Longtime Texas Ranger Sonny Burton found himself in a shoot-out with Bonnie and Clyde that tore apart his right arm so badly it needed amputated, ending his esteemed career as a lawman. Now that he was facing a long and painful recuperation, as well as adjusting to a new way of life, Burton retired to the safety and security of his ranch.

A hospital janitor, Aldo Hernandez, drove him home from the hospital. On their way to Sonny’s ranch Aldo talked to him about Aldo’s missing daughter who vanished in a similar fashion as another local girl, and asked if there was any way he could find out where. Sonny volunteered to search for her as he was looking for something to keep him occupied.

Sonny found out she might have fallen into the clutches of two brothers who were involved in a string of robberies, but he also realized she could have come up against someone who was killing local girls and leaving them in fields.

A Thousand Falling Crows was written by Larry D. Sweazy, a prolific award winning author especially known for his western mysteries.

The author’s choice of setting for this story, depression-era Texas that still had a feeling of the lawlessness of the Wild West, was brilliant. Most people know of Bonnie and Clyde and having them come in and out of the story gave a certain reality to the story.

His description of the dry land and burning sun of the west Texas panhandle, the depression that tore families and communities apart, and the struggle for survival brought a reality of the times that most of us have not yet seen in our lifetime.

The characters are true to life as they struggle for survival in a harsh atmosphere. Anyone who has lived in such a land will understand the bitterness and anger of those who are trying to keep their families together with little hope of success.

A Thousand Falling Crows is one of the best books I’ve read in quite some time. It’s a page-turner that is difficult to let go even when the story has come to an end.

If you are interest in purchasing A Thousand Falling Crows or other Larry D. Sweazy’s marvelous books, they are available at Amazon.com.

A special thank you goes to Seventh Street Books for providing us with a complimentary copy of this book for our review.