Hell at the Breech A Novel

Hell at the Breech by Tom Franklin is a historical fiction novel published by HarperCollins on December 16, 2003. This reprint edition spans 368 pages and is presented in English. Set in 1897, the story unfolds in the rural area of Alabama known as Mitcham Beat, where the mysterious murder of an aspiring politician ignites a violent response from his friends, primarily poor cotton farmers. They form a secret society named Hell-at-the-Breech, seeking retribution against those they believe are responsible for the crime.

Readers will encounter a gripping narrative that explores the ensuing year-long campaign of terror, where the lines between innocence and guilt blur. The tale centers on four key figures: an aging sheriff caught between conflicting loyalties, a widowed midwife with deep ties to the community, a relentless detective pursuing justice, and a young store clerk burdened by a dark secret. Hell at the Breech delves into the complexities of human nature, revealing the capacity for both good and evil amid chaos and conflict.