Write a commentOn September 23, 2025 Lee Ellen Hickey, a local author with a passion for historical storytelling, will release her latest novel, The Murder of Cora Sweet.
The work is a meticulously researched true crime work based on the true story of a young girl whose life was tragically cut short in Scriba, NY, in 1905, as well as the background of the man who killed her.
Set in Scriba, NY, in 1905, The Murder of Cora Sweet chronicles the systematic psychological decline of a troubled young man, which led to Cora Sweet’s murder. It explores the complex social dynamics of that day and digs deep into the residual effects of childhood trauma. Hickey blends fact with vividly imagined scenes and dialogue to bring history to life while remaining committed to historical accuracy.
“I wanted readers to experience not just the crime itself, but the humanity of the people affected,” said Hickey. “The story of Cora Sweet is heartbreaking, but it also reveals the deterioration that takes place in the mind of a murderer long before he makes his first kill. It also highlights the emotional consequences of his crime as family and community members uniquely experience them.”
The novel has already received praise for its compelling narrative and thorough historical research. Hickey hopes the book will not only entertain but also encourage readers to reflect on justice, morality, and the social forces that shape our communities.
The Scriba Historical Society will host Lee Ellen Hickey for an official book launch party with a slideshow presentation and book signing on September 27th at 1:00 pm at the Justice Center located at 45 Creamery Road in Oswego. Other free local events are scheduled at the Volney Town Hall on Sunday, October 12th at 1:00 pm and at the Oswego Library on Saturday, October 18th at 1:00 pm. “Girl in the Glass Coffin: The Bus Tour” is scheduled for Sunday, September 28th, beginning at Riverside Cemetery at 1:00 pm. Tickets for the bus tour can be purchased on Eventbrite for $25 a piece.
The Murder of Cora Sweet is available at River’s End Bookstore, The Connection Point, and online at Barnes and Noble Press and Amazon. It will also be on the shelves in Barnes and Noble in Clay and at Destiny USA. For more information, interviews, or author events, don't hesitate to get in touch with Lee Ellen Hickey at [email protected].
