From an award-winning author and Choctaw storyteller comes a riveting tale set in turn-of-the-century Indian Territory.
Who would show up for their own execution?
It’s 1892, Indian Territory. A war is brewing in the Choctaw Nation as two political parties fight out issues of old and new ways. Caught in the middle is eighteen-year-old Ruth Ann Teller, a Choctaw who doesn’t want to see her family killed.
In a small but booming pre-statehood town, her mixed blood family owns a controversial newspaper, the Choctaw Tribune. Ruth Ann wants to help spread the word about critical issues but there is danger for a female reporter on all fronts—socially, politically, even physically.
But what is truly worth dying for? This quest leads Ruth Ann and her brother Matthew, the stubborn editor of the fledgling Choctaw Tribune, to old Choctaw ways at the farm of a condemned murderer. It also brings them to head on clashes with leading townsmen who want their reports silenced no matter what.
More killings are ahead. Who will survive to know the truth? Will truth survive?
The Executions is a story of friendship, faith, and family in a gritty western setting with characters that fight for truth against all odds.
“Among the many pleasures of Sarah Elisabeth’s writing are her attention to character, language, and period detail. In The Executions, a story grounded in history and the complexities of pre-statehood Oklahoma, she brings to life, with great heart, the compelling mix of cultures, faith, and political intrigue in the old Choctaw Nation. An intriguing read.”
—Rilla Askew, author of The Mercy Seat
"Outstanding research and superb writing that accurately depicts a tough and critical time of the Choctaw nation and its people. Author Sarah Elisabeth has an old soul in a young lady, a powerful combination that clearly displays her love and passion for the Choctaw ways. Cannot wait to read more of her writings!"
--Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
"Sarah Elisabeth is a young Tribal member with a deep passion and proven talent for conveying the spirit of Oklahoma Choctaw people through her writing. Her works of historical fiction are well researched. She successfully portrays in her characters and scenes the human elements that made those who came before us as vibrant and as alive as we are today."
--Dr. Ian Thompson, Director Historic Preservation Dept., Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
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