Imagine a Texas Ranger who began his career during the end of the 1800's on horseback, and completed his career after cars were the primary mode of transportation. Now imagine this same Ranger as one tough, no nonsense man who keeps his cool in the most stressful situations imaginable. Finally, forget what you have imagined, because Frank Hamer was more of a Ranger and law enforcement officer than you could possibly imagine.

Hamer, whose story is told posthumously, chased bootleggers, Mexican bandits, politicians, dirty cops, and more. He was wounded seventeen times (including one time before he became a Texas Ranger), and left for dead four times. Hamer became a legend for his law enforcement work, and is probably best known for hunting down and killing Bonnie and Clyde.

The book tells his story in a captivating way. It's a shame he never wanted to capitalize on his life story by telling it during his lifetime. He said that he wanted his family to benefit from his reputation and experiences, but not until he passed away. Most of the stories are told using police records, newspaper accounts, and interviews with family, friends, and law officers. Still, John H Jenkins manages to weave the information into a very readable narrative. ( )