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Haint Blue

Carl E. Linke
Philip-Forest Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780982742167
Reviewed by Rita Grasshoff for RebeccasReads.com (12/10)

The novel "Haint Blue" is set in the marshy countryside near Beaufort, South Carolina.  It’s the story of Kip Drummond, who purchased the Lady’s Island Oyster Factory.  Kip is having problems in many different areas of his life.  Times are hard and he’s trying to keep the factory up and running while dealing with his discontent wife, Sandi.  Sandi is also giving him a hard time because she doesn’t think he spends enough time with his stepson, Chris. 

Kip’s life is complicated by a group of people with deep pockets trying to buy the factory and replace it with an upscale development.  Kip would make a lot of money on the deal, but doesn’t want to give in to the pressure.

Opposing the sale are the factory workers, headed by Gunny, the factory foreman, and the Gullah ladies who have worked there for generations and have no other local job opportunities.  Gunny, an ex-Marine, tries very hard to get to the truth about whether Kip plans to sell the factory.  He pressures Kip not to sell out but to continue running the factory and allow the workers to keep their jobs.  

As if Kip doesn’t have enough problems, a hex is put on him by the group trying to buy the oyster factory.  The hex is supposed to cause such trouble that Kip gives in to the pressure and sells.   

Kip is encouraged by friends to turn to Madam Ayana and her hoodoo and tarot conjurations to tell his fortune and help him resolve things as to whether he should sell or not.  Kip has a hard time believing the reading and questions why he went to Madam Ayana.   He learns that he must reveal his long-buried secret to get resolution on whether to sell and to help break the hex.

"Haint Blue" is full of charming folklore, mythical treasures, conflict, and fractured relationships. It is enjoyable and a recommended good read for adult audiences. And if you want know to the meaning of the title, "Haint Blue," you’ll have to read the book.

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