Redeye Hardcover – Large Print, October 1, 1995

Not the best of his works. Try Raney or Walking Across Egypt to know why there are Clyde Edgerton fans who will even read Redeye: A Western. And don't ever miss an opportunity to hear him talk and tell tales.

It must be said at the outset that "Redeye" is not only slim but lightweight, and its storyline a fragile structure indeed. Having said that, I have nothing left but praise for this book. Edgerton deftly weaves together an adventurous present in 1892 Colorado, a tragic past from 1857, and a framing text from 1915, by which time historic sites and scenic grandeur have degenerated into new ways to separate the unwary tourist from his money. He draws his characters, from the sweet and naive to the most dastardly, with a light and loving touch. He knows and appreciates his setting, and can instill this appreciation in his readers. He has worthwhile things to say on important matters--multi-ethnic society, the role of archeology, the profit motive--but makes his points without being moralistic or pedantic. And, oh yes, the man can be very funny. Edgerton knows what he's about, and has the talent and humanity do it well. An evening with "Redeye" is time well spent.

The author creates a cadre of unusual and often humorous characters joined in a little mystery and surprising intrigue. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I loved Raney and Walking Across Egypt, but only got 60 pages into Redeye.The situations and characters are intended to be odd and humorous, in the wry manner Edgerton does so well - and yet I wasn't laughing. Could be me or my current mood - the writing is good and clever - but Redeye didn't do it for me.

I found this book an entertaining read. There is more to it than that, but you can enjoy it on any level you like. It offers good prose, a plot that moves along at a comfortable pace, and an interesting historical setting. This is my first exposure to Clyde Edgarton but it will not be my last.

I enjoyed the novel but it was not Edgerton' s best work. He writes better when he tells fanciful tales about North Carolina.

The story was a little unbelievable at times, especially the account of the first showing of the mummies from the caves.The characters were described with clarity and humor.This is the first book of Edgerton that I have read and I am unfamiliar with his style of satire.