Murder Aboard

The Herbert Fuller Tragedy and the Ordeal of Thomas Bram

by C. Michael Hiam

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Pub Date May 01 2019 | Archive Date May 10 2019

Rowman & Littlefield | Lyons Press

History | True Crime

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Description

From an author praised by the Wall Street Journal for his “eye for a good story” comes an account of the Herbert Fuller tragedy of 1896, a tragedy that occurred on the high seas and involved the senseless slaughter of three of the twelve souls on board. Stunned by this act of random violence, and in sure knowledge that one or more of their own was the murderer, the living turn the vessel to shore, 750 miles distant.

In the nightmarish days and nights of suspense that follow, first one and then another of the remaining nine is seized by others as the culprit. Upon reaching port, however, all are under suspicion—until the man most likely to have committed the act is, for reasons having to do with race, exonerated and the man most likely to be innocent, prosecuted.

At the center of this gripping and gruesome story is the first mate, Thomas Bram, whose subsequent murder trials became as widely followed by the press and public as was the famous trial of Lizzie Borden just a few years before. Unlike the Borden case, remembered today in books, movies, and children’s rhymes, the Bram case was almost lost to the collective memory. Fortunately, C. Michael Hiam, in the manner of Erik Larson, now brings it to life.

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781493041312
PRICE	$26.95 (USD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 19 members

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Featured Reviews

Reviewer 343665

A strange tale of mutiny on the high seas, late 19th century. Well written, you won't learn who actually did the various killings until the end. A captain, his seafaring wife and a couple deck hands are mysteriously axed to death during the night and none of the survivors (except the killer) know who did it. Accounts for what the survivors did with the bodies at sea, and what they did to stay protected until they could reach shore. Worth the read, just as gripping as Hitchcock but this one really happened.

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dale d, Reviewer

I really enjoyed this book. It is a mystery/action/court room procedural that thoroughly drew me in. The attention to detail was much appreciated and I was thrilled from beginning to end. I did feel that the authors language at times was a bit flowery but that overall telling of the story and the provided pictures were very enjoyable.

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Reviewer 539597

A bit repetitive at times but i suppose necessarily so, overall a good book and will look forward to finding more out about this trial etc.

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Denice L, Reviewer

A true crime that happened in 1896. Murder at sea with only one questionable witness and horrific details is brought to life through the author's extensive research and capable writing. As he takes us through the days before and after the crime, it's easy for the reader to "see" the story unfold. A great book for both true crime and maritime law readers.

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Elaine A, Educator

I really enjoyed this book. True crime is a guilty pleasure of mine and I have read quite a few duds. This , however, is not one of them. It grabs your attention from the beginning and keeps it until the end. Fans of mystery/true crime/courtroom dramas will enjoy this title.