Mad Maury: Ghosts, Murder, and Mayhem in Maury County

by Adam Southern

Not for the faint of heart, "Mad Maury" explores the macabre side of the "Dimple of the Universe." A selection of Maury County's most famous ghost stories, murders, and all-out acts of mayhem are included and show that this county has a legacy that runs deeper and darker than just being the boyhood home of President James K. Polk and the "Mule Capitol of the World." Does a ghost haunt Maury County's courthouse? How did a radio cause a race riot? Why is the public library haunted? Why did President James K. Polk's brother shoot a man in downtown? Find out when you read "Mad Maury: Ghosts, Murder, & Mayhem in Maury County, Tennessee!"

130 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2013

Reviews

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Southern has done an excellent job of bringing some of this historic middle Tennessee counties' most colorful moments to life.

[Jill VanWormer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read for anyone interested in local (Columbia/Maury County) history or anyone just interested in supernatural/true crime stories. Entertaining and well written. A super quick read, too.

[Aura Keaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

On separate occasions, I had seen this book being checked out by patrons; it piqued my curiosity being a fairly new transplant to Tennessee. With its ominous dark images and blood-red title smeared across the cover, "Mad Maury: Ghosts, Murder, and Mayhem in Maury County" is a short collection of local stories, including famous military officers and former U.S. presidents. Although I found it a great resource for many legends and lore in this Civil War-heavy historical community, I was disappointed by the lack of dramatic storytelling and creepiness. It can be found catalogued in the adult non-fiction books, but certainly has the feel of a young reader resource. Nonetheless, it is entertaining and full of valuable information.

[Russ Adcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little book on local history in and around Columbia. Adam does a good job capturing the stories and telling them sufficiently. Enjoyed the true stories far more than the ghost stories.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not only educational, but also entertaining. I also found it occasionally amusing, as in the story of Irene Kelley. The book is composed of two sections -- Part 1: Ghosts and Part 2: Murder & Mayhem. It is an enjoyable read. Well done, Adam Southern.