The setting for Cloudy in the West covers much of Central Texas from Athens down to Austin and then west through the hill country and over the Pecos Frontier to Fort Stockton, but for thematic purposes there are only two scenes in the novel— the Shipman Ranch in East Texas and "The West" of about 1885.

The Shipman Ranch is home for Joey and John Shipman, a place of unremitting hard work, family closeness, and as much security as land and livestock can provide. After Joey's mother died some of this closeness and security faded, but there was still Pa and old Reuben. John Shipman married Dulcie to try to replace Joey's mother, but Dulcie never liked Joey much, nor did she much like the ranch. When both Pa and Reuben die the only security Joey has is the ranch itself, with all its attendant hard work, but...