The Sinners All Bow serves as a contemporary investigation and reexamination of one of the first American true crime narratives, Catharine Williams's Fall River, which argued that Sarah Maria Cornell had been murdered by a Methodist minister. Prior to reading this book, I had only known that Williams's book was an early prototype of true crime writing and a significant piece of investigative journalism from early America, in addition to serving as an inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. This book offers detailed recounting of the facts of the case and of Catharine Williams's research process.

I'm not sure that applying contemporary forensic methods to a historical case is particularly productive. It wasn't clear to me whether the author had access to additional primary sources, or whether she was simply reexamining the text of Williams's book. This approach felt like a disservice to such a foundational text. I also found the connections to The Scarlet Letter to be too brief and fleeting to be satisfying. I wish those elements had been fleshed out. I would recommend this book who are curious about early true crime writing, but with the disclaimer that YMMV.

WHOOSH!!

This book was a lot of a lot, and [like I have been with all of the author's other books] I am totally HERE. FOR. IT. My only regret is that I didn't reread The Scarlet Letter before diving into this book. It would have been great to have a refresher of that story.

This was a excellent [though very, very disturbing/upsetting, and deeply sad] book that was also very frustrating [how is it that 200+ years later we are STILL not believing women?? How have we NOT progressed in that department? And pitting women against women? WHEN will that ridiculous nonsense STOP?? Sigh.], and the vitriol that was aimed at that poor dead girl [and the belief that the man <i>could <b><u>NOT</u></b></i> have raped/killed this girl because he was so <i>PIOUS</i> *EYE ROLL*], who could no longer defend herself was sickening and made me grind my teeth while slamming things down all over the house [I felt bad for my Mom because I was seriously stomping and slamming for a couple hours]. I will say that the ending, in my opinion, was fairly satisfying [I do really like being right].

If you've read The Scarlet Letter and wondered if there has been a real Hester Pryne that Hawthorne knew or knew of, and you enjoy a good true crime mystery, this book is for you. It is excellently written, expertly researched and is honestly a story we all should know. It makes you think and given our current state of affairs, it still, all these years later, very, very relevant.

Very well done!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Winkler Dawson, and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kate Winkler Dawson's The Sinners All Bow is a compelling and innovative take on the true crime genre. This book examines the suspicious death of Sarah Cornell in 1832. Cornell was discovered hanging in a barn, and while some believe her death was a suicide, some alleged Cornell was murdered by a local minister. Dawson digs into this crime, revealing the twists and turns in the case and using modern tools to shed light on centuries-old questions.

In addition to this work, Dawson connects the case to two nineteenth century authors - Nathaniel Hawthorne, who Dawson posits was inspired by the case to write his classic novel The Scarlet Letter, and Catharine Williams, who launched the true crime genre with her original work investigating the Cornell case. Dawson does a particularly good job fleshing out Williams, in many ways treating her as an investigative partner in solving this case. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in early American history and true crime.

I’m not a big true crime fan, but I really enjoyed this book! It has several different elements such as the original crime, the author who published what’s considered the first true crime novel about it, and then the classic work of fiction inspired by this crime. It was also interesting to compare modern and historical methods of both invention/law enforcement and journalism. I was struck by how relevant this story from the 1800s feels today. Big thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for the DRC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kate Winkler Dawson revisits and reanalyzes another journalists work on a 19th century case. Was it murder or was it suicide? We do know this case was the main inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”’s Hester Prynne.
Dawson looks at this case through a lens of actual unbiased knowledge of the time and the case, while bringing new insight and modern technology onto the playing field.
Dawson had many quotes and recitations pertaining to the case, but it felt jumbled at times and j had a hard time keeping some things straight. Overall, she did a great job reexamine this case and bringing it to the surface.

I read THE SCARLET LETTER the first time when I was teen. I've read many times since with each reading highlighting more of the questions that would have been asked in a different era. THE SINNERS ALL BOW addresses the true crime event that inspired Hawthorne's classic. Kate Winkler Dawson does an excellent job of first building the background research that will be utilized as the death of Sarah Maria Connell is investigated using current investigative tools and skills. As Dawson factors in the cultural differences of the era, she will come to a conclusion that should not surprise any modern era reader. This is an awesome book that weaves the reader into the investigation, earning Dawson's book a spot on my recommendation list. I know many people who are going to love this book as much as I did.

