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Heinous: Forgotten Murders From the 1910s
What do a bubbly six year old, a Christian Scientist and a farmhouse boarder have in common? They were all brutally murdered by a person that society least expected.
In Heinous: Forgotten Murders From the 1910s, you’ll travel back to a violent decade – a time when “idiots and morons” were police departments’ first suspects, when journalists had the opportunity to conduct interrogations and when forensics was in its infancy. It also was a decade when crime of all varieties was surging, and experts blamed everything from immigration to lax parenting.
If you’re fascinated by true crime history, you’ll enjoy these 17 tales of murder and mysterious deaths. The people you’ll meet include Hans Schmidt, a priest who believed his crime was divinely inspired; Russell Pethrick, a 22-year-old grocery delivery boy who was caught based on a new technology – fingerprint analysis; Thomas Fitzgerald, a pedophile who enjoyed showing little girls “pretty” pictures of dead people; and Nathan Swartz, a murder suspect whose family experienced intense shame after he went on the lam.
Heinous: Forgotten Murders From the 1910s also includes a bonus case: What Happened to Dorothy Arnold? The socialite’s baffling disappearance made headlines for decades and remains unsolved to this day.
These stories made headlines more than a century ago and provide insight into how the media covered sensational crimes.
In Heinous: Forgotten Murders From the 1910s, you’ll travel back to a violent decade – a time when “idiots and morons” were police departments’ first suspects, when journalists had the opportunity to conduct interrogations and when forensics was in its infancy. It also was a decade when crime of all varieties was surging, and experts blamed everything from immigration to lax parenting.
If you’re fascinated by true crime history, you’ll enjoy these 17 tales of murder and mysterious deaths. The people you’ll meet include Hans Schmidt, a priest who believed his crime was divinely inspired; Russell Pethrick, a 22-year-old grocery delivery boy who was caught based on a new technology – fingerprint analysis; Thomas Fitzgerald, a pedophile who enjoyed showing little girls “pretty” pictures of dead people; and Nathan Swartz, a murder suspect whose family experienced intense shame after he went on the lam.
Heinous: Forgotten Murders From the 1910s also includes a bonus case: What Happened to Dorothy Arnold? The socialite’s baffling disappearance made headlines for decades and remains unsolved to this day.
These stories made headlines more than a century ago and provide insight into how the media covered sensational crimes.
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Published January 1, 2019
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49 people want to read
About the author
Melina Druga
38 books117 followersStories from behind the spotlight — rock star romances that are honest, passionate, and deeply human.
Melina Druga writes heartfelt stories about love, resilience, and the ties that connect us all. Best known for her contemporary rock star romances, she brings authenticity and emotional depth to a world often clouded by stereotypes — crafting stories that reflect the realities of being rock stars and the women who live them.
Her novels blend passion and vulnerability, exploring the complexities of love, identity, and second chances. Each book invites readers into the lives of characters who are flawed, hopeful, and achingly human, reminding us that even in the spotlight, the heart tells the truest story.
Earlier in her career, Melina explored historical fiction and nonfiction, and her love of the past continues to shape the emotional depth and texture of her writing.
When she’s not writing, Melina can often be found listening to music, exercising or watching musicians’ interviews. She believes stories, like songs, have the power to heal, inspire and remind us that love, in all forms, is worth the journey.
Melina Druga writes heartfelt stories about love, resilience, and the ties that connect us all. Best known for her contemporary rock star romances, she brings authenticity and emotional depth to a world often clouded by stereotypes — crafting stories that reflect the realities of being rock stars and the women who live them.
Her novels blend passion and vulnerability, exploring the complexities of love, identity, and second chances. Each book invites readers into the lives of characters who are flawed, hopeful, and achingly human, reminding us that even in the spotlight, the heart tells the truest story.
Earlier in her career, Melina explored historical fiction and nonfiction, and her love of the past continues to shape the emotional depth and texture of her writing.
