The Lower Canyons

Set in the rugged Big Bend of Texas, The Lower Canyons (Atmosphere Press) tells the story of river guide Robbie Ducharme and a host of other characters seeking to rebuild their lives after a serious setback. Fired from his job as a guide on Georgia’s Chattooga River, Robbie sets out to the Big Bend to open his own guiding business on the legendary Rio Grande. Janey Hart, recently divorced, hopes to salvage her relationship with her teenage daughter by bringing her on one of Robbie’s trips. Fifteen-year-old Sayda Pacheco is fleeing the gang violence in her native Honduras to seek a better life in the U.S., while ranch hand turned vigilante, Danny Gallagher, vows to stop any “illegals” from crossing the border. All these characters come together in the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande, a place of astounding beauty and isolation. Each must face his or her own demons and muster the strength to survive the challenges of the river and the conflicts among its human travelers.

Author's Praise

"Great read! I thoroughly enjoyed the story especially the pieces of text that take place on the River. Manuel clearly loves the water and a good journey- it really shows. Having never spent any time in Big Bend State Park, I thought Manuel’s descriptions vividly brought the area alive as he keeps the story moving along at a solid clip. Dialogue is solid, characters engaging, looking forward to Manuel’s next one."

"The Lower Canyons is an outstanding adventure story set in the lower canyons of the Rio Grande. John Manuel vividly captures the landscape and its nature and wildlife with exhilarating description; interweaving this backdrop with an expertly crafted tale that brings together political issues, such as illegal immigration, with the gripping drama of canoeing down the Rio Grande. The characters involved are real, bringing together people of diverse backgrounds and personal struggles, in a novel of suspense and surprising conflicts, twists and turns. Perfectly executed."

“The Lower Canyons reads as a true example of the adventure novel in the beginning. We push down the Rio Grande in canoes and find obstacles you might expect: raging currents, giant boulders, and prickly cacti. However, the farther we go down the river we begin to encounter political and personal issues that are all too familiar in the present day United States.”

Get In Touch

Have a question, a kind note, or an invitation to share?

John Manuel welcomes messages from readers, book clubs, educators, media, and event organizers. Use the form to send a message, and you’ll receive a response as soon as possible.

Follow John Manuel