BEREA, Ky.–Celebrated Kentucky author Silas House, known for his vivid portrayals of Appalachian life, is poised to release a gripping new historical crime novel titled Dead Man Blues under his pen name, S.D. House. Set for publication by Crooked Lane Books on October 14, 2025, the novel marks House’s entry into the crime fiction genre, promising a compelling mystery set against a richly textured Southern backdrop.
The story of Dead Man Blues revolves around Dave Hendricks, a disgraced former mayor of Shady Grove, a fictional small town situated on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee. Following personal betrayal and professional ruin, Hendricks retreats to life aboard a houseboat on Cedar Lake, accompanied only by his dog and the haunting tunes of blues records. Hendricks’ quiet exile is disrupted when two brutal murders shake the community, forcing him into an uneasy alliance with Sheriff Victor Burns, the very man who betrayed him.
“This gripping historical crime novel pulls the past into the present,” according to Crooked Lane Books’ press release, describing House’s latest work as ideal for fans of Charles Todd and Ann Cleaves. The novel weaves themes of betrayal, redemption, and the haunting specters of one’s past into its thrilling narrative.
House, the current Poet Laureate of Kentucky and an esteemed figure in Southern literature, has built an impressive career with seven novels, including the award-winning Lark Ascending, which captured the 2023 Southern Book Prize and the Nautilus Book Award. His extensive body of work often explores complex characters wrestling with personal and societal conflicts.
“I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. S.D. House will be your new favorite mystery writer,” praised Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author, highlighting the novel’s page-turning allure.
An excerpt from Dead Man Blues, obtained by The Lexington Times, previews the richly atmospheric storytelling readers can expect. It vividly describes the tranquil yet sinister Cedar Lake and introduces key characters with House’s characteristic blend of sensitivity and grit. Esau Campbell, a fishing camp operator at Cedar Lake, becomes the story’s first victim, setting off a chilling chain of events.
A significant local figure, House teaches at Berea College and the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Creative Writing, with his work published in prominent outlets like The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and The New York Times. His accolades include the 2022 Duggins Prize—America’s largest award for an LGBTQ writer—and he was also a Grammy finalist in 2023.
With a narrative deeply rooted in the Southern psyche, Dead Man Blues promises readers a knife-sharp addition to the crime fiction genre from one of Kentucky’s most beloved literary voices.