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The Shocking Story of Helmuth Schmidt: Michigan's Original Lonely Hearts Killer
In the fall of 1916, New York housemaid Augusta Steinbach fell in love with a man she met through a matrimonial advertisement in her local newspaper. She traveled to Detroit to marry her correspondent, but in March 1917, she mysteriously disappeared. What began as a routine search for a missing person turned into a baffling case of deception, bigamy and murder. Follow detectives as they unravel the tangled web spun by Michigan’s original lonely hearts killer—a criminal mastermind the Detroit News dubbed “one of America’s master outlaws."
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2013
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186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 2, 2017
As a direct descendant of Helmuth Schmidt, this book helped our family unravel some of the mystery of a long hushed family secret of horrific deeds committed by my great grandfather. Tobin Buhk had an unbelievable wad of ancient research to search through, and back then (1918), newspapers were one of the few forms of entertainment to be had by the masses, and some of the articles are quite sensationalized and inaccurate. So figuring fact from fiction was quite a feat. There are a few points that we disagree with - like how Gertrude, Helmuth's daughter, was characterized in the newspapers as coy, etc., when she was in fact quite shy according to my mother.
My grandmother, Gertrude, never spoke of this to her three children. In fact, they were unaware of it until Gertrude's death shortly after her 50th birthday. My grandfather was fully aware of it, but honored her wishes to not speak of it. It was a dark, horrible time for a young girl of 17 who was told by her father that her mother had left them and run off with another man. Helmuth treated his daughter like a princess, and she adored him as a child. She had no idea what horrors that he was committing. He was cunning, suave, and to a degree, we suspect, did not tolerate being questioned. Helen Teitz lived because she refused to sign over her worldly possessions to Helmuth.
The saving grace for my grandmother Gertrude and her step-mom Helen when Helmuth committed suicide was that he wrote on the wall of his jail cell: "Wife and child innocent." Otherwise, they might have been convicted of being accomplices of his crimes, because no one could believe that they were not involved with the elaborate rouses he concocted. He owned 2 homes, and I think that he sank into depravity more and more as time went by, because he was crazy enough to bring Augusta Steinbach to his actual home and tell his wife and child to pose as housekeepers. At that point, they had to know that something was not right, but not necessarily the what.
Unfortunately, Tobin was unable to consult with my mom while he was writing the book. Of Gertrude's 3 children, only my mom was still living, and she had moved to Georgia, divorced and remarried. Her 2 older sisters had passed away years ago, and the family is scattered from Michigan to California to Georgia. There are a few facts that we would have loved to set straight before the writing of this story, but we are, for the most part, satisfied with Tobin's efforts. It's been a 50+ year mystery for my mother, and we are grateful that one of the family became aware of it for us to get to read it. From time to time, we had talked about sorting through the faded old newspapers that one of my aunts had obtained from her research, but it was nothing compared to what Tobin was able to uncover and continue to uncover after the fact. There are still some things that we will never know though...like what really happened to my great grandmother Anita who tried to back out of coming to America at the last minute but acquiesced to the wishes of her daughter who wanted to see her Papa again.
The story is confusing and complicated. If you wish to truly understand it, you might take notes while you're reading, draw diagrams, and reread in a few spots. I am still leery of personal ads myself. Thanks again Tobin.
My grandmother, Gertrude, never spoke of this to her three children. In fact, they were unaware of it until Gertrude's death shortly after her 50th birthday. My grandfather was fully aware of it, but honored her wishes to not speak of it. It was a dark, horrible time for a young girl of 17 who was told by her father that her mother had left them and run off with another man. Helmuth treated his daughter like a princess, and she adored him as a child. She had no idea what horrors that he was committing. He was cunning, suave, and to a degree, we suspect, did not tolerate being questioned. Helen Teitz lived because she refused to sign over her worldly possessions to Helmuth.
The saving grace for my grandmother Gertrude and her step-mom Helen when Helmuth committed suicide was that he wrote on the wall of his jail cell: "Wife and child innocent." Otherwise, they might have been convicted of being accomplices of his crimes, because no one could believe that they were not involved with the elaborate rouses he concocted. He owned 2 homes, and I think that he sank into depravity more and more as time went by, because he was crazy enough to bring Augusta Steinbach to his actual home and tell his wife and child to pose as housekeepers. At that point, they had to know that something was not right, but not necessarily the what.
