[5] The novel is set in Mystic, Georgia in 1975, and primarily follows Joe Lon Mackey, a former high school football star, who now is an alcoholic, abusive husband, and father.

Joe Lon's old high school sweetheart, Berenice has come back to town for the hunt, and their old romance is rekindled.

Lottie May eventually defends herself from one of these attacks by cutting off Buddy's penis with a straight razor she gets from Joe Lon's insane sister, Beeder.

This finally culminates during the Rattlesnake Roundup when he grabs a gun and begins to kill those there, including Berenice, to “be in control again”.

"[7] Time magazine thought that it was "full of brilliant descriptions and characters attempting to kick and gouge their way through some back door to salvation.