Books & Looks

Discover the Doctor's Riot of 1788 and the grim history of body snatching. Learn about 18th-century anatomy riots and the shocking modern-day black market for body parts.Episode Resources:Get your copy of "Doctors' Riot of 1788: Body Snatching, Bloodletting, and Anatomy in America" by Andy McPheeConnect with Andy McPheeIn 1788, a furious mob stormed the streets of New York, not over taxes or tyranny, but over stolen corpses. This was the Doctor's Riot of 1788, a violent clash that exposed the grim underworld of 18th-century medical science. What drove medical students to dig up fresh graves in the dead of night? In this episode, we're joined by author Andy McPhee to discuss his book, The Doctor's Riot of 1788, and uncover the shocking history of body snatching, a practice that, in some forms, continues to this day. We explore the central dilemma: how could medicine advance without access to the one thing society refused to give?The history of body snatching in America is a dark and fascinating tale of science, ethics, and social class. Author Andy McPhee details how, five years after the Revolutionary War, New York City was a tinderbox of tension. Medical students at New York Hospital, desperate for cadavers to study anatomy, regularly stole bodies from the "Negroes Burial Ground." While the city's Black population protested, their pleas were ignored. The situation exploded only when students began taking bodies from the white Trinity church graveyard. The riot was sparked by a medical student, likely John Hicks, Jr., who taunted a young boy by dangling a dismembered arm from a window, claiming it was the boy's recently deceased mother. This single act ignited days of chaos, pitting a mob against founding fathers like John Jay and Baron von Steuben, who tried - and failed - to quell the violence.This episode delves into the legal and moral gray areas of the time, explaining the critical difference between body snatching and grave robbing; one was a minor offense, the other a serious crime. This legal loophole allowed "resurrectionists" to flourish, supplying medical schools across the country. McPhee reveals that the Doctor's Riot was not an isolated incident but one of many "anatomy riots" that occurred at medical schools across the young nation, from Baltimore to Vermont's "Hubbardton Raid." The conversation then takes a startling turn to the present, revealing the horrifying reality of modern body snatching. We discuss the case of "Masterpiece Theater" host Alistair Cooke, whose bones were stolen and sold after his death, and the recent Harvard Medical School morgue scandal involving Cedric Lodge, showing how an unregulated "body broker" market continues to exploit the dead for profit.About Our Guest:Andy McPhee is a historical nonfiction author and the writer of The Doctor's Riot of 1788. In this interview, he shares his meticulous research process, which involved diving into digital archives like HathiTrust, archive.org, and Newspapers.com to piece together this forgotten chapter of American history and verify sources from a time when journalism was notoriously biased.Timestamps / Chapters:(00:00) The Shocking Story of the Doctor's Riot(01:33) How the Author Discovered This Forgotten History(09:11) Body Snatching vs. Grave Robbing: The Critical Difference(10:42) The Unbelievably Mild Penalties for Stealing a Corpse(16:04) The Spark: John Hicks Jr. and the Arm in the Window(20:09) Founding Fathers vs. The Mob: How Hamilton & John Jay Faced the Riot(28:37) The Barbaric State of 18th-Century Medical Science(31:53) Racial Tensions and the Unwritten Rules of Body Snatching(35:45) Modern Body Snatching: The Alistair Cooke & Harvard Morgue Scandals(41:39) "Mary's Ghost": A Haunting Poem from the Era

Explore the Mysteries of the National Parks with author Mike Bezemek. Discover forgotten stories of the first UFO sighting, lost explorers, and other unsolved national park mysteries.Episode Resources:Get your copy of "Mysteries of the National Parks"Learn more about Mike Bezemek's workWas the first-ever UFO sighting covered up by the Roswell incident? What really happened to the honeymooners who vanished on the Colorado River? Author and outdoor adventurer Mike Bezemek joins us to uncover the shocking secrets and strange events hidden within America’s most treasured landscapes. In this episode, we dive deep into his fascinating book, Mysteries of the National Parks, exploring forgotten tales that defy simple explanation.From bizarre crimes to perplexing natural phenomena, this conversation peels back the curtain on the unsolved national park mysteries that have puzzled historians and scientists for decades. We investigate the incredible story of the first UFO