Carousel Grift: A Novel

by David Lane Williams, Jules Taylor (Narrator)

Callie Wind, single mom and owner of a quirky Texas amusement park, dreams of a carousel life, but her dead patriarch is determined to keep her on a chaotic thrill ride. He delights in their spectral arguments from beyond the grave.

Her estranged daughter Sophie—now a televangelist with a knack for pyramid schemes—wriggles her way back into Callie's life with plans to turn the park into a shrine to her own ego. Caught between the old man's ghostly antics and Sophie's snake oil scams, Callie's life is like snow cone syrup on pony droppings.

Meanwhile, Toribio, a sweet immigrant who once delivered Sophie in a pickup truck, has harbored a secret decades-long love for Callie. But letting go of the past isn't easy for Callie, especially when love means risking her heart all over again. Enter Luz, an angelic gardener of happily-ever-after's only Callie can see, sprinkling bubbly wisdom like powdered sugar on a funnel cake while lighting a path to forgiveness.

Get ready for a laugh-out-loud journey through family feuds and magical second chances—where Callie might just discover that happiness is only a paint-chipped carousel ride away.

Genres: Humor, Fiction

Audible Audio

Published November 21, 2025

About the author

David Lane Williams and his best friend once used two gallons of go-kart paint on themselves one sweltering Texas afternoon in 1970. He recalls the liberal use of acetone, a bristle brush, and brand-new curse words by their parents—it explains a lot.
He recovered in time to pursue a decorated thirty-year career in public safety, with assignments in paramedicine, helicopter rescue, patrol, mental health outreach, and Special Investigations Unit detective. Today, he teaches criminology at the University of Arkansas and writes a monthly column for Killer Nashville Magazine. He and his family live in the Ozarks, where they offer a haven for rescued donkeys and horses.

Reviews

[Barbara White · Rating 5 out of 5]

People, people, people: this quirky novel with a touch of magic transported me out of a dark moment into a world of laughter and pure escapism. I loved it.

The story pulses with unique character voices. Consider the opening paragraph:

“The Reverend Gershom Sadler had been dead more than half Callie’s life, though they still argued from time to time. There was a certain ugly allure to it, like staring at a splattered armadillo receding in the rearview mirror. Thus, Callie visited him out in the barn now and then, never to pick the fight, but always willing to stand her ground. Most days she brought a snack.”

Callie, our badass heroine, is the owner of a shabby amusement park—more of a carnival—in a dying Texas town. She’s survived several of life’s hard knocks and has a strong disdain for organized religion, thanks to her adoptive but now dead father (see above). Her estranged daughter’s career path—Sophie, ran away to become a mega-successful televangelist—doesn’t help.

Callie has learned to protect her heart, even from Toribo, who has been by her side since he delivered Sophie in the back of a pickup truck. An immigrant famous for his hamburgers, he’s devoted to Callie. He rolls with her more unusual decisions that include coming home from a local auction with an infamous, celebrity bull.

Everything changes when a county commissioner realizes Callie’s land holds the potential to earn him a place in history, and he ropes in Sophie as an ally. All they have to do is get Callie and Toribo, and everyone else who lives there, off the land.

Once Sophie returns home, nothing goes as planned. Part of this disruption is Beefo the bull. A former mascot for a college football team, Beefo might have a bad-boy reputation, but he and Callie have mutual respect. Plus, he rather enjoys retirement on her land, where he can get ‘snot-slinging drunk’ on beer infused alfalfa pellets that local ranchers refuse to feed their cattle.

But can Callie, Toribo, and Sophie make peace with the past? Can they grab their second chance—with a little help from Beefo and an angelic being who pops up when needed to sprinkle wisdom and hope?

[Chasing Silhouettes · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Little spilled rainbows," said Callie as she watched the colorful shimmers disperse. "Seems like that's all there is — rainbow spills at the amusement park, rainbows spilled in my heart." (Pg 263)

Dramedy (comedy drama) | Women's Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Supernatural / Magical Realism | Second Chances | Single Mom

"....The river of life is going to take you where it's going to take you, whether you like the destination or not...." (Pg 9)

The cover is what caught my eye, then the title. It was kind of a quirky read. Something reminded me vaguely of the Pushing Daisies tv series, but then again, not really at all - maybe just the little bit of humor and the narrator vibes.

