A Murder in Searcy

by Mike S. Allen, Deana Hamby Nall

On the morning of September 26, 1974, the body of Fern Cowen Rodgers was discovered on the floor of her home in Searcy, Arkansas. The 68-year-old socialite was murdered, sometime in the night, by two bullets fired into her head.This is the story of that crime and the subsequent investigation and trials. It’s a tragic tale that would eventually play out—in bits and pieces—in magazines and newspapers throughout the United States.Authors Deana Nall and Mike Allen provide a fresh look at the decades-old murder—based on court records, police documents and personal interviews—showing exactly what happened in a crime that captured the attention of an entire state, and beyond.“Nall and Allen capably deliver this tale of greed, sex, and betrayal.” — Kirkus Reviews"The Porter Rodgers murder case was one of the first stories I covered when I came to Arkansas as a television reporter. Nearly 50 years on, it remains one of the sexiest and most riveting trials ever, and this book takes the reader back in time. Allen and Nall do an excellent job fleshing out the shocking and sensational details from so long ago." – Mel Hanks, former television news journalist“The murder shocked the state, and the trials captivated the public. People still talk about and want to know exactly what happened that day. It’s all here – the true story taken from the actual police files, official court transcripts and interviews with the participants.” – Chris Raff, Prosecuting Attorney, Arkansas 17th Judicial District (1983-2014)“As someone who was involved in the Rodgers case so many years ago, I was astonished to see how capably authors Nall and Allen brought my memories back so vividly. They captured all the fascinating ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ aspects of the case, many of which I had forgotten until I read their book. It is a treasure trove of faithful nonfiction storytelling.” – Judge Mary McCall Cash, witness for the prosecution in the trials

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Audiobook, Biography Memoir

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2021

About the author

Mike S. Allen, a native of Searcy, Arkansas, is a graduate of Harding University and Troy State University with degrees in print journalism and international relations. He is the author of Growing Up Church of Christ and the co-author of A Murder in Searcy, both bestsellers (by category) on Amazon. Mike is a husband, father and friend who enjoys working and living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Reviews

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Janet Gooder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The retelling of the crime, investigation, and trial was captivating...it was hard to put the book down! In my opinion, the authors included just the right amount of detail and dialog for this true crime story.

[Nena Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read for me, because this is my hometown, I remember some of the locations when I was a child.I never knew there was a murder, I did hear of Dr. Rodgers and Rodgers Hospital, I remember the outside of the hospital before they tore it down. The da Edwards is now a judge thst so happen sent my youngest son to boot camp at 14, then sentence him to five years brickys state prison at age 19. I don't like the man at all for those two reasons. But it was an educational book of the past for me to read

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I remember when this happened in Searcy, which is just 45 minutes from my hometown, so I was hoping for an interesting read.

The only interesting thing about it was an occasional reference to some forgotten place.

The dialogue is tedious. I’ve read quite a few true crime books, but I don’t ever remember one that felt the need to record entire conversations to the extent done here.

If interested in the murder, I suggest just reading the AY Magazine article from a few years ago.

[♥ Marlene♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good true crime book. I really enjoyed the way this was written. We the readers are taken on to a journey with the cops that tried to solve this which I think is the best way to read a story. No spoilers but learning slowly what police did ( a lot) to try and solve this case. It is a sad story in a way but in another it is also positive that there are salt of the earth people in the world who try to do good. (Read this in 2022 nov/dec 4.5 stars

[Ginger Garneau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, but mostly a boring read

The book started off quite interesting. The stories of the doctor, his wife and girlfriend held my attention. However, the storyline quickly turned to boring minutiae regarding EVERY detail of the trial. Really, I can't imagine anyone was fascinated reading every word of testimony by numerous doctors, every instruction given by the judge, etc. It was difficult to finish reading. I skimmed most of the last chapters.

[Jeannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Very Exciting

You know all the details in the first quarter of the book. No twists, no surprises just too many mundane details that could have been summarized or completely left out to keep the story moving. But then there would not have been enough story left for a book. Would not recommend.

[Kim Hammons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dragnet

Although I appreciate all the facts clearly laid out in this story, the presentation had me reading the whole book with the voice of Joe Friday from the old television series Dragnet. Would have enjoyed more drama and mystery. Facts can still be included.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting true story.

Good description of true life characters. Fascinating true story the gives interesting information in a timely manner. This is a story I did not know about when I moved to Searcy in August 1988.

[Angelique · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF’d. the writing is terrible and I just couldn’t make myself finish it.

