Washed in the Blood

Rating:
Summary: couldn't put it down; sorry when it ended
Review: A disturbing, sad, quirky, true tale- mainly biographical that pulls you in and holds you to the end. Set mainly in working class West Texas in the late 60's, it tells the story of a dysfunctional family struggling with demons of their own making and with those thrust on them by religiosity, the environment and the times. To be different from the norm meant heart-breaking ostracism and isolation. For Shelly's cousin, it meant her mysterious death at 17. A West Texas '60's story but more than that it is a story about universal questions and truths. Compact, understated, minimalist writing style with strong underlying warm feeling tones


Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: I was very close to some of the people in this case and after some trepidation picked up "Washed in the Blood." I couldn't put it down. Mack Herring pulled the trigger yet it is more of an indictment of families that don't work as well as growing up in Odessa, Texas in the 50's & 60's. It is also a book of hope in that Betty Williams still "lives" in the hearts and minds of a lot of people.

If you grew up in West Texas at that time or are close to somone who did, or locked into a point of view in regard to this case, please do yourself a favor and read this book.

Rating:
Summary: Washed in the Blood
Review: It's all Shelly! I grew up at this time and in this place. My friend Shelly Williams opens his heart to the world as he shares his truth of being in this West Texas world. If we transformed these real people to today's world, could this tragic event happen? I think not, but you be the judge. Pick up the book; you won't stop reading until you get to the final page!

Rating:
Summary: Washed in the Blood ... in Odessa, Texas
Review: Shelton Williams has written a personal account of the "Kiss and Kill" murder case and life Odessa, Texas in 1962. In a book that's hard to put down, Shelly opens his souls, as not many have the courage to do, to tell the story of the murder of his 17-year-old cousin. He asked the questions never asked, why was she murdered, did she want to die and why was her killer set free? It is a sensitive and telling piece on growing up in Odessa and how this famed murder case made some fortunes and shaped the lives of others, including his own.

Rating:
Summary: Washed in the Blood
Review: This is a fascinating story that vividly paints the picture of growing up in the 1950's West Texas. Shelton Williams sensitively tells the tale of his cousin's dramatic life. If you are a fan of Ann Rule or Larry McMurtry, this would definitely be worth your time.

Rating:
Summary: Washed In The Blood
Review: Washed In The Blood is a must read not only for West Texans, but for all who seek to understand the fascinating life and death of Elizabeth J. Williams. This is the first book I've read in years that I couldn't put down until I reached the last page. Regardless of what you already know about the "Kiss and Kill Murder", Washed In The Blood will thrill and excite you as you as the author takes you inside the personal life and death of a beautiful girl who's life ended too soon.