Murder, thievery, lust, and intrigue in the true story of the most audacious bank robbery in New York City history, and perhaps the largest bank heist in American history--the Manhattan Savings Institution robbery of 1878. The first in the New York City Gilded Age Crime Trilogy by J. North Conway.
From the author of King of Heists and The Big Policeman, comes the third book of history and crime in Gilded Age New York City--this time focused on the sensational grave robbery, ransom, and return of the remains of A. T. Stewart, a.ka. The Merchant Prince of Manhattan, one of the wealthiest men in the world. The third in the New York City Gilded Age Crime Trilogy by J. North Conway.
On the morning of June 13, 1814, the British warship HMS Nimrod" attacked the town of Wareham, Massachusetts. As a center for shipbuilding and iron, Wareham was a perfect target for the British fleet. When the lead barge deceptively appeared with a white flag at its bow, Wareham never suspected anything but a truce and was ill prepared for the attack. A raiding party with six barges and two hundred men burned the town's cotton mill, destroyed its vessels and took its citizens as hostages. When "Nimrod" tried to flee the shores, it ran aground and had to throw its cannons and guns overboard in order to lighten its load and sail away. Wareham was left smoldering in its wake. Follow authors J. North Conway and Jesse Dubuc as they trace the attack from the initial spotting of the British fleet to the discovery of the lost "Nimrod "cannons."
The tragic fate of the SS Portland, a luxurious paddle steamer, unfolds during the catastrophic "Portland Gale" in November 1898. Known for its reliability, the ship was caught in a perfect storm that unleashed 100 mph winds and towering waves, leading to its disappearance along with its crew and passengers. This disaster not only claimed the Portland but also resulted in the loss of 400 lives and the sinking of over 200 vessels, marking a dark chapter in New England's maritime history.
Exploring the dual nature of Cape Cod as both a vital shipping route and a perilous graveyard for sailors, the book delves into its rich history and culture. J. North Conway examines the region's discovery, its iconic chowder, and the life of the man who navigated its treacherous waters. Through vivid storytelling, the author captures the essence of Cape Cod's maritime legacy and the challenges faced by those who traversed its waters.
Queen of Thieves is the gritty, fast-paced story of Fredericka “Marm” Mandelbaum, a poor Jewish woman who rose to the top of her profession in organized crime during the Gilded Age in New York City. During her more than twenty-five-year reign as the country’s top receiver of stolen goods, she accumulated great wealth and power inconceivable for women engaged in business, legitimate or otherwise. The New York Times called Mandelbaum “the nucleus and center of the whole organization of crime in New York City.”Having emigrated from Germany in 1850, she began her climb to the top of the crime world as a peddler on the rough-and-tumble, crowded streets of the city. By 1880, she had amassed a fortune estimated at more than $1 million. Mandelbaum was known for running an orderly criminal enterprise. She enlisted the services of an extensive network of criminals of every ilk and bribed police officials, politicians, and judges. If someone wanted to move stolen goods, needed protection from the law, or sought money to finance a caper, Marm was the person to see.In 1884, Mandelbaum escaped from the clutches of Pinkerton detectives, who were casing her house, and fled to Canada. Mandelbaum lived out the rest of her life in luxury on a small farm with her family and ill-got fortune. Hundreds of people turned out for her funeral. Dozens of people later reported to police that they had their pockets picked at the service.
Featuring 20 gripping true crime stories from 1724 to 1913, this collection delves into the lives of notorious American and English criminals, highlighting their heinous acts and the consequences they faced. The narratives encompass a diverse range of offenders, including men, women, and children, revealing the chilling details of their crimes that have faded from public memory over time. Each account offers a fascinating glimpse into historical justice and the darker aspects of human nature.
A story bursting with murder, mayhem, and intrigue-the astonishing career of Thomas Byrnes, the 19th Century New York City detective who closed the city's most notorious murders and robberies and became one of the most celebrated detectives in American history. The second in the New York City Gilded Age Crime Trilogy by J. North Conway.