first, the Methgician investigates magic that’s turning a small trailer community of senior citizens into a weekly sex party—and yes, I actually typed those words… In the next story, Marsh investigates magic that’s keeping a logger from clearing timber. I loved them both, but the second was my favorite as it gave some hints of what’s in store for Marsh’s next development. Enjoyed highly! As always, a brand new Howard Marsh installment is a first-day must read!
November 9, 2024
100/5 stars because it made me think about how my brother also in fact has a glorious mullet and it reminded me that I should probably text him about a truck.
No but really, I gotta say these books just keep getting better and better or I wouldn’t be leaving a review. I have big laughs, big “wait what the fuck” moments, the puns as ever are top tier puns.
I am just about COOKING my way through this series at warp speed because it’s just whatever the hell the kids these days use as a chefs kiss emoji. The point is there. My kinda humor, 100%.
Now I’m going to read the last one and be so sad it’s the last one and then have to figure out what the hell I’ll be reading afterward.
No but really, I gotta say these books just keep getting better and better or I wouldn’t be leaving a review. I have big laughs, big “wait what the fuck” moments, the puns as ever are top tier puns.
I am just about COOKING my way through this series at warp speed because it’s just whatever the hell the kids these days use as a chefs kiss emoji. The point is there. My kinda humor, 100%.
Now I’m going to read the last one and be so sad it’s the last one and then have to figure out what the hell I’ll be reading afterward.
August 19, 2023
Another great installment in the Howard Marsh chronicles! I'm sad there's only one more!
Marsh and Horace make a good team as they find the cause of a bunch of naked horny seniors haunting the trailer park, and as he finds a secret in the woods keeping a logger from logging. All in a hard day's work for our favorite Methgician!
I love this series. Howard and Horace just become more and more likable even as neither of them would be person you'd probably notice, or talk too on the streets!
Keep 'em coming, Bob!
Marsh and Horace make a good team as they find the cause of a bunch of naked horny seniors haunting the trailer park, and as he finds a secret in the woods keeping a logger from logging. All in a hard day's work for our favorite Methgician!
I love this series. Howard and Horace just become more and more likable even as neither of them would be person you'd probably notice, or talk too on the streets!
Keep 'em coming, Bob!
June 14, 2024
Another fabulous installment in the universe of Howard Marsh. We get what I thought was one of the funniest stories I've read in this series, and in the second, more of a glimpse into the infamous Granny.
Also, Bob McGough, Maine is my home-state so if you actually have Howard visit Maine I would read that in a heartbeat (like I wouldn't read every new installment the moment it came out, if only my wallet would comply).
Also, Bob McGough, Maine is my home-state so if you actually have Howard visit Maine I would read that in a heartbeat (like I wouldn't read every new installment the moment it came out, if only my wallet would comply).
January 29, 2024
An excellent continuation of the series
The author does a good job of continuing to slowly set the stage both in terms of world building and Howard moving to a place to fight his own personal demons/elder gods
The author does a good job of continuing to slowly set the stage both in terms of world building and Howard moving to a place to fight his own personal demons/elder gods
January 13, 2025
Short. I always wish there was more
Another excellent installment. But, like the others, too short. I love the narrative. The realness of Howard Marsh. He's no hero. Not even a good man. Decent, though. And, that seems to be enough.
Another excellent installment. But, like the others, too short. I love the narrative. The realness of Howard Marsh. He's no hero. Not even a good man. Decent, though. And, that seems to be enough.
July 13, 2026
horrible ending
I don’t like being left in the dark and hanging from a cliff at the end of a book. I have enjoyed the series so far all over the more I read the more it seems no editing work was done.
I don’t like being left in the dark and hanging from a cliff at the end of a book. I have enjoyed the series so far all over the more I read the more it seems no editing work was done.
March 22, 2023
Addictive
Marsh is like Harry Dresden on drugs. I am hooked on this series. Its funny exciting and has me regularly rooting for the anti hero.
Marsh is like Harry Dresden on drugs. I am hooked on this series. Its funny exciting and has me regularly rooting for the anti hero.
April 11, 2023
All the stars.
I was going to give this one a 4 star but then that cliffhanger...
I can't remember the last time a cliffhanger had me this excited...
Eagerly awaiting the next one!
I was going to give this one a 4 star but then that cliffhanger...
I can't remember the last time a cliffhanger had me this excited...
Eagerly awaiting the next one!
October 8, 2023
My favorite book yet
Great rural fantasy series. It's a slow build, but that suits Southern storytelling. You can't go wrong picking up this book.
Great rural fantasy series. It's a slow build, but that suits Southern storytelling. You can't go wrong picking up this book.
December 30, 2023
always funny, sometimes creepy
The first story was hilarious as always, second story got darker! This is really going to push Jubal County forward.
The first story was hilarious as always, second story got darker! This is really going to push Jubal County forward.
December 6, 2024
Both Humorous and Gripping
I am looking forward to seeing the continuous story of Howard Marsh. I feel like I know Howard and am rooting for him!
I am looking forward to seeing the continuous story of Howard Marsh. I feel like I know Howard and am rooting for him!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews