Customer Reviews

Sunset and Sawdust

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

It's the depression era in East Texas. The Klu Klux Klan is active and many Texas men believe that if they smack their wives around, they won't be held accountable for their actions.

Constable Pete Jones comes home drunk and beats his wife, Sunset, and is in the process of raping her when she reaches for his revolver and puts a bullet in his head, killing him.

Since the tiny sawmill town of Camp Rapture, Texas, is now without a law enforcement officer, at a camp meeting, with the help of Sunset's mother-in-law who is a majority owner of the sawmill, Sunset is appointed the new constable on a trial basis. She will be assisted by Clyde Fox and a new man in town who goes by the nickname, Hillbilly.

Soon after her appointment, a body of a dead child is found in the land of the only black farmer in the area. Not long after that, a woman's body is found, shot and covered with oil.

To the surprise of many, Sunset takes her job seriously and tries to learn the functions of the job and to learn who this woman was. As she learns things about the woman, it creates other difficulties for her. In addition, as Sunset is working at the new job, she must resolve issues with her precocious fourteen-year-old daughter and her relationship with her mother-in-law.

As I read the story, the depiction of events was told so vividly that I felt like I could see the action unfolding before me.

The story is very realistic and interesting. I felt drawn to the difficulties that people faced at that time and the courageousness of Sunset Jones.

I recently developed an interest in Joe Lansdale after hearing all the hype about "Bubba Ho-Tep," a film version of one of this author's short stories directed by Don Coscarelli of "Phantasm" fame and starring Bruce Campbell and Ossie Davis. I knew about Lansdale before the hoopla surrounding the film reached a fever pitch, of course, but he is one of those writers I unfortunately kept putting on the back burner in lieu of other "must read" stuff. On an excursion to the library recently I decided to finally check out something-anything, really-from this author. Since I couldn't find the short story collection containing "Bubba Ho-Tep," I settled on "Sunset and Sawdust" largely because it looked like it is his newest book and because it was the first one to catch my eye. I am happy to announce that I enjoyed this book despite a few minor reservations. I ended up enjoying "Sunset and Sawdust" so much that upon finishing it I immediately went back to the library to pick up another one of his books.

Set in the heat parched environs of Camp Rapture (known to the local employees as "Camp Rupture"), East Texas during the Great Depression, "Sunset and Sawdust" tells us everything we would want to know about a spirited firecracker named Sunset Jones. The adventure begins when Sunset (so named because of her mane of bright red hair) murders her abusive husband during a tornado strike. Regrettably for Sunset, her husband Pete was the town constable and the son of the primary owners of the local saw mill. It takes a lot of guts to stroll into the mill and tell Pete's parents what she did, but Sunset is the type of gal who always lives up to her responsibilities. Predictably, the men in the area despise the fact that this uppity woman dispatched her spouse. After all, everyone expects a woman in 1930's Texas to keep her mouth shut and fulfill her marital obligations. Oddly enough, Sunset's actions lead her mother-in-law Marilyn Jones to take a stand against her own husband's abusive practices. Moreover, Marilyn goes so far as to pull strings to get Sunset appointed town constable. Backed up by Clyde, a rough and tumble mill worker, and a roving hobo named Hillbilly, Sunset puts on a badge and pistol to assume her post as law officer for the mill town.

A series of events soon leads to impending troubles for Sunset Jones. In her husband's files, she discovers a document recording a strange event that took place on a nearby farm owned by a black man named Zendo. According to Pete's written recollections, the farmer discovered the body of an unborn infant, encased in an earthen jar and covered in oil, buried on his property. Constable Pete Jones took the body and buried it in an unmarked grave with little public fanfare, which makes Sunset suspicious enough to reopen the case. Soon, Zendo's plow turns up the corpse of a woman, also covered in oil, on another piece of his property. The two shocking discoveries soon lead to a series of confrontations that threaten Sunset Jones, her bond with her daughter Karen, and her relationships with Clyde, Hillbilly, and Marilyn. It seems some bad people with an eye towards making a bundle off the new local commodity have been up to some very bad things, and the only person ultimately standing in their way is Sunset Jones's meddling. Several subplots, including Jones's reconciliation with her long lost father, the appearance of two goons from up North, and a local black moonshiner named Bull all help move the story to its violent conclusion.

