FOLLOW ME TO HELL
By Tom Clavin
Publisher: St. Martin's
A portrayal of a ranger named Leander McNelly and his men in 1870s Texas.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Tom Clavin's "Follow Me to Hell: McNelly's Texas Rangers and the Rise of Frontier Justice" endeavors to chronicle the tumultuous era of the Texas Rangers, with a particular focus on the enigmatic figure of Leander McNelly. While Clavin's reputation as a seasoned historian of the American West precedes him, this latest work regrettably falls short of expectations.
The narrative is encumbered by an overabundance of historical minutiae, inundating the reader with a deluge of names, dates, and events that often seem tangential to the central storyline. This excessive detail not only disrupts the flow but also obfuscates the core narrative, making it arduous for readers to maintain engagement. As one reviewer aptly noted, the book is "all over the place," leading to confusion about the primary subject matter. ([audible.com](https://www.audible.com/pd/Follow-Me-to-Hell-Audiobook/B09YG7GJMW?utm_source=openai))
Furthermore, the titular subject, Leander McNelly, is conspicuously absent from the initial chapters, only making a significant appearance well into the book. This delayed introduction is perplexing, especially given the book's subtitle, which promises an exploration of McNelly's role in the rise of frontier justice. Readers seeking an in-depth analysis of McNelly's exploits may find themselves wading through a morass of unrelated historical context before reaching the crux of the narrative.
The prose, while occasionally engaging, is marred by a lack of cohesion and a tendency to meander. The inclusion of numerous side stories and anecdotes, though potentially interesting in isolation, contributes to a fragmented reading experience. This disjointed structure detracts from the overall impact of the book, leaving readers yearning for a more focused and coherent account.
In summary, "Follow Me to Hell" is a laborious read that demands patience and perseverance. While it offers a wealth of historical information, the lack of a clear and engaging narrative thread renders it a challenging endeavor. For those with a deep-seated interest in the minutiae of Texas history, this book may hold some appeal. However, for the general reader seeking a compelling and well-structured account of Leander McNelly and the Texas Rangers, this work is likely to disappoint.
Recommendation: Not recommended.
written on: 5/1/2025