"Snake Eyes is a gripping true crime tale well-told. The story of a nice young girl lost far too soon and those determined to find the truth and get it out. It happened in the author's hometown, and mine, and played out against its culture of denial and decency, crassness and caring. There's a lot of real life here. Read it!" – Bill Clinton
“Haunted by the death of one of her classmates in 1966, Bitty Martin takes us on an incredible journey as decades later she discovers the shocking secrets behind an ‘accident’ turned murder. Prepare to read in one sitting – a riveting story of an amateur sleuth seeking truth and justice.”
–Michael Bishop, author of A Murder in Music City
“Cathie Ward’s killer convinced police the teenager died being dragged by a horse. But her friends harbored doubts. Decades later, one of them, author Bitty Martin, scrutinizes the saga that traumatized her town—finally giving Cathie’s murder the attention it deserved.”
– Mara Leveritt, author of All Quiet at Mena
NetGalley Review: 4 stars
Last updated on 17 Sep 2021
"This was a compelling book about a killer in Hot Springs, Arkansas back in the mid 1960s named Frank Davis. He was an abusive man to women and animals alike, and was married four times because of it. When his fourth wife Sharron left him and took the 2 children, Davis became incensed that he couldn’t talk her into returning to him. He stalked and threatened her, and finally found his chance to attack her when he shot her and her mother behind the Redbird gas station and laundry mat. Sharron was only 22 when he killed her. Davis was also strongly suspected of having killed a 13 year old girl at his ranch prior to killing his wife. Her name was Cathie Ward, and he blamed it on a riding accident. Fascinating true crime written by an author who knew those involved. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Bitty Martin, and the publisher."—Valerie Shampine, consumer reviewer
“The title is a nod to Hot Springs’ past with gambling and gangsters. The writing is smooth, bold, and well researched by an author who’s emotionally invested in the place, time, and characters, making Snakes Eyes a great read!”– Jan Meins, author of Murder in Little Rock
"Snake Eyes is a gripping true crime tale well-told. The story of a nice young girl lost far too soon and those determined to find the truth and get it out. It happened in the author's hometown, and mine, and played out against its culture of denial and decency, crassness and caring. There's a lot of real life here. Read it!"—Bill Clinton
“Quirky, well-drawn characters and an iconic Southern setting . . . Martin’s compelling true story reads like a mystery novel.”—Bonnie Hearn Hill, author of The River Below
"Cathie Ward’s killer convinced police the teenager died being dragged by a horse. But her friends harbored doubts. Decades later, one of them, author Bitty Martin, scrutinizes the saga that traumatized her town—finally giving Cathie’s murder the attention it deserved."
—Mara Leveritt, author of All Quiet at Mena
"The title is a nod to Hot Springs’ past with gambling and gangsters. The writing is smooth, bold, and well researched by an author who’s emotionally invested in the place, time, and characters, making Snakes Eyes a great read!"—Jan Meins, author of Murder in Little Rock
“Haunted by the death of one of her classmates in 1966, Bitty Martin takes us on an incredible journey as decades later she discovers the shocking secrets behind an ‘accident’ turned murder. Prepare to read in one sitting – a riveting story of an amateur sleuth seeking truth and justice.”—Michael Bishop, author of A Murder in Music City
"Bitty Martin has delivered an outstanding debut tome. Snake Eyes: Murder in a Southern Town is a history mystery that will take the reader on a rollicking roller coaster from start to finish. Chock full of real-life characters, this book is a binge read, and a must read for anyone who enjoys good storytelling."—LaDawn Lee Fuhr, Creator/Host/Creative Producer of “6 Degrees of the Delta”
