This books gives a detailed history of the island of Galveston from it's first inhabitants to present day. Unlike some historical accounts this book is a real "page turner," completely absorbing the reader in each different time period from hostile indians to mafia men. The author lays out areas on the island to explore as well as important historical landmarks. He helps one understand the rise and fall of the island's fame and fortune along with it's leading families. I highly recommend it whether you are visiting Galveston or you are just interested in history.

This is simply the best and most entertaining historical study that I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It literally made me laugh out loud as well as tear up several times. I can't say enough wonderful things about this book. It reads like a very well written novel whose topic is endlessly fascinating. I've given it as a present several times since I first read it about 10 or 11 years ago and the recipients have all been as thrilled with it as I've been.

I rarely read history for pleasure ( I lean more towards murder mysteries), but I read this on the recommendation of a stranger in the local library. I was pleasantly surprised at the breadth of content which the author managed to cover in a way that reads like a popular novel. It never gets boring, but I'm sure that I irritated my husband by laughing out loud a time or two and insisting he listen to a few paragraphs. Since I grew up near Galveston and spent days on the beach from infancy to last month, I'm probably biased, but I think this book would appeal to many. Enjoy!!

This book detailing the Fort Worth murders at Cullen Davis's mansion presented excellent background information in every respect but one, and that was Davis's life in college at Texas A&M. Cartwright briefly mentioned that Davis had been in the Corps of Cadets there, and later during one of the trials cussed out the press (explaining, "That's how Texas Aggies say goodnight") -- but there was really no actual detail about Davis's life as an Aggie. What outfit was he in? Who was his fish old lady? Was he a waiter at Duncan, or a member of the fish Drill Team? What position did he hold as a sophomore -- was he the guidon bearer? How about his time as an upperclassman, junior and senior? Was he a first sergeant or commander? Was he a Ross Volunteer? In which dorms did he reside? Why were there no photos of him in uniform, such as a senior boot picture?

These years comprised the foundation of Davis's life, the crux of his persona, yet they were completely neglected in the telling of his story. Let us hope future editions of this book rectify that omission, and provide background about Cullen's formative period in the Corps at Aggieland.

This was a very good book on the T. Cullen Davis murder trials.
Davis was accused of killing his step daughter and the boyfriend
of his estranged wife Priscilla. Cullen Davis was a multiwealthy
oil field person. After being arrested thw trial was granted a change of venue to Amarillo. Here the scene was taken over by legendary trial lawyer Racehorse Haynes. Haynes proceeded to win an acquittal for T. Cullen Davis. This was noted as being a spectacular trial Davis was again arrested for conspiracy to commit murder once again on his estranged wife and a presiding judge. Davis was put on trial twice before being acquitted.This
book gives excellent detail on these outrageous action that occured in Texas. This book is hard to put down. You will enjoy it.

A very interesting story of Cullen Davis, a multimillionaire, who runs several corporations in Ft. Worth. After years of an expensive and bitter divorce, a gunmen enters her mansion, kills and maims. The trial, evidence and defense strategy was intruiging and suspenseful. It is also the beginning of this true story. Don't want to ruin it, so take a read. I highly recomment this book.

Gary Cartwright is a National Treasure. His portrayal of the Federal System is right on the target. Several years ago I was selected to sit on a Federal Grand Jury and came away from that experience with a profound distrust of the feds. Over and over again, in that jury room, we were subjected to lies, misrepresentations (one DEA agent even came in the room, gave evidence, and only upon questioning from those in the room did it come out that he was no where near the incident he just described in such vivid detail. The statute of limitations was about to run out and he was told to read the file and act like he was the arresting officer)and deception. We had a diet of this for 18 months and all of us agreed that these guys can't be trusted. This book bears that out and brought back a ton of memories. If you get in trouble, never trust what they tell you they're going to do if you cooperate, and always get your deal in writing before you talk.

For those who think that the law doesn't make mistakes. For those who want to know how the underworld works, this is the book for you. Cartwright keeps the book going and pulls no punches when it comes to revealing how the government can simply stack the charges on anyone they choose. This book tells of drugs, money laundering, murder, gambling, poor law enforcement performance, and how power corrupts. The author deals in facts, so you can come to your own conclusions about Dirty Dealing.

I liked it so much that I bought the hard copy at a book show and had Cartwright sign it.

This is an excellent book written about the second most famous murder case in Texas(JFK is the most famous). Cartwright does a great job of showing how Judge Wood had no business being a federal judge. Although nobody deserves to be murdered. I read this book in a day and a half and have advised those around me to read it as well.