The Moonlight Mill Murders of Steubenville, Ohio

by Susan M. Guy

“Guy is not only a historian but a longtime police officer in Ohio, bringing firsthand knowledge of the criminal justice system” to the Phantom Killer tale (Crime Capsule).   Prohibition ended on December 5, 1933, and Steubenville hoped that its reputation as “Little Chicago” would end with it. That hope was short-lived when, eight weeks later, the Phantom Killer made his midnight debut. Under the glow of a full moon, in the mill yards of Steubenville’s Wheeling Steel Plant, the killer ambushed a rail worker, shooting him five times. The Steubenville Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and Wheeling Steel Mill Police joined forces in the New Year to find the Phantom before he took another victim. The strongest of millworkers on the midnight shift began to arm themselves, wondering who would be next. As the investigation wore on, Steubenville was once again thrust into the national spotlight as the Phantom’s reign of terror continued. Local historian Susan M. Guy delves into one of the city’s most infamous crimes.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

157 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2012

Reviews

[Paul Lunger · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who was born in the town right next to Steubenville, Ohio, this book by Susan M. Guy is a rare find especially since it involves something that at times isn't exactly discussed in Jefferson County, Ohio - it's sordid history. With "The Moonlight Mill Murders of Steubenville, Ohio", Guy takes us to 1934 where what appears to be a fluke murder at the local steel plant turns into a case of a serial murderer who would terrorize that plant killing 3 & wounding a 4th across the first half of 1934. The book itself is a fascinating read as we the reader get a good look into the investigation as well as trial & conviction of the man responsible for this senseless act. Granted at that time, Steubenville was coming out of a period of time where crime was really rampant with prohibition to the point where the town was known as "Little Chicago", but this particular story is one I as a reader was not exactly aware of. This easy read is one that anyone from that area should be aware of as well as this would be just an interesting study into a rare mass murderer in somewhat small-town America.

[Jen Jaketic · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is one of those books based on a story from your state, written by a local, that you pick up at a CVS. In other words, you learn something and it's a quick read, but it is not well-written, is very biased, and contains several grammatical errors. I could tell a cop wrote this because she gave all details about the police involved (why are the last few pages of the book just a history of every sheriff from the town?), names and addresses(!) of the jurors, and a derogatory depiction of the only suspect. We only learn of the cops' investigation, with no other research to see if anyone else could have committed the acts. Also, the drawings! And pictures of the cops' gravesites! Why are they in there?

[Forgetfulone · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very disappointing book. While it is a true crime story, which I usually enjoy, it is written more like a news article than a novel. The book tells the story of several murders that took place at a steel yard in Ohio in the 1930's. The impulsive "Phantom" shot his first random victim five times under the cover of night. Mill workers were frightened wondering who was going to be next. There were several victims before law enforcement finally caught him. He went to trial and was found guilty.

The author researched her facts very well, but the writing is dry and journalistic. There is no character development. I feel like there could be some good suspense built up, but it wasn't there. Very little time was spent on motive and the trial. There was not much dialogue. The author simply didn't bring the characters to life. And at the end of the book, there are biographies of the law enforcement officers involved in the case. These pages would have had more meaning if they described the victims and their families as well as what led this man to commit these crimes.

It's a short read, but very dull.

[Maresa Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read, focused on a series of murders at a local steel mill in the 1930s and the subsequent prosecution of the suspect. Being from the area, it was interesting to read about about these crimes, especially the details about local people and places.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very detailed and well researched book about the murders that occurred at Wheeling Steele in Steubenville in 1933. All the local law enforcements joined together to solve the crime. Covers the trial and the includes brief descriptions of all the sheriffs of Jefferson County.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not so much of a book, but a bound long form article. Not well written. Would not recommend.

[Loraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like a crime report. Facts are fluffed out to merit a book. Do not recommend.

[Jimmy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe 2.5 stars? The facts are there but...

[Jesse Bollinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the definition of an OK true crime story. The story was interesting, but it’s nothing that I would ever probably revisit again. It felt like I was reading a newspaper article more than I was reading an actual book.

[Sandy Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book due to the fact I knew where some of the towns mentioned I had heard of

[Eve Markley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure I can fault the author for my low review of this book. There just isn’t much information to be had about the incident. Excluding the last chapter which is nothing other than a list of all the sheriffs who have served in Jefferson County, Ohio, the book runs 93 pages. Unless an author wants to pad the account out with speculation and/or fiction, this is about the best one can do. I appreciate that Ms. Guy did not do that. Reading this book is easier and better than looking up each separate newspaper account on your own, and not much more informative or enjoyable.

The author seems to have mistakenly substituted the word ‘pardon’ for the word ‘parole.’ It’s certainly possible that my understanding of the terms is imperfect, but either way, it makes for some serious confusion. If the word ‘pardon’ is being used correctly here, Ms. Guy should explain the unusual use of the word for the readers.