Epperly Returns to Leon, Iowa for Program "Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Iowa Axe Murders of 1912" True Crime Book

It was 111 years ago on June 9th, 1912 that Iowa's worst mass murder took place in the small town of Villisca, Iowa. Leon, Iowa will welcome Dr. Edgar Epperly, author of the true crime book “Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Iowa Axe Murders of 1912”, Friday, June 9th at 6:00 p.m. for a special presentation and book signing at the Leon Community Center, 203 NE 2nd Street. Books will be on-hand to purchase on the evening of the program. You can also purchase "Fiend Incarnate" at Amazon.com. Ed grew up in Leon and is looking forward to returning for the visit.

Considered the foremost authority on the Villisca axe murders, Epperly's 60+ years of research, interviewing eyewitnesses and key figures in the Villisca murder case, examining historical records connected to the crime, and uncovering new information about suspects of the crime, has been distilled in a comprehensive 416-page historical non-fiction book illustrated with over 190 rare images.

“Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Iowa Axe Murders of 1912” takes the reader back to the dark early morning of June 10, 1912, when a person or persons unknown bludgeoned to death Josiah B. Moore, his wife Sara, their children Herman, Katherine, Boyd and Paul, and two overnight guests, Lena and Ina Stillinger. The sensational crime led to nearly ten years of investigations and trials. The small southwest Iowa town of Villisca split over the guilt or innocence of a local businessman and State Senator. A traveling minister from England with a history of window peeping was charged and tried. Investigators and reporters across the country speculated that the brutal crime was the work of an early serial killer. Similar crimes had been committed in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Ellsworth, Kansas; and Monmouth, Illinois.

Epperly was the key consultant and interview in the award-winning  documentary feature film “Villisca: Living with a Mystery” by Emmy award-winning Fourth Wall Films.

To schedule an appearance or book-signing with Dr. Epperly, write to: [email protected].

Most Notorious: A True Crime History Podcast features guest Epperly and Villisca Axe Murder Case

A True Crime History Podcast hosted by Erik Rivenes.

Fiend Incarnate author Edgar V. Epperly is a guest on the Most Notorious True Crime History Podcast hosted by Erik Rivenes. We share the Podcast link here for you to tune into to this 3-part program on the discussion about the infamous Villisca, Iowa Axe Murders of 1912.

Dr. Edgar Epperly, Author

Most Notorious Podcast Host Erik Rivenes: June 9th (or) 10th marks the 110th anniversary of one of the most notorious crimes in American history - the brutal axe murders of Josiah and Sarah Moore, their four children (Herman, Katherine, Boyd and Paul) and Ina and Lena Stillinger, two neighbor girls who had the terrible misfortune of sleeping over that night.

It's a case steeped in mystery, with a gruesome crime scene, puzzling evidence, twists and turns and compelling suspects. My guest - Dr. Edgar Epperly - has spent almost seventy years interviewing eyewitnesses and key figures and pouring over historical records related to the crime. He is considered the foremost authority on the case. The culmination of his decades of work is a comprehensive book on the subject published at the end of 2021, called "Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Axe Murders of 1912". This is an absolute must read for anyone interested in the case. 

Listen to the MOST NOTORIOUS Podcast HERE!

Buy the book at Amazon!

Schedule YOUR 2023 author book signing and Villisca, Iowa axe murder presentation by emailing [email protected]!

 

FIEND INCARNATE is a companion to Fourth Wall Films' award-winning historical documentary film VILLISCA: LIVING WITH A MYSTERY (VilliscaMovie.com)

Author Dr. Edgar V. Epperly to speak on Villisca Axe Murders at the Albert City Public Library April 18

What drove a college professor with a doctorate to such lengths?

In the basement of his comfortable Decorah home that backs into a wooded dead end street, he has filled three large file cabinets with copies of court documents, transcripts of interviews and handwritten index cards marking the decades of peering at microfilm before it was even possible to print its images.

Epperly, will start by saying it’s a hobby, like woodworking, a curiosity that went beyond proving who did it, although he’s still tracking down leads.”

