Michael McDowell's Blackwater I: The Flood [Mass Market Paperback]

Michael McDowell (Author)

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Avon Books (Mm) (January 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380814897
• ISBN-13: 978-0380814893
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 3.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #955,387 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars something creepy in genteel Alabama.., January 27, 2006

By 

lazza (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Michael McDowell's Blackwater I: The Flood (Mass Market Paperback)

'The Flood', the first installment of Michael McDowell's Blackwater series, introduces us to 1919 Perdido, Alabama. Yes, a flood wipes out the town. But in its aftermath a mysterious woman appears who befriends the town's most prosperous family. As the narrative unfolds it becomes clear 'The Flood' is actually a southern gothic novel, along the lines of Anne Rice novels.

The best thing about 'The Flood' is how it captures the feel of early twentieth century Alabama. Not sentimental but rather balanced. I also think the author does an excellent job with the characterizations. However in truth the story itself is, well, slow. Never boring, just a slow yet deliberate meandering.


Bottom line: a short novel which begs the reader to buy the next installment in the series, which I did. Recommended.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Creepy!, May 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Michael McDowell's Blackwater I: The Flood (Mass Market Paperback)

This is the first in a 6 book series. Michael McDowell can write a creepy book. The relaxed and languorous atmosphere of the South combined with a horrifying, yet mystical creature, who hides among them and settles in with them. Through the 6 book series you can really feel the passing of time, as some characters age and some of them die. The Caskey clan is truly dysfunctional and you are inexorably drawn into their lives. You'll have to scout the used book stores for this series, but it is well worth it. I re-read these books about once every 24 months. Don't confuse this Michael McDowell with others, he only wrote the Blackwater series, Katie, Gilded Needles, The Elementals, and The Amulet.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars execellant!, November 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Michael McDowell's Blackwater I: The Flood (Mass Market Paperback)

My grandmother gave me the whole series of the "Blackwaters". They were bonechilling. I could not put them down. To imagine a monster living at the bottom of a river, eating people. Michael McDowell is rated in by book number one with Stephen King. Michael has clearly out done himself with the whole series.