Orrville Public Library holds author event, plans another
Noted author Gregg Olsen, shown here with Margaret Sander, participated in a recent book signing and talk at Orrville Public Library.
The Orrville Public Library recently hosted a book signing and talk with New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author Gregg Olsen, who penned a series of books on true crime and detective and mystery novels.
Two of his books — “Abandoned Prayers: An Incredible True Story of Murder, Obsession and Amish Secrets” and “The Amish Wife: Unraveling the Lies, Secrets and Conspiracy That Let a Killer Go Free” — tell the story of Eli, Ida and Danny Stutzman and the murders that Eli Stutzman is believed to have committed.
If you’ve seen the billboards around Wayne County asking for “Justice for Ida Stutzman,” the books tell the story of her death and that of Eli and Ida’s son Danny, also known as “Little Boy Blue.” Danny was given the name “Little Boy Blue” because he was found unidentified and in blue pajamas on a roadside in Nebraska. His death was pieced together over several years, which Olsen describes in the book. Olsen has paid for the Ida Stutzman billboards as he believes there are still many unanswered questions surrounding Ida’s death. The books dive into the mysteries surrounding this family. Local readers will find the many references to local persons and places a most interesting read.
The event with Olsen was a success.
“We had about 60 people attend this author talk. (It) was a good number as it was almost a capacity crowd in the room we use for these events,” Orrville librarian Daphne Silchuk-Ashcraft said. “Gregg made it interesting and entertaining as he was quite personable and actually knew some of the people in the audience. Even though the book contains some graphic content, given its true crime nature, Gregg was able to make his talk appropriate to the audience, which included some younger library patrons.”
Olsen stayed after the talk to take photographs, talk to attendees and sign copies of his books. He has authored 30 books in all, half of which are nonfiction and half of which are mystery or crime novels.
On Saturday, March 2, the Orrville Public Library will host another author event — a local author book fair.
“This is our third year hosting this event. In addition to an author meet and greet and book signing, there will be children’s activities related to the event,” said the library’s Dawn Geiser, one of the organizers of the event who said prize drawings for books will be held.
Corrie Yoder is one of the March 2 event’s organizers. “We anticipate having anywhere from between 15-25 authors,” she said. “Those attending will be able to stop and greet each author at the author’s table and purchase books and have them signed. Patrons can stop in anytime during that time frame.”
There is no preregistration or cost associated with the March 2 event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. If attendees wish to purchase one of the books, they can do so, but a purchase is not required in order to attend.