In Jay S. Bell's Welcome to Cottonmouth, the titular town is hardly welcoming, despite being called "a slice of heaven in the piney woods of East Texas." This so-called "nice, quiet place" with its "unique residents" appears to be a derelict hamlet with a garage, a decent restaurant, and a run-down motel, among other--many vacant--storefronts. But its façade camouflages its true purpose--providing a haven for retired spies, ex-military personnel, and defectors sent there by the U.S. government.
The environment Bell creates makes a formidable backdrop for his action-packed narrative, which moves at lightning speed while delving into the myriad personalities who thrive in this secluded area. As the caretaker responsible for keeping the denizens safe and secret, Devlin Mahoney also manages the Cottonmouth Motor Court. Devlin keeps the status quo until Britte Thorpe and teenager Siobhan stumble into Cottonmouth seeking refuge after their car breaks down. Both are clearly scared, having escaped from a criminal kingpin. Devlin has barely set them up in a motel room when two thugs arrive and try to force the pair into their car. Devlin's nonthreatening looks disguise his lethal skills. More criminals descend on this "Island of Misfit Spies," where Cottonmouth's residents are itching to reactivate their dormant skills.
Devlin knows that helping the women is the right decision, but the escalating bloodshed also risks exposing Cottonmouth's residents. A high body count and frequent violence almost mar the clever setup of a town devoted to former spies, but Bell's energetic storytelling keeps Welcome to Cottonmouth on track. --Oline H. Cogdill, freelance reviewer