Author Talk | H.D. Hunter

When Sidney Cromwell moves to rural Forsyth County, Georgia from the big city of Atlanta, all he wants is to fit in at his new high school. But when Sidney nearly drowns in Lake Lanier, an allegedly haunted lake that is the site of numerous inexplicable freak accidents and deaths, he becomes a social pariah as he starts to suffer terrifying visions from the past and hauntings by apparitions calling him to Lanier. Sidney returns to the lake for answers, and he finds in its murky depths the spirits of former residents from Oscarville, the Black town that lies beneath the man-made lake. They enlist Sidney to remind Forsyth of its devastating history and push its citizens to make amends so that the souls in Oscarville can finally rest. But Sidney soon learns that people will go to great lengths to avoid facing truths they'd rather not hear. The people of Forsyth County refuse to acknowledge the past, and as Oscarville's populace starts to lose their patience, their rage and thirst for vengeance rise like a tidal wave. Registration is requested. * By registering, you consent to signing up for the monthly Adult Programs newsletter. Hugh “H. D.” Hunter is from Atlanta, Georgia. He's the author of the Futureland series and Something Like Right, winner of the 2025 BCALA Children and Youth Literary Award for Debut. Hugh is committed to stories about Black kids and their many expansive worlds. Deon L. King Sr is the Access Services Manager for Georgia State University Libraries' Clarkston Campus. A decorated Army veteran with over twenty-two years of service, he transitioned to the library profession after earning a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies & Education (2019) and a Master's in Library & Information Science (2021) from Chicago State University. His commitment to service, honed through his military experience, now fuels his passion for supporting students and researchers. He brings discipline, attention to detail, and a service-oriented approach t