Reviews______________________________________________________
A Fascinating Story
Reviewer: D.L. Meredith, Books Editor, Roundup Magazine Pendencia Creek; the Life and Times of a Texas Gunfighter is fictionalized biography of Texas gunman, John King Fisher, a cousin of the author’s grandfather, and man who controlled the Nueces Strip in Southwest Texas in the 1870s. The author doesn’t sugarcoat his relative, but does reveal extenuating circumstances that explain some of King Fisher’s behavior. Severe abuse by his family drives King Fisher away from home and makes him a tough hombre with little sympathy for those who aren’t as tough as he. Fisher provides sanctuary for the various outlaws, murderers, and other no-goods in Texas. Perhaps he feels these felons have also received a raw blow from life. Perhaps he just enjoys thumbing his nose at the law, Captain Leander McNelly of the Texas Rangers in particular. The author does point out King Fisher did try to turn his life around. He married and tried to make a respectable life for his wife, but as King Fisher’s story proves, once a man takes the wrong fork in the road, it’s hard to retrace his footsteps. This is a fascinating story by a man with resources about his relative that other writers never had access to.
-D.L. Meredith, Roundup Magazine Books Editor ***************************************************************************************
American History Comes to Life
Pendencia Creek is the life story of a late 19th century gunfighter and cattleman named King Fisher. The author has thoroughly researched the history of Southwest Texas, and the growth of the towns, railroads, and local governments. Many of the names which show up in this novel will be familiar to readers. Bat Masterson, John Wesley Hardin, and Wild Bill Hickok to name a few. The unsung heros of the early Texas Rangers feature heavily in the story. This book can be read for the rich detail about the lives of the cattle ranchers, saloon keepers, lawman and outlaws. The account of a cattle drive from Goliad to Abilene seems so real you can feel the dust in your face. History buffs who enjoy a good story and would like to enrich their knowledge of 19th century Texas will find this to be a good read.
M. Neumann *********************************************************************************************** Accurate Assessment
Reviewer: Chuck Parsons, Texas Editor of: Quarterly of the National Association for Outlaw and Lawman History.
King Fisher, the famous (or notorious) gunfighter who has been the subject of numerous articles, has up to now really been the subject of only one biography, that co-authored by O.C. Fisher and Jeff Dykes, published in 1966. Murdered in 1884 with companion Ben Thompson perhaps explains why his career has not been the subject of a few more historians. E. Lee Fisher has now presented a historical novel biography; it is a pleasure to read, not only for the writing style but for the accuracy of the narrative. Pendencia Creek is a novel, yes, but as a descendant of King Fisher’s wife pointed out to me when I first learned of it, “it is a very accurate biography of King Fisher.” Author Lee Fisher has not taken great liberties with the factual record of King Fisher’s life. Undoubtedly his research into the real life and times of King Fisher and the contemporaries who he faced- good and bad- explains why there is a ring of veracity throughout the novel. Lee Fisher studies King Fisher’s life from boyhood through his treacherous death in San Antonio’s Vaudeville Theater in 1884 at the age of thirty. As a novelist he has the right to create conversations and present characters who did not really exist- but they are presented in such a way that the reader may be uncertain if they are fictional or if they were real. Print Olive, Sam Queen, “Josh” Durham, Captain McNelly, Billy Simms, Joe Foster, Jack Harris- all were real individuals who dealt in some way with the real King Fisher. Knowing something of King Fisher’s life and reading this “semi-biography” will certainly convince the reader that Lee Fisher has done his homework well. Curiously, about the same time we obtained our autographed copy of this book, we “discovered” a 1963 novel based very loosely on King Fisher’s life entitled King Fisher’s Road. The cover informed the potential buyer, “When they measured Fisher’s empire they didn’t count the miles. They counted graves.” We point this out only because the latter focuses on only the violence of that time and the area known as the Nueces Strip, where the real King Fisher operated. Lee Fisher’s novel focuses on the real John King Fisher, developing sympathy for his character while at the same time maintaining an accurate assessment of the man. A novel is rarely reviewed in the pages of the NOLA Quarterly but this is one which deserves the attention of our members. It is not only an enjoyable read but an accurate assessment of the man’s lifeandtimes. - Chuck Parsons, Editor NOLA Quarterly ************************************************************** Like Watching a Favorite Old Western Reviewer: egbok, Maryland Pendencia Creek is like watching a favorite old western. Its main protagonist has all the requisite bravery and coolness beftting "the handsome hero". Based on a true story, this historical novel moves along effortlessly, as it chronicles the life and times of King Fisher and the growth of mid-19th century Texas. The hardships and complexities of life on the Texas frontier come vividly alive in this studiously detailed account.
