This was a hardback novel that I ordered from Amazon after reading Hansen's, 'Mariette In Ecstasy'. I also ordered 'Hitler's Niece' at the same time. 'Mariette' is by far the best of the bunch.
DESPERADOES is rich in detail, but it lacks a compelling narrative flow. I had more enjoyment watching a few Youtube videos about The Dalton Gang- especially the Coffeyville Robbery of 1892.
I read about half of the novel during September and October, and finally in mid November I spent about an hour on the book and skimmed to the end. With a dynamic and cohesive plotline, this would have been a terrific book, but now it's only a collection of well-written incidents and insightful observations.
Link to Coffeyville website-
http://www.coffeyville.com/index.aspx?NID=347
Youtube link to video shot at the bank; contemporary-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCsLPZNF3RU
About the gang and robbery-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1X6_pNdXAE
I was really taken with the character of Eugenia Moore. She road with the gang and according to Emmett she said something to the effect, "I don't understand the concepts of chastity and virginity. It's like boasting that you can't read". She is portrayed as someone who was as 'wild and crazy' as the men in the gang, however it seems that she might have only been a 'composite' and Emmett Dalton developed this character based on numerous women who were involved with the gang at various times throughout their history.
Many authorities treat Moore as a real individual, but this website/author claims that she was only a composite of many women close to the gang. I would have liked to have read a whole book about this character!
http://www.pannill.com/Coffeyville%20Chapters/Chapter%207.htm
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