Wildcat: The Untold Story of Pearl Hart, the Wild West's Most Notorious Woman Bandit

Product Description
The little-known story of Pearl Hart, the most famous female bandit in the American West.
On May 30, 1899, history was made when Pearl Hart, disguised as a man, held up a stagecoach in Arizona and robbed the passengers at gunpoint. A manhunt ensued as word of her heist spread, and Pearl Hart went on to become a media sensation and the most notorious female outlaw on the Western frontier. Her early life, family and fate after her later release from prison have long remained a mystery to scholars and historians—until now.
Drawing on groundbreaking research into territorial records and genealogical data,
’s is the first book to uncover the enigma of Pearl Hart. Hailed by many as “The Bandit Queen,” her epic life of crime and legacy as a female trailblazer provide a crucial lens into the lives of the rare women who made their mark in the American West.
Review
"Compelling storytelling paired with extensive research bring together the myths and the truths that have surrounded Pearl Hart for generations." —
Booklist
"Boessenecker continues to surprise us by pulling back the curtain on assumptions and legends about Western events and characters... The questions he asks are fresh and reveal new perspectives, and his prose is literary and highly readable." —
True West Magazine
"John Boessenecker reveals just who the real Pearl Hart was — and it’s not who many historians believe her to be."
—New York Post
“Mr. Boessenecker proves a tenacious researcher, with a particular knack for coaxing telling details from newspaper archives.”
—Wall Street Journal
"A brisk rendering of an adventuresome life.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“John Boessenecker’s writing style is compelling from the very beginning. His research is second to none, and his narrative is fascinating throughout. The book is entertaining, inspiring, alarming and touching in equal measure.”
—Litercurious
Praise for John Boessenecker
“A comprehensive biography… Boessenecker has reaffirmed his place as one of the Best of the West." —
True West Magazine
on Bandido
"Fair-minded and thorough… ­Boesse­necker tells the gruesome story with power and force." —
New York Times Book Review on Texas Ranger
"The author’s painstaking research…brings forth an astounding story…. A superb account." —
Washington Times on Texas Ranger
"For serious readers of Western history…
Ride the Devil’s Herd may well prove the gold standard."
—Wall Street Journal
on
Ride the Devil’s Herd
"A rich and satisfying read…that unclouds the picture and shows us why these men became legends." —
Los Angeles Review of Books on
Ride the Devil’s Herd
About the Author
John Boessenecker is the author of nine books, including New York Times bestseller Texas Ranger: The Epic Life of Frank Hamer, the Man Who Killed Bonnie and Clyde. He has received the Spur award from Western Writers of America, the Best Book award from Westerners International, and in 2011, 2013 and 2019 True West named him Best Nonfiction Writer. He has appeared frequently as a historical commentator on PBS, The History Channel, A&E, and other media. He lives near San Francisco, California.