What do you think?
Rate this book
Has it Come to This?: The Mysterious, Unsolved Murder of Frank Richardson
Somebody got away with murder on Christmas Eve of 1900 in Savannah, Missouri.
Frank Richardson, a wealthy merchant who had repented of his wayward past and was determined to make the most of the second chance he was given, was shot dead in his home.
His killer had vanished, but investigators were determined to find and punish the murderer. The evidence they discovered exposed Frank's secret life to the world and scandalized the residents of Savannah. Of all the clues they found, none was more fascinating than Frank's enigmatic last words, uttered the moment before he was shot: "Has it come to this?"
Suspicion fell at once on Frank's former paramour, Goldie Whitehead; his charming wife, Addie; and Stewart Fife, the suave young clerk of whom he was known to be insanely jealous. All the clues and evidence in this unsolved true crime are assembled here for readers to unravel the truth behind who killed Frank Richardson.
Frank Richardson, a wealthy merchant who had repented of his wayward past and was determined to make the most of the second chance he was given, was shot dead in his home.
His killer had vanished, but investigators were determined to find and punish the murderer. The evidence they discovered exposed Frank's secret life to the world and scandalized the residents of Savannah. Of all the clues they found, none was more fascinating than Frank's enigmatic last words, uttered the moment before he was shot: "Has it come to this?"
Suspicion fell at once on Frank's former paramour, Goldie Whitehead; his charming wife, Addie; and Stewart Fife, the suave young clerk of whom he was known to be insanely jealous. All the clues and evidence in this unsolved true crime are assembled here for readers to unravel the truth behind who killed Frank Richardson.
246 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2022
145 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Tilley
4 books100 followersKimberly Tilley unearths fascinating, forgotten crimes from the early twentieth century and brings them to today's readers. Her books, Grievous Deeds: Four Years of Fury in Chattanooga, Tennessee (2023); Has it Come to This? The Mysterious, Unsolved Murder of Frank Richardson (2022), Cold Heart: The Great Unsolved Mystery of Turn of the Century Buffalo (2020), and The Poisoned Glass (2019) were Amazon category best-sellers in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Visit Kimberly's website, Old Spirituals, to read more of her work, enter drawings and contests, and interact with the author and other readers on the discussion pages!
Kimberly is the co-founder of Pivot Talent Development LLC. We design and deliver genuine learning experiences that provide clarity, drive engagement, and empower individuals to unlock their potential through workshops and coaching.
Kimberly is the co-founder of Pivot Talent Development LLC. We design and deliver genuine learning experiences that provide clarity, drive engagement, and empower individuals to unlock their potential through workshops and coaching.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 2, 2023
Simply the best
Kimberly Tilley writes like no other true crime author. She writes about old murders and her research is impeccable. The author also weaves pictures, documents and other relevant resources throughout the story rather than placing them all at the end. Her storytelling is incredible. Do yourself a favor and read her books!
Kimberly Tilley writes like no other true crime author. She writes about old murders and her research is impeccable. The author also weaves pictures, documents and other relevant resources throughout the story rather than placing them all at the end. Her storytelling is incredible. Do yourself a favor and read her books!
March 18, 2022
Perfectly Clear
This my second read of Ms. Tilly's work, and once again I was impressed with her research and writing. I particularly liked explanations of court procedure of the period as it differs from today. Her description of the crime scene was excellent, and unfortunately fairly typical of day. I agree with her conclusion, but remain aghast at the lack of attention paid to Miss Whitehead. All around good read.
This my second read of Ms. Tilly's work, and once again I was impressed with her research and writing. I particularly liked explanations of court procedure of the period as it differs from today. Her description of the crime scene was excellent, and unfortunately fairly typical of day. I agree with her conclusion, but remain aghast at the lack of attention paid to Miss Whitehead. All around good read.
February 28, 2022
I received an early review copy of this book and, like Kimberly's previous books, was reeled into this long ago murder. I'm always amazed by the author's research prowess. She unearths details no one else has ever written... anywhere. In addition to the impressive research, I was fascinated by how the people in this time period behaved and responded compared to modern day. It's like a cultural/historical lesson and true crime all in one. Tilley is an author whose books I anticipate more than any other. She has found her niche and will no doubt become the dominant voice in turn of the century true crime.
February 15, 2022
This book was told very well as a story. Even though this was a true story being told from court documents and newspaper articles, it doesn't feel like it. The information is woven together into an engaging story. It's an unsolved crime, but the author breaks down inconsistencies in the case to present her own theory at the end but ultimately it is up to the reader to make their own decision about what they think happened.
February 22, 2022
Review of eBook
Well-to-do mercantile merchant Frank Richardson, remorseful for his past illicit affairs, seems determined to make every effort to salvage his marriage. But a gunshot to the head ends his life on Christmas Eve in 1900 and suspicion immediately falls on his wife, Addie.
