From Publishers Weekly
A much-publicized murder case of the early 19th century involved the unexplained disappearance of none-too-bright Russell Colvin from Manchester, Vt., in 1812 after an argument with his brothers-in-law, Stephen and Jesse Boorn. In 1819 the Boorns were convicted of killing Colvin; Stephen was sentenced to death, Jesse to life imprisonment. Before they could serve their sentences, though, a mentally disturbed man claiming to be the "victim" was found in New Jersey; he satisfied Manchester residents that he was indeed Colvin, and said he had wandered off from home. The brothers-in-law were released, but doubt was later cast on the authenticity of "Colvin." McFarland, professor of history at the University of Massachusetts, who counts himself among the skeptics, superbly recreates the social milieu in which the curious "crime" occurred.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
In 1812, after arguing with his brothers-in-law, Jess and Stephen Boorn, Vermont farmer Russell Colvin vanished. Seven years later, a barrage of ghostly sightings convinced the Manchester citizenry that Colvin had been murdered. The Boorns were tried and convicted of his murder--then Colvin showed up again, and they went free. But was it really Colvin, or an impostor? McFarland (history, Univ. of Massachusetts) has crafted a fascinating, painstakingly researched account of this mystery, delineating in exquisite detail the characters involved and bringing a historian's eye for social background to bear on the village itself. The result is a crime reader's delight, complete with trial, dramatic reprieve, and surprising aftermath. Intriguing, insightful, often humorous, this is highly recommended for most collections.
- Sally G. Waters, Stetson Law Lib., St. Petersburg, Fla.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Sally G. Waters, Stetson Law Lib., St. Petersburg, Fla.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
