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 long-time 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.