Missouri's Wicked Route 66: Gangsters and Outlaws on the Mother Road

by Lisa Livingston-Martin

Tracing Route 66 through Missouri represents one of America's favorite exercises in nostalgia, but a discerning glance among the roadside weeds reveals the kind of sordid history that doesn't appear on postcards. Along with vintage cars and picnic baskets, Route 66 was a conduit humming with contraband and crackling with the gunplay of folks like Bonnie and Clyde, Jesse James and the Young brothers. It was also the preferred byway of lynch mobs, murderous hitchhikers and mad scientists. Stop in at places like the Devil's Elbow and the Steffleback Bordello on this trip through the more treacherous twists of the Mother Road.

131 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2013

Reviews

[MKF · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though I enjoyed the stories I was really confused by this book. It seemed as if the majority of these stories had no real connections to Route 66. To add to this confusion the author added random photos of Route 66 sites that had no connection to the stories. The author also included a lot of reenactment photos and made sure to tell you that they were reenactment photos in the captions. I surely hope that there are not people who would think they are real.

[Dawn Tessman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of tales about the criminal element in Missouri locations along the old Route 66 highway. I admit that when I started reading and saw the dedication and acknowledgement were largely aimed at the Paranormal Science Lab, I became concerned the book would contain nothing more than sensationalized renditions of historical accounts made spooky, which is not what I signed up for in this case. I was, therefore, pleased to find the ghost hunting adventure aspect was toned down with greater emphasis on the history of the subjects, which was actually quite interesting. Yet, while the stories themselves held my attention, I did not learn anything new about the famous “Mother Road” nor did I see any real connection between Route 66 and Missouri’s outlaws and gangsters other than these individuals may have at some point driven on or near the road or ridden their horses on a trail that eventually may have become Route 66. All in all, if you’re seeking a book filled with the Americana of the famous highway, you’ll have to ‘get your kicks’ elsewhere. But, if you’re curious about the darker side of Missouri, pick up this book - it’s a quick read and the stories make for great water cooler fodder.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few interesting stories mainly of crimes and outlaws in and around the St. Louis, Springfield and Joplin areas. The book isn't very well written, but it's OK. 2.5 stars.