Patti McCracken

The Angel Makers is a true-crime story like no other—a 1920s midwife who may have been the century’s most prolific killer leading a murder ring of women responsible for the deaths of at least 160 men.

Hardcover (1 to 2 lbs)

Colorado

Arsenic, a Midwife, and Modern History's Most Astonishing Murder Ring

The Angel Makers is a true-crime story like no other--a 1920s midwife who may have been the century's most prolific killer leading a murder ring of women responsible for the deaths of at least 160 men.



The horror occurred in a rustic farming enclave in modern-day Hungary. To look at the unlikely lineup of murderesses--village wives, mothers, and daughters--was to come to the shocking realization that this could have happened anywhere, and to anyone. At the center of it all was a sharp-minded village midwife, a "smiling Buddha" known as Auntie Suzy, who distilled arsenic from flypaper and distributed it to the women of Nagyrév. "Why are you bothering with him?" Auntie Suzy would ask, as she produced an arsenic-filled vial from her apron pocket. In the beginning, a great many used the deadly solution to finally be free of cruel and abusive spouses.

But as the number of dead bodies grew without consequence, the killers grew bolder. With each vial of poison emptied, a new reason surfaced to drain yet another. Some women disposed of sickly relatives. Some used arsenic as "inheritance powder" to secure land and houses. For more than fifteen years, the unlikely murderers aided death unfettered and tended to it as if it were simply another chore--spooning doses of arsenic into soup and wine, stirring it into coffee and brandy. By the time their crimes were discovered, hundreds were feared dead.

Anonymous notes brought the crimes to light in 1929. As a skillful prosecutor hungry for justice ran the investigation, newsmen from around the world--including the New York Times--poured in to cover the dramatic events as they unfolded.

The Angel Makers captures in expertly researched detail the entirety of this harrowing story, from the early murders to the final hanging--the story of one of the most sensational and astonishing murder rings in all of modern history.



The Angel Makers

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Reader's Digest Staff

The Ultimate Christmas Book: Over 240 Projects to Help You Make, Bake and Decorate Everything for Christmas! All wrapped up in one big volume, "The Ultimate Christmas Book" presents a wealth of ideas and over 120 projects--everything needed to make the holiday season memorable, including beautiful crafts, unique decorating tips, and wonderful recipes. 250+ photos & illustrations.

Oversized Hardcover (4 to 6 lbs)

Over 240 Projects to Help You Make, Bake and Decorate Everything for Christmas!

Presents over 240 projects and ideas to make the holiday season memorable, including crafts, decorating tips, and recipes.

The Ultimate Christmas

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Deni W. Stein

A guide to gardening throughout the year that includes care of plants, shrubs, trees and annuals.

Ortho's Complete Guide to Successful Gardening

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Light Hardcover (1 lb or less)

Stitch by Stitch

Harriet Hargrave

The Complete Guide Including Invisible Machine Applique, Satin Stitch, Blanket Stitch and Much More

A guide to machine applique. It covers everything needed in order to get started, and contains easy exercises to help the reader practise new skills. Each technique is described step by step, and there is discussion on how to choose and use the right needles, threads and more."

Jeanette Liss

@jeanette28503

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Patti McCracken

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Reader's Digest Staff

The Ultimate Christmas

Deni W. Stein

Ortho's Complete Guide to Successful Gardening

Torstar Books

Stitch by Stitch

Harriet Hargrave

Mastering Machine Applique

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Patti McCracken

The Angel Makers

Reader's Digest Staff

The Ultimate Christmas

Deni W. Stein

Ortho's Complete Guide to Successful Gardening

Torstar Books

Stitch by Stitch

Harriet Hargrave

Mastering Machine Applique

Get The App