Picture a storyteller weaving eerie tales of snake-handling preachers and haunted Georgia mountains—meet Hank Early! This Alabama-based author, the pen name of John Mantooth, crafts Southern Gothic fiction that pulses with faith, fear, and family. His gripping Earl Marcus series, starting with Heaven's Crooked Finger, has hooked readers with its raw, atmospheric storytelling.
Early’s work dives deep into the rural South, blending mystery with the unsettling beauty of a region steeped in tradition and secrets. Ready to explore the twisted trails of his imagination? Let’s dive into the life, works, and legacy of this compelling voice in American literature.
The Making of Hank Early
Born and raised in Alabama, Hank Early—writing as John Mantooth—grew up surrounded by the rich storytelling tradition of the South. His childhood was shaped by a fundamentalist Christian upbringing, with a father whose library brimmed with Stephen King and Ed McBain novels. These books sparked Early’s love for dark, character-driven stories. Though he didn’t start writing until later in life, his knack for spinning tales was evident early on. A middle school teacher by trade, Early earned a Master’s in English and Creative Writing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, honing the craft that would define his career.
Before adopting the Hank Early pseudonym, he published under his real name, but it was the Earl Marcus series that cemented his place in Southern Gothic fiction. His dual life as an educator and author infuses his work with authenticity, drawing from the people and places of central Alabama.
Hank Early’s Unforgettable Stories
Early’s writing is a masterclass in Southern Gothic, blending grotesque characters, decaying settings, and moral ambiguity. His debut, Heaven's Crooked Finger (2017), introduces Earl Marcus, a man haunted by his past in a snake-handling church. When a photo suggests his abusive father is still alive, Earl returns to the Georgia mountains, unraveling a mystery tied to missing girls and strange tattoos. Critics, like Paul Tremblay, praised its “twisty, page-turning” intensity.
The series continues with In the Valley of the Devil (2018), where Earl faces new dangers in a rural underworld, and Echoes of the Fall (2019), deepening the exploration of faith and redemption. Early’s style is vivid yet grounded, with prose that captures the humid weight of Alabama summers and the tension of fractured families. Themes of religious fanaticism, personal trauma, and the search for truth weave through his work, making each novel both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Beyond the series, Early’s short stories and earlier works as John Mantooth showcase his versatility, often delving into crime and supernatural elements. His ability to craft flawed, relatable characters keeps readers invested, while his Southern settings feel like characters themselves.
Why Hank Early Matters
Hank Early’s contribution to Southern Gothic fiction lies in his fresh take on a storied genre. By rooting his stories in the modern South, he bridges the gap between classic authors like Flannery O’Connor and contemporary voices like Daniel Woodrell. His exploration of faith’s darker corners resonates with readers navigating their own questions of belief and identity. The Earl Marcus series, in particular, has earned acclaim for its emotional depth and unflinching look at the South’s complexities.
Early’s work also shines a light on Alabama’s cultural landscape, from its rural communities to its lingering historical tensions. As a teacher, he brings a mentor’s empathy to his characters, making their struggles universally relatable. His growing fanbase eagerly awaits his next chapter, proof of his lasting impact.
- Pen Name: Hank Early (John Mantooth)
- Key Works: Heaven's Crooked Finger, In the Valley of the Devil, Echoes of the Fall
- Award: Next Generation Indie Book Award for Heaven's Crooked Finger
Snag Heaven's Crooked Finger and dive into Hank Early’s haunting Southern Gothic world—perfect for fans of dark mysteries and unforgettable characters!