Showdown!: Lionhearted Lawmen of Old California

by William B. Secrest

Punctuated by gunshots and hoof beats, this engaging collection presents six biographies of hardened lawmen in Old California. Illustrating the dangerous lives of these brave enforcers, this historical study documents how Sheriff Hiram Rapelje rose to the heights and fell to the depths of his profession, while Detective Emil Harris earned a statewide reputation. From William J. Howard's role in tracking down the infamous bandit, Joaquin Murrieta, to those who were killed gun fighting in the line of duty, this vivid depiction sheds a fascinating light on a number of colorful personalities within a forgotten era.

307 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2010