Outlaw Tales of Washington

by Elizabeth Gibson

Stories of well-known and little-known outlaws and crimes from Washington's history. From rustlers and robbers to crimes of passion, this book offers entertainment and an unusual look at history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

177 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

About the author

Elizabeth Gibson of Kennewick, Washington, began a career as a freelancer writer when she researched place-name origins in eastern Washington. Her interest in history prompted her desire to bring to light the largely undocumented and unstudied outlaws of Washington.

Reviews

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is exactly what I expected from the title. Also it was just fascinating to read about how sometimes people get away with their crimes for awhile. My favorite was the last story of the book, however there was also a story about a guy who escaped prison and led the authorities on a long man hunt and everywhere he went he forced his hostages to make him a meal of some kind!

[Bob Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book a lot of interesting stories about nefarious crooks, culprits, and just bad hombres. Most of them from the north west part of the state. The author does a good writing about them.

[Connie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover of this book looks a bit corny, which fits with the sometimes dry humor inside. These criminal characters, in fact, deserve this cover and belonged in a very different world.

What crazy stories these outlaws lived! Some were serious serial killers, some are clever businessmen who weren't violent, some just lost it. One was connected with Butch Cassidy.

I had no idea of any of these stories, even those close to my home. I appreciate the details of locations for future investigative treks, and think it would have been fun if each outlaw had had his/her own map of major journeys and homes. (I didn't particularly need all the names listed (including witnesses), but I think it's great for those who are researching.)

Recommended for Northwest history buffs and/or those who enjoy reading true crime.

[Arrie Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written well and held my interest. Learned quite a bit. I liked that the author was concise and to the point. I read it in a few hours. Maybe some maps and more photos of areas discussed. 3.8 is my actual rating, but Goodreads only let's you pick between 5 stars.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by how well put together and informative this book was about the Pacific northwest. The stories held my interest all the way through the book.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I'm not from Washington (it was a gift from a Washington friend) I found the stories interesting and fun to read.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outlaws hiding in the Horse Heaven hills?!

[Melinda Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting read surprised by all the outlaws in the Northwest.

[Kristen Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book delving into some of Washington's not-so-inspiring past. The book was well written and is a good read.