Forgotten Murders from Alaska's Capital

by Betsy Longenbaugh

Former Alaska newspaper reporter Betsy Longenbaugh brings to life 10 stories of murder that occurred between 1902 and 1959. Learn about Alaska's first serial killer, a Polish Jewish prostitute who met her end in the town of Douglas, and a World War I vet whose greed led to a double homicide.

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2022

Reviews

[Ashley Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of stories and read it as a precursor to a metal detecting trip my friend and I planned to do in Douglas where my parents grew up.
The stories are well researched and I don’t find the two potential typos as much of a deal breaker.
The stories are well told, accurate with references, and entertaining.

[Than · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this courtesy of my relative (the author) and I really enjoyed it!

I think it says something that I, a non-alaskan, found myself engrossed in these true crime stories. It definitely peaks one's interest in the last American frontier, and the gold rush era.

I like Longenbaugh's writing style as well, you can see her journalism background and it works well for what she is trying to do here. I just wish there was more!

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

mediocre

Not the best historical read. Not the worst. Could have done without the constant notation of “an all white mail jury as was the law” in every sentence about a jury in all of the cases. If you’re reading historical crime you are probably familiar with that, or it could have been at the beginning without constantly being repeated. Also could have been fleshed or a bit more, to take out the dry textbook feel.

[Charlotte R.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, enlightening read, but full of typographical errors.

[Megan Eliason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gifted to me by an Alaskan family member. Interesting collection of short stories.