Born near Lee's Summit, Missouri, Thomas Coleman ('Cole') Younger (1844--1916) rode with William Clarke Quantrill's Confederate raiders during the Civil War, participating in many daring and bloody exploits, including the infamous Lawrence, Kansas, massacre of 1863. Following the war, Younger continued his celebrated career as a desperado, robbing banks and trains with Jesse James and other members of the James-Younger gang. A fateful attempt in 1876 on the Northfield, Minnesota, bank sent Cole to the state prison in Stillwater for decades. Here he became a model resident, helping both to protect women inmates during a fire and found the Prison Mirror, a newspaper intended to shed 'a ray of light upon the lives of those behind the bars'. Paroled in 1901, Younger successfully sought a pardon, operated a Wild West show with his old comrade Frank James, and lectured on 'What My Life Has Taught Me'. Always known for intelligence and coolness under pressure, he published this autobiography in 1903, reflecting on the colourful and sometimes violent experiences of 'the gentleman, the soldier, the outlaw, and the convict'.

This biographical history tells the story of an American family in conflict and four brothers' attempts to regain the prestigious position their family once held. Loaded with never-before-published photos and little-known facts, this probing character study examines the men, the myths, and the legends of the Outlaw Youngers. The Youngers - Bob, Cole, Jim, and John - tested the boundaries of the violent and turbulent post-Civil War society in which they lived. The author investigates events from the Border and Civil Wars, details of the Youngers' attempts at legitimate ranching in Texas, and the frequent and often brutal murders and robberies. Using never-before-published accounts from Jim and Bob Younger, the author presents a new theory regarding the James-Younger gang and the actual Younger involvement - a theory which opposes the one held for over 100 years. She also offers insights into the Northfield robbery and gives reasons why the Youngers' parole was delayed.

Those interested in the history of the infamous Younger Brothers of Missouri know eldest brother Cole's story. Or at least they think they do. Cole told it enough times. Yet his autobiography, his dozens of interviews, the stories told to his friends and family members unfortunately tell a story quite different from researched history of the same times and events. John and Bob died young and never had the opportunity to tell their side of it all. And brother Jim remained silent. Until now. Tortured Soul: Jim Younger in His Own Words finally reveals Jim's memories, thoughts and opinions. Although Jim's recollections also are mired in selective memories and a certain distortion brought about the passage of time, a damaged psyche and a need to protect himself and those he loved, the story Jim tells is based in his history and his desire to set Cole's lies in their proper perspective.

Captivating and controversial, In the Shadow, is the story of Bob Younger, the sixth of the Younger Brothers of Missouri. As a boy, Bob's privileged life is irrevocably altered through a horrific series of events during the Kansas-Missouri Border War and ensuing War Between the States. After his brother Cole becomes immersed in the deadly guerilla force of William Clarke Quantrill, a vendetta is launched against the Youngers by men who won't be satisfied until the family's home, enterprises, land and lives are systematically destroyed. As Bob grows into his adolescence, Cole turns to a life of outlawry to avenge those he loves and the defeat of the Confederate Cause; and the list of his enemies grows longer and more determined. The four remaining brothers attempt to build a new life in Texas, a location where they anticipate they will easily blend into the large group of immigrating Missourians. But the past encroaches on Bob's efforts to start over as Cole, then his brother John, become fully immersed in activism and greed. Despite Bob's efforts to live his own life and distance himself from involvement in his brothers' crimes, he finds it near impossible to be considered individually beyond Cole's reputation. After Bob experiences a devastating personal loss, the charismatic Jesse James entices him with promises of retribution against those who won't allow him the opportunities to which he feels entitled. But Bob wants something that Cole and Jesse probably don't understand and what he wants is just out of his reach. It seems his life might always be one of complications and compromise. Yet when Bob is not yet twenty-one, unforeseen encounters with two people may provide him with an opportunity to live the life he has always longed to live. One of them, someone he never thought would influence him, attempts to show him his life has value despite his past. The other, an old friend, has a proposal that might enhance Bob's future. Now Bob has to make a big decision. So do his brothers. Once again the Youngers stand to be transformed by family loyalty and unprecedented events. Yet this time, Bob holds the cards. If only he can look to the future and leave behind the boy who always stood in the shadow... "After focusing on music biography for so long, it's exciting to return to the subject of my very first book," says author Marley Brant. "I know some people may have an issue with the way I present Bob's story, as this story has never been told in this way, but that's okay. This is the story my familiarity with the subjects, some unpublished letters and statements, and my decades of research has led me to tell. This deviates from many of the accounts with which they are familiar but this is, after all, a historical novel. This is an animated version; In the Shadow is the way it might have been..."