[close]
The Original Battle Creek Crime King: Adam "Pump" Arnold's Vile Reign by Blaine Pardoe and Victoria Hester
4.5★'s
From The Book:
Adam "Pump" Arnold was both feared and regaled in Victorian- era Battle Creek. He was a bootlegger and a pimp, a robber and a con artist, an arsonist and a loan shark and even an assassin. Arnold faced off with the city over illegal liquor sales and flaunted his victory with a life-size statue of the mayor dressed as a hobo. Called the "greatest criminal in the history of Battle Creek," Arnold was convicted in a captivating public trial for the murder of his own son. Join authors Blaine Pardoe and Victoria Hester as they explore the life and misdeeds of the unabashed criminal mastermind who rocked Battle Creek to its core.
My Thoughts:
There were actually several reasons why I read this book. 1. Blaine Pardoe is a Battle Creek, MI native and I felt some "home town loyalty" as I have lived in Battle Creek a few years longer than I lived in my native Florida. 2. He has written and given local discussions on two other books that he wrote about murders that currently remain unsolved that took place in Battle Creek and 3. The man is a wonderful presenter and careful researcher. My husband and I had the privilege last evening attending his discussion of this recently published book. Now before anyone thinks that we live in the crime mecca of the country let me assure you that it's not so but we have had some interesting ones.
This "Crime King" would have been better portrayed as "The Crime Jester". A comment that Blaine Pardoe opened with says a great deal about Mr. Arnold. "If you are going to partner with someone to run a con scam be sure you don't chose someone that is dumber than you are."
It was an interesting look at how crime was treated in that era. I couldn't believe all the crimes "Pump" got away with. He was a criminal and treated by the law as just a rascal. His trial...when it finally happened was a joke. The man argued with his attorney and actually sued him as was his habit when anyone dared to disagree with him about anything. He slept through 98% of the proceedings and even had a couch delivered to the courtroom and rugs delivered to his cell. He was joined in his crime spree by his son George who he later had murdered and dumped in the river and then had the river drained to "search for the body." The amount of stupid crimes he managed to enact and have the authorities look the other way was unbelievable and would fill this entire page and then some.
Anyone that likes true crime and needs an afternoons reading...it's only 176 pages...check out this interesting and informative little treasure.
