The recluse of Herald Square : the mystery of Ida E. Wood

by Joseph A. Cox

Genres: Biography

Reviews

[Ryan Hannay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may have benefitted from low expectations on my part, but it was a nice surprise. Written in 1964 by one of the investigators involved in Ida Wood's estate case in New York City, we are given an inside view of the lengths they had to go to uncover her myriad lies. This follows Joseph's travels around the world looking for any documentary or first-hand accounts of Ida Wood's real identity and family background to decide who really is eligible for her large estate.

I never once found any of this boring, as the author keeps a good sense of humor even when running into many dead ends. In the world before computers or even standardized death/birth certificates, it is amazing the records they were still able to dig up from more than a century ago in some cases. I have tremendous respect for the work done on this case, and enjoyed following the author along on this journey.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. There's no other word. Ida Wood, wife of Benjamin Wood - state senator, US Congressman, owner of the notorious Daily News, was living with her sister Mary as a pair of recluses in the Herald Square Hotel. Upon Mary's death and some controversial statements from Ida about the wealth she had squirrelled away in the hotel room with them, began a strange and intriguing search to find out just who the Wood sisters were, where they had come from, and how they got to the point at which they were "rediscovered". Upon Ida's death her will was refused probate and her next of kin had to be found - where is where the author comes into the story, as the public administrator's attorney. The story of his five-year long search that solved the mystery ranged from a bakery in Dublin to Massachusetts, from Louisiana to New York and covered a full range of forgeries, mysteries and outright lies. I was so thankful that my library was able to locate the book, and I couldn't put it down once I had it in my hands.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in less than 24 hours! Intriguing well told story of a mysterious recluse and how heirs are identified. Well worth a go.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprise gem. Saw something on line about Ida Wood and the mystery of her so decided to dig a little further and found this book on line. Didn’t expect to read it all, but didn’t stop til the end. Given the lengths Ida went to to rewrite her history it amazed me how well the author laid out the details in a way that was easy to follow. I’ll give Ida her due; she knew what she wanted and she got it. Too bad she went batty and couldn’t enjoy the fruits of her labor. I did think, however, if she could have, she would have thoroughly enjoyed watching the efforts the author had to go through to unravel her history and the resulting circus created by all the people who wanted to be her heirs. Actually a fun and interesting read.

[Pam Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating true story and well written. I wish there had been more photos included since the author talked about all of the photos found in Ida’s hotel room. I always like to see the pictures when reading about real people. Anyway... great book!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story. Wish there were more details and history known. Would make a great movie or musical (grey gardens, anyone?)

[Elizabeth Hren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly highly recommend this book. She was fascinating

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

What will people do for money, and what does it do to them? This is the fascinating story of Ida Wood, a millionaire who had been the toast of society but who lived for decades as a recluse in a dilapidated Herald Square hotel room with her sister and daughter until she was brought to the public eye in 1931 following the death of her sister. The mystery of who she really was, where she came from, and how she got to that forlorn spot is the subject of this page-turning account, written by one of the attorneys assigned to investigate her case for the Surrogate's Court in New York.