Area author’s ‘Murders & Mysterious Deaths in the PA Wilds’ available now
James T. Baumgratz, the author who brought you historical titles such as “Elk County Murders & Mysterious Deaths” and “Missing in the Pennsylvania Wilds,” has recently completed his newest book titled “Murders & Mysterious Deaths in the Pennsylvania Wilds, Vol. II.”
“I have researched over 500 murders and mysterious deaths from all corners of the Pennsylvania Wilds, and with so many interesting cases, I could not stop writing with just the first volume,” said Baumgratz.
This book takes a trip through all corners of the Pennsylvania Wilds describing 25 true murders and mysterious deaths.
“My books do not follow any certain rhyme or rhythm as to the cases as I just pick 25 cases which I find interesting and after researching, I encapsulate each case into a shortened version of events to make the reader aware of all of the highlights of each case,” said Baumgratz.
The tragedies discussed in the book include the case of “Cheating the Hangman” that tells the story of Mary Donley from Renovo; “When Love Goes Wrong” which tells the story of Lawrence Getgen and Eva Karstetter of Jersey Shore and many more.
The stories come from 13 counties including Elk, Cameron, Potter, McKean, Warren, Tioga, Lycoming, Clinton, Northern Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson, Clarion and Forest counties.
Baumgratz does his research by relying heavily on old newspapers, court records and more. He even searches the ancestry database that includes prison records and is able to find photos of some perpetrators through that resource.
Notably, Baumgratz sticks to the factual side of storytelling — not sensationalizing the actions of those in his stories.
“In writing my stories I try to avoid the scandalous behavior of the victims which sometimes I uncover. In one particular case in this present volume, the victim had a well-known attraction to younger women/girls and I only mentioned this in the briefest of content as it was one of the main reasons for his demise, but I did not dwell on what I had uncovered,” said Baumgratz.
There were many stories shared in this book that are not always as they seem.
“‘Tragedy at Blue Run’ was a case that stood out the most to me in this book. At first glance, it would appear that a father viciously murdered four of his young children and then ended his life. But all was not as it would seem in this case,” said Baumgratz.
Baumgratz said Blue Run, which is now a ghost town and known for a hiking trail, will be appearing in a future book.
When asked about future books, Baumgratz excitedly spoke about other projects he has coming down the pipeline.
“I do plan on completing multiple volumes of the Pennsylvania Wilds series as I have so many more interesting cases to present. I am currently working on a book ‘Ghosts, Ghost Towns and Off the Beaten Path in the Pennsylvania Wilds,'” said Baumgratz.
He noted this book will cover some of the more accessible ghost towns in the Wilds as well as some of the “ghosts” that inhabit the area; and the “off-the-beaten-path” section will include directions to some out-of-the-way eateries and watering holes which may or may not be haunted.
Blue Run will be one of these stories as he has received reports of some spirits which roam the woods there.
“I love the process of gathering information and researching and visiting the scenes of the crimes, which is something I could do every day. Now writing is what I consider a necessary evil. When I do gear up for writing a book, I like to go to my cabin in the deep woods of the Allegany National Forest where I will spend the weekend writing. When in a writing mood I tend to cut the rest of the world off and this, while not helping my personal relationships, allows me to be productive,” said Baumgratz.
“Murders & Mysterious Deaths in the Pennsylvania Wilds, Vol. II” is available for preorder on his website or locally at Main Street Books in Lock Haven.
You can obtain more information and all of Baumgratz’s books at elkcountymurder.com.