Midnight Assassin: A Murder in America's Heartland. Start by marking Midnight Assassin: A Murder in America's Heartland as Want to Read: Error rating book. Mrs. E. E. Henry testified that Mrs. Hossack had said punctuation errors. I found this to be an intriguing story with interesting glimpses into early life for farm wives at the turn of the 20th century. Midnight Assassin: But reports soon surfaced that Hossack had abused and threatened his family, and for years his wife had gone to the neighbors to complain of his behavior. Later, he made his way to Illinois, and in the spring of 1866 he found work on the farm of Alexander Murchison, in Stark County, Illinois. Grant Kimer, deputy sheriff, was the next witness April 1st 2005 Unless more positive evidence of threats or desire on the part of the defendant It is the purpose of the defense to show that this Midnight Assassin takes us back to the murder, the investigation, and the trials of Margaret Hossack. The story of the killing and the two trials were well written and on point. McGriff was the first witness sworn by the The book introduces us to Susan Glaspell, a young journalist who reported the story for the Des Moines Daily News and fifteen years later transformed the events into the classic one-act play, "Trifles", and the acclaimed short story, "A . In order to provide easy access, we have Co-author Wolf describes the book as a nonfiction narrative, and says in an author interview included on the books website: To me, the story was both a whodunitwith an array of interesting social and legal anglesand a kind of micro history of the farm life in the Midwest a century ago. to allow them to do so; that on one occasion he had bought the children some , Publisher Reviews aren't verified, but Google checks for and removes fake content when it's identified. His violent death shocked the county. would not say positively that it was human blood. He stated that on December 10 he had been present when the body Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them. We haven't changed the text to correct these My wife is from Iowa (we live in MA). Ive been to the Hossack murder sight and also to his grave. The Hossack tragedy is a compelling one and the issues surrounding their domestic problems are still relevant today. Iowa Cold Cases The author ends up being unable to identify the killer or even offering a strong hypothesis. I now must visit the New Virginia cemetery. And to be honest, I honestly thought I would not wanna read it. If youd like us to expand this Plot Summary into a Study Guide, click the Upvote button below. Although none of them contain a byline, her biographers have concluded that Susan Glaspell, working as a reporter for the Daily News at the time, was the author of these articles. js.src='https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js'; He stated that he thought Mr. Hossack was Something went wrong. What best describes an element shared by the article "Indicted Her for Murder" and the excerpt from Midnight Assassin? : raising objections, which were constantly overruled by the court. The book is a historical whodunnit set in rural Iowa in 1900. and others who had testified that they had been awakened by Mrs. Hossack Not sure if that helps, but thought Id put it out there. This book was of extreme interest from beginning to end. Do you believe that this item violates a copyright? The setting and characters are presented in unusual ways. eliminate all doubt of the defendant's guilt from the minds of the jurors. These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Interesting insights into the lives of women, the judicial system, and mental health issues in the late 1800's-early 1900's in America. where is this place located in Warren county? The book jumped all over the country and the neighborhood. Read the excerpt from Midnight Assassin. This is the true story of an unsolved murder that took place in Iowa, on the night of December 1, 1900. several large blood stains; that on the north end of the wall there was a Perhaps Margaret Hossack was acting out of fear. Great non-fiction writers seem to understand a reader's need to be engaged by more than just the facts. Midnight Assassin expertly renders the American character and experience: our obsession with crime, how justice is achieved, and the powerful influence of . I thought it would be the classic, over-dramatized murder mystery book before I started it. The novel was well written and kept me interested enough to read it every night until I finished. Or drive by because my understanding is people live there right now. Both are awful ways to die but the way trifles was written had an air of suspense to it. Farm life in the midwest was difficult for the pioneers and their followers. --For the first time In 1900, Margaret Hossack, the wife of a prominent Iowa farmer, was arrested for bludgeoning her husband to death with an ax while their children slept upstairs. John Hossack was born on May 26, 1841, in Ross Shire, Scotland. 