Evil Down In The Alley: A Novel

By David Michael Donovan

A deadly chlorine release at a chemical plant puts in motion events which could culminate in the death of every man, woman and child in the poor, black community of Hope, Louisiana..... unless... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0966925939
• ISBN13: 9780966925937
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: J-D Publishing Company
• Length: 438 Pages
• Weight: 1.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

This was a great book with lots of objectivity!!!

This book is great reading for anyone who lives in or knows of anyone living in the so called "corridor." The book addresses a subject that is a source of fear for many people living in this region and focuses on it from a very objective view point, all the while providing action and romance.

The Pre-Eminent Eco-Thriller Written to Date!

As a practicing environmental engineer and native New Orlenian (who used to work directly for the industries in "Cancer Alley"), I can say with some authority that Donovan has weaved a tale of intensity and realism that defines many of today's environmental issues in the region. His blending of sound character development and careful (but not overdone) definition of technical issues which are key to understanding the plot make Evil Down in the Alley a superb read for everyone. Many of the characters vividly remind me of real folks with industry and state government whom I used to deal with back in Louisiana. Donovan's portrayals of various New Orleans "nuggets" were very accurate and painted welcome images of many of the Crescent City's places and culture (including those wonderful sloppy roast beef po-boys at Parasol's!). He does an excellent job of painting his characters as good and evil and in-between, and the mental tug-of-war that often takes place within those that are charged with protecting our nation's environment. This is one of the best books I've read in many years, and it clearly forces A Civil Action into the "back seat" of noted works in eco-thrillers. Evil is the perfect mix of characters, plot, suspense, murder, mystery, and romance. This outstanding work is more than movie-worthy, so I hope that Hollywood takes notice.

A fascinating and must read

The characters are very believable and the plot makes for plenty excitement and suspense. I would love to read other books by this author.

an "eye opening" story

I happened to meet David Michael Donovan, the author, at a book signing at the Barns and Noble in New Orleans. To say the least, our conversation was "eye opening." Clearly, Donovan is an expert in the environmental field. He can easily and comfortably convey the underlying facts behind the difficult issues that the Chemical Industry and Environmental community are so much at odds over. And, to his credit, he does so in a way that substantiates the necessity of both side's convictions. So I purchased the book and discovered, to my delight, it was an excellent read. The characters were real and the situations crafted by Donovan were both possible and plausible. As for his settings, I can assure readers that he has perfectly captured the feel of Southern Louisiana, along with the color, smell, taste and eccentricities of New Orleans. And it's an education.Because of the scenario Donovan constructed, I now know the potential hazards of the contents of the black tank cars that roll behind my home. These potentially deadly tanks roll along every railroad track in the United States. It does make one wonder.Needless to say, I found the book an entertaining and enlightening read which, once started, must be finished. The author told me he is working on a sequel, but he wouldn't divulge any of the story. I am looking forward to it and to the movie version of Evil Down In The Alley, it's sure to make a great movie. .... Jim L.

An exciting eco-thriller that will have you on your toes.

evil down in the alley is an excellent book. It was so exciting that I could hardly put it down. As a native New Orleanian, I know about "Cancer Alley," but I did not realize the danger of the chemical plants on the environment. David Michael Donovan delivers the perfect blend of mystery, comedy, romance, and excitement that one does not realize they are learning about the "boring" environment and chemical plants lining the Mississippi River in Southern Louisiana. I highly recommend reading this intense eco-thriller, evil down in the alley.