Tainted Legacy: the story of alleged serial killer Bertha Gifford by S. Kay Murphy - 164 pages
A post on the library's Facebook page highlighting the case alerted me to the is true crime book that happened in our very own backyard. The author's great grandmother was convicted of murder in 1928 and suspected in the deaths of up to eighteen people. Smith's journey to uncover the truth about her family's past is a fascinating glimpse into life in rural Missouri in the early 20th century and an intriguing examination of how your perception of the past can influence your life in the present. I highly recommend this book to true crime fans and those interested in Jefferson / Franklin county history.