Black Water Rising

Attica Locke--a writer and producer of FOX's Empire--delivers an engrossing, complex, and cinematic thriller about crime and racial justice

Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist (Mystery/Thriller)
Edgar Award Nominee (Best First Novel)
The Orange Prize for Fiction (Shortlist)

"A near-perfect balance of trenchant social commentary, rich characterizations, and action-oriented plot.... Attica Locke [is] a writer wise beyond her years."
-- Los Angeles Times

"Atmospheric... deeply nuanced... akin to George Pelecanos or Dennis Lehane.... Subtle and compelling."
-- New York Times

--James Ellroy, author of American Tabloid and L.A. Confidential

Black Water Rising is a gripping literary thriller that explores the intersection of justice, corruption, and personal redemption in post-Katrina New Orleans. Following a tenacious protagonist navigating murky legal and moral terrain, this novel delivers sharp social commentary wrapped in a propulsive narrative. The author's meticulous prose and intricate plotting create an immersive experience that examines systemic inequality and institutional power. Ideal for readers who appreciate character-driven stories with substantive depth and atmospheric Southern settings. A compelling examination of how individuals confront institutional forces and fight for truth.