"Sunset and Sawdust" doesn't stick to a single genre. Elements of humor, murder mystery, and action adventure wind their way through the book. At times, Lansdale goes straight for the funny bone with the slangy banter between Sunset, Clyde, and Hillbilly. Clyde's reasoning for burning down his house is quite amusing, as is our red headed heroine's methods of enforcing the law. So often does Lansdale slather on the hilarity that we often forget the novel is a mystery. Why are those bodies in the fields? Who put them there and why? Who are they? These questions, and Sunset's attempts to discover the answers, pop up with increasing frequency as the book heads to its shoot 'em up denouement. The inclusion of several fistfights, gun battles, and general mayhem spices up the novel as well. I think there is something for everyone in "Sunset and Sawdust," even for horror fans. The character known as Two is one of the creepiest villains I've seen in a book for some time. Yep, all sorts of readers should have a rollicking good time with this entertaining read.

I did have a few problems with the book. The biggest difficulty is how anachronistic the whole thing is in reference to race relations. Imagine a 1990's mentality towards social relations implanted into Texas of the 1930s. I increasingly had doubts that Sunset and Clyde could have gotten away with the things they were doing in favor of the local black populace. Too, Sunset's appointment as town constable despite the murder charge hanging over her head was completely unconvincing. You can't tell me someone wouldn't have worked behind the scenes to bring her down. Lansdale tries to deflect problems in this area by having Marilyn use her clout as mill owner to help Sunset get the job, and also reveals a rather heavy handed overt plot to remove Sunset from power, but it's all rather shaky. Still, the novel overcomes these troubling quandaries easily by slathering on the humor and creating engaging and fully developed characters. I readily recommend "Sunset and Sawdust" despite these slight problems.

I first read a Joe R. Lansdale story in an anthology entitled NIGHT VISIONS. It was one of a series of volumes published by a wonderful and sadly defunct company named Dark Harvest. Dark Harvest, as might be gathered from its name, published horror literature, and was so reliable that one could pick up any title it issued and be happy.

I'd never heard of Lansdale before NIGHT VISIONS, and after reading his stories in that volume I never have never forgotten him. Lansdale's work effortlessly cuts across genres; while he tends to find himself classified in the western, horror, and suspense genres, his work and his talent are too big and too strong to be confined to any one area. He writes like an angel with the mindset of Hieronymus Bosch. If there were a soundtrack to his novels, it would be ZZ Top fronted by Trent Reznor, with The Sons of the Pioneers on vocals. While Lansdale's work is set in this world, he's definitely writing about the part of the town where the buses run few and far between, if at all.

SUNSET AND SAWDUST combines all of the finest elements of Lansdale's talents, making the Depression era East Texas towns of Camp Rapture and Holiday the setting for a dark morality tale with Biblical overtones. The story begins with Sunset Jones killing her husband Pete in self-defense in the midst of a devastating windstorm. The late departed Pete was the constable of Camp Rapture and the son of Marilyn Jones, three-quarter owner of the sawmill which is the lifeblood of the town.

No one is more surprised than Sunset when her mother-in-law proves to be unexpectedly understanding of Sunset's actions, and sees to it that Sunset succeeds Pete as town constable. Sunset, to everyone's surprise, actually takes her duties seriously, and while there are those who are extremely uncomfortable having a woman filling the duties of the office, she manages to acquire a grudging respect from the citizens, particularly after she assists law enforcement in Holiday to defuse a particularly violent situation. The bizarre discovery of the bodies of a woman and a newly born baby on the property of the only black landowner in the area, however, lead Sunshine into an investigation that individuals in both towns would rather not see completed.

Lansdale is known for creating frightening but realistic characters, and he is at the top of his game here, introducing the unlikely pair of McBride and Two as well as the enigmatic Hillbilly. Another of Lansdale's stylistic trademarks, colorful metaphors and turns of phrase, are in good supply here, peppered throughout the narrative like the Burma Shave highway signposts of old. The outcome of the apocalyptic ending is, as usually the case with Lansdale, impossible to predict; it seems at times as if Lansdale himself is surprised at the denouement. This, perhaps, is at it should be.

After more than twenty years of writing, and at a point in his career where a less enterprising writer could happily phone in an annual novel, Lansdale continues to challenge and to surpass himself. This is a work by an American treasure who has yet to receive his full and rightful due.

--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

I do not understand why a book like this is not a bestseller. It is well-written. The main character is an activist/active female. The story line is terrific with twists and turns. The setting -East Texas Depression Era is interesting. Race relations of the times are explored as well as the place of women. There is terrific dialogue with humor thrown in. A bit of pathos...everything works.

