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Dark and Tangled Threads of Crime: San Francisco's Famous Police Detective Isaiah W. Lees

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He came to California with the great Gold Rush, but instead of riches, Isaiah W. Lees discovered his great talent for solving crimes and catching criminals. He captured stage robbers in Missouri, tracked con men to New York and caught the notorious eastern bank robber, Jimmy Hope in the middle of a San Francisco heist.


San Francisco in the 1850’s, was the gateway to the gold fields, a city filled with adventurers, outlaws, con men and desperadoes of every description. In 1853 Isaiah Lees was appointed the first Chief of Detectives on the new Police Force and during nearly fifty years he acquired an amazing record. An innovator of police methods, Lees easily eclipsed such legendary lawman as Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp. When he retired as chief in 1900, the San Francisco Chronicle stated that “in point of service, no one has ever equaled the record of Lees.” He was the right man, in the right place, at the right time, and this is his exciting, true story, told here for the first time.

313 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2003

19 people want to read

About the author

William B. Secrest

28 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Profile Image for Kevin Barnes.
329 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2022
As a history buff I was very happy with the notes at the end of each chapter. There are a few things I want to look into more and that will be a big benefit. This book once again confirms my belief that although we may think of people from other time frames as not as smart as us, we are wrong. And sometimes I think they were smarter. We just have more technical help. Recommend this book to all.
Profile Image for Dave Peticolas.
1,377 reviews45 followers
October 8, 2014

A history of the 19th century San Francisco police detective Isaiah W. Lees.

Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews

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