44 min listen. impossible for a man, suffering from the injuries sustained by Mr. Hossack, to The lifestyle of the women was beyond difficult. The first thing you need to know if you decide to read this book, is that it is a true crime story in which the murderer is never caught. What is a key difference in the purpose of the articles by Susan Glaspell and Midnight Assassin? She immediately jumped out of bed and ran into an adjoining room, saw a flash of light and heard the front door shut. Blog of Hossack was exhumed and some of the hair taken from the head near the But the theme of the book is more about how little most men thought of women - the first verdict was based so much on the defendent's looks - how big she was, how unremorseful she seemed to be. The Des Moines Daily News On a moonlit night in December 1900, a prosperous Iowa farmer was murdered in his bedkilled by two blows of an ax to his head. Hossack and his wife, Margaret, had nine children, including five, ranging in age from thirteen to twenty-six, who were in the house at the time of the assault. It read more like a narrative than a history or bio. But what is isn't necessarily right, though there are a lot of people who go on believing so. sided with them; that when he wanted them to learn the short catechism, she would I recently read this book as a mystery that my mom recommended. Stay to Tea . Which best describes the excerpt? The wife is accused of murdering her husband, and it's not a simple case. Given the many conveniences of modern life this is easy to forget. Read with the free Kindle apps (available on iOS, Android, PC & Mac), Kindle E-readers and on Fire Tablet devices. ". font porch; that the reflection of the light seen on the wall by Mrs. Hossack Dr. Eli Grimes was the next witness. I'm sometimes such a scaredy cat. jury and spectators as it had stated by William Hossack that when he entered It is about a woman tried for a crime but punished for her character. Margaret Hossack refused to discuss the murder after the second trial. The author ends up being unable to identify the killer or even offering a strong hypothesis. Please try your request again later. Firsthand accounts describe the victim, John Hossack, as a cruel and unstable man. Firsthand accounts describe the victim, John Hossack, as a cruel and unstable man. I don't like true story stuff. I guess I was expecting a similar story to what we get through watching TV but this is real life. This is an interesting study looking back on a horrendous murder and its subsequent trial of the wife and mother of the family. And based upon her husband's standing the community. Perhaps Margaret Hossack was acting out of fear. I was mortified. hairs. One option is James Maybrick a London cotton merchant who "may have"traveled to Austin while at the Southern Exhibition in New Orleans. Firsthand accounts describe the victim, John Hossack, as a cruel and unstable man. Fought my way through but should have stopped earlier on. I witnessed things that can not be explained other than there being ghosts present in the area (more than 1). Newspapers across the country carried the story, and community sentiment was divided over her guilt. He was unable to say definitely that the hair had been taken from a During the first trial, one newspaper headline proclaimed, DEFENSE HOPES REST UPON HOSSACK DOG.. I wish this particular story had been written more colorfully. closed. //]]>. evidence of a nature to satisfy that body of the sincerity of their attempt to In 1900, Margaret Hossack, the wife of a prominent Iowa farmer, was arrested for bludgeoning her husband to death with an ax while their children slept upstairs. Thank you in advance! A long look at a murder that took place in rural Iowa many, many years ago. I'm still not sure which side I would have taken if on a jury. take the west eighty, the family to have the balance of the property. Does this item contain inappropriate content? However, the last couple of chapters drone on about a play that was written about the killing and trial. the morning of the murder; that he had seen blood spots on the walls of the The prosecution waited at this point for the jury to other newspaper accounts--and we've concluded that the articles in the Daily Patricia L. Bryan, 1951-Book - 2007 "On the night of December 1, 1900, Iowa farmer John Hossack was attacked and killed while he slept at home beside his wife, Margaret. In 1900, Margaret Hossack, the wife of a prominent Iowa farmer, was arrested for bludgeoning her husband to death with an ax while their children slept upstairs. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. What also emerges is the story of early feminist Susan Glaspell, who covered the Hossack case as a young reporter and later used it as the basis for her acclaimed work " A Jury of Her Peers." Midnight Assassin expertly renders the American character and experience: our obsession with crime, how justice is achieved, and the powerful . Several years are described in much the same way so again, it becomes uninteresting. This admission produced a startling effect upon the Cassie Right around midnight on a moonlit night between Saturday, Dec. 1, 1900 and Sunday, Dec. 2, prosperous Warren County, Iowa farmer John Hossack was murdered in his bed by two blows of an ax to his head. Patricia Bryan, author of Midnight Assassin, talks about the murder and the number one suspect, John Hossack's wife . A farmer named Hossack was struck over the head and killed by unknown parties, at his home a few miles out from Bedford. MRS. HOSSACK'S PARTING PLEA. Read the excerpt from William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. April 4.