Discover the Adventure, Mystery, and Lessons of the Blackwater Novels by Allen Johnson Jr.

Explore the award-winning Blackwater Novels series by Allen Johnson Jr. Follow the thrilling, heartfelt adventures of Johnny and Will Jennison in the 1930s South, filled with mystery, history, and timeless lessons on courage, friendship, and justice.

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The Blackwater Novels, a captivating historical fiction series by Allen Johnson Jr., takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the 1930s South, where adventure, mystery, and the fight for justice collide. Across three thrilling books, My Brother’s Story, The Dead House, and A Nest of Snakes, readers follow the lives of twin brothers Johnny and Will Jennison as they navigate childhood adventures, racial prejudice, and the search for family in a world that is both beautiful and dangerous.

Set in the fictional towns along the Blackwater River and in the depths of the Blackwater Swamp, this series blends vivid storytelling, unforgettable characters, and rich historical context. The books are much more than tales of exploration and excitement — they are poignant reflections on love, loyalty, courage, and standing up against injustice.

Book One: My Brother’s Story

The series begins with My Brother’s Story, where readers meet the orphaned twin brothers, Johnny and Will. Separated as toddlers, Johnny is adopted by an abusive aunt, while Will is taken in by a loving family in the countryside. The two brothers grow up in very different worlds, yet both are driven by a shared desire to reunite. The journey is filled with adventure, danger, and ultimately the triumph of family and love. With memorable characters like Linc, a Black man who becomes Johnny’s protector in the swamp, this first book sets the stage for a series that is as heartwarming as it is suspenseful.

“This lively, witty, and real-feeling tale of twin brothers living in parallel universes in the always-old Old South will gently get under your skin and make its way into your heart.”
— Jim Reed, Writer and Bookseller

Book Two: The Dead House

In The Dead House, the mystery deepens as Rad Fox and Dr. Jordan Mason uncover an eerie presence at the old Granger House. Johnny’s adventure takes an unexpected turn when he falls ill, and Will travels far and wide to be by his side. Linc’s wisdom and protection are crucial as the friends navigate danger and solve mysteries that could change their lives forever. With rich descriptions of the swamp, the treehouse, and the Pullman ride to Birmingham, this book continues the series’ tradition of mixing mystery with the beauty of childhood exploration.

“A fine mystery story on one level and a truly lovely and evocative rendition of boyhood on another. A kind of classic of children’s literature.”
— Charlies Gaines, Author and Journalist

Book Three: A Nest of Snakes

The series culminates in A Nest of Snakes, where the twins, along with their friends Rad and Linc, face their most dangerous challenge yet. After overhearing a plot, the group must confront the Ku Klux Klan in an effort to protect their town. This final book in the series explores the deep-rooted racial tensions of the Jim Crow era and highlights the importance of standing up to hatred, no matter the cost. It’s a poignant and thrilling conclusion to a series that has never shied away from addressing difficult truths with heart and courage.

“A lovingly told boys’ tale of growing up near woods, swamps, and small country towns in the Deep South… The story has an important childhood lesson at its heart: How good men and women, black and white, could stand up to violent, scheming racists in the era of Jim Crow.”
— Morris Dees, Co-founder of Southern Poverty Law Center

Why Read the Blackwater Novels?

The Blackwater Novels are a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, mystery, and heartfelt adventure. Johnson’s writing brings to life the South of the 1930s, painting vivid pictures of the landscape and the people who lived there. The series doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like racial prejudice and social injustice, but it does so with compassion and an unwavering belief in the power of courage and friendship.

These books are perfect for readers of all ages, but especially for young readers who enjoy stories about family, bravery, and standing up for what’s right. The series teaches timeless lessons about loyalty, love, and the importance of fighting for justice, even when it’s hard. Whether you’re a fan of adventure stories, historical fiction, or books that explore deep moral themes, the Blackwater Novels are a series you won’t want to miss.