- egbok
*****************************************************************
King Fisher is a young boy with a large name that takes him only a short time to live up to. As the stepson of an angry woman, he endures her abuse as she constantly tells him he will never amount to anything. With a large spirit, he refuses to believe her as he follows his heart wherever he goes. His first money-making opportunity is at the age of twelve, where he finds himself racing his horse, Major, against adults who play dirty. A new confidence rises in him as he wins. At fourteen he makes a name for himself breaking wild horses. It seems as though it doesn't matter what he does or where he goes, his name is remembered. At age sixteen he finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and is sent to prison. When he is released from prison he takes a job as a range rider for the Pendencia Creek Cattleman's Association, whose troubles in the disputed Nueces Strip exceed their wildest nightmares. With a larger than life personality, courage and deadliness with his pistols, King becomes the leader of a large group of outlaws who use the Nueces Strip as a refuge because of the lack of lawmen within the region. By controlling the activities of the renegades, he is able to keep the Pendencia Creek ranchers relatively free from harm. His knack for business leads King to become one of the largest land and cattle owners in the Pendencia region. While he enjoys success and numerous friends, the Texas Rangers decide he is fair game and no amount of time or money is too much to get him under their control. After his many confrontations with the Rangers, King is determined to live a righteous life for his wife, Sarah, and for his two daughters. The life and times of this Texas gunfighter is, indeed, the next Lonesome Dove, where you'll find outlaws, true friends, enemies, saloons, wild horses, Texas Rangers, cattle drives, Mexican bandits, angry Indians, and last but not least, cowboys. The author of this magnificent novel, E. Lee Fisher, is destined for great things. I look forward to his next work of art and give him a definite five stars for Pendencia Creek: The Life and Times of a Texas Gunfighter. - Cindy Bell ************************************************************************ E. Lee Fisher has created an absolutely fabulous piece of work in his novel, Pendencia Creek: The Life and Times of a Texas Gunfighter. You'll get so wrapped up in the story of John King Fisher that you'll easily forget this is the author's first attempt at writing. And let me say, you'll question that thought over and over as you anxiously continue to turn the pages of this exceedingly well written book. - Sandy De Taranto
***********************************************************************
More Moving than Lonesome Dove Reviewer: Robbie Britt, Fort Worth, TX; Author of Dead Men Don't Deal
-Robbie Britt, member: The Critiquer's Cavern and The Writer's Bridge ***** Response to Robbie Britt review by Roger Harrington, author of The Journey of Marie-Jeanne Once in a while a review catches the true essence and character of the writer reviewed. Like HB Marcus and Mark Dirschel, Lee Fisher has thoroughly earned the credit given him for his work. His carefully developed style and meticulously researched work in Pendencia Creek can only make us richer for what he has written. Well done, Lee, and thank you, Robbie, for your perceptive review. Lee is a class writer. *********************************************************************** A Treat to Read Reviewer: Nancy Shaffer, White Plains, MD Pendencia Creek: the Life and Times of a Texas Gunfighter, the fictionalized account of a relative of the author, is a treat to read. The novel follows the life of John King Fisher from childhood until his untimely death. From his years as an abused child in the days following the civil war in a lawless Texas, King grows into an imposing young man whose leadership qualities and skill with the pistol set him apart and make him the leader of a group of outlaws that even the Texas Rangers can not bring to justice. Along the way, King becomes friends with other notorious gunfighters. He also becomes friends with Porfirio Diaz, future president/dictator of Mexico. Following a trail drive to Abilene, Kansas, King has a showdown with that town's marshal, Wild Bill Hickok over the brutal beating of one of King's wranglers. After long-running confrontations with Ranger Captains Leander McNelly and Lee Hall and the marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Sarah Vivian, King's life takes a completely different path. E. Lee Fisher's depiction of the life of John King Fisher, the gunfighter with a heart of gold and a penchant for fine clothing, is an entertaining and educational tale of the Texas wild west. I highly recommend it. - Nancy Shaffer ********************************************************************* Reviewer: Ann Briggs, Maryland At the end of a day, I've come upon a good stress reliever: Lee Fisher's recently published novel Pendencia Creek, The Life and Times of a Texas Gunfighter. The book picks up interest as it progresses and the last few chapters really swing. Facts about John King Fisher (cousin of Lee Fisher's grandfather) are the foundation for this terrific look into the history, culture and mores of the fledging state of Texas between the 1860's-1880's. Lee has expanded on historic knowledge about this charismatic young man by filling gaps with fictional events, conversations, etc. that would have been possible for the time and place. The picture Lee draws of John King Fisher probably could describe many kids who struggled with the not uncommon hardships and, conversely, opportunities of 150 years ago as Texas began to define itself. As an aside, the movie, Red River, dealt with the first big successful cattle drive along the Chisholm Trail from Texas to Abilene, Kansas and had some terrific black and white dramas related to that extraordinary and solitary undertaking. Lee's book describes that same Trail twenty years later when King Fisher's drive is one of so many herds moving up from Texas to Kansas that each drive had to space itself out from those ahead and behind or run the risk of total chaos. For any history nuts, action or western fan, Lee's research into time and place is well worth a read. - Ann Briggs ***************************************************************************** My Advice to You? Buy This Book! Reviewer: Roger Harrington, Ontario, Canada; author of The Journey of Marie-Jeanne The more I visit this remarkable novel, by