Chasing Alice: How the Life, Murder, and Legacy of an English Teacher Changed a Delmarva Community

by Stephanie L. Fowler

Part memoir, true crime, biography, and cautionary tale, Chasing Alice examines the life of Alice Davis, an English teacher from Allen, Maryland. One of Alice's students, Stephanie L. Fowler reveals the dangers of isolation and domestic violence, and seeks to preserve the legacy of a woman who touched the lives of many. -- Ingram.

Genres: Nonfiction

235 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2020

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I taught with Alice until her death. This was such a loss for all of us who knew her, and this book reminded me of the senselessness of her death. I wish that we had known her pain; then perhaps we could have helped her. This is a loving tribute to Alice. I think she would be proud of the well-crafted writing. It is obvious that Fowler has a command of language and has researched not only the tragedy but the culture and history of Allen and the Lower Eastern Shore. I especially liked reading about reading about her childhood. Alice was certainly one of the most well-read individuals I have known, and her quick wit and love of puns made for lively conversation. It is evident that Alice Davis lives on in the influence she had on her students.

[Ria Golecha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me by a group of Maryland based women who provided me the scholarship to study at Hopkins. It gave a glimpse into the life of an English teacher based in Salisbury, Maryland who was brutally killed by her husband. Despite leading an absolutely honourable life, the protagonist (Alice) died ultimately because of her naive decisions to avoid previously inflicted domestic violence and her partners continued cheating with her. The book teaches everyone to be vigilant and not stay quiet if they are facing any kind of violence. Choices govern a lot of the progress we make in life. Critical decisions need to be thought through, but of course one never knows what ultimately happens. The book also reminds how one should remember Alice for her life's contributions to her community and family, apart from just the scandalous reason on how she died. The book was thoroughly researched and well written.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a student loses a mentor to murder, it's easy to get angry with the world. Surely this was the case for the author of this book. But Fowler channeled this energy into motivation to share the impact Alice Davis had on her world and the people she had around her. For sure, Alice's story is tragic. It's also tragic that this is just one of many stories of domestic violence. It's likely nobody knows more about Alice than Fowler after writing this book. She tactfully shares what she learned about the life of a exceedingly private person, examines the circumstances that made such a murder possible, and illustrates the effect the loss had on her community. It's a five-star read that hits home for the reader.

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up on the eastern shore during this time period this book hit a lot of things right for me. She does capture the smallness and interconnected-ness of the area well, and the descriptions of local woods and swamps ring true. The story comes across largely as a summary/almost biography of Alice’s life, with the author’s personal story added but not dominating the story in a way I think is effective. She doesn’t suppose much or put words in people’s mouths which may have made this sound more like a ‘story’ but I think it would have been a disservice to do so. Brutal story, done well. Would recommend, especially if you are from the area.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

A loving tribute and evocative portrait of the area

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent true crime novel. The easy narrative style draws the reader into both Alice's and the author's lives. Her research about how many psychopaths and sociopaths walk among us is chilling but imaginable. I knew these places and one of the (loosely related) people; however, I never knew about Alice until this book.

[Mary Butler davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worked with Alice from 2004-2007. I was a new librarian, never worked in a high school, (20 years in elementary grades,) transplant to Salisbury. I was pretty lost. Alice was always very kind and respectful to me. She took the time to
explain things and make sure that I understood. After three years, I transferred to an elementary school. I never forgot what Alice taught me-to always listen carefully, take time to understand, check back and offer more help, if needed.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a local to the area where this crime was committed, I was vaguely aware of the events surrounding her death. This story is heartbreaking and told by a former student of the deceased. You can feel the grief through the writing.
That being said, I am only giving it 4 stars because I found the book to be disjointed and didn’t flow well. Especially towards the end.

[Carla]

This story was of particular interest to me because it happened less than a half mile from my house. I remember as it was happening how it changed my perspective of neighbors and community.

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's fascinating to read a true crime book set in a small town I'm actually familiar with -- I live very near Allen, and I used to drive through it on my way to work. Nobody I know personally shows up in this book, but local political figures I recognize, locations in the greater Salisbury area that I've been to many times, and major events in local history that I remember are all present within the pages. Fowler does, in my opinion, a really good job of capturing the feel of the place, the atmosphere of the Eastern Shore. I think it's the book's best feature.

