THE WITCH OF NEW YORK The Trials of Polly Bodine and the Cursed Birth of Tabloid Justice

Using the infamous 1843 murder trial of Polly Bodine of Staten Island, narrator Erin Bennet recounts the rise of tabloid journalism and the public's fascination with true crime. Indicted for killing her sister-in-law and niece, Bodine was the first American woman to be tried for capital murder. Her case perfectly illustrates media sensationalism. Bennett's delivery reflects the tone of the text: at times informational, at times incredulous, and at times fascinated with the workings of the justice system. Historical references to the impact of P.T. Barnum and Walt Whitman, as well as connections to recent cases like those of Amanda Knox, Casey Anthony, and O.J. Simpson, abound. Listeners will find themselves engaged by the in-depth research, captivating characters, and ultimate outcome of this historic case. K.S.M. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2024]