About
Michael Thomas Barry is the critically acclaimed author of eight traditionally published nonfiction books on varied subjects. He was born in Chicago, grew up in Wheeling, Illinois, and currently resides in Orange, California with his wife, Christyn, and their Bernedoodle, Teddy.
The author is an alumnus of the California State University, Fullerton with Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and criminal justice. He is a member of the Phi Alpha Theta history honor society.
A former columnist for CrimeMagazine.com (2012-2017), Michael penned the weekly column “This Week in Crime History.” Currently, he is a staff reviewer for the New York Journal of Books.
Barry has made numerous TV and radio appearances that include Investigation Discovery Channel’s “Deadly Women and True Nightmares” TV series and PBS SoCal’s “Real Orange.” Other literary memberships include The Mystery Writers of America and the International Federation of Journalists.
Featured Work
California's Deadly Women: Murder and Mayhem in the Golden State, 1850-1950
There's an old saying in the news business: if it bleeds, it leads. The nightly California news and other media outlets are filled with stories of crime, killing, and sorrow. Within these pages rediscover 46 of the most notorious murders and shocking crimes committed by women in the state of California between 1850 and 1950. Examine the accounts of such notorious murderesses as the “Black Widow,” Louise Peete; “Tiger Woman,” Clara Phillips; the “Duchess,” Juanita Spinelli; and many more. Written in chronological sequence and enhanced by 50 photographs, each entry provides a concise overview of the crime, background information, and final dispositions. At one point these California crimes horrified the collective imaginations of the state—and nation—but many have faded away from our historical consciousness. They’re back. This book is an indispensable reference tool for anyone interested in California history and crime.
Other Works
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In the Company of Evil Thirty Years of Calfornia Crime, 1950-1980
2016
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America's Literary Legends: The Lives and Burial Places of 50 Great Writers
2015
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Literary Legends of the British Isles: The Lives and Burial Places of 50 Great Writers
2013
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Great Britain's Royal Tombs: A Guide to the Lives and Burial Places of British Monarchs
2012
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Murder and Mayhem 52 Crimes that Shocked Early California, 1849-1949
2012
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Fade to Black Graveside Memories of Hollywood Greats, 1927-1950
2011
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Final Resting Places Orange County's Dead & Famous
2010
Awards and Recognition
- 2012 National Indie Excellence Book Awards - Finalist, true crime
- 2012 & 2013 International Book Awards - Winner, true crime & history general
- 2013 Beverly Hills Book Awards - Winner, arts & entertainment
- 2014 London Book Festival - Runner-up finalist, nonfiction history
- 2011,2013, 2014, & 2015 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards - Silver, Gold & Finalist
- 2012, 2014 & 2015 Next Generation Indie Book Awards - Finalist
- 2017 Independent Publisher Book Award - Bronze Medal for best regional nonfiction