'It was carnage, as far as bumper cars go.... Neither youthful nor the elderly were safe from the menace of her plowing into them head on...." (Pg 205)

There were unexpectedly surprising and clever moments and moments of clarity and questionable craziness. It was a coming-of-age turned becoming of aging. Beliefs, heartbreak, pain, joy, love, and regrets. Small town and family drama taking a spin on the merry-go-round of (in)sanity. It was hard to tell at times what was real and what was cast from frail imagination... or maybe it was simply magic?

"I've come to realize not knowing the answer to some mysteries is the best answer we could ever get." (Pg 303)

Reviewing copy courtesy of Kate Rock Book Tours | Black Rose Writing

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Cannot wait for the crime series coming in 2027 now.

I’d you’re looking for a story that is compelling but also well written, with characters you won’t forget - this is the book for you! I enjoyed the writing and think you will too.

You know when you’re reading a book and it’s just so good that you think it can’t possibly get any better than this? But then it just keeps getting better? Well, that is this book.

Recommend.

[Lucille Guarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a ride it was reading Carousel Grift. Author Williams took me into the life of Callie Wind, from her disheartening childhood into her outlandish adulthood, where every chapter was filled with a melange of antics and quirkiness that ran the gamut from offbeat to enchanting. I laughed often while reading this book, but it was the kind where amusement and heartache get tangled up. The writing is artfully descriptive, the characters wonderfully vivid - realistically and imaginatively - the double-dealing reverend, the endearing immigrant, the dependable fiancé/local guy, the wayward daughter, the consistently available close friend and ally. An entirely entertaining story in the most unexpected of ways!

[Gemini6740 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and relatable. I found myself thinking about the novel, wondering where the twists and turns would take me. David wrote a poignant story about familial love and connection. My favorite type of book.

[Sadeana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an engaging read! I loved the characters and definitely recommend it. I could not put the book down.

[Paula Quig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wild and entertaining ride!

Carousel Grift follows the story of Callie, a young woman who overcomes an abusive childhood to go on and become a single mother and owner of an unusual Texas amusement park.

As Callie moves through life, she struggles to escape the influence of her adoptive father, an abusive, controlling and manipulative preacher, and to cope with her complex and fractured relationship with her daughter, Sophie. Despite the emotional turmoil suffered by Callie, she is eventually able to open her heart to love and deal with her daughter’s ambitions, which are fueled by a longstanding family feud and threaten both Callie’s freedom and her livelihood.

Carousel Grift tells its unique story through an impressive mix of dark humor and heartache. This combination keeps the reader thoroughly engaged in the plot, while the author’s gift for bringing true emotional depth to his characters also ensures that the reader finds themselves fully immersed and rooting for the main character.

A tale of friendship, family expectations and second chances, Carousel Grift is a highly entertaining ride from start to finish!!

[Ashley Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a quirky read! Honestly the cover is what drew me in!

Callie is instantly relatable. Her childhood was honestly disheartening…then she grows up into a rather eccentric adulthood. Through her story, there’s bumps and stumbles but you can’t help to feel like you’re there with her.

There were multiple times that I found myself laughing through the pages but you’ll feel all the feels. This was written so well -I really enjoyed the cleverness and witty ride Williams takes you on. I feel like this is a story you’ll think about for a while.

Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours and David Lane Williams, the author, for the review copy. This was a perfect change up to mix in what I’ve been reading…it was darkly funny but deeply moving.

"....The river of life is going to take you where it's going to take you, whether you like the destination or not...."

[Alex Mironoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first paragraph of David Williams’ "Carousel Grift" you know that you’re in for a wild ride into the dark land of Southern Gothic. You’ve got an insane preacher, sermonizing to his congregation while brandishing a dead raccoon above his head. You’ve got a woman talking to a dead body she keeps in her freezer. You’ve got a barnyard carnival… well, you get the picture. So get the book and follow Callie -- along with her daughter Sophie, Reverend Sadler, Sheriff Cleft, Torribio and Beefo the Bull -- as she struggles to free herself from the past and from the confines of a suffocating culture.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read

I was immediately pulled into the lives of these characters! Well developed characters and plot! I can't help but smile at the evangelical/carnival theme; very apropos. Also, being from Texas, I appreciate the accuracy portrayed in the descriptions.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carousel Grift is a clever, funny, and heartfelt novel that hooked me from the start. Callie is a flawed, fierce, and relatable character who feels instantly real. I loved the subtle nods to familiar places—they made the story feel warm and lived-in. The book celebrates women who’ve stumbled, learned, and found the courage to reinvent themselves. I’ll forever think of “life lumps” as a badge of honor. A witty, moving story about resilience and self-forgiveness.