Unfortunately, Tobin was unable to consult with my mom while he was writing the book. Of Gertrude's 3 children, only my mom was still living, and she had moved to Georgia, divorced and remarried. Her 2 older sisters had passed away years ago, and the family is scattered from Michigan to California to Georgia. There are a few facts that we would have loved to set straight before the writing of this story, but we are, for the most part, satisfied with Tobin's efforts. It's been a 50+ year mystery for my mother, and we are grateful that one of the family became aware of it for us to get to read it. From time to time, we had talked about sorting through the faded old newspapers that one of my aunts had obtained from her research, but it was nothing compared to what Tobin was able to uncover and continue to uncover after the fact. There are still some things that we will never know though...like what really happened to my great grandmother Anita who tried to back out of coming to America at the last minute but acquiesced to the wishes of her daughter who wanted to see her Papa again.
The story is confusing and complicated. If you wish to truly understand it, you might take notes while you're reading, draw diagrams, and reread in a few spots. I am still leery of personal ads myself. Thanks again Tobin.
June 27, 2022
Oh, goody. This author has several more Michigan true crime books for me to read. My true crime research and reading is taking me all over the world but this one is very close to home as it takes place mostly in Royal Oak, Detroit, and Pontiac, cities that I know well. A German Don Juan seduced, stole money from, and murdered several women in pre-WWI Michigan. The author's narrative kept the suspense as well as poignantly told the stories of the victims and those in law enforcement trying to uphold justice. I especially enjoyed reading more about Glenn Gillespie, Oakland County prosecutor, and George Dondero, attorney, mayor, and early mover and shaker in Royal Oak. A possible selection for a future library book discussion meeting.
April 15, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
A good story and extremely well researched. There was some repetition but it wasn't too bad. The author includes plenty of photos and documents throughout the book rather than at the end and that just enhances the tale. A recommended read for any true crime buff.
A good story and extremely well researched. There was some repetition but it wasn't too bad. The author includes plenty of photos and documents throughout the book rather than at the end and that just enhances the tale. A recommended read for any true crime buff.
June 8, 2023
I followed up a couple of books on Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck, the "Honeymoon Killers" with this story of Helmuth Schmidt, a German immigrant who had a similar career path, luring women through lonely hearts ads.
Helmuth had at least four wives and a number of would-be brides. Some were never found and only one was discovered after several excavations at his properties in Michigan and New Jersey.
I needed a scorecard to keep track of the many possible victims and wives and Mr. Buhk is not a talented storyteller. I finish almost every book I start and I struggled to finish this one.
Helmuth had at least four wives and a number of would-be brides. Some were never found and only one was discovered after several excavations at his properties in Michigan and New Jersey.
I needed a scorecard to keep track of the many possible victims and wives and Mr. Buhk is not a talented storyteller. I finish almost every book I start and I struggled to finish this one.
April 5, 2018
Great read!
This is an entertaining, fact-filled true crime story. It's a window on life for immigrant spinsters in the early 1900s, and a fascinating look at a lonely-heart type killer.
In quality, this book is way above the typical Kindle true crime. It kept my interest throughout, a really good read.
This is an entertaining, fact-filled true crime story. It's a window on life for immigrant spinsters in the early 1900s, and a fascinating look at a lonely-heart type killer.
In quality, this book is way above the typical Kindle true crime. It kept my interest throughout, a really good read.
February 13, 2021
The author does a good job making this century-old case come alive. I also enjoyed his books MICHIGAN'S STRYCHNINE SAINT and TRUE CRIME: MICHIGAN (one of the better entries in that series).
April 13, 2022
WOW! This was our bookclub pick for the month of May. The woman whose turn it was didn't know what to choose, she just knew she didn't want to read horror. Then she said "oh! My great-great-grandfather was a serial killer, there's a book about him..." 😂🤣
Christine is about 15 years older than me, and her great-great grandfather was Helmuth Schmidt. Her dad grew up with Helene Schmidt, Helmuth's...3rd? Wife, living in the house with them and they called her "Granny". Sadly, his grandmother, Christine's great-grandmother, Helmuth's daughter and Helene's stepdaughter, Gertrude, committed suicide in her 50s, 1964.
This was so bizarre to read! Historical true crime, very well written (although I did spot one typo), and thoroughly engrossing. Then someone in the book club goes "how are you related again?" And Christine sends a voice message explaining. And I'm reminded that these were real people with descendants! The memories aren't there, but they are only a generation or two away!
I realllyy appreciated how well written, researched, and cited this was. Bravo!
Christine is about 15 years older than me, and her great-great grandfather was Helmuth Schmidt. Her dad grew up with Helene Schmidt, Helmuth's...3rd? Wife, living in the house with them and they called her "Granny". Sadly, his grandmother, Christine's great-grandmother, Helmuth's daughter and Helene's stepdaughter, Gertrude, committed suicide in her 50s, 1964.