Although his last mistress, Goldie Whitehead, falls under suspicion, her alibi, keeps her from being charged. More attention is paid to one of the clerks in the mercantile, Stewart Fife, a young man of whom Frank was known to be jealous, especially when he was drinking.
Who is responsible for the death of Frank Richardson?
=========
This unsolved, true crime investigation into the death of the wealthy merchant weaves all the known facts, suppositions, and beliefs into an unbiased, comprehensive look at the case, the trials, and the outcomes. With newspaper accounts and court records as the basis for the reporting, the corroboration of facts is readily apparent as an extensive reference appendix is included.
Based on her extensive research, the author provides an opinion regarding the culprit. She invites readers to discuss the book . . . and their own ideas of who was responsible for Frank Robinson’s death . . . on her website at OldSpirituals.com.
Recommended.
Well-to-do mercantile merchant Frank Richardson, remorseful for his past illicit affairs, seems determined to make every effort to salvage his marriage. But a gunshot to the head ends his life on Christmas Eve in 1900 and suspicion immediately falls on his wife, Addie.
Although his last mistress, Goldie Whitehead, falls under suspicion, her alibi, keeps her from being charged. More attention is paid to one of the clerks in the mercantile, Stewart Fife, a young man of whom Frank was known to be jealous, especially when he was drinking.
Who is responsible for the death of Frank Richardson?
=========
This unsolved, true crime investigation into the death of the wealthy merchant weaves all the known facts, suppositions, and beliefs into an unbiased, comprehensive look at the case, the trials, and the outcomes. With newspaper accounts and court records as the basis for the reporting, the corroboration of facts is readily apparent as an extensive reference appendix is included.
Based on her extensive research, the author provides an opinion regarding the culprit. She invites readers to discuss the book . . . and their own ideas of who was responsible for Frank Robinson’s death . . . on her website at OldSpirituals.com.
Recommended.
March 3, 2022
This satisfying true crime whodunit has all the juicy ingredients of a police procedural novel: a Christmas Eve pistol shot to the back of the head of a prominent small town merchant, unexplained last words uttered by the victim and a cast of murder suspects with iffy alibis. Add blackmail money, extramarital lust and jealousy and you have a well-paced story written with attention to detail that offers insight into how murders were investigated a decade before fingerprints were finally accepted as evidence in a U.S. courtroom.
Kimberly's meticulous and perceptive re-telling of a crime that received national attention in 1900 relies heavily on actual courtroom dialogue and police interviews. Like a good reporter, she removes herself from the story and lets the facts do the speaking until she finally intercedes at the end of the book with her own speculation on the who, what, where, how, when and why of Frank Richardson’s murder.
The victim, a 43-year-old drinker prone to depression who has an affair with a teenager, is carefully profiled by the author, making this as much a psychological study as it is a police story. We also get historic insight into how newspapers of the era reported crimes, often with a level of speculation and rumor that would stand out even in today’s atmosphere of opinion journalism.
Hardly a detail is overlooked by the author, including how handwriting samples of people closely tied to the case might offer insight into their personalities. We also learn about how juries of that time were regarded, their home addresses often printed in the local paper. If you were a crime suspect and wanted to disappear in the world of 1900, it was often just a matter of moving to another state and assuming a new identity, something easier said than done today.
I highly recommend this American crime time capsule. Well conceived and well written, “Has it Come to This” is an entertaining and informative look at a world long-gone. It’s a true crime gem and you should read it.
March 27, 2022
Another fascinating Tilley true crime mystery
I was eager to read the latest Kimberly Tilley historical true crime mystery and was not disappointed. The author does an excellent job of transporting the reader to the place and the events of more than 100 years ago and bringing the people involved to life.
The unsolved murder of flawed businessman Frank Richardson in Savannah, Missouri is the latest example. It is well-written and exhaustively researched and draws you into the complexities of the Christmas Eve murder, the investigation, the prosecution, and the court case. The facts are presented in such a way that the reader can draw their own conclusions.
I also appreciate the author sharing her own conclusions of the case at the end and the pros and cons of different theories. In this case it seems the evidence points pretty clearly to the one who did the killing and got away with it. I highly recommend this book.
I was eager to read the latest Kimberly Tilley historical true crime mystery and was not disappointed. The author does an excellent job of transporting the reader to the place and the events of more than 100 years ago and bringing the people involved to life.
The unsolved murder of flawed businessman Frank Richardson in Savannah, Missouri is the latest example. It is well-written and exhaustively researched and draws you into the complexities of the Christmas Eve murder, the investigation, the prosecution, and the court case. The facts are presented in such a way that the reader can draw their own conclusions.
