Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
It's the turn of the twentieth century and industry is surging, yet working conditions have never been more perilous. Larger-than-life figure William "Big Bill" Haywood, the notorious boss of the Western Federation of Miners has become a hero of the American worker, even as his methods make him more than his share of powerful enemies. When domestic terrorists assassinate the governor of Idaho, blame falls on Haywood. But Big Bill is untouchable. Not only is he represented by Clarence Darrow, America's most famous defense attorney, he is well-guarded a thousand miles away in Denver, Colorado, with forty thousand armed men at his call. Though the nation is changing rapidly with exciting inventions (automobiles, airplanes, telephones, and more), the legal system is antiquated, and criminal investigations are the prerogative of private detective agencies loyal only to who pays their bills--most often powerful corporations and wealthy industrialists. To those corporations, the governor's assassination is heaven-sent. Here is their chance to inflict a terrible blow to their greatest enemy: socialist labor unions. To that end the Pinkerton Detective Agency is assigned the task of hanging Haywood. The stage is set, but how can Haywood be brought to trial without sparking a slaughter? Will anyone risk their life to testify against him? Spies, outlaws, gunhands, and profiteers arrive by the trainload. And from the chaos, two young idealists arise, Jack Garrett and Carla Capone--him a spy for the Pinkertons, she for the Federation. As they put their lives on the line, they discover hidden truths--not only about who they work for, but about themselves and each other. The time has come. They must decide what they are willing to sacrifice for others, for the nation and their families. For justice and honor. For love. Tirelessly researched and brimming with the color of America in the early 1900s, American Red is a captivating story of a pivotal moment in U.S. history presented by a storyteller with an extraordinary gift for capturing the sweep, the essence, and the human cost of world-changing events. Praise for David Marlett's first novel, FORTUNATE SON: "A masterful blend of historical fact and detail, of adventure and peril and courtroom drama. This rousing murder-mystery adventure that was the life of James Annesley and his battle to reclaim his stolen heritage in the precedent setting case of Annesley v Anglesea, also gives us the story of the first Kennedys in America." - Vincent Bugliosi, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Helter Skelter "David Marlett sets a wonderful historical novel against beautiful descriptions of Ireland in telling the story of a disputed earldom. Fortunate Son offers rich history, well developed characters, and a unique conclusion." - Christian Science Monitor "I'll be recommending this book far and wide to anyone who loves historical novels and characters who stay in the reader's mind long after the last page." - Views from the Countryside
Synopsis
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 most deadly domestic terrorists in American history, and the detectives, lawyers, spies, and lovers who brought him down.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 are mercenaries for wealthy capitalists, battling socialists and unions--doing 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--and the press, spies, and gunhands pour in.Now, two idealists arise, Jack Garrett and Carla Capone--he a spy for the prosecution, she for the defense. Risking all, they discover truths about their employers, themselves, and each other; and what they'll sacrifice for the nation, for justice and honor--for love. Praise for David Marlett's first novel, FORTUNATE SON: "A masterful blend of historical fact and detail, of adventure and peril and courtroom drama. This rousing murder-mystery adventure that was the life of James Annesley and his battle to reclaim his stolen heritage in the precedent setting case of Annesley v Anglesea, also gives us the story of the first Kennedys in America." - Vincent Bugliosi, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Helter Skelter "David Marlett sets a wonderful historical novel against beautiful descriptions of Ireland in telling the story of a disputed earldom. Fortunate Son offers rich history, well developed characters, and a unique conclusion." - Christian Science Monitor "I'll be recommending this book far and wide to anyone who loves historical novels and characters who stay in the reader's mind long after the last page." - Views from the Countryside
Synopsis
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.The men and women of American R ed 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 Fed- eration 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, bat- tling socialists and unions on behalf of wealthy capitalists, will do whatever it takes to seeHaywood 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 prosecu- tion, 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.