Texas Books

if you are a true Texan...then this is the cookbook for you...the bbq sauce recipe from Rosebud is what I grew up eating as well as the Texas yum yum and the oatmeal cake...This is the BEST EVER cookbook and I will be ordering more to give as gifts!!!

This is one of the best cookbooks I own, and I own a lot of them. I can read cookbooks like some people read novels. The recipes I have tried in this book have all been extremely good. I am buying several to send to friends who live in the North - (they don't know a lot about good Southern cooking!)

If you like southern cooking, this is the cookbook for you. We've tried many of the recipes and have yet to be disappointed. If I could use one phrase to entice you it would be: "Just like my mother used to make". The recipes are simple, easy to prepare and delicious. 'Nuff said.

This is one of the best cookbooks I own, and I own a lot of them. I can read cookbooks like some people read novels. The recipes I have tried in this book have all been extremely good. I am buying several to send to friends who live in the North - (they don't know a lot about good Southern cooking!)

This is a great source for excellent recipes! It is primarily "comfort food" and family tradition type dishes - items which are not usually found in routine cookbooks. I've never made anything from it that was not outstanding. That says alot, since I'm from Texas myself, and a good chicken fried steak or chicken and dumplings recipe is hard to find! I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to make all those "traditional" down home meals but doesn't know how to do it from scratch.

I purchased a copy of the fifth edition sometime last year and keep it on the dash of my vehicle - to have handy while traveling. I found it contains details of local "hidden treasures" that are usually only discovered by the locals of the given community. I loaned it to a friend and now he is ordering his copy.

regards,
mikey kk5sc

June Naylor Rodriguez's 2nd Edition of Texas: Off the beaten Path is not only a book of travel excursions, but also includes Texas trivia and tidbits of Texas history. My favorite part of the book is a chapter called Wildest West Texas. Using the recommendations in the book, my husband and I enjoyed a part of Texas we had always wanted to see and probably would not have known of all the local places to visit had it not been for Rodriguez's suggestions. Without the book we would not have known where to go or what to see. If we had done the Big Bend without this book, I doubt that we would have seen all that we did. Hats off to June Naylor Rodriguez.

If you're planning to travel at all throughout the Lone Star State, this book will be an indispensable guide for your travels.

Sure, we can all find Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, but what about the 11 foot roadrunner in Fort Stockton? Or the statue of Popeye in Crystal City? During the winter you can see migrating bald eagles on Lake Buchanan (where?), and the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is the only place in the United States where you can see a Chachalaca.

If you have a destination in mind, this book will tell you about the attractions and oddities nearby (and Texas has oddities!). If you're undecided about where to go, the book can provide a fun and informative itinerary.

Being Texans by choice, my wife and I frequently take trips around the state. Texas is full of natural beauty and interesting sights. This book helps you fully use and enjoy your time with Texas.

June Naylor Rodriguez's 2nd Edition of Texas: Off the Beaten Path is not only a book of travel excursions, but also includes Texas trivia and tidbits of Texas history. My favorite part of the book is a chapter called Wildest West Texas. Using the recommendations in the book, my husband and I enjoyed a part of Texas we had always wanted to see and probably would not have known of all the local places to visit had it not been for Rodriguez's suggestions. We boarded a plane at Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport and flew to Midland-Odessa. From there we went to Ft. Stockton. We took the books advice and visited the Annie Riggs Memorial Museum on South Main Street. Paisano Pete was there on Main Street to welcome us. We almost didn't eat at Sarah's, the oldest restaurant in town because it didn't lookvery inviting. But since it was in the book we decided to give it a try. It was great! Mexican food at its finest. The owners were so nice and let us take a picture with them. Then we went on down to Marathon and stayed at the recommended Gage Hotel. After the shock of no T.V. wore off we were able to enjoy the atmosphere. Marathon has a population of 800. In the morning we were on our way to Big Bend National Park. Without the book we would not have known to go to Hot Springs, Boquillas, Dagger Flat, Dugout Wells, and the Chisos Basin where we stayed the night at the Chisos Mountain Lodge. Our winding, up and down road, took us to Study Butte and the Roadrunner Deli. My favorite was our stop in Terlingua. I didn't know this was a ghost town. I always thought it was jumping because of the chili cook-off held there every year. An old movie house called the Starlight Theatre Restaurant offered dinner and entertainment. We drove on and looked for the lights of Marfa. In Marfa we visited the El Paisano Hotel which boasted guests such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and John F. Kennedy. It was also the home of Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, James Dean, and Dennis Hopper while they were making the film Giant. Texas trivia from the book stated that in 1996 Martha Stewart was in Marfa for five days working out a barbecue layout for her magazine. Next we traveled on to Ft. Worth and the McDonald Observatory. Everything was more fun because we stayed at the 100-year old Limpia Hotel. We drove from Ft. Davis to the airport and home. If we had done the Big Bend without the guidance of Texas: Off the Beaten Path, we would not have seen all that we did. Hats off to June Naylor Rodriguez.

