Book Talk on The Angel Makers with Patti McCracken

What a story! I guess I have never thought as much about the home life back in Hungary for my grandparents families. I do know that when my grandfather died after my grandmother, by about 8 years, my mother made sure not to put them side by side as she said they never “got along too well”. I did hear loud and colorful Hungarian language bantered between the two of them, and as a child, could ascertain that they weren’t words of love being said between the two.
I am going to buy the book and as well, want to but each of my daughters a copy for Christmas as they love murder mysteries!
The interaction between Patty and her sister was fun and the intros to the different aspects of conversation with them was very well done!

Hi Cathy,
There were various reasons for cause of death in the register — often it was “apoplexy,” which at the time could mean a number of things: stroke, heart attack, aneurysm — and depending on how the arsenic was dispensed, the victim could die a slow death (hard to even think about) and in that case, the midwife could set the precedent for illness. For example, a high enough dose of arsenic to cause physical symptoms, but not enough to kill, at least initially. In such situations, she could say “Mr. Kovacs has been complaining of stomach pains”, and even call the doctor out, who then agrees there is some stomach ailment that needs treatment. The doctor thereby gives her an unsuspecting alibi, or confirmation that Kovacs was sick. It’s the perfect plan — until it isn’t.
As regards religious life: It is a Calvinist village. When the crimes came to light in 1929-30, many in the press laid a lot of blame on the pastor at the time, who was hastily replaced.
To get a good sense of village life in that region of Hungary, I encourage you to put your hands on a copy of Proper Peasants, an incredible monograph of Abony done some 70 years ago. Important to keep in mind that though the world went on, change was and is slow to come in these remote European villages.

Author here — Thanks to everyone for chiming in! I’ve been on the road the last couple of days, and this is the first chance I’ve had to check in. I’m happy to answer any questions you have about the book, The Angel Makers in general, my time in Hungary, and so forth. I’m here, so bring it on!

Just listened to this presentation. Now I need the book. Very interesting.