Come, hear Dr. Ed Epperly talk about the Villisca Ax Murders, his investigations, clues, and more on Tuesday, April 18 at 7 p.m. at the Albert City Public Library. This in-person program is free to the public and his true crime book "Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Axe Murders of 1912" will be available for purchase. Refreshments will be served.

Read the rest of the Storm Lake Times Pilot story HERE!

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Schedule YOUR 2023 author book signing and Villisca, Iowa axe murder presentation by emailing [email protected]!

 

Order the compelling FIEND INCARNATE: VILLISCA AXE MURDERS OF 1912 true crime book at https://villiscabook.com/ 

 

FIEND INCARNATE is a companion to the award-winning historical documentary film VILLISCA: LIVING WITH A MYSTERY (VilliscaMovie.com)

2023 "Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Axe Murders of 1912" Programs and Book Signings

 

Sometime during the dark early morning of June 10, 1912, a person or persons unknown bludgeoned to death Josiah B. Moore, his wife Sara, their children Herman, Katherine, Boyd and Paul, and two overnight guests, Lena and Ina Stillinger. The sensational crime led to nearly ten years of investigations and trials. The small southwest Iowa town of Villisca split over the guilt or innocence of a local businessman and State Senator. A traveling minister from England with a history of window peeping was charged and tried. Investigators and reporters across the country speculated that the violent crime was the work of an early serial killer. FIEND INCARNATE: VILLISCA AXE MURDERS OF 1912 is the definitive written account of America's greatest unsolved mystery. After sixty years of interviewing eyewitnesses and key figures in the axe murder case, researching and writing, Fourth Wall Press is pleased to present author Dr. Edgar V. Epperly's magnum opus.

Book & Author Tour 2023
FIEND INCARNATE: VILLISCA AXE MURDERS OF 1912 

 

Thursday April 13, 6:30PM at  Aplington Public Libary, 929 Parriott Street,Aplington, IA

 

Tuesday  April 18, 7:00 PM  Albert City Public Library, 215 Main St, Albert City, IA  

 

Wednesday April 19, 7:00 PM at  Laurens Public Library, 273 N. Third Street, Laurens, IA

 

Friday April 28, 6:00 PM,  Sumner Public Library, 206 N Railroad St, Sumner, IA

 

Friday June 9 , Time TBA, Leon Public Library, 200 W 1st St, Leon, IA 

 

Saturday June 24, 1:00 PM at  Williamsburg Public Library, 300 W State Street, Williamsburg, IA

 

Friday July 21, 6:00 PM at Lehigh Public Library, 241 Elm St, Lehigh, IA

 

Saturday July 22, 1:00 PM, Mulberry Center Church, 220 Ohio Street, Webster City, IA

 

Thursday October 19 6:30 PM, Manson Public Library, 1312 10th Ave, Manson, IA

 

Schedule YOUR 2023 author book signing and Villisca, Iowa axe murder presentation by emailing [email protected]!

 

Order the compelling FIEND INCARNATE: VILLISCA AXE MURDERS OF 1912 true crime book at https://villiscabook.com/ 

 

FIEND INCARNATE is a companion to the award-winning historical documentary film VILLISCA: LIVING WITH A MYSTERY (VilliscaMovie.com)

 

 

"The Villisca murderer was a nocturnal creature. While you and I fear the night, darkness was his ally. To slip down a dark street, to creep through a backyard, to mount a darkened stair might have provoked caution within him, but not fear. He did not fear meeting the devil in the dark for he was the devil in the dark..." ~Edgar V. Epperly, "Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Axe Murders of 1912"

 

Order the compelling true crime epic book at https://villiscabook.com/ . Schedule your 2023 author book signing and Villisca, Iowa axe murder presentation by emailing [email protected]!

 

#truecrime #villiscaaxemurders #IowaHistory #unsolvedmysteries #haunted #villiscaIowa #Villisca #fiendincarnatebook

Epperly appears at The Book Rack in Davenport for Special Halloween Signing of His Villisca Axe Murder Book

 

Author Ed Epperly will make a special Halloween appearance at The Book Rack, 4764 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, Iowa on Sunday, October 30th from noon until 2:00 p.m. for a book signing for his true-crime book "Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Axe Murders of 1912".

