Showdown on the Frio: The Good and the Evil

Calvin Bowden
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595418022
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (4/09)


Calvin Bowden has written an excellent, suspenseful book about rape victims, the aftermath and the injustice of our legal system.

A man known as “Animal” has changed Helen Kipling’s life dramatically. He has taken her innocence, and turned her life into one that causes her to be fearful of relationships and keep her emotions to herself.  Raised by her grandfather, Helen tries to recapture her old life by returning to the scene of the rape. She knows that her therapist tells her this is the only way to finally let go. Deep down inside she knows that even though the rapist is in jail and promises have been made that he won’t be released – something is about to go very wrong.

Animal Sadac is a man that everyone fears and yet they believe they can keep him under control. After killing several police officers and eluding others, he is out to find the woman who put him in jail. No one will get in his way.

The author, a well-known individual in the criminal justice system has shown readers how the justice system still believes that women are responsible for getting raped; and the “good old boy” syndrome still exists today. Evidence goes missing and local police feel the so-called “victim” should be grateful that they are there and willing to help in any way they can, including attention. Since they are damaged goods, women should be happy to have someone who wants to take care of them.

“Showdown on the Frio” by Calvin Bowden is a fast-paced, intriguing read. The author provides information about the criminal justice system that is easy to read and understand and at the same time shows our “ancient” attitudes about women who are violated.

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