Maine Book of the Dead: Graveyard Legends and Lore

by Roxie J. Zwicker

Maine's graveyards contain the ancient memories and last words of woodsmen, lighthouse keepers, inventors, sea captains and the people who called this rugged land home. In an island cemetery rests Tall Barney, a six-foot-seven folk hero who single-handedly took down fifteen men in a Portland bar. Kittery holds the grave for the crew of the doomed ship the Hattie Eaton . Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor is the final resting place for the famed "Sky Blue Madam" Fanny Jones and Public Enemy No. 1, gangster Al Brady. Camp Etna contains the grave of famed medium Mary Vanderbilt. Dead Man's Gulch in Wales holds many eerie tales of ghosts that refuse to leave. Join renowned author and tour guide Roxie Zwicker as she explores Maine's historic and legendary graveyards.

Genres: History

160 pages, Paperback

Published August 9, 2021

Reviews

[MaryAnn Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating study of some of the most interesting cemeteries in Maine. She refers to them as museums of stone, a tribute to the wealth of history engraved on the thousands of markers in graveyards large and small. Visiting these sites is a chance to meet historical figures, war heroes, inventors, authors, sea captains as well as victims of heinous crimes. All regions of the state are represented, providing insight into four hundred years of history.

This is a great book to have handy for truly interesting trips throughout the state.

[Megan Lowans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very well done and informative. A variety of mysteries, murders, and the graves of famous/important people throughout the state of Maine. I would like to visit some of these cemeteries or Museums of stone.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was impressed at the lengths that the author went to in order to research the many stories behind the graves she visited across the state. The book serves as much as a history lesson for the state as a description of graveyards, and I enjoyed that aspect of it.

Unfortunately, the writing and editing are so spotty as to actually be distracting from the substance of the book. I would have given a higher rating if not for those flaws.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the chance to Meet Roxie at a book signing a few months ago. She was very engaging and pleasant. She told me the Lydia Carver story that day which was neat to read about again in this book. As someone that’s not native to Maine I learned a lot of state history in this book.

I would love to go on one of Roxie’s tours sometime. She’s the real deal. I’m sure it would be incredible.

[Jennifer Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cemeteries, museums of stone, tell fabulous stories…tales of the past that I enjoy finding. A Christmas gift, The Maine Book of the Dead is a nice collection of unique cemetery explorations. From Kittery to the County, Zwicker has given me some new cemeteries to visit and some to revisit to find the stones of her stories. This book is fun read for a cemetery lover like myself.

[Ruth York · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. But I just couldn't round it up to 4. There were numerous grammatical and punctuation errors. Even having captions for some photos mixed up. Otherwise, it was a nice, albeit short, book about some of the state's historical cemeteries and graveyards, as well as the people buried in some. Also had a bit of legends and ghost stories sprinkled in. An enjoyable read, except for the errors.

[Nicole Westen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, although I was expecting a little more in the way of mysterious legends or ghost stories. I mean, they were there, but it was only a little part of the book. Reminded my of the place my grandparents used to live at up in New Hampshire. There was a family graveyard in the front yard.

[Valerie Sherman · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's neat history to read in these pages, especially involving shipwrecks, but I could have used a few more ghost stories! Each cemetery has a historical context to explore, with more than a few interesting residents. Disappointed my favorite cemetery in Gardiner isn't featured.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting! Some classic tales (John Buck's tomb) but lots of information about Maine cemeteries and graves!