The author of such volumes as The Corpse in the Cellar and They Died Crawling wouldn't return to Cleveland for anything less than a disaster.
Author John Stark Bellamy II comes by his affinity for the sensational honestly enough. He's a former history specialst for the Cuyahoga County Public Library, and his grandfather Paul served as editor of the Plain Dealer from 1928 to 1954. Bellamy's father, Peter, also wrote for that paper as well as the Cleveland News. So, perhaps it's in his blood (no pun intended) to compile the more grisly tales about the city's past. Cleveland's Greatest Disasters: 16 Tragic True Tales of Death and Destruction shares a darker side of Cleveland's past, touching on the 1908 Collinwood School fire, the 1944 East Ohio Gas explosion that destroyed a whole neighborhood, the Astabula Bridge disaster and the grim fate of two workmen buried in the concrete of Terminal Tower.
Bellamy, who moved to Vermont in 2004, is returning to Cleveland for a series of signings and readings April 19 through April 24. It will be his first visit in a couple of years, so if you want to know more about The Killer in the Attic, now's your chance.
For a schedule of Bellamy's upcoming appearances, click here. All events are free and open to the public. To read sample chapters from Cleveland's Greatest Disasters, click here. Want to win a copy of the book? Leave a comment on this site, and we'll draw a name. Winners will be notified by email.
Author:
On April 9th, 2010 @ 01:13:pm,
Although I am not a native Clevelander but lived in the Metro Cleveland area for nearly fifteen years, I am always surprised by some of the urban legends and mysteries. I am glad that someone is keeping this history alive.
On April 9th, 2010 @ 01:34:pm,
We are excited to hear him at the Bay Library. My husband first heard of this new book so I would love to win it for him. Thanks.