Michael McDowell's Blackwater Series

How often do you pay attention to the screenwriters behind your favorite films? For most, the answer would be, "never." It's normal, though, to focus on the end product, an audiovisual work of art. Often, creators disappear into the shadow of their work. In a way, it's a good thing because their work takes on a life of its own. In another way, though, it's terrible for creators because people end up not knowing who was responsible and never encounter other works they may love.

When I was growing up, I loved the movie Beetlejuice.

I was also quite fond of the cartoon.

Lydia Deetz was iconic, and, after watching Beetlejuice (more than once), I paid more attention to films with the Beetlejuice actors that I liked. Many big Hollywood stars came out of that era and went on (or continued) to have extensive careers.

• Winona Ryder
• Michael "I'm Batman" Keaton
• Geena Davis
• Alec Baldwin
• Jeffrey Jones
• Tony Cox

Now, nearly everyone knows of the film Beetlejuice. But are you familiar with the screenplay writer who invented the story and all of those iconic characters?

His name was Michael McDowell, and, in addition to writing screenplays, he was also a novelist. During his time, he created terrific works, many of which were way darker than the Beetlejuice we all saw. I stumbled across Blackwater in a library years ago and finished the entire series in a week. Then, I looked up the author, only to find that he created a movie from my childhood. I was floored.

How could I have gone this long without knowing that?

I love all kinds of horror, and old horror novels hold a special place for me. One of my favorite series of books is Blackwater, written in 1983 by Michael McDowell. It's perhaps best described as a southern gothic horror, but it blends genres together in a way that I rarely see. Having grown up in the south, I can say with the utmost confidence, the characters are believable. More than that, though, the dynamics of the family are true to life. It's one of those tales that leave you so attached, so invested, that you keep wanting more, even after the story is complete.

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A disastrous flood in Perdido, Alabama, leaves behind mysterious new arrival Elinor Dammert, who soon marries into the wealthy Caskey family. But Elinor shares a secret, supernatural link to the Blackwater River that determines both Perdido's livelihood and its fate. Over the next 50 years, Elinor's influence brings prosperity, animosity, death, and reconciliation to the Caskeys.

The next time you find a film or TV series that you enjoy, do a little Googling and see who created it, then follow that thread. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

For anyone interested, I'd also recommend checking out the audiobook, if that's your thing. Matt Godfrey does a beautiful job of bringing the characters to life with his authentic Alabaman voices.

There are so many works from Michael McDowell to explore. If you don't know where to start, then I'd suggest the Blackwater series or the standalone novel The Elementals.

If I'm missing anything or something is incorrect, please let me know!

Michael McDowell's Works

The Amulet (1979) – Grisly deaths in Pine Cone, Alabama, seem tied to a cursed amulet and Sarah Howell’s malevolent mother-in-law.

Cold Moon Over Babylon (1980) – A supernatural horror awakens in Florida after a girl’s disappearance, drawing families into madness.

Gilded Needles (1980) – Criminal mastermind Lena Shanks seeks vengeance on those who destroyed her family.

The Elementals (1981) – Two families confront an ancient horror in an abandoned Alabama summer house.

Katie (1982) – Philomena Drax faces the deadly clairvoyant Katie Slape after her grandfather's plea for help puts her in harm’s way.

The Blackwater Series (1983) – After a flood, Elinor Dammert's supernatural connection to the Blackwater River changes the Caskey family’s fate.

Toplin (1985) – A young man's life spirals into chaos as he becomes convinced of a conspiracy against him.

Clue (1985) – A novelization of the iconic mystery movie.

The Jack and Susan Novels (1985-1987) – A couple, always in love, solves mysteries in different decades:

• Jack and Susan in 1953
• Jack and Susan in 1913
• Jack and Susan in 1933

Candles Burning (2006) – Calliope Dakin must uncover the truth behind her father’s murder to escape a conspiracy of women seeking to control her powers. A Southern Gothic saga originally begun by Michael McDowell and completed posthumously by Tabitha King.

Short Stories

• “Miss Mack” in Halloween Horrors, reprinted in The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories, Vol. 1
• “Halley’s Passing” in Twilight Zone Magazine (1987). Also found in The Year's Best Science Fiction: Fifth Annual Collection (1988).

As Axel Young

• Blood Rubies (1982) – Separated twins reunite through a series of tragedies linked to heirloom rubies.
• Wicked Stepmother (1983) – Louise must navigate suspicious stepchildren after killing her husband for his fortune.

As Nathan Aldyne

• Vermillion (1980) – Daniel Valentine and Clarisse hunt a killer targeting Boston's gay community.
• Cobalt (1982) – A summer getaway turns deadly after a local playboy's murder.
• Slate (1984) – Daniel is forced to clear his name after a murder in his bar.
• Canary (1986) – A serial killer targets Daniel’s bar, leaving him as the next potential victim.