American Lightning

AMERICAN LIGHTNING is the true story of the adversarial meeting of three of the most influential men of the early twentieth century: William Burns, founder of the Burns Detective Agency; Clarence Darrow, the brilliant lawyer; and D. W. Griffith, the pioneer of the film industry. All come together on opposing sides of the bombing of a right-wing Los Angeles newspaper. Narrator John H. Mayer adds an element of fascination to this historical story. He manages to impart character in his interpretations of the many unique personalities, and his passionate discourse gives a cinematic feel to the work. By far, the most fascinating aspect of the book is that all the characters are flawed--that is to say, human. M.S. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

Starred review from November 24, 2008
This fabulous tale by acclaimed investigative journalist Blum relates the events of October 1, 1910, when the Los Angeles Times
building was bombed. America's greatest detective, William J. Burns, hits the scene to investigate and uncovers a massive plot by labor activists who will eventually be defended by Clarence Darrow and documented by legendary filmmaker D.W. Griffith. The story is entertaining and thoroughly engaging tale, and will have film and history buffs clamoring for more. Luckily, John H. Mayer's narration is equally engaging. Mayer reads with an air of old Hollywood: brisk, crisp and always attractive. The result is a true tale that reads like a superbly crafted novel and one that cries out for repeated listens. A Crown hardcover (Reviews, June 9).