Stephanie Hoover is a well-recognized Pennsylvania researcher, traditionally published non-fiction author and television consultant specializing in Pennsylvania history. She has served hundreds of private and corporate research clients in the United States and abroad.
Stephanie appeared on-air on the Travel Channel (see photo with Steve DiSchiavia), and conducted research for NBC's Who Do You Think You Are? (the Jason Sudeikis episode), PBS's Finding Your Roots, and Canada's Ancestors in the Attic. She also provided background research for a Netflix pitch about Pennsylvania's purported "Paranormal Triangle." In addition, she conducted archival research for a SyFy Channel special on the Kecksburg, PA UFO incident.
Stephanie has also assisted other authors. Her research was recognized in North South Trader's Civil War, and she provided background material for several published biographies including one on business magnate Charles J. Harrah.
Stephanie has been a proud member of the Authors Guild since 2012, and is also an exhibiting artist, printmaker and bookbinder.
Pennsylvania may have been founded by peaceful Quakers, but the sect’s pacifist ways didn’t dampen the state’s enthusiasm for violent scandals—or capital punishment. In Pretty Evil Pennsylvania, historical true crime author Stephanie Hoover recounts the crimes of some of the Keystone State’s most violent female criminals from the 1850s through the 1930s. The stories of these law-breaking ladies are complex and nuanced. On occasion you may find yourself wondering if the crimes—matricide, kidnapping, horse theft—were justified. In other cases, there can be no doubt of the presence of mens rea, a guilty mind. Many of these women were dismissed as luckless lonely hearts or homely housewives—right up until the time that their cases proved interesting enough to sell newspapers. They then magically transformed into heartless, alluring she-devils who knew how to handle a gun or manipulate men into all manner of evil deeds.
This book is available for purchase directly from the publisher, Globe Pequot, or click here to purchase on Amazon (and please note, this is an affiliate link which means I will earn a small commission on the purchase at no extra cost to you.)
Politics in Kelayres turned deadly on November 5, 1934. When Republican boss "Big Joe" Bruno sensed his grip on Pennsylvania's anthracite coal region slipping away with the night's election, he and a few family members opened fire on a peaceful Democratic parade passing Bruno's home. The carnage was shocking--five men gunned down and nearly two dozen other victims wounded but alive. Convicted and sentenced to the Schuylkill County Prison, Bruno quickly escaped, allegedly with help from the guard. It took authorities eight months to put him back behind bars. Author Stephanie Hoover delves into this true story of politics, murder and deceit.
"...the most definitive piece on Kelayres. It's pure history, without the wasted artificial drama that some writers add to historical publications."
Thomas Memmi, Pennsylvania State Police Historian
This book can be purchased directly from the publisher, History Press, or click here to purchase on Amazon (and please note, this is an affiliate link which means I will earn a small commission on the purchase at no extra cost to you.)
John Sharpless answered a knock on his door. Less than an hour later he was found in his barn, dead from a vicious blow to the back of his head. His bloodstained hat lay next to him on the ground. A $3,000 reward sparked an overzealous manhunt across southeastern Pennsylvania and numerous innocent men were arrested. Samuel Johnson - a local African American man with a criminal record - was charged. Despite the Widow Sharpless's failure to identify him as the man who came to her door, Johnson was convicted and sentenced to hang. The Killing of John Sharpless offers an in-depth investigation of this fascinating 19th century murder and profiles a miscarriage of justice perpetrated by a corrupt police force and abetted by the questionable ethics of the judge in the case. It also details the selfless efforts of the Quaker community - and thousands of others - to save Johnson's life.
This book is available for purchase directly from the publisher, History Press, website, or click here to purchase on Amazon (and please note, this is an affiliate link which means I will earn a small commission on the purchase at no extra cost to you.)
In the wake of the Civil War, Spiritualism--and its promises of communication with the dead--reached its peak as grieving families hoped to reunite with men lost in battle. In the face of an uncertain future, people sought comfort in the messages of mediums, and for Philadelphians, that reassurance was found in Katie King. Katie was a spirit who materialized at the seances of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Holmes--or so attendees believed. For eight months in 1874, she captivated every level of Philadelphia society, including Vice President Henry Wilson, who clamored to speak with the lovely apparition. When a believer-turned-skeptic decided to investigate Katie King for himself, the spirit" was quickly revealed as a hoax. From the rise of Spiritualism in the city to the aftermath of the scandal, author Stephanie Hoover reveals the personalities and chicanery behind the curious case of Katie King."
This book is available for purchase directly from the publisher, History Press, or click here to purchase on Amazon (and please note, this is an affiliate link which means I will earn a small commission on the purchase at no extra cost to you.)
Autographed Copies Available
Spiritualism and the Supernatural: An Entertaining Encyclopedia for Believers and Skeptics Alike is a lively, contemporary take on a centuries-old fascination. Its 300+ entries range from 19th century Spiritualists to modern paranormal parlance. The encyclopedia approaches topics from multiple perspectives: neutral researcher, ardent believer and committed skeptic. This smartly written work appeals to everyone, and reads like an entertaining history of the supernatural rather than the in-depth reference book that it is. Please contact Stephanie for purchase information.