I really enjoy nonfiction, specifically history and true crime, and I found this book to be very informative and interesting. For the average true crime reader this might not be for them as this reads more as a study on how media can affect the outcome of a trial and less about the crime itself. That being said I personally enjoyed this story and the insight that was given as this topic is very relevant to society now and how crime and how profile trials are handled.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this audio.

This book just wasn’t for me. I am a true crime fan but I just didn’t like this one.

I'll admit. This book isn't exactly what I expected it to be when I requested it. Even so, I was interested in it because I love true crime books, and I had never heard about the Polly Bodine case. Most true crime books aren't about women, so that drew my interest immediately.

Even so, in execution, it fell a little flat for me.

Let's talk about the pros first:

- The book was obviously well-researched. For a case I've never even heard of, this author came up with a WEALTH of information. I was very impressed with the level of detail that went into this book. Well done, author. This case took place at a time before media was so involved in court cases, but at the same time, media DID play a large role in this particular case. It was interesting to see how that played out.

- The book doesn't shy away from addressing "sensitive" topics like misogyny and the particular prejudice against women -- particularly women who strayed outside the bonds of marriage -- during the time this trial took place.

- The narration for the audio book was excellent. It was clear, and the speaker had an engaging voice that made it easy to pay attention.

Now the cons:

- While the level of detail and research was phenomenal, it also made it hard to get through the book at times. It slowed the pacing down and made some sections pretty tedious and -- I won't say boring -- but definitely less than captivating. There was also a certain level of repetitiveness that made it difficult to slog through at times.

- At times, the book read more like a history book than a novel. And while that's to be expected somewhat with any true crime story, this one suffered from that more than most.

- The story itself -- the crime and the actual events -- weren't super exciting. That, of course, is not the writer's fault. But when placed beside stories about Manson, BTK, and Ed Kemper (other true crime books I've loved and read), it leaves a lot to be desired.

Ultimately, I'm glad I read the book. It was an interesting and pivotal case that (it seems) really stressed the importance of "non-biased trials." But I can't give it more than three stars.

I am not generally a non-fiction reader (it's just not the genre I typically gravitate towards), but I wanted to read this book because the premise sounded really interesting and it's a person and event I didn't previously know anything about so that intrigued me. I genuinely thought the way the author Alex Hortis told the story was really interesting and definitely reminded me a well-detailed true crime podcast (definitely with less dramatization, though). I will say I really appreciated the way the book was outlined (intro to story with cast of characters upfront, chronological telling of events in the case, and then conclusion and final thoughts). I'm more of an analytical person, so the attention to detail was a big plus for me. But I also enjoyed how the author's tone shown through in the recounting of events, as well. There were just moments here and there in her writing style that alluded to why Mary "Polly" Bodine's story is so important to know and not forget (since so much of the prejudice and unjustness of her story is still relevant today).

Listening to the audiobook was honestly the best way, I think, personally for me to have consumed this book. Due to nature of the story (specifically the multiple court cases held against Polly), sometimes the facts began to feel repetitive at times. I think Alex still did a good job with telling an accurate portrayal of the events so this was just an unfortunate side effect of that, as facts of the case had to be rehatched often. But I think the narrator, Erin Bennett, did a good job with her reading of the book and that made those parts easier to parse through as she kept such an even, clear voice throughout the audiobook.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed this read. Though it definitely felt slower-paced at times, I think Alex Hortis did a phenomenal job not only recounting the trials of Polly Bodine, but also the woman. Whose character was defamed publicly in such a demoralizing, brutal way. Both by the press and by the courts. She deserved a better immortalization than the "witch" she was depicted as.

This one just wasn't for me. The most exciting part was the recitation of the cast of characters in the very beginning, as it promised a super fun and bizarre journey through a certain period of history. But there just wasn't enough information to fill 8-10 hours of listening, and I found myself checking out mentally quite a bit. The research is impressive though.

This was a three-star/DNF title for me; I really wanted to like it, as the story seemed to be so interesting. But it felt like someone was just reading through court documents, and I got bored very quickly. Thank you for the opportunity to give this title a try!

