The book explores Michigan's tumultuous history before statehood, highlighting witch trials, scalp collectors, and a significant massacre. It delves into the wild lumber era, likening it to the lawlessness of the Wild West, and examines how Prohibition empowered Detroit criminals to dominate the scene, even overshadowing notorious figures like Al Capone. The narrative paints a vivid picture of a state shaped by violence and chaos, revealing the gritty underbelly of Michigan's past.
