Stylish resorts, breathtaking vistas and glittering lakes are hallmarks of the Catskills region. But since the pre- Revolutionary era, this seemingly idyllic vacationland has been a theater for some of mankind's darkest deeds and evildoers, including the notorious Murder, Inc. Caroline Crane explores the stories behind the bodies and bones that turn up here, from the bizarre hex murder at Stone Arch Bridge to the murderous escapades of Lethal Lizzie. Meet Claudius Smith, the hotheaded Tory outlaw who terrorized local colonists, and Dutch Schultz, the mobster whose fortune still lies buried in the mountains. "Murder & Mayhem in the Catskills" provides a fascinating glimpse into the shadowy heart of the mountains and reveals the area s surprising connections to some of America's most infamous criminals.

Caroline Crane spent her early years in the suburb of Croton-on-Hudson, New York. There, as a stage-struck teenager, she began her writing career, penning plays that she would produce, direct, and star in along with her siblings and friends. After receiving a college degree in drama, Caroline headed for New York City and the professional theater. From a basement apartment in Greenwich Village she made the rounds, earning a living with temporary office work and occasional modeling jobs. At that point her love for writing took over. She began with six novels for young people, which were published by such firms as Doubleday and Random House. The first two, drawn from her own experience, dealt with stage-struck teenagers. After that came adult novels of suspense-- seventeen at last count--and numerous short stories. Most of the suspense novels are now available in reprint from iUniverse.com. Caroline has taught novel writing and worked as a freelance editor. She has a grown son and daughter and lives in the Catskill Mountain area, where she continues writing.