Texas Books

"Crooked Cross Factor" is a well-written fascinating
novel about the efforts to raise a sunken German World
War II submarine that has been lying in cold waters
off the coast of Iceland for more than 25 years. Not
only has this U-boat been there for all that time, but
it contains an undisturbed load of gold bullion. Into
this scene comes a U.S Embassy security chief, thrust
there by a spiraling sequence of events that have been
spearheaded by a mutinous crew of a Russian submarine.
Looking for lots of action, intrigue, even a gorgeous
female Minister of Icelandic Roads? You've got it with
this very entertaining and thrilling plot line.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very suspenseful and so interesting to read all about Iceland. I was totally enthralled with the country and would like to visit it one day. But until then, I can picture it in my mind. Derek Hart did a fabulous job with descriptions.

Great book! It was a fun and easy read. Derek has a wonderful gift of story telling that takes me out of reality and makes me feel part of the adventure. It is very easy to get wrapped up and totally into the story. I also enjoy when I can read about strong female characters who can be more than just a pretty face. Two thumbs up and keep up the good work.

I finished Crooked Cross Factor within days after my arrival in Ireland. The more Guiness I drank the more I enjoyed the novel. It was easy and "FUN" to read, shades of John Grisham. I am most anxious to move on to another Derek Hart novel!

I suggest reading this book before reading "Ride the Wind". It serves as a chronicalled historical foundation before reading the novel "Ride the Wind" that will definitely prepare you for an unimaginable journey into the world of the American Indian of 150 years ago.

This is a compact history ... but it does just what you want - gives what history is known of Cynthia Ann Parker. This is an excellent resource if you are wanting to know about Cynthia Ann Parker from the settler's perspective - the people she left behind, the family she had come from, and the search for her that continued throughout her 'captivity'. The author seems to steer clear of any area of conjecture, such as why Cynthia Ann got shuttled between family members after her return or what may have happened to her pension, and sticks only to documentable history. She also avoided sidetracking into the history of Cynthia Ann's famous son or the other people in her life except for as far as they pertain to Cynthia Ann's life. Focus is very tight, very informative.

On May 19th, 1836 nine-year-old Cynthia Ann Parker, a member of a group of religious families occupying Fort Parker in Texas, witnessed the massacre of friends and relatives by combined bands of Caddos, Kiowas and Comanche warriors. Abducted by the Comanches, Cynthia was raised for the next 25 years as a tribal member and became "fully" Comanche, giving birth to Quanah Parker, the last Comanche Chief and one of the most influential intermediaries of his time, a representative of both the Native American and White cultures. Abducted a second time as an adult by a well-meaning Texas Ranger, Cynthia Ann was forced to return to White society, but mourned deeply for her Comanche family, ultimately starving herself to death out of grief.

Much lore and legend has grown around the story of Cynthia Ann Parker over the years, and it has often been difficult to separate the myth from the reality of her dramatic story. However, Margaret Schmidt Hacker has done just that. Over a period of five years, Ms. Hacker painstakingly researched the archives in Texas, Oklahoma, California and Washington, D.C. and objectively weighed all the accounts of Cynthia Ann's life. The result of her efforts is what is considered the most authoritative book on the subject. Although scholarly, it is at the same time, a gripping drama of the Texas prairies, and very readable by anyone with an interest in the Old West. Highly recommended reading.

Countless folk tales and sagas have focused on the story of Miss Parker, a captive of the Comanches for more than 15 years. Many of them deal only with her years as the mother of the famous Quanah Parker. Author Margaret Schmidt Hacker devoted five years to researching the life of the Cynthia Ann to reveal the history behind the myth. This is the tragic story of the abduction of a nine year old girl who returned reluctantly to white society when she was 24. A fascinating portrait of her life among the Comanches on the Texas frontier.

Well written and entertaining biography of one-time(late 19th century) El Paso Marshall Dallas Stoudenmire. Metz does a nice job of fleshing out just who Stoudenmire was, and the mammoth job responsibilities he faced, as well, as the numerous contraversies surrounding the man. It is a thrilling tale of a gun-slinger of the "old west", who is really lost to history. A virtual unknown compared to Hickock, Earp, Masterson, etc... Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in the history of the 19th century west, history of gunfighters of the same era, or Texas or frontier history. Fun, informative, and worth your time.

lots of new information. Very well written and researched. very entertaining.

