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American Red
The Great American Century begins, the modern world roars to life, Capitalists flaunt greed and seize power, Socialists and labor unions flex their violent will, and an extraordinary true story of love and sacrifice unfolds.
In his critically acclaimed debut novel, Fortunate Son, David Marlett introduced readers to a fresh take on historical fiction--the historical legal thriller--bringing alive the people and events leading to and surrounding some of the most momentous, dramatic legal trials in history. Now he returns with American Red, the story of one of the greatest domestic terrorists in American history, and the detectives, lawyers, spies, and lovers who brought him down.
The men and women of American Red are among the most fascinating in American history. When, at the dawn of the 20th century, the Idaho governor is assassinated, blame falls on “Big Bill” Haywood, the all-powerful, one-eyed boss of the Western Federation of Miners in Denver. Close by, his polio-crippled wife, Neva, struggles with her wavering faith, her love for another man, and her sister’s affair with her husband. New technologies accelerate American life, but justice lags behind. Private detectives, battling socialists and unions on behalf of wealthy capitalists, will do whatever it takes to see Haywood hanged. The scene is set for bloodshed, from Denver to Boise to San Francisco. America’s most famous attorney, Clarence Darrow, leads the defense—a philandering U.S. senator leads the prosecution—while the press, gunhands, and spies pour in. Among them are two idealists, Jack Garrett and Carla Capone—he a spy for the prosecution, she for the defense. Risking all, they discover truths about their employers, about themselves and each other, and what they’ll sacrifice for justice and honor—and for love.
In his critically acclaimed debut novel, Fortunate Son, David Marlett introduced readers to a fresh take on historical fiction--the historical legal thriller--bringing alive the people and events leading to and surrounding some of the most momentous, dramatic legal trials in history. Now he returns with American Red, the story of one of the greatest domestic terrorists in American history, and the detectives, lawyers, spies, and lovers who brought him down.
The men and women of American Red are among the most fascinating in American history. When, at the dawn of the 20th century, the Idaho governor is assassinated, blame falls on “Big Bill” Haywood, the all-powerful, one-eyed boss of the Western Federation of Miners in Denver. Close by, his polio-crippled wife, Neva, struggles with her wavering faith, her love for another man, and her sister’s affair with her husband. New technologies accelerate American life, but justice lags behind. Private detectives, battling socialists and unions on behalf of wealthy capitalists, will do whatever it takes to see Haywood hanged. The scene is set for bloodshed, from Denver to Boise to San Francisco. America’s most famous attorney, Clarence Darrow, leads the defense—a philandering U.S. senator leads the prosecution—while the press, gunhands, and spies pour in. Among them are two idealists, Jack Garrett and Carla Capone—he a spy for the prosecution, she for the defense. Risking all, they discover truths about their employers, about themselves and each other, and what they’ll sacrifice for justice and honor—and for love.
520 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2019
55 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
David Marlett
5 books21 followersDavid Marlett is an award-winning storyteller and writer of historical fiction, primarily historical legal thrillers bringing alive the fascinating people and events leading to major historical trials. His first such novel,
FORTUNATE SON,
became a critically acclaimed, national bestseller in 2014. The late Vincent Bugliosi (#1 New York Times bestselling author of Helter Skelter) said David is “a masterful writer of historical fact and detail, of adventure and peril and courtroom drama.” Just released is
AMERICAN RED
which follows the extraordinary true story of a set of radical lovers, lawyers, killers, and spies who launched the Great American Century. Visit www.AmericanRedBook.com. He is currently writing his next historical legal thriller,
ANGELES REX,
which continues some of the lead characters from
AMERICAN RED.
ANGELES REX
is based on the true story at the 1910 intersection of the first movies made in Los Angeles, the murderous bombing of the Los Angeles Times, and eccentric Abbot Kinney's "Venice of America” kingdom. In addition, David is a professor at Pepperdine Law School, was the managing editor of OMNI Magazine, and guest-lectures on story design. He is a graduate of The University of Texas School of Law, the father of four, and lives in Manhattan Beach, California. For more, visit www.DavidMarlett.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 2, 2019
Mr. Marlett can write. This is a bit of a tome when it comes to books but I barely noticed. This is because I was swept into the story and by the characters. They just "popped" off the pages of the book. Readers of historical fiction; especially the Wild West will want to check out this book.
