By Marissa Wells
Contributing Writer
Eighty-five-year-old former mega-horror film star Henry Maxwell struggles with severe depression and suicidal thoughts as he reflects on the mysterious death of his wife, Lillian 40 years earlier. He is now under the care of a conservator, Jessica Barrow.
As serial killings resembling his films occur, Henry becomes convinced that Lillian is calling him from beyond the grave. Obsessed, he believes replaying the unfinished final scene from his last unreleased movie will reunite them in eternal Gothic bliss.
So goes, “The Salvation of Henry Maxwell,” by Lee Lindauer.
The book was inspired by the author’s memories of the 1960s.
“As a kid growing up in that era, I remember quite fondly the Saturday double features, those Gothic horror films that Roger Corman produced and sometimes directed,” Lindauer said. “These memories have always been with me but one day they popped into my head and after a short period (10 minutes or so), Henry Maxwell was born.”
It was important for the author to bring the character to life.
“An older protagonist, one whose tragic life and grief are still with him; how is he to cope at his age,” Lindauer said. “His emotions and human frailties needed to be shown, and I think Henry does a fantastic job at exposing them, but not without an outside catalyst in Jessica, the young attorney.”
With the turn of each page, readers will witness Henry navigate extreme grief, experience revelations, transformation and salvation.
“The Salvation of Henry Maxwell” will be enjoyed by readers both old and young.
“I might draw the older folks first since they can reminisce, but I believe the young folks are willing to look at anything that piques a little interest,” Lindauer said. He classifies his book as a suspense mystery thriller Gothic romance.
He hope that readers are entertained and gain a sense of the 1960s.
“The 60s were somewhat of an anomaly in our history,” Lindauer said. “It had the Cold War, bomb shelters, the Vietnam War, protests, etc. and escapism like the Saturday matinee films. Who would have thought that Edgar Allan Poe and similar stories would counterbalance the reality of the world back then?”
In addition to being an author, Lindauer is a retired engineer. He is based in both Grand Junction, Colorado, and Mesquite, Nevada. For more information about the author and his work, visit leelindauer.com.
“The Salvation of Henry Maxwell” is available for $22.99 (paperback) and $5.99 (digital) on Amazon.
Authors wanting to be featured in Book Corner can send a request to newsroom@wavepublication.com.
