From the Bookshelf of Tyler Public Library…

[close] In 1884, forty-five years after becoming the Texas Capital, the city of Austin was terrorized by America’s first serial killer, who was dubbed “The Midnight Assassin” by the press. Author Skip Hollandsworth has done extensive research and examines all possibilities in an effort to solve this very ‘cold’ case. Occurring several years before Jack the Ripper emerged in London; Austin’s Midnight Assassin terrified and panicked the population. It appeared at first that Black working women were targeted, but before a year had passed, the killer had slaughtered more women without regard to race or class. This is a fascinating look at police work before the advent of modern criminology and highly recommended for Texan historians and true crime enthusiasts.