Cricket in the Web: The 1949 Unsolved Murder that Unraveled Politics in New Mexico
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Description
After exhaustive research, Paula Moore provides the first objective account of the 1949 murder of Cricket Coogler--a case that shook New Mexico politics. Read more
Publisher : UNM Press
Publication date : March 16, 2009
Language : English
Print length : 215 pages
ISBN-10 : 0826343422
ISBN-13 : 20
Item Weight : 12.8 ounces
Dimensions : 6.48 x 0.61 x 8.96 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #599,173 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #1,937 in Murder & Mayhem True Accounts #7,587 in U.S. State & Local History #15,759 in Politics & Government (Books)
#1,937 in Murder & Mayhem True Accounts:
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Top Amazon Reviews
Format: Paperback
I really liked this historical view of my city. Reading about the different characters, some of which I have personal attachment to through acquaintances, made for a more interesting read. If you're from the southwest and enjoy historical anecdotes, especially from the El Paso and Las Crises areas, you will enjoy this book.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2025 by Francois G
Format: Hardcover
"Cricket" In The Web", by Paula Moore is a tale of murder, corruption, and tragedy. The story relates to high-profile murder case that occurred in 1949 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The victim, Ovida "Cricket" Coogler ultimately became as famous (or infamous); to New Mexico History as the "Frohm" murder case of Sierra Blanca, Texas (1938?), or more specifically, California's "Black Dahlia Murder" of 1947. Ms. Coogler ("Cricket") appeared to have much of the same "free-spirited" persona as that of Elizabeth Short (Black Dahlia). Caught in a tragic web of political and criminal strands, she quickly became a "plaything" for the toxic world of illegal gambling, white-collar crime, and political corruption. Obviously, she placed her self in a precarious position that held too many secrets...dangerous secrets. The author indicates that Dona Ana County (encompassing Las Cruces) in 1949 had an amazing record of violent death every month. However, she does not elaborate to the gender of other victims, and if, "Cricket" was "E-Pluribus Unum" (One of many). In my opinion, Las Cruces (per capita), still has a very high violent crime rate. The 1949 murder made national news. The investigative net was cast upon the dark waters of a corrupted sea and upon it's return snared no less than 16 "persons of interest" including the Sheriff, Sheriff deputies, State Police Officials, and high ranking Politico's from Santa Fe. One of the most interesting subjects who eventually went to trial for the murder (but was acquitted), was the professional football player, Jerry Nuzum of the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, any investigation run by "tarnished badges" and backed by Draconian politicians with illicit funding simply makes for poor results. It appears that poor "Cricket" was somewhat of a "sacrificial-lamb" that subsequently gave favor for the unraveling of corrupt politics and vice crimes, but unfortunately, did little to vindicate her own horrible death. Paula Moore has done a superb job of capsulizing the events and evidence in this extremely complex case. New Mexico folk are notorious for "not talking" as Ms. Moore so perceptively indicates in her book. I have lived in the El Paso, Las Cruces area all my life and even familiar with many of the places listed in her book. However, I must admit that I had never heard of this gargantuan case until I ordered the book! Ms. Moore's descriptive writing will keep you turning pages one after another until... you wonder what happened to the rest. A great job of investigative journalism on a cold (?) case!
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Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2008 by Joseph R. Calamia
Format: Hardcover
very interesting story, I either new or heard about some of the people in the book Las Cruces is 45 miles from El Paso and it is very exact on streets names. too bad somebody borrowed it and I have not seen it since.
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2014 by MARIO E LOPEZ
Format: Paperback
Good read for this area (New Mexico)
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2017 by Joe M
Format: Paperback
This was an event in New Mexico history that I had never heard of! And, I grew up there. I knew of Happy Apodoca as a judge during my post teen years, and had heard of his reputation as "crooked", but never knew if it was true. However, this book and the story of this young, 18 year old girl and his supposed part in her death brought a new light on the caliber of government running New Mexico in the late 1940's.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2013 by Debbie
Format: Hardcover
Book provides well researched information that state and national politicians and law enforcement officials were likely involved in the murder of a young girl. Those not directly involved probably knew what happened and chose to keep the information secret. It is true that knowing the Las Cruces, New Mexico area probably enhances one's interest in this book. However, the author provides maps and timelines and separate information on those involved which will make the book understandable to those who are true crime fans and lack knowledge of the area. The information about corruption in New Mexico in the late 1940's and 1950's is horrifying but I guess only different in details from what we have discovered has gone on in our country in more recent times. Highly recommended.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2008 by Carol Sandoval
Format: Paperback
Loved this book. Gave a lot of perspective on life and politics in Las Cruces, New Mexico. But poor Cricket. Used, thrown away when "someone" thought she knew too much, and forgotten.
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2021 by Melanie Olivas
Format: Paperback
It’s a well documented true story which never should have happened
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2022 by Dawn