Reviews

"Move over Larry McMurtry—P. A. Ritzer establishes himself as bright new voice with this gripping epic about good and evil battling in 1870s Texas ranch country."

—BarnesandNoble.com

"An ambitious epic of the pioneer experience, framed in a turbulent period of Texas history."

—Elmer Kelton
Voted Best Western Writer of All Time by
Western Writers of America

"A dramatic epic unfolds, richly flavored and brought to life with keen historical accuracy."

—Midwest Book Review

"This is excellent work on a large project. The writer's love for the written word and history of mankind is evident."

—Writer's Digest

"This is an authentic and compelling look at the men and women who represented the best of Texas, and America, in facing life's great challenges with more faith, determination, and bravery than most modern Americans can imagine--not just another historical fiction book.

Ritzer spins a tale rooted in the True Texas few understand. His . . . take on Texas history adds a new dimension I've wanted to read but have not found in other novels. Once you become friends with the novel's characters, you'll want to cheer for them, pray for them, hug them, help them, and know them as neighbors."

—Robert Pratt
Pratt on Texas

Radio Interview LISTEN to Part 1 — Part 2 (mp3)

"If you like historical novels, you will really like this book. Some of them can be pretty hard going, but in this case I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. . . . I have read all of James Michener's books, and plenty of others by the likes of Edward Rutherfurd, and we may just have another up-and-coming Michener here in author P. A. Ritzer."

—Thomas McEwen
Author of Boater's Pocket Reference

"A fascinating historical novel interweaving fact and fiction and set in a time that witnessed dramatic change in the culture and landscape of the Southwest. Here the reader is invited to follow the story of a man who came with the U.S. Cavalry, buffalo hunters, cattlemen, and settlers into a wild country where the Comanche and Kiowa Indians had roamed freely for untold years before."

—Leroy T. Matthiesen
Bishop of Amarillo (retired)

"Ritzer's skill as a writer and storyteller held my attention and kept me coming back for more. . . . This was a very good read."

—Mark W. Wilkins
St. Anthony Messenger

"In Seven Ox Seven, P. A. Ritzer spins a tail in the well-known tradition of Michener and McCullough. The story of these early settlers is at times gentle and peaceful, and at others, heartbreaking and cruel. As the reader listens in on conversations around the campfire, witnesses the founding of a homestead, or watches in fear as the family faces terrifying danger, this story will linger in your thoughts far beyond the last page."

—Linda Doyle
Associate Publisher,
Westcliffe Publishers