Killing Mister Watson
Book description
Drawn from fragments of historical fact, Matthiessen's masterpiece brilliantly depicts the fortunes and misfortunes of Edgar J. Watson, a real-life entrepreneur and outlaw who appeared in the lawless Florida Everglades around the turn of the century.
Why read it?
2 authors picked Killing Mister Watson as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This book is the definition of atmospheric. You can almost taste the swampy air of the Florida Everglades as you wend your way through a landscape of ruthless chancers and escaped slaves. I love the sense of menace and mystery that Mathieson captures in this, as well as the deep sense of place.
I have never been to the Everglades, but I suspect that if I did, I’d be disappointed that it didn’t live up to the place of my imagination after reading this book. If you liked Where the Crawdads Sing, I urge you to try this book,…
From Juliana's list on historical novels set on rivers or estuaries.
It should come as no surprise, in this novel by Peter Matthiessen, that the main character, Mister Watson, dies. And in fact, he is indeed gunned down by a mob in the first chapter.
The mystery, however, is only starting. Set in the 10,000 Islands of the southwest Florida frontier around the turn of the 20th century, the novel wonders if Mister Watson – a historical figure – is really the cold-blooded killer so many neighbors think him to be.
Based on a “few hard facts” and interviews by Mr. Matthiessen, the story is told by those who knew…
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