John F. Gallagher
Passion, Poison, and Pretense
The Murder of Hingham’s Postmaster
“Passion, Poison, and Pretense: The Murder of Hingham’s Postmaster” by John F. Gallagher is a historical novel that delves into the true crime story of the 1857 murder of Hosea J. Gardner, the postmaster of Hingham, Massachusetts. The narrative explores the events leading up to Gardner’s death, the subsequent investigation, and the trial that followed. Suspicion quickly fell upon his wife, Abigail Gardner, and the novel provides a detailed account of her arrest and the legal proceedings that ensued. Drawing from extensive research, including trial notes and historical records, Gallagher presents a vivid portrayal of this 19th-century crime and its impact on the local community.
