October 2020 Archives

Subscribe or to view the
digital magazine Purchase Issue

On the Cover

Tom Brown’s Body, Chapter 1: A Pretty Little Place

In 2016 a popular teenager disappeared in the tiny Panhandle community of Canadian. Two years later, his remains were discovered beneath a tree outside of town. But to this day, no arrests have been made, and it seems that nearly everyone involved in the case has fallen under suspicion.

By Skip Hollandsworth

Features

Lake Marvin Road, northeast of Canadian.

Tom Brown’s Body

Tom Brown’s Body, Chapter 4: Lake Marvin Road

“I'm sitting there thinking, ‘Oh God, I'm so scared right now.’ I couldn't convince them. And so I just let them hammer me.”

By Skip Hollandsworth

Canadian, Texas downtown, the town of Tom Bown's murder.

Tom Brown’s Body

Tom Brown’s Body, Chapter 3: “Evil Has Come to Canadian, Texas”

“Makes you want to go to the church, get on your knees, and say a few words, right?”

By Skip Hollandsworth

The Walking Bridge, just outside of Canadian and one of the places where Tom was last seen.

Tom Brown’s Body

Tom Brown’s Body, Chapter 2: Tom’s Loop

“My gut tells me he hasn't left Hemphill County. I think he's here somewhere, and I don't know if he intends to come out in the next day or two.”

By Skip Hollandsworth

tom brown canadian texas skip hollandsworth

Tom Brown’s Body

In 2016 a popular teenager disappeared in the tiny Panhandle community of Canadian, Texas. Two years later, his remains were discovered beneath a tree outside of town. But to this day, no arrests have been made, and nearly everyone involved in the case has fallen under suspicion. Beginning September 29,

By Texas Monthly

Art

James Magee Has Been Working on His Masterpiece for Decades, but Completion Isn’t the Point

The Hill, located in the West Texas desert, stirs visitors to confront what they cannot comprehend.

By Sterry Butcher

Illustration of George W. Bush, his parents George H.W. and Barbara Bush, the White House the World Trade Center

Politics & Policy

Are We Ready to Rehabilitate George W. Bush’s Reputation?

Can a batch of new books, a documentary, and Donald Trump’s calamitous administration resuscitate the legacy of our 43rd president—and his illustrious family?

By Andrew R. Graybill

Illustration of James Baker and George H.W. Bush

Politics & Policy

How James Baker Became James Baker

In this exclusive excerpt from the forthcoming ‘The Man Who Ran Washington,’ two veteran political correspondents recount how the future Reagan and Bush cabinet member's family legacy, a personal tragedy, and a friendship forged on the Houston Country Club’s tennis courts put a restless middle-aged lawyer on the path to

By Peter Baker and Susan Glasser

The State

'Wishbone' star Soccer the dog who plays Wishbone.

The Culture

Top Dog: An Oral History of ‘Wishbone’

The kids’ television program, helmed by a crop of Texan theatrical talents, landed on PBS 25 years ago.

By Christian Wallace and Cat Cardenas

The Stand Up Desk

From the Editor, October 2020: “Learning to Listen”

How Skip Hollandsworth does it.

By Dan Goodgame

bud-shrake-illustration-by-tim-Mcdonaugh

Books

The Late, Great Bud Shrake’s Last, Great Novel

The funny and brutal ‘Hollywood Mad Dogs’ was inspired by the Texas writer's experience working in Hollywood with the legendary—and very demanding—Steve McQueen.

By W.K. Stratton

hurricane-ike-houston-illustration-by-benedetto-cristofani

Politics & Policy

Build the Ike Dike!

Instead of wasting time on tiresome culture wars, Texas’s political leaders ought to be thinking big. They could start by saving Houston from disaster.

By Evan Mintz