[Lisa Montanaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this quirky, offbeat, funny, and heartfelt debut novel that pulls at the heart strings while it also delivers some wonderful character development! The writing is lyrical and distinct, the characters are complex and flawed in the best way, and the plot is clever and imaginative. Callie is our kick-ass heroine, but the entire cast of characters leave their imprint on your heart, mind, and funny bone. My favorite was Turibio, who felt like a philosopher wrapped up in a sidekick character. What a wonderful and unique story that will stay with you!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This unforgettable cast of characters will make you laugh, cry, and cringe. They're quirky and dysfunctional, but it's impossible not to root for them as they fumble toward forgiveness and redemption, all against the backdrop of a run-down roadside amusement park in nowheresville Texas. Read it, you'll be glad you did.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a powerful, complicated book, with an amazing assortment of characters. It was somewhat reminiscent of Fanny Flagg, if not as funny as she often is. It is certainly thought-provoking.

[Nikki Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is an absolute emotional rollercoaster, a journey that will have you feeling all the feels—from intense love and simmering anger to undeniable desire. We follow the compelling life of Callie as she navigates the turbulent path from childhood to adulthood, giving readers a front-row seat to her wild story.
At the heart of Callie's world are the complex relationships that define her. There’s her "dad," Reverend Gershom Sadler, and the hoops he forces her to jump through. Then there's her fiery daughter, Sophie, whose challenging attitude keeps Callie on her toes. But the steadfast anchor in Callie's life is Toribo, the man who runs the diner grill, the only father figure Sophie ever knew, and the one person who loves Callie unconditionally, willing to follow her to the ends of the Earth—even when she makes an impulsive purchase like "Beefo the bull."
Callie's story unfolds in a small Texas town where she has long owned and operated her beloved Amusement Park. The land, however, has become prime real estate for a future development. Tensions escalate when Sophie, who left town to become a glamorous televangelist, is summoned home by local politicians. Her mission is to convince Callie to sell her park and land, a task complicated by a deep rift between mother and daughter—a silence surrounding Callie’s intense aversion to religion. While Sophie was chasing fame, Callie remained rooted, cultivating deep and lasting friendships within the park that prove their resilience when she needs them most.
Hop on this book's thrilling Amusement Park rides and immerse yourself in the rich, vibrant life of Callie. Be prepared to enjoy moments of genuine laughter alongside touches of genuine shock as her story unfolds. This is a read that's as unpredictable and unforgettable as a day at the fair.

[Kristin Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great story of separating yourself from those who want hold you back from attaining your dreams and realizing also that time heals when you realize you’ve messed up. Sometimes returning to your roots helps you weed out who was holding you back and who had actual good intentions.
I love Callie and Sophie.

[Janis Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every once in a while, a novel spins onto the page with a cast of characters so singular, so delightfully offbeat, that you feel like you’ve stumbled into the Texas cousin of a Fredrik Backman story. David Williams’ Carousel Grift is just that kind of ride—a whirlwind of humor, heartbreak, and hard-earned second chances, all set against the faded lights of a quirky Lone Star amusement park.

At the heart of the story is single-mom, drifter Callie Wind and estranged daughter Sophie, a televangelist turned grifter whose mother-daughter feud filters the pages with resentment, snake oil, and unfinished business. Williams packs the novel with cons, swindles, and pyramid schemes that are as dizzying as the carousel itself but always grounded in the flawed humanity of people trying—sometimes failing, sometimes fumbling—to reach for more. Capturing a brass ring appears throughout the novel as an anchor and talisman of how we all reach for something that will fix everything. Until we realize we may not know what to do with it once it’s in our hands.
What elevates Carousel Grift beyond its eccentric plotlines is Williams’ gift for sentences that make you pause, laugh, and sometimes wince with recognition. Lines like, “His soul was down on one knee, and it was time to take a breather” or “They kissed like two people who had finally dropped a dreadful diet plan in favor of an all-you-can-eat kissing buffet” are worth savoring like the last sweet bite of cotton candy before it dissolves on your tongue.

Grifts and ghosts, friends and foes, and a steer named Beefo (a sly nod to the University of Texas mascot, Bevo) makes Carousel Grift a ride worth taking. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, tender in unexpected places, and sharp-eyed about the games we play with each other and ourselves. Like Callie, you may find that happiness isn’t about stopping the ride at all, but about holding on through the dizzying turns—and maybe, if you’re lucky, catching the brass ring along the way.