I live in the Western part of the state, where mines did play a very important part of the history. For Example, Denver Colorado is about three in a half to four hours away from where I live. So, for me this book was not just a story but part history.
Mr. Marlett's descriptions of everything were so vivid that I instantly had a movie playing in my head while reading this book. There is a little of everything for everyone in this book...outlaws, good guys, intriguing and strong female characters. So book a trip to the Wild West with engaging characters and a well written story that is part history with Mr. Marlett's American Red.
I live in the Western part of the state, where mines did play a very important part of the history. For Example, Denver Colorado is about three in a half to four hours away from where I live. So, for me this book was not just a story but part history.
Mr. Marlett's descriptions of everything were so vivid that I instantly had a movie playing in my head while reading this book. There is a little of everything for everyone in this book...outlaws, good guys, intriguing and strong female characters. So book a trip to the Wild West with engaging characters and a well written story that is part history with Mr. Marlett's American Red.
October 27, 2019
Big Bill Heywood was a pioneer of the American labor movement who built the Western Federation of Miners into a powerful force in Colorado and neighboring states dominated by the capitalist owners of the extraction industries. He was also a radical with socialist tendencies who believed that the bosses were violent thugs that could only be countered by an equal or greater amount of violence, including the bombing of mines, and in late 1905, the home of the governor of Idaho, who Heywood felt had betrayed the union's support by jailing members of the union after a brutal conflict. 'American Red' dramatizes the event, including the sensational trial in Boise in which Heywood is defended by Clarence Darrow. The novel hews closely to the recorded facts, including Heywood's infidelities with his crippled wife's sister, and the involvement of Al Capone's sister, among other historical oddities. Marlett creates a spiffy page turner that rarely dawdles. True, I did not finish with a glow from either the knock-out prose or the deeply empathetic characters. But it was a fun ride.
July 2, 2019
American Red is an incredibly powerful, touching novel that you will not be able to put down.
The novel centres around a dark time in our history, where money and power were placed above the lives of men, women and children. Where good people suffered, died and lived in poverty while you had others living in extreme wealth and privilege. Where there were no rights to protect workers, no breaks, no minimum or equal pay and no minimum age to work. Where the focus was on profit, even if it meant sacrificing lives and safety.
It is in this backdrop, where we really see the union power emerge and where people really began to stand up for what is right by defining and demanding this as law. We see how the union struggles with standing up to the government and law enforcement, who consistently side with the corporations. We watch as they escalate their demands for basic human rights to include bombings, murder and deceit. Many times you struggle with the decisions the union president makes, especially when it comes to bombings and murder but you also see the other side where your heart aches for the everyday worker who no one else cares for.
This is an incredibly well written novel, packed full of history. As a member of a union, I can sometimes take for granted how hard people fought for me and others to have the rights we have today. We work only eight hour days, we have breaks and lunches, vacations, safe working conditions because so many fought and lost their lives before us. This novel brings this struggle back to the fore front at a time that you begin to wonder if we need a good reminder of our past. Sometimes I wonder if we are back to putting profit over health and safety, and this is an important topic to never forget.
This novel is full of characters that lived and fought during this time period, and will inspire you to do your own research. It is a definite must read novel.
The novel centres around a dark time in our history, where money and power were placed above the lives of men, women and children. Where good people suffered, died and lived in poverty while you had others living in extreme wealth and privilege. Where there were no rights to protect workers, no breaks, no minimum or equal pay and no minimum age to work. Where the focus was on profit, even if it meant sacrificing lives and safety.