This book is very handy when searching the back roads for interesting information, buildings, history, etc. of Texas.
I ordered the book as "used" at a substantial savings over the "new" price. The book is actually a new copy of the 3rd Edition. There is now a 4th edition out, and that is probably the reason for the price. The book is full of places I intend to visit that I had no idea existed before.

Shipping from the vendor (Ed Marks) was extremely timely, and I was happy with the condition of the book when it arrived.

The recipes in this book are widely sought after. I love especially the Chicken Fried Steak. The humor and history are very enjoyable.

I was so inspired by this book, that I used it to plan a one week gastronomic vacation in Texas. Using this book as a guide, we got several of my fellow Texans living in Nooooo Yawk City together a scavenger hunt around the Hill Country in search of food, golf and honky tonks using this book as a guide. The record weight gain by a member of our expedition was 8 pounds, which is a pretty strong recommendation for this book. I strongly suggest renting youself a bigass Cadillac or SUV and doing a tour yourself w/ Texas on the Halfshell at your side. Of note, although the authors do mention their propensity to get speeding tickets on their one year drive around Texas, they did not give any details of where the Dept of Public Safety guys were hiding. Watch out for the uncompromising DPS cowboy in Dripping Springs. He will refuse to believe that you haven't been drinking if you've been to Lukenbach, which I hadn't. God Bless Texas!!!!

As previous writer, it is the best TexMex cookbook ever published. I have had my copy since it was published in 1982. Pages have worn out, I have to find another copy. These recipies are not for the squimish, but for people who have a taste for the hotter side.

Wonderful recipes, hilarious comments and anecdotes, nice background information and photos organized by style of cooking: Tex-Mex, chili,barbeque, etc.

Do not use this book if you are looking for nuevo Tex Mex or heart healthy, dietetic fare. I've been using this cook book for over 10 years as my basic, definitive reference for classic recipies. While it is the best book that I have ever seen for its shear number of award wining chili recipies, it is also excellent for salsas, barbeque (dry rubs and sauces), beans (Red Caldwell's Beans-R-Best) and chicken fried steak. Believe everything they say about technique and difficulty of making good Texas barbeque. I have just about worn out my second copy and will soon start looking for my third.

This is another wonderful book by Bittner which puts the reader in the family of early settlers and the heartaches, hardships and life lessons that come their way. She writes with passion and keeps the reader's interest heightened. You will enjoy this book and I recommend that you read Texas Embrace, too.

From the back cover:

Rosanne Bittner's extraordinary talent pulls us into the lives of her characters--the men and women whose spirit settled the Old West. Once again, we live, love, and triumph with them in her towering new saga of a time filled with wildness and adventure...of a man and a woman whose search for their kidnapped children is a journey no reader will ever forget...

Texas Passions

When old enemies of ex-Texas Ranger John Hawkins seek revenge against him and his beloved wife, they steal a treasure beyond price: their young son, Texas, and his little sister, Honor. John and Tess have become pawns in a cruel game meant to lure them into a deadly confrontation. But John, a half-breed known as "Hawk" to many, is not a man to be wronged. And Tess, a daring woman with amazing courage, will stope at nothing to save her children.

Now, with danger at every turn, they bravely follow their son and daughter wherever their cries lead; sacrificing everything to save their family with an indomitable love--one powerful enough to overcome the most overwhelming odds...

And my reivew:

While this was a sequel book (following "Texas Embrace"), it was also one that could stand perfectly well on its own. I hadn't read the preceding book, yet I was never lost or confused.

I am used to reading huge, thick sagas by this author, so this 300 page book went a lot faster than many of her other books. That's not to say it wasn't enjoyable. It was. Bittner did an excellent job of portraying the pain a parent would feel when living the horrible nightmare of having one's children stolen. The talented author managed to do this without letting the book feel too dark or depressing, which is not an easy task.

Both John and Tess were wonderfully strong characters, and they were well-drawn. You really felt as if you knew them by the end of the book.

However, the action part of this book was pretty formulamatic, so don't buy this looking for any shocking plot twists, because there aren't any. However, as a good old gun-fighting western, this book is a hit.

It wasn't the most memorable of books. Other books I can quote chapter and verse after just one read (the curse and blessing of ADD), but this one wasn't one of those.

Still, if you're looking for an enjoyable read, or if you want to catch up on the characters from "Texas Embrace", then this book is for you.

I loved the book, haven't read the first one yet, but will look for it when I go to a used-book store, since it is out of stock on amazon.com. Has another book been written after this, maybe about Ken and Jenny's story? The way Texas Passions ended, there is always hope for another one to follow. I feel I would have done for the bad guys exactly like John & Tess did, she certainly did her part to rescue her babies.

Once again Rosanne Bittner has created a excellant read that you can't put down. For those who haven't read the first book- Texas Embrace you'll want to read it when you finish this one (if not before). This is a great love story about John Hawkins & his wife Tess. But also it is about a parents great love for their children and what each is willing to endure for the other. It is a real tear-jerker (happy tears) along with heart stopping suspense and a good old fashion hero & heroine thrown in to melt your heartstrings. It will keep you up all night reading and then some. If you've never been a reader before, this book (or any of Ms. Bittner's writings) will make you a dedicated fan (of both the author & subject matter) for Life!!

When I purchased TEXAS PASSION, I did not know it was a sequel. It is the continuing story of ex-Texas Ranger John Hawkins and Tessa Reeves. In TEXAS PASSION, John and Tessa have been happily married for nine years and have two wonderful children, Texas and Honor. Their happiness is shattered when an old enemy escapes from prison and teams up with unknown enemy determined to take revenge on the Hawkins. Their children are kidnapped and their old friend, Ken is gravely wounded while trying to protect them. The chase is on and we see John turn from a peaceful rancher to the feared and deadly warrior he once was. John, Tessa and their children struggle through many hardships before they are reunited. The revenge that John takes on those who threatened and hurt his children is brutal and relentless. I couldn't help cheering him on. The family's reunion was heartwarming. I loved the Hawkins so much that I ordered TEXAS EMBRACE, the story telling how it all began. I can't wait. This was a glorious book and I recommend it. You'll love it. Trust me!

I must say, just from flipping through your 2 cookbooks, you seem like a sister to me. Is dad rich?

This is wonderful, and one of the really rare, authentic south texas cookbooks. how I miss eating in zapata and drinking in the little tiger bar! well, now i can make it all at home- many many thanks.....

I have tried many of these recipes and I must say that they are very good and easy to follow. Being from an Hispanic home, I know that these recipes are real and true to the South Texas culture. I also like the format, the main entre with dessert. This cookbook is good for novices also, as she explains everything very well. I highly recommend this cookbook. PS - the Tres Leches cake is wonderful!!

As a mexican, I congratulate Melissa Guerra for the perfect book she wrote. The recipes are easy to follow, delicious and perfectly combined. I would recomend this book to everybody who enjoys cooking and tasting new dishes!!! When is the next one coming out?

This best is the best cook book i own. Not only are the recipes wonderful but the easy step-by-step directions makes me the master of my kitchen. Way to go Melissa Guerra, when's the next book coming out.

If you want a true taste of Mexico and Texas, this is no Taco-Bell substitute. This is the real thing. The writing is great and informative and the receipes are writen for the real cook. Loved the snapper recipe and the drink combinations.

This book was recommended to me by a friend who knew I was interested in the natural history of Texas. Smoothly and cleverly written,Gayne Young's book is both informative and entertaining. I have given several copies as gifts, even to friends who don't hunt. I hope there will be more from this author.

Although I am not a hunter, there were always hunters in my family. I found the book very interesting and Mr. Young's stories are so funny, I found myself laughing out loud. I gave several copies of the book to the young men in my family for Christmas.