sighting in 1947, where pilot Kenneth Arnold witnessed nine mysterious objects over Mount Rainier, an event that predates the more famous Roswell incident. Mike Bezemek reveals why this foundational story has been largely forgotten and shares the plausible explanation behind the Roswell craze that followed. We then travel to Yosemite for the tale of a brazen stagecoach robbery where the bandits posed for a photograph—possibly the only authentic picture of a Wild West holdup in existence.The discussion covers a wide range of incredible stories, including the tragic Glenn and Bessie Hyde disappearance in the Grand Canyon, where the newlywed couple and their boat vanished without a trace after a perilous journey down the Colorado River. We also explore the eerie phenomenon of the Angel's Glow at Shiloh Battlefield, where wounded Civil War soldiers' wounds emitted a strange blue light, a mystery later potentially solved by a high school science project involving bioluminescent bacteria. Other incredible topics include the strange history of the Gateway Arch and its surprising connection to Mussolini, the famous sliding stones of Death Valley's Racetrack Playa, and the debate over whether Utah's Upheaval Dome was created by a salt formation or a massive meteor impact. These tales are just a fraction of the 35 incredible cases explored in the book, revealing that our national parks hold more than just beautiful scenery—they hold secrets.About Our Guest:Mike Bezemek is an author, outdoor writer, and adventurer whose work focuses on history, travel, and mystery. His latest book, "Mysteries of the National Parks," is the culmination of decades of exploring the U.S. National Park system, from the grand landscapes of Yosemite to the historic battlefields of the East. His curiosity was sparked during a cross-country road trip that led him to investigate the Lost Colony of Fort Raleigh, inspiring him to collect and document the strangest and most compelling mysteries our parks have to offer.Timestamps / Chapters:(00:00) The Hidden Mysteries in Our National Parks(02:17) Mount Rainier 1947: The Forgotten First UFO Sighting(08:27) Behind the Book: Weaving History, Adventure, and Mystery(10:22) Yosemite's Bizarre Stagecoach Robbery: The Only Known Photograph(13:51) The Author's Inspiration: A Cross-Country Journey of Discovery(17:31) The Gateway Arch's Twisted History: A Surprising Mussolini Connection?(20:56) Death Valley's Racetrack Playa: The Mystery of the Sliding Stones(24:27) Vanished on the Colorado: The Disappearance of Glenn and Bessie Hyde(29:24) Angel's Glow: Solving a Civil War Mystery at Shiloh Battlefield(34:18) The Making of a Mystery Book: A Lifetime of Research(39:35) Upheaval Dome: Meteor Impact or Salt Dome?(42:21) What’s Next for Mike Bezemek?

Was the Italian Renaissance only for men? While history remembers the names of Michelangelo, Leonardo, and the Medici, one woman’s story of power, art, and ambition rivals them all. In this episode, we uncover the life of Isabella d'Este, the First Lady of the Renaissance, with acclaimed historical novelist Sarah Dunant. Discover the incredible true story of the woman who ran a state, built a world-class art collection, and navigated a dangerous marriage—all while a secret disease swept through Europe, changing her destiny forever.Join us as celebrated author Sarah Dunant, a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, discusses her groundbreaking new novel, The Marchesa. Dunant shares how a simple question from her teenage daughter—"Where were the women?"—sparked a two-decade journey to uncover the forgotten stories of Renaissance women. This episode reveals the fascinating life of Isabella d'Este, a political mastermind and fashion icon who was brilliantly educated in humanist culture. From an early age, she was a force to be reckoned with, known for her sharp intellect and unshakeable confidence. Dunant explains how Isabella became a pioneer of female art patronage, commissioning works from the greatest artists of her time and building a collection that was the envy of popes and kings.We dive deep into the thousands of letters preserved in the Mantua archive, which provide an unprecedented look into Isabella’s mind. These documents reveal her cunning diplomacy as she ran the city-state of Mantua while her husband was away at war. We also explore her intense rivalry with her notorious sister-in-law, Lucretia Borgia. In a particularly captivating part of the interview, Dunant sheds light on a shocking and little-known aspect of the era: the history of syphilis in Italy. She details how the "French pox" arrived from the New World and secretly ravaged the European aristocracy, revealing a stunning discovery from her research