Washington County Murder & Mayhem: Historic Crimes of Southwestern Pennsylvania

by A. Parker Burroughs

In 1907, a young girl was found dead in the Lyric Theatre, leaving behind an unwanted pregnancy and an abusive lover. On an otherwise quiet morning in 1891, a cartful of nitroglycerin exploded. The remains of the driver had to be gathered in a peck basket. The Cannonball Express lived up to its name in 1888, when an open switch caused it to shoot off the track, sending two cars flying. Local journalist A. Parker Burroughs resurrects these and other stories from southwestern Pennsylvania’s shadowy past. From foul play at the Burgettstown Fair to the tragic murder of North Franklin’s Thelma Young, follow the trail with Burroughs as he uncovers the crimes and intrigues of Washington County.

Genres: History, True Crime, Nonfiction

145 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2014

Reviews

[Betty Almes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heard about this book from my sister we are related to Robert dreamer and Glady’s chase mentioned in the book is my grandmother. So i was gobbling it up it was different from the story i had heard as a girl growing up and so it was nice to know how it really happened. I was told that he was the last one in Washington county hung before the took away that but it was actually the last one to be electrocuted in Washington county. And i was told that he left bite makes the same as he did on the deal girls on his wife breast (not the face like in the book) and that’s why he turned him in. A few different things who is to say. Haha.. Good seeing what was written and researched about him thanks

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is certainly some interesting history here. However, two of the six stories are just tragic accidents and have nothing to do with murder and mayhem. Burroughs noted that Washington County averaged about 25 murders over the years. Considering the title, you would think he could have yielded some interesting murder and mayhem stories from a few of them to fill out the book and keep true to its title.

[Alisa Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love historical murder and accidents!

These murder and mayhem books are like these hidden gems of obscure historical crime. Well written and fast reads! Recommend!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not normally read true-life crime and mystery books, but I picked this one up because I am from the Pittsburgh area and I wanted to learn a bit more about local history. I am sure glad that I did, because this is one of the best reads that I've had in a LONG time! I almost never give a book a 5-star rating, but this one earned it.

The true-life stories of "murder and mayhem," all of which took place in Washington County and surrounding areas, are brought to life by the author in such a way that one feels almost magically transported back to the past, as if you were there in the instant these events were happening. While it is sometimes difficult to grasp the "realness" of events that happened long ago, the detailed way in which the book's events are relayed allows one to overcome this difficulty - history is truly brought to life (for me, that's something to get excited about!) Consequently, this book was truly a page-turner, and kept me engrossed from start to finish.

I would recommend this book for everyone - even those who do not normally like history or true-life crime and mystery stories. Additionally, I do not necessarily think that you have to be a Pittsburgh-area native to enjoy the book.

[Carrie Wheaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

This book was so interesting and I learned a lot about Washington county. It was interesting to read what happened in the past!