So Much Bad in the Best of Us

"Fisher has uncovered an almost unbelievable amount of corruption and perfidious misbehavior in the story of just one man. It really makes one wonder just how much must lurk in the underbelly of our current society."—Mark Torma, South Bend Attorney and former Chair of the St. Joseph County Democratic Party

"So Much Bad in the Best of Us reads like a mystery—but this is a true story about a remarkably popular criminal. You have heard of Moose and Elk clubs—but what about the Order of Owls, dedicated to "Love, Laughter and the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth," probably named for the Owl Saloon in South Bend. John Talbot was a fascinating villain: a disbarred lawyer, a corrupt politician, an abuser of women, and leader of the Order of Owls until sentenced to five years in federal prison for a sex crime. Upon release he was sued successfully by his wife and by his mistress."—Patrick J. Furlong, Professor Emeritus of History, Indiana University South Bend

"An engrossing account of a forgotten chapter in Hoosier history. Fisher's book captures the essence of the colorful life and fiery death of John W. Talbot, attorney and scoundrel."—Margaret Fosmoe, Notre Dame Magazine

"Greta Fisher cooly travels us through "So Much Bad in the Best of Us: The Salacious and Audacious Life of John W. Talbot." No one can make up the kind of ordinary citizen gullibility that ran rampant around South Bend, Indiana, starting as early as 1872 and continuing to lope along the echelons of society for the next sixty-five years and counting. . . . The enduring scheming legacy of Talbot resides within the Order of Owls. Never heard of it? Neither did I, and now I am amazed and saddened. Owls deserve a better rap."—Rita Kohn, Nuvo