Book Review: The Devil's Redhead

Reviewed By: Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

The Devil's Redhead     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
David Corbett
Class/Genre:   Mystery
2002, Ballantine, 373 pages/ $24.95

Dan Abatangelo is not your normal protagonist. While one of the things that define him is the fact that he is an amateur photographer, the thing that grabs your attention is that he makes his money smuggling marihuana. At least until he gets popped and sentenced to ten years. But it’s the post ten years in prison that make this story really interesting.

Dan’s girlfriend, Shel, did less time in prison and after getting out ended up with a man named Frank Maas who is a bit of a loser. Actually, calling Frank a loser is like calling a long island iced tea a cocktail, it doesn’t seem a strong enough name. Dan gets out of prison and after setting himself up in San Francisco he decides to find Shel. He has a letter that makes it appear things could be better. Upon finding her Dan ends up getting tangled up in Frank’s latest batch of trouble. And this batch involves Meth dealers, the Mexican mafia and a large group of men who are all at least a little psycho.

The thing that really holds the story together is Dan’s love for Shel, and hers for him. It’s not always in front of what is going on, but it's there through out. It gives the book a big heart. It made me think while I was reading it about just how far I would go for someone I loved. The conclusion is like a tidal wave slamming into an unsuspecting beach house, fast and powerful. And just like a real storm, even when you see it coming at you, you still aren’t prepared for what’s going to hit.

A great book, the first of which I hope will be many from Mr. Corbett.

Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM