Gary Thomas

The Four Consorts of Joseph Slagle Gary Thomas

The notorious Judge Joseph Slagle was feared, reclusive, and wealthy. And he was implicated in the first recorded murder in Livingston County, Missouri-his own brother-in-law. Slagle was also known for creating a private burying ground, surrounded by a high brick wall, that is said to be haunted by the spirits of his four brides-seemingly healthy young women who died inexplicably and were buried without ceremony. Yet no one stepped forward, fearing they, too, might suffer grave consequences... Judge Joe Slagle stories have been told in Livingston County for generations. For many locals, Joe was a "Boogeyman" for children and a "Bluebeard" for adults, and his well-documented, perplexing pattern of behavior for over a decade was tough to reconcile with someone who claimed to be innocent of any wrongdoing. The Four Consorts of Joseph Slagle exposes the secrets he tried so hard to protect and sheds light on the man who instilled such fear and suspicion among his neighbors.