Murder & Mayhem in the Catskills

by Caroline Crane Kiyab (unknown)

Stylish resorts, breathtaking vistas and glittering lakes are hallmarks of the Catskills region. But since the pre- Revolutionary era, this seemingly idyllic vacationland has been a theater for some of mankind's darkest deeds and evildoers, including the notorious Murder, Inc. Caroline Crane explores the stories behind the bodies and bones that turn up here, from the bizarre hex murder at Stone Arch Bridge to the murderous escapades of Lethal Lizzie. Meet Claudius Smith, the hotheaded Tory outlaw who terrorized local colonists, and Dutch Schultz, the mobster whose fortune still lies buried in the mountains. Murder & Mayhem in the Catskills provides a fascinating glimpse into the shadowy heart of the mountains and reveals the area s surprising connections to some of America's most infamous criminals.

Genres: Nonfiction

120 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2008

Reviews

[Connor Weyant · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting collection of local history! The quality of writing could have used a few more rounds with a professional editor, and I would have liked to see a conclusion tying up the individual stories, but it was still a unique topic that seems to be the only one out there thus far.

[Brooklyn Attic Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read, 1-2 sittings depending how fast you are. I loved it. I have a place in the Catskills and I've been here half a decade now, making me fairly new to the area. I love true crime and finding out the GRUESOME history of some of the towns around me is really chilling to read about when I'm sitting on my back deck. :-)

I'm not sure why people are so focused on the writing in this little booklet/novella, it's a pretty good overall view of some more interesting topics I wouldn't mind diving deeper into. At 114 pages, the author gives a decent amount of information.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting!

I thought this was a well written book. Easy to read, interesting and had a good variety of time periods. A little Mob, a little Native American, a little 1800's and a few from more recent times. Enjoyable for anyone who likes to read about crimes whether you have been to the Catskills or not.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating stuff, but poorly written. A good editor could have saved this one. Three stars just for the information.

[Tad Richards · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book like this really makes you appreciate the job a good historian does, I didn't come away with knowledge or insights into a subject I would have loved to know more about.