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Silvia Pettem
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In Search of the Blonde Tigress: The Untold Story of Eleanor Jarman Hardcover – May 15, 2023

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 33 ratings
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Beginning in 1933, Eleanor Jarman was sensationalized by the press as the "blonde tigress" and "the most dangerous woman alive." But a closer look at her life shows that she was an otherwise ordinary woman who got caught up in a Chicago crime spree, then was convicted as an accomplice to murder and sent to prison. In 1940, Eleanor escaped and managed to live out her life as, perhaps, America's longest-running female fugitive.

Following the murder of an elderly shopkeeper, readers are given a front-row seat for Eleanor's arrest, trial, conviction, and sentencing—all documented with recently unearthed primary-source police records, court transcripts, and prison files—and her subsequent prison years. Woven in are comparisons and contrasts between Eleanor's and her escape partner's criminal histories, as well as speculation on their lives on the lam. Whether Eleanor deserved her sentence, or whether it was too harsh, is left for the reader to decide.

In Search of the Blonde Tigress sets the mystery and intrigue of this wanted woman into historic context. It also includes her family's plea, in 1993, for Eleanor to come forward and apply for clemency. Most revealing at the time was Eleanor's alias. With that information (and considering that Eleanor, born in 1901, is certainly now deceased), Silvia Pettem documents her search for Eleanor's remains—right up to a visit to her likely grave.

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    272 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Lyons Press
  4. Publication date
    May 15, 2023
  5. Dimensions
    6.43 x 0.81 x 9.07 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1493068636
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1493068630
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"In Search of the Blonde Tigress is a richly detailed true crime story that draws the reader into the anxieties of the Great Depression and Prohibition. Silvia Pettem has successfully recreated the life of Eleanor Jarman, believed to be America’s longest-running female fugitive. But was Jarman the ‘most dangerous woman alive,’ as major newspapers and law enforcement called her? Or was she simply in the wrong place at the wrong time? Pettem’s incredible research and tight narrative about the fate of Jarman is a real whodunit. More broadly, it’s an intriguing look at the intersection of the law, the media, and family obligations during a time in which women had few means and even fewer avenues of justice."

-- Julia Bricklin, author of Blonde Rattlesnake: Burmah Adams, Tom White, and the 1933 Crime Spree that Terrorized Los Angeles

"Fascinating, informative, compelling, and combining biography and prison reform in the 1930s with modern-day evidence that has helped to unravel a long-standing mystery, "In Search of the Blonde Tigress: The Untold Story of Eleanor Jarman" will have immense appeal to readers with an interest in criminology and true crime. While an unreservedly recommended pick for community and academic library American Biography collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists."

― Midwest Book Review

"Silvia Pettem continues the tradition of combining meticulous research with a critical review of the criminal justice system. She explores the story of Eleanor Jarman, who was called the 'most dangerous woman alive' in the '30s. The story the author presents gives us a different take on Eleanor, the crime, the trial, and her further life. As she did with her previous books, Pettem sketches not just the scene but the era. It is instrumental to get the story right. And that’s what she does best—she gets the story right."

-- Alice de Sturler, Defrosting Cold Cases research website

About the Author

Silvia Pettem is a Colorado-based historical researcher, writer, and author. After local history research led her to the identification of a decades-old murder victim, Pettem switched from writing about history to the genre of true crime. Her latest book, In Search of the Blonde Tigress: The Untold Story of Eleanor Jarman, combines biography and prison reform in the 1930s with modern-day evidence that has helped to unravel a long-standing mystery.

Pettem's other books that relate to cold case investigations include Someone's Daughter: In Search of Justice for Jane Doe (2009); Cold Case Research: Resources for Unidentified, Missing, and Cold Homicide Cases (2013); The Long Term Missing: Hope and Help for Families (2017); and Cold Case Chronicles: Mysteries, Murders, and the Missing (2021). Pettem lives with her husband and two cats in the mountains west of Boulder, where she continues her research and writing. She can be reached through her website, silviapettem.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lyons Press (May 15, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1493068636
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1493068630
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.16 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.43 x 0.81 x 9.07 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 33 ratings

About the author

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Silvia Pettem

Silvia Pettem

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Silvia Pettem is a Colorado-based historical researcher, newspaper columnist, writer and author. After local history research led to the identification of a decades-old murder victim, Pettem switched from writing about history to the genre of true crime –– allowing her to combine her interest in history with a passion for cases that involve missing persons and unidentified remains.

In 2010, Silvia became a Medal of Honor recipient of the Vidocq Society and is honored to be among its members. Her books related to cold case investigations include "Cold Case Research: Resources for Unidentified, Missing and Cold Homicide Cases" (2013), "The Long Term Missing: Hope and Help for Families" (2017), and "Cold Case Chronicles: Mysteries, Murders & the Missing" (2021). Just released is SOMEONE’S DAUGHTER: IN SEARCH OF JUSTICE FOR JANE DOE, UPDATED EDITION (2023). Soon to come will be IN SEARCH OF THE BLONDE TIGRESS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF ELEANOR JARMAN (2023).

Silvia can be reached through her website, www.silviapettem.com.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
33 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Buzz Rinkinen
5.0 out of 5 stars Did Silvia Pettem uncover the secret life of Eleanor Jarman, the Blonde Tigress? You be the judge .
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
Silvia Pettem's book, The Search of the Blonde Tigress, The Untold Story of Eleanor Jarman, is the tale of a young girl whose involvement with a lawbreaking boyfriend during the Depression, when lawbreakers, outlaws, and daring figures had become heroes to many Americans.

Americans losing faith in their government were impoverished, unemployed, and depressed, yet following the escapades of such daring criminals gave hope. That is until the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindburg's young son. Then, J Edgar Hoover gave his FBI broad powers to control crime and criminals.

Eleanor was not a violent criminal but was an immature young gal who was the simple window dressing to the arm of her lawbreaking boyfriend. Yet she was at the wrong place at the wrong time, arrested, found guilty, and sentenced to 199 years in prison. After seven years, Eleanor, a model prisoner, escaped and never surfaced. She is the longest female fugitive of American justice.

Silvia's book looks at the life of Eleanor Jarman and what her life may have been like both before her arrest and after her escape. Finally, Silvia pulls together bits and pieces of Eleanor's life. She may have lived within plain sight of her family, yet they never knew of her watchful eye over them.

I believe Silvia did indeed uncover some of Eleanor's secrets and may have even found her, but one can not be sure, as the secret life of Eleanor Jarman is still to be unraveled, but maybe someday we'll know it all.

Read Silvia's book to see for yourself. Did she find Eleanor?
5 people found this helpful
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Danny R. Smith
4.0 out of 5 stars Mixed Feelings
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
This story is interesting and I believe the author did a great amount of research on a difficult case. However, much of this tale is supposition, and in the first half of the book, it feels there is a lot of filler. But it is well written and interesting to a point.
One person found this helpful
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Elizabeth bentzel
5.0 out of 5 stars Please read this one
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2023
Verified Purchase
I received this book and wrote a review already. I then read it three more times. It is personal to me bc it is my family mentioned in this book. The writing of this story took much collection of data and photos. It is very historical and things aren’t always as they seem. First I don’t believe Eleanor committed the crime. A must read.
4 people found this helpful
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Pat M
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating true crime story !!
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2023
Have been intrigued by Eleanor Jarman's disappearance for many years. Why was she dubbed the Blonde Tigress? Why was she sentenced to an unprecedented 199 years? Did she have help to escape prison? How did she remain hidden for decades? What was fugitive life like for Eleanor?

Silvia Pettem's unparalleled research, relationships with historical records agencies, and fellow researchers result in a fascinating, fact filled story, including an historic description of Chicago crime and colorful life in the 1930s.

Absolutely love this book! Thank you Silvia Pettem for immense research and writing to bring Eleanor's story to life.
2 people found this helpful
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Steve Allen
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Read
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2023
I think as the granddaughter of Richard (the unknown bf) I can remember so many details as I read this and also a lot I didn't know. Richard Slater was definitely a unique individual and I have many pictures of him.
3 people found this helpful
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Linda
5.0 out of 5 stars Blond Tigress - A Excellent Book
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023
This well-researched book convinced me that Eleanor was a women in the wrong place at the wrong time, and not the murderous villain portrayed by the press at the time. That she eluded the FBI and law enforcement for her lifetime after her escape was a small victory over her improper and hurried trial and conviction. Mr. Pettem's detailed descriptions of Chicago during Eleanor's time there were outstanding. I could feel like I was really there. Excellent book.
LBF
2 people found this helpful
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Valerity
5.0 out of 5 stars Good 1930s true crime read
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2023
I found this to be an interesting look at an old case about a woman who got caught up in a robbery/murder back in the 1930s. I noticed that she was born on my birthday in 1901. A unique story I felt was an engaging read. Back then justice could be beyond swift. From the murder on August 4th, to arrest on the 9th. The arraignment was on August 17th and the trial began just 11 days later on August 28th. They were convicted and sentenced on September 1st, 1933. But that is not the end for Eleanor the Blonde Tigress, more twists ensue. Lots of great pictures from the era.
4 people found this helpful
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LeeAnn Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars So good!
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2023
I am really loving this book, especially since Eleanor's "very special friend" was my great-grandfather. Thank you, Silvia, for my copy of the book and for making him real to me. He died just a year before I was born.
3 people found this helpful
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