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Greg Shepard graduated from California State University with a degree in mathematics, in 1970. He went on to a successful career in sales and as president of Greg Shepard and Associates International, Inc., traveled to nearly 50 countries around the world consulting with some of America's top multi-national sales teams. He retired in 2005 and lives with his wife of 45 years in Allen, TX. They have 6 children (and six by marriage) along with 15 grandchildren. The first nine grandchildren have been inducted into Grandpa's 10,000 Page Book Club, by reading 10,000 pages (chapter books) in their eighth year.
Greg first discovered the story of Matt and George Kimes in a conversation about family history with his grandfather in 1985. In 2011, after the passing of his mother, Greg renewed his efforts to write his family history, rediscovering the brothers and their incredible story. What he discovered so impressed him that he began to put pen to paper, resulting in his first novel of historical fiction, Earthstains. He thought he could bring the characters to life in a novel better than a simple retelling of history. Whether he achieved this objective is left to the reader to decide.
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Earthstains: Based on True Events by Greg Shepard revolves around the true story of two handsome young men in their twenties, George and Matt Kimes, who became famous for their sensational bank robberies. Their explosive careers grabbed the headlines and became news for the next twenty years. They ushered in a modern age of hedonism and, as they were both on the path to self-destruction, the family was held together by the sister and the wife of one of the brothers. The family would not have become so famous if not for these two notorious young men, and this poignant story explores the human drama surrounding them and the events around them.
The book is a compelling read and the author's detailed narration makes the scenes come alive so readers feel as if they are there with Matt and George while robbing the bank. The author also captures the lust for easy money, fame, and adventure which sowed the seeds of destruction that brought misery to many. The book is fast paced and the author introduces readers to their families, their struggles, the bad choices made by the father, and the relationships they maintained with their sisters and the wife. The author's fluid writing style gives a good movement to the story and it's a tale for all those who enjoy reading historical fiction and adventure. The author also throws light on the era of the Depression and bank robberies by these outlaw brothers with clarity, making it a great read.
