Unsolved Indiana: Murder Mysteries, Bizarre Deaths & Unexplained Disappearances

by Autumn Bones

Enduring mysteries from the Hoosier State Crime and tragedy have all too often disturbed the peace and stained the memory of Indiana's bucolic countryside. The small town of Dupont was thrust into the nation's spotlight in 1947 after a series of suspicious deaths were blamed on a well-known local housekeeper--suspected serial killer Lottie "Tot'? Lockman. On a fall day in 1976, a Benton County farmer found an unusual package in his cornfield--a corpse. Dubbed "The Box Lady of Benton County,'? her identity remains a mystery. On September 13, 1989, Joseph Bova was killed outside of his Merrillville home when a pipe bomb rigged to his truck's ignition exploded. With no witnesses, suspects, or motive, his case remains unsolved. Author Autumn Bones explores some of Indiana's least-known unsolved cases.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2022

Reviews

[Angela Stillson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a lot of interesting cold case files from Indiana, including three from here in Mishawaka. Two of them I was familiar with, but one I was not. Really good detail and good introduction to some fascinating cases that I will be looking into.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written and researched vignettes of some truly bizarre events in the Midwest. For true crime fans weary of slogging through hundreds of pages devoted to one case, these "quick bites" are perfect. I devoured this book because I kept telling myself, "Just ONE more, and THEN I'll go to sleep." A fast, fascinating read.

[Lexi Kakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Incredibly thorough research and very well written. If you’re a true crime fan, this is a great read. My favorite chapter was her coverage of Benton County Jane Doe. The added pictures and records woven into the chapters added depth and humanity to these victims’ stories.

[Irish_I_was_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

So to start off, this book claims to be murder mysteries, bizarre deaths, and unexplained disappearances... but it is mostly cold cases with two stories involving unexplained disappearances. With that said, everything else was amazing and I personally don't think it should lose a star over that.

I had read 34/35 chapters, and only read that many due to a content warning, which I REALLY appreciate from the author, in chapter 34 that involves violence against animals. Yes I know, it is weird I can read about cold cases and such, but not violence against animals.

The chapters are divided into stories, describing how the bodies were found and last known information. I do enjoy that each story has some pictures, whether it is crime scene evidence, mapped out scene, or anything along those lines.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of these murders go back more than 100 years, others are much more recent. They all have at least one thing in common: the perpetrator got away with murder. All these cases remain unsolved, yet telling the stories of these unfortunate victims makes sure they are not forgotten. Author Autumn Bones recounts their lives with caring dignity as she details their lives and their deaths. True crime readers will appreciate the research and the accuracy of these accounts. As she states in this book: “The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living - Marcus Tullius Cicero.”

[Katarina Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well written and had so many cases I’ve never heard of. Definitely worth a read!

[Sundae Mortland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am from Indiana so I really enjoyed reading this and some cases in this have been solved now that DNA technology is better. Really enjoyed the book.

[Brittany Gossard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had never heard most of these. Not a lot of details provided. One page of this copy had the wrong picture on it.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. Biggest issue was there were several spelling/noticeable grammar errors and mislabeled/wrong photos