[Kami · Rating 5 out of 5]

The level of detail in the narrative was so vivid that I felt as though I had been transported back to 1974 in Searcy, Arkansas. True crime enthusiasts will find this to be a captivating read, complete with a response from Bill Clinton, then Arkansas Attorney General, to the defendant's attorneys' appeal. The courtroom drama is extensively documented, making for a riveting narrative. On September 26, 1974, the body of Fern Cowen Rodgers, a 68-year-old socialite, was discovered in her Searcy, Arkansas home, having been murdered by two bullets to the head during the preceding night. This account chronicles the crime and its subsequent investigation and trials, a tragic saga that garnered widespread media attention.

I still have one unanswered question for the Authors: What did the death certificate show on cause of death for Dr. Porter Rodgers, Sr.?

[Alex Hollowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was right up by ally. A good Searcy story mixed with a murder and courtroom drama had me hooked. I found myself objecting or arguing during the trial transcript. If you're a Searcy resident, and you like true crime, you will find this murder story involving a previous prominent Searcy family, pretty interesting.

[Hawley Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I RARELY find a nonfiction book that I am anxious to continue reading, but this is nonfiction gold! Highly recommend to Arkansans interested in learning the details of this captivating true crime story from the late 1970s. The entire premise of this story is almost TOO quirky to be real, down to the mega purchase of KFC on murder night😅

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting!

[Addie Pittman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept hoping for twists or turns in the case- but not every case is like this. It was nice being able to hear a local story

[Guy Choate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Because this was from my home county and mentioned people and places I have known, it kept my interest. And the backstory was interesting, but there were so many pages dedicated to the trial that could've been summed up. Redundant information in multiple instances. Unnecessary legal speak. I kept waiting for the big trail moment, but it never came.

[Lisa]

Excellent!

Very good look at a historical crime without the dreariness of the over-explanation of the appearance of the town and its people that drag down so many of these books.

The authors have done a phenomenal job of recreating the crime and the trial, even giving just enough of the trial details for those who like it, without bogging down the pages for those readers who hate to hear the entire trial in Q&A format.

They really should write more, and I'd like to see them try something more current and interview any surviving witnesses and victims when doing so. I feel the sensitivity they put into this book would serve them well in doing more current nonfiction.

If you like historical nonfiction, try this one on for size. I think you'll like it!

If you find my review helpful, please let me know below! I take my time writing reviews hoping they are helpful and would like to know they've helped you decide! 😁

[Dawn Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great true crime story

Written in sort of a Law & Order style, this book is a fascinating read. I couldn’t put it down.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lifelong resident of Searcy, I have always heard of the Porter Rodgers murder but had never heard the details surrounding the case. I remember the shock when the house was torn down and the haunted house that was staged in the old Rodgers hospital before it was torn down. The journalistic writing style of this book makes it a quick read, especially for people familiar with Searcy and a bit of the history involved.

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. I really did. The writing was rather, um, "clinical", and quite frankly boring. I mean, FFS, it's the sort of tale that we true crime junkies love. Sex, infidelity, gambling, HUGE age difference between Rodgers and Hale, you name it...this story HAD it, but all of that salaciousness was just...missing in this interpretation and what could have been a real page turner just wasn't.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author relates all the facts of this murder case without all the supposition, speculation, and unnecessary information.
There were two questions I would like answered.
a) Did the doctor's children believe that their dad was guilty?
b) The doctor died in prison. What was the cause of death?

[Suzanne Lopes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave the book 2 ⭐️⭐️Honestly and I feel bad saying this because this was a true crime that happened but it was sooooo boring. I’m am glad that those that committed the crime are in jail. My prayers go out the Fern Cowan Porter family.

[Hannah Sims Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It kind of took me awhile to get through this one because I often found myself bored. However it was interesting to read a story about the town I live/work in and read about some familiar names.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fern Cowen Rodgers was murdered in her home in Searcy, Arkansas, on September 26, 1974. The townspeople were stunned because Fern and her husband, Dr. Porter Rodgers, Sr., were the aristocracy of Searcy. So they were particularly shocked to find out Mrs. Rodgers had two gunshots fired into her head. The writers gathered the facts from articles about the case, court documents, interviews, and other official papers. I was surprised that the trial went to court so quickly after the investigation (this story went from crime to court case in less than six months).

The authors followed the crime through the rabbit warrens of facts, lies, and innuendos. Because everyone knew everyone else’s business (this is a relatively small town), the defense attorney went after one of the investigators because he found out that Sgt. Jim Lester had been reprimanded (by his superior) at about the same time as the case.

The three defendants were tried individually. The first trial was for Dr. Porter Rodgers, Sr. The defense provided a psychological reason that Dr. Rodgers had diminished capacity (he was 70+ years old at the time). The prosecution averred that the good doctor saw 900+ patients a month, prescribed meds, and treated patients in his office and the hospital. How could he be diminished?

