Steve Renfroe

Mom's book is finally available! I'm very proud of her accomplishment.

Steve Renfroe, the notorious sheriff turned outlaw, has long been a legend in Alabama. This novel is based on his life.

After the Civil War, during the bloody years of Reconstruction, the handsome Renfroe became a hero by rescuing Sumter County from carpetbagger rule.

With his election as sheriff, his downfall began. Driven by personal demons, and the fear of losing his wife, Renfroe committed crimes that turned him into a hunted outlaw.

No jail could hold him for long. His brilliant escapes added to his notoriety. As his crimes grew more daring, he became known as the Terror of Sumter County. Unable to turn back, Renfroe continued down a road that would end in tragedy.

This is his story, told as it might have been.

Advance Praise for Steve Renfroe:

“Stephen S. Renfroe's legacy is a source of unending fascination and speculation. By juxtaposing his family life with the public drama, [Kilgore] adds a tragic dimension to Renfroe's story. Students of Black Belt culture and folklore, as well as anyone interested in the continuing mystery of a remarkable man, will want to read this book.”
– PAUL M. PRUITT Jr., Special Collections Librarian, Law School, University of Alabama, Author of a new introduction to Alabama's Outlaw Sheriff, Stephen S. Renfroe

“Steve Renfroe was the handsomest [outlaw] in Alabama. This real-life rogue parlayed his charisma into a position of power and influence in the county seat of Livingston, Alabama before he became the most wanted man in the state. Recreating the turbulent Reconstruction days, Katherine Kilgore spins a tale based on the real Renfroe, but adds her own indelible touch to her novel of love and betrayal!”
– NAN GRAHAM, public radio commentator, author of Turn South at the Next Magnolia and In A Magnolia Minute

“An intimate view of history, a fascinating picture of how it may have been for this capable but flawed man and the woman who married him.”
– JOHN S. NEEL, former publisher, Sumter County Home-Record.
Author of A Lively Mind: The Story of Lynn Arthur Smith, A Gifted Teacher

“My wife and I both have read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. [The] book provided many unique twists to a story that I have heard repeated often in Sumter County. People in this area will be anxious to obtain a copy.”
– RICHARD HOLLAND, Ph.D., President, University of West Alabama
President, Sumter County Historical Society

“I found Steve Renfroe to be a fascinating character and followed his story with great enthusiasm. This carefully researched book increased my insight into the Reconstruction Era in the South, of which I knew little. Part notorious criminal and part victim, Renfroe was caught up in the turmoil of a difficult time in history that often brought out the worst in men.”
– ELLEN REULAND, author of Leaf Burning: Poems of grief, hope, and moving on.

Now available on Amazon