Author: Bitty Martin
Publisher: Prometheus
ISBN: 978-1-63388-776-3

All she ever wanted was to be able to go horseback riding with her friends. Just being a teenager and able to enjoy life. So, what really happened to her? Dressed to the nines and off she went, how did she get dragged to death by a horse she was riding? How did her foot get caught in a stirrup? Frank Davis, a notoriously dangerous man, was the ranch owner who specialized in horse rentals. He claimed he could not reach Cathie, the young teen in question, to catch the horse before she was killed. But, if he were and is considered an expert horseman fearless in the saddle, how could he not save her? Was he the killer?

The year 1966, Frank Davis at first claimed it was an accident. But events point in his direction when his fourth wife, Sharon asks for a divorce and is killed by him in 1967. But, first, readers will witness the funeral of a young girl, so sterile, so unemotional, and we hear the voices of her friends as they each have their own impression of what is taking place.

Others that have been away remember when they learn of her death, Don, John, her former teacher and the flashbacks to when she died before allowing you to realize that something is missing from the investigation. Why is Frank Davis not arrested for her murder?

The author allows us to learn about Laura, the skateboard, and how she and her mother have Cathie's remembrances.

As told by author Bitty Martin, the investigation into her death created many question marks that were left unanswered.

The final report agreed with the original assessment that Cathie died from being dragged by the horse with her foot attached to the stirrup. Many of her friends remembered her when returning to school but not one mentioned in the school newspaper, and then a startling revelation spoken by one friend.

While the memories were recounted, the author relates what Frank was into and doing to his family, his wife Sharron and the threats he made. Why didn't anyone stop him, and why did he get away with his violence and erratic behaviors? . Fatality and severe injuries, and it took time for him to be charged. But bragging that he would kill Sharron if she dared to take his sons turned out to be more than just a threat, a harsh reality.

Author and classmate of Cathie Ward, Bitty Martin brings Sharron and Cathie's murder into the limelight. A letter left behind by Sharron implicates him in both Sharron and Cathie's murders, yet why were the charges against him for Cathie's murder dropped?

The author shares the cognitive testing with the psychiatric teams in mental hospitals. As we have heard his rants, raves, and understanding or lack of knowledge about what he endured and did, he is indicted for the first degree murder of his wife, Sharron. But, when evidence becomes known about the murder of the teen, it is put on hold. The foreclosure of his property, trial, and reactions are quite revealing.

The author shares the trials, the verdict and the fact he was sentenced to death, but the unexpected happened, and the appeals occurred. Frank Davis had an influential mother who could buy his way out of many situations. The judge on the case wanted him executed. Still, when Rockefeller was governor and before he left office, he granted Frank Davis clemency, and the sentence was life in prison.

The author talks about his different appeals and how they made him a trusty in where he was housed. Taking notes, planning his way to freedom for many years, you wonder how and why he often received better treatments than most. Memories are precious as you hear some close to Frank, Margie Hill, whose husband Teddy helped Frank corral his cattle at Blacksnake ranch. Then those who feared him if he was released, and even though he was in a maximum-security prison, worried he might find them if released. Pauline Knight, Sharron's mother, refused to go out, feared he'd see him, and something by her back door was frightening.

Why did he receive partial treatment and be allowed to marry his fifth wife, Wanda? Rehabilitation was primary but was he really rehabilitated or faking bad? Sometimes endings are bittersweet, yet Frank managed to escape and received more time. Never faltering and never giving up, his mother used every resource she had and enlisted numerous powerful people and lawyers to finally get his freedom at what price?

The state of Oregon was where he was to live and not back in Hot Springs. This took rejection, and when the day came, his mother could not believe it, and Frank was released. Fear overcame many people in Hot Springs and where he would live. But his time on earth was short; his mother never really had much time with him before she passed away, and one young girl named Madelyn told it all.

A heartbreaking story that brings readers back to the beginning and the death of Cathie Ward. Read the last chapter to learn how her friends honor her to this day. Memories are precious; Cathie Ward will always be in their hearts and minds, and the date of June 24 for her yearly memorial. Read the last paragraph that will give you the chills and make those that ever-met Frank Davis glad he was gone and that you no longer would have to look into his evil SNAKE EYES! Author Bitty Martin, thank you for sharing her story, life, and memories.

I dedicate this review to Cathie Ward.