This book was well written and easy to understand. Mr. Metz has managed to make this book easy to understand and fun to read, but with much interest. His wordings were excellent; he used adjectives and even described persons or things with vivid colors. He has added some humors to it and it always kept my full attention.

The "4 Deads in 5 seconds" gunfight was the most thrilling. I felt as if I actually witnessed it all and witnessed folks scattered at the very sight of Marshal.

Hollywood should make a movie on Marshal Stoudenmire. I think he's worthy a movie such as it is for Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday in "Tombstone" and "Wyatt Earp".

Leon C. Metz was a great author and storyteller with unique writing humor. This book was based on true events. It was well researched and written. I have absolutely no doubts that Mr. Metz attempts to bring out favorable traits of Stoudenmire in order to help him gain much deserved respect and nationwide recognition. Stoudenmire enforced the laws no differently than Wyatt Earp, Pat Garrett and Elfego Baca. Stoudenmire deserves the same honor. Stoudenmire's period in this town was awfully short, but very colorful. Stoudenmire had no fear, not even guns or death. He was able to outdraw every opponent. He sent his wild bullets to harvest souls and sent men on their last jolting rides to the cemetery. His large structure and deadly reputation were all El Paso needed to send hard-cored violent outlaws whining and putting their tails between their shaking legs into hiding or digging their own graves. Stoudenmire's toughness and courage was no match for the outlaws combined together.

. . .

This book is highly recommended for folks who seek excitement in Wild West justice and a wild marshal to match!

If you're looking for a good teen historical romance(perhaps for a young teen who hates history or reading, or both), then Darcy is a winner. The characters are very well done, the plot is tight, and the description is excellent. I particularly liked Michael, an intelligent engineer with an incredible sense of humor. I wish more teen romances had this kind of smart, witty hero. Actually, I wish more BOOKS had this kind of hero. Darcy really grows and changes in the course of the book, also. The Sunfire series is long out of print, so enjoy this one if you're lucky enough to find it!

I liked reading this book, I'm sure not too many people have, it couldn't be a best seller or anything like that, but it was fun to read, with all that romance thrown in. If you're looking for just a light book to read, not too heavy but fun, interesting, and well written, this is a good one to read.

Darcy is a rebelious teen that get's everything she wants until a terrible hurricane srikes homes, families, and the people she loves. Is the man Darcy loves o.k?

Darcy is a Southern belle in 1900 Galveston, Texas. Wealthy and well-mannered, Darcy has never had to work hard in her whole life. Yet suddenly, a terrible hurricane strikes Galveston. Separated from her family, Darcy must fight for her life, and find her way back to those that she loves.

This mystery is great because you never know for sure who did it until the very end. The characters in the book are delightful as well as comical. It is different from traditional mysteries and very well written.

Neal Barret has a wonderful command of English and he writes dialogue so well you can hear the characters talking. The story is a fast and fun read with a good share of scares and well drawn characters.

