The Poison Widow: A True Story of Sin, Strychnine, and Murder

by Linda S. Godfrey

Book Overview

"I know what your Granny did last century," said author Linda Godfrey to the granddaughter of Myrtle Schaude. How would you feel if you found out, after years of eating her homemade cookies, that... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1879483882
• ISBN13: 9781879483880
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Prairie Oak Press
• Length: 170 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A Good Read

I definitely enjoyed the book. The only drawback would be that none of The Poison Widow's children or other relations contributed, which was their choice.

Truth is Stranger Than Fiction

Modern day murderers have nothing on Myrtle Schaude. Author Linda Godfrey has done a thorough research job, getting at every angle of the Poison Widow's life, longing, and loss. Even had Myrtle Schaude been alive to interview, Linda couldn't have painted a more explicit mental picture of who this twisted woman was. It is a quick read and such a compelling true tale that the story stays with you long after you've put the book down. I'm hooked by Linda Godfrey's style of storytelling and will always read whatever comes next from her.

Murder, Mystery and Mayhem in the Midwest

The Poison Widow is a well-written, capivating, comprehensive great read. I would recommend it to anyone interested in history, true-crime, police thrillers, murder mysteries, psychology or non-fiction. The sordid story and facts are laid bare and well-documented by the inclusion of much of the state's evidence and actual letters the murderer wrote to her lover. This book keeps your interest throughout, includes lots of pictures that breathe life into these real-life "characters" who lack character. I read it cover to cover--not wanting to miss one detail! With this book, Mrs. Godfrey has really done her research and combined so many seperate resources into a coherent, yet frightening look back into the life and mind of a "mild-mannered" murderer. Great investigative work went into this book! Her writing style reminds me of that of Daniel Keyes in "The Minds of Billy Milligan" which is another true story--about a rapist with multiple personality disorder. Makes one wonder about what lurks in the minds of everyone you know and trust. A must read!! You will enjoy it!