About the Author

Mike Reynolds writes fictionally about what he knows, where he's lived, and what he's experienced with an ease that comes with familiarity. Born in the small town of Bainbridge, Georgia-which is just over the Florida Panhandle line where Georgia and Florida come together-and raised in Florida, Mike's blue collar upbringing exposed him to a lot of hard working honest people, but also to the seedier side of life there. He grew up in a violent and abusive home, and one in which alcoholism played a major role in day-to-day life. But Mike was able to break free of the abusive cycle and become a successful business owner and entrepreneur.As the child of an Air Force flight instructor, Mike's family moved around a lot, creating even more fodder for his stories. He served in the Navy for six years, married young and had three daughters, but the marriage ended in divorce. Later, marrying a woman with three sons, Mike's family kept him busy. Mike worked in the mortgage industry for 40 years, eventually opening his own mortgage company, which he ran for 10 years and employed scores of people. He finds it humorous that itwas in his position in that company where his talent for writing was honed. He had always been a good storyteller-people invited him to dinner parties because they wanted to hear his stories-but writing daily to weekly inspirational memos to his many employees garnered a lot of positive response. This added to his confidence. Mike retired in 2016 and began writing in earnest.Now enjoying retirement, when Mike's not writing, he's spending time with his six kids and sixteen grandchildren. Having been in a Christian rock band for many years, he still plays guitar and is teaching himself to play the blues. He and his beloved Annette enjoy their many friends in the beautiful hamlet of Glendora, California.

Reviews

"On a very rainy day, curled up in my cozy RV, I began reading and could not stop. Just the diversion I needed. Darkness Dwells in Dixie is a riveting tale that blends the author's bent for storytelling with the very real tragedy of family secrets. The power of adults to both harm and provide stability for children is a thread that sharply reminds us all that even in chaos, love and faith make a difference. Reynolds' words weave an often difficult yet inspiring story that demonstrates the many ways we can care for children who we may not be able to fully protect-and the difference that makes for a lifetime." Janyne McConnaughey PhD, Trauma-informed Author and Advocate, author of Trauma in the Pews, Brave, Brave Childhood, and A Brave Life
"Mike Reynolds makes a bold showing on several fronts in Darkness Dwells in Dixie that clearly places him at the forefront of his generation. The feel of his story is so embracing and authentic of the Southern culture that he grew up in-it could almost be called 'Neo-Gothic' because this is a new South, not just a younger one. But it so clearly stems from Southern Gothic kinsmen like Faulkner who branded it long ago, and in which Reynolds is perfectly at home. The story unfolds with profanity so sensitive readers take note. Some situational depictions definitely fall in the adult category. I can confidently assert that Reynolds is authentic in these depictions. For a story that travels a very harrowing road, it does come full circle to a great and powerful redemption that realigns the situational parameters. And what a great conclusion to a riveting journey." Duane K Estill, Minister, Author of A Tin Can Cosmos
"Darkness Dwells in Dixie is a captivating read of a young, abused, and broken Mickey setting out at age eight to find the truth of his very existence. He coexists with half-truths and outright falsehoods for nearly two decades in his search. Surrounded by alligators and snapping turtles in the swamps of the deep South, young Mickey turns to his Mama to soothe jagged thoughts developing in his mind's eye. Unaccompanied, the maturing Mickey is eventually freed from the exhaustive pursuit for his legitimacy. In the end, after many personal struggles, the reader will marvel at the simplicity in which author Mike E Reynolds brings you so comfortably to a very self-satisfying and soft landing." Ron Hughart, author of The Place Beyond the Dust Bowl, Déjà vu of a Skeptic, and Did I Meet Santa?
"The street-level writing is not for the easily offended. Then again, neither is the Bible. This is humanity in God's unblinking spotlight. Darkness Dwells in Dixie is well worth the time." Jerry Wilson, author of God's Not Dead (And Neither Are We), and host of "Cephas Hour" "Darkness Dwells in Dixie is a gripping story full of real character- and emotion-driven storytelling. The historical and cultural context Reynolds provides audiences offers an intense read. Definitely a book worth reading!" Garrett K. Jones, author of The Archives of Icínq-Régn

 "A fascinating tale of how Mickey and his little brother managed to survive a horrifying childhood. Once you start reading Darkness Dwells in Dixie, you'll have trouble putting it down until the very last word." Marilyn F.M. Meredith, author of over sixty books, including Reversal of Fortune, the Deputy Tempe Crabtree Mysteries, and the Rocky Bluff P.S. mystery series.