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The Redemption of Howard Marsh #2
The Depth of the Water: The Redemption of Howard Marsh 2
Howard Marsh returns for yet another round of backwoods magical mayhem! In this pair of tales our white trash spellslinger is once more caught up in the small-town mysteries of Alabama’s lost county. All manner of occult strangeness is coming his way, and as usual he isn’t ready for it.
In ‘The Depth of the Water’ everyone’s favorite redneck wizard is on the trail of a missing young woman who went hunting a God. Did she find what she was looking for? Or did she stumble into some other horror of the deep woods? What eldritch being lurks in the deep water, waiting to barter for Marsh’s very soul?
In ‘September Doves’ Marsh is called upon to try and save the life of a child who is being tormented by a magical entity that no one can identify. Just what is a Flicker Dog? Why has it been tormenting the Durrant family for generations? And just what connection from Howard’s past will come to haunt him?
Marsh is once more on the case and just as unwilling as ever!
( This book contains much cursing and foul language, as befits a tale told by a drug addled white trash wizard.)
“Jim Butcher meets Bill Faulkner” – Amazon Reviewer
In ‘The Depth of the Water’ everyone’s favorite redneck wizard is on the trail of a missing young woman who went hunting a God. Did she find what she was looking for? Or did she stumble into some other horror of the deep woods? What eldritch being lurks in the deep water, waiting to barter for Marsh’s very soul?
In ‘September Doves’ Marsh is called upon to try and save the life of a child who is being tormented by a magical entity that no one can identify. Just what is a Flicker Dog? Why has it been tormenting the Durrant family for generations? And just what connection from Howard’s past will come to haunt him?
Marsh is once more on the case and just as unwilling as ever!
( This book contains much cursing and foul language, as befits a tale told by a drug addled white trash wizard.)
“Jim Butcher meets Bill Faulkner” – Amazon Reviewer
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2021
30 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Bob McGough
12 books51 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 1, 2023
I’m addicted. I’m officially declaring this series one that should be better known. The stories of a self destructive bum, a ‘folk witch/wizard’, Howard Marsh, in poor, contemporary rural Alabama.
This second book matches the first in the series by having two separate back to back tales. Howard is still the same drug addled, laid back drifter, trying to do better.
I won’t describe the two plot lines in this book. It’s a quick and easy read, at least for me. Pacy with excellent prose. Howard is a sympathetic character and you’re hoping that as the series progresses that he does find ‘redemption’ as the titles suggest he may. He even finds a sort of girlfriend here. He has a dark wit behind the first person narration and, despite his dangerous personal problems, I found it a pleasant, light read. I like the unusual, for me, setting in the rural Deep South, the author living in the same region.
I’ve sort of gotten used to his chemically addictive lifestyle by noting that Shamans throughout cultures seem to have used chemical stimulants to assist their powers - meth/marijuana here versus hallucinogenic mushrooms there? Howard’s usage is knowingly self destructive and he’s fatalistic about that. He has magical powers but they’re limited and he needs all the help with them he can get.
Another self published author I’ve found as good as mainstream published ones…
5* for the simple reading enjoyment I got from it, and I’ll continue with the series.
This second book matches the first in the series by having two separate back to back tales. Howard is still the same drug addled, laid back drifter, trying to do better.
I won’t describe the two plot lines in this book. It’s a quick and easy read, at least for me. Pacy with excellent prose. Howard is a sympathetic character and you’re hoping that as the series progresses that he does find ‘redemption’ as the titles suggest he may. He even finds a sort of girlfriend here. He has a dark wit behind the first person narration and, despite his dangerous personal problems, I found it a pleasant, light read. I like the unusual, for me, setting in the rural Deep South, the author living in the same region.
I’ve sort of gotten used to his chemically addictive lifestyle by noting that Shamans throughout cultures seem to have used chemical stimulants to assist their powers - meth/marijuana here versus hallucinogenic mushrooms there? Howard’s usage is knowingly self destructive and he’s fatalistic about that. He has magical powers but they’re limited and he needs all the help with them he can get.
Another self published author I’ve found as good as mainstream published ones…
5* for the simple reading enjoyment I got from it, and I’ll continue with the series.
April 8, 2023
Howard Marsh isn't your typical hero. Unless you consider a barely functioning and nearly homeless drug addict as a role model. He prefers booze and drugs to healthy meals, and it would scare me to see his lung or liver scans. Still, he has a knack for magic and has learned to use drugs to fuel his magic.
Like the first book in the series, The Depth of Water consists of two novellas. This structure combined with the accessible writing style makes it a quick and easy read. Despite his countless flaws, Howard is actually likable and relatable in his struggles.
It's not a great book, but it's damn entertaining and for that I give it four goodreads stars.
Like the first book in the series, The Depth of Water consists of two novellas. This structure combined with the accessible writing style makes it a quick and easy read. Despite his countless flaws, Howard is actually likable and relatable in his struggles.
It's not a great book, but it's damn entertaining and for that I give it four goodreads stars.
August 26, 2022
These are really enjoyable books! I felt like I was taking a gamble on the first book - indie author? 3.99 for an ebook? very few reviews? I’ve been burned by similar setups before. But the Jubal County series is seriously paying off. Great all around reads that tick a lot of boxes. One moment I’m laughing, the next I’m pondering some insight the author threw out, and then I’m turning to the next chapter (“ok seriously the last one for tonight”) because I have to know what happens next.
Bob if you read this, you need to raise them prices, cause this is some 9.99 shit
Bob if you read this, you need to raise them prices, cause this is some 9.99 shit
January 10, 2023
Just another fantastic book about the methed out magician that is Howard Marsh. His familiar at the end warmed my heart and made me laugh out loud.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2022
Another great installment of the Howard Marsh saga. These are some of my new favorite books, you didn't think you would ever root for a meth addicted magician, but you most certainly do in this.
The two stories were great, and a few more details were revealed about the Marsh family as well as a bit more worldbuilding. You also see a bit more of how Howard thinks about his addiction, which was interesting to read.
As with the first book, this is an indie book so there was a typo or two, but nothing that took me out of the story. In fact, I would say the editing was better in this book. Like the formatting of the first book, this was another two stories, stories 3 and 4.
I'm very excited to buy and read the next installment, Bob McGough does a great job. My favorite thing is that all of Howard's adventures end up as being local to his area, and end up having stakes without every story threatening the end of the world. It's a nice change up from other urban fantasy series (can this even be called urban? Rural fantasy?) where the end of the world/city/country tends to be the only stake, as much as I enjoy those types of books.
The two stories were great, and a few more details were revealed about the Marsh family as well as a bit more worldbuilding. You also see a bit more of how Howard thinks about his addiction, which was interesting to read.
As with the first book, this is an indie book so there was a typo or two, but nothing that took me out of the story. In fact, I would say the editing was better in this book. Like the formatting of the first book, this was another two stories, stories 3 and 4.
I'm very excited to buy and read the next installment, Bob McGough does a great job. My favorite thing is that all of Howard's adventures end up as being local to his area, and end up having stakes without every story threatening the end of the world. It's a nice change up from other urban fantasy series (can this even be called urban? Rural fantasy?) where the end of the world/city/country tends to be the only stake, as much as I enjoy those types of books.
February 1, 2022
I'm loving this series
September 29, 2022
I like Howard Marsh. He’s snarky as all get out.
November 29, 2022
Another great story about the intrepid meth-head magician. Thoroughly enjoyable and innovative.
April 11, 2025
Let me just say—The Depth of the Water by Bob McGough blew me away. This is urban fantasy at its absolute best: smart, gritty, funny, and utterly original. What makes this book stand out in a sea of magical detectives and monster hunters is McGough’s bold, brilliant choice to give us a hero who’s not clean-cut or cookie-cutter—instead, we get a drug-addicted protagonist who is raw, real, and deeply human. That kind of character takes guts to write, and McGough pulls it off with nuance and heart. It’s not a gimmick—it’s the emotional core of the story, and it adds a layer of vulnerability and tension that I rarely see done this well.
If you're a fan of The Dresden Files, you're going to feel right at home here—but this isn't a copycat. McGough brings the same sharp wit, magical mayhem, and noir vibes we love about Harry Dresden, but filters it all through a Southern lens that feels refreshingly authentic. Living in Alabama myself, I loved how familiar the setting and characters felt. The way people talk, the way they act, the little cultural quirks—it’s all there and it’s spot-on. McGough doesn’t just use the South as a backdrop; he builds his world with it. You can practically smell the humidity and feel the kudzu creeping into the corners of the story.
And let’s talk about the humor—because somehow, amid all the darkness and danger, this book still made me laugh out loud. That balance is so hard to strike, but McGough nails it. The banter is razor-sharp, the situations are wild in the best way, and just when things start to feel heavy, a perfectly timed moment will have you grinning. It’s that rare combination of heartfelt and hilarious that keeps you flipping pages way past your bedtime.
Honestly, I can’t praise this book enough. It’s one of the most original, entertaining urban fantasies I’ve read in years, and McGough’s voice is one of a kind. If you’re looking for something that’s edgy, emotionally resonant, full of action and magic—but also genuinely fun—do yourself a favor and dive into The Depth of the Water. I already can’t wait to see what happens next.
If you're a fan of The Dresden Files, you're going to feel right at home here—but this isn't a copycat. McGough brings the same sharp wit, magical mayhem, and noir vibes we love about Harry Dresden, but filters it all through a Southern lens that feels refreshingly authentic. Living in Alabama myself, I loved how familiar the setting and characters felt. The way people talk, the way they act, the little cultural quirks—it’s all there and it’s spot-on. McGough doesn’t just use the South as a backdrop; he builds his world with it. You can practically smell the humidity and feel the kudzu creeping into the corners of the story.