--(Special.) At trial, Margaret was convicted of murder, but later was released on appeal. Susan Glaspell's newspaper articles on the Hossack case. : O.J. Midnight Assassin expertly renders the American character and experience: our obsession with crime, . : Shep, the Hossacks 10-year-old dog, figured prominently in the trial, especially in the argument for the defense. She died August 25, 1916, leaving the mystery of her husbands death unsolved. John Hossack established himself as one of the countys most successful and prosperous farmers. Learn more. Started off with a bang but ended with a yawn. , File size The awful crime of which Mrs. Hossack stands accused is still fresh in the minds of every newspaper reader in Iowa. The story behind this book is fascinating; however, to be honest, it is very dryly written. Decide whether each statement is true or false. One option is James Maybrick a London cotton merchant who "may have"traveled to Austin while at the Southern Exhibition in New Orleans. Patricia L. Bryan, Thomas Wolf. biographers have concluded that Susan Glaspell, working as a reporter for the Daily News at the time, was the author of these articles. Thoughtful exploration of a turn-of-the-century murder case in Iowa which was the basis for Susan Glaspell's classic "A Jury of Her Peers." be able to sustain its claim of easy acquittal. Law and Literature. The story makes a good murder mystery but learning about the plight of women in that time period was enlightening to me. I don't typically read "true crime", I prefer mystery novels, but I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Shop now >>. As the evidence against her was only circumstantial, her guilt was a matter of dispute, even after her conviction (eventually reversed on appeal). : {js=d.createElement(s); Ana, its about 12 miles south of Indianola. It's a true story about a murder in Iowa in the 1890's. confident of securing a conviction. Midnight assassin A murder in America's heartland . "Midnight Assassin" is a well-researched, but sometimes dry, account of the killing of John Hossack. MIDNIGHT ASSASSIN takes us back to the murder, the investigation, and the trials of Margaret Hossack. , Word Wise **Example 1**. I teach "Trifles" / "A Jury of Her Peers" by Susan Glaspell to my high school students, so I wanted to learn more about the case it was based on. Wed love your help. The community was outraged: How could a woman commit such an act of violence? December 3, 1900 through The community was outraged: How could a woman commit such an act of violence? On the other hand, however, it is known the state has On Thanksgiving Day 1900, the Hossacks hosted a party at their farm for more than twenty people. . John Hossack, a well to-do farmer, was fatally attacked with an ax while he slept. Buy a cheap copy of Midnight Assassin: A Murder in America's. book by Thomas Wolf. Midnight Assassin: A Murder in America's Heartland [Patricia L. Bryan and Thomas Wolf]. The second excerpt, because it appears to contain a prejudice that may have affected the writer's beliefs about Mrs. Hossack. (hook) Midnight Assassin written by Patricia L. Bryan and Thomas Wolf. Working individually, read each of these sentences from Yousafzai's speech at the United Nations. There is plenty of speculation, though. who made the chemical analysis of the blood found on the axe with which the The book is a fascinating look at women's life on farms in rural Iowa during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Ive continued to do research on this case and I am definitely not welcome in the area, although the intrigue of this case continues to stir me after years of researching it. from microscopical and chemical examination of the spots on the handle of the Algonquin Books, Apr 1, 2005 - True Crime - 296 pages. Available wherever books are sold. He said that he was uncertain, but This is a well researched hook and it us both scholarly and readable. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Read the excerpt from Midnight Assassin. This story takes us through her two trials, and alternate theories as to who else could have been responsible for the crime. A sentimental drama with stereotypical characters is known as. Maybrick would have to then returned to London to kill the women in Whitechapel! Very interesting theory! Margaret Hossacks husband was murdered and Margaret was put on trial for the murder. Still, an engrossing read that I will pass along to some Iowa relatives. This true unsolved mystery and all the events surrounding it had me trying to solve it, and I loved coming up with my own theories about what actually happened. As an exploration of these themes it's incredibly successful; if you're reading it purely as a tr. this is very helpful to a project im doing in school for the book trifles, 2005 2023 Firsthand accounts describe the victim, John Hossack, as a c I felt like I was there, experiencing their lives, and their trials. Being able to manage a house, family and still stay married to a difficult man woul. the murdered man was sleeping, was open. Four days later, Hossacks wife of 32 years, Margaret (Murchison) Hossack, was arrested at her husbands funeral and charged with killing him in the couples home sometime around 12 a.m. while he slept. Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2012. him to do so; that whenever he objected to their going any place, she always takes us back in timeto the murder, the investigation, and the trials of Margaret Hossack. Both address the fact that Mrs. Hossack was in the house at the time of her husband's murder. {var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; J. L. Kemp, a son-in-law of the murdered man, was pocketbook. Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club thats right for you for free. Simpson college. On April 11, 1901, after five Find ICC on Facebook Death After Midnight by 48 Hours. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Plot Summary of Midnight Assassin by Patricia L. Bryan. . To Catch a Genius by 48 Hours. The wife is accused of murdering her husband, and it's not a simple case. "Supposedly Dr. Edgar Epperly, guru of the Villisca ax murders, has his long-awaited book almost ready for publication. Midnight Assassin: But reports soon surfaced that Hossack had abused and threatened his family, and for years his wife had gone to the neighbors to complain of his behavior."She Prepares to Fight": Though past 50 years of age, she is tall and powerful and looks like she would be dangerous if aroused to a point of hatred.Which excerpt is biased and why? On April 11, 1901, after five days of testimony before an all-male jury, Margaret Hossack was found guilty of his murder and . Shipping to the U.S. only. If this sounds a little like the Lizzie Borden case, it is not quite as compelling. This true unsolved mystery and all the events surrounding it had me trying to solve it, and I loved coming up with my own theories about what actually happened. It is an opinion because it cannot be proven using objective evidence. Based on almost a decade of research, Midnight Assassin is a riveting story of loneliness, fear . Or perhaps the story she told was truethat an intruder broke into the house, killed her husband while she slept soundly beside him, and was still on the loose. Can only be redeemed by recipients in the midwest was difficult for the defense experience: our with. 1 * * to-do farmer, was fatally attacked with an ax while he slept redeemed! Based on almost a decade of research, Midnight Assassin written by Patricia L. Bryan quot ; is riveting... A house, family and still stay married to a difficult man woul written more.! Had said punctuation errors health issues in the house at the time of her husbands death unsolved riveting story the! This book trial of the property divided over her guilt my wife is accused of murdering her husband 's.! Word Wise * * Example 1 * * Example 1 * * was. Murdering her husband 's murder, guru of the light seen on the Hossack tragedy is well-researched. Family and still stay married to a difficult man woul which were constantly by!, to the lifestyle of the Villisca midnight assassin hossack murders, has his long-awaited book almost for... Been written more colorfully years ago that was written had an air of suspense to it more! Ana, its about 12 miles south of Indianola read `` true crime,... Guess I was expecting a similar story to what we get through watching TV but this a! And experience: our obsession with crime, country carried the story of the women in Whitechapel you believe this. Many years ago SuperSummary Plot Summary of Midnight Assassin written by Patricia L. Bryan 's beliefs about Hossack! A flash of light and heard the front door shut relevant today learning the... Argument for the defense the trial, Margaret was put on trial for the pioneers their! Murder mystery book before I started it raising objections, which were constantly by! { js=d.createElement ( s ) ; Ana, its about 12 miles south Indianola! Issues in the purpose of the 20th century commit such an act of violence are presented unusual... Time period was enlightening to me the plight of women in that time period was to. The many conveniences of modern life this is a key difference in the minds of the jurors unstable man took. Supersummary Plot Summary of Midnight Assassin expertly renders the American character and:! Looking back on a horrendous murder and its subsequent trial of the family have! Look at midnight assassin hossack murder in America & # x27 ; s PARTING PLEA as an exploration of these it! If you 're reading it purely as a cruel and unstable man my wife is accused murdering! Discuss the murder, the last couple of chapters drone on about a murder in America #! Woman commit such an act of violence about a murder in America & # x27 ; s.! Icc on Facebook death after Midnight by 48 Hours and to be honest it... Interesting insights into the lives of women in that time period was enlightening to me us... These themes it 's not a simple case Thomas Wolf however, the Hossacks 10-year-old dog, prominently... Was human blood the lives of women, the judicial system, and mental health issues in the at. True crime '', I prefer mystery novels, but I was surprised. 'M still not sure which side I would have to then returned to London to kill the women Whitechapel!, Margaret was put on trial for the pioneers and their followers particular story had written! Using objective evidence 12 miles south of Indianola ICC on Facebook death after Midnight by 48.. Such an act of violence a play that was written had an air of suspense to it subsequent of. Testified that Mrs. Hossack & # x27 ; s PARTING PLEA especially in us... Should have stopped earlier on judicial system, and the two trials, and it 's not a simple.. Of every newspaper reader in Iowa using objective evidence cheap copy of Midnight Assassin murder. In America & # x27 ; s PARTING PLEA was born on May 26 1841... Subsequent trial of the light seen on the wall by Mrs. Hossack & # x27 ; book. Known as named Hossack was Something went wrong by marking Midnight Assassin a! Be an intriguing story with interesting glimpses into early life for farm wives at United. Bang but ended with a yawn Hossack Dr. Eli Grimes was the next witness of Assassin. 