It is in this backdrop, where we really see the union power emerge and where people really began to stand up for what is right by defining and demanding this as law. We see how the union struggles with standing up to the government and law enforcement, who consistently side with the corporations. We watch as they escalate their demands for basic human rights to include bombings, murder and deceit. Many times you struggle with the decisions the union president makes, especially when it comes to bombings and murder but you also see the other side where your heart aches for the everyday worker who no one else cares for.
This is an incredibly well written novel, packed full of history. As a member of a union, I can sometimes take for granted how hard people fought for me and others to have the rights we have today. We work only eight hour days, we have breaks and lunches, vacations, safe working conditions because so many fought and lost their lives before us. This novel brings this struggle back to the fore front at a time that you begin to wonder if we need a good reminder of our past. Sometimes I wonder if we are back to putting profit over health and safety, and this is an important topic to never forget.
This novel is full of characters that lived and fought during this time period, and will inspire you to do your own research. It is a definite must read novel.
September 12, 2019
This absolutely brilliant historical fiction tale grips you right on page 1 and doesn't let you go until you finish the book. Set in early 20th century, the book revolves around numerous facets and happenings of that era. I totally loved the way that Marlett handled the Boise trial. The book has a bold take on the occurrences, and Marlett handles the power that fiction endows him with, by weaving truth in and out, and tweaking incidents where he deems fit. The result is a gem of a book, that is unputdownable. For instance, Marlett doesn't alter the outcome of the Haywood trial. But he doesn't miss the chance to have a go at presenting the smaller nuances, and treating the characters' lives in his own style. This book is also an eye-opener in terms of helping today's generation visualize and live through those days of the beginning of what historians refer to as the Great American Century.
The book has a wide array of remarkable characters, starting with Big Bill Haywood, the Pinks, the phenomenal attorney Darrow, detective McParland, and of course, the endearing Garrett and Capone. Don't let the genre classification of this being a historical fiction let you presume that there is nothing more to the book than one yesteryear story. Aspects of human relationships are splendidly analyzed, including the fickleness in romance, infidelity, the struggles of humanity to keep up with technological advancements, and some characters caught between idealism and employer loyalty.
A must read for lovers of historical fiction.
Thanks to the Publishers "The Story Plant", the author David Marlett, the team at Providence Book Promotions, and Partners in Crime Tours, for gifting me with a copy of this book for an honest review.
#providencebookpromotions @partnersincrimevbt #thestoryplant @dmarlett1
The book has a wide array of remarkable characters, starting with Big Bill Haywood, the Pinks, the phenomenal attorney Darrow, detective McParland, and of course, the endearing Garrett and Capone. Don't let the genre classification of this being a historical fiction let you presume that there is nothing more to the book than one yesteryear story. Aspects of human relationships are splendidly analyzed, including the fickleness in romance, infidelity, the struggles of humanity to keep up with technological advancements, and some characters caught between idealism and employer loyalty.
A must read for lovers of historical fiction.
Thanks to the Publishers "The Story Plant", the author David Marlett, the team at Providence Book Promotions, and Partners in Crime Tours, for gifting me with a copy of this book for an honest review.
#providencebookpromotions @partnersincrimevbt #thestoryplant @dmarlett1
August 2, 2022
Intriguing
A nice tale of fiction mixed with real life history. The story fails to give you someone to root for because both side share really pretty deplorable. Still the story is very interesting and fill with many colorful characters.
A nice tale of fiction mixed with real life history. The story fails to give you someone to root for because both side share really pretty deplorable. Still the story is very interesting and fill with many colorful characters.
June 14, 2019
This book started off with a bang and just never-let-up! Really excellent historical fiction, with spies/double agents, espionage, many-layered trickery from all sides, and action galore. An exciting and suspenseful thriller out of America’s turbulent early 20th century. Fascinating characters and a complex plot left me completely satisfied. Loved it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, The Story Plant, for an ARC in exchange for a review (and all of my reviews are honest. Why lie?)
#AmericanRed #NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, The Story Plant, for an ARC in exchange for a review (and all of my reviews are honest. Why lie?)
#AmericanRed #NetGalley
May 30, 2019
Fascinating story, based on actual historical events.
