Based on a true story!
NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Girl in the Glass Coffin:
The Tonkin Affairs
Step back in time to Oswego, NY during the fabulous Gilded Age and witness the fascinating true story of ten-year-old Virginia Tonkin, whose tragic death spawned a legend that has been passed down for generations. She made history when her parents refused to inter her body and kept her inside their home in a glass coffin for well over a year. The Tonkin family's curious tale is one full of intrigue, tragedy, scandal, romance, betrayal, mystery, and even murder. The opulence of their home and comforts of their luxurious lifestyles were overshadowed by the dark events that plagued them during the time they lived in the house that is known by local legend as the "Tonkin Mansion."
"This fascinating historical fiction weaves together remarkable events from the past with highlights of our unique city. You will be hooked!"
-William "Billy" Barlow, former Mayor of the City of Oswego
Girl in the Glass Coffin
A Preview Inside…
Something inside of Mrs. Tonkin had seemed to pause and her emotions were in a temporary limbo, allowing her to experience those moments in blissful ignorance of the impending nightmare. All she felt in those last hours was intense all-encompassing motherly love. She would not permit herself to look any further into the future than each second allowed as they unfolded in slow motion. She played with Virginia’s hand, delicately turning it over in her own, exploring the details of her dainty fingers and carefully manicured nails, intently trying to memorize every detail.
Her melancholic song lilted through the dark room, and she continued to sing for hours, pouring all the maternal adoration she had in her heart into her dying daughter’s ears, believing she could still hear. It was a beautiful gift of love, and Mr. Tonkin watched in awe and wonder at the woman he loved, momentarily spared from grief and somehow able to experience such incredible peace. He was wise enough to know it was like the calm before the storm and that when the tidal wave of sorrow hit her, he feared it would sweep her away.
Mrs. Tonkin’s voice caught on the words, “I will protect you from harm and you will wake in my arms. Guardian angels are near, so sleep on with no fear.” As she sang, she imagined beautiful glowing guardian angels standing around the bed waiting patiently for Virginia’s spirit to let go of her failing body and be swept up in their warm embrace and safely escorted to a heavenly place. Although it emerged as a peaceful mental image, her body reacted defensively. She clung to her daughter’s hand even tighter, as any mother would when faced with the horror of losing their child, unwilling to ever let her go.
"An incredible book about local history that brings a local legend to life."
-Justin White, former Oswego County Historian
For the first time in history, the Tonkin family story is finally being told in its entirety.
Find out what really happened and why!
“I could not stop reading Lee Ellen Hickey's book about Oswego's Tonkin family! Lee is a great storyteller with a masterful ability to turn the disturbing facts of a family's life into a compelling narrative."
- Jim Farfaglia, author of Historic Snowstorms of Central New York
Order your copy today!
Now available at:
Rivers End Bookstore
19 W Bridge St, Oswego, NY 13126
About the Author
Lee Ellen Hickey was born and raised in West Monroe, NY. She graduated from Paul V. Moore High School with honors and studied early childhood education for two years. She is married to her loving husband, Brian D. Hickey, and has a beautiful family including four children; Jenna, Joshua, Sophia, and Trevor; a stepdaughter, Aaliyah; and a daughter-in-law, Sierra. Lee has a rewarding job as a DSP, through which she has worked with an extraordinary individual for over ten years.
She loves traveling, writing and spending time with her family. Lee is a block leader for the Oswego Renaissance Association, a member of Elim Grace church, and also of the Oswego County Historical Society. She is on board of directors for Oswego County Opportunities. She is excited to share her love of local history through her first novel.
Ready to Dive In? Grab Your Copy of Girl in the Glass Coffin Today!
"A wonderful insight into the world of Oswego's rich and famous... and troubled."
-Ann Callaghan Allen, author of The Madame's Business.
"A GREAT READ!!"
- George Demass, Oswego Town Historian