Bad things happen under a snake moon in Manzarek's gothic tale about the Dillard clan of Coker Creek Hollow, Tenn., based on an unproduced screenplay written with Rick Valentine. Manzarek (The
Poet in Exile
), cofounder of the classic rock band the Doors, portrays the nasty impact of the Civil War on two brothers, Boone and Jebber Dillard, after they leave the farm to pursue fame and fortune in Chattanooga. Boone's psychic grandmother Delilah warns them not to go, but is unable to stop them. Boone's path leads him into a dangerous affair with the lusty Mardi Jamerson, a ghostly Southern belle who tries to prevent his return to his wife, Cassandra, and their children, while Jebber joins the Confederate army to try and impress his wife, Jewel. Homespun sweet prose and a dash of voodoo magic enhance a morality message that many paranormal or normal romance readers will relate to—leave loved ones and tragedy is more than likely to occur. (July)