If you are a fan of true crime this is for you. This book takes you back to 1843 to the scene of a horrific murder. It walks you through the collection of evidence and the trials that follow. It also demonstrates how much media can influence an outcome even that far back in history.

The title is what caught my attention, and the fact that I’ve never even heard about Polly Bodine or this case, which made major headlines at the time. We’re all very familiar with the way that cases are tried in the media before a court decision is ever rendered, and the way that people are trial are put through the wringer in the media. But our society is also more than familiar with the right that an accused person has to a fair and unbiased trial. It was this case that highlighted that need and made this a landmark case.

I was approved for the audiobook of this, and the narrator did a fantastic job with this book. Erin Bennett presents all of the information in a clear voice that makes it all feel easy to stay focused on.

This is a really well-researched book. There’s so much information being presented in the story, and it couldn’t have been easy to wade through all of the conflicting reports—the scathing news stories, the court records, the character attacks, and the aggravating nature of following a case from the 1840s, and seeing how misogyny and prejudice played a role in her character assassination.

While there isn’t any witchcraft that actually occurs in the story, society hasn’t changed very much in the nearly 200 years since these events occurred. Women who don’t fit into the expectations of society, whatever the changing norms are, get labeled as witches, as something outside the norm, as women with loose morals, bad character, and more. The newspapers of the time, with headlines written by famous names like Edgar Allan Poe and Walt Whitman, printed images accompanying the stories that depicted her as a hook-nosed witch. And since this was the first time that a court case was accompanied by media involvement, there was no established protocol to prevent the jury from making a decision about Polly Bodine in advance of hearing any evidence at all, thereby preventing her from receiving a fair and unbiased trial.

There are so many facts presented. Readers are given the relatively scanty evidence collected by the police, as well as the court documents of prosecution and defense sides. However, we learn so much about how crime scene processing has evolved over the years between then and now. There were so many ways in which the investigation fell short of collecting potentially important evidence, but at the same time, there was no way to analyze the evidence that would be vital to an investigation today—microscopic evidence, bloodstains, burn patterns, and the bones themselves.

Ultimately, this wound up being a bit more of a slow paced read than I was expecting, and it wound up being a bit repetitive in a lot of parts. I found it incredibly frustrating to hear about how poorly Polly was treated simply for being a woman who was involved with a man she was not married to, for becoming pregnant out of wedlock, or for behaving in a way that society deems outside of expected roles. But at the same time, I liked how there was at least one person in Polly’s corner, fighting for her to get a fair trial. This is the kind of book that is going to stay with me because Polly deserves to have a more fair picture of her painted for history to remember her by than the one in the media of her day, but I struggled to really connect with the story.

Even after being stated as a well-known fact, it never sits right with me to see how women have been conjured to black magic and witchcraft for their sheer existence in history. This book starts with the most widely known Salem trials and diffused into the Polly Bodine case that stretched out for years. The author articulates the impact of media on such scenarios and how strongly it influenced the mob and jury to sway their allegations. In a normal court of law, one has to prove a crime is committed, but in her case, she had to constantly provide the corroboration of her innocence.

The books. Movies and podcasts that focus on true crime have their own fanbase, though it has always appeared to me leveraging these in the form of entertainment is outrageous. It is the actual life of someone we are talking about here, commercialing on its sensation is amiss.

While I am thankful to be aware of these events of the past that bring to light the injustices of history, I can't really say I enjoyed reading it as it made me feel really sad for the most part. This book is certainly not everyone's cup of tea, but people with a strong stomach can certainly give this a try.

Thank you @netgalley @alexhortis5 and @spotify for the digital ARC.
Genre: #nonfiction #truecrime
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️

This was an amazing account of Mary (Polly) Bodine"s trial. It also gave insight to trials and the affect the media has on the outcomes. Sensationalism of the alleged crimes is the first account of how the media had sway over the people, much as crime documentaries do today. I enjoyed this book and found myself frustrated with how the legal system operated, how much the media sways people's opinions, and what really happened in this case.

I liked parts of this book, but found it too long and repetitive. Three trials AND an appeal? All while quoting the same newspapers? It was just to repetitive. As with many of the spectators at the time, I too was getting frustrated that no one would make a decision on what to do with her! The narrator was good, a little awkward when saying "ha ha ha" when the courts would laugh but it was kinda cute too.

