On the night of March 17, 1934, in a small town in rural Pennsylvania, a man crept to a window and shot a woman through her heart. Her name was Susan Mummey, but she was better known as the Witch of Ringtown Valley. The shocking true story of her life and murder has never been told, until now.
The cold-blooded shooting of a woman in her home would have been news on its own. But the victim who lay on her sitting room floor wasn’t just any woman. For years, the people of Schuylkill County whispered about how Susan Mummey practiced magic from her isolated farmhouse. She fought with her family, her neighbors, and the law. Death, it seemed, followed in her wake. Then, death claimed her.
The case was taken up by the formidable team of Detective Louis Buono and District Attorney LeRoy Enterline. When they apprehended Susan’s killer and obtained a confession, the startling revelations sent shockwaves far beyond Schuylkill County. For 40 days, this small corner of the world held the nation’s attention. But as quickly as it began, this astonishing story came to an astonishing end. Today, it is the most famous murder you've never heard of.
In the Day of Trouble is an unforgettable look into a misunderstood woman, a disturbed man, and perhaps even ourselves. Pulled from historical records and insights from survivors of those involved in the case, it takes you beyond the headlines to relive one of the strangest chapters of American history.
Author: Taj Magruder
Page Count: 280
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Publish Date: March 26, 2024
Imprint: Milford House Press
Genre: Mystery
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Historical
TRUE CRIME / Historical
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Captivating historical fiction about Pennsylvania's Hex Belt and the Ringtown Witch. Very detailed descriptions and very accurate historically. Having collected Pennsylvania folktales and legends, including witchcraft stories, over the last 50 years, I was impressed with how accurately he describes Pennsylvania witchcraft beliefs and practices. I had never heard of Susan Mummy, also known as the Ringtown Witch, and his story of her sad life and eventual demise kept me turning the pages to find out how it all ended.
The author brought such a human factor to all characters in this book but especially to the two main ones. Two people not necessarily likable to others but explained so well that you understand why they are -the way they are. I can tell this story was well researched and told with such care. Historical archives were such a plus. I enjoyed this book and the new understanding I have of the pawpaw culture. Read it in a weekend and have recommended it to friends.
Such an interesting story based on real events.
This is a great read. I thought I would start a couple of pages but I found myself half way through the book. I hope you had the same experience..