Done for a Dime by
David Corbett
hbk out October 04
Published by Orion
at £12.99
In 2003 Orion launched their New Blood promotion, introducing nine new crime
writers. David Corbett was one of them and his debut The Devil's Redhead was an
extremely strong first novel. Here, he disproves the maxim that second novels are
problematic, with an excellent thriller that combines a richly atmospheric setting and
compelling story with a patent and infectious love of language.
Ageing blues musician Raymond 'Strong' Carlisle is found shot dead in front of his
house in Rio Mirada and Detectives Murchison and Stluka assigned are to the case. Rio
Mirada is a city on the brink of collapse: riddled with corruption and riven by poverty
and racism. Murchison identifies two suspects: Carlisle's son Toby, also a gifted
musician, who had a stormy relationship with the recalcitrant bluesman; and Arlie
Thigpen, a young thug who had fought with Carlisle just before the killing. But
Carlisle's won't be the only death in the city - someone is playing with fire and has
plans to blow the whole place sky high.
Corbett's story has a brooding, gothic flavour with tragedy looming as events power
towards the climactic set-piece but he marries this with compassion for his flawed
characters, a candid portrayal of contemporary American society and a wicked ear for
dialogue. Recommended.
(
Cath Staincliffe
author of the popular Sal Kilkenny mysteries and the series creator of TV Blue Murder)
Done for a Dime by
David Corbett
