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.

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

WOW amazing historical fiction, highly recommend. Can get a little confusing at times with all the characters, but the story itself is well written and absorbing. Highly recommend for any fan of historical fiction. I didn't expect to like this as much as I did.

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.)

Note: The link to my review on my blog will be live on June 21. The reviews for Amazon and Barnes & Noble will be posted on the publication date.