The Devil's Redhead

Great love-mystery-adventure-political commentary story!:
Corbett's writing is exceptional and his story lines not only entertain but get you thinking. I discover him through his second book, "Done for a Dime." I picked it up in a little bookstore in Pacific Grove CA. The jacket described a mystery about a jazz legend in and around the East Bay of SF/Bay Area Ca where I live. Another great story. The "Devil's Redhead," lived up to my expectation in every way.

Disappointed:
This is the first review that I have been motivated to write about any novel.I bought this book based on the reviews posted and I am mystfied how so many people see greatness in this work.The premise is week ,unrealistic and overly violent.I almost gave up on this book several times but continued reading hoping for the story to improve,but it did not.This is the worst novel I have read in many years and a cure for insomnia.If I could give it less than 1 star I would.

Where was the editor?:
I bought this book used. I was surprised to find that someone had kept it in such good shape. It appeared to have been brand new the spine only showed a little wear like they had only read a chapter or two. I sat back in my favorite chair hoping to enjoy the story. I loved the title so much I was sure the book had to be good. My husband warned me I would not find it enjoyable. I wanted to like it, the woman in my craved liking the book written by the widower. My husband got the last laugh as I finally throw the book against the wall angry I wasted good money on this nightmare for grammar teachers The first thing I suggest is fire the editor. By page 13, I was so angry with the editor I wished I could call the author and say FIRE THE EDITOR THEY MISSED A LOT! Page 1 ~He went up to his room--the usual decor, meant to set your teeth on edge--and showered off the road dust, hoping to relax a little from the trip and order a light dinner from room service before heading out.~ What does "meant to set your teeth on edge" even mean, and why the long hyphens? Page 13 ~Glancing over his shoulder, he watched as Shel materialized through shadow at the porch door screen.~ Huh? Page 93 ~After securing the door behind the truck, the twins came front.~ I read the whole page twice just to try to guess what he meant to say in that sentence. I am actually giving this book to my daughter's grammar teacher. I have a feeling it can help them all learn why sentence structure is important and why they need to pay attention to the rules of grammar. Don't read unless you are willing to either skim the book for the storyline which is basic at best or are willing to try to guess what the writer meant by some of his sentences. I kept reading because I got some sick enjoyment out of copying all of his bad sentences in a notebook. I filled a few pages. All I can say is thanks for the laugh! L. Hartline

Listen Up, Girls- This is a Genuine Love Story:
Don't let the slight silliness of the title fool you. This is not your average crime novel. David Corbett is a writer of deep compassion who recognizes that people are not simply good or bad, and that in order for love to be genuine, it does not necessarily have to be healthy. If you are intrigued by exploring the complexities of the human psyche, human relationships, what makes us fall in love, and even what we'll do for love, this is the novel for you. But you'll have to get past a certain squeamishness you might naturally have for descriptions--very vivid, well-written ones at that--of badly decomposing bodies. Whether we own up to it or not, many of us have a fascination with the flawed hero. Some of us might take it to the extreme by writing to inmates on death row, sending them money and declaring they are our soulmates. Others, like me, simply pick up a book like this one to read the steadily calm, yet feverish account of Dan Abatangelo, (whose surname appropriately means 'fallen angel' in Italian)and his redhead, Shel. Apart from the main characters in this tale of love, brutal crime and quasi-redemption, the novel is salted with many other characters, characters we know because they reflect the dark, self-destructive side of ourselves or people we've come across somewhere along the line. In addition, as a writer myself, I can attest to what a Herculean labour it was for the author to pass on his reflections of human nature without becoming maudlin or cliche. The fact that he was a private investigator comes through in his keen observations about peoples' 'little clues' -in their gestures, their chosen words, and even, their haircuts. Apart from all of this, Corbett dedicated this novel to his deceased wife, who passed away far too young and just six weeks after this novel was accepted for publication. And I can't help but think, romantic reader that I am, that there's something of that tragic, but loving experience reflected in his descriptions of his two main characters. Oh, pick it up and read it for heaven's sakes. It'll make you think, alright.

I love this book:
I picked up this book for about 2 bucks at a used book store. I loved it from the first couple of paragraphs, it always kept my attention.