This was so bizarre to read! Historical true crime, very well written (although I did spot one typo), and thoroughly engrossing. Then someone in the book club goes "how are you related again?" And Christine sends a voice message explaining. And I'm reminded that these were real people with descendants! The memories aren't there, but they are only a generation or two away!
I realllyy appreciated how well written, researched, and cited this was. Bravo!
October 29, 2022
Interesting book!
This was a fascinating true crime book about a German- American man who was a lonely hearts killer . Helmuth Schmidt penned newspaper advertisements looking for women to marry. He ran his scheme in the Eastern United States in the early 1900s. He was known to have several aliases and not only stole women's hearts but also their property. I highly recommend this book to other true crime readers.
This was a fascinating true crime book about a German- American man who was a lonely hearts killer . Helmuth Schmidt penned newspaper advertisements looking for women to marry. He ran his scheme in the Eastern United States in the early 1900s. He was known to have several aliases and not only stole women's hearts but also their property. I highly recommend this book to other true crime readers.
January 22, 2023
This sad true story from the early 20th century left much devastation and mystery between Detroit and New York by a criminal mastermind.
How this man was able to convince the women he ultimately destroyed just baffled me. If it were not for the love of a friend who alerted authorities of a missing housemaid this man may have had more victims and stories to make up.
How this man was able to convince the women he ultimately destroyed just baffled me. If it were not for the love of a friend who alerted authorities of a missing housemaid this man may have had more victims and stories to make up.
July 14, 2020
Crazy to think this was a true story! Enjoyed
September 30, 2022
Helmuth Schmidt wooed women through newspaper advertisements, marrying some, and killing others. He worked under aliases and stole the property of a number of women.
July 16, 2023
Fascinating
I was hooked from page one. I live on the East Coast, and of course, New York is right here! I enjoyed it from page one to the very end
I was hooked from page one. I live on the East Coast, and of course, New York is right here! I enjoyed it from page one to the very end
February 6, 2024
This author is coming to my library to speak and I'm taking it upon myself to read the books he's discussing in his presentation.
Read with the lights on.
Read with the lights on.
December 19, 2016
By the time the leaves fall off the trees and the weather starts dipping below 40 degrees, I love nothing more than to snuggle up on the couch with a mystery novel. There’s something deliciously sinister about being cozy under a blanket while you’re reading about deception, murder, and love stories gone wrong. I can’t be alone in this…right? It may be a little bit odd, but when Thanksgiving and Christmas roll around I’m still wrapped up in reading thrillers and mysteries – like The Shocking Story of Helmuth Schmidt: Michigan’s Original Lonely Hearts Killer. I first read about this book online while doing some local history research. Since moving back to Royal Oak, Michigan from Boston, Massachusetts, I have been more interested in studying up on the history of Detroit and its citizens. There’s so much talk about the revival of the city of Detroit and with that comes more interest in the people who built it up during its glory days of the early 1900s. With that, I discovered the author Tobin T. Buhk. He is a writer who specializes in historic true crime books that are primarily about cases in my home state. His methods of research are fascinating (i.e. volunteering at a county morgue) and thorough, which adds to the quality of his writing.
While I was reading up on the book and its subject, German immigrant Helmuth Schmidt, I discovered that besides being a Detroiter, he was also a Royal Oak resident...and the house where he murdered at least one of his wives in 1917 still stands just 3 short miles from our home and the neighborhood where I grew up. Well, once I found all this out I found the book at our library and put it on hold immediately! I was barely able to put it down (except for the fact that I'm simultaneously reading Devil in the White City, Unbecoming, and 5 months worth of TIME magazines...I have reading ADD). The story of Michigan's "lonely hearts killer" or "Royal Oak Bluebeard" is simply fascinating. Helmuth Schmidt came to the United States already hiding secrets of his identity and murder from his life in Germany. While in New York, New Jersey, and finally Detroit, Mr. Schmidt advertised for wives in German-language newspapers claiming to be a well-off bachelor wanting nothing more than to support a wife and take her away from a life in the servant class. Of course, little did these women know that Schmidt used various names over a 5 year period to lure women to his home, swindle them out of their life's savings, and then finally cause them to mysteriously vanish. The story is complex, but easily understood in Buhk's book through pictures and documents from Detroit archives. With the backdrop of pre-WWI Detroit, there's a real feeling of eeriness as you read it.