What works for me:
1. The history
This is a well-researched, heavily-detailed novel. Marlett knows his subject matter. He has a gift for making history come alive. The opening plunges us into the conflict between two parties. One, the ruthless mine owners, who use capitalism and patriotism to justify their merciless treatment of their employees. Two, the equally ruthless union miners, who use the owners’ wrongdoings to justify their own merciless, bloody treatment of their employers. Fascinating. Disturbing. Intriguing.
Marlett also adds little tidbits of deliciously crazy facts, proving that truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.
2. The characters
This is a huge cast of characters. It would be easy to get lost among the various lawmen, law-breakers, attorneys, politicians, and the ever-shifting line between who is “right” and “wrong” in their actions. But we don’t, thanks to Marlett’s ability to juggle this cast.
Many are historical figures. Again, Marlett’s done his research. Their personalities and quirks all mesh with what the historical record shows.
Among them are Clarence Darrow, the criminal defense attorney for union boss Bill Haywood. (Darrow found later notoriety in the “Scopes monkey trial.”) He was a wily, slippery character, able to argue circles around everyone else. Newspapers dubbed him “America’s Lawyer.” I particularly enjoyed reading about him.
Neva Haywood, Haywood’s polio-striken wife, piqued my interest. Her continual self-justifications for “allowing” her husband to cheat with her sister were heart-breaking, but it’s infuriating how she turns a blind eye to her husband’s murders.
Two other characters of note: Jack and Carla, fictional characters who represent the Pinkertons and the union, respectively. Their own actions unsettle them. Each comes to a realization that neither “side” is truly in the right and that both sides are ruthless and resort to underhanded tactics.
3. The conflict
Marlett does a terrific job of showing how both sides engage in deceptive tactics. Judges, lawyers, lawmen: almost everyone in the novel bends or breaks the law. All of them justify their actions. It’s troubling.
What doesn’t work for me:
This is more a caution than a negative aspect of the book. This is historical fiction. Characters hold prejudices and use language that is no longer socially acceptable. This includes racial and ethnic slurs, sexist terms, and the like. Even otherwise “sympathetic” characters use them. Still, most historical fiction readers should understand why these terms are used in this context.
A must-read for fans of historical fiction.
(Thanks to NetGalley, The Story Plant, and David Marlett for the opportunity to read American Red in exchange for an honest review.)
What works for me:
1. The history
This is a well-researched, heavily-detailed novel. Marlett knows his subject matter. He has a gift for making history come alive. The opening plunges us into the conflict between two parties. One, the ruthless mine owners, who use capitalism and patriotism to justify their merciless treatment of their employees. Two, the equally ruthless union miners, who use the owners’ wrongdoings to justify their own merciless, bloody treatment of their employers. Fascinating. Disturbing. Intriguing.
Marlett also adds little tidbits of deliciously crazy facts, proving that truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.
2. The characters
This is a huge cast of characters. It would be easy to get lost among the various lawmen, law-breakers, attorneys, politicians, and the ever-shifting line between who is “right” and “wrong” in their actions. But we don’t, thanks to Marlett’s ability to juggle this cast.
Many are historical figures. Again, Marlett’s done his research. Their personalities and quirks all mesh with what the historical record shows.
Among them are Clarence Darrow, the criminal defense attorney for union boss Bill Haywood. (Darrow found later notoriety in the “Scopes monkey trial.”) He was a wily, slippery character, able to argue circles around everyone else. Newspapers dubbed him “America’s Lawyer.” I particularly enjoyed reading about him.
Neva Haywood, Haywood’s polio-striken wife, piqued my interest. Her continual self-justifications for “allowing” her husband to cheat with her sister were heart-breaking, but it’s infuriating how she turns a blind eye to her husband’s murders.
Two other characters of note: Jack and Carla, fictional characters who represent the Pinkertons and the union, respectively. Their own actions unsettle them. Each comes to a realization that neither “side” is truly in the right and that both sides are ruthless and resort to underhanded tactics.
