The Sinners All Bow

by Kate Winkler Dawson
The Sinners All Bow cover
Good Books rating 4.25
True Crime
Technical
  • ID: 3708
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780593713624
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2025-01-07
  • Reviews: 3

In 1832, Sarah Maria Cornell's mysterious death in a small New England town sparked a sensational murder investigation. Her secret correspondence with Reverend Ephraim Avery and her troubled past led to questions about whether her death was suicide or something more sinister. This case not only inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter but also became the subject of what is considered the first American true-crime book, Fall River, written by Catharine Read Arnold Williams. The case divided the nation, and the reverend was acquitted, leaving lingering questions about the truth. Acclaimed journalist and true-crime historian Kate Winkler Dawson revisits this unsettling mystery, using modern investigative methods like forensic knot analysis and criminal profiling to fill in the gaps left by Williams' research. Dawson's work sheds new light on the case, focusing on the roles of three women who defied societal expectations. The Sinners All Bow is a gripping exploration of a historical crime that continues to resonate today, blending historical context with modern investigative techniques to seek justice and uncover the truth.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2025-08-23
compelling 4.50

The reviewer praises the book for its engaging narrative and the author's ability to bring a podcaster's instincts to a historical mystery. They find the book to be a compelling read that captures the drama of the period.

The reviewer notes that 'The Sinners All Bow' brings a fresh and engaging perspective to a historical murder case. They appreciate the author's ability to use a podcaster's instincts to unravel the mystery, making the book feel contemporary and relevant. The reviewer also highlights the book's compelling narrative and the way it captures the drama and social context of 19th-century America. They find the book to be a captivating read that will appeal to fans of true crime and historical non-fiction.

Quick quotes

    In 'The Sinners All Bow,' Kate Winkler Dawson brings a podcaster's instincts to a 19th-century murder.

    The book is a compelling read that captures some of the period's most dramatic social and cultural moments.

    Dawson's narrative is engaging and well-paced, making the book a captivating read for those interested in true crime and history.

The Wall Street Journal · 2025-01-16
engaging 4.25

The reviewer finds the book to be a well-paced mystery that captures the dramatic social context of the period. They appreciate the author's thorough research and the way the book brings historical figures to life.

The reviewer highlights how 'The Sinners All Bow' presents a well-paced and compelling mystery that captures the dramatic social context of 19th-century America. They appreciate the author's thorough research and the way the book brings historical figures to life, making the story feel immediate and relevant. The reviewer also notes that the book offers a fresh perspective on a well-known murder case, shedding light on the societal norms and the treatment of women during that era. They find the book to be a captivating read that will appeal to fans of true crime and historical non-fiction.

Quick quotes

    At its best, 'The Sinners All Bow' presents a compelling and well-paced mystery, one that captures some of the period's most dramatic social and cultural moments.

    Dawson's thorough research and engaging narrative bring historical figures to life, making the story feel immediate and relevant.

    The book offers a fresh perspective on a well-known murder case, shedding light on the societal norms and the treatment of women during that era.

The Washington Independent Review of Books · 2025-01-02
fascinating 4.00

This book offers a unique blend of true crime and historical analysis, shedding light on the societal norms of 19th-century America. The reviewer appreciates the depth of research and the fresh perspective on a historical murder case.

The reviewer highlights how 'The Sinners All Bow' delves into the murder that inspired 'The Scarlet Letter,' providing a rich historical context. They particularly enjoy the way the book examines the societal norms and the treatment of women during that era. The reviewer finds the narrative engaging and well-researched, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known story. They also appreciate the author's ability to connect the past with contemporary issues, making the book relevant to modern readers.

Quick quotes

    Dawson's The Sinners All Bow purports to be a 21st-century 'true crime' examination of the 19th-century murder that was the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter.'

    The book offers a unique blend of true crime and historical analysis, shedding light on the societal norms of 19th-century America.

    Dawson's approach is both meticulous and engaging, making the book a compelling read for those interested in history and true crime.

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