Of course, this didn't keep me from driving to the house and creeping around the perimeter of the property at midnight on a weekend evening...shhh. The house sits right next to a high brick wall that backs up to I-696 near the Detroit Zoo. It has changed slightly from the drawing that is in Buhk's book and if I could have I would've walked right inside to get a feel of the interior for myself. The primary murder that is covered in the book is that of Augusta Steinbach in March 1917. Authorities ascertained from eye witness testimony and a search of the home that Augusta was murdered, chopped up, and incinerated in the basement. What remained was either buried under the porch or put in the river that existed behind the house in those days. Shudder. It's a case that is hard to read about at times, yet fascinating because it is about so much more than just murderer and victim. It is about Detroit, Oakland County's justice system, prohibition, and our country's early response to Germans during WWI. I recommend it for anyone who is interested in true crime or curious about Detroit's complex history. Personally, I love reading or visiting anything historical and the fact that this story took place right in my seemingly sleepy little neighborhood...well, that was just a bonus. Happy reading!
While I was reading up on the book and its subject, German immigrant Helmuth Schmidt, I discovered that besides being a Detroiter, he was also a Royal Oak resident...and the house where he murdered at least one of his wives in 1917 still stands just 3 short miles from our home and the neighborhood where I grew up. Well, once I found all this out I found the book at our library and put it on hold immediately! I was barely able to put it down (except for the fact that I'm simultaneously reading Devil in the White City, Unbecoming, and 5 months worth of TIME magazines...I have reading ADD). The story of Michigan's "lonely hearts killer" or "Royal Oak Bluebeard" is simply fascinating. Helmuth Schmidt came to the United States already hiding secrets of his identity and murder from his life in Germany. While in New York, New Jersey, and finally Detroit, Mr. Schmidt advertised for wives in German-language newspapers claiming to be a well-off bachelor wanting nothing more than to support a wife and take her away from a life in the servant class. Of course, little did these women know that Schmidt used various names over a 5 year period to lure women to his home, swindle them out of their life's savings, and then finally cause them to mysteriously vanish. The story is complex, but easily understood in Buhk's book through pictures and documents from Detroit archives. With the backdrop of pre-WWI Detroit, there's a real feeling of eeriness as you read it.
Of course, this didn't keep me from driving to the house and creeping around the perimeter of the property at midnight on a weekend evening...shhh. The house sits right next to a high brick wall that backs up to I-696 near the Detroit Zoo. It has changed slightly from the drawing that is in Buhk's book and if I could have I would've walked right inside to get a feel of the interior for myself. The primary murder that is covered in the book is that of Augusta Steinbach in March 1917. Authorities ascertained from eye witness testimony and a search of the home that Augusta was murdered, chopped up, and incinerated in the basement. What remained was either buried under the porch or put in the river that existed behind the house in those days. Shudder. It's a case that is hard to read about at times, yet fascinating because it is about so much more than just murderer and victim. It is about Detroit, Oakland County's justice system, prohibition, and our country's early response to Germans during WWI. I recommend it for anyone who is interested in true crime or curious about Detroit's complex history. Personally, I love reading or visiting anything historical and the fact that this story took place right in my seemingly sleepy little neighborhood...well, that was just a bonus. Happy reading!
January 3, 2016
Local (to me) history which I have to admit to not knowing about until I came across this book. Cautionary tale of finding love though advertisements which makes this murder still relevant nearly a hundred years later. Even with the unsolved questions and some of the mysteries surrounding the case it's a very intriguing read.
January 29, 2014
Almost unbelievable story of one man sweeping women off their feet only to marry them (or not), stealimg all of their savings, amd then either leaving them or killing them and moving on to the next woman. Much of this srory took place in Michigan from 1914 on.
October 19, 2015
Interesting to read this and all the while keeping in mind they did not have modern technology to solve crimes: dna testing, fingerprinting, cameras on every corner, cell phones, lie detectors, or any other concepts available to police today.
As to the criminal I'd say he left a lot of loose ends.
As to the criminal I'd say he left a lot of loose ends.
March 14, 2020
An early account of scam artist who will do anything for money. Yet another great true crime story...a quick read full of historical detail and fascination with a bit of macabre...just the way I like it!
August 15, 2014
Quick true crime read. Really interesting time in Detroit's history as the backdrop but the story itself was interesting as well.
October 25, 2015
A cautionary tale in this day and age of eharmony and match.com.
Read
July 10, 2016Interesting read. Gets a bit bogged down in redundancies at times
April 5, 2018
very informative read but it felt like facts repeated instead of flowing seamlessly. I understand that is sometimes how it goes when unearthing historic truths but it wasn't smooth reading for me.
August 10, 2018
amazing detail. This author never disappoints.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews