Murder Out Yonder: An Informal Study of Certain Classic Crimes in Back-Country America

by Stewart H. Holbrook

Praised by Kirkus Reviews as "a brisk, colorful, and cleverly recounted selection of ten crimes," this gripping book ventures into rural America to uncover true tales of homicide. From "Death and Times of a Prophet," involving a hypnotic Oregon revivalist known as Joshua the Second, to "Who Called on Sarah Meservey?," an account of the mysterious slaying of a Maine sea captain’s wife, these reports of backwoods bloodletting crackle with suspense. Culprits include Belle Gunness, a lady Bluebeard who dispatched numerous victims; Harry Orchard, a bomber who haunted Colorado mines; conman Harry T. Hayward, America's first documented serial killer; and other cutthroats.Author Stewart Hall Holbrook (1893–1964) worked as a lumberjack, actor, cartoonist, artillery man, and editor. His lively books on American history cover topics as diverse as the timber industry, the Wobblies, Ethan Allen, and eccentrics of the Pacific Northwest. Murder Out Yonder ranges from coast to coast to offer a fascinating variety of real-life crime stories.

255 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1989

About the author

Stewart Hall Holbrook (1893 - 1964) was an American lumberjack, writer, and popular historian. His writings focused on what he called the "Far Corner" - Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. A self-proclaimed "low-brow" historian, his topics included Ethan Allen, the railroads, the timber industry, the Wobblies, and eccentrics of the Pacific Northwest.

He wrote for The Oregonian for over thirty years, and authored dozens of books. He also produced a number of paintings under the pseudonym of "Mr. Otis."

Reviews

[Christie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, I liked it. The old-fashioned language and euphemisms was a bit much at times, but also added quirky aspects that were interesting, as well. All in all, fun. I read it because one of them was in my home town over 100 years ago. There were some god-awful crimes back then, too, that's for sure.

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in paperback with a different cover than shown here.
This is a folksy rendition of many murders of the back-country that at one time graced the headlines of the nation. It is told in a laid-back fashion that one might encounter in a barstool conversation with a new acquittance who loves to tell a story. It is entertaining and thought-proving. A good read.