Northern Michigan author takes a look at another cold case
“Isadore’s Secret” by Traverse City author Mardi Link is reviewed by East Lansing Bookstore owner Ray Walsh: “Isadore’s Secret” offers a gripping, mesmerizing look at an intriguing, gruesome crime that took place in a small northern Michigan town over a century ago. The book is available from the University of Michigan Press ($22.95 paper). Click here for more details and to listen to a podcast by Mardi Link. The book examines the mysterious disappearance of Sister Janine, a young nun, in the summer of 1907. Her body was discovered buried in the basement of her church over a decade later.Although the book opens with a teaser, focusing on the discovery of the skeletal bones, it smoothly goes back and explores the history of the controversial case. The author begins with background information about Sister Janine’s past, relating views on the nun’s duties and work situation.
Link deftly examines the close association of the nun with the church’s priest, Father Andrew Bieniawski as well her relationship with her physician, Dr. George Fralick. Sister Janine’s sudden disappearance caused quite a stir and a huge concentrated search effort was coordinated.
Many residents of the local Polish community and nearby townspeople joined in the hunt but had no success. A bloodhound and his keeper had similar luck; Father Andrew offered a handsome reward.
Rumors abounded – some said Sister Janine had left the area with a man, other implied that she had returned home to members of her family.
Father Andrew was considered innocent – he was on a fishing trip when Sister Janine turned up missing. But Stanislawa “Stella” Lipczynska, his longtime housekeeper, was under suspicion. She had distinctly negative opinions about Sister Janine and her bad influence upon Father Andrew.
There’s a lot more intrigue in the case – the arrest and imprisonment of a suspect is only the beginning. Other relevant insights are offered, relating to further complications, including a confession, possible torture, a jailhouse conspiracy, a controversial trial, courtroom theatrics and other surprises.
This true story served as the basis for the movie “The Runner Stumbles” and the Broadway play of the same name.
Link, the author of the highly acclaimed “When Evil Comes to Good Hart”, has done another outstanding job with her latest expertly researched effort. Vintage photographs as well as a detailed bibliography are also provided.This article by Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, originally appeared in the Lansing State Journal. Walsh has reviewed Michigan books and crime novels regularly since 1987. He is the owner of Curious Book Shop in East Lansing Michigan which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this month. For more information www.curiousbooks.com
Mardi Link will be discussing her writing and signing books on Wednesday, October 21 at 7 p.m. at Schulers Books and Music, 1982 W. Grand River (Meridian Mall), Okemos. Also signing books at Schulers in the Eastwood Towne Center is Susan Messer, the author of “Grand River and Joy” a book about the times and places of the 1967 Detroit Riots. The fictional work explores the tumultuous times leading up to the riots.