For readers who enjoy the novels of Joe R. Lansdale-specifically the Hap/Leonard series-let me introduce you to Mr. Lansdale's mentor, Neal Barrett, Jr., a Texas author who's been writing for well over forty years. I've been aware of Barrett as a SF author since the late Sixties, but it was only a few weeks ago that I finally decided to purchase a couple of mysteries by him. I picked up a copy of DEAD DOG BLUES (though it has "Blues" in the title, this isn't a Wiley Moss novel), read a few pages, and found myself hooked line and sinker. I can easily see how Mr. Lansdale was influenced by the work of Neal Barrett, especially with regards to developing one's sense of dark humor and in being able to create a cast of colorful, off-the-wall characters. This is definitely a novel that's filled with both dark humor and an array of colorful characters that leave you wanting more when the last page is finally reached. DEAD DOG BLUES is the story of Jack Track, a native of Pharaoh, Texas, who left town to go to college and disappeared for fourteen years, living a life of crime part of the time and hiding for the rest by riding the rails. When his Uncle Will gets sick, Jack returns to Pharaoh and agrees to take over his uncle's job as town constable on a temporary basis. It's an easy job for Jack. All he has to do is make sure the downtown stores are locked up at night. Things suddenly change, however, when millionaire Max Croomer's dog is murdered in a rather peculiar fashion. Then, Max's maid, Emma, disappears. When Max is murdered and his body is publicly displayed on the local school's football field, Jack realizes that he has a deadly killer on his hands. What makes matters even worse is that Max's wife, Millie, had a brief fling with Jack when they were teenagers, and now she's showing interest in renewing their old relationship. This could cause Jack some serious problems, especially if his girlfriend, Cecily Benet-the yogurt queen of Texas-finds out. The only one Jack can really count on is his close friend, Earl Murphy, both of which shared a childhood of being poor. Now, Earl is a self-made Wall Street millionaire who lives on the lot next to Jack's. There's no house on Earl's property-only stacks of lumber, brick, shingles, pipes, and a shed filled with power tools. Earl cooks on a camp stove and sleeps in his Aston-Martin Lagonda. Being black, Earl still harbors some hard feelings toward the good citizens of Pharaoh, and it doesn't bother him in the least that a few of them have been murdered. Earl, however, has to take a stand when the killer decides to come after Jack. That's why he keeps a .44 Magnum revolver under the seat of his two hundred thousand dollar car. DEAD DOG BLUES is a surprise of the best sort. Mr. Barrett made the town of Pharaoh, Texas come alive with his vivid descriptions and eccentric characters. Though having done things that are against the law, Jack Track is a strong protagonist that tries to do what's right. His relationship with Earl Murphy reminded me a lot of Hap Collins and Leonard Pine in the Joe R. Lansdale series. These are two men who have a bond of friendship between them that can't be broken, and each is ready to come to the other's rescue at a moment's notice. The women in the story (Cecily Benet, Millie & and Smoothy Croomer) are beautiful, smart, sexy, and know how to make a man suffer in ways that only a female can. The supporting characters rang true to the ear and reminded me a lot of people I knew from the small town in North Carolina where I come from. I will say the Mr. Barrett surprised me with who the killer is in the story. I never saw it coming. Few writers are able to catch me like that. I hope the author will eventually bring back Jack Track and Earl Murphy in a future novel. These guys, like Hap and Leonard, are simply a lot of fun to hang out with, and you never know what they're going to get into. Highly recommended.

If you are a fan of great writing, you must try out Neal Barrett. This "Blues" series is Barrett in top form. After you've torn through these books, check out Joe Lansdale and Andrew Vachss, and while you're at it, track down a copy of Barrett's out-of-print masterpiece, "The Hereafter Gang."

This book should be required reading for every 18 year old girl. A truly compelling story about how we too often judge people by appearances.

William Randolph Stevens, author of DEADLY INNOCENCE, was the prosecuting
attorney in Pima County, AZ, in the 1970's and was responsible for the prosection of Dr. Patrick Henry, a highly intelligent physician, for the attempted murder of his wife, Christina. Henry is one of the more despicable characters you will ever read about (although I'll admit to saying this about half the sleazebags I read about in true crime). He was a man who was able to contol his emotions and to display his normalcy when necessary. He was also cheap, impossibly angry, vindictive, cruelly sadistic, and so cold as to be unimaginable. And was he WEIRD. I don't understand why he got married, though I guess it was his normal side coming out, because he very quicky came to despise his wife and delighted in nothing more than torturing her, both to remain in total control of her and just for his own enjoyment. As one of many possible examples, Christina was freaked out by a certain kind of insect that was common to where the Henrys were living. One night, in an almost unheard of gesture, Pat took Christina out to dinner, though he was so cheap they went to the cafeteria of the hospital where he worked. During dinner he excused himself for about 10 minutes. Upon entering the car to leave, Christina was descended upon by hundreds of the insects, swarming, landing all over her, and getting caught in her hair. Patrick laughed at her all the way home, refusing to stop the car to allow Christina to get out and escape the insects which he had so carefully planted.
Patrick also used to come home from work seething with anger and going into great detail about what he would do to anyone who crossed him. His plans included such things as sharpening a knife on both edges, taking his victim to a swamp (he loved swamps), gouging out his eyes, filling his orifices with firecrackers - small ones so he could stand close to watch - and lighting them, and eventually gutting him with his knife. In his fantasies these sessions might last several days.

He also told Christina that he would kill anyone who ever left him, which Christina finally did after witnessing him mistreat animals and suspecting him of abusing their newborn baby. This started Patrick's intricate and murderous plan which, being meticulous to the point of compulsion and filled with vengeful hatred, he plotted for over 3 years.
The book details the murder attempt, the excellent police work, and the trial and verdict.

It is unusual that I enjoy true crime books written by police or prosecutors. They usually have an amateur feel even if, as is customary, they are ghostwritten. And they are almost always self-aggrandizing making the author the "star" of the book. Another aspect of true crime writing I usually find boring is a lengthy account of a trial.
But DEADLY INNOCENCE is an exception. First of all, though Stevens is a lawyer, he is also a very good writer. The book is credited to Stevens alone and while he plays a major role in the story, particularly in the last half of the book which deals with the preparations for trial and the trial itself, he does not brag. He simply tells a totally fascinating story like a pro. And the lengthy trial section, which in lesser books has sent more than one true crime reader to Tedium City, is the section which pulls the story together and is superb.

DEADLY INTENTIONS is a truly outstanding work of true crime, and it is futher and continuing proof that the genre was considerably better during the 70s, 80s, and early 90s than it is now. You won't want to put it down.

I read the book and saw the movie Deadly Intentions. I believe it but how can anyone be so sick? People like that are a threat for as long as they live.

It's a very good book , here we can even feel the coldness of this young doctor and his terryfied wife .Mr.Stevens did a wonderful work. It really worth reading!!!!

I finished reading, THE DEATH OF A HEALING WOMAN, when I went on a fishing trip. The fish had to wait until the authoress solved the mystery. Once in awhile, I still go back and look for a clue that led up to the gruesome murder. When the one who did the killing was caught I almost cheered at the justice of this person's demise. I won't say when you read this novel, I'm saying you must read this novel 'cause it is being reveiwed by the big reviewers. What I would like for you to do is E-mail who sent the article out of a newspaper in the last chapter. I've other things to do than go back and figure this out! THE BEST MYSTERY NOVEL I'VE READ SINCE SHERLOCK HOLMES! LUTHER BUTLE

Allana Martin's book, DEATH OF A HEALING WOMAN, is a page turner. A current television add states that, "LIFE IS DIFFERENT ALONG THE BORDER." Where the mesquite trees from the United States are divided from the mesquite trees from Mexico by the Rio Grande River, there is a society different from any other place in the world. Here where two cultures clash and clutch each other for life and death, this novel tells about a world where witches live with drug smugglers and horse doctors. I am only half way through with this mystery novel, and my only wish is that the book would never end! I'm wondering if a drug mule, an illegal, or a person who is afraid of the mysterious powers of the healing woman, is the muderer. Even though I have a mean streak, I wouldn't tell you who the killer is even if I knew. It is crulerer for you to suffer the suspense I'm experiencing! Luther Butle

Martin writes with a true feel both for place and for mystery. Her knowledge of the Big Bend area of West Texas is reflected in the accuracy with which she captures the people and lifeways of this interesting borderland. Her tale of the healing woman is both intriguing and resolved with a grimly appropriate resolution. This book will whet your appetite for those that have followed.

I read lots of mysteries, but enjoy the English village murder mysteries the best. This is a welcome addition of the American variety. I also liked this book because the heroine didn't do something stupid that put her in harm's way. It was well written and very enjoyable. I have now ordered her other mysteries.

Sid Underwood has written a very good and well deserved account of the life of Oklahoma's depression era bandit, who has previously been overshadowed by Bonnie and Clyde. True, Raymond Hamilton ran with Bonnie and Clyde, but his crimes were extreme and his life ended in prison. Underwood's book is very readable and will last as a true crime classic.

Excellent, highly readable, well documented biography of Raymond Hamilton, a colorful Texas bank robber of the 1930's. Hamilton is chiefly remembered today as a sometime accomplice of Clyde Barrow but his own criminal career is equally interesting and far more spectacular.