[Spicy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and to Kate Rock Literary Services for the gifted advanced copy to read!

Carousel Grift follows the story of Callie, a woman who overcomes an abusive childhood to go on and become a single mother and owner of an unusual Texas amusement park.

What really hooked me about this book was the dynamic between Callie Wind—a single‑mom drifter just trying to keep her head above water—and her estranged daughter Sophie, a former televangelist turned full‑blown grifter. Their mother‑daughter feud runs through the whole book, so much resentment, snake oil, and all the messy, unfinished business families love to pretend isn’t there. The author infused the story with cons, swindles, and pyramid schemes that spin as fast as the carousel itself, yet the chaos always circles back to the flawed, very human people reaching—fumbling, sometimes failing—for something better. The image of grabbing the brass ring pops up again and again, a reminder of how we all chase that one thing we think will fix everything… only to realize we might not know what to do with it once it’s finally in our hands.

Carousel Grift has a wonderfully eccentric plot, and the author has a knack for writing lines that make you stop, laugh, or wince because they hit a little too close to home. And for some reason, I read the entire book in Holly Hunter's voice??!!! I had her pictured in my head as Callie the entire book!

This book was a refreshing break from my usual advanced copy reading, and I really enjoyed it.

4/5 stars
1/5 spice

[Pamela Norsworthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s hoping that Texas-born Wes Anderson is available when it’s time to make Carousel Grift into a feature film. David Lane Williams reveals a breadth of cross-cultural understanding as he presents a cheerful community of strivers in the Texas Hill Country—one could say schemers—determined to grab hold of things they believe they need. The carnies who work at the amusement park aren’t so different from the glamorous televangelist who sweeps into her former hometown, the city leader intent on enhancing his personal fortunes, or the minister who cherry-picks verses of scripture to further his aims.

Williams constructs laugh-out-loud, absurdist moments throughout the book and readers need to both hang on for the ride and pay close attention. The carefully detailed scenes he paints spring from the very real pain and injury his characters have suffered—the grief inherent in family dysfunction, and systems and institutions so oppressive they become toxic. More than a great comedic novel, Carousel Grift is poignant, piercing, and hopeful with many layers to savor.

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carousel Grift by David Lane Williams is a story about our FMC named Callie Wind. Callie is a single mom who owns an amusement park! Talk about an interesting career! She has a daughter named Sophie who is a bit of a schester and likes to scheme. She has big plans for her mom's park and Callie has a ghost who follows her around and causes mischief. And to top all of this off, Toribio, who helped bring Sophie into the world has been in love with Callie for many years, an unrequited love of his own. I thought at times this book had hilarious points with Callie and her life, The book is a hysterical journey through fights involving family and how that affects things. And if you love second chance romances you will like this one, also second chances in general are also mentioned in this book with family members too. I liked the familial aspect of this book as it drew me in as a reader. I really liked the ending where we hear about Sophie and Callie's relationship taking a turn and also Callie and Toribio's relationship. I thought this was an excellent ending for the book!

[Jen Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! The world David built in Carousel Grift feels thick and sticky. He beautifully braids converging narratives together, so much so that they linger on your finger tips every time you try to put the book down.
One of my favorite favorite things to do when I read fiction is to pick a character to champion. I get fully invested, throw myself in to laughing and crying on their behalf...I was not prepared to become ride or die for Beefo the Bull, a broken down former college mascot. Amazing twist!
Carousel Grift is like a funnel cake fever dream in the best possible way. The storyline develops quickly and keeps you invested till the very end. It is extremely authentic in tone and purpose, which is not an easy task when the world David built is populated with reflections of the most unique people we all know in one way or another.
I am so happy this book graduated from my nightstand stack and it is one of my favorite 2025 reads!

[Paul Jantzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like stepping up on a carousel ride unbeknownst the brakes are loose. The ride speeds up and never slows down. You expect it to slow and eventually come to a stop, yet the gears slip and you ain't getting off. Then there's the horse you're on, it goes up and down as you spin.

Brilliant sharp prose from David Williams in his debut, Carousel Grift, really showcase his talent.

This story has a lot of religious theme, Texas heat, carney hotdogs and sweaty characters. And the comedy is plenty and pretty dark. What it doesn't have, a lot of unnecessary tropes or side stories. Carousel Grift explores family dynamics, abuse, and what perseverance might look like. This warm tale will capture your heart and spin you around until the ride tokens are gone. Carousel Grift can probably be read as quirky entertainment but I think there is so much more there for the reader.

