Frequently Asked Questions about

The Lurking Devil of Murder

1. Why did you write this book?

I wrote the book because I believe the story is worth reading. Benjamin Franklin once said, “Either

write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” The characters of this book, each in

their own way, did something worth writing about.

2. How did you become interested in the topic?

I first learned about these people from a newspaper article I found pasted into an old scrap book. It

mentioned the first case of capital punishment in Canandaigua, NY. The unusual nature of the story

interested me.

3. What did you hope to accomplish by publishing your book?

I hoped to accomplish several things. First, I wanted to bring this story to another generation of

people. Second, after looking into it, I thought it possible to write a book that was fully researched and

completely true. I did not want to produce a story based on actual events. I wanted to present a true

story. Third, I wanted to present the narrative so as to allow each reader to think for themselves, and

possibly examine his or her own views on several important timeless moral issues.

4. Who is your intended readership?

The Lurking Devil of Murder is a mystery book, it will therefore have a general interest. Avid

readers, people who like surprise, those living in Upstate New York, Christians, law enforcement

officers, people working in the court system, prisoners, social workers, clergy, and those interested in

post civil war history will all enjoy it.

5. When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I never wanted to be a writer.

6. How did you research your book?

I found and typed 170 pages of first hand accounts from five different newspapers. From the

newspapers, I carefully examined the trial testimony of nearly fifty trial witnesses. I compared reports.

Utilizing local historical societies and the Ontario County Archives, I researched all of the witnesses,

along with the people they referred to. I wrote the book from the facts I discovered from those people.

7. What surprised you about the process of writing your book?

I was surprised by the vast amount of information that is available.

8. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I like to be with people. I like Canandaigua Lake. I am also an avid hunter.

9. Are you working on another book?

A Foul Wicked Dastardly Lie!