#159: True Crime Writing and Reporting with Pepper Anne
When you were in school, you probably did some kind of project or report on a family member. Chances are you didn't uncover something wild in the true crime world like my guest.
True crime writing
Pepper Anne is a true crime writer, and the author of The Notorious Texas Swindler about Bob Leach, a cattle rustler turned con man and the mastermind behind the Grayson County Five, a group of fugitives who escaped from the Grayson County Jail in Sherman, Texas. Concurrently, Bob was also rustling cattle from unsuspecting ranchers and hosting a party ranch with his then-wife.
Bob is Pepper Anne’s cousin. She’s spent over a decade working on this story, piecing together interviews and insights from family members, victims, law enforcement officials, private investigators, and more. And she’s dealt with some unique threats along the way.
We’re talking all about how she discovered her cousin’s history, what it’s been like writing this story, and how she kept track of all the madness—because there is a LOT of chaos to unpack here.
This episode is presented by Firebreathing Kittens. Check 'em out here!
Highlights of our conversation
The first thing Pepper Anne ever wrote. (3:26)
How Pepper Anne first learned about the story that would become the basis of her book, The Notorious Texas Swindler. (5:31)
Whether Pepper Anne ever considered quitting writing this book after receiving multiple threats. (7:49)
Some of the undercover work that had to go down while writing this book. (10:19)
How Pepper Anne kept track of all of her research. (12:46)
What it’s like rewriting a story multiple times. Plus, a lesson from Green Day! (15:35)
Whether any of the other individuals aside from Pepper Anne’s cousin Bob are being charged with a crime. (17:34)
A surprising thing about the book publishing process. (21:03)
Pepper Anne’s top three books. (25:54)