HORROR FOLKLORE NOVEL SERIES
BY BLADEN MERCUTIO START READING

Tell me...
What is it you believe?

An ancient villain draws Macarthy Black into its spiral as a mysterious drought overtakes the region. When legends such as the Marfa Mystery Lights and the Ghost Torch of the Chisos go missing, Macarthy returns to her roots only to uncover that the enemy has set a target on her back. 

She finds herself in cahoots with renegade meteorologist and closet necromancer, Remy Gaumond; scholar and sassy librarian, Jonas Rodriguez; and the charmingly dark, cartel-associated Vincent Salmerón. 

Tensions and wit run high as this makeshift group of strangers race to uncover their villain’s weaknesses before it unleashes its world-altering Reaping.

Book Release Schedule

OCT 28, 2025
VOLUME 1

Harvesting Angel of the Plains

A mysterious drought threatens the region as legends begin to disappear. Four witchy strangers are tasked with the eradication of a mysterious enemy.

MAR 2027
VOLUME 2

...

An ancient enemy unleashes a series of plagues as retaliation against his siblings. 

JUN 2028
VOLUME 3

...

In pursuit of a formidable opponent, the Stryx unlocks a terrifying prophecy. 

SEPT 2029
VOLUME 4

...

The ancient Coven of Sighs descends on the Desert Southwest intent on stopping the awakening of history’s most terrifying necromancer.

Oct 2030
VOLUME 5

...

The abominable necromancer, the Messiah of Ruin, awakens their full potential, threatening the existence of witches around the world. 

Sep 2032
VOLUME 6

...

Old enemies return in the gripping conclusion of the Southwest Gothic series. 

About the Creator

Bladen is a scientist by day, rock star by night, writer in between, and someone who enjoys running only in dreams. A graduate in atmospheric sciences, they chase fire and tell the future for a day job. In addition to their work with the Southwest Gothic series, Bladen has written and recorded several varieties of sonic entertainment, including an accompanying soundtrack to the novels. 

Appearances

2026

26
Sep Sat
Signing at Page 1 Books | Albuquerque, NM
free!
03
Oct Sat
The Witch Summit | Phoenix, AZ
buy tickets
09
Oct Fri
Gothic Tea Party at Black Cat Coffee + Books | Truth or Consequences, NM
buy tickets
10
Oct Sat
Bruja Fest | Albuquerque, NM
buy tickets
11
Oct Sun
Bruja Fest | Albuquerque, NM
buy tickets
28
Nov Sat
Get Spooky : Nightmare Before Christmas | Albuquerque, NM
free!
22
May Sat
Plot Twist Book Festival | Longview, TX
buy tickets

Witches

plains

Macarthy Black

Plains Coven | Shaman
plateau

Remiel Gaumond

Plateau Coven | Necromancer
hill

Jonas Rodriguez

Hill Coven | Regent / Cleric
creek

Vincent Salmerón

Creek Coven | Arcanist
f

  • . . . a dark and fascinating story that mixes mystery with Native American culture. It felt real and full of history. The way Bladen Mercutio tied in tradition and folklore made the book stand out from others in the gothic genre.

    A. Ramirez - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239866818

  • The story was engaging, and the world-building was rich. I really appreciated how each character was written with their own unique struggles and flaws—none of them were perfect, and that made them feel real.

    J. Davis - https://www.netgalley.com/book/708243/review/1434427

  • Mercutio writes about the desert with a specific reverence that can only be achieved by someone who once called the place home. A solid and exciting newcomer to the fantasy and horror genres, Southwest Gothic will have you on the edge of your seat.

    R. Abers - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7915353045?book_show_action=false

By the guard the frontier ghost provides . . .

Something wicked this way rides

Contact

Review/marketing inquiries:

bohemiantrash[at]gmail[dot]com

Booking/Signing/Media Inquiries:
Bladen Mercutio
bladen.mercutio[at]gmail[dot]com