Before We Turn to Dust

Before We Turn to Dust is a dark and immersive retelling of real people and real events. All names in this historical fiction are real names, and all events are real events. It's important to note that this historical novel is written by Clara Sneed, the grand niece of John Beal Sneed, who is the perspective in Part Two of the book. Although the story of this infamous Texas family feud is often discussed and talked about, the author, being a direct descendent, had access to (and therefore permissions) to actual court transcripts, archives and even love letters that no other writer has ever had, and that the public has never seen before. We kindly request sensitivity when submitting a review for Before We Turn to Dust, as these characters (real people, rather) have families and friends that are still living. Sneed's historical fiction take is more about making the story more immersive and a creative endeavour by the author. The events, after all, are incredibly dramatic and ripe for discussion and interpretation. We highly encourage that when reading your advanced review copy, you read the Note to the Reader beforehand. 

Clara Sneed is also the author of the nonfiction account of the feud titled Because This is Texas, which was originally published in 1999 through the Panhandle Plains HIstorical Review. The Panhandle Plains HIstorical Museum is the largest history museum in Texas and is located in Canyon, TX. Blue Handle Publishing will be releasing an updated and revised version of the nonfiction account, with a release date slated for early 2025. 

We and the author thank you for your interest in the novel, and look forward to reading your reviews!

Sincerely, the BHP team.

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.

With Beal gone, Lena falls into an impassioned relationship with handsome bachelor Al Boyce Jr., another well-off cattleman and old family friend.

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.