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The Senator's Son

The Shocking Disappearance, the Celebrated Trial, and the Mystery That Remains a Century Later

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The Senator's Son

By: Charles Oldham
Narrated by: John Witt
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About this listen

On Monday, February 13, 1905, eight- year-old Kenneth Beasley walked to the back of his school's playground and into the melting snow of the woods beyond. He never returned. A massive search was undertaken for the North Carolina state senator's son, and a reward was offered.

Despite clues, rumors, and even a ransom note, he was never found. A year and a half later, a political rival hurriedly was charged. Accused of the most bizarre and twisted of plots, he faced a courtroom overflowing with jurors, star lawyers, spectators, and newspaper reporters. The eventual verdict and stunning aftermath would rip apart two families and shock a state, yet leave a mystery unsolved.

Now, Charles Oldham, attorney by trade, has reopened the case. Using modern research methods and his own legal training - while also investigating the state's political, racial, lynching, and liquor cultures - Oldham has come as close as anyone can to the truth.

The result is an absorbing, must-listen story. Meticulously researched and beautifully written and narrated, The Senator's Son is both an important book and a fascinating one.

©2018 Charles Oldham (P)2019 Ray McAllister Abductions, Kidnapping & Missing Persons True Crime Disappearance
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This is a fantastic insight into a historical mystery. The tragedy of not only the families involved, but as a community as a whole is thoroughly examined. There are so many aspects of this story to explore that it seems like it was written by Agatha Christie herself. A great read for historical buffs and lovers of true crime. I could not stop listening. Both Mr. Oldham and Mr. Witt have done a fantastic job of bringing this mystery to life and it is well worth a listen. -Lana Sherrard

Review by Lana Sherrard

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