Anna Loan-Wilsey writes the Hattie Davish Mysteries series which is set in various cities in the late 19th century. The series features traveling secretary and dilettante detective Hattie Davish– a private secretary to the late 19th century’s rich and famous. Each book takes place in a different historic town. Her latest book, the fourth in the series, is set in St. Joseph, Missouri, Hattie’s hometown. Praised by Publishers Weekly for her meticulous research and sturdy characters, Loan-Wilsey visited the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau and the St. Joseph Museum as she was writing the book. On Saturday, August 29, Loan-Wilsey will be on hand at the Glore Psychiatric Museum, 3406 Frederick Avenue, to share how she developed the plot using what she discovered in St. Joseph. The book talk/meet & greet will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.
In A Deceptive Homecoming, Hattie returns to her hometown to find it bustling with commerce, electric streetcars, and secrets as she explores some familiar places, including the home of an infamous outlaw, the town cemetery, and the State Lunatic Asylum. During the author’s appearance, Museum visitors can visit the section of the hospital tunnel system that is described in the book.
“I’m grateful to Sarah Elder, curator of collections at the St. Joseph Museums, for her willingness walk me through what is now the Glore Psychiatric Museum, which is part of what was once the State Lunatic Asylum No. 2. Her insights into the history of St. Joseph were invaluable. I also have to thank the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau, especially Mary Supple, for going out of their way to be helpful and welcoming. I left their office loaded with historical research materials, a contact list of experts, and the address for a local tea room. A true Midwestern welcome!” said author Anna Loan-Wilsey.”
The event will be held at the Glore Psychiatric Museum on Saturday, August 29, at 2 p.m. Copies of A Deceptive Homecoming will be available for purchase and the author will autograph them on request until 4 p.m. The presentation is free. Admission to the museum is $6 adults, $5 seniors, and $4 for students. Children six and under and museum members are free. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please call the Glore Psychiatric Museum at 816-232-8471 or visit stjosephmuseum.org or https://www.facebook.com/gloremuseum.