Description
Book SynopsisA rollicking true story of Bibles and bank robberies in Southern California, from a talented and highly praised gonzo journalist.NAMED A BEST TRUE CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW Chas Smith grew up deeply enmeshed in the evangelical Christian world that grew out of Southern California in the late 1960s. His family included famous missionaries and megachurch pastors, but his cousin Daniel Courson was Grandma’s favorite. Smith looked up to Cousin Danny. He was handsome, adventurous, and smart, earned a degree from Bible college, and settled into a family and a stable career.
Needless to say, it was a big surprise when Cousin Danny started robbing banks. Known as the “Floppy Hat Bandit,” Courson robbed 19 of them in a torrid six-week spree before being caught and sentenced to seven years. When he tried to escape, they tacked on another year. And when he finally got out, despite seeming to b
Trade Review“Journalist Smith delivers a rollicking portrait of his cousin Daniel David Courson, the scion of a prominent evangelical Christian family who is also a notorious bank robber...an intriguing tale of rock bottoms, daredevil escapes, and life on the wrong side of the law. Readers will enjoy the ride.” * Publishers Weekly *
“A fascinating exploration that will appeal to those who appreciate the intersection of true crime and memoir.” * Library Journal *
“If Danny Courson weren't a real person, Elmore Leonard would have needed to invent him. Blessed Are the Bank Robbers is a wild ride, for sure, but it's also a tale of family and faith, of the American dream turned upside down, and of one of the greatest unknown legends to ever walk the West.” * Tod Goldberg, author of Gangsterland and The Low Desert *