The book could have used another editorial pass or two -- there are plenty of typos, the pacing seems awkward in places, and the prose tends toward the overheated. But despite some structural flaws, it was definitely worth reading, both to learn more about a local tragedy, and to think about the meaning of one person's life, and the way it influenced others.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super sad and informative book about the teacher I’ve been hearing about since I was 11 who was brutally murdered. Her body was dumped not far from my childhood home.

One thing that struck me about this book was when Fowler went on to discuss how in the same year (2011) that Davis was murdered, so was Sarah Foxwell (who is supposed to be my age). Two brutal murders in the same year, in the same area. At 11 or 12, I didn’t understand why these were happening. I still don’t.

So much life that was senselessly destroyed.

Women and girls are most likely be killed by someone who loves them than a complete stranger.

[Pat Valdata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop reading this story about the shocking murder of a beloved English teacher in a small, tight-knit community. What makes this true-crime book different from many others is the author, who was taught by that teacher. Fowler presents not only a compelling argument about who committed the murder and why, but she also describes how it affected her personally, as well as members of the community. I highly recommend Chasing Alice.

[Mitchell Northam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow — this was such an incredible work of writing. In the times where I could pick the book up, I found myself unable to put it down. It struck me as deeply reported, but also written with great prose and emotion. Stephanie’s admiration for Alice shines through in each page, and it’s clear how much work and care she poured into this.

Often, I feel like the Eastern Shore and its people don’t get their stories told in the proper way. But not here. This book was excellent.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember many of the details of this case, but Fowler’s book made me see Alice and many of the other “characters” as real, complex, heartbreaking people. The book flows easily and answers many questions. It has a handful of editing mistakes that I found distracting, but mostly I’m just glad that someone who truly knew Alice was able to write about her and balance research and personal experience to create a riveting and respectful telling of Alice’s life and death.

[Donna Siebold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tragic story of a beloved teacher who was murdered by her husband. She was important to so many people. He was a user and an abuser - if not physically (before the murder) - certainly mentally!

Being the inveterate coward so many of his type are - he committed suicide before he could be brought to justice.

This is a very interesting look at the life of Alice Parsons Davis. It includes a look at domestic violence as well.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a humble, well-written book. We all at some point in our lives know of this devastating act against others.
I was saddened to read that I don’t believe Alice could walk way. See something, say something. Alice you were so loved and continue to be by many...every single day. May your soul Rest In Peace.

[Bud Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie uses her extensive powers for research on her quest for why this murder happened. She goes back over the case in enough detail to keep the reader hooked without sensationalizing the gruesome bits. You get to know Alice Davis as a person from childhood until her ultimate murder. All in all a very good read.

[Heather Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title caught my eye. Knew nothing about the story although purchased my house in the Delmarva area in 2011. Opened my eyes to the sleepy towns and areas we drive through on 13 and 113, and backroads in the area, and know nothing about them or the people that live there. And it was a wonderful story about a person who was a teacher who could see what her students needed but not what she needed.

[Jadyn Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. I grew up in Salisbury and was a kid when all of this was going on, so I don’t remember when it was happening but I recognized many people and locations in the book. This story was beautifully written giving a full picture of Alice’s life and seamlessly intertwining the authors experiences.

[Kate Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

While in Berlin, MD, this book was recommended to me. It resonated because one of my former colleagues, Susan Morrissey Ledyard, an English teacher, was murdered in DE. There are similar circumstances. As an educator, our impact is profound. I am glad Stephanie was able to channel her grief to expose the complexities of humans

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fascinating to read about the people behind the story. I remember when this was in the news and how shocking it was when her body was found one rural street over from where we were living. So interesting to recognize many local names also, some of whom I know personally.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typos

[Leesa Radja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the scope of this book. The focus was not just on the crime but also on the life of Alice Davis and the impact she had on her community. A well written flowing narrative.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️ ❤️

[Sarah Hanratty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I taught in the same district for two years, years after this happened and staff still talks about it and I saw the book and wanted more information. Good book, tragic story.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that honors the impact of an exceptional teacher, describes her family, the tragedy and the grief endured for those who knew and loved Alice Davis. Well written.

[Erin Matson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chasing Alice is a well-researched, moving story of a beloved high school English teacher murdered by her husband. This keeps happening, and we should all be sick of it. And make it stop.

[Melissa Wilcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read about a local murder. Familiar with some of the locations. A bit disjointed at times but overall a “good” book.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in 2 days! Had a hard time putting it down. It was chosen by my book club primarily because it happened locally and we would recognize many of the places in the story.
It’s a deep book and a sad story. Very, very moving. I recommend it to anyone who lives on the Delmarva Pennisula and who may be familiar with the area.