Dawson's latest book starts with an excellent hook - she is working with another journalist to bring a historical true crime case to light, only that journalist has been dead for over one hundred years. The Sinners All Bow is an excellent look at a case that not only divided people by religion and occupation, but was the foundation for every future case that tried to convince a jury that the victim deserved what happened to them, an issue we still deal with today. Dawson not only covers the case, but brings in contemporary forensic analysis to perhaps bring final closure to what really happened.

Williams, a staunch Congregationalist, with traditional morals, put herself at ground zero, and became the best resource for Cornell's death. With Victorian sensibility, she pities Cornell as a victim of circumstance, without a proper guiding hand or firm direction. At times, Williams teeters on victim blaming, but she still proved to be a solid ally for Cornell. "Fall River" is still available, and Dawson has certainly convinced me to check it out!

But where Williams lacks in objectivity, Dawson steps in to set the record straight. With a modern eye, Dawson guides the reader through the case, the misconceptions, the false clues and the bias. Dawson has no intention of making a spectacle of Williams, quite the opposite. Dawson respects Williams for her integrity and her determination. I only wish that the ties to The Scarlet Letter weren't so tenuous. I don't doubt that Hawthorne was influenced by the case, but there's only minimal reference to Hester Prynne, like an afterthought. Perhaps a short chapter could've been dedicated to Hawthorne's notes, literary analysis and overlap; especially for those who've never read The Scarlet Letter.

This is my third Dawson book and I have yet to be disappointed! I thoroughly enjoyed Dawson's new spin on the genre, and it's a style that sets the bar for future crime authors. Dawson is an excellent "guiding hand," and this is an excellent read for someone dipping their toe into true crime!

Thank you so much to Kate Winkler Dawson, the late Catharine Read Arnold Williams PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for receiving the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Sinners All Bow serves as an in-depth look into a crime from the past that is actually the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter (this was news to me!!). With the help of Victorian writer Catharine Read Arnold Williams, who originally covered the alleged murder in 1833, these two authors serve to give a voice back to Sarah Maria Cornell who unfortunately was silenced upon her death in 1832.

As a writer, Dawson extensively covers many aspects of the case, from the cold cut facts, to the initial evidence and interviews taken back in the 1800s. Beyond this Dawson goes on tangents in regards to social aspects at the time (specifically in regards to how women were treated) as well as the history of the Methodist movement and how this impacted the case. Not only does she cover the crime itself, but she delves into the intricacies of the case as well as what might have been overlooked at the time. When needed, she gives context on the history of crime solving techniques and their limitations at the time.

Overall this was a well rounded work. This is the first work I have consumed from Kate Winkler Dawson, and after reading this, it will not be my last! I love a good true crime podcastand I cannot wait to hear more from this author!

The Sinners All Bow is a true crime story within a true crime story. Dawson reexamines the death of Sarah Maria Cornell in 1832 in a New England town that had been previously discussed in one of the first American true crime novels, "Fall River" written by Catharine Read Arnold Williams. The death of Cornell was originally determined to be suicide, but as more evidence came to light it was believed that she had actually been murdered by Reverend Ephraim Avery. The events in this narrative are even believed to have inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s "The Scarlet Letter". The book reviews the evidence and investigation of Catharine, the trial of Avery, and reexamines both with modern experts. I thought it was a really interesting way to approach the narrative and Dawson is very mindful of putting the victim first and treating her with respect.

I found The Sinners All Bow to have a unique take on the standard true crime format, so I think it will have something new for fans of true crime. The three stories wove together quite well, although in the beginning there were some transitions between Sarah's story and Catharine's story that were a bit confusing. I found the writing to be slightly difficult to get into at first, but once I got into it I was able to fly through the story. I appreciated that Dawson really wanted to put Sarah's story at the forefront and also took measures to address the biases in Catharine's narrative that was published at the time. The themes of Puritanicalism, industrialization, and women's rights were all very interesting to me and it helped paint a picture of how the events played out the way that they did. I would recommend this to fans of true crime, of course, as well as to people who are interested in this time period of US history.

Historical true crime (with extensive primary sources) combined with the history of the true crime genre (and how it was arguably created by a woman)? This was right up my alley.

This book is about the alleged murder of a young woman in 1830s New England and the woman who followed the crime and resulting trial to write a book about it the next year. Winkler Dawson explores not only the crime itself, but also delves into the judgement and gossip that often surrounds female crime victims, and how society decides who is the "right kind of victim."

Having read previous books by Dawson, I know she's a master at picking fascinating topics, and-- of course-- I have memories of reading Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter in high school. (I didn't like his writing style, but the story certainly stuck with me.) I've also been known to dive into true crime now and again, so... there's no way I could've ignored The Sinners All Bow.