Lee Fisher, the more I am impressed by the author’s skill. Ostensibly, Pendencia Creek tells the fact-based tale of the life of the Western gunfighter, King Fisher. But it does far more than that. It gives a meticulous history of the life and times of the period and it poses interesting questions about the viability of recorded history. As a historical work and as an exciting tale it rates an "A". Lee Fisher is a very skilful writer. I am sure, as a historian, he knows that the language of the old West was far more formal than the language we use today. Perhaps too formal for the fluid movement of an action novel. Modern western movies use dialogue that is hopelessly out of context for the times; probably, to gain viewer interest. Lee Fisher goes beyond that to create a plausible blend that isn’t peppered with modern expressions. My advice to you? Buy this book! You will learn, as I have done, so much about the presentation of the truth of the old West in the hands of a skilful writer. - Roger Harrington ****************************************************************************** Memories of the Old West Reviewer: Carol Troestler, Wisconsin, author of Flow on Sweet Missouri King Fisher was an endearing character. You developed his personality from childhood in a believable way and it is obvious you liked him. Your book was very well written, kept my interest and I liked your matter-of-fact, non-judgmental style. I found it quite interesting that my grandfather was stationed in the Rio Grande area during World War I, not that many years after King Fisher rode those trails. It was believed that the Germans had given funds to Mexican vigilantes to cross the Rio Grande and cause problems to keep the U.S. out of the war in Europe. Ah, if only King Fisher had been alive they wouldn't have needed thousands of U.S. Troops to settle the unrest! I hope you write another book as you are a gifted writer. - Carol Troestler *************************************************************************** I Couldn't Put It Down Reviewer: Jayne, Lockport, New York I just finished reading Pendencia Creek and can’t believe how good it was. I started reading it about two weeks ago and found I couldn’t put it down once I began. It was fantastic! I have been reading more crime/romance books and found your book refreshing. I can’t believe I know an actual author and I can’t believe the imagination you have that made this book so real life. You did an awesome job. Thanks for autographing my book…I will cherish it. Waiting for your next publication. - Jayne ************************************************************************ A Great Book About Surviving Reviewer: Michelle, Colorado I loved the story. What a different world it was only a little over 100 years ago. It’s so hard to imagine. And what a strong person, with both faults and strengths, King Fisher was to make it how he did…pretty amazing. He was sort of a hero. It's a pretty crazy story that inspires me to write my Mom's story of making it to the U.S. following WWII. Pendencia Creek is a great book about surviving and creating your own world but it’s so hard to imagine in our world today. It makes our life seem so easy. - Michelle ************************************************************************* I Thoroughly Enjoyed Pendencia Creek Reviewer: Mariuca, Port Huron, Michigan I really enjoyed the book. I didn't know if I would, since this is a genre of book that I'm not usually drawn to. But I guess due to the universal nature of the story and also your good writing, the book really drew me in and I found I came to really like the main character and I was keenly interested in what was going to happen to him. When I finally got down to the last few pages, I was sad because I knew that something bad was going to happen. I wanted to put off reading those last pages to postpone my disappointment! After completing the book, I really thought it would be a good choice for our book club group. Although there are only five of us in the group, and we are all roughly the same age, from the same socio-economic background and all African Americans, our book choices thus far have encompassed many cultures, time periods, and subjects. We have not yet had a Western, so I thought your book would be a good choice. Still, I was apprehensive because I wasn't sure if the rest of the girls would go for the genre. However, I was pleasantly surprised as they all seem to have thoroughly enjoyed the book! - Mariuca **************************************************************************** Thoughts After Reading It? I Loved it! Reviewer: Micaela, Port Huron, Michigan I wanted to share with you my thoughts on your book. My Thoughts before reading it? I hate TV westerns…I've never watched them and didn't think that I would like your book. Thoughts while reading it? I liked it right away. I loved finding out so many facts and figures about Texas' history, weather and topography. I speak Spanish so I enjoyed the Latino flavor. What I liked the most was the simple story of one young man's struggle to find a life and love. My favorite part was the first section, although I couldn’t wait to find out how he became powerful. It seemed so natural, so effortless for him. I liked the way he thought and used his head and especially his humanity. Just about the time I was thinking that I want to know more about his wife, you began to tell more about her and their life together. My Thoughts after reading it? I loved it! The character King was very interesting, real and believable and he was right when he discovered that we mold our own fates by the good or bad choices we make. - Micaela ***************************************************************************** It is Fantastic Reviewer: Hortense, Austin, TX I finished reading "the book" and I gotta tell you, it is fantastic! I love your style of mixing history facts and a story line about real people. You know, since King was such a complex personality I'm surprised that no one has made a movie about him and his exploits. I think you should train as a screen writer and go for it. I am perplexed about only one thing. I had planned on using it as a relaxing past time but found that I couldn't put it down. I don't want to sound too lofty, but my analogy is like the Bible. You know the ultimate outcome, but you can't wait to read about it. Anyway I just wanted you to know that I am a reader and my take on this one is that it is a winner. I hope you will start another project soon. I just can't imagine the research and writing time on a book of this size. - Hortense
|