I also appreciate the author sharing her own conclusions of the case at the end and the pros and cons of different theories. In this case it seems the evidence points pretty clearly to the one who did the killing and got away with it. I highly recommend this book.
July 5, 2022
In this true crime book, we look into the 1901 unsolved murder of Frank Richardson in Savannah, Missouri. It delves into the murder, the lives in affected, the court trials, and the questions of "who actually did it?"
I think the author, Kimberley Tilley, did a lot of research into this case. But I also think, given the size of the town and the time period, there just wasn't a ton of information to go off of. It's at times repetitive, retelling the perspectives over and over again. Even though it was only 305 pages, it felt like it could have been much shorter. An interesting case written in an uninteresting way.
I think the author, Kimberley Tilley, did a lot of research into this case. But I also think, given the size of the town and the time period, there just wasn't a ton of information to go off of. It's at times repetitive, retelling the perspectives over and over again. Even though it was only 305 pages, it felt like it could have been much shorter. An interesting case written in an uninteresting way.
February 22, 2022
Once again, Kimberly has me wanting more of her books. The murder of Frank Richardson and who may have done it is one of the more interesting books I have read. Excellent research.
March 19, 2022
Interesting. I was not sure how to take this book. It certainly made me think.
December 3, 2025
This is the second of Ms. Tilley’s books that I’ve read and enjoyed very much. The story involves, as the title says, the mysterious, unsolved murder of a man in 1900.
Ms. Tilley’s style appeals to me very much. The murder is unsolved and there are no amazing new revelations in this book. The author confines herself to known and verifiable facts throughout the book. In the final chapter, she reveals her opinion to the reader. She gives her reasons for believing as she does, but does not attempt to convince the reader that hers in the only possible conclusion.
As a lifelong fan of historical murder non-fiction, I have not, before now, had a favorite author in the genre. I’ve had, instead, particular crimes that I would read a lot of books about with little regard to the author. Ms. Tilley’s straightforward, unembellished style has pleased me in this and in Cold Heart. I have taken the unprecedented step of purchasing another of her books on the strength of my enjoyment of her style, rather than on my interest in the crime itself.
I prefer to reach my own conclusions. I like to read the facts and details that are known. This author gives me what I want without attempting to convince me of her conclusions. I guess I feel like the author is treating me as an equal, and I appreciate that.
Ms. Tilley’s style appeals to me very much. The murder is unsolved and there are no amazing new revelations in this book. The author confines herself to known and verifiable facts throughout the book. In the final chapter, she reveals her opinion to the reader. She gives her reasons for believing as she does, but does not attempt to convince the reader that hers in the only possible conclusion.
As a lifelong fan of historical murder non-fiction, I have not, before now, had a favorite author in the genre. I’ve had, instead, particular crimes that I would read a lot of books about with little regard to the author. Ms. Tilley’s straightforward, unembellished style has pleased me in this and in Cold Heart. I have taken the unprecedented step of purchasing another of her books on the strength of my enjoyment of her style, rather than on my interest in the crime itself.
I prefer to reach my own conclusions. I like to read the facts and details that are known. This author gives me what I want without attempting to convince me of her conclusions. I guess I feel like the author is treating me as an equal, and I appreciate that.
September 15, 2022
really interesting story and great writing
I first learned of this author less than a week ago and have already read all three of her books they’re that good. Very well
Presented and paced. She has talent in writing in such a way that you keep wanting to turn the pages to see what will be discovered next. Please keep writing more of these books. I had never been particularly attached to the turn of the century era before but these stories and the way the author describes the times And customs really brings that period alive and has since made it much more interesting to me. I’m Eagerly anticipating her next book :)
I first learned of this author less than a week ago and have already read all three of her books they’re that good. Very well
Presented and paced. She has talent in writing in such a way that you keep wanting to turn the pages to see what will be discovered next. Please keep writing more of these books. I had never been particularly attached to the turn of the century era before but these stories and the way the author describes the times And customs really brings that period alive and has since made it much more interesting to me. I’m Eagerly anticipating her next book :)
June 29, 2022
Fascinating true crime!
This book details the Christmas Eve 1900 murder of Savannah, Missouri business owner, Frank W. Richardson. The author pieces the story together well and has done copious amounts of research on the subject. I had never heard of this particular crime, and I have read of many murder cases. I highly recommend this book to other true crime readers.
This book details the Christmas Eve 1900 murder of Savannah, Missouri business owner, Frank W. Richardson. The author pieces the story together well and has done copious amounts of research on the subject. I had never heard of this particular crime, and I have read of many murder cases. I highly recommend this book to other true crime readers.
May 31, 2022
Fascinating!!!