And let’s talk about the humor—because somehow, amid all the darkness and danger, this book still made me laugh out loud. That balance is so hard to strike, but McGough nails it. The banter is razor-sharp, the situations are wild in the best way, and just when things start to feel heavy, a perfectly timed moment will have you grinning. It’s that rare combination of heartfelt and hilarious that keeps you flipping pages way past your bedtime.
Honestly, I can’t praise this book enough. It’s one of the most original, entertaining urban fantasies I’ve read in years, and McGough’s voice is one of a kind. If you’re looking for something that’s edgy, emotionally resonant, full of action and magic—but also genuinely fun—do yourself a favor and dive into The Depth of the Water. I already can’t wait to see what happens next.
March 27, 2023
I read this book the day after I read book one in the series. There's always a chance a series will get soft in the middle. Not this one. Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water. :)
Once more, Marsh finds himself hauled into extreme difficulty. And for all that he likes to portray himself as a methgician who will do anything for enough money, that isn't always the case. Because there's no amount of money that could compensate a person for what he undertakes.
It seems simple enough for him to witch some rain. But nothing's ever simple for Marsh. He gets himself into the worst spots imaginable. The only hope the reader has is that the author isn't going to kill his anti-hero protagonist.
He's a thief, a liar, and a often a no-good scoundrel, but he also has more compassion than most of the straights in his town.
This is a series with promise and an excellent offering by the author.
It's a Kindle Unlimited book. Why aren't you reading it?
Once more, Marsh finds himself hauled into extreme difficulty. And for all that he likes to portray himself as a methgician who will do anything for enough money, that isn't always the case. Because there's no amount of money that could compensate a person for what he undertakes.
It seems simple enough for him to witch some rain. But nothing's ever simple for Marsh. He gets himself into the worst spots imaginable. The only hope the reader has is that the author isn't going to kill his anti-hero protagonist.
He's a thief, a liar, and a often a no-good scoundrel, but he also has more compassion than most of the straights in his town.
This is a series with promise and an excellent offering by the author.
It's a Kindle Unlimited book. Why aren't you reading it?
October 5, 2023
This book is, like the first in the series, two stories, both featuring Howard Marsh the freelance magician of Jubal County. I can report that Howard has not reformed his ways at all, he still routinely consumes enough drugs to stun an elephant, but as it enhances his magic there wouldn't be a story without it. In my review of the first book I commented that some backstory on Howard's relationship with his family, particularly with his grandmother (a powerful witch) would be welcome and McGough has delivered some in this book. In general McGough feels more at ease with his character and the two stories feel more rounded than those in book 1. Creeping towars 5 stars.
March 29, 2024
Howard Marsh is in the Marshes
McGough once again dives into a world where we see what falls through the cracks. Marsh is anything but a saint, and while he doesn’t cuss like a sailor his voice is a strong indicator of character. It’s one of the fantastic things about this book that he has such a strong southern twang and understanding of everything he sees. Then there’s the beauty in getting two stories in one. The cases that are shown in this one really show the redemption of a character that has a true heart beneath a gruff exterior. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
McGough once again dives into a world where we see what falls through the cracks. Marsh is anything but a saint, and while he doesn’t cuss like a sailor his voice is a strong indicator of character. It’s one of the fantastic things about this book that he has such a strong southern twang and understanding of everything he sees. Then there’s the beauty in getting two stories in one. The cases that are shown in this one really show the redemption of a character that has a true heart beneath a gruff exterior. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
November 10, 2023
Couldn't put it down!
I got so caught up in Marsh's story!! My son recommended it and he has a great idea of the kind of things that pique my brain. Oh, he was dead on with this book! I have seen the drug scene up close and personal. Add a cup of magic, a heaping cup of familial discord, a mess of small town bullshit and enough comedy to keep it simmering nicely and you have a bang up good read. Thanks Bob! Just finished book 2 and the others are on my Kindle calling out to me.
I got so caught up in Marsh's story!! My son recommended it and he has a great idea of the kind of things that pique my brain. Oh, he was dead on with this book! I have seen the drug scene up close and personal. Add a cup of magic, a heaping cup of familial discord, a mess of small town bullshit and enough comedy to keep it simmering nicely and you have a bang up good read. Thanks Bob! Just finished book 2 and the others are on my Kindle calling out to me.
March 20, 2024
A great continuation of the adventures of Methgician Mash! Some very funny moments, and some human ones too. I can’t wait to find out what made Mash the way he is. Also I can’t wait to meet his new friend!
