These photos were taken, and apparently one was manipulated, by Mark Freeland, a fantastic photographer who lives in Franklin, Indiana, on Feb. 1, 2013 at the Johnson County Museum of History in Franklin. The museum has my book available in its gift shop. All copies are autographed. Thanks, Mark!
Amazon’s Midwest American History best-seller list
On the morning of Feb. 2, I noticed the book hit a best-seller's list that I don't recall seeing it on previously. We may have been there at one time, but if we were, I didn't see it. Anyway, we hit No. 77 on Amazon's Midwest American History Book list. So, I guess that's a... Continue Reading →
Book club discussion at new cafe
Below are a few photos taken at a discussion I had with some wonderful ladies at their book club meeting at the new 66 Water Street Arts Cafe in downtown Franklin, Ind., on Jan. 23. The club had chosen my book as one of its reads, and I was honored to meet with the members. This... Continue Reading →
No 5 best seller!
We made somebody's best-seller list! Time to celebrate. Viewpoint Books (Columbus, Indiana) Best Seller List Week of Dec. 17; * denotes a local author or Indiana connection Paperback nonfiction 1. “The Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President,” Candace Millard 2. “Wreck This Journal,” Keri Smith 3.... Continue Reading →
Will John Cusack read the book I sent him?
We conducted a poll in October asking folks which actor should play Buddy's father, Art Schumacher, in a movie adaptation of this book. The winner was John Cusack. According to IMDb.com (Internet Movie Database), "John Cusack is, like most of his characters, an unconventional hero. Wary of fame and repelled by formulaic Hollywood fare, the... Continue Reading →
A good time at the Wauwatosa Historical Society event
I had a great time talking about "Murder in Wauwatosa" at a meeting of the Wauwatosa Historical Society on Jan. 8, 2013. We met at the First Congregational Church at the corner of Church Street and Menomonee River Parkway. This is the church that sponsored my Boy Scout troop when I was young. My father,... Continue Reading →
Discussion topics
I recently had the leader of a book club ask me for some discussion topics on my book, which her group is reading right now. In no particular order... this is what I came up with (any other suggestions would be appreciated): *Who do you think killed Buddy Schumacher and why? *Do you think any... Continue Reading →
Interview with a woman who knew Buddy
I finally found someone who knew Buddy Schumacher. The following is some of the information I gathered while talking to Dorothy (Belongia) Prothero on Dec, 27, 2012. Dorothy is 92 years old and knew Buddy Schumacher, having lived right around the corner from him when her family was near 74th Street (then Alice Street) and... Continue Reading →
2012 in review
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog. Here's an excerpt: 600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 11,000 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 18 years to get... Continue Reading →
Letter from a reader
Following are portions of a letter emailed to me recently from a Wauwatosa native who read "Murder in Wauwatosa." Hopefully, this stirs up some positive memories for others who grew up there. Hi Mr. Hoffman: I just finished Murder in Wauwatosa and wanted to send a quick email thanking you for taking the time to... Continue Reading →
