Splintered Reeds
by Jodie Cain Smith

When no one is left to save you, save yourself or die trying.

The one constant in Jules' life is family-the plentiful Martin clan. Domestic terrorism brought the Martins together under one roof to endure food scarcity, punishing Gulf Coast heat, no electricity, and no indoor plumbing.

One outhouse for twelve people is no way to live, but at least they are safe. For now.

With every setback and stolen dignity, Jules questions whether she wants to survive at all. She keeps the family fed, hunting and fishing along the shores of Mobile Bay while avoiding both US Army patrols and The Knights, a homegrown militia group determined to convert all of Bellefontaine to their radical ideology and rid the seaside community of anyone who stands in their way.

When two members of The Knights set their sights on Jules, violence lands on the Martins' doorstep, threatening everyone connected to the family.

The one bright spot Jules finds is in a chance meeting with an 11-year-old looter who gives her a new sense of purpose and a reason to survive. She sees herself in the rebel-boy-independent, foolishly fearless, and capable of making costly mistakes.

Will she be able to protect the boy from rising violence? Or will they both become victims?

Deliciously Southern and with a break-neck pace, Splintered Reeds is a timely domestic terrorism thriller that explores the fallout of a divided nation, the strength of family, and the journey through the complexities of grief, and the fight for autonomy in a world turned upside down.

Other Books by Jodie Cain Smith

Black Clouds
Brackish Waters Book 2

The Woods at Barlow Bend

Jodie Cain Smith's Bio

Jodie Cain Smith is the Founder of the Mobile Literary Festival and author of The Woods at Barlow Bend (1st edition Deer Hawk Publications, Nov 2014; 2nd edition Kat Biggie Press, July 2021) and Bayou Cresting: The Wanting Women of Huet Pointe. Her upcoming work, Splintered Reeds, is her debut thriller from Aethon Thrills. Jodie Cain Smith's short stories, feature articles, and columns have appeared in The Petigru Review, Chicken Soup for the Military Spouse's Soul, The Savannah Morning News, and the Fort Hood Sentinel. When she is not creating southern fiction, Jodie can be found in the worlds of superheroes, Lego, and video games with her little boy and husband. Jodie has zero gaming skills.