3. The conflict
Marlett does a terrific job of showing how both sides engage in deceptive tactics. Judges, lawyers, lawmen: almost everyone in the novel bends or breaks the law. All of them justify their actions. It’s troubling.
What doesn’t work for me:
This is more a caution than a negative aspect of the book. This is historical fiction. Characters hold prejudices and use language that is no longer socially acceptable. This includes racial and ethnic slurs, sexist terms, and the like. Even otherwise “sympathetic” characters use them. Still, most historical fiction readers should understand why these terms are used in this context.
A must-read for fans of historical fiction.
(Thanks to NetGalley, The Story Plant, and David Marlett for the opportunity to read American Red in exchange for an honest review.)
August 4, 2019
American Red is unlike any historical-based book I've ever read! I love history (in particular, turn of the century in America) because of how it shows our fast-paced growth. While a hundred, or even two hundred years, seems like a long time ago, it is really not too far of a leap. Considering that this is based on real-life events, I felt myself being drawn in and excited to be pulled back into a tumultuous time period. The power struggles are still something we see being fought for today. My husband isn't a reader but as I told him about the story, he reminded me of other documentaries, movies, etc. that we've watched about the Pinkertons. A lot really began to pull together and I dove back into the book. It's a long, detailed read; however, it's well-worth it! The characters are well-written and strong, pulling you into taking sides with your favorites and rooting them on in being successful in their quest -- as well as in love. I could easily see this turning into a full-length movie or an extended series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of the book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
July 23, 2019
American Red is based on factual events. It tells the stories of conflict between Labour Unions and business owners. It shows the frictions between those who have everything and those who have nothing. It manages to do all this in an entertaining manner that sweeps the reader along with the tide of history.
This book is a historical legal thriller. Knowing it was based on real people and real events I could hardly resist find out more about them all before finishing the book. I managed to do so and I'm glad I did. The exciting world created by David Marlett is much preferable to the dry dusty tomes of history that recount the facts but not the emotions of the time.
As is only to be expected in a book covering these events in such detail there are many characters to keep track of, who did what to whom and when. I never once had a moment where I had to stop and think who is this person and how do they fit into the story. Every character is drawn clearly and distinctly. Whenever we return to a character, be it two pages or two chapters previously it is immediately obvious who they are and how they fit into the narrative. There are no muddled voices. There was not a single time I had to stop and look back to work out who a particular character was and how they fitted into the overall story.
This is a big book filled with big characters and I very much recommend it. If you enjoy historical fiction this is for you, if you enjoy crime fiction this is for you, if you enjoy legal thrillers this is for you. If none of those genres is your cup of tea but you appreciate good writing regardless of the genre then I will recommend this to you.
This book is a historical legal thriller. Knowing it was based on real people and real events I could hardly resist find out more about them all before finishing the book. I managed to do so and I'm glad I did. The exciting world created by David Marlett is much preferable to the dry dusty tomes of history that recount the facts but not the emotions of the time.
As is only to be expected in a book covering these events in such detail there are many characters to keep track of, who did what to whom and when. I never once had a moment where I had to stop and think who is this person and how do they fit into the story. Every character is drawn clearly and distinctly. Whenever we return to a character, be it two pages or two chapters previously it is immediately obvious who they are and how they fit into the narrative. There are no muddled voices. There was not a single time I had to stop and look back to work out who a particular character was and how they fitted into the overall story.
This is a big book filled with big characters and I very much recommend it. If you enjoy historical fiction this is for you, if you enjoy crime fiction this is for you, if you enjoy legal thrillers this is for you. If none of those genres is your cup of tea but you appreciate good writing regardless of the genre then I will recommend this to you.
July 9, 2019
I felt a little discouraged when I first saw this book. It’s huge. How was I ever going to get this all read?
It took a minute or two to get into it, but soon this book held me prisoner. I didn’t care if anyone needed to eat or wear clean clothes or whatever. I just wanted to keep reading.