Peggy Hale, Dr. Rodger Sr.’s love interest, had been given a deal where, if she was honest in her testimony, she could get “consideration” when her trial came up. Peggy was twenty-one to Dr. Rodger’s seventy years. Dr. Rodger’s attorney, trying to save his life, implied that Peggy and Berry (the second and third defendants) were cohorts trying to fleece an older man. The attorney tried to blame the whole thing on Peggy and Berry; he thought that no one would believe a 21-year-old woman would love an aged man.

The fantastic thing is that after the three trials, that was not the end of the story. Dr. Rodgers tried to get his conviction overturned for years. The authors tell the final chapters of each of the defendants. This is a very readable story that flows well throughout.

[L.B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read for research for a project. The pros for this book: meticulously researched and delivered in a non-bias way. Cons for this book: for some unknown reason everything is presented in "present tense" like it's happening right now, instead of past tense. It was distracting to say the least. The other thing that was a bit overwhelming is the amount of detail included in the book that was not necessary. We don't need to know the discussion that went on between Bridge players as to who was going to drive somebody to the hospital. It literally has no bearing on anything in the case and could have been summed up in one sentence. "Mrs. Rodgers drove X to the hospital before returning home for the night." All information in a true crime book should either build up a profile of an individual, establish relationships pertinent to the crime, establish the world we're inhabiting, or is pertinent to the crime and the outcome. Otherwise, you leave the reader holding on to information in their mind, that ends up not being important. It's tedious. I feel like if you're giving me this information, it's going to matter later. When it doesn't, it makes reading the book feel like work.

[Steve Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This account of murder in an Arkansas town nearly fifty years ago is free of speculation, sensationalism and moralizing. Perhaps this validates its faithfulness to the reliable records of the events. If so it is a better history than a more melodramatic telling and provides a better basis for readers from which to ponder and learn. Of course, what is learned depends on one's own history and how it overlaps with the story at hand. What I brought to this narrative was my own experience and knowledge of Searcy and some of the people mentioned. I attended Harding College four years, leaving about two years before the events of this book. The Searcy in this book is the one I experienced, the one burned into my fading memory. I've visited the Porter Rodgers Hospital and other places mentioned. The book impressed on me how much life has changed since those days. In our present world, due to the digital revolution and other cultural developments, the kinds of financial shenanigans, medical slipups, and investigation imperfections described in the book would not be as likely. This book will live inside of me for a long time.

[Caitlin Forcier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers, probably?

Compulsively readable. The presentation of the book helped drive the story forward & thank goodness, because I actually did not care for the author’s writing style. Think “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” with all the familiar big names in Searcy- Judge Edwards, Chris Raff’s dad, Audley Bolton, Bill Clinton, and even good ol’ George Benson (who was, not surprisingly, a character witness for the defense. Nothing says “reliable reputation” like a man who compulsively gambles, doesn’t pay his debts, has an affair with his 19yo waitress and then gives her a job to keep her under his thumb at all times, and murders his wife. What can I say - the elite of Searcy love the elite of Searcy 🙃)- and finally, Dr. Rodgers himself- whose hospital stood nearby my own workplace, thus providing the namesake for the street that stands in its place. A fun read.

[John Vanderslice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really engaging true life crime story, impeccably researched and narrated with painstaking neutrality. It may be the most carefully written book I've ever read. The authors tell you what happened--a tremendous amount of detail about what happened, as well as what happened to set up what happened--but they don't try to sway you one way or the other in your interpretation of those facts. All I can say after reading this is: 1) I could not put it down, 2) if you are a fan of true crime you will love this one, and 3) my but Searcy, Arkansas is such a sleazy-quirky-sleeply little southern town. I live in the state, and that has never been my impression at all. I'm a lot more interested in it now!

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read, the style (short chapters, clear and concise) was easy to follow, each player was introduced and their part in the murder/investigation revealed. My interest is that all 3 of my mother's children were delivered by Dr. Rodgers, Sr, even after we no longer lived in the area. Her faith in him was boundless. It's evident from this story that many of the locals felt as she did. The authors managed to deliver the facts and let the drama of the Murder speak for itself. It's rare these days when storytellers manage to 'not' inject your own story (notice I did it myself in this review!) Recommend to Arkansans, historians, followers of True Crime.

[Tad & Becky Ewton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written book.

I have to say that this is the kind of book where you say "Wow, can't make this up!"

I like books that go from giving a thorough background of all the characters involved to finishing with the end of trial as is Law & ORDER.

Great job!

I also like when the authors summarized the court proceedings and just giving us the relevant stuff when it could be boring if told in entirety.

Now I'm going to see what else these fine authors have else for me to read.