Rooted in generations of life in Southern Appalachia, my historical research and creative writing explore the complex, often overlooked stories of rural Kentucky. From family legacies and cultural traditions to unsolved murders, mysteries and community lore, my work brings together investigative insight and narrative depth to preserve the region’s heritage — and its mysteries.

This section of my portfolio represents my commitment to honoring the voices and histories of Appalachian communities — both the ordinary and the extraordinary. Whether through true crime, family narratives, or cultural commentary, I aim to document the stories that history books often leave behind.

Hometown Murders and Mysteries: Pulaski County, Kentucky

This ongoing true crime and local history series blends archival research with narrative storytelling to re-examine forgotten crimes, unsolved cases, and notable figures from Pulaski County’s past. Drawing on newspaper archives, court records, genealogical sources, historical documents, and local accounts, the series explores the people and events that shaped small-town Kentucky.

Volumes I, II, and III span more than a century of local history, from suspicious deaths and sensational murders to long-forgotten cases and unresolved mysteries. Each story is placed within the broader cultural, social, and historical context of Appalachian life, offering more than a retelling of the crime itself.

Released in August 2026, Volume III expands the series with additional cases drawn from Pulaski County’s historical record. The companion special edition, Hometown Murders & Mysteries: Hometown Heroes, shifts the focus from crime to service, examining local law enforcement figures and stories of duty, sacrifice, and justice.

Together, the series explores not only what happened, but what these stories reveal about justice, memory, community, and the rural experience.

Tracing the Strength and Legacy of Appalachian Women

Silent Matriarchs is a deeply personal and historically grounded narrative that honors the lives of five generations of women in my Appalachian lineage. Set against the backdrop of Kentucky’s rugged mountain communities — including Leslie, Clay, Perry, and Pulaski counties — the book weaves family stories, oral history, and regional research into a powerful portrait of love, loss, survival, and resilience.

Beginning with the legend of “Big Jim” settling in Wilder Branch and Hell-for-Certain, the story traces the matrilineal legacy from Hannah Huff to Mahala Begley, Mary Elizabeth Doolin (“Maw”), Stella Begley, and finally Effie — my grandmother. Through their lives, Silent Matriarchs captures the spirit of Appalachian women who held families together through war, poverty, tragedy, and change.

This book is more than memoir or history — it’s a reclamation of voices often unheard in traditional narratives. It brings to life the untold stories of the women who shaped Appalachia from within kitchens, fields, front porches, and coal camps, offering readers a rare view into a culture defined not by stereotypes but by strength, sacrifice, and quiet leadership.

Silent Matriarchs is a foundational part of my work in Appalachian storytelling and historical preservation. It reflects my ongoing commitment to elevating the lived experiences of rural women and to documenting the complex, often unrecorded history of the region I call home.

Whether you're drawn to the quiet strength of Appalachian women or intrigued by the unsolved crimes that echo through Kentucky’s hills and hollers, these stories offer a deeper understanding of the people and places that shaped a region. I invite you to explore the books below — each one crafted to preserve history, stir curiosity, and give voice to those often left out of the record.