If you've ever thought about hunting in texas, this is a must have. Its a great read, and a perfect reference for anyone in or interested in the lone star state. It has a little bit of everything,from humor to history, and its brilliantly put together. Texas is the most diverse state in the country to hunt or to explore, this book helps from everything to terrain, to poisonous critters and much more. pick it up and get huntin'

I just completed Mr. Young's book, Texas Safari: The Game Hunter's Guide to Texas. Having taught history for several years and still having an abiding interest, I was glad to see the combination of hunting and historical information. I don't know where he found this information but really enoyed it and he has some humor in it to balance it out. Great read!

This was one of the better hunting books I've read in the past few years. I especially liked the historic anecdotes about hunting jaguar and grizzly in Texas.

wide variety of trees in Texas. only drawback is the black & white drawings rather than color renderings or photos. but for the price, it's a good little book.

Well organized, the text fairly glows with the authors enthusiasm for the subject.

It's really well organized and written.

THe only way I can see to improve it is lots of colro plates..

I wish they'd write a book just like it on edible plants of texas.

If you are interested in trees and live in Texas, this is the ONE book you must have. So often you have to buy a Western U.S. book for West Texas and an Eastern U.S. book for East Texas - and you still don't have all the trees in the Rio Grande Valley that are primarily Mexican.

The book is clear and easy to use. Even better, it gives interesting tidbits about each tree's range and habits in Texas, including the location of the largest known example in the state.

Highly recommended!

Ever wonder what kind of tree you're looking at? If you're in Texas, you can't miss with this book.

The book includes a map of soil types (with its natural diversity, Texas could be a country in itself!) and follows it with general drawings of leaves. Compare the leaf you see to the drawings in the book and you're sent to a tree family. From there you simply find the tree from more detailed drawings and area maps. It's easy! I am now considered a tree guru.

What else? Look through the book and find which trees will do best in your area, their size and flowers, virtually everything the homeowner, naturalist, or budding naturalist needs or wants to know.

When hiking our many parks and wildscape areas, other naturalist books stay home. This book comes with me...it's great!

Patty Leslie Pasztor and Paul Cox are two of the great gurus of native plant life in Texas. And they are just as friendly as this book is. I have many Texas native plant books on my shelf, but this if my first "go to" volume. I especially love Patty's ethnobotany commentaries. They add a great breadth of understanding to Texas human history, as well as its natural history.

The novel follows the trails of Jake Chalk, a young settler conscripted into the Texas Militia in 1838, and his bitter enemy, Black Wolf, a Caddo war chief. Both are driven by revenge and their inevitable confrontation becomes a mutual obsession.

Jake meets and fights beside many men for whom several of today's North Texas counties, cities and universities are named. While coming of age, Jake grows to be a fierce Militia fighter, courts a beautiful young woman, helps build a frontier fort and is instrumental in settling a new city named Dallas.

More than a western novel and written in the entertaining, historical docudrama style of John Jakes and James Michener, Three Forks: a Novel of Texas tells the exciting story of the events preceding the settlement of North Texas, and the founding of Dallas in 1842. The novel takes the reader back in time to walk among and meet the famous historical figures who helped build Texas in the 1830s and 1840s.

Researched in many cases to the original document level, the novel not only details the history of an area once called "Three Forks," but also provides perspective on the fascinating historic events that occurred throughout the Republic of Texas, and led to its subsequent acceptance as a US state.

Three Forks, named for the confluence of the three main forks of the Trinity River, was a huge block of land in North Texas that today is larger than thirty-six individual US states in population, and nine states in geographical area. It is the home of the world's largest airport, and includes major US cities such as Dallas, Fort Worth and their rapidly growing surrounding cities.

Despite the significance of this area, its fascinating history, spanning 1836 to 1846, is frequently overlooked. This period follows the fall of the Alamo and the Texans' victory at San Jacinto, which leads to freedom from Mexico. As a result, The Republic of Texas is formed - an entire country separate from the United States. The period ends as Texas achieves US statehood, and the US goes to war with Mexico.

Even more overlooked in this period are the conflicts between the Texas Militia in Northeast Texas and many Native American tribes. Brutal attacks by both sides result in many deaths. Terror reigns throughout North Texas settlements and Native American villages. The dispute is over Three Forks, with its beautiful forests, rolling green hills and grassy plains.