When she’s not writing, Melina can often be found listening to music, exercising or watching musicians’ interviews. She believes stories, like songs, have the power to heal, inspire and remind us that love, in all forms, is worth the journey.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 25, 2024
Heinous, forgotten crimes of the 1910s by Malina Druga, anyone who is an avid historical True Crime fan will be happy with this book. Although I had heard of two of them previously, the others were all new to me, which made for a very interesting and pleasant reading experience. although it doesn’t feel right saying that about such horrible events. The stories range from a murderous priest, a killer boyfriend and a vengeful ax murder and there’s even a bonus case of the missing Betty Arnold that still a mystery today. I found the story super interesting as I said in a great book for anyone who has an interest in True Crime especially historical. This is a book. I definitely recommend, and found it to be an awesome five star read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2019
Heinous: Forgotten Murders of the 1910’s by Melina Druga was an interesting and sad read. I am not usually a reader of true crime, though I have read and watched my share of mysteries and police procedurals, but I found myself very interested as I read each case that was discussed in this book. Many of the crimes in this book sound like they could have been committed today, rather than more than a hundred years ago, the main differences being societal norms and expectations and the difference in technologies used to try to identify the perpetrators of crimes.
The book starts out talking about crime in general, the U.S government’s attempts to show off what were considered the nation’s best prisons at the time and the International Prison Conference, which was founded to address “how crime had become international and how costly it was to nations.” Their goal was to discuss crime and how to reduce it.
I was struck by the similarities in current anti-immigrant sentiment and those in a quote from an author at the time who said “.. ‘the immigrant evil’ is fast eating its insidious way to the very vitals of the country.” - as if most crime was committed by immigrants. Another thing that reminded me of somewhat current events, was the mention of the “moron problem”, moron then being a medical term for someone with the mental capacity of a child between the ages of 6 and 12, because mentally challenged individuals were among the police’s first suspects in many crimes - in the case of Janet Wilkinson, it was mentioned that the police wanted to keep a register of such people, so they could be “checked over”, partly because they believed that some of the crimes against children could have been prevented if something had been done about the mentally ill. It was also mentioned elsewhere that doing so would help the police know who to round up first. This sounds a lot like the talk around registering those with depression and mental illness so they can be flagged in the database if they decide they want to purchase a firearm - something which, now, many people would deem an invasion of privacy and a trampling of their rights as citizens of the United States.
After the introduction, Heinous is divided into two main sections - Case Closed and Who Got Away With Murder? Case Closed details a number of murders, the press and investigation surrounding them and the eventual capture and punishment of the culprit. Who Got Away With Murder?, does the same thing, except in this case there is often doubt present related to the evidence, the suspect(s), or both, leaving it up to the reader to decide if they feel the case was actually solved or if, perhaps, the wrong person was punished for the crime. There is a final Bonus Case at the end of the book which presents the evidence and the conjecture around one final death and asks readers to put on their own detective hats to see if they can determine what might have actually happened to the victim.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I found myself pulled into the mystery surrounding the various crimes and quite interested in finding out who had committed the murder(s). I also learned a few things about crime investigation from that era that I found fascinating. If you enjoy true crime, mysteries or vintage tales of either type, I think you’ll enjoy this book. I would also be interested to see if any true crime aficionados out there take the author up on her offer to discuss the final case on social media!
The book starts out talking about crime in general, the U.S government’s attempts to show off what were considered the nation’s best prisons at the time and the International Prison Conference, which was founded to address “how crime had become international and how costly it was to nations.” Their goal was to discuss crime and how to reduce it.
I was struck by the similarities in current anti-immigrant sentiment and those in a quote from an author at the time who said “.. ‘the immigrant evil’ is fast eating its insidious way to the very vitals of the country.” - as if most crime was committed by immigrants. Another thing that reminded me of somewhat current events, was the mention of the “moron problem”, moron then being a medical term for someone with the mental capacity of a child between the ages of 6 and 12, because mentally challenged individuals were among the police’s first suspects in many crimes - in the case of Janet Wilkinson, it was mentioned that the police wanted to keep a register of such people, so they could be “checked over”, partly because they believed that some of the crimes against children could have been prevented if something had been done about the mentally ill. It was also mentioned elsewhere that doing so would help the police know who to round up first. This sounds a lot like the talk around registering those with depression and mental illness so they can be flagged in the database if they decide they want to purchase a firearm - something which, now, many people would deem an invasion of privacy and a trampling of their rights as citizens of the United States.
