Exploring murder-by-poison cases across multiple states in the Old West, this book delves into historical incidents from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It examines notable cases in states like Arizona and Texas, while sidebars provide intriguing insights into related topics such as Native American legends, food poisoning among pioneers, and the environmental impacts of mining. The blend of true crime and historical context offers a captivating look at a lesser-known aspect of Western history.
Mike Cox Book order
This author delves deeply into the history of Texas, focusing on iconic figures like the Texas Rangers and pivotal moments in the state's development, such as its oil boom. Their extensive nonfiction work is characterized by meticulous research and a commitment to historical accuracy, often enhanced by compelling visual documentation. Through a career rooted in journalism and prolific writing, they bring to life dramatic narratives and lesser-known facets of the Texan past. Readers will find their explorations offer a captivating perspective on the events that shaped the region's unique identity.






- 2024
- 2022
Wicked San Antonio
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Delve into San Antonio's wicked past, from the lawless lore of the Spanish settlement through the criminal misdeeds of the modern metropolis. Residents of the Alamo City tolerated scores of cockfighting pits, gambling joints, opium dens, around-the-clock saloons and other places of ill-repute. Some disturbers of San Antonio's peace, like Judge Roy Bean, left town to achieve greater notoriety elsewhere. Others, like the thief who stole the McFarlin diamond, seemed to vanish into thin air. But all of them left a page-turning story behind. Mike Cox catalogues San Antonio's most infamous incidents and miscreants.
- 2022
Finding the Wild West
Along the Mississippi : Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota
- 216 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Exploring the rich history of the American West, this guide covers key locations from the Oregon Trail to iconic sites in Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota. It highlights well-preserved historic sites, ghost towns, museums, and public art that collectively narrate the story of the Old West. Ideal for trip planning, it serves as a storytelling overview of the Western migration and its cultural impact, making it a valuable resource for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
- 2022
Finding the Wild West: The Mountain West
Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana
- 222 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Exploring the Mountain West states of Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, this guide offers a comprehensive look at historic sites, ghost towns, and cultural landmarks that embody the spirit of the Old West. It highlights well-preserved locations and provides insights into the region's role in the Western migration and Indian Wars. Ideal for trip planning, this volume serves as both a travel companion and a narrative of America's Wild West history, celebrating the unique heritage of this iconic region.
- 2022
Finding the Wild West
The Pacific West: California, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Alaska
- 230 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Highlighting the rich history of the American West, this guide explores key locations tied to the Western migration, including the Oregon Trail and Dodge City. It covers preserved historic sites, ghost towns, museums, and public art across California, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Alaska. Ideal for trip planning, it offers a storytelling overview of the Old West, making it a valuable resource for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
- 2022
Finding the Wild West: The Great Plains
- 272 pages
- 10 hours of reading
While there are assorted storytelling guidebooks related to various categories of Wild West-related historic sites (the Oregon Trail, Custer, the Indian wars in general, ghost towns, etc.) there is no one-stop-shopping spot for ALL categories of Wild West-related historic sites.
- 2021
The Confession Killer
- 348 pages
- 13 hours of reading
The chilling story follows Henry Lee Lucas, a drifter who gained notoriety in 1983 after confessing to the murders of over 100 women nationwide. His claims captivated the media and raised questions about truth and deception in criminal confessions, revealing the complexities of his troubled life and the darker aspects of American society. This account delves into the psychological and societal implications of his confessions, exploring themes of violence, manipulation, and the quest for notoriety.
- 2018
Living Your Best Career: A practical guide to landing jobs and loving your career
- 274 pages
- 10 hours of reading
YOU DESERVE A CAREER YOU LOVE. HERE'S HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN: This book shows you how thoughtful planning and targeted action can make loving your career a reality. Living Your Best Career is packed with practical, proven strategies you can use immediately to make your work life more fulfilling and meaningful. Whether you are just entering the job market or are an experienced professional, this book will equip you with specific tools to put your career on the right track - and keep it there. You'll learn: (i) Effective, practical methods to propel your career forward (ii) What to do when you're not sure if it's time to look for a new job (iii) How to shine in job interviews and negotiate your next offer (iv) Strategies to build your personal network of contacts and transform that network into an engaged group of advocates
- 2017
Legends & Lore of the Texas Capitol
- 226 pages
- 8 hours of reading
The Lone Star statehouse, an iconic Texas landmark, is steeped in a tumultuous history marked by election rigging, an unsolved murder, and pre-dedication blackmail. Mike Cox explores its fascinating past, highlighting key events such as the first meeting between LBJ and Lady Bird, alongside peculiar moments like a resolution honoring the Boston Strangler. The book delves into the capitol's ghost stories, public art, and collectible tourist kitsch, uncovering a treasure trove of untold stories that shape its legacy in Texas lore.
- 2017
Lost Newark
- 96 pages
- 4 hours of reading
A nostalgic journey into the past exploring the historic sights of Newark's most interesting buildings, now lost from the local landscape.