Tom Marlin's experience and renown as an artist presents itself in his writing. Through well-crafted prose and dialogues from many cultures, he paints word landscapes and panoramas similar to those found in the works of Zane Gray. Despite the serious drama of military battles and human conflict, romance and humor permeate a revealing story that will both entertain and inform the reader. The novel also contains nine fully illustrated maps

Initially, I thought this was a story about times preceding the settlement of Dallas but I found it to also be a saga of westward expansion in the US (the culmination of which was the destruction of Native American cultures during the 19th century).

I was delighted to read not only a good solid story, but see the characters evolve with real emotion and motivations. A fairly difficult task for accomplished writers, the author ups the ante with a historically based setting. What I liked is that these aren't the cardboard characters you find in so many well conceived but poorly executed pieces of historical fiction, where characters only exist to fulfill their 'historical significance' and are discarded to the annals of history.

Stories that take the time to weave a good tale are one thing but when the author follows it up with what appears to be very detailed research to base the story upon past events in real locations (in addition to showing the effects of the real issues of day to day life in the time period) you know you've got something special. This book is going to be one tough act to follow, but I trust the author welcomes and rises to the challenge.

I suspect I'll be let down by the fact that the author is incapable of crafting his tales as quickly as I can read them. If you're reading this Mr. Marlin: START ON ANOTHER BOOK NOW.

Ok, so I grew up on the Lone Ranger and more of the stereotypical "good guys wear white hats" kind of western. I had written off the genre for the most part until I read some L'amour and thought I'd give this a shot as well. (Apparently there's a lot of really bad stuff out there and have been told I lucked out when I found L'amour.)

Keep in mind that my usual reading is stuff by Phillip K Dick, Bruce Sterling, and William Gibson, so you could definitely say I'm a fish out of water in regards to this genre.

Imagine my surprise when I saw not only a good solid story, but character development and...what's that? historically based. Stories that take the time to weave a good tale are one thing but when the author does the research to base the story upon past events in real locations AND deftly shows the affects of the real issues of day to day life in the time period....WOW.

I had never thought of "cowboys" like that before. It's my belief that if you like L'amour, you'll like Marlin.

Thanks for a great read, Mr. Marlin.

The novel follows the trails of Jake Chalk, a young settler conscripted into the Texas Militia in 1838, and his bitter enemy, Black Wolf, a Caddo war chief. Both are driven by revenge and their inevitable confrontation becomes a mutual obsession.

Jake meets and fights beside many men for whom several of today's North Texas counties, cities and universities are named. While coming of age, Jake grows to be a fierce Militia fighter, courts a beautiful young woman, helps build a frontier fort and is instrumental in settling a new city named Dallas.

More than a western novel and written in the entertaining, historical docudrama style of John Jakes and James Michener, Three Forks: a Novel of Texas tells the exciting story of the events preceding the settlement of North Texas, and the founding of Dallas in 1842. The novel takes the reader back in time to walk among and meet the famous historical figures who helped build Texas in the 1830s and 1840s.

Researched in many cases to the original document level, the novel not only details the history of an area once called "Three Forks," but also provides perspective on the fascinating historic events that occurred throughout the Republic of Texas, and led to its subsequent acceptance as a US state.

Three Forks, named for the confluence of the three main forks of the Trinity River, was a huge block of land in North Texas that today is larger than thirty-six individual US states in population, and nine states in geographical area. It is the home of the world's largest airport, and includes major US cities such as Dallas, Fort Worth and their rapidly growing surrounding cities.

Despite the significance of this area, its fascinating history, spanning 1836 to 1846, is frequently overlooked. This period follows the fall of the Alamo and the Texans' victory at San Jacinto, which leads to freedom from Mexico. As a result, The Republic of Texas is formed - an entire country separate from the United States. The period ends as Texas achieves US statehood, and the US goes to war with Mexico.

Even more overlooked in this period are the conflicts between the Texas Militia in Northeast Texas and many Native American tribes. Brutal attacks by both sides result in many deaths. Terror reigns throughout North Texas settlements and Native American villages. The dispute is over Three Forks, with its beautiful forests, rolling green hills and grassy plains. Tom Marlin's experience and renown as an artist presents itself in his writing. Through well-crafted prose and dialogues from many cultures, he paints word landscapes and panoramas similar to those found in the works of Zane Gray. Despite the serious drama of military battles and human conflict, romance and humor permeate a revealing story that will both entertain and inform the reader. The novel also contains nine fully illustrated maps.