The book starts with a flaming red-headed beauty (thus her name "Sunset") blowing her husband's brains out when he is trying to rape her after severely beating her. Not only is she not convicted, she becomes the redneck town's constable.

Sunset is one of the more compelling main characters I have read in quite a while. Her supporting cast is wonderful. Sometimes -though rarely - they may be a bit too good to be true on the outside, later it is shown they each have enough warts to be believeable. Mr. Lansdale rarely allows a character to remain as he or she appears to be in their introduction. Almost every character changes making the plot move and stay constantly fresh.

Added to these wonderful features is a fairly decent mystery plot, which of course gets twisted and turned by both the characters and the author.

This is a rare book. Not only was it fun and entertaining - great southern humor and expressions - so it is suitable for the beach; but it has depth warranting thought and consideration.

Now for the sexist stuff: I highly recommend this to both men and women. My daughter loved it. She loved the story, the humor and the heroine. Yet, it is in no way a chick book. I loved it for all the same reasons.

This really should be a bestseller.

With so much of the same old crap stirring around the top
of the bestseller sewer system of retreds its nice to find
another Lansdale winner waiting in the wings for its share of
crumbs. This book looks to challange readers with its less than
glamourous stylings but so full of heart, wit and yes substance,
this book actually has something to say(don't most Lansdale
yarns leave you with something to think about??) I really enjoyed these characters and the time and place they are set in. I could not turn the pages quick enough and the spicy, tangy Lansdale one liners find themselves all over and he can make you laugh and cringe all at the same time. What an opening of a book! Joe is like
no writter I've come across. He doesn't try to make things any
more complicated than he needs to yet he takes you right back
to a time earlier in our history (1930's) and gives us Sunset,
who like an earlier reviewer stated would make a great stand-alone series like the Hap & Leonard series. Sassy, brave & headstrong and ahead of her time for sure(she's a mean shooter), Sunset is unforgettable. But wait to you meet
the rest of these assorted characters from the brilliant Lansdale imagination. If I ever get another dog it will be just like "Ben". I'm hoping people who come upon this gem will also find his last two must have's "The Bottoms" and "A Fine dark line",(not to mention his short stories "HIGH COTTON", this guy is heading for more than just bestseller status, he will be remembered longer than the 15 mins. most of these kiss and tell & tired old same old same old writers were're force fed at every bookstore, Walmart, you name it. Lansdale's the real deal and I look forward to his superlative writings(and maybe one day meeting the man himself at a book signing!) Like
"Ben", theres lots to like about this one.

Joe R. Lonsdale won the Edgar Award for best novel several years ago for his historical drama, THE BOTTOMS. He returns now with another literary historical crime drama, SUNSET AND SAWDUST. There are few writers of the genre that can so successfully evoke a time and place as Mr. Lonsdale. In his hands, East Texas comes as alive as the Louisiana Bayous of James Lee Burke, the Los Angeles of Michael Connelly or the gripping narratives of Thomas H. Cook. Landscape is as important as character and plot progression.
In depression era East Texas, Sunset Jones kills her husband as a tornado destroys her house. Sunset fearing for her life as her husband was about to rape her, pulls the trigger. Through a quirk of fate, she takes over the job of constable of Camp Rapture, a small sawmill town. Her deputies include Hillbilly, a violent drifter who Sunset is attracted to (as is her teenage daughter), and Clyde, a local resident who in wanting to start over decides to burn his house down. The dead body of a baby as well as a woman who Sunset's husband was seeing prior to his death turns up on a local farmer's land. As Sunset investigates, she uncovers a plot to steal oil saturated land. Death, of course ensues. The question arises, can Sunset get out of this alive?
The vividly portrayed and carefully constructed characters set this story above the ordinary. Mr. Lonsdale is a fine writer capable of flinging similes and metaphors as well as the best literary writers working today. After reading this well paced and clever story, the reader will feel their time was well spent.

"Sunset and Sawdust" is fun to read, you will finish it quickly, root for the good guys (if you can trust `em), and look forward to seeing the movie version in the theater. The plot has twists, too many for willing suspense of disbelief, but maybe that's Landsdale's intent. The language is rich and transports the reader to the dusty hellhole (?) that was depression-era Texas. While some characters are cartoonish ("Two"), Sunset is well conceived and vividly drawn - a shoe in for a famous actress.

