In his first novel, J. Everett Prewitt tells a gripping story of violence and transformation in a small Arkansas community during the early 1960s.
Traumatized as a child after witnessing a murder, Anthony Andrews, the first black reporter at the Arkansas Sun, seeks to solve the mysterious abandonment of a small town and the disappearance of fourteen white men. His investigation leads him from rural Arkansas to Cleveland, Ohio, as he tries to uncover a family secret kept hidden for more than a decade. The closer he gets to the truth, the more he must question his motives. His quest not only reveals the true identity of people he has met along the way but also points Anthony toward a path that leads to his own salvation.
everett (verified owner) –
It was the title that grabbed my attention: “Snake Walkers”. I pulled it off the library shelf, read the cover flap, and quickly realized that this is not a book I would usually choose to read. I, however, found the title and the idea of “the mysterious abandonment of a small town” intriguing so I checked it out. I am truly at a loss for words to describe the array of emotions I felt while furiously reading page after page to get to the end of the story. If a book should ever be a best seller or made into a movie, it’s this one. I won’t even include a synopsis of the book in this review, because as I said it’s not a book I would normally pick up. This is a must-read regardless of your preference of genres/topics.
Elyse’s Reviews, Goodreads
While the beginning of the book was a little slow, a little perseverance will put you deep within the soul of a touching, thrilling story like no other. You’ve never seen the times of racial wars like this before, I can assure you. It’s a wonderful book that will open your eyes to many things, including what true love and family mean.
Beverly Pechin, Reader Views
Brilliant, Soul Searching, Penetrating
Everett Prewitt is a natural story teller. I was drawn right into the story. He captured my attention from the first paragraph. The plot carries with it all the elements of conflict, romance, and intrigue. The action is heightened by a masterful pacing of conflict and resolution. Throughout the story Prewitt maintains suspense. The story unfolds a haunting theme of mystery. His descriptive phrases and imagery activate all five senses. I smelled the flowers, heard the twigs crackling, and felt the explosion of a gun blasting nearby. Although often graphic, Prewitt was sensitive as he described the racial tensions of the 1960s and atrocities that often went unacknowledged and unreported. I was deeply moved by the underlying current of family loyalty, secrecy, and tension. The novel gave the author a platform to enlighten the reader a moral and social responsibility. I was deeply touched and was often struck by an emotional chord as I recognized the impact of environment and family heritage on my own growth and value formation. The author’s sensitive writing and insightful character development create empathy for all his characters, the heroes and the downtrodden. Each was faced with choices based on ritual and tradition that might have an effect on the life and safety of others. I highly recommend this book to anyone consciously trying to bridge the social injustices of the past with the hope of the future. This is a brilliant, penetrating novel.
Richard R. Blake, Owner, Family Book Center, San Leandro, CA
A highly visually descriptive, detailed, and refreshing novel, it is hard to fathom that Snake Walkers is the first work of author J. Everett Prewitt. Set in the 60s, Prewitt takes you through a journey of revelation and the ills of the times as a young black reporter seeks to uncover a mysterious occurrence some 10 years prior. Prewitt has mastered the knack of carefully weaving our history, intellect, and pride between these pages while flowing ever so easily. Always maintaining balance, Prewitt examines the mind of reporter Anthony Andrews and his “better than” views on blacks in society. Prewitt also steps forward and entertains the gravity pull of street life and the options one has reaffirming the importance of family and how that bond can mean the difference between right and wrong choices. From Little Rock to Cleveland, the streets come alive with music, ambiance, and culture. One must not underestimate the mystery and suspense that continues to heighten throughout the story as the pieces slowly come together. The characters are so true to life…. some naive, some proud, some with their own agenda, but all authentic. This…book…novel…lesson… the mystery is one you cannot afford to miss. You will be torn between finishing the last page and cherishing the story for yet another day.
James M. Lisbon, Publisher, AMAG/Awareness Magazine
Nothing is what it seems in Snake Walkers, and Prewitt has done an excellent job of maintaining the suspenseful plot and providing the reader with characters they can truly care about…The author graces the novel with fascinating detail…Snake Walkers is a page-turner filled with enough serpentine twists to keep the reader well mystified as well as enlightened.
Five out of Five Stars
Kathleen Youmans, ForeWordreviews.com
…events twist and turn with surprises cracking like gun shots right to the end…(Prewitt) develops complex characters and a fascinating mystery with historical roots. It is an engaging novel with insights to ponder.
Kaye Bache-Snyder, Small Press Review
Snake Walkers is a dynamic work of fiction. The plot is full of twists and suspense; this adds an additional layer of richness to an already compelling work of historical fiction. Prewitt’s use of language was impressive and so full of detail that I could see the landscape, hear the screeching tires, and feel the clammy hands and surges of adrenaline. It was simply a delight to read.
Stacey Seay, RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Everett writes with a great mastery of plot and characters, capturing the attention of readers right from the riveting opening to the pounding climax, with the pace never slackening in between. This compelling page-turner marks the debut of an extremely promising new talent.
BookWire Review
Suspense, fear and racial tension keep the reader glued to the pages. This is a story of the closeness of a strong African American family. Prewitt weaves historical events (fictional) throughout the book. This is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. If I could, I would give it six stars.
Cheryl Robinson, Executive Producer—Just About Books