Bad News for Outlaws

By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

A former slave becomes a legendary lawman, feared by outlaws and respected by all.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 3,549 ratings

40 pages

$19.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Born into slavery, Bass Reeves defied the odds to become the first African American Deputy US Marshal west of the Mississippi. With a reputation for capturing outlaws, Reeves was both feared and respected. Tasked by Judge Isaac Parker to bring order to the lawless Indian Territories, Reeves made over 3,000 arrests, proving his mettle in a world that doubted him. His story is one of courage, justice, and the relentless pursuit of right in the Old West. Can one man change the course of history against all odds?

From the publisher

Coretta Scott King Author Award

Read about the fascinating life of Bass Reeves, who escaped slavery to become the first African American Deputy US Marshal west of the Mississippi.

Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail, because Bass always got his man, dead or alive. He achieved all this in spite of whites who didn’t like the notion of a Black lawman.

Born into slavery in 1838, Bass had a hard and violent life, but he also had a strong sense of right and wrong that others admired. When Judge Isaac Parker tried to bring law and order to the lawless Indian Territories, he chose Bass to be a Deputy US Marshal. Bass would quickly prove a smart choice. For three decades, Bass was the most feared and respected lawman in the territories. He made more than 3,000 arrests, and though he was a crack shot and a quick draw, he only killed fourteen men in the line of duty. The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West.