Hap and Leonard investigate a racially motivated murder that threatens to tear apart their East Texas town.

Hap, a former 60s activist and self-proclaimed white trash rebel, is recovering from a life-threatening stab wound. He’s hoping to take it easy, but then Louise Elton arrives with a job…

Months earlier, a bully cop pulled over and sexually harassed Louise’s daughter, Charm. When he started stalking her, her brother Jamar tried to get evidence on him. The next thing Louise knew, Jamar got in a fight and was killed by local hoods. It doesn’t add up: he was a straight-A student, destined for better things, until he began to ask too many questions about the racist police force.

Leonard, a tough black gay Vietnam vet and Republican, joins Hap in the investigation, and they stumble upon the racial divides that have shaped their Eastern Texas town. But if anyone can navigate these pitfalls and bring the killers to justice, it’s them.

Filled with Lansdale’s trademark snappy dialogue, colourful characters, and relentless pacing, RUSTY PUPPY is Joe Lansdale at his page-turning best.