Outlaw Tales
of Arizona
written by Jan Cleere, reviewed by Nancy J. Reid

This book is a collection of true stories about Arizona's most famous robbers, rustlers and bandits. Jan Cleere researches each story, looking for evidence to ferret out what is myth and what is truth. She presents each story in an easy-to-read manner that draws you into the drama of each outlaws life--letting you see the personality and character or each.

The "old west" was an exciting era with day-to-day dramas being lived out in the harshest of environments. The people were tough and independent--many times taking the law into their own hands. Jan does an excellent job in bringing these stories to the reader as entertainment, while pointing out details and facts that give you a better understanding of the "old west" times. Outlaw Tales of Arizona presents the stories of The Wickenburg Massacre; Frank Nashville "Buckskin Frank" Leslie; The Grime/Hawley Heist; James Addison Reavis; Charles P. Stanton; The Apache Kid; Wham Paymaster Robbery; Augustine Chacon; James Fleming Parker; Albert Wright "Burt" Alvord and Pearl Hart.

If you love the "Old West" and the outlaws of yore, this is a great addition to your library.

To hear Jan's interview from an excerpt from Champagne Sundays Southwest History Radio Show that aired April 27, 2008, please double click on the Play Button below. To hear the entire, unedited show, click here.


Please note – on the show, co-host Lisa Smith mentioned that Lorenzo Oatman was in the Yuma Territorial Prison. This was incorrect, he was a Fort Yuma, where Olive Oatman was released, and the two were reunited.