Silvia Pettem Book order

Mary Rippon's life as a pioneering educator highlights the challenges faced by women in the 19th-century academic landscape. As the first female professor at the University of Colorado, she navigated the complexities of being a professional woman in a male-dominated field while also fulfilling the role of a mother. To maintain her position, she concealed her family life, creating a stark divide between her public persona and private existence. This narrative uncovers the tensions and sacrifices Rippon endured to balance her dual identities.

Set against the backdrop of the 1930s, the narrative follows Eleanor Jarman, who gained notoriety as the "blonde tigress" and was labeled the "most dangerous woman alive." Through newly discovered records, Pettem chronicles Jarman's involvement in a Chicago crime spree, her conviction as an accomplice to murder, and her daring escape from prison in 1940, leading her to become America's longest-running female fugitive. The book delves into themes of crime, survival, and the complexities of a woman's fight for freedom.

In 1954, near Boulder, Colorado, the body of a murdered young woman was found. The initial investigation turned up nothing, and "Jane Doe" was buried. Decades later, the author set in motion the events that led to Jane Doe's eventual identification and the identity of her probable killer. The 2023 paperback edition includes an epilogue with updated information on how the mystery finally was solved.

Focusing on true crime, this nonfiction narrative explores the mysterious stories of victims from 1910 to the 1950s, including missing persons, murders, and cases of changed identities. Each account highlights the evolution of forensics and provides historical context, allowing readers to understand the lives of the victims within their time period. Through these chilling tales, the book sheds light on the complexities of unsolved cases and the enduring impact of crime on society.

Empowering families of long-term missing persons, this book offers essential tools and guidance for advocating effectively while actively searching for their loved ones. It emphasizes hope and proactive strategies, helping families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of their situation.

Focusing on the challenges of cold cases, this volume presents real-life investigations where leads seem exhausted. It highlights effective strategies for reopening and solving these cases, including the establishment of cold case units, conducting people searches, and utilizing information-sharing resources. The book also addresses the importance of engaging with co-victims, researching through public records, employing volunteers, and leveraging media to generate renewed interest and insights into unresolved investigations.

Embark on a historical exploration of Boulder, tracing its transformation from a frontier mining town to the "Athens of the West." The narrative delves into intriguing events, including 1920s murder and bootlegging, the struggles of the Great Depression, and the city's postwar development. Each article presents a unique story, contributing to a broader understanding of Boulder's identity and evolution over time, highlighting the rich tapestry of its past and the reflections of its residents.

Exploring the rich history of Boulder County, the book delves into the lives of captivating figures from its past, including gold prospectors, temperance advocates, and musicians. Readers will encounter notable characters like Indian Jack and Lena Dwight, as well as the intriguing connection of Horace and Baby Doe Tabor to the area. Historian Silvia Pettem curates a collection of her columns, celebrating the diverse residents, activists, artists, and entrepreneurs who have shaped Boulder into the vibrant community it is today.

The book presents a vivid visual and narrative exploration of Boulder's evolution from the 1860s to 2006, featuring 322 photographs, including over ninety recent images. It highlights key landmarks and events while showcasing the same locations at different historical intervals, illustrating the city's development. The first chapter introduces early photographers, and each following chapter focuses on specific areas of Boulder, combining introductory essays with historic and contemporary images, all complemented by detailed captions.