Stephanie Hoover: 3 books

The Pennsylvania historian “deftly investigates turn-of-the-century law (such as it was) to find fresh answers” in a controversial 19th century murder (Main Line Today).   On a stormy November evening in 1885, John Sharpless answered a knock on his door. Less than an hour later, he was found...

In the wake of the Civil War, Spiritualism--and its promises of communication with the dead--reached its peak as grieving families hoped to reunite with men lost in battle. In the face of an uncertain future, people sought comfort in the messages of mediums, and for Philadelphians, that reassurance was...

Politics in Kelayres turned deadly on November 5, 1934. When Republican boss "Big Joe" Bruno sensed his grip on Pennsylvania's anthracite coal region slipping away with the night's election, he and a few family members opened fire on a peaceful Democratic parade passing Bruno's home. The carnage was...