 

When an entire family is wiped out by an axe-wielding killer on a June evening in 1912, a small Iowa town spirals into chaos and division... Just in time for Halloween! Author Ed Epperly will appear at the Book Rack, 4764 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, Iowa, from noon until 2:00 p.m. for a book signing for his true crime book "Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Axe Murders of 1912". Patrons can purchase the book at The Book Rack. Epperly will be happy to answer questions about the unsolved murder case and his own theory he's developed over 60+ years of researching the case. Epperly is considered the foremost authority on the Villisca axe murders.

 

"Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Axe Murders of 1912" explores the brutal murders of Josiah B. Moore, his wife Sara, their children Herman, Katherine, Boyd and Paul, and two overnight guests, Lena and Ina Stillinger, discovered in the early morning hours of Monday, June 10, 1912 in the small village of Villisca, Iowa. The sensational crime led to nearly ten years of investigations and trials. The small southwest Iowa town of Villisca split over the guilt or innocence of a local businessman and State Senator. A traveling minister from England with a history of window peeping was charged and tried. Investigators and reporters across the country speculated that the brutal crime was the work of an early serial killer. Similar crimes had been committed in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Ellsworth, Kansas; and Monmouth, Illinois.

 

After the book signing, tune into WQPT-Quad Cities PBS that evening beginning at 7 PM for two true crime documentaries on the subject from Emmy Award winning filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films. Their short documentary AXMAN is about a retired college professor who is still actively searching for a solution to the crime and working on a book.  Exclusive interviews with Epperly and others close to his unique work reveal the secret reason behind his dogged devotion to America's greatest unsolved mystery in AXMAN.

“AXMAN is a meditation on a man and a mystery,” said director Kelly Rundle.

The award-winning feature-length documentary Villisca: Living with a Mystery tells the epic true story of the June 9, 1912 Children's Day axe murders of a family of six and two overnight guests in the small town of Villisca, Iowa. For more information on the films, visit VilliscaMovie.com.

Revving up for Halloween with Villisca Axe Murder Author and Book Signings

Check out this list featuring numerous Halloween book signings and presentations by Dr. Epperly during the months of September and October.

Epperly's new true crime book, "Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Axe Murders of 1912", will be for sale at the events, and patrons can have their books signed by the author after the presentation. Cash or check is the accepted form of payment at the events. The book can also be purchased at Amazon.com.

Dr. Epperly spent over 60 years interviewing eyewitnesses and key figures in the Villisca axe murder case in addition to examining historical records connected to the crime. He is considered the foremost authority on the sensational crime. The comprehensive 416-page historical true crime book is illustrated with over 190 rare images. 

Sept. 27, Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. Cascade Public Library, Cascade, Iowa

Sept. 28, Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. Eldora Public Library, Eldora, Iowa

Sept. 28, Wednesday, 5:15 p.m. Kling Memorial Library, Grundy Center, Iowa

Oct. 2, Sunday, 2:00 p.m. Marshalltown Public Library, Marshalltown, Iowa

Oct. 8, Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Woodward Public Library, Woodward, Iowa

Oct. 13, Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Gladbrook Public Library, Gladbrook, Iowa

Oct. 14, Friday, 1:30 p.m. Bettendorf Public Library, Bettendorf, Iowa

Oct. 16, Sunday, 1:00 p.m. Marengo Public Library, Marengo, Iowa

Oct. 17, Monday, 5:30 p.m. Union Public Library, Union, Iowa

Oct. 20, Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Ely Public Library, Ely, Iowa

Oct. 24, Monday, 6:30 p.m. Belmond Public Library, Belmond, Iowa

Oct. 27, Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Malvern Public Library, Malvern, Iowa

Oct. 30, Sunday, 12:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m. Book Rack, Davenport, Iowa

Bettendorf Library presents author Dr. Edgar Epperly and new true crime book on Villisca Iowa Axe Murders Oct. 14

A special Bettendorf Public Library Halloween Community Connections with Dr. Edgar Epperly, author of the new true crime book “Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Iowa Axe Murders of 1912”, will take place on Friday, October 14 at 1:30 p.m. Epperly will be available to sign books. They will be available to purchase on-site, or at Amazon.com.

"Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Axe Murders of 1912" explores the brutal murders of Josiah B. Moore, his wife Sara, their children Herman, Katherine, Boyd and Paul, and two overnight guests, Lena and Ina Stillinger, discovered in the early morning hours of Monday, June 10, 1912 in the small village of Villisca, Iowa. The sensational crime led to nearly ten years of investigations and trials. The small southwest Iowa town of Villisca split over the guilt or innocence of a local businessman and State Senator. A traveling minister from England with a history of window peeping was charged and tried. Investigators and reporters across the country speculated that the brutal crime was the work of an early serial killer. Similar crimes had been committed in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Ellsworth, Kansas; and Monmouth, Illinois.

Dr. Epperly spent over 60 years interviewing eyewitnesses and key figures in the Villisca axe murder case in addition to examining historical records connected to the crime. He is considered the foremost authority on the sensational crime. The comprehensive 416-page historical true crime book is illustrated with over 190 rare images. Copies of the book will be available for sale after the program. 

Epperly was the key consultant and interview in the award-winning  documentary feature film “Villisca: Living with a Mystery” by Fourth Wall Films. He has written dozens of articles and blog entries, and appeared on CourtTV and other television and radio programs. He is a popular guest speaker at colleges, universities, historical societies, museums, libraries, and book stores. He resides in Decorah, Iowa. Visit VilliscaBook.com for more information.

Registration is not required. Community Connections is supported by the Friends of the Bettendorf Library. The library is located at 2950 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa.

Gladbrook Welcomes Epperly October 13 for Villisca Axe Murder Book Signing and Presentation

Author Ed Epperly will appear at the Gladbrook Public Library, 301 2nd Street, Gladbrook, Iowa on Thursday, October 13th for a special Halloween book signing and presentation on the infamous unsolved Villisca axe murder case. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Epperly's new true crime book, "Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Axe Murders of 1912", will be for sale for $25 and can be signed by the author after the presentation. Cash or check will be accepted as forms of payment. The book can also be purchased at Amazon.com.

Epperly has been researching the 1912 Villisca axe murders for more than 60 years. He has written dozens of articles and blog entries and appeared in the award-winning documentaries Villisca: Living with a Mystery, and AXMAN by Fourth Wall Films, on CourtTV and other radio and television programs. He is a popular guest speaker at colleges, universities, historical societies, museums, libraries and book stores. He resides in Decorah. 

Villisca Axe Murders presentation is Oct. 2 in Marshalltown

Times-Republican

Dr. Edgar Epperly, author of the true crime book “Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Iowa Axe Murders of 1912” will appear at the Marshalltown Public Library for a special Halloween presentation and book signing at 2 p.m. on Oct. 2.

Sometime during the night of June 10, 1912, a person or persons unknown bludgeoned to death Josiah B. Moore, his wife Sara, their children Herman, Katherine, Boyd and Paul, and two overnight guests, Lena and Ina Stillinger. The sensational crime in Villisca led to nearly 10 years of investigations and trials. The small Southwest Iowa town split over the guilt or innocence of a local businessman and state senator. A traveling minister from England with a history of window-peeping was charged and tried. Investigators and reporters across the country speculated that the axe murders were the work of an early serial killer. Similar crimes had been committed in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Ellsworth, Kansas; and Monmouth, Illinois.

“Fiend Incarnate” is a companion to the award-winning documentary feature film “Villisca: Living With a Mystery.”

Epperly has been researching the 1912 Villisca axe murders for more than 60 years. He has written dozens of articles and blog entries and appeared on CourtTV and other radio and television programs. He is a popular guest speaker at colleges, universities, historical societies, museums, libraries and book stores. He resides in Decorah. Epperly’s research journey was the subject of the award-winning short documentary film “AXMAN.”

Books will be for sale for $25 and can be signed by the author after the presentation. Cash or check will be accepted as forms of payment. For more information, call the library’s Information Desk at 641-754-5738, ext. 4.