'Bad Moon Rising' authors featured at book signings

DU QUOIN - The authors of "Bad Moon Rising: The Prom Night Murder Memoirs" will be holding public book signings in Southern Illinois on two upcoming dates. The new book, written by former Du Quoin residents Ed and Mindy Morrison, chronicles a family's and a community's journeys through the tragic murders of two promising Mascoutah High School students after their senior prom in May 1969.

The book also details how the criminal justice system at the time failed the families of the victims and allowed a serial rapist and killer to receive an early parole and roam free to repeat his crimes elsewhere.

Ed Morrison's brother, Mike, was a celebrated mathematics student who planned to study at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and quarterback the Saluki football team. His girlfriend, Debbie Means, was a sophomore whose friends held in awe for her tenacity and style. The book celebrates their lives with warm remembrances and details their kidnapping, rape, and murder, as well as the families' futile search for justice.

Two book-signing events are planned in the region, including:

• Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. at the St. Nicholas Brewing Company in Du Quoin

• Thursday, Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. at The Landings, 2100 Reed Station Parkway in Carbondale.

Both hard and softcover books will be available for purchase at the events. Proceeds from the sale of the books will help to fund the Morrison-Means Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships to deserving seniors of Mascoutah High School.

"Bad Moon Rising" is currently the top-selling nonfiction book of Archway Publishing Company. It is also available for sale on Amazon.

For more information, contact Rex Duncan at (618) 713-6320 or rexdunc221@gmail.com.