The year 1885 ushered in dramatic changes for the utopic city of Austin. Dramatic racial lines blurred from the Civil War and the introduction of the railroad brought new challenges and excitement to those who ventured into the rolling hills of Texas. Yet, there was evil lurking, watching in the shadows, waiting to pounce on the defenseless. A homicidal executioner stalked the nights, dragging women and sometimes even children from their beds. The...