Manhunter: Frank Hamer, Texas Ranger

by Gene Shelton

Best known as the Texas lawman who played the major role in bringing down Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow on May 23, 1934, Frank Hamer was already a legend before that bloody shootout in Bienville Parish, Louisiana – the final act of a long and courageous career. There is more to Hamer’s story than the ambush of the two outlaws. His career spanned the times of western law enforcement from horseback and Winchester days to the invention of the telephone and automobile. During that time, he built a reputation as an incorruptible lawman, fearless, a good man with a gun whether on horseback or behind the wheel of a Ford V8, or facing a violent mob. He survived 52 gunfights and 23 bullet wounds.

Genres: Historical Fiction

485 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2017

Reviews

[Andy Herzfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gene put an excellent historical novel together on a legendary law man. Frank is the kind of guy you never want on your tail if you are a criminal and a man you definitely want with you in a fox hole when the action is hot. 52 gunfights, 22 bullet wounds and an impeccable record as Texas ranger, sheriff, detective, special investigator and general badass Frank could stop bullets with a hard look. His gunplay was fast and accurate with Old Lucky and his favorite 35 Remington Automatic rifle. He was the man who tracked down and killed Bonnie and Clyde the only woman he ever dropped the hammer on. He admitted she was far more dangerous than Clyde who was a dead shot and a cold killer. I am sure Frank did not know how many bad guys he and his Rangers and other law enforcement officers killed but it was well into the triple digits. Fast paced interesting read you do not get bored reading this one no dead spots.

[Ken Grater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manhunter

I enjoyed reading "Manhunter: Frank Hamer, Texas Ranger" a lot. It was an interesting, exciting story about a brave American lawman. His persistence and personality made him a man to trust to handle the job of stopping criminals with the Texas Rangers or other groups. The politics around Texas at that time, bribery and corruption, made the job harder but he was able to work around it and get things done.

[Huston Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank Hammer, a lawman of his time

The story was written with excellent detail. The author did a credible and thorough research of the witnesses and people of that time and area. The reader could lose himself in the book as the protagonist,Frank Hammer carefully, artfully and with detailed listening ,would catch up with criminals and especially the pair, Bonnie and Clyde. Hammer was the true professional lawman. Not many of his caliber exist.

[Chad Rickard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining but lacking in historical accuracy

I enjoyed the story and admire Frank Hamer and his exploits. The book took a lot of creative license in my opinion, and omitted a bunch of pertinent information. Not sure if it was poorly researched or intentionally left out. Still an enjoyable story nonetheless.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting fictional account of Frank Hamer’s life, from his beginnings on horseback to the fast-paced chases in the automobile. Though best known for his take down of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde, we should perhaps remember that this Ranger survived 52 gunfights and 23 bullet wounds throughout his career. An interesting read.

[Glenn Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

All most to much information lot of Texas from that period of time like the rest of the country thing were changed fast regular people we're left wondering what was going on






,left a lot to think about how fast the country was changed in such a short period of time I enjoyed it

[John Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding history lesson and personality study.

Frank Hamer ranks in the upper echelon of Texas heroes. His accomplishments as a peace officer make those of Earp and Hickok and Garrett pale in comparison.

[R. Mark Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genes best novel !!

I believe I've read most of Mr. Sheltons novels and they were all well written and suspenseful ! Frank Hamer in my opinion should be his master piece! So full of suspense and masterful writing, it was a fantastic novel!

[Jim A. Bledsoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

The life story of Frank Hamer is filled with anecdotes and personal information about a man who was obviously a very private person. How he starred down groups of men without drawing his weapon was most impressive to me. Good book!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This is a well written story of one of the greatest lawmen to have lived. One of Texas true heroes. The story just clicks along with just the right amount of details and story telling. Very happy to have read this one.

[Sam Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Kick ass tale of how it was done back when men were men. Bad guys beware, the Texas Rangers were on your trail and likely you will die with your boots on. Glory be to the Cowboys.
Rock on

[Roberta Mellberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buyer Beware

I felt there were many historical discrepancies concerning his pursuit of Clyde and Bonnie. I was also disappointed that there was very little written about his life after their deaths.

[John Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reading

Fast paced and well written. None of the glorious tripe that Hollywood can roll out. These people were Psychopaths, not some kind of Robin hood saviors. "Live by the sword, die by the sword"

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I really liked this book. It is well written and keeps your interest. I even verified some historical references in the book and found them to be very factual.

[Darla River-Higgs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

I absolutely loved this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. After I started reading it. I kept hearing Frank Hamer's name on different shows I've watched. Thank you

[Lisa Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

An excellent book without the glamour or modern rewriting of history. Tells it like it was not how someone today thinks it was or should have been.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome legend and story!

This was a great book from start to finish! There is not a thing I disliked! Interesting, well written, great detail.

[Chantelle C Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review

Pretty darn good for a free book covering a long a distinguished career ! His eary years are far more interesting than the final ambush!

[owen carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

Very well written. The author does a great job of taking you along on Captain Hamer's legendary life and adventures.

[ctrothschild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure Lawman

An officer of the law that stood from with his conscience and convictions. True tale of a man and unwavering lawman!!

[Janet Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read-the pace is good and storytelling wonderful. . Frank Hamer was an impressive man, although at times in his desire to bring someone to justice he went over the line. A man of his time.

[shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamer

Great book about a great man brave and humble wish there were more people in power like frank hamer. A proud Texas Ranger

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. From the other side

You hear or read so much about Bonnie & ,Clyde. Very seldom do find anything about the men who were involved in bringing them to justice. They have stories to tell as well.