I loved the intricacies included in this book. It really made me feel for the people involved and to try to understand how we humans can have such disregard for human life. The writing his superb and that this is a true story really made it more interesting!
I loved the intricacies included in this book. It really made me feel for the people involved and to try to understand how we humans can have such disregard for human life. The writing his superb and that this is a true story really made it more interesting!
July 22, 2022
Very interesting! Life in the 1900s was different
Read this! Excellent research a bynd story telling. Author pulls the information together in all a page turner style, making hate facts interesting.
Read this! Excellent research a bynd story telling. Author pulls the information together in all a page turner style, making hate facts interesting.
April 14, 2022
This is the first book by Kimberly Tilley I’ve read. She did such a remarkable job of setting the Information down in a concise, yet understandable manner. She brought the characters alive and set the tone of the town of Savannah, Missouri where the murder occurred. She explained the court procedure and investigative abilities of the time. Tilley followed the case from before the murder took place to after the acquittal of Mrs. Richardson, who was accused of shooting or conspiring to shoot her husband, Frank Richardson, on Christmas Eve. Tilley ended by poking a few holes in the case, of pointing out a few inconsistencies, and giving a plausible explanation for what really occurred that fateful Christmas Eve…and why. I do believe that Mrs. Richardson got away with murder, although it is unclear who her cohort in crime was.
I found the story fascinating, and well researched, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
I found the story fascinating, and well researched, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
March 12, 2022
Kimberly Tilley has given us another unsolved murder mystery. This one takes place in Savannah, Missouri, in 1900.
The entire story is interesting. Background information is provided for the main characters, Frank and Addie Richardson. The main event occurs on Christmas Eve, 1900, when Frank Richardson enters his home and is shot in the head. The only other known person present in the house is his wife, Addie.
The trials are interesting and important because that's where the witnesses' testimony either matches or does not match in every aspect. I believe the key to the mystery lies in knowing whom Frank was addressing when he says, "Has it come to this?"
152
The entire story is interesting. Background information is provided for the main characters, Frank and Addie Richardson. The main event occurs on Christmas Eve, 1900, when Frank Richardson enters his home and is shot in the head. The only other known person present in the house is his wife, Addie.
The trials are interesting and important because that's where the witnesses' testimony either matches or does not match in every aspect. I believe the key to the mystery lies in knowing whom Frank was addressing when he says, "Has it come to this?"
152
July 4, 2022
I enjoyed this mystery very much. The trial was really interesting, seeing how differently things were done then. Highly recommended!
August 16, 2022
Frank Richardson Murder
This book details the murder of Frank Richardson on Christmas Eve in 1899 or 1900. It tells of the trial of his wife, Addie Richardson and her husband's employee Stuart Fife. The book was fascinating and I really enjoyed reading about this true crime.
This book details the murder of Frank Richardson on Christmas Eve in 1899 or 1900. It tells of the trial of his wife, Addie Richardson and her husband's employee Stuart Fife. The book was fascinating and I really enjoyed reading about this true crime.
May 29, 2022
Well-Conceived And Well Written Book
Frank Richardson, a wealthy merchant who was shot dead in his home. I enjoyed reading this book, as it happens in the 1900 which is a decade before fingerprints. I found reading about the trial was very interesting, with a full man jury and remembering how differently things were done then.
Kimberly Tilley offers insight into how murders were investigated. The book is a fast-paced story and is written with excellent attention to detail and draws you into the complexities of the Christmas Eve murder. It is a whodunit with all the juicy ingredients of extramarital affair, lust, jealousy, and blackmail. Suspicion falls instantly on his wife Addie, his girlfriend Goldie Whitehead, and Stewart Fife who was a young clerk who is extremely jealous.
The book leaves reader to draw their own conclusions as nobody is prosecuted. I had a great time figuring out who I thought the killer was A well-conceived and well written book which I Highly recommend. I am part of the ARC group for Wildblue Press and BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Frank Richardson, a wealthy merchant who was shot dead in his home. I enjoyed reading this book, as it happens in the 1900 which is a decade before fingerprints. I found reading about the trial was very interesting, with a full man jury and remembering how differently things were done then.
Kimberly Tilley offers insight into how murders were investigated. The book is a fast-paced story and is written with excellent attention to detail and draws you into the complexities of the Christmas Eve murder. It is a whodunit with all the juicy ingredients of extramarital affair, lust, jealousy, and blackmail. Suspicion falls instantly on his wife Addie, his girlfriend Goldie Whitehead, and Stewart Fife who was a young clerk who is extremely jealous.
The book leaves reader to draw their own conclusions as nobody is prosecuted. I had a great time figuring out who I thought the killer was A well-conceived and well written book which I Highly recommend. I am part of the ARC group for Wildblue Press and BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews