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Killing Mister Watson is a compelling fictionalized account of the killing of historical figure Edgar Watson in the turn of the 20th century Everglades. The story is told from multiple perspectives, shedding light on prejudices in the South during that time period. The book explores the character of Watson and those who turned against him, providing insight into the challenges faced by settlers in the dangerous environment of the Florida Everglades.

The narrative of Killing Mister Watson is structured through various voices, each chapter being related by a different narrator, offering a depth and complexity to the story. The book delves into the cultural aspects of the gulf coast of south central Florida, portraying an atmospheric and ambiguous account of historical events surrounding Watson's life and the mysteries of his character.

If you liked Killing Mister Watson, here are the top 88 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 88 
  1. #1

    The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen
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    'The Snow Leopard' by Peter Matthiessen is a memoir that follows the author's personal journey into the remote Dolpo region of Nepal alongside naturalist George Schaller in search of the elusive snow leopard. The book intertwines the physical trek through the Himalayas with a spiritual exploration, delving into themes of nature, Buddhism, life, and death. Matthiessen's writing style is described as beautifully evocative and immersive, providing vivid descriptions of the landscapes, interactions with locals, and the internal reflections of the author.

    Yesterday we walked for eleven hours of rough up-and-down, and this morning the delicate porter who plays fig-leaf music has disappeared. Jang-bu, the head Sherpa, replaces him in Gijan with an old Ma...

  2. #2
    Warlock
    Book 1 in the series:Legends West

    Warlock - Legends West by Oakley Hall
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    'Warlock' by Oakley Hall is an epic Western novel that delves into the complexities of law and order in the fictional town of Warlock. The story follows the hired sheriff, Clay Blaisedell, as he navigates through conflicts between the citizens' committee, townspeople, and outlaws. The narrative weaves together multiple Western themes intricately, with a focus on character development and moral ambiguity. The writing style is dense, with every sentence carrying significant meaning, similar to the works of Frank Norris and Thomas Pynchon.

    DEPUTY CANNING had been Warlock’s hope. During his regime we had come to think, in man’s eternal optimism, that progress was being made toward at least some mild form of Law & Order in Warlock. Certai...

  3. #3

    Swamplandia! by Karen Russell
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    Swamplandia! by Karen Russell is a novel set on an island in the Florida Everglades where the Bigtree family runs a failing alligator theme park. The story follows Ava, the youngest aspiring gator wrestler, as she tries to resurrect their way of life after a series of setbacks and tragedies. The book is described as an unpredictable coming-of-age story full of invention, with a mix of fantasy, gothic elements, and magical realism. The writing style is noted for its vivid descriptions of the swampy landscape and colorful characters, creating a unique and memorable setting.

    Our mother performed in starlight. Whose innovation this was I never discovered. Probably it was Chief Bigtree’s idea, and it was a good one—to blank the follow spot and let a sharp moon cut across th...

  4. #4

    Beastings by Benjamin Myers
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    'Beastings' by Benjamin Myers is a dark and gripping novel set in the northern parts of England in an unspecified time period, possibly the early 1900s. The story follows a young mute girl who steals a baby and escapes across the Cumbrian mountains, pursued by a vengeful priest and a poacher. The writing style is described as beautiful, stark, and percussive, with the landscape playing a prominent role as a character in the narrative. The book's language is praised for its bleakness and vividness, capturing the harshness of the setting and the brutality of the events that unfold.

    The characters in 'Beastings' are starkly drawn, with most remaining unnamed, adding to the almost fairy tale-like atmosphere of the story. The novel delves into dark and disturbing themes, showcasing the struggles of the young girl and the baby she abducted as they face starvation and violence while being relentlessly pursued. The book's tone is described as bleak, gritty, and gripping, leaving readers captivated and disturbed by the unfolding events, making it a compelling and intense read.


  5. #5

    The Drop Edge of Yonder by Rudolph Wurlitzer
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    The Drop Edge of Yonder' by Rudolph Wurlitzer is a mystic western novel that follows the journey of Zebulon Shook, a mountain man cursed and trapped between worlds. The plot includes a mix of adventure, myth, and violence, set against the backdrop of the American Frontier during the gold rush era. The writing style is described as combining elements of Cormac McCarthy's dry, matter-of-fact narration with beautiful descriptive passages, mindless violence, and a desperate urge for freedom, creating a unique and engaging read.


  6. #6

    Killing Mr. Watson - Watson trilogy by Peter Matthiessen
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  7. #7

    Hombre by Elmore Leonard
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    'Hombre' by Elmore Leonard is a classic Western tale that follows the story of John Russell, a man raised by Apaches but living in a white world that rejects him. When a stagecoach robbery leaves him and other passengers stranded in the desert, Russell must decide whether to help them or look out for himself. The book explores themes of survival, prejudice, and moral honesty, with a fast-paced plot and snappy dialogue that keeps the reader engaged. Leonard's writing style is described as lean and unassuming, with a focus on action and human interaction over lengthy descriptions.

    Here is where I think it begins—with Mr. Henry Mendez, the Hatch & Hodges Division Manager at Sweetmary and still my boss at the time, asking me to ride the sixteen miles down to Delgado’s with him in...

  8. #8

    Dog Soldiers by Robert Stone
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    'Dog Soldiers' by Robert Stone is a novel set during the waning years of the Vietnam War era, focusing on a drug deal gone wrong involving journalist John Converse and his friend Hicks. The story delves into themes of betrayal, corruption, and the dark underbelly of society, portraying a group of morally ambiguous characters caught up in a dangerous and spiraling situation. The writing style is described as descriptive, gritty, and capturing the essence of the post-Vietnam era with a mix of thriller and existential meditation elements.

    THERE WAS ONLY ONE BENCH IN THE SHADE AND CONVERSE went for it, although it was already occupied. He inspected the stone surface for unpleasant substances, found none, and sat down. Beside him he plac...

  9. #9

    The Thicket by Joe R. Lansdale
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    Joe R. Lansdale's 'The Thicket' is a captivating tale set in early 20th century East Texas, following the journey of Jack Parker as he seeks to rescue his kidnapped sister, Lula, after losing his parents to smallpox and his grandfather to outlaws. The novel intricately weaves together elements of western, thriller, mystery, and horror genres, creating a unique and engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Lansdale's writing style is praised for its dark humor, deft turn of phrases, and excellent storytelling, transporting readers to a vivid and immersive world filled with colorful characters and unexpected twists.

    I didn’t suspect the day Grandfather came out and got me and my sister, Lula, and hauled us off toward the ferry that I’d soon end up with worse things happening than had already come upon us or that ...

  10. #10
    Comanche Moon
    Book 4 in the series:Lonesome Dove

    Comanche Moon - Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
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    Comanche Moon by Larry McMurtry is a gripping novel set in mid to late 1800s Texas, focusing on the lives of Texas Rangers Woodrow Call and Augustus McCrae. The book paints a vivid picture of the struggles between the Rangers and the Comanche tribe, showcasing the brutality and inhumanity of the time. The narrative follows the characters through love and loss, capturing the essence of the Old West with detailed descriptions and engaging storytelling.

    “Nor do I expect to have to make an exception in the present instance,” he told his twelve rangers. “If you’ve got any sacking with you, tie it around your horses’ heads. I’ve known cold sleet like th...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lonesome Dove )

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