Wicked Women of Ohio

by Jane Ann Turzillo

Award-winning crime writer Jane Ann Turzillo recounts the stories of Ohio's most notorious vixens, viragoes and villainesses.


The Buckeye State produced its share of wicked women. Tenacious madam Clara Palmer contended with constant police raids during the 1880s and '90s. Only her death could shut the doors of her gilded bordello in Cleveland. Failed actress Mildred Gillars left for Europe right before World War II. Because she fell in love with the wrong man, she wound up peddling Nazi propaganda on the radio as "Axis Sally." Volatile Hester Foster was already doing time at the Ohio State Penitentiary when she bashed in the head of a fellow inmate with a shovel. The sinister Anna Marie Hahn dosed at least five elderly Cincinnati men with arsenic and croton oil and then watched them die in agony while pretending to nurse them back to health.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, True Crime, Crime, Local History, Mystery

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2018

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, learned interesting facts about my state I didn't know. Well written, reads as if well researched, interesting selection of women included. I like history, specifically Ohio history, particularly if the history is about real individual people. I also like that I have been to many of the towns included, it gives a different perspective to the places I have been.

It is interesting to read the difference in how prostitutes and their "clients" were treated by the law in the late 1800's to early 1900's; the women were fined, including court costs, and sometimes jail time. The men were released and their names were not included in the newspapers or police reports to avoid embarrassment, including upcoming president Warren G Harding.

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was definitely expecting more out of this. Some of the chapters didn't seem all that well researched or the woman it should have been focusing on didn't actually have a major role in her own story. It also could have done with another round of edits. My favorite chapter Mildred Gillars, aka Axis Sally - I had no idea she was from Ohio!

[Bec]

DNF @ 32% on ebook

I loved the concept of this book, but based on the few stories I’ve read so far, the author spends just as much time, if not more, on the men in the women’s lives than the women themselves. I’d also love a deeper dive into their whole biography, but that’s personal preference. The writing was just okay. I didn’t feel drawn in enough to want to continue the book.

[Maryann Gestwicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Wicked Women of Ohio" by Jane Ann Turzillo is a captivating exploration of the dark and intriguing tales of some of Ohio's most notorious women. Turzillo, an award-winning crime writer, skillfully delves into the lives of vixens, viragoes, and villainesses who left an indelible mark on the history of the Buckeye State.

The narrative unfolds with the resilient Clara Palmer, a tenacious madam whose gilded bordello in Cleveland faced constant police raids during the tumultuous 1880s and '90s. Turzillo paints a vivid picture of Palmer's unyielding spirit, revealing that only her death could finally close the doors of her notorious establishment.

Mildred Gillars, a failed actress, takes center stage as she embarks on a fateful journey to Europe just before World War II. Love leads her down a treacherous path, and she becomes infamous as "Axis Sally," propagating Nazi ideals on the radio. Turzillo skillfully navigates the complexities of Gillars' choices, adding depth to the narrative.

The narrative takes a darker turn with the inclusion of Hester Foster, who was already incarcerated at the Ohio State Penitentiary when she committed a brutal act, bashing in the head of a fellow inmate with a shovel. Turzillo masterfully weaves together the threads of Foster's volatile personality and criminal history, creating a compelling account of her actions.

The chilling story of Anna Marie Hahn adds another layer of intrigue to the book. Hahn's sinister deeds involved dosing elderly Cincinnati men with arsenic and croton oil, all while feigning care as she watched them succumb to agony. Turzillo meticulously details Hahn's crimes, offering readers a glimpse into the mind of a remorseless killer.

"Wicked Women of Ohio" is a well-researched and engrossing read that brings to life the stories of these captivating and morally ambiguous women. Jane Ann Turzillo's narrative expertise and attention to detail make this book a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and those intrigued by the darker side of Ohio's history.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up when my children and I visited the Ohio State Reformatory (OSR), the cover and subject matter caught my attention immediately. That said it was a quick read - in the past I could have probably read it in half a day but since I work full time I only have time to read in the evenings so it took me a bit longer. That said, I've read some reviews where people would have wanted more information. Could it have been longer? Yes. Could there have been more detail? Maybe. It seems that a lot of the information was lost to history so that can account for some of the lack of historical detail. Another point is that this wasn't meant to be a tome on women, crime, and Ohio - it was more of a wet your whistle kind of book. Overall, I really liked it and I learned of some women (great and not-so-great) that I had never heard of.

