The Saga of Jack Durant

Stories of rustlers, train robbers, gamblers of the wild west became well-known all over the world. Yet, as they grew old and died, another breed took their place in history, gangsters with names such as Capone, Lansky, Luciano, Siegel. Books, movies continue to tell their stories. Yet there is one who is never mention in those books nor seen in movies. He sat at the bar of his Phoenix restaurant for 37 years, keeping his secrets safe, until 1996 when Phoenix author, Mabel Leo, discovered his true identity casing her to write THE SAGA OF JACK DURANT. The popularity of that book caught the attention of playwright Terry Earp who wrote an award-winning play based on Leo’s book and inspired her to write, JACK’S WORLD in which she tells more tales of Jack, including his spirit being seen at the restaurant long after his death. Interest in Jack grew and, after more research, Leo wrote MOB MOLE revealing more of Jack’s life in Las Vegas with the mob. Though Jack Durant died in 1987, his story still lives.