Debut Novel Unearths Epic Tragedy
It’s 1911 in the Texas Panhandle and Lena Snyder Sneed is madly in love. The only problem is, it’s not with her husband Beal.
Beal Sneed, a cattle broker and rancher, is often away from their home in the wealthiest part of Amarillo, leaving Lena to care for the house and their two daughters.
And inadvertently to her own devices.
And in the booming town of Amarillo, gossip spreads like wildfire, especially if it involves the rich.
When Beal gets wind of how far things have gone with Lena and Al, jealousy, revenge and pride brew up a biblical storm that consumes three prominent families and leaves tragedy in its wake.
Based on one of the most infamous feuds in Texas history, and incorporating family archives, newspaper accounts and trial transcripts, Before We Turn to Dust is an honest, shocking and masterfully written glimpse into sex, society and justice in early 20th century Texas.
“A fresh new voice in literary fiction steps onto the stage.”
— NEW YORK TIMES bestselling
author Jodi Thomas
“Beautifully written and Shakespearean in scope, BEFORE WE TURN TO DUST is a stunning debut novel by Clara Sneed. Part family drama, part crime story, this piece of historical fiction will seduce and shock readers with its vivid portrait of passion and vengeance.”
— RICK TREON, award-winning author
of LET THE GUILTY PAY
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