[Kaleigh Langlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book!! Because it's nonfiction it took me much longer to get through than usual, it was harder to read at times (compared to fiction) but it was still an amazing book! I really enjoyed this, being about local women criminals made it much more interesting and easier to follow than a typical nonfiction! At one point, though, because of how many women killed their husbands/families using arsenic, I'm like is there any other poison in ohio?? 😂 I know murdering is wrong...but some of these womens stories 🤷🏼‍♀️ part of you is kinda rooting for them 🤷🏼‍♀️😂 idk man! Interesting read nonetheless!

[Ms BooksAholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've lived in Northeast Ohio my whole life. So when I came across this book at my local library I was instantly intrigued. This was a quick and easy read. Wicked Women of Ohio is thoroughly researched. The stories of the eleven madams flowed as I turned each page with eagerness to learn what these wicked women had done. I'm looking forward to checking out some of Jane Ann Turzillo's other books. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning some wicked history about Ohio or true crime junkies.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

History of women in Ohio who were madams or murderers from the mid-1800's to the 1950's mostly.

I enjoyed these stories. While not long stories, they tell the tales of these women who are surviving but not in the best ways. They end up in prison or dead. I liked the stories of the madams and the power they had. I also found it interesting that Axis Sally was from Ohio and her story is told here.

I look forward to reading more books about the wicked women of any state. They show a different side to history.

[Jen Jaketic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean, it's a book you find at Walgreens. As such, it is not well-written, reads with the same political correctness and detail as something from the 1940s (although it's from 2018), has odd sentence structure and weirdly features more pictures of men than the actual women in the stories...but, it is entertaining to hear about old crimes from decades ago, especially when they happened in my neighborhood.

[Lindsey Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ The selection of women in this book did not really feel wicked.... I don't think that the madams can be considered wicked, and the black prisoners chosen with barely any records really cannot be considered wicked either as we cannot truly be sure of what was happening at that time. For the execution of Hester, society is the more wicked hands down. Also, the random photos of courthouses did nothing.

[IttyBee (Cailyn) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cut and dry explination of crimes committed by women in Ohio. There was a heavy emphasis on Columbus area crimes and the crimes are seemingly told how a newspaper would tell them which is fine but I feel it could have been presented in a more story oriented way to grasp the reader. This may just be a personal preference I hate to admit.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of true crime. this book was interesting, but a little disturbing. Composed of short stories about women who either murdered or were prostitutes here in ohio. It's an easy read if you are into true crime. I read this book for the prompt read a book with a courtroom or trial (hpootp 2025)

[Joyce Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating short stories of bad women in Ohio. Most from the late 1800's but several were more recent. A couple of madams and a couple murderess in places like Marion, Lima, Port Clinton and Akron. The author is an Ohioian herself.

[Lyz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a woman native to Ohio, this was a really interesting historical read! You don't often get the chance to read well-researched accounts of true crimes from this far in the past, so reading about late 1800s criminal procedure and trials is fascinating!

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat interesting, but a long way from fascinating. I enjoyed the tales of murderers a lot more than the madams. The overall book gave me the impression that madams were a dime a dozen around the state. Particularly enjoyed the story of Axis Sally, though.

[Maureta Bohon · Rating 2 out of 5]

While reading some very thought provoking books I wanted some light reading and while waiting in line at a CVS I noticed this book and thought it might be interesting especially since I’m an Ohioan. It was ok, but not that good. I finished it because once I start a book I have to finish it.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

If stories of women who murder or run houses of ill repute are your thing, this book is for you. Several of the eleven accounts engaged my interest, and the book is a quick read. One takeaway: for women, poisoning is a preferred means of killing someone.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arsenic for the kill!
And why is it the prostitute and/or madam that is the guilty party? Charge the John, its a simple business, supply and demand.
Lots of detail and research poured into this book.

[Christin Hammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re from Ohio, this book is full of CRAZY local history. Each chapter is about a different woman and crimes committed.

[Sara Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to learn of these women of Ohio, I could relate to the cities and towns they talked about, since I am from Ohio.

[Gabby Trader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty informative, she of the stories were not what I thought they would be.

[Tiffany Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing too in-depth, but I didn't expect there to be... great little collection of tales about Ohio murderers and madame and even a traitor. I enjoyed it.

[Courtney Barbour · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would get excited every time I heard a place I know, and then I would remember what book I am reading…

[Ida · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was one of the most boring books I have ever read. Way too many words wasted on these stories.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book for a history loving girl.

[Malinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is well researched, but it was a bit dull. I attribute it mostly to the author's writing style. It feels a bit flat and lacks the language and pacing to build drama, so it reads more like a research paper or police report than a story.