Sid Underwood has written an extremely in-depth account of the Gentleman Bandit. Underwood has traced the history of Hamilton and his cohorts, including Bonnie & Clyde, as well as interviewed many people who have since passed away that knew Bonnie & Clyde, including relatives. Besides giving very detailed accounts pulled from records and the interviews, the book is filled with some great photos. Depression Desperado is both historical and entertaining.

this book is an excellent one about the car stealing bank robbers of the midwest during the depression era.Ray Hamilton probably would have been as famous as clyde barrow if his girlfriend had been better looking and wrote poetry to the newspapers,even if her poetry was like Bonnie Parkers'-the type you observe on gas station restroom walls.Somehow depression era thieves almost always get our sympathy,and while you might not be entirely regretful when Ray takes his seat on "ol sparky,"you could at least wish he would have stayed put in prison instead of escaping so many times.This guy escaped from different prisons so many times i was loosing track in the book.He always tried to avoid any type of gunplay if he could,not like his "buddy"?,Clyde Barrow. Ray tries to come off as a John Dillinger,same smooth style of bank robbery. Barrow sort of comes off as a Baby Face Nelson type,quick on the trigger and probably a sadist as well. It was interesting to note that Ray often recruited for his "jobs"the residents of Depression Era hoboe camps,indeed he stayed there himself many times.there was alot of unemployed desperate people there ripe for any opportunity to make some real money or(depart from the world in a hailof bullets.)Of course Ray liked to keep a suitcase with a nice dress suit with him,ready to change skin like a chameleon.When he finally takes his place on the chair,he wants everyone to know,"I never killed anyone".from reading the book i believe he studiously tried to avoid gunplay.The book also shows well how the life of a fugitive is so expensive with different pay-offs to safe houses,etc. so if anyone out there is looking for Hamilton's unrecovered stolen loot,I can say from reading this book,it was spent before Hamilton got his 6 billion amps.Not only that but Hamilton was probably robbing banks to pay his fugitive bills.If only his girlfriend hadn't had such a flat face,who knows where he could have gone!

I know for a fact that Ben Feinberg has watched over one hundred hours of "I Dream of Jeanie."

But if that's not enough to convince you to buy his book, you might consider the actual subject matter. How do people in small places not overcome by the hegemony of time and space most people reading this website live with conceive of time and space? Feinberg looks at this, dealing with different categories of time and such from the perspective of the Sierra Mazteca. How do you get to Oaxaca de Juarez from Juatla? Where is the United States, and who are these weird tourists?

Read the book for the answers to these questions and more.

I've been interested in the Sierra Mazateca for years-- after spending time there, I read the handful of books written about it, yet felt that there was much more to be said. I was thrilled to discover that last year, someone finally wrote a well-researched ethnography about it. Feinberg's book is packed with fascinating observations and reflections on the way people in the Sierra Mazateca understand and talk about their lives, history, and "culture." I would recommend this book to anyone with a background in anthropology or a similar field who is interested in cultural identity negotiation and "indigenous-ness," Oaxaca, sacred mushrooms, and folklore about devils and caves.

His analysis is brilliant. If you are unsatisfied after reading through once, then I suggest you purchase another copy and read it over again.

I know for a fact that Ben Feinberg has eaten Armour(tm) Potted Meat Food Product.

One could not want a more well-written or interesting book about paleontology and dinosaurs. The quality is supreme, pictures are the best ever, and content is contagious. It makes the reader feel part of the conversation. Finsley's book gives the reader impetus to become an active digger! Charles Finsley is a master of communicating with the printed word. A must read for all ages!

Charles E. Finsley certainly succeeds in in his stated objective of making the story of dinosaurs in Texas into a twentieth-century story. The photographs of fossils as well as the fossil finders are great. The text is informative, comprehensive and slanted for the amateur in search of an overview of the story of Texas dinosaurs.

Mr. Charles E. Finsley give a great picture of the Texas contributions to dinosaur paleontology. Doris Tischler drawings give you not only posture, but feeding habits, behavior and a dynamical perspective of how the Dinosaurs lived. Mr. Langston experience gives a great complement with his participation. If you like dinosaurs, you'll finish this book in just two days! but you'll use it all your life.

Support your local paleontologist. This simple phrase describes much of what is learned from this interesting little book. Within, the reader learns where Texas stands in the search for our dinosaur heritage. Using an understandable geologic timeline, the Mesozoic story is told with a Texan viewpoint. Leading professional and amateur paleontologists are showcased as the significant sleuths in the story of how hard it is to find, prepare, study and display dinosaur fossils. Their personal experience educates the reader to the scarcity and importance of material and the hard work that has accumulated information throughout the generations. Using simple enough language for a child but having enough information for the average reader this book is easy to read and quite informative. Throughout, thought provoking questions and "did you know?" tidbits are added to instill in the reader the desire to go hunting dinosaurs for themselves.