You won't want a vasectomy after this for many reasons. Well done.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of CAROUSEL GRIFT

Carousel Grift greeted me with a rip-roaring start and did not slow down until the last pages of the final chapter. I never experienced a boring moment. Characters in the book were created in such vivid detail that I developed a visual image and a personal identify with each one.

Throughout the book, humor shattered tensions as characters faced their challenges with a combination of confusion and courage. Along with romance and parenting issues, the book also included a religious conflict. Religion can be a source of healing, guidance, and direction. Oppressive religion strangles.

Hidden values emerged. The author of Carousel Grift created a fast-moving reading experience even as his characters reminded us of a level of integrity required for good, decent living. On a personal level, the book encouraged me to forgive myself and others as I engage in hope for compassion each day.

[Kristie Kieffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carousel Grift is a gripping, fast-paced ride that pulls you into a world of con artists, dark humor, and unexpected twists. David Lane Williams masterfully blends suspense and wit, keeping readers constantly guessing who can be trusted and who is hiding ulterior motives. The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own layers of deception and charm, making it impossible not to be invested in their fates.

What really sets this book apart is Williams’ knack for pacing—scenes shift seamlessly between tension and humor, creating a story that feels alive and unpredictable. The dialogue crackles with energy, and the intricate plot keeps you turning pages well past your bedtime.

Fans of clever crime stories and morally gray characters will find Carousel Grift a thoroughly satisfying read. It’s a con you’ll gladly fall for and one you won’t forget.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

CAROUSEL GRIFT is a character driven story with magical realism that is told in a dual timeline. There were a couple chapters that had me confused whether it was the past or the present. Thank you @dlwfpd @blackrosewriting and @katerockliteraryservices for the #gifted book.

Callie Wind is a single mom and owner of an amusement park. She has a colorful past and takes advice from a ghost that follows her through the years. Her estranged daughter is a TV Evangelist that has big plans for her mother's amusement park. At times darkly humorous, there is a cast of quirky characters. Toribio is an immigrant working at the amusement park who has been in love with Callie from the moment he saw her but Callie is afraid of falling in love a second time. This is a story of family and second chances.

[Patty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not for me.

I saw the wonderful reviews about this book and couldn't wait to read it. Unfortunately as I did read it, I discovered that it just isn't the book for me. I like Callie, but the rest of the characters just seem too fanciful and out there to be anywhere near real. I do understand that the story isn't meant to be real life or serious, but I just couldn't connect. I'm sure that there are many people who absolutely loved this story, so please don't take my words as gospel. (See what I did there?)

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Marilee Dahlman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pick up Carousel Grift and take an unforgettable spin through a dusty, quirky world. This novel reads like an amusement park, full of misfit characters in a messy and charming rural Texas setting that’s so real you can almost smell the popcorn. This novel has crime, romance, religion, plenty of humor, local politics, a dose of magical realism, and a complicated mother-daughter relationship at the heart of it all. Perfect for book clubs, especially Texas-based, looking for something fun and original that tackles deeper themes of forgiveness and mental illness. Enjoy this moving, nostalgic and darkly funny carnival ride.

[David Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

True escapism. In the vein of GGM, or even Alice Hoffman, an easy page-turner that delights in surprises, melding humor and sentiment effortlessly. Perfect antidote for our lives today, allowed me to leave the concern for our divisive world and drift into the world of south Texas and the surreal life of the evangelist Sophie and her humorous dealings with the (supernatural) Liz, and the torch the one-time midwife Toribio carries for Sophie's mother, Carrie. You can really get lost in this book and it served for me as a way to clear my mind, almost a meditation.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carousel Grift follows the wacky adentures of a single mother named Callie who owns an amusement park. In a way this book is a comedy that will keep you on your toes thr whole time. I will say this book gave me a big laugh and I am super glad that I took the opportunity to read it. However, despite the humor in this story out heroine does have a strained relationship with her daughter and is trying her best to rekindle the broken relationship.

Overall this is a story you should definitely check out if you are looking for something that has humor and family values!

[Krystal Kraft · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some books I read, and I don’t have much to add to my review. And that isn’t necessarily a bad thing by any means! I just- this one was such a wild, quirky journey in a Texas town filled with characters that just had a whole bunch of depth and layers! Good, bad and ugly. Definitely had some moments where I chuckled, then some moments where I maybe wasn’t quite as invested and then some where I was like holy relatable! Overall I did like the authors writing style and am very much looking forward to the upcoming work by them!