Graveless Here in Traceless Dust

The gently rolling hills of Northeast Mississippi outwardly contain a benevolent culture all too common in the rural American South. For decades, multitudes of factories provided a meager but comfortable living to its residents. Incomes supplemented by small farms and orchards made for a serene life for many a family. When global economics hit this region, many factories supported only by high school educated and low skilled manual laborers were forced to close. Recovering from this economic situation put many communities and their leaders into a mad rush to try and rebound to cure growing unemployment and economic distress. Oftentimes outside help was called upon to help communities deal with the business of recruiting new businesses. Cultures clash when economic developer and dyed in the wool New Yorker Charlie Rossi is recruited to Malta, Mississippi. Malta is at the heart of a region immersed in Civil War history. High paying jobs are hard to come by. Too many of its citizens have strong links to a war fading from much of America’s collective memory. In fact, many of its citizens are a little too linked to the many battles and events which took place in and around Malta. As the town’s brand new economic development director, Charlie is assigned to close a complex deal which will bring a new factory to town. His arrival in Malta is welcomed by some. Are others committed to sabotaging his efforts? A New Yorker intruding into local Civil War history and local culture certainly has its complications. It becomes obvious that economic development common sense to Charlie doesn’t translate into economic development common practice for the citizens of Malta. Economic development means change and change is not what some locals want. The town’s preservationists have their own ideas about changing or not changing Malta. The First Church of the Chosen and Saved is a growing force in the region. Will Reverend Cain Curd and his growing religious empire clash with Charlie? The new genetic engineering plant throws a double helix wrinkle into the stew of down home Mississippi politics and business recruitment. What kind of impact is its research having on the people and their way of life in and around Malta? Is the local newspaper reporter friend or foe? Are her good looks a deceptive distraction for Charlie? What about all of Charlie’s co-workers at City Hall? Murders, mass graves, religious revivals, romance, heritage, history, southern charm, entrenched politicians, and Civil War entrenchments, all churn together for a look at a different kind of war between the states. Graveless Here in Traceless Dust delves deep into small town Southern life where things are not always as they seem.