WATERMELON TATTOO

by

Tony Burnett

Psychological Thriller / Suspense

Publisher: Watertower Press

Date of Publication: February 14, 2023

Number of Pages: 300 pages

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Naïve but charismatic farm girl, Jacquelyn Benderman, has her life perfectly planned until her town blames her for the accidental death of the local high school’s star running back. Feeling like a pariah, she flees to Austin, Texas where her luck seems to change. Her rapid rise to stardom as a blues diva is derailed when an anonymous stalker begins systematically murdering her associates, leaving the police to suspect her.

As Y2K approaches, she wrestles with the guilt of falling for her roommate, a Romanian folk singer who survives as a call-girl, while the show band she sings with rehearses for a national tour.

Can she protect her new lover from danger? Will the world end at midnight? Is there no hiding place when everyone knows who you are?

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Praise

“Burnett has created an unconventional and magnetic character who makes a memorable first impression.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Bodies, wrecked and loved, Wiccan handfasting, sex work, guns, watermelons, and music—lots of music—light up this thrilling nail-biter.” –Lesley Bannatyne, author of Unaccustomed

This book is not for the faint of heart…it will grip you and hold you captive from start to finish.

Set in the hill country of Texas (Austin and the surrounding area), this coming-of-age story spells out how dreams can be crushed, yet others rise from the flames. Jacqui has high hopes for her life, but an incident at their farm and another at a local pageant turn her life upside down. What follows is her journey to discover who she is and where she might go in life.

Jacqui is one of those characters you will love but feel conflicted about her life choices. While she didn’t really attend church growing up, her small hometown was typical of one in the bible belt. They had strong beliefs about what you did and didn’t do in this world. I don’t remember the exact year this story is set in, but it is sometime before 2000 since no cell phones are scattered across the pages. I have come to admire authors who can write a story where the characters do not rely on technology to get through their lives. The characters actually have to talk to one another and call each other to share news.

I was riveted by the stories that tied many of the characters together. It was honest and typical of what we might have experienced in our own lives. There is love, divorce, friendships, and conflict. The suspense portion might be easy to figure out “who” is behind the tragic events surrounding Jacqui as she seeks a new life. While I had my suspicions, it did take a little time before they were confirmed.

This book takes a raw look at drugs and their effect on people. Let’s just say it isn’t pretty, and if nothing else, it confirms my desire to stay as far away from them as possible.

This tale is spellbinding with all of the intertwining plotlines. Definitely a highlight of the books I have read so far this year. We give it 5 paws up.

Award-winning poet and songwriter Tony Burnett is the Executive Director of Kallisto Gaia Press. He served as President of the Writers’ League of Texas from 2013 to 2017. His poetry, short fiction, and environmentally focused nonfiction appear in over 70 publications. His previous books include the story collection, Southern Gentlemen and a full-length poetry collection, The Reckless Hope of Scoundrels. He resides in rural central Texas with his trophy wife and several rescue dogs who pay him no mind unless hungry. His hobbies include poking wasp nests with short sticks and wandering aimlessly about. He hopes you enjoy meeting his imaginary friends.

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Signed copy of Watermelon Tattoo

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