Limestone Waters — John McMahon

Picture an older set of misfit characters in Rumble Fish, the humor and raw romance of Alice Clayton's Wallbanger, and Jackie Collins' raunchy language. Then, they go out on the town with Keith Richards.At 82,000 words, Limestone Waters is a salacious, sordid coming-of-age romp set in the mid 1980s of northwest New Jersey. Michael Walsh is a Vietnam veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He wanders aimlessly through life in a haze of booze, drugs, and wanton sex. Best buddy, Tuchi, another Vietnam vet, is Mike's edgy sidekick. Mike begins to realize that there must be more to life than living in your mother's basement. He longs for happiness, true love, and to belong. Nagging questions about the identity of his long-lost father also haunt him.The novel's big question is: Does Michael's salvation lie in Limestone Waters' mystical depths, in Terry's arms, or both?The story is thick with dysfunction and deception from lovers and family. Mike's self-medicating, womanizing lifestyle only reinforces his skewed, lost existence. Beth, his former girlfriend, is packing a wicked secret. Chester, a local cop, childhood friend and fellow Nam vet, harasses Mike every chance he gets. There is much unfinished business with both Beth and Chester, and Mike is finally forced to confront them.With the help of Terry, a fiery Irish woman who moves in next door, Mike's life begins to change for the better. Mike falls hard for Terry; she is strong and takes no bullshit. She gives him the courage to face his demons, face Chester, and ultimately, save Beth and himself. At the climax, which takes place at the mystical Limestone Waters, Mike, Tuchi, Beth, and Chester are judged by the waters, but only the righteous survive.