Murder in the Garden: More Famous Crimes of Early Fresno County

Presenting 16 famous criminal cases from Fresno California at the turn of the 20th century, this gripping history brings fascinating tales of murder and mayhem to light. Introducing a blend of memorable and tragic figures, such as the ""Old Broom Man"" or the ""Black Widow,"" a longtime detective of the Fresno sheriff's office shares his notes on each filed occurrence. Detailed and historically accurate, an entire chapter highlights the men who were put to death under the state of California's justice apparatus. Comparing and contrasting these sensational past events to the current high-profile criminal cases, this informed analysis reveals a modern upswing in child abuse, multiple murders, and kidnapping cases and highlights the extended nature of the current legal process as compared to the open-and-shut character of the early 1900s.

Scott Morrison is the author of ＂＂Murder in the Garden＂＂ and a former detective with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office who served in the homicide, sex crimes, and intelligence units for more than 30 years. William B. Secrest Sr. is a former art director for an advertising firm. He has written for ＂＂American West,＂＂ ＂＂Montana,＂＂ ＂＂True West,＂＂ and ＂＂Westways ＂＂magazines. He is the author of ＂＂California Desperadoes＂＂; ＂＂Perilous Trails, Dangerous Men＂＂; ＂＂Showdown!＂＂＂＂; ＂＂and ＂＂When the Great Spirit Died.＂＂ They both live in Fresno, California.