My favourite quote: “…the sudden realization that I took my advice on how to break this curse from a woman with absolutely no magical ability caused my butthole to tighten so hard I could have ate coal and shit a diamond.”
I laughed out loud at this!
Overall a very original idea, and a fantastic execution!
The only negative is that the books are too short.
My favourite quote: “…the sudden realization that I took my advice on how to break this curse from a woman with absolutely no magical ability caused my butthole to tighten so hard I could have ate coal and shit a diamond.”
I laughed out loud at this!
Overall a very original idea, and a fantastic execution!
The only negative is that the books are too short.
October 23, 2024
I really enjoyed following Marsh on two new mystery adventures. I found them both very interesting and entertaining. I also really liked that with each story we discovered more about his family history and I appreciated that there was some character growth too. It was small but it was there and it made sense for Marsh's character. And the last chapter of the second story was extra awesome.
The narrator was absolutely fantastic. Very expressive with distinct character voices. Great audio quality too.
I'm intrigued, I'd love to read more stories about Marsh!
The narrator was absolutely fantastic. Very expressive with distinct character voices. Great audio quality too.
I'm intrigued, I'd love to read more stories about Marsh!
April 26, 2023
Bob McGough is unbelievable. His Howard Marsh chronicles are amazing. Who'd a thunk that a deadbeat, drug addled, wizard would be so likable? Even though Marsh admits his morals are hinky, he always comes through in a pinch. It might take more meth, but he'll solve your magic based problems with his wit, sarcasm, and magic.
I adore these books. They take place in rural backwoods Alabama, full of folk magic and mystery, if you love urban fantasy at all, these are the stories to read!
I adore these books. They take place in rural backwoods Alabama, full of folk magic and mystery, if you love urban fantasy at all, these are the stories to read!
February 16, 2023
This book is even better than book one
I am absolutely over the moon about these books. I just found the author, and the first book was great. The second book was even better which you would expect of an author, expanding on their craft. And her two more books to go and I am excited.
You really have to read this book if you like urban fantasy set in a rural location.
I am absolutely over the moon about these books. I just found the author, and the first book was great. The second book was even better which you would expect of an author, expanding on their craft. And her two more books to go and I am excited.
You really have to read this book if you like urban fantasy set in a rural location.
March 26, 2023
Excellent storytelling!
Howard Marsh is a down on his luck southerner with a drug problem and a touch of magic. Bob McGough tells his tale with poignant prose and a lackadaisical sardonic wit familiar to anyone who’s spent time around people who are used to being down on their luck and don’t seem to take it too personally. Beautifully written.
Howard Marsh is a down on his luck southerner with a drug problem and a touch of magic. Bob McGough tells his tale with poignant prose and a lackadaisical sardonic wit familiar to anyone who’s spent time around people who are used to being down on their luck and don’t seem to take it too personally. Beautifully written.
November 9, 2023
riding the high
This series is to me what Marshes little box of oblivion is! Addictive and full of all things that bring me pleasure! I can’t read it fast enough and plan to start over once I sadly reach the end of the series.. truly addicted!
This series is to me what Marshes little box of oblivion is! Addictive and full of all things that bring me pleasure! I can’t read it fast enough and plan to start over once I sadly reach the end of the series.. truly addicted!
February 16, 2023
Poor Marsh. I simultaneously feel sorry for him, while wanting to give him a swift kick in the ass while telling him to get his shit together.
June 10, 2023
Magical craziness
Great storytelling, and the characters might be more realistic than I would like. Couldn’t stop reading this, more please. Thank you.
Great storytelling, and the characters might be more realistic than I would like. Couldn’t stop reading this, more please. Thank you.
February 20, 2024
Two tales to enjoy and one of the best (and shortest) hooks for the next book I have ever read! Keep 'em coming...
October 27, 2024
Another wild ride with Howard Marsh, and the momentum just grows. I am an audiobook person, and the audiobook was just as stellar as the first.
READ REDNECK METH WIZARD BOOKS! (as the sticker says)
READ REDNECK METH WIZARD BOOKS! (as the sticker says)
December 18, 2024
interesting how at the end he is quite frustrated about what he's finally finding out about but it just not for me
August 29, 2025
The more I read, the more I need!
September 27, 2025
Again, nice, short stories with the type of main character I always have a soft sport for. Good low-stakes palate cleanser.
October 24, 2025
Really enjoying Marsh and his sad, yet hopeful, existence!
December 30, 2023
Howard Marsh is back with a vengeance. Or if not vengeance, back on his old BS. If you liked book 1, you'll love book 2 which is bigger, druggier, and with even more puns! The Depth of the Water comes with two additional tales from the life of Howard Marsh. The book itself was an easy read and I found myself flying through the pages and could have highlight a dozen passages that had me laughing out loud. It's a great series and I look forward to book 3.
January 11, 2025
The best ending, and the audiobooks are amazing!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews