A memorable murder

Unveiling the Haunting Tale of the Smuttynose Island Tragedy

Step into the chilling world of the Smuttynose murders with Celia Thaxter’s gripping essay, A Memorable Murder.

In 1873, the idyllic tranquillity of the Isles of Shoals was shattered by a brutal tragedy: the discovery of two Norwegian women murdered in their home on Smuttynose Island.

In the aftermath, Celia Thaxter, renowned poet and writer, was among the first to visit the island and speak with the lone survivor, Marie Hontvet. In her poignant letter to a friend, Thaxter vividly describes the victims and recounts the harrowing events of that fateful night. The perpetrator, Louis Wagner, a Prussian man who had lived with the victims, committed the heinous act with a savagery that shocked the community. Thaxter’s narrative captures the horror and sorrow of the murders, shedding light on the impact they had on the tight-knit island community and the broader region.

Thaxter’s essay, originally published in the Atlantic Monthly in 1875, remains a seminal work in the true crime genre.

Her evocative storytelling and keen insights into human nature make A Memorable Murder a haunting and unforgettable read.

Thaxter’s narrative has stood the test of time, eclipsing even later fictionalized accounts of the Smuttynose murders.

This edition of A Memorable Murder presents Thaxter’s essay in its entirety, offering readers a rare glimpse into one of the most notorious crimes of the 19th century. Join us as we unravel the mystery and delve into the dark depths of human psychology with Celia Thaxter as our guide.