Bring Me the Head of Joaquin Murrieta: The Bandit Chief Who Terrorized California and Launched the Legend of Zorro

New York Times bestselling author and award-winning historian John Boessenecker–as seen on Netflix’s Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War–brings the authoritative account of one of the most notorious outlaws of the West

Joaquin Murrieta’s story is one for the ages. Fiercely compelling and epically woven, Bring Me the Head of Joaquin Murrieta details the bloody saga of the Latino outlaw. In myth, he embarked on a noble career as a rebel, fighting against injustice in the rough-and-tumble Wild West. However, though the “Robin Hood of El Dorado” remains a folk hero to many, his extraordinarily dramatic and violent saga has been obscured by layers upon layers of legend–until now.

Through meticulous research and never-before-told stories of the bloody trail Murrieta and his band left in their wake, Bring Me the Head of Joaquin Murrieta chronicles their infamous escapades in this brilliant examination of the American story. Award-winning author and definitive Wild West historian John Boessenecker tells the story of Murrieta’s sensational exploits and paints an absolutely gripping portrait of the California Gold Rush era, for readers of H. W. Brands and Bryan Burrough.

Author: John Boessenecker
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Hanover Square Press
Published: 10/21/2025
Pages: 512
ISBN: 9781335007032
Language: English