Double Madness - by Jerry Jamison (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A husband is murdered. The wife and her secret lover point the finger at each other. As layers to this shocking crime unravel, the Roaring Twenties media circus propels "The Dumbbell Murder" into the trial of the century and the inspiration for the movie Double Indemnity.

For readers of A Murder in Hollywood and Scoundrel comes Double Madness.

Historical true crime author Jerry Jamison delivers a vivid narrative exploring psychological delusion, gender expectations, and human stupidity, drawn directly from contemporary coverage, trial archives, and a long-lost prison memoir.

Bored with her domestic life, 1920s Queens housewife Ruth Snyder begins an intense extramarital affair with corset salesman Judd Gray and manipulates him into plotting the murder of her husband, Albert, to collect a lucrative insurance policy. After a series of botched attempts, the lovers brutally execute the murder and stage a clumsy burglary, but their poorly hidden clues lead to their arrest. Quickly caught, the two former lovers' undying passion turns on each other, triggering a massive tabloid media frenzy.

Against a backdrop of sensationalized Jazz Age press wars, the trial explodes into America's first true "media circus," attracting thousands of gawkers, souvenir vendors, and celebrity onlookers before ending in the lovers' ultimate convictions and executions--one in which a famous secret photograph documented Snyder's last moment on the electric chair and the first time the capital punishment had ever been recorded.

This real-life New York City noir featuring a femme fatale, a weak-willed man, and a fiery betrayal sets the stage for a historical true crime murder case never to be forgotten.

Review Quotes

For Jerry Jamison's book 11 Hours on the Ledge:

"A gripping account. . . . Readers of taut true crime will find this title of interest. Highly recommended."
--Booklist

For Jerry Jamison's book Vanishing Act:

"Vanishing Act is an astonishing true crime tale of swindles, corruption, and betrayal."
--Booklife

"This is one of the most riveting criminal biographies of the 21st century."
--Best Thrillers

"Fans of Catch Me If You Can and anyone fascinated by America's darker corners will devour this book."
--Independent Book Review

"Vanishing Act is fascinating, and the widening scope is a delight to read--it tells an intriguing story."
--San Diego Book Review

About the Author

Jerry Jamison is an author of more than forty books, currently focusing on meticulously researched stories based on true events and crimes in history that are largely undiscovered, as well as historical biographies. Previously, he was the owner of a prominent advertising agency based in San Diego, California, receiving more than sixty national awards over decades of a distinguished career. He now lives in Chula Vista, California. You can find him at jerryjamison.com.