The Great New Orleans Kidnapping Case: Race, Law, and Justice in the Reconstruction Era

Ross (history, Univ. of Maryland; Justice of Shattered Dreams) adds mystery and intrigue to the historic Reconstruction era in New Orleans through his retelling of a sensational true crime tale. The author's focus on characters' background, position, and environment does much to illuminate the circumstances and trial surrounding the 1870 crime in which toddler Mollie Digby, of a white, working-class family, was "abducted" from her babysitter by an allegedly well-dressed "mulatto" woman. Given its elements of race and class, the ensuing investigation and trial had all the earmarks of a case ripe for hyperbolic coverage by the era's press. It was capitalized upon to stoke white people's fears of "Voudoo" kidnappings while threatening the long established Afro-Creole position in New Orleans society during an especially fractious time. Impeccable research and crisp, compelling writing bring us to the case's resolution. Here, though, the responsibility lies with the reader to take the outcome for what it is and not ask for more.