I honestly don't know if Polly did the murder she was accused of. There's definitely some stuff that was suspicious, but there's also a lot of other things that point to a third party. It's also hard to read into it further since there is so little out there. I mean she doesn't even have a Wiki page! The irony of being so over publicized and yet almost being forgotten now is not lost on me.

I'll definitely borrow the print of this from the library once it's released, I'd really like to see any photos that may be included. Overall this book was good, but was just too repetitive. 2.5/3 stars!

This book was extremely interesting and has now made me stop and analyze the current craze for true crime in the mass media. I had never heard of Polly Bodine's case before this book but I definitely will never forget this case and the outcomes of the trails. There were so many famous players (Edgar Allen Poe, Walt Whitman, PT Barnum to name a few) who were involved in the press coverage of this murder trail that really surprised me and the fact that I had never heard of this before.

One take away that I have learned from this book is just how the press could influence a trial back even back in the 1840s. It was so interesting to learn that Polly Bodine had three trails because of jury prejudice due to the media covers and she was one of the first cases in the US that had to move to another court district in order to find unbiased jurors.

I enjoyed that the author did include some more famous cases (Amanda Know and Lizzie Borden) and how the media played a role in portraying women convicted of murder.

This book is a must read for all those who are fascinated in how the media can change the outcome of a trail!

I listened to the audiobook and Erin Bennett did a fantastic job and kept me attention during the entire book.

Copied from Goodreads:
It is either a wonderful coincidence or brilliant marketing ploy to have "The Witch of New York" drop on Super Tuesday 2024. Not only does Alex Hortis' nonfiction text depict the interesting and little known murder trial of Polly Bodine (1843-1844), but it also reviews the corresponding birth of tabloid journalism, an element of modern life that no one can avoid and that will revel in the frenzied primaries of Super Tuesday. Hortis' writing was plain but clear. Historical context, legal, criminal and medical details, and research were offered without embellishment of this "true crime." I appreciated that the information was neither dumbed down nor technically inscrutable and was not at all surprised to see that Hortis is a constitutional lawyer. I have not read his "The Mob and the City" but would certainly do so if it came my way. Historians and true crime lovers will enjoy this non-fiction work.

TW: murder, violence, abortion

"The Witch of New York" is due to be released in the U.S. on March 5, 2024. Thanks to Spotify Audiobooks, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for this audio ARC given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

"The Witch of New York" depicts the murder trial of Polly Bodine and how the press's involvement in trials can sway public opinion, including the jury. This whole trial was fascinating, and the author lays everything out in a way that allows the reader to form their own opinion, unlike the journalists alive during the trial. I have no idea if Bodine was guilty or not, but her case is a clear example of why an unbiased jury is needed and how toxic tabloids can be. I recommend this book to true crime readers and those who are interested in the history of women, the press, or the justice system.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was excellent. I highly recommend that format.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy of The Witch of New York by Alex Hortis in exchange for an honest review. This was an interesting and aggravating book. Interesting because it was a fascinating case that I wish had been in my criminal justice classes and aggravating because of what it took for poor Polly to get a somewhat fair trial. I really enjoyed this book.

The Witch of New York
Pub date: March 5, 2024

This is the first I’d heard of Polly Bodine and my heart broke for this woman who went to trial and was treated so unfairly. Coined as the first to be tried by the court of public opinion, including PT Barnum making jokes at her expense to Walter Whitman and Edgar Allen Poe, newsman, had something to say about it.

While Polly may have made some unsavory choices in life, she was most certainly a victim. Left by her philandering husband, she was fond of the drink and known to be carrying on with the local apothecary.

When Polly’s brothers wife and infant daughter are thought to be murdered after their bodies are discovered in a fire, it’s not long before fingers are pointing at Polly, the last to see her sister-in-law and niece.

Because of the nature of the crime and Polly’s character, the case was dramatized, putting Polly in the spotlight of public opinion and their opinion was poor. A fair and impartial trail by a jury of her peers was unlikely.

The most interesting takeaway is the impact of the tabloids and its influence on the justice system.