After the introduction, Heinous is divided into two main sections - Case Closed and Who Got Away With Murder? Case Closed details a number of murders, the press and investigation surrounding them and the eventual capture and punishment of the culprit. Who Got Away With Murder?, does the same thing, except in this case there is often doubt present related to the evidence, the suspect(s), or both, leaving it up to the reader to decide if they feel the case was actually solved or if, perhaps, the wrong person was punished for the crime. There is a final Bonus Case at the end of the book which presents the evidence and the conjecture around one final death and asks readers to put on their own detective hats to see if they can determine what might have actually happened to the victim.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I found myself pulled into the mystery surrounding the various crimes and quite interested in finding out who had committed the murder(s). I also learned a few things about crime investigation from that era that I found fascinating. If you enjoy true crime, mysteries or vintage tales of either type, I think you’ll enjoy this book. I would also be interested to see if any true crime aficionados out there take the author up on her offer to discuss the final case on social media!
August 11, 2021
Good good good good
Good flgood sooooooo hoood so goood liked it goood goood gooood goooood goooood gooooood gooooood gooooud goood goood gooodv
I hate being forced to write reviews.
Good flgood sooooooo hoood so goood liked it goood goood gooood goooood goooood gooooood gooooood gooooud goood goood gooodv
I hate being forced to write reviews.
July 30, 2023
Melina Druga's book "Heinous: Forgotten Murders From the 1910s" is a fascinating anthology of lesser-known true crime stories curated from the back pages of dusty old newspapers. The author's research skills are second only to her storytelling ability. The first chapter, which offers an overview of crime in general during the Edwardian era and Great War, is an excellent overview. I especially appreciated the fact the author included a bibliography to appeal to academic audiences. They really did their homework, and as a result, the stories of these victims will not be forgotten. An outstanding read.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2022
Excellent true crime reading.
An excellent true book and I enjoyed reading the cases a great deal. The first part of the book where the author looked at the facts and opinions of the day was first rate. If you like true crime stories this is a good book to pick up. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
An excellent true book and I enjoyed reading the cases a great deal. The first part of the book where the author looked at the facts and opinions of the day was first rate. If you like true crime stories this is a good book to pick up. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 28, 2022
This was an interesting book that kept my attention thanks to the engaging writing. Most of these are murders that I have either never heard of or have forgotten about. This was well written and easy to read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2023
So people don’t really view the 1910s with murder but this book demonstrates otherwise. Some of these I had never previously heard of and they were fascinating. A must for any true crime lover!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2023
As a fan of true crime, I'd was vaguely familiar with a couple of these cases, but the vast majority were new to me. The book relied on newspaper stories and police reports of the day for its information, which was presented well and in an interesting manner.
I think it just shows that crimes were just as much reported and sensationalized as they are today, maybe more so, but the coverage was more localized. This was a great glimpse at how murder cases progressed in the past.
Highly recommended for fans of true crime or history. Reminiscent of the "A Case to Remember" ID show.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I think it just shows that crimes were just as much reported and sensationalized as they are today, maybe more so, but the coverage was more localized. This was a great glimpse at how murder cases progressed in the past.
