Betty Brandt Passick always had a passion for writing. After retiring from a Fortune 500 Company, she spends her days writing books renowned for their infusions of earthy soul, faith-isms, and Midwestern values. 

In early 2016, she decided to research the "mystery man" who first came to her small Iowa hometown around 1920. Locals believed he had links to Al Capone, but no one knew for sure. Through FBI and police reports, newspaper accounts, and the embellished tales of those who knew the gangster best, she weaves the unique and sometimes wacky story. 

Gangster in our Midst is her third book.