The Waterman's Widow: A True Story

by Carol Booker

Who killed Captain Littleton Condiff? The wife who slept by his side? A robber seeking the small fortune under his mattress? A son desperate to escape the drudgery of his father's life as an oysterman? His apparently harmless mother-in-law? Perhaps a conspiracy of his wife, her mother, their son? Into this tale of murder at the turn of the 20th century is woven the tale of the imprisonment and trial of Littleton's wife, Bessie; the history of his Chesapeake Bay fishing village, Solomons Island; the harsh life of a waterman; and the texture of daily life in turn-of-the century Maryland.

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2023

Reviews

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a non-fiction story of a murder, and resulting trial of the accused, in 1900 in Solomon's Island, MD. It is a short read and I found it interesting to learn not just about the story of the murder & trial, but also of the history of the county that I live in. While any reader will find the story interesting, if you are familiar with the area, it is even more interesting. There are some places where the story seems to run off into tangents that maybe are meant to be extra information that was found during the research for the main story, but ultimately are a bit distracting. A short book and a quick read, history buffs will enjoy it.

[Glenda Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found The Watemans Widow to be a quick and interesting read. Perhaps because I am familiar with the area, and find the history of Solomon's Island intriguing. I wish there was a transcript of the trial, I would love to know more about the details of Mrs. Condiffs trial, particuraly statements and testimonials heard.

[Darlene E. Longfellow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Water man's Widow

I really enjoyed reading this book as I was raised in Calvert County and have been to the island many times. I think everyone should read this book if they live in the county or even if they don't. I think they would enjoy it also.

[Tom Maddox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short read on a true event shooting in 1900. As a local to the area this event took place it was a very interesting read