Dawson's research brings to light a murder victim who preferred the autonomy of millwork and refused to settle down with a husband and children. Her research also brought to light questions about author Catharine Williams. Yes, she was the first author to advocate for the crime victim, but could everything she wrote be trusted to be fact?

Dawson's deep dive into the history of the times and the backgrounds of the major players (Sarah Maria Cornell, Catharine Williams, Reverend Ephraim Avery) brings to light some fascinating facts-- including ones that prove we haven't changed all that much in two hundred years.

Such an interesting story and even after studying The Scarlet Letter in school I can't believe I never knew it was (sort of) based on a true story. Which was even worse. It's chilling to see how much history has repeated. Kate Winkler Dawson's books are always engaging and well written and I like the angle she takes of examining historical crimes through a contemporary lens/science. There were some details I would've still liked to have gotten, including how Hawthorne came to the story or if he'd discussed the connection.

The very close study of the case of Sarah Cornell from the early 1800's. She was a young woman on her own in life working in mills and wandering from town to town to find work. Her family somewhat disowned her, thus she was very alone in a world that was not kind to young unmarried women. The book is highly focused on the way crimes were investigated and the way trials were solved.

The author says, "True crimes should educate, explain, illuminate, not simply entertain". That said this author is true to her words. It is heavy on educating, explaining and illuminating and not particularly entertaining. But I certainly got a feel for the crime, a heart for the victim and anger at the likely perpetrator.

My thanks to Net Galley and GP Putnam's Sons for an advanced copy of this e-book.

Kate Winkler Dawson has once again created a masterpiece of true crime writing. What I love most about Winkler Dawson’s work is the 21st century approach to historic true crime and The Sinners All Bow was no exception.

The way Winker Dawson introduced the subject of this book was riveting - focusing not only the victim of this heinous 1830’s crime, but the woman who made history by publishing a book about the crime long before the true crime genre blossomed.

As always, Winkler Dawson lays out the story in such an organized and inviting way. She captures the setting and time exceptionally well and is able to draw the parallel to what we see in true crime today. Her work is always so poignant and victim-centric, which is lacking in today’s true crime space.

I was particularly delighted to see how this story tied into other historic cases that she has covered on her podcast Tenfold More Wicked, which recently came to a close. The last two cases she covered on the podcast tied into this story, and because I had that context from listening to the podcast, it added a layer of depth to this story that I greatly appreciated.

I am also always delighted to see an appearance from the one and only Paul Holes, a forensic investigator and co-host with Winkler Dawson on their historic true crime podcast, Buried Bones. She always pulls in the best experts to speak to how a historic case would be viewed through the eyes of today’s investigative standards which for a lover of history and modern true crime to me really adds to the quality of her storytelling.

Overall it’s another excellent book from Winkler Dawson. I am always excited by her new projects and this one certainly did not let me down. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for this advance copy!

This was a solid 3-star read for me, but I’m still going to share the book with others. I think it was a good book, but I think I wasn’t the target audience.

I just began dabbling in the true crime genre, and so a book with this much specificity isn’t quite what I was expecting. However, as I stated, I think fans of the genre will probably appreciate this one. The book focused on a true crime case from the 1830s, the death of Sarah Cornell. It also gave some history of the first true crime novel, which was written about Miss Cornell’s case by Catharine Williams. The book also wove in some interesting tidbits about The Scarlet Letter, because Hawthorne’s Hester Prynne was apparently inspired by Sarah Cornell.

The story was, at times, a bit dry and redundant. I feel like it could have been shorter as so many facts were repeated multiple times over. With that being said, the author did do a good job weaving together 3 different stories and making them cohesive.

The Sinners All Bow: Two Authors, One Murder, and the Real Hester Prynne by Kate Winkler Dawson

#onehundredandtwentythirdbookof2024 #arc #thesinnersallbow #nonfiction #truecrime

CW: death, murder, sexual assault, victim shaming, misogyny

In December 1832, Sarah Maria Cornell was found dead in a small New England town. Reverend Ephraim Avery was tried for her murder. Victorian author Catharine Williams wrote Fall River, the first true crime novel, about Cornell’s death and the subsequent trial in 1833, and helped to inspire Nathaniel Hawthorne’s heroine Hester Prynne. One hundred and ninety years later, Kate Winkler Dawson writes about the crime, investigation, trial, and Williams’ motivations and possible biases in her writing about the crime, and also fills in the gaps using modern forensics.