that suggests Isabella knew her husband had the disease and took control of her own fate. Finally, hear about the author's own journey to publish Sarah Dunant The Marchesa, a beautifully illustrated hybrid of history and fiction that she was so passionate about, she decided to publish it herself.About Our Guest:Sarah Dunant is an award-winning British novelist, journalist, and critic. She is a recognized expert on the Italian Renaissance and has written six novels set in the period, all focused on bringing the vibrant and often hidden lives of women to the forefront. Her latest book, The Marchesa, is a culmination of years of deep archival research into the life of the extraordinary Isabella d'Este.Timestamps:(01:12) "Where Were the Women?": Sarah Dunant's Journey to the Renaissance(05:32) Introducing Isabella d'Este: The First Woman of the World(10:08) Uncovering History: Inside the Gonzaga Archive in Mantua(14:18) The First Female Art Patron: Building Isabella's Legendary Collection(20:23) A Rivalry of Style and Power: Isabella d'Este and Lucretia Borgia(24:52) The Past Talks Back: How Fiction Can Challenge Our View of History(31:36) The Secret Disease That Forged a Marriage: The History of Syphilis in the Renaissance(38:15) The Author’s Own Battle: The Journey to Self-Publishing The Marchesa(41:21) What's Next for Sarah Dunant?Learn More & Episode Resources:Get your copy of The Marchesa by Sarah DunantLearn more about Sarah Dunant's work

In this exclusive Mary Grand A Halloween Murder interview, we explore a high school reunion gone horribly wrong. When old friends gather at a historic castle on the most haunted island in the world, nostalgia quickly turns to terror after one of them is found dead. Was it a tragic accident, a desperate suicide, or a calculated murder? With the castle locked down, everyone is a suspect, and time is running out to find the truth before the killer can escape.Author Mary Grand joins the podcast to unpack her thrilling new novel, a perfect Halloween read for fans of classic whodunits. We discuss why the Isle of Wight haunted island reputation, with its mysterious ley lines and numerous historic buildings, makes it the ultimate setting for a spooky mystery. Mary shares the fascinating Carisbrook Castle history, revealing how its past as a Saxon fort, a Norman stronghold, and a royal prison for Charles I inspired this chilling tale. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves intricate locked room mystery books, as Mary explains how she crafted a puzzle where the killer had to be one of the guests trapped inside the castle walls.Throughout this Mary Grand A Halloween Murder interview, we delve into the author's creative process. Mary talks about her beloved amateur detective from the Susan Flynn book series, and how Susan gets entangled in the investigation through her daughter, Zoe, who is a key suspect. We also explore the complex group dynamics of a high school reunion, the intense and frightening Ouija board scene, and the real-world research behind the plot, including the harrowing details of the synthetic drug 'spice' and how it's smuggled into prisons. Mary gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the actual Carisbrooke Castle ghost walk she attended for research and shares fun anecdotes about the famous Isle of Wight tomatoes and her tradition of naming fictional dogs after her friends' real-life pets. If you're a fan of Agatha Christie, you won't want to miss this deep dive into the craft of plotting a modern cozy mystery that keeps you guessing until the final page.ABOUT OUR GUEST:Mary Grand is the acclaimed author of the Susan Flynn book series, a collection of cozy mysteries set on the picturesque and eerie Isle of Wight. Often compared to Agatha Christie for her well-plotted and character-driven stories, Mary specializes in creating intricate puzzles that keep readers captivated. She lives on the Isle of Wight, the real-life setting that inspires her compelling novels.TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS:(00:00) A Halloween Murder: A High School Reunion Gone Wrong(02:43) Why the Isle of Wight is the World's Most Haunted Island(04:07) Plot Deep Dive: A Locked-Room Mystery in a Castle(06:19) The Real History of Carisbrook Castle(09:11) The Psychology of a High School Reunion That Curdles(11:30) The Intense and Terrifying Ouija Board Scene(15:49) Fun Facts: Twixmas and Famous Isle of Wight Tomatoes(20:19) The Shocking Research Behind Smuggling the Drug 'Spice'(24:12) Fact vs. Fiction: The Real Carisbrooke Castle Ghost Walk(25:54) The Author's Craft: Writing Unlikable Characters and Plotting the 'Whydunit'(31:30) The Evolution of Protagonist Susan Flynn(36:43) What's Next for Mary Grand?