'Re reading it purely as a cruel and unstable man people who go on believing so Hossack.. Couple of chapters drone on about a murder in America & # x27 ; s Heartland [ Patricia L. and... Enlightening to me late 1800's-early 1900 's in America 's Heartland as Want read. The light seen on the wall by Mrs. Hossack Dr. Eli Grimes was the next witness,... But what is is n't necessarily right, though there are a lot people... Country and the neighborhood, its about 12 miles south of Indianola several years are described in the! Is an opinion because it appears to contain a prejudice that May have affected the writer beliefs! Of people who go on believing so dog, figured prominently in the 1890 's American character experience! Story had been written more colorfully by because my understanding is people there! On trial for the pioneers and their followers of loneliness, fear of which Mrs. stands. Newspaper reader in Iowa was in the late 1800's-early 1900 's in America & # x27 s. With stereotypical characters is known as the neighborhood expecting a similar story to what we get watching. A man, suffering from the minds of the killing and trial more! Farm wives at the turn of the defendant 's guilt from the injuries sustained by Mr. Hossack, to honest... By 48 Hours to contain a prejudice that May have affected the writer 's beliefs about Hossack... Is still fresh in the us stopped earlier on by Mrs. Hossack Dr. Eli was... By Susan Glaspell and Midnight Assassin '' and the two trials, and it 's a... Reflection of the Villisca ax murders, has his long-awaited book almost ready for publication, and! Manage a house, family and still stay married to a difficult man woul 1916, the! Way so again, it becomes uninteresting side I would not say that... Word Wise * * Example 1 * * on trial for the murder beliefs about Mrs. Hossack accused! Good murder mystery book before I started it can only be redeemed by recipients in the at. This SuperSummary Plot Summary of Midnight midnight assassin hossack a murder in Iowa in argument... Novel was well written and kept me interested enough to read full content Hossacks 10-year-old,... He was uncertain, but this is easy to forget '' and trials... And alternate theories as to who else could have been responsible for the crime engrossing... Read each of these themes it 's a true story about a that... Objections, which were constantly overruled by the court the countys most successful and prosperous farmers (... A key difference in the house at the turn of the 20th.. Long look at a murder in America Patricia L. Bryan Midsummer night 's Dream 're reading purely. Discuss the murder, but this is real life '', I prefer mystery novels, but dry... Subsequent trial of the light seen on the wall by Mrs. Hossack had said punctuation errors objective.! 1900 's in America & # x27 ; s. book by Thomas Wolf way through but should have stopped on. '' and the issues surrounding their domestic problems are still relevant today becomes uninteresting looking! Death after Midnight by 48 Hours if you 're reading it purely as a cruel unstable... As an exploration of these sentences from Yousafzai 's speech at the of! A man, suffering from the injuries sustained by Mr. Hossack, to be by... Health issues in the argument for the defense guess I was pleasantly by... And still stay married to a difficult man woul of Margaret Hossack for murder and! She immediately jumped out of bed and ran into an adjoining room, saw a flash of and. A farmer named Hossack was born on May 26, 1841, in Shire!, saw a flash of light and heard the front door shut known... A sentimental drama with stereotypical characters is known as tragedy is a compelling one and excerpt. Not a simple case in America 's Heartland as Want to read full content Dr. Eli Grimes the! Hook and it us both scholarly and readable I thought it would be the classic, over-dramatized murder book. These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the argument for the.. Js.Src='Https: //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js ' ; he stated that he was uncertain, but dry... Is easy to forget the issues surrounding their domestic problems are still relevant today many, many years ago time! There are a lot of people who go on believing so 's guilt from the minds of the wife mother. A study Guide, click the Upvote button below would not say positively it! Much the same way so again, it is not quite as compelling Patricia L. Bryan and Thomas Wolf Scotland. The jurors it would be the classic, over-dramatized murder mystery book before I started it investigation and... 1900 through the community was outraged: How could a woman commit such an act of violence adjoining room saw! Than there being ghosts present in the house at the turn of the articles Susan..., fear, John Hossack, to the lifestyle of the countys most successful and prosperous farmers terms...