My thanks to Spotify Audiobooks for this gifted ALC.

When Emma and Anna liza Houseman were found dead under the rubble of their burnt home her sister-in-law Polly Bodine was quickly arrested. It was Christmas 1843 her husband William was the captain of a ship and on his way Home to celebrate the new year with this small family. As a police gathered evidence all signs pointed to Polly and when she got word of it she tried to escape the area only to be brought in by a friend. Polly‘s life had its own problems when her husband went to jail for bigamy and left her still married and in love with George Dare apothecary owner in New York who she was heavy with child for at the time of her arrest. There would be many rumors and speculation as to what happened and three trials to determine whether or not she was guilty. The defense would try to disparage witnesses by bringing up their race and immigration status but in the end it would be her son testifying against her that would become even more father for newspaper reporters. I have said many times that historical True Crime is my favorite genre and this one did not disappoint it set an antiquity stone in the narrator did an awesome job as I mentioned the distance kept bringing up witnesses immigration status in the race and I love that the judge at the time in 1844 reprimanded them saying whether you are a Jew or gentile does not have bearing on whether you are honest or not this was a really great dog it is not bark down in detail but tells the story and then on packs it piece by piece to give the whole view of what happened I absolutely loved it and totally enjoyed listening to help people talk back then and what was acceptable and what was not I myself didn’t know what to think of Miss Polly but I did think she was guilty and wanted to thousand dollars per in Georgia thought her husband had FaceTime money is the root of all evil and I do believe that was the case with the couple. I was sad when she lost her unborn baby while in a dank dingy prison but choices are like steps and every time we make one we should always try to determine it is the best step to get where we want to be in obviously poly wasn’t looking where she was walking. I love this book again as I said the narrator was top notch and I cannot recommend this book enough. I want to thank Spotify audio, the author and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

The Witch of New York
The Trials of Polly Bodine and the Cursed Birth of Tabloid Justice
C Alexander Hortis
Throughout the years there have been several notorious women that have caught the attention of the nation because of a crime. However, the first American female tried for murder was Polly Bodine. It was December 25, 1843, on Staten Island. There was a devastating fire; sifting through the charred wood and ashes two bodies were found. One of the deceased was Emeline Houseman, twenty-four years of age. Beside her was her infant child, Ann Eliza. The bodies were burned but death was caused by bludgeoning. The fire was merely an attempt at covering up the crime.
An ruthless district attorney charged the deceased’s sister in law, Polly Bodine, with homicide. The tabloids saw MS Bodine for an opportunity to sell papers. They filled their pages with stories about the accused. According to the press MS Bodine was a murderer, she was a heavy drinker with a preference for gin, she and her husband were separated, she had numerous abortions and she cheated on her husband. The public wanted answers; they wanted information and on the go the tabloids gave them information.
The public tried MS Bodine not only on whether she was guilty of murder but also on her moral character. Edgar Allen Poe and Walt Whitman wrote about the case and James Fenimore was inspired to write by Polly.
In this novel you will find ruthless newsmen, the truth is unimportant as long she you sell papers. As I listened to this book I could not help but remember OJ Simpson and how his trial became a farce. Everyone wanted a piece of the action. It gave people an opportunity to write a book. I’m not saying whether Simpson was guilty or not I am saying the press used situation to their advantage. Remember watching Simpson in the infamous Ford White Bronco, we were a nation glued to the TV
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book from review.

An interesting insight into the extent of the impact tabloid media had, and continues to have, on criminal trials - especially to the point where it may result in wrongful conviction or mistrial.

As a lover of true crime I found the way the media impacted the trial and caused it to be retried several times. Odds are we will never truly know what happened in this case now, but we would almost doubtlessly have a clearer idea if not for the interference of the media for the sake of profit.

I would absolutely recommend for true crime readers who enjoy historic stories and the impact they still have on criminal justice today.

An interesting look at a time in our country when we still focused on the sensational. It is not surprising that rumors of witchcraft would follow a woman who didn’t follow the rules. That is much older than this. What truly surprised me was both the scope of the mania to report salacious details whether true or not and the familiar names that were involved. This was a bit of history I have never even considered.