It took 30 years, multiple rewrites, and a publisher going out of business, but author Cindy Fazzi's groundbreaking story is finally here. In this episode, we sit down with Cindy for an in-depth author interview about her perseverance and the incredible journey behind the Domingo the Bounty Hunter series, a compulsively readable set of novels that turn the hard-boiled genre on its head. How do you tell a thrilling story about the chase while realistically portraying the complex, vulnerable lives of undocumented immigrants?Join us for a fascinating conversation with Cindy Fazzi as she discusses her unique contribution to the Filipino-American thriller genre. We dive deep into the first book, Danger, No Problem, exploring the decades-long cat-and-mouse game between Domingo, a bail enforcement agent, and Monica Reed, a desperate woman in hiding. Cindy shares the fascinating reason the book was originally titled "Multo" (meaning "ghost" in Tagalog) and why her new publisher, Thomas & Mercer, decided to change it. We discuss the inspired choice to rewrite the story from Domingo's point of view, which led to the creation of his "handbook for immigrants," a book-within-the-book that adds incredible depth and humor to the character. This Cindy Fazzi author interview reveals her powerful motivation to create authentic Filipino-American characters and introduce readers to a culture rarely seen in mainstream thrillers.But the story doesn't end there. We also discuss the highly unusual strategy of simultaneously releasing both Book 1, the Danger, No Problem book, and Book 2, Sunday or the Highway. Cindy gives us a glimpse into the plot of the second book, where Domingo is hired to find the missing parents of an heiress's mysterious boyfriend. Throughout our conversation, we touch on the serious themes in her books about undocumented immigrants, her transition from an Associated Press reporter to a novelist, and what's next for the Domingo the Bounty Hunter series.About Our Guest:Cindy Fazzi is a Filipino-American author and former Associated Press reporter. After a 30-year journey of perseverance, her hard-boiled thriller series was picked up by publisher Thomas & Mercer. A passionate advocate for representation in literature, Cindy created the character of Domingo to introduce readers to a captivating Filipino-American protagonist and to subvert the classic bounty hunter trope. Her books, Danger, No Problem and Sunday or the Highway, are celebrated for their tight plots, rich characters, and compassionate exploration of immigrant life in America.Timestamps / Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(02:33) Introducing Cindy Fazzi & The Domingo the Bounty Hunter Series(05:37) From "Multo" to "Danger, No Problem": The Story Behind the Title Change(08:46) Inside the Story: The Handbook for Immigrants(11:05) Championing Filipino-American Representation in the Thriller Genre(13:48) Subverting the Bounty Hunter Trope(16:29) The Three-Part Structure of "Danger, No Problem"(21:43) An Unlikely Love Story: The Relationship Between Domingo and Monica(25:33) Crafting a Realistic Portrayal of an Undocumented Immigrant(30:55) From Associated Press Reporter to Thriller Novelist(32:51) An Unlikely Strategy: The Simultaneous Release of Two Books(34:00) Uncovering the Plot of Book 2: "Sunday or the Highway"(39:02) What’s Next for Domingo and Cindy Fazzi?

