Tragedy and destruction abound in this region and in these pages, but heroism, glory, and Cajun flair come in equal measure. From the improbable Thouroughbred Twenty Twoinit, which defied the odds and burned Vegas oddsmakers at Evangeline Downs, to the destitue Reconstruction Era, Cajuns who sought recompense from the federal government after the war, history comes to life in these retailings by historian and yarn spinner William Thibodeaux. Before "Serial Killer" was a term, a vile, murderous stalked the streets of then tiny Lafayette, inciting unimaginable terror. All to familiar are harrowing tales of locals who battened down the hatches as horrible storms roared forth. From hills to the bayous, Acadiana has quite a story to tell, especially for those who lean in close to listen.