Highly recommended for fans of true crime or history. Reminiscent of the "A Case to Remember" ID show.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2020
This was a very engaging book. Ms. Druga's writing style was very good at setting the crimes and the people involved. Much more than just a quick summary as is frequently the case with true crime. Highly enjoyed
November 22, 2020
True Crime from a century ago
This book is Ms. Druga’s narration of 17 tales of murder and mysterious deaths from the second decade of the 20th century. This was during the age of innocence before the Great War ushered in the era of senseless death that had not been seen for two generations during the Civil War. The book is very well written using contemporary sources and illustrates the vast differences in people’s attitude toward crime and law enforcement from then and from today. The information is presented from a historian’s factual point of view and not today’s popular style. I highly recommend this book for all mystery, and true crime fans. You won’t be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is Ms. Druga’s narration of 17 tales of murder and mysterious deaths from the second decade of the 20th century. This was during the age of innocence before the Great War ushered in the era of senseless death that had not been seen for two generations during the Civil War. The book is very well written using contemporary sources and illustrates the vast differences in people’s attitude toward crime and law enforcement from then and from today. The information is presented from a historian’s factual point of view and not today’s popular style. I highly recommend this book for all mystery, and true crime fans. You won’t be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. The stories are sad, and well-written. I'm glad Melina is giving the victims a voice through her book. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves reading true crime stories.
July 22, 2021
I haven't read this author before and thought this was a great first read. Each case was interesting and I thought they were well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2023
True Grisly Crimes
Melina Druga writes about historical true crimes in Heinous: Forgotten Murders From the 1910s. I am a fan of true crime stories. Melina Druga is a true multi-genre author, as she writes both fiction and nonfiction books. Every one of her nonfiction books gives a great deal of details from the time period, but also tells a story of the era that this journalist selects. Heinous is about murders from the 1910s and gives the reader a complete picture of the various cases, murder cases, where some were never solved, but probably forgotten, until she brought it back. This book was written very well. I learned a lot just by reading the author's notes, and the section Crime in the 1910s, such as the medical term "moron" or "idiot." Yes, those were actual medical terms of feeblemindedness, and those people that were "morons" or categorized in one of those feebleminded disorders, were always the first suspects. Each case was powerful and terrifying, especially because one might think that there were times in the past that were in order, and safe, but that is not the case. As the author put it, crime has been around since the beginning of time. Murder was one of the first crimes, and it still is popular and disheartening. I applaud this author for bringing these cases back to the limelight, to share, and maybe some can be solved, or a reminder that over time, some things are just forgotten, good and evil. Heinous: Forgotten Murders From the 1910s is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. I look forward to reading many more titles by this author. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
Melina Druga writes about historical true crimes in Heinous: Forgotten Murders From the 1910s. I am a fan of true crime stories. Melina Druga is a true multi-genre author, as she writes both fiction and nonfiction books. Every one of her nonfiction books gives a great deal of details from the time period, but also tells a story of the era that this journalist selects. Heinous is about murders from the 1910s and gives the reader a complete picture of the various cases, murder cases, where some were never solved, but probably forgotten, until she brought it back. This book was written very well. I learned a lot just by reading the author's notes, and the section Crime in the 1910s, such as the medical term "moron" or "idiot." Yes, those were actual medical terms of feeblemindedness, and those people that were "morons" or categorized in one of those feebleminded disorders, were always the first suspects. Each case was powerful and terrifying, especially because one might think that there were times in the past that were in order, and safe, but that is not the case. As the author put it, crime has been around since the beginning of time. Murder was one of the first crimes, and it still is popular and disheartening. I applaud this author for bringing these cases back to the limelight, to share, and maybe some can be solved, or a reminder that over time, some things are just forgotten, good and evil. Heinous: Forgotten Murders From the 1910s is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. I look forward to reading many more titles by this author. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
September 15, 2024
This is a book I had trouble putting down. It is filled with tales of murder in the 1910's. I was not sure what I would find, it was almost like watching an accident you cannot look away from. The book is well written and objective. I have read other books by this author, and this is a different style but well worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2025
I love reading true Crime stories and this was a great one to read. Forgotten Murders from the 1910s.
A well written book, easy to read, I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A well written book, easy to read, I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2021
Nineteen homicide cases taken from old newspaper accounts, with separate sections for solved and unsolved crimes.
September 26, 2024
I loved this; I love reading about old murders. True crime at its best. The information in this novel was great, I did know of a couple of these murders and was great reading more into it. It shows how much life has changed and thank God we actually have ways of actually solving crimes now. Would be sad if it was the same now.... May be a lot more people crowding those prisons.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews