Legendary outlaw Belle Starr has been written about and portrayed in various media for well over one hundred years. Born Myra Maybelle Shirley in Missouri in 1848, Belle lived most of her life in Texas. She became notorious after living and hanging out with members of the James and Younger gangs.

Belle was a crack shot who rode side saddle while engaging in horse thievery, cattle rustling, and holdups. In between these activities, Belle bore two children and was involved with (though not necessarily married to) several men, including Sam Starr.

Belle was murdered in 1889 just 2 days before her 41st birthday. The case is officially considered unsolved. This book was the first of many about Belle and was originally published the same year she died.