I always learn so much from historical novels. This one really brought the Pinkertons to life for me. I got lost in the story and forgot it was based on real life experiences.
That changed when I reached the end of the book. I often don’t want books to end. I want to learn the rest of the story.
This book told me that. Don’t bother to check out the ending first. It really won’t mean all that much to you unless you’ve read the book.
Thank you, Mr. Marlett. I’m looking forward to reading many more books by you. But first, I plan to get my hands on Fortunate Son.
***Book provided without charge by PICT.***
It took a minute or two to get into it, but soon this book held me prisoner. I didn’t care if anyone needed to eat or wear clean clothes or whatever. I just wanted to keep reading.
I always learn so much from historical novels. This one really brought the Pinkertons to life for me. I got lost in the story and forgot it was based on real life experiences.
That changed when I reached the end of the book. I often don’t want books to end. I want to learn the rest of the story.
This book told me that. Don’t bother to check out the ending first. It really won’t mean all that much to you unless you’ve read the book.
Thank you, Mr. Marlett. I’m looking forward to reading many more books by you. But first, I plan to get my hands on Fortunate Son.
***Book provided without charge by PICT.***
June 20, 2019
I have been waiting for David Marlett's American Red since I first learned about its undertaking in 2014. Living in Idaho I knew a bit about the biggest legal challenge ever prosecuted in this State. But, I learned so much more about the whole ordeal through the well-researched and well-written book. Not only do we get a glimpse of the characters, but the complexity of the legal system, the corruption of big business, and the role of the Pinkertons in this historical event. This book met my expectations and filled in many of the unknown gaps I was missing. David Marlett's story telling is excellent. Short chapters led from one piece of history to the next detailing the intricacies of the whole scandal. Another great book from an author who understands the importance of facts and details.
December 20, 2020
Wonderfully written historical novel.
The subject matter (trial of the Western Federation of Miners head, "Big Bill Haywood" was not usually something I was interested in, so it took a while for me to get in to the story. It was billed a little differently and I thought there would be less "gun slinging, Western-style" feel to it, or else I probably wouldn't have originally read it.
However, the last 15% of the book really picked up the pace and as the legal drama played out it became a lot more interesting.
The writing was superb and I felt like I could really picture what was happening, as well as the setting and people in the book.
Overall 4 stars as it is not one of my favorites, but was very well written.
I received a free advanced copy as a book reviewer for NetGalley.
The subject matter (trial of the Western Federation of Miners head, "Big Bill Haywood" was not usually something I was interested in, so it took a while for me to get in to the story. It was billed a little differently and I thought there would be less "gun slinging, Western-style" feel to it, or else I probably wouldn't have originally read it.
However, the last 15% of the book really picked up the pace and as the legal drama played out it became a lot more interesting.
The writing was superb and I felt like I could really picture what was happening, as well as the setting and people in the book.
Overall 4 stars as it is not one of my favorites, but was very well written.
I received a free advanced copy as a book reviewer for NetGalley.
July 2, 2019
I’m not ordinarily a fan of historical fiction, but this book was definitely an exception to the rule. ‘American Red’ offers a fascinating depiction of the multi-layered lives (and moral gray areas) of the real people behind both the capitalist and the American socialist movements at the beginning of the 20th century - and David Marlett’s writing keeps you actively wanting to know what happened next. At times it was a little hard to keep up with the number of different characters introduced, but the character development for all of them was excellent and I found myself worrying about what would happen to them in the next chapter. Incredibly well-written, and I highly recommend.
August 23, 2019
Union history buffs will embrace the exploratory nature of this literary representation of one man who reverse engineers the courtroom for his benefit. The characters are remarkably well-developed. Along with excellent characterization, Marlett makes the various scenes feel relevant and real.
In spite of its length, the narrative flows effortlessly. With the short crisp chapters, Marlett skillfully captures the essence of the bureaucratic turbulence, while still portraying facts under the guise of fiction.
In spite of its length, the narrative flows effortlessly. With the short crisp chapters, Marlett skillfully captures the essence of the bureaucratic turbulence, while still portraying facts under the guise of fiction.
