Michael Thomas Barry

In California’s Deadly Women, author Michael Barry looks at the history of forty-six female Californian killers and the motives that drove them. Each entry gives background information, an account of the crime, and its aftermath. The case studies are grouped together by chapters devoted to different historic eras. There is an Afterword that delves into more psychology behind female offenders, both of the past and present day, and how things have changed.

Murder and Mayhem of the Victorian Age covers 1850-1899.
Dastardly Deeds in the Early Decades of the Twentieth Century covers 1900-1919.
Notorious Crimes of the Roaring Twenties covers 1920-1929.
Infamous Criminalities of the Great Depression covers 1930-1939.
Sensational Murders of the War Years and Beyond covers 1940-1950.

As we go through these case studies, we can see how thoughts in areas such as medicine and criminology. So many of the earlier cases have conclusions that are utterly ridiculous by today’s standards. Like the several cases that where the females were found not guilty due to insanity caused by irregular menstruation. What nonsense we once believed.

I found this work to be well-written. It certainly gave me much to ponder over, like how changing times, technology, and evolving sociology influence even the how and why of crime, criminal motivations, and culpability. This is a perfect addition to any true crime lover’s or California history buff's library.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Schiffer Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.… (plus d'informations)

Michael Barry's enchanting LITERARY LEGENDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES provides capsule histories of the life and times of 50 of England's greatest writers and poets. Barry provides two-four page write-ups on such luminaries as Shakespeare, Kipling, Chaucer, Swift, Burns, Keats, Dickens, Shaw, Christie, Wordsworth, Wilde, Browning, Orwell, Tolkien and the Bronte sisters. Along with essential biographical information, he discusses each author's literary output, giving the background of their works, critical and popular reception, etc. He even details the burial site of each writer. Barry's informative text is complimented by over 150 vintage and contemporary photographs, illustrations and artworks. Barry's book is a treat for lovers of English literature.

Mike O. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.

… (plus d'informations)

What I liked about this book is the way the author has arranged the gravesites within each cemetery like a walking tour. From one gravesite he moves on to the next closest in a logical progression. The bios for each celebrity describe what they were known for and list film credits, etc., as applicable. GPS coordinates are not provided but the directions to each grave are clear.
There are not a lot of photos which makes this more of a guide book to actually visit these graves in person, rather than armchair travel.
What I didn't like about this book, and what prevents me from giving it 5 Stars, is the misspelling and misuse of words. On initial glance through this book one notices the author flip-flopping between variations of the words "interment" (burial) and "internment" (imprisonment). This takes place on multiple occaisions, and has the effect of fingernails on a blackboard. Already irritated because of that, other spelling and gramatical errors are more apparent. I expect someone who is writing about cemeteries and graves to know the difference between buried and jailed. Is this the author's fault, his editor's fault or both? It detracts from an otherwise well-written book.… (plus d'informations)