Sunset Jones has just shot her no good abusive husband, Pete, the former town constable. Little did she know that this was only the beginning of her problems! Almost as soon as Pete fell to the floor dead, a raging storm comes through town, tearing down her house. Sunset is dazed and amazed as she looks at the remains: some boards, the floor and some papers that Pete had filed - she gathers her wits and heads over to her mother-in-law Marilyn's house to confess.

Marilyn is sad and shocked over her son's death, but deep down she knows he got what he deserved. He'd cheated on Sunset and used to beat her. In fact, Sunset's killing of Pete gives Marilyn the courage to kick her no good husband to the curb!

Marilyn is well to do in the town of Camp Rapture, Texas - she owns the sawmill where half the town works and a chunk of the land as well. She also has the power to appoint Sunset as the new town constable. Enter Clyde and Hillbilly, two of the sawmill workers, who Sunset makes
Deputies.

Things really get cooking when word gets out that Pete had filed a report on a baby's body that was found on a farm and now woman's body has turned up, who just happens to be Pete's mistress. While Clyde and Hillbilly try to win Sunset over, she realizes that it is up to her to figure out who killed Pete's mistress, before she gets blamed for it!

I really enjoyed Sunset and Sawdust and found it to be a good mix of mystery, old western, humor, and sleuthing. All in all, a great book!

I just finished reading Joe Lansdale's newest mystery/fiction/adventure, SUNSET and SawDUST, and Whoa BABY!!! Put down your mainstream authors and stop reading the same old movie of the week--try something awesome, entertaining and something that will always catch you offguard and make you chuckle and then gasp! If you have never read a Lansdale book you are missing out. My name is Doug Hiser and I am the author of Secret Grotto, Crow Canyon, and others BUT Lansdale is my hero because there isn't a writer out there with as much imagination, humor and just plain good old entertaining storytelling as this Texas man! My first introduction to Lansdale was his book FREEZER BURN and i haven't missed a book since. His collection of short stories, HIGH COTTON, is incredible! Sunset and Sawdust is a wild ride much like his book of the year 2001, The BOttoms! The Houston Chronicle newspaper called Joe Lansdale the Stephen King of Texas and i think that is an understatement! Pick up a Lansdale today and you'll never look back. Doug Hiser Art-Escape.com

With Sunset and Sawdust, Lansdale's readers find themselves revisiting the familiar terrain of East Texas, a region which the author has evoked with much intimacy and affection in novels like Mucho Mojo and Rumble Tumble. Set in the lumber town of Rapture, Texas, the novel begins as its heroine, the fetching Sunset Jones, shoots her husband Pete in the head with his own .38. Pete, a man who was a little too fond of beating and raping his wife, dies with a surprised look on his face, his ass in the air, and his pants around his ankles.

Receiving unexpected moral and political support from her mother in law Marilyn, who feels partially responsible for her son's vile behavior, Sunset is appointed to serve the remainder of Pete's term as Constable of Rapture. Assisted by the plain spoken Clyde, and the handsome and mysterious drifter Hillbilly, Sunset finds herself at the center of a murder mystery involving her husband's mistress and unborn child. What follows is pure Lansdale, including a couple of beatings, a house fire, sweaty sex, gunplay, creepy villains (one of whom previously appeared in Lansdale's outstanding short novel The Big Blow), unexpected plot twists, and general mayhem.

Lansdale continues on his impressive upward climb of constant refinement and improvement, producing a book that exceeds the high expectations created by such previous successes as the Edgar Award winning The Bottoms and 2003's A Fine Dark Line. In the hands of a lesser writer, the events depicted in Sunset and Sawdust might read like an over the top country soap opera, but Lansdale's distinctive voice, combined with his emotional wisdom and his abiding affection for even the most despicable of his characters, transforms these incidents into affecting drama. Lansdale's wit has never been as keen, his insight into what makes his characters tick never deeper. His prose shines-you often stop to laugh at or reflect on what you've just read. Lines like "He was big enough to go alligator hunting with stern language," or "Flies were so thick on the front of his shirt they looked like a vest," create indelible images that linger in memory.

In the final analysis, however, it's the distinct sense of place that Lansdale creates that really sells the story. In Rapture, he's created a literary locale as vivid and unique as John Steinbeck's vision of Monterey, California, the setting for that author's famous novels Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday. What makes the town memorable, aside from its colorful denizens and the odd happenings which occur there, is the sense that you've actually visited the place and experienced its charms first hand. Finishing the book, you almost expect to find the sawdust that permeates the town's air on your clothing.