What a fascinating read! I had never heard of Cornell or Williams before reading this book and now I want to learn more, especially about how the crime inspired other authors. I sped through this because it was written in a clear, easy to read voice. It discussed details of the crime and evidence without being dry and boring. I appreciated the conversation about unreliable narrators and personal biases and how it relates to fact finding and communication. This was incredibly well researched and I loved the angle of approaching the crime through another author’s writings.

Thank you to @penguinrandomhouse / G.P. Putnam’s Sons and @netgalley for the advance copy. (Pub date is 1/7/25)

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of The Sinners All Bow: Two Authors, One Murder, and the Real Hester Prynne by Kate Winkler Dawson from Penguin Group Putnam via NetGalley.

The Sinners All Bow: Two Authors, One Murder, and the Real Hester Prynne by Kate Winkler Dawson is historical true crime about a cold case that may have inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. There is a lot about that description that I really love, so I was in immediately. I also happen to enjoy Kate Winkler Dawson's true crime podcasts which made receiving this ARC a real bonus. We may never know if Sarah Cornell was murdered or took her own life in 1832. Kate Winkler Dawson lays out the information we know in a compelling fashion and consults with experts to get some more answers based on modern crime analysis techniques. You'll have to be your own judge based on what we know. Additionally, the snapshot of the history of the Methodist church is really intriguing. I didn't know as much about Methodism before, but I will be digging in deeper!

The thing I love most about this book is that it centers the women involved, Sarah Cornell and Catharine Read Arnold Williams, the writer who brought Sarah's story to the public. Sarah and Catharine were not perfect people, but Sarah deserved better than the way she was painted after her death. Catharine was trying to counter that portrayal and in doing so may have written the first true crime book.

Thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of "The Sinners All Bow" by Kate Winkler Dawson in exchange for an honest review.

Almost 200 years later, the death of Sarah Maria Cornell remains shrouded in mystery. The only indisputable fact in the famous 1832 case is that she was found dead on John Durfee's farm one winter morning. Thereafter, investigations began by local authorities, religious factions, the New England industrial complex, and an established author named Catherine Read Williams. The main and only named suspect was Methodist minister Ephraim Avery It all culminated in a salacious, exhausting trial where Avery was declared not guilty. (Legally not guilty, though both contemporary and modern experts are all pretty convinced he was guilty.)

In The Sinners All Bow, Kate Winkler Dawson takes readers through the complex, bewildering case. She traces the lives of Sarah Cornell, Ephraim Avery, Catherine Williams, and how the case inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne to pen The Scarlet Letter. It's dive into a world where justice didn't have modern forensics or legal standards and where misogyny was a matter of course. It's a close look at how the Industrial Revolution and the rise of Methodism felt like the beginning of the modern world for women seeking independence and felt the end of the world as traditional New Englanders understood it.

It's a fascinating. though upsetting tale, with a lot of subtly and complexity. It should have made for a fascinating read but the book itself is technically flawed. It's disorganized, with information withheld until the very end, presumably for dramatic effect, even when introducing it earlier would have make more sense. The writing is loose, and could have benefitted from some stricter editing. There were some missed opportunities for further rounding out the story too.

The bigger issue, though, is unreliability. Unreliability is a major theme of The Sinners All Bow. There's the unreliable nature of forensics in the 1830s, the unreliability of human memory and witness accounts. Dawson speaks repeatedly about how and why Catherine Read (her "coauthor") is unreliable in her investigative report. (Although, Dawson never really discusses why readers should believe Catherine on some points but not others). But some of Dawson's own factual reporting is unreliable too. At one point, she references a 1928 death of a woman named Cora Van Ness Mead, who supposedly called 911 before police found her dead. EXCEPT that 911 wasn't established until 1967. (It's a pretty glaring issue for an author who has written a number of true crime books. Maybe it's a typo? Maybe it's supposed to be verbal shorthand for Mrs. Mead calling the authorities? Either way, it's misleading and factually incorrect.)

All in all, The Sinners All Bow feels like a missed opportunity to tell a truly compelling story. Cautiously recommended for readers who are generally interested in the case, though with the caveat that there are some notable issues with it.

In 1832, the death of a pregnant woman entangled with a charismatic minister sparked a sensational true-crime narrative that divided a nation and inspired The Scarlet Letter. This book revisits the case, exploring unanswered questions surrounding Sarah Cornell’s demise.

This is a gripping and tragic true story that reads like a suspense novel. The more I read, the more my heart broke for Sarah Cornell’s situation. The author’s analysis is smart and incisive.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.