Lowdown Road

Charlesgate Confidential is a debut novel by Scott Von Doviak that was called terrific and a fun machine by Stephen King. Lowdown Road is his second novel, which continues his reputation for pedal-to-the-metal storytelling that makes you think about who we are and where our darker roads might lead us.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2023
Publisher: Titan Books Ltd

It's the summer of 1974, and America is in a state of flux. Richard Nixon has resigned from office, CB radios are the hot new thing, and in the great state of Texas, two cousins hatch a plan to drive $1 million worth of stolen weed to Idaho. But with a vengeful sheriff on their tail and the revered and feared marijuana kingpin of Central Texas out to get his stash back, Chuck and Dean are in for the ride of their lives - if they can make it out alive.

Scott Von Doviak, a longtime pop-culture journalist for The A.V. Club, Film Threat, The Hollywood Reporter, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, has made a splash with his debut novel, CHARLESGATE CONFIDENTIAL, which Stephen King called terrific and a fun machine. With LOWDOWN ROAD, he cements his reputation for pedal-to-the-metal storytelling that also makes you think about just who we are and where our darker roads might lead us.

The story follows Chuck and Dean, two cousins who have grown up in a small Texas town. Chuck is a straight-laced, hardworking man who has never been in trouble with the law. Dean, on the other hand, is a wild and rebellious character who has a history of drug-related offenses.

One day, Dean comes up with the idea of driving a truckload of stolen weed to Idaho, where he can sell it for a huge profit. Chuck is hesitant at first, but he eventually agrees to join him on the trip. The two cousins set out on their journey, driving through the night and avoiding the cops and criminals who are hot on their tails.

As they make their way across America, Chuck and Dean encounter a variety of characters, including a group of hippies who are traveling with them, a pair of drug dealers who are trying to double-cross them, and a vengeful sheriff who is determined to catch them. The road trip becomes a test of their courage, loyalty, and survival skills, as they must navigate through a series of dangerous situations and avoid getting caught.

One of the most interesting aspects of LOWDOWN ROAD is the way that Von Doviak explores the themes of family, loyalty, and redemption. Chuck and Dean are brothers, and their relationship is strained by Dean's past mistakes and Chuck's desire to protect him. As they travel across America, the two cousins must learn to trust each other and work together to survive.

Von Doviak also delves into the darker side of American culture, including the drug trade, the police, and the criminal justice system. The story is filled with violence, corruption, and moral ambiguity, and it raises questions about the consequences of our actions and the choices we make.

LOWDOWN ROAD is a fast-paced, action-packed novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Von Doviak's writing is crisp and engaging, and his characters are well-developed and relatable. The story is filled with memorable moments, including a high-speed chase through the desert and a tense standoff with a group of drug dealers.

In conclusion, LOWDOWN ROAD is a must-read for anyone who loves a good road trip, a thrilling adventure, or a thought-provoking story. Scott Von Doviak's debut novel is a triumph of storytelling, and it cements his reputation as a rising star in the world of literature. With its themes of family, loyalty, and redemption, LOWDOWN ROAD is a powerful and compelling exploration of the darker side of American culture.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 200 x 130 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803364131