July 6, 2019
Thrilling story told by an amazing storyteller! I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in the early 20th century world David created. This novel is a well crafted web of characters' plots and collaborations and full of intricate character developments. Would love to see this developed into a mini-series! Highly recommend to anyone looking for an intense historic adventure.
August 26, 2019
Fascinating tale of early twentieth century; Clarence Darrow (America's lawyer) defending "Big Bill" Haywood. The wild west was certainly still wild. Didn't know much about these times, the Pinkertons, early unions. Marlett did quite a bit of research putting this together. He did get a bit repetitive at times, but overall, an interesting read.
July 5, 2019
American Red is a great read! I loved that this book had so much historical background while bringing to life the political environment of the time; and still weaving a great story of espionage and love triangles, with a legal twist! Wow! American Red would make a great movie or mini-series!
August 7, 2019
The danger with Historical Fiction is that you have to keep your eyes on the "fiction" part and not assume this is a recording of historical facts. In his defense, the author never makes any attempt to say that "this is what happened." While the actual characters are real, some of the facts were contrived to make a better story. But as the old saying goes ... "never let facts get in the way of a good story."
The book is set in the first few years of the 20th century and the battles between organized labor and the industry owners. Specifically, this was the story “Big Bill” Haywood, president of the Western Federation of Miners and his trial in Boise, Idaho on the murder of the governor of the state. The Mine Owners association had secured the services of the Pinkertons (the "Pinks") as a paramilitary force employed against the union men. In the book, the Pinks were responsible for kidnapping Haywood and spiriting him away to Boise to face trial.
The trial was the most interesting part and took up a great deal of the book. I found myself wondering whether the words of Clarence Darrow were accurately presented from the court recordings. If so, Darrow was one cool dude.
The book had so many historical characters that it made the read fun. Haywood and both a wife and mistress, (who happened to be sisters). He had a spy in the form of a Femme fatale (Clara Capone, cousin Alfonso Capone). The Pinks had their best on the line, including the legendary detective, James McParland. Of course, we can't forget Clarence Darrow, the legendary lawyer.
While Haywood was acquitted (the book doesn't change this), and while he may or may not have been involved the murder of governor Steunenberg, and while he may or may not have been involved in other murders, there is no doubt that he was corrupt. Even though he was relieved of this presidency, the radical union didn't last through the 20th century.
I have always been sympathetic to the labor organizers of the 20th century. My opinion is they laid the groundwork for the prosperous middle class we have today. The unions struggled a bit in the early days as they sought to establish themselves apart from the socialists and communists. This book was written in a time where the organizers were finding their way. Finding their "identity."
This book isn't perfect, and the facts are hammered to fit the plot. But it did cover a fascinating time in our history, and that made it worthwhile.
The book is set in the first few years of the 20th century and the battles between organized labor and the industry owners. Specifically, this was the story “Big Bill” Haywood, president of the Western Federation of Miners and his trial in Boise, Idaho on the murder of the governor of the state. The Mine Owners association had secured the services of the Pinkertons (the "Pinks") as a paramilitary force employed against the union men. In the book, the Pinks were responsible for kidnapping Haywood and spiriting him away to Boise to face trial.
The trial was the most interesting part and took up a great deal of the book. I found myself wondering whether the words of Clarence Darrow were accurately presented from the court recordings. If so, Darrow was one cool dude.
The book had so many historical characters that it made the read fun. Haywood and both a wife and mistress, (who happened to be sisters). He had a spy in the form of a Femme fatale (Clara Capone, cousin Alfonso Capone). The Pinks had their best on the line, including the legendary detective, James McParland. Of course, we can't forget Clarence Darrow, the legendary lawyer.
While Haywood was acquitted (the book doesn't change this), and while he may or may not have been involved the murder of governor Steunenberg, and while he may or may not have been involved in other murders, there is no doubt that he was corrupt. Even though he was relieved of this presidency, the radical union didn't last through the 20th century.