For his first novel, Tom Marlin has captured my interest. The story line is skillfully interwoven with glimpses into the history and culture of the DFW Texas area in the middle 19th century. Many real names and places are used in the story which make it seem almost like a documentary of the struggle for territory between the native Americans and the settlers. Two main characters emerge; Jake Chalk, a young rancher who finds himself involved in efforts to protect the settlers from Indian attacks and to capture the other main character, Black Wolf, a young Caddo chief who seems to be bent on continuing the hostilities. The more the story unfolded, the more I was drawn into it trying to anticipate what would be coming next. Would Melody and Jake eventually marry? Would Black Wolf recover his sacred obsidian knife? The ending was exciting and surprising enough to rate a five star for me. There are still some unanswered questions which may be sufficient material for a sequel which I hope is coming soon.

I was drawn in instantly, it was like I was there too, watching and hearing every thing that was happening right in front of me. Really shows how life was back then. Being a native Texan it was particulary interesting that this was a Texas story. Makes me feel like I knew Tom P. personally. A must read!!!

I have some personal knowledge of Tom P. Varnell. According to family research, he is a very distant cousin of mine. This book really brings the story to life. The book is so well written, you feel like you are there, sharing in all of the problems that Tom P faced. I bought two books, one for myself, and one as a gift. I have had so many requests to loan this book that I am going to order another from Amazon. I wouldn't part with my personal copy.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in life as it was around the turn of the 19th century.

I can't wait for Sherri Knight's next book to come out, as I am sure that it will be as interesting as this one is. Tom P's Fiddle - A True Texas Tale

Many of us would like to know what our ancestors lives were like. If we are lucky, we have relatives alive to tell the tales. But like the game of gossip, the tales differ from relative to relative, and a kernel of truth is in each story, but not the whole truth.

Sherri Knight has meticulously pulled together family stories and researched dilligently to find that kernel of truth and in doing so, has written the story of one man's life in the late 19th century. It reads as though we are the crowd watching the events as they unfold before our very eyes. We are the neighbors, the jurists, the lawmen, the womenfolk, who are seeing the events that are set in motion, when in a youthful moment of indiscretion, shots were fired.

Sherri Knight made me feel like I was living during the time of Tom P. The book read absolutely fantastic!! The entire family seemed so real that I just hated finishing the book. It seemed like I was leaving friends behind. The land and the times are particularly well portrayed. Just reading about Tom P made me want to have been able to travel back in time to that era! Thank you Sherri Knight for making 19th century Texas come so alive!!

I discovered this book when it became a finalist for the North Texas Book Festival Book Award for Non-Fiction. As a 6th generation Texan, I'll admit the cover drew me to this True Texas Tale. However, I'm a noted critic that authors fail to do justice to our frontier way of life and our rich, unique vernacular. Hollywood always seems to have a cursory presentation. But Sherri Knight's prose effortlessly drew me into the world of our ancestors, where life was as tough and gritty as our language.

I found the compelling story of Tom P Varnell populated with strong, engaging characters that often had to rely on their own sense of justice on the frontier. I was so drawn into Tom P's world that by the end I desperately wanted to reach across time and space and spend the afternoon at the Varnell ranch sipping a cup of Arbuckle with Docia. With the complete immersion that I found in Ms. Knight's illustrative prose, I really did find the next best thing.

When I went to Google to learn more of Tom Ps story on my own, imagine my surprise to find Sherri Knight had a complete blog that detailed her journey into Tom P's world. I was astounded by the vast amounts of research executed by this author. I highly recommend a visit, as you will be richly rewarded with vast amounts of supplementary materials and photos. I need not be a skeptic when it comes to Sherri Knight, she knows her history and she knows her Texas!

On May 16, 1991 R. Scott Dunn, then 24 vanished. The only person who appeared to have any insight as to his whereabouts was the gruesomely named Leisha Hamilton, with the equally gruesome personality as reported in this book.

Scott, then 24 was highly regarded for his proficiency at electronics and repair. He took great pride in a restored Chevrolet Camaro, which he named "Yellow Thunder."

