Betting, Booze, and Brothels: Vice, Corruption, and Justice in Jefferson County, Texas From Spindletop to the 1960s Book

I very much enjoyed this history of how the partnership between law enforcement and criminals met its downfall in the early 60's in the Beaumont, Texas area where I grew up. I had no idea of this whole event which was a national scandal in 1960. It's hard to believe much of this story, except that it was on the front page of the newspapers and on the local television stations. And yet, I would guess 99% of the people under 50 living there today have any knowledge of it. The book is a mix of research and anecdotal recollections by the people involved and their acquaintances. The tales told by witnesses make up the best parts of the book, especially the stories about the well-known madames of the brothels.