WATERMELON TATTOO

by

Tony Burnett

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 FOR WATERMELON TATTOO:

“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

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This engaging narrative paints a vivid picture of the variety of human experiences, exploring themes that will resonate deeply with adult readers.

From the moment I delved in, I was struck by the author’s ability to mesh a tale that is equal parts heartwarming and thought-provoking.

One of the notable aspects of this novel is its exploration of adult themes. Burnett fearlessly tackles love, loss, addiction, and self-discovery issues. He presents them with a raw honesty that is both refreshing and impactful. Through well-developed characters, the author navigates the complexities of these themes, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs.

The main character is a flawed yet relatable individual named Jaqui. As the story unfolds, the reader witnesses her journey of self-reflection and personal growth spurred by a series of life-altering events. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people dying around Jaqui. At first, I felt as if Jaqui was acting a bit selfishly but as the story and the character both grew, emotions were shown with remarkable authenticity.

The supporting characters in the novel are equally well-drawn and contribute to the richness of the story. Katrine, a recent immigrant and fellow performer, has found a way to deal with her life and thrive in a manner that many may find harmful however, the character recognizes it as working with what you have. A childhood friend, Langley, deals with the consequences of life and choices while trying to stay true to his self.

This is a book that deals with adult themes and is not something I would hand to a teenager. This is R rated with a plus, as the visuals created by the author are vivid and descriptive. The vivid imagery brings some unsettling scenes to life, transporting readers.

However, Watermelon Tattoo is a compelling novel that tackles itst themes with depth and sensitivity. Burnett’s storytelling and memorable characters make this a book worth diving into.

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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