Gary Cartwright

Gary Cartwright (1934-2017) was an American journalist, author, and screenwriter known for his work in Texas journalism and long-form non-fiction writing. He spent over 25 years as a senior editor at Texas Monthly magazine, where he established himself as one of the state's most respected writers. Cartwright began his career as a sportswriter for the Fort Worth Press and Dallas Times Herald in the 1950s and early 1960s. His sports coverage evolved into a broader focus on true crime, politics, and social issues, leading to his significant contributions to early New Journalism alongside contemporaries like Dan Jenkins and Bud Shrake. His books include "Blood Will Tell" (1979), "Confessions of a Washed-up Sportswriter" (1982), and "HeartWiseGuy" (1998). Cartwright's most notable work, "Blood Will Tell," investigated the controversial 1976 murder case of a Fort Worth millionaire, exemplifying his talent for combining investigative reporting with narrative storytelling. Throughout his career, Cartwright received numerous accolades for his journalism, including the Texas Institute of Letters' Lon Tinkle Award for lifetime achievement. His work helped define Texas Monthly's reputation for excellence in long-form journalism and contributed significantly to Texas literary culture.

Readers highlight Cartwright's ability to blend investigative depth with engaging storytelling. On Goodreads and Amazon, his true crime accounts get consistent attention for their detailed research and local Texas flavor. Readers appreciate: - Deep dive into Texas culture and history - Clear, straightforward writing style - Personal connection to many of his subjects - Balance of facts with narrative flow - Sharp sports coverage in his earlier works Common critiques: - Some books feel dated in their cultural references - Occasional tendency to meander in storytelling - Texas-centric focus limits broader appeal - Inconsistent pacing in longer works On Goodreads, "Blood Will Tell" maintains a 3.8/5 rating across 125+ reviews. Amazon reviews average 4.2/5 stars, with readers specifically praising his "authentic Texas voice" and "reporter's eye for detail." His sports writing collections receive slightly lower ratings (3.5/5) but positive comments about his insider perspective on Texas athletics. One reader noted: "He writes like he's telling you a story over coffee - detailed but never dry."

HeartWiseGuy (2015) A memoir detailing Cartwright's experience with heart disease and multiple surgeries at Texas Heart Institute.

Confessions of a Washed-up Sportswriter (1982) A collection of essays and articles covering Cartwright's experiences as a sports journalist in Texas.

Blood Will Tell (1979) A true crime account of the murder investigation of a Houston plastic surgeon's wife.

Dirty Dealing (1984) An investigation into drug trafficking along the Texas-Mexico border during the 1980s.

Galveston: A History of the Island (1991) A historical account of Galveston Island from its early settlement through modern times.

Turn Out the Lights (2010) A compilation of Cartwright's journalism pieces from his career at Texas Monthly magazine.

The Best I Recall (2015) A memoir chronicling Cartwright's life experiences and career in Texas journalism.

Laughing into Tomorrow (1982) A novel following a journalist's investigation of corruption in a Texas town.

Larry L. King wrote about Texas culture, politics and personalities for magazines like Harper's and Texas Monthly. His non-fiction narratives captured the same raw essence of Texas life that Cartwright documented.

Dan Jenkins covered sports for newspapers and magazines with an insider's perspective on Texas football culture. His work mixed journalism and satire in a style similar to Cartwright's sports writing.

Billy Lee Brammer wrote about Texas politics and power structures through both fiction and journalism. His novel "The Gay Place" examined the same political landscape Cartwright covered in his reporting.

Jan Reid chronicled Texas music, crime, and culture through magazine articles and books. His longform journalism for Texas Monthly followed the same narrative approach as Cartwright's work.

Bud Shrake wrote screenplays, novels and magazine articles about Texas life with a focus on sports and crime stories. His career path from newspaper reporter to literary writer mirrored Cartwright's evolution.