The Secret Life and Brutal Death of Mamie Thurman

by F. Keith Davis

This book is based on a true story from the archives of The Logan Banner, Logan, WV, concerning the 1932 murder of Mamie Thurman.

293 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

F. Keith Davis is a longtime Mountain State newspaperman and independent book publisher who held a variety of roles in the field over the last thirty years—graphic designer, advertising sales rep, classified advertising manager, journalist, graphic designer, weekly columnist, general manager, and newspaper publisher.

He's a student of American history and especially enjoys researching the Mountain State’s colorful past—as well as history relating to the Wild West. A critically acclaimed author, his book titles include, The Secret Life and Brutal Death of Mamie Thurman; West Virginia Tough Boys; Images of America: Logan County, WV (Arcadia Publishing); co-author of The Feuding Hatfields & McCoys (Amazon Top-100 Title); and the bestselling inspirational title, After All These Years: The Authorized Biography of the Hoppers—America's Favorite Family of Gospel Music.

Over the years, Davis penned articles for a number of publications including WildWest Magazine, Rotorcraft Professional Magazine, West Virginia Magazine, Goldenseal magazine, West Virginia Executive, and other publications across the country. He's written inspirational features for Singing News Magazine, U.S. Gospel News, Bill & Gloria Gaither's Homecoming Magazine, and several history-based and inspirational websites, as well.

As an author and historian, Keith was interviewed on-camera for HISTORY channel’s 2012 documentary, "Hatfields and McCoys: America’s Greatest Feud," narrated by Kevin Costner and directed by Emmy® nominated director/producer Mark Cowen. He also provided historical resource materials and vintage photographs for the critically acclaimed Hatfield-McCoy documentary and mini-series.

Over the years, he's appeared on C-Span BookTV; CBN/The 700 Club (pertaining to the Hatfield-McCoy feud); WV Public Television and Radio; Metronews Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval; Viewpoint with Jean Dean; and other television and radio programs. He was interviewed for a 2013 article in the Wall Street Journal pertaining to the history of the Hatfield-McCoy vendetta.

Keith was the recipient of the 2013 JUG Award (JUG stands for Just Uncommonly Good). It is described as the most prestigious recognition of the West Virginia Writers, Inc., awarded for outstanding support of writers, or for writers who have endured and produced exceptionally.

Davis was the CEO of Woodland Press, LLC, an independent book publishing firm—a micro-press—that focused on Appalachian-based book titles.

He’s written, published and/or edited more than 40 groundbreaking books—including a Bram Stoker Award-Winner; Black Quill Award Winner; Tamarack Book of the Year; and three Amazon Top-Sellers—all with Appalachian themes or backdrops.

In recent years, at 60-years-of-age, Davis graduated summa cum laude from Liberty University, majoring in psychology (with a Christian Counseling emphasis); and a minor in Marriage and Family Studies from the James C. Dobson Center for Child Development, Marriage, & Family Studies at Liberty. He's a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, and a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

Keith and his wife, Cheryl, live in southern West Virginia.

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though the book wasn't well written, I still enjoyed it very much. My father always told me you could get away with murder in Logan County if you knew the right people. I guess he was right! Living so close to the area where the event took place and being familiar with many of the places discussed in the book made it all the more exciting to read. I hope someone will take up the cause and use today's technology to help find Mamie's murderer.

[Deanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live in West Virginia, but I had never heard of the death of Mamie Thurman. I highly recommend the second edition book. (More information) I really enjoyed the book and it was hard to put down after I started reading. That's why I gave the book 5 stars.

[Justin Baisden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book exploring a true crime case from our own local community.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this book 2 stars because although the story was interesting, the book was poorly written. It skipped around the timeline and at times was very confusing. It was about the "Stratton Street Vixen" who was a well known socialite in the 20s-30s and was murdered in Logan, WV in 1932. She was supposedly a prostitue/policeman's wife/possible mob associate. When they found her body in the woods on Trace Mountain, her throat had been slashed, she had been shot twice and her head bashed in. You could tell it was written by a newspaper writer with several chapters and chapters within chapters. Clarence Stephens,a dwarf handyman to Harry Robertson, was eventualy convicted of the crime and spent a lifetime in prison.

[Samantha Osborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

i feel the way this was written that either harry roberston or his wife had something to do with it but i do not know if what written is true not enough info alot of speculation and therories. but they keep bringing up conspericy's mabey someone else did it and framed them

[Alan Lestini · Rating 5 out of 5]

what i great book - i love true crime stories from the days gone by in WV!