In 1991-92, Scott, who was living in Lubbock Texas at the time was engaged to be married. However, he was living with Ms. Hamilton who sounded like a master manipulator. She called Scott's father, Jim to inform him that his son was missing. Each encounter she had with Jim and local law enforcement people was an exercise in manipulation and cruel, inappropriate comments. Although she claimed to be in love with Scott and expressed pleasure at sharing an apartment with him, she was actively involved with another man and even tried to lead authorities to suspect him as being involved in Scott's disappearance.

Jim Dunn is a man one can respect. He is to be commended for his dogged persistence and untiring diligence in working with law enforcement and the Vidoq Society. It is through their hard work that they were able to bring Leisha Hamilton to justice, although Scott's body has not been recovered at the time of this review.

Mike & the Mechanics' 1989 song "The Living Years" which is about fathers and sons appears to underscore this book very well. It was truly heartwarming to read about a father and son who loved and had respect for one another.

My heart goes out the Scott Dunn's family. The terror, frustration and then grief for all these years must have been horrible. It is about time that victims and their families should have as many rights as people who are suspected or actually commit crimes. I live in Lubbock and cannot believe that a jury could believe Smith could have been part of the murder or cover-up and still let him loose on the streets. I hope that some day the Dunns will know what happened to their son or at least where he is.

This book reads like a fiction mystery novel, it keeps you on edge and you just can't wait to see how it turns out.

Jim and Scott Dunn have a very good, long distance father-son relationship. They talk frequently by phone.

Scott is an attractive 24 year old young man who had learning problems in school. However, he is a wiz at installing stereos and restoring old cars. He loves his cars and he excels in his job.

Scott had recently called his dad to tell him that he was in love and had just become engaged to be married to Jessica.

Then, Jim gets a call from Leisha, who tells him Scott has disappeared, leaving his most prized possessions, his car which he had named Yellow Thunder, and a boat. When asked who she is, she says "Oh, I have been living with Scott for a while". Jim is in shock. He has never heard of her.

Who is Leisha? How does she figure in Scott's disappearance?

Leisha is a woman who manipulates men to do what she wants, she plays one against another. She lies when it suits her.

Jim vows to find his missing son, but soon he begins to expect foul play.

Jim is a determined father, trying to solve this mystery. He prods police and other experts, to keep the investigation alive. He never quits. He is determined to find his son, dead or alive.

There are lots of technical data and lots of tedious facts, but the book is never boring.

Scott Dunn was a wiz at fixing up cars and installing stereos in them, and he took special pride in his own "yellow submarine." Surely he wouldn't have left town without it? But his father, Jim, hadn't heard from him in some time. When he rang up the boy at home, a strange woman answered the phone. Thus begins the true-crime puzzler TRAIL OF BLOOD.

Poor Scott was only 24 when he met Leisha, the sort of woman who pops up in noir movies in the late 1940s to destroy the men who loves her. Leisha was seeing a few other guys on the side, just to keep her hand in, but she hated being rejected.

When Jim came to see the house she shared with Scott, he wondered why she had a big couch right over a patch of carpet and why an afghan was covering the spots the couch could not. Once you pulled up the afghan and moved the couch, you could see where a huge section of the wall-to-wall carpet had simply been hacked out. And Leisha pretended she had never noticed this before!

Local police and the DA said to Jim, "Sorry about your son, but without a body there is no case." He was in despair until he turned on the TV and happened, just happened, to see a profile of the mysterious "Vidocq Society," about which I will say no more.

The book tells a lot about fathers and sons and it's a sort of plea to sons to keep in better touch with their fathers, and also to fathers, it gives the wise advice that you should cherish your son while you can, he may not be with you forever.

Trail of Blood tells the story of the murder of Scott Dunn, and how the mysterious Vidocq Society was able to help Texas law enforcement bring his killers to justice even though Scott's body was never found. This is a great book not only for the technical details and the ins and outs of the legal system, but also for all the fascinating people involved. The victim, Scott Dunn, was a talented guy with a magnetic personality. His killer Leisha Hamilton is a psychological case study with an amazing ability to manipulate and lie. Scott's father, James Dunn, doggedly pursued justice even when it seemed like there was nothing the police could do. Finally, the Vidocq society's forensic psychologist provides insiight into the criminal mind of Scott's killers.

Trail of Blood is a great read, and sure to satisfy anyone with an interest in true crime stories.