This was one of the best books I've ever read....I heard stories about Oklahoma through my great grandma, and my grandma, but this book just validates those stories...and for a real treat I recommend the sequel to this book "Sons of Thunder".

I thought this book was more than excellent. I don't read much but this book was one that I could not put down until I finished it. I think it would make a great movie script! If you want to relive the Great Depression Era through a small boy's eyes you need to read this one. The author, Bonnie S. Speer, knows how to write. I have read other books she's written.

Full of tips and details only somone who has been there could know. Refreshing, insightful and fun.

Dan Poynter, Author, The Self-Publishing Manual.

The Bonnie Spear book, The Killing of Ned Christie, contains an extensive biography documenting her research for writing this book. However, some information in this book is not accurate. For example the information given regarding the Palone murder case lacks correct information from the case file in Fort Smith, Arkansas and at Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma. While the incorrect information from this source does not cloud the significance of the work, it is disappointing. A real and apparently honest attempt to research the Ned Christie story was attempted. The book reads easily and is comprehendable. Some names are found to be in error such as refering to Ned's paternal grandfather as Ned, his name was Lacy (in English)(He did have a great uncle named Ned Christie);this error is indicitive of several errors in family history information. Some names are in error and some individuals are left out of the story. The author also incorrectly identifies the name "Christie" as having been originally pronounced "Wattie" and writes it meant gourd. While, in fact, the original Christie name was "Wakigu" and doesn't translate to Christie but to Sugartree or StepAlong. The Christie name was take from a female family member prior to the 1839 Removals. It may also be noted Nancy Grease was not Ned's second wife. She was his fourth wife. Also on page 18 is a photograph identified as Ned Christie, when in fact this is a photograph of one of the marshals whom sought Ned's capture. It is also incorrect (on page 58) that the word Keetoowah means "principle people" or "real people." On page 71 the author translates Ned's Cherokee name, Nede Wade, to mean Ned Christie. It translates roughly as Ned son of Watt. On page 83 in the footnote, Betsy Christie Wolf is a cousin of Ned's, not his sister (although, he had a sister named Betsy). There are a few other errors. While these errors do not effect the readability of the book, they are disappointing. Many people will not know the truth or take the time to research or document Ms. Speers work. I did enjoy reading the book, as I have all other books about Ned, fiction and nonfiction. Ned was my great-great uncle. I grew up and have lived my 40 years in Wauhillau. Wauhillau is where Ned was born and died. Many Christie descendant still live in the area, as do I. I can be reached for further comment at e-mail outofthebox@intellex.com