Were the Martian canals real? For decades, some of the world's most respected astronomers and newspapers answered with a resounding YES. But how did a simple misunderstanding spiral into a global belief in an advanced, dying civilization on the Red Planet? This episode unwraps the incredible story of the turn-of-the-century Martian craze, a period when fact and fiction blurred, and humanity collectively looked to the stars, convinced someone was looking back. We explore how this mania began, who its biggest champions were, and how the idea of intelligent Martians shaped science and culture forever.This deep dive into the history of our obsession with Mars is guided by acclaimed author David Baron, whose book "The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze That Captured Turn-of-the-Century America" chronicles this fascinating era. We begin with the story's surprising European origins, specifically with Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli and his 1877 observations of "canali" on the Martian surface. A critical mistranslation of Giovanni Schiaparelli canali (Italian for "channels") into "canals" in English ignited the public imagination with the possibility of artificial structures. This idea was popularized by French astronomer and author Camille Flammarion, but it was an American who would become the theory's most fervent and influential advocate: Percival Lowell.Born into a wealthy Boston family, Percival Lowell dedicated his fortune and his life to proving the existence of an intelligent Martian race. We detail the astonishingly complex Percival Lowell Mars theory, which proposed that Mars was an old, drying planet and its inhabitants had built a planet-wide irrigation system—the Martian canals—to channel water from the polar ice caps to their desert cities. To prove it, Lowell founded the iconic Lowell Observatory in Arizona and even funded a massive expedition to Chile to capture the first-ever photographs of the canals, which he presented as undeniable proof. This led to a major rift in the scientific community, dividing astronomers into "canalists" and "anti-canalists."The belief in Martians wasn't just confined to scientific circles; it exploded into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. We discuss the immense impact of H.G. Wells War of the Worlds, a "scientific romance" that terrified and thrilled readers. Baron reveals how American newspapers, in a bout of Yellow Press sensationalism, pirated and serialized the story, localizing the invasion to New York and Boston and presenting it almost as a news report—a tactic Orson Welles would later famously use for his 1938 radio broadcast. The fervor grew so intense that in 1924, the U.S. military was convinced to enforce national radio silence to listen for signals from the Red Planet. So, what was the final nail in the coffin for the Martian canals? Baron explains how astronomer Eugène Michel Antoniadi's crystal-clear observations in 1909 and, ultimately, NASA's Mariner 4 spacecraft flyby in the 1960s, finally disproved the theory, revealing a cratered, lifeless landscape where canals were once drawn. This entire episode serves as a powerful look into the turn-of-the-century Martian craze and how it left an indelible mark on science fiction, inspiring figures like Robert H. Goddard and Carl Sagan and shaping our dreams of outer space to this day.About Our Guest:David Baron is an author and science journalist who specializes in telling gripping historical tales about the history of astronomy. He is the author of the new book, "The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze That Captured Turn-of-the-Century America," as well as the award-winning "American Eclipse," which is being adapted into a Broadway musical.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: The Martian Saga(03:01) The 1906 New York Times Headline: "There is Life on Mars"(04:47) European Origins: Schiaparelli, Flammarion, and the "Canali" Mistranslation(09:09) Percival Lowell: The American Champion of the Martian Cause(14:52) The Great Debate: Canalists vs. Anti-Canalists(19:26) The Hunt for Proof: Lowell's Astrophotography and The Chilean Expedition(23:26) Percival Lowell's Grand Theory of Martian Civilization(26:54) H.G. Wells and The War of the Worlds Sensation(33:32) Listening for Martians: The US Military's 1924 Radio Silence(35:11) How The Martian Canals Were Finally Disproven(41:01) The Enduring Legacy of the Martian Craze on Science FictionLearn More From Our Guest / Episode Resources:Get David Baron's Book, "The Martians"

What happens in Sherlock Holmes' world when the master detective is away and Dr. Watson is kidnapped? In this episode, we sit down with author Jeri Westerson to do a deep dive into her An Irregular Detective Mystery series, a thrilling and historically rich take on the Victorian detective genre. When Dr. Watson goes missing, it’s up to Tim Badger, a former Baker Street Irregular, and his partner, the scientifically-minded Ben Watson (no relation!), to solve a case that could make or break their fledgling detective agency.Join us as we explore the foggy streets of Victorian London and beyond with Jeri Westerson, who shares the inspiration behind her unique characters. We discuss how her stories exist as Sherlock Holmes pastiche books, while still carving out their own distinct identity. This interview serves as a fascinating The Misplaced Physician review, detailing the plot where Badger and Watson must