The Midnight Band Of Mercy

This bizarre mystery based on real historical events is “an entertaining romp through New York of the 1890s” (The Washington Post). In 1893, Max Greengrass is a stringer for the New York Herald, paid by the column inch. With no regular salary, Max must hustle for his stories, and late one night he nearly trips over one. He finds four cats lined up neatly on a Greenwich Village sidewalk. They have no visible wounds, but are undeniably dead. The story makes the paper and Max pursues it, from low dives to posh mansions, from a proper if eccentric society of refined ladies concerned about the suffering of stray felines, to a bizarre conspiracy of churchly landlords and respected insurers who are getting rich by exploiting the misery of others. And it doesn’t stop there. The facts he uncovers suggest dark ideas Max can barely contemplate, arousing suspicions that terrify him. He goes to meet a source in a deserted saloon, only to find the man as dead as the cats that started it all. Soon his worst fears come to life. The story Max is stalking now stalks him.

NELLIE BLY RETURNS! “Nellie Bly is the most widely known and the most energetic newspaper woman in the world. Everybody knows what she has done. Everybody will be glad to hear that she has resumed her regular newspaper work on The World.”—The New York World, September 13, 1893 Embark on a thrilling journey through the remarkable career of pioneering journalist Nellie Bly. While she is celebrated for her daring exploits, including her groundbreaking exposé of Blackwell's Island asylum and her whirlwind race around the globe, Bly's true legacy extends far beyond these iconic moments. Between 1885 and 1922, Nellie Bly crafted a tapestry of hundreds of captivating stories. As a star reporter for Joseph Pulitzer's New York World, she fearlessly delved into the lives of presidential candidates, hardened criminals, sports legends, and inspiring figures such as Helen Keller and Susan B. Anthony. From undercover investigations to immersive experiences in various professions, Bly's reporting knew no bounds. Now, in "Nellie Bly's World," edited by acclaimed author David Blixt ("What Girls Are Good For"), readers can finally delve into the full breadth of Bly's journalistic prowess. This comprehensive collection brings together her most gripping articles, showcasing her unparalleled courage, curiosity, and determination. Don't miss the chance to explore the extraordinary adventures of a true trailblazer in the world of journalism! Volume 3 begins with her extensive interview with self-proclaimed anarchists, and continues through her undercover infiltrating of Democratic politics at Tammany Hall, visiting the famous Chicago's World Fair, exploring the rise among women who gamble, exposing a fraudulent "mind-reader," and revealing the horrifying practices of a society determined to exterminate New York's stray cat population. Among the articles included in this collection are: Nellie Bly As A Salvation Army Girl Nellie Bly And The Tiger Nellie Bly On "The Midway" A Woman Without A Heart For Women Who Bet On Races Living With A Broken Back Dr. Parkhurst To Nellie Bly Nellie Bly And The Mind-Reader Nellie Bly And The Band Of Mercy Explore the full power of Bly's Blackwing pencil at the height of her fame and influence! From scandalous exposes to heartwarming interviews, "Nellie Bly's World" is your passport to a bygone era of journalistic excellence and daring exploits.

Panic grips the city! There is a killer loose in New York City, and Carver Young is the only one who sees the startling connection between the recent string of murders and the most famous serial killer in history: Jack the Ripper. Time is winding down until the killer claims another victim, but Carver soon sees that, to The Ripper, this is all a game that he may be destined to lose. “Petrucha’s story hits the ground running and doesn’t let up…”—Publisher’s Weekly “A rollicking story full of cannot-put-it-down twists an turns.” —VOYA “A well-crafted romp through yesteryear’s New York.” —Kirkus Reviews

Winner of the 2019 Certificate of Excellence and MUSE Medallion from the Cat Writers Association The nineteenth century was a rough time to be a stray cat in New York City. The city’s human residents dealt with feline overpopulation by gassing unwanted cats or tossing them in rivers. But a few lucky strays were found by a diverse array of men—including firemen, cops, athletes, and politicians—who rescued them from the streets and welcomed them into their homes and hearts. This book tells the stories of these heroic cat men of Gotham and their beloved feline companions. Not only does it introduce us to some remarkable men, but we get to meet many extraordinary cats as well, from Chinese stowaways prowling the Chelsea Piers to the sole feline survivor of the USS Maine explosion. Among the forty-two profiles, we find many feline Cinderella stories, as humble alley cats achieved renown as sports team mascots, artists’ muses, and even presidential pets. Sure to appeal to cat fanciers and history fans alike, The Cat Men of Gotham will give you a new appreciation for Old New York and the people and animals who made it their home. As it takes you on a journey through the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn, it will amuse and astound you with tales of powerful men and their pussycats.