COLD CASE CHRONICLES
COLD CASE CHRONICLES: MYSTERIES, MURDERS & THE MISSING (published by Lyons Press, subsidiary of Rowman & Littlefield), tells the stories of victims –– some missing, some murdered and some with changed identities. All are true, and each are mysterious in their own ways. The cases in this nonfiction narrative date from 1910 through the 1950s and include evolutions in forensics, as well as historical context in order to view the men, women and children through the lens of time. UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE, ALL OF THESE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE FROM YOUR FAVORITE BOOKSTORE AND ONLINE SELLER.
SOMEONE’S DAUGHTER
SOMEONE’S DAUGHTER: IN SEARCH OF JUSTICE FOR JANE DOE, UPDATED EDITION was republished in February 2023, in paperback, by Lyons Press, subsidiary of Rowman & Littlefield.
This paperback edition is UPDATED with the EPILOGUE that was not included in the first/hardback edition.
SEE ALSO, “WEB OF DEATH (EPISODE #2, BOULDER JANE DOE)" STREAMING ON HULU. ("Local journalist Silvia Pettem delves into the 50-year-old mystery of Boulder Jane Doe, an unidentified woman murdered in Colorado.”)
BLONDE TIGRESS
IN SEARCH OF THE BLONDE TIGRESS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF ELEANOR JARMAN will be released (in both hardback and digital editions) in May 2023 by Lyons Press, subsidiary of Rowman & Littlefield.
SEE DESCRIPTION BELOW:
IN SEARCH OF THE BLONDE TIGRESS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF ELEANOR JARMAN
Beginning in 1933, Eleanor Jarman was sensationalized by the press as the “blonde tigress” and “the most dangerous woman alive.” But a closer look at her life shows that she was an otherwise ordinary woman who got caught up in a Chicago crime spree, then was convicted as an accomplice to murder and sent to prison. In 1940, Eleanor escaped and managed to live out her life as, perhaps, America’s longest-running female fugitive.
Following the murder of an elderly shopkeeper, readers are given a front-row seat for Eleanor’s arrest, trial, conviction, and sentencing—all documented with recently unearthed primary-source police records, court transcripts, and prison files—and her subsequent prison years. Woven in are comparisons and contrasts between Eleanor’s and her escape partner’s criminal histories, as well as speculation on their lives on the lam. Whether Eleanor deserved her sentence, or whether it was too harsh, is left for the reader to decide.
IN SEARCH OF THE BLONDE TIGRESS sets the mystery and intrigue of this wanted woman into historic context. It also includes her family’s plea, in 1993, for Eleanor to come forward and apply for clemency. Most revealing at the time was Eleanor’s alias. With that information (and considering that Eleanor, born in 1901, is certainly now deceased), Silvia Pettem documents her search for Eleanor’s remains—right up to a visit to her likely grave.
ADVANCE REVIEWS:
Silvia Pettem’s “In Search of the Blonde Tigress” is a true crime gem detailing a little known story. The book is fast paced, fact driven and supported by photos. Ashley S.
Extremely well researched on an almost impossible task. Christine C.
What an interesting story, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about some history of Illinois I never knew about. The book even has pictures, a well written book. Sheila T.
A unique story I felt was an engaging read. Valerie S.
Well written and surprisingly easy and breezy to read despite all the information provided. Highly recommended. Poppy M.
I really hadn't heard of Eleanor Jarman before, and this was what I was hoping for. It worked well as a introduction to this notorious lady. It had a great concept for a true crime book, and I could tell that Silvia Pettem could write a good book. They did the research and it really showed in the writing. I can't wait to read more from Silvia Pettem. Kathryn M.
THE LONG TERM MISSING
THE LONG TERM MISSING: HOPE AND HELP FOR FAMILIES
When loved-ones go missing, the lives of their family members are turned upside-down. Some families are caged in by their grief, while others become proactive –– renewing police contacts, keeping up with the latest technologies, and educating themselves. With hope, answers, and practical advice, The Long Term Missing assists families in becoming their long-term missing persons’ advocates.
COLD CASE RESEARCH
COLD CASE RESEARCH: RESOURCES FOR UNIDENTIFIED, MISSING AND COLD HOMICIDE CASES
Cases in which all investigative leads appear to be exhausted are frustrating for both investigators and victims’ families. Cold cases can range from those only a few months old to others that go on for decades. Presenting profiles and actual case histories, Cold Case Research illustrates how investigators can successfully apply resources that will enable them to reopen and solve cases gathering dust in the file room.
BEHIND THE BADGE
BEHIND THE BADGE: 125 YEARS OF THE BOULDER, COLORADO, POLICE DEPARTMENT
Behind the Badge offers a new look at Boulder’s past. Beginning with the formation of the Boulder Police Department in 1878, the reader is taken through a fast-paced progression of challenges, innovations, setbacks, and triumphs. With a human-interest approach and 150 photographs, the book is packed with both high-profile and little-known crimes. It also features the department’s marshals and chiefs, pulling into its dragnet many of Boulder’s most colorful characters.
335-page paperback, $19.95 from author
SEPARATE LIVES
SEPARATE LIVES: THE STORY OF MARY RIPPON
As a pioneer woman educator, Mary Rippon received wide acclaim for her teaching, but in order to keep her job, she hid her husband and child behind a curtain of secrecy. Now, for the first time, Separate Lives: The Story of Mary Rippon reveals the conflicts between this extraordinary woman's public and private lives. Currently out-of-print, but the Kindle edition is available from Amazon.
ONLY IN BOULDER
In ONLY IN BOULDER: THE COUNTY’S COLORFUL CHARACTERS, you'll vicariously mine for gold with Indian Jack, fight for temperance with Lena Dwight and dance to the tunes of Glenn Miller. You'll also learn of Horace and Baby Doe Tabors' elusive connection to Boulder County and visit the final resting place of outlaw Tom Horn.. This selected collection of Pettem’s history columns brings to life some of Boulder's most memorable and unique visitors,
BOULDER: A SENSE OF TIME & PLACE
Journey with Pettem through Boulder’s history in BOULDER: A SENSE OF TIME & PLACE. Watch the evolution from a frontier mining town to the “Athens of the West.” Learn of murder and bootleggersin the 1920s, survive the Great Depression and follow Boulder’s postwar growing pains as the city matures and residents reflect on its past. Each article is a story in itself but only a small piece of what makes Boulder the city it is today.
LEGEND OF A LANDMARK
The Hotel Boulderado has been landmarked by the City of Boulder is also on the National Register of Historic Places. It was named for the words “Boulder” and “Colorado” so that guests would always remember where they had stayed. This centennial edition covers the hotel’s first 100 years, from 1909 through 2009.
COLORADO MOUNTAINS & PASSES
COLORADO MOUNTAINS & PASSES: DAY TRIPS IN THE ROCKIES is A glove-box-sized booklet providing an overview of Colorado’s passes, complete with maps, photos, history, and factual information.
When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.
Sherlock Holmes (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
RESEARCH SPECIALTIES:
Long-term missing persons
Unidentified remains
Cold case homicides
Boulder County, Colorado, history