I have always been sympathetic to the labor organizers of the 20th century. My opinion is they laid the groundwork for the prosperous middle class we have today. The unions struggled a bit in the early days as they sought to establish themselves apart from the socialists and communists. This book was written in a time where the organizers were finding their way. Finding their "identity."
This book isn't perfect, and the facts are hammered to fit the plot. But it did cover a fascinating time in our history, and that made it worthwhile.
August 31, 2022
American Red by David Marlett
Fascinating story of not only the west but the miners and the unions. Trains were the mode of transportation back in early 1900's and some control what schedules and locations of the different trains.
After the death of many miners and the court trial where nobody is to blame and no benefits for widows and children, others become concerned and track down, with clues, those who are the culprits.
The Pinkertons are also involved in the clues along the way. Fast paced, many mysteries and you wonder at some point how everything is connected...
Lots of characters and there are some very colorful ones that bring a smile to your face.
Like the aftermath and where everybody is and what happened to them, history of the people involved and the fake ones that really help make this a worthwhile story to read.
Acknowledgement and about the author are included at the end.
Fascinating story of not only the west but the miners and the unions. Trains were the mode of transportation back in early 1900's and some control what schedules and locations of the different trains.
After the death of many miners and the court trial where nobody is to blame and no benefits for widows and children, others become concerned and track down, with clues, those who are the culprits.
The Pinkertons are also involved in the clues along the way. Fast paced, many mysteries and you wonder at some point how everything is connected...
Lots of characters and there are some very colorful ones that bring a smile to your face.
Like the aftermath and where everybody is and what happened to them, history of the people involved and the fake ones that really help make this a worthwhile story to read.
Acknowledgement and about the author are included at the end.
July 1, 2019
This novel is historical fiction on an epic scale. Marlett has created a very readable account of a turbulent time in American history. I had heard of the Pinkerton detectives but had no idea how political the agency was until reading this story. I also learned a great deal about the beginnings of the mine workers' union, its leadership, and the violence involved. Marlett has done his research and provides many details about the time, such as with automobiles and cigarettes.
Readers who enjoy learning about an important time in history while reading a good story will like this novel. The book is very readable and full of information. It's long so set aside a good chunk of time for it.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Providence Book Promotions. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Readers who enjoy learning about an important time in history while reading a good story will like this novel. The book is very readable and full of information. It's long so set aside a good chunk of time for it.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Providence Book Promotions. My comments are an independent and honest review.
July 31, 2019
If you haven’t read Lukas BIG TROUBLE, this fictional treatment of Idaho governor Steunenberg’s assassination might amuse. However, the editing was so bad that I stopped midway having forgiven dropped articles and prepositions which were inferable in contexts; finding reference to Idaho’s “Shake River” (sic) however was an unforgettable flaw that drove me screaming to my library in search of an author who actually gave a fecal mass about the language.
November 17, 2019
So interesting.
Factual and informative history about real people who made a big difference in the events that touched their lives. Wonderful dialog used to open up the story and develop the characters. I waited a long time for this book to become available. I hope Mr. Marlett writes more.
Factual and informative history about real people who made a big difference in the events that touched their lives. Wonderful dialog used to open up the story and develop the characters. I waited a long time for this book to become available. I hope Mr. Marlett writes more.
November 3, 2019
When well written history makes a better story than fiction, you know that you have a winner! American Red is such a book! Although this book is lengthy, it does not bog down as it unwinds the complex events of Idaho history at the turn of the 20th century. This engaging page turner is full of larger than life characters, marvelous descriptions, and a story that truly transports the reader through time. As a book seller, this is my “go to” handsell!!!
July 10, 2019
I received a complimentary copy.
While I would not consider it to be family friendly or up to date with some of the verbiage, this book does put to light some of the older times. I feel like most of what the author writes is still happening in today's world. It is really for more older ages and can lead to some very bold discussions.
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December 1, 2020DNF at 2%. I have no idea if this book is good but the epub format from the library just killed it for me. What a pain to read that way!
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