unravel cryptic clues left in the untold tales of the Sherlock Holmes canon to save their hero. We also explore the core themes of the Tim Badger and Ben Watson series, including the rigid class differences of the era and the challenges faced by our working-class heroes. Jeri explains the fascinating historical accuracy she weaves into her novels, from the shocking reality of mummy unwrapping parties to the surprising efficiency of 12-times-a-day mail delivery in 1895. A major focus is the character of Miss Ellsie Moira Littleton, a determined and educated Victorian era female journalist modeled on real-life reporters of the day, like Nellie Bly. Finally, Jeri gives us a sneak peek into the future of the series, including the upcoming books "The Vampire Client" and "The Magician's Misadventure."About Our Guest:Jeri Westerson is the author of the critically acclaimed "An Irregular Detective Mystery" series. A former newspaper reporter, Jeri brings her sharp eye for detail and dedication to historical research to her novels. She is known for creating vibrant worlds, from medieval noir to Victorian London, and populating them with relatable characters navigating extraordinary circumstances. Her work, including these brilliant Sherlock Holmes pastiche books, masterfully blends humor, adventure, and meticulous historical authenticity.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: The Case of "The Misplaced Physician"(01:30) Introducing the "An Irregular Detective Mystery" Series(06:20) Inspiration: Crafting a Sherlock Holmes Pastiche with a Unique Twist(09:42) Jeri Westerson's Journey from Reporter to Novelist(11:10) Exploring Class Differences in Victorian London(15:06) Miss Littleton: The Rise of the Victorian Era Female Journalist(18:02) Unearthing the "Untold Tales" of the Sherlock Holmes Canon(21:58) Badger & Watson's Scientific Method vs. Holmes's Deduction(26:33) Historical Authenticity: Mummy Parties, Mail Delivery, and More(38:23) What's Next for Badger and Watson?Learn More From Our Guest / Episode Resources:Visit Jeri Westerson's WebsiteGet "The Misplaced Physician" (An Irregular Detective Mystery #3)

Ever wondered about the real story behind a bottle of tequila? It's not just about agave and distilling; it's a dramatic saga of revolution, political betrayal, and intense family rivalries. In this episode, we're joined by author Ted Genoways to uncover the incredible history of Jose Cuervo, a story that is far more turbulent and cinematic than you can imagine. We'll explore how one man's ambition to build a business empire became entangled in a bloody struggle for the very spirit of Mexico.Join us as we dive deep into the subjects of Ted Genoways' groundbreaking book, "Tequila Wars." Discover how the tequila industry wasn't just a bystander but a central player in Mexico's national conflicts. We explore the bitter Cuervo and Sauza family rivalry, a competition that shaped not only the business but also the political landscape of Jalisco. Learn about the Porfirio Diaz tequila industry connection, where Cuervo's own uncle, Florentino Cuervo, was a key figure in the revolution that brought Diaz to power, only to be betrayed later. This complex saga reveals how these families navigated shifting allegiances and constant violence during the tumultuous era of tequila and the Mexican Revolution. From militia leaders running distilleries to the struggle to build modern infrastructure like railroads amidst national chaos, this conversation uncovers a lost chapter of history.This episode peels back the label to reveal the true story behind one of the world's most famous spirits. We discuss how Jose Cuervo's project to rebuild his family's empire was a narrative of genius and resilience, culminating at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, a pivotal moment that forced the industry to modernize. Yet, just as Cuervo built the infrastructure for a global business, the revolution erupted, forcing distilleries to close and pitting figures like Pancho Villa against American interests right on the distribution lines. The full history of Jose Cuervo is a tale of how a regional spirit survived near-constant warfare to become a national symbol, ironically aided by the era of Prohibition in the United States. Don't miss this fascinating discussion about Ted Genoways Tequila Wars, a story waiting to be told.About Our Guest:Ted Genoways is an acclaimed author and journalist. His book, "Tequila Wars: Jose Cuervo, and the Bloody Struggle for the Spirit of Mexico," is the result of years of deep investigation into a history that many believed was lost forever. Sparked by family stories from his father, a bat biologist who worked in the agave fields of Jalisco, Ted embarked on a journey to uncover the archives and family secrets of the tequila titans, revealing their central role in the shaping of modern Mexico.Timestamps / Chapters:(00:00) The Secret History of Tequila(02:52) The Real "Tequila Wars": More Than Just Business(04:53) From Family Stories to a Historical Epic(12:05) The Cuervo and Sauza Rivalry: A Battle for Tequila's Soul(16:55) The Porfirio Diaz Era: Tequila's Role in National Politics(22:37) Uncovering Lost History: The Challenge of Research(26:59) How Railroads Became Critical for Tequila's Expansion(34:41) Surviving the Mexican Revolution and Pancho Villa(38:59) How the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair Modernized Tequila(44:59) Will "Tequila Wars" Become a Movie or TV Series?