Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt

 

"Well let's see where that puts us. We've got a weirdo bug specialist slinking around town with a bottle of deadly poison. We've got a nigger drag queen, an old man who walks an imaginary dog, and now a faggot murder case. My friend, you are getting me and Mandy into one hell of a movie."

           -Joe Odum to the author

I read this book a number of years ago, probably the late 1990's. My husband and I both got such a kick out of it, we planned a "Midnight in the Garden" tour of Savannah. I enjoyed rereading it and reminiscing about our trip as references were made to places we visited for example the Mercer House, Clary's drugstore and Bonaventure Cemetery. 

I would call this book a memoir although the Super summary website claims it's a mixture of genres. The author, a New York journalist, lived in Savannah off and on for about 8 years, met some amazing, eccentric people and experienced some crazy happenings. See the quote for hints about the characters but add a so-called voodoo princess to the mix!

Jim Mercer, one of the upper crust of Savannah society and a noted antique dealer, is accused of murder when a young employee of his is found dead in his home. As he spends years at trial (there are 4!) or in jail, the author who has gotten to know him is intrigued by all the legal wrangling. During this time, Berendt also meets Joe Odum, named above, and several other very unique characters including the drag queen Lady Chablis who acts the part of Grand Empress of Savannah and becomes something of a thorn in Berendt's side.

One of my husband's and my most vivid memories of our "Midnight..." tour years ago was seeing Lady Chablis perform live. At that time, she was living in South Carolina and would come to Savannah occasionally to perform. Our tour guide informed us she would be appearing while we were in town and to top off the tour, it was a must-do! 

I have rated the book a 5 and hope to see the film again soon.