In the early 1950s, elegant and worldly Régine Fondulac, widow of a well-regarded talent scout, must overcome her self-doubts and a myriad of obstacles to realize her dream of making her New Orleans supper club a premier showcase for unique and dynamic musicians. In her drive to succeed, Régine explores unusual paths that lead her to readily use Svengali-like powers and her sensuality as she scours the South for promising performers. Having been complicit in keeping her husband’s secrets, Régine does not realize how emotionally scarred that has made her.
Johnny Lalune is a callow youngster in bayou country who knows that he cannot spend the rest of his days there. He dares to believe that, unlike his father, he can make a life in music. Johnny’s obstacles are formidable. He needs to work hard to acquire a modicum of skill as a musician and songwriter. He must find a way to ensure that his sisters and disabled brother do not suffer from his absence. And, hardest of all, he must get away from his overbearing, insecure mother.
When Régine crosses paths with Johnny, she sees her chance to get in on the emerging wave of rock ‘n roll music. With incantations, special brews, and vigorous lovemaking, she guides Johnny to the brink of national fame. Their close collaboration leads the young man and the older woman to fall for each other, unnerving the usually guarded Régine. She questions whether Johnny’s love is real or the result of her spell – and what to do if it is genuine.
In the meantime, Johnny and his band grow in local popularity, and he never lacks for songwriting material. As much as he cares for Régine and trusts that she wants him to succeed, he begins to chafe under her rigid rules. Johnny also misses his bayou life and his family. He senses that something has to break.
Régine’s personal turmoil deepens when she realizes that she has lost everyone for whom she ever cared after a vengeful practitioner of the dark arts placed a curse on her.
On a gloomy Christmas evening, a solitary Régine confronts her nemesis.
Johnny Moon and the Black Dog Queen is available at Amazon, in Kindle and paperback versions.
ANTON CIRCLES HIS WORLD 