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 of SouthwestBlend.com’s 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.

Jan Cleere
Author and freelance writer Jan Cleere writes extensively about the desert southwest, its unique characters, creatures, and vegetation. Her work appears in numerous regional publications such as Arizona Highways Magazine, Chronicle of the Old West, and more. Jan’s first book, ‘More Than Petticoats: Remarkable Nevada Women’, was a 2006 WILLA Literary Award finalist, and a 2006 Arizona Press Women's literary competition finalist. The Nevada Women's History Project elected Jan to its Roll of Honor for "her significant contribution in the preservation of Nevada's women history." Her second book ‘Outlaw Tales of Arizona: True Stories of Arizona's Most Famous Robbers, Rustlers, and Bandits’, was recognized nationally in 2007 as winner of the National Federation of Press Women's literary competition for historical nonfiction. She has just released her third book ‘Amazing Girls of Arizona: True Stories of Young Pioneers.’

To find out more about Jan Cleere -Click here.