WARNING: THIS IS NOT A BEACH READ
Behind the Words: Resources / Reviews / Research
Sneed's 'Because This is Texas' expands on true story of feud between ranching families.
Editor's note: The author of “Because This is Texas,” Clara Sneed, was in Amarillo recently to promote her new release and other books and share the story behind the story. It is as twisted and intriguing today as it was in 1912, when it was a heated topic and front-page banner news for the Fort Worth Telegram and Amarillo Globe-News. Sneed is a relative of the man who shot two men for revenge of an unfaithful relationship with his wife.
What Readers Are Saying / Before We Turn to Dust
“Beautifully conceived and written. A masterful work about a subject the author clearly holds dear.”
— ★★★★★
“Meticulous attention to historical detail and the inspired, believable voices of the characters make this drama come to life.”
— ★★★★★
“Great book. Could not put it down!”
— ★★★★★
I couldn’t put this book down as it raced to its inexorable conclusion. I really liked the wrap-up with the legal transcript and the newspaper accounts of the events (and the postscript was the perfect coda, just what I was wondering about in the aftermath of the explosive finale). The straightforward and therefore surprisingly understated legal and newspaper accounts of the events, juxtaposed with the jury decision they were describing, leave you shaken, wondering about the nature of justice, not only in the Texas Panhandle at the dawn of the 20th century but in the headlines of today. Unbelievable, in the most literal sense of the word.
— ★★★★★
"What an epic, compelling story. The depth and intensity of the author’s research was evident. A family saga rich in intrigue, passion and moral dilemma. And the ending, a stunning and shocking conclusion. Highly recommend."
— ★★★★★
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