Girl in the Glass Coffin: The Tonkin Affairs

 OSWEGO – Lee Ellen Hickey of Oswego, NY is excited to share her love of local history in her spellbinding new historical fiction, Girl in the Glass Coffin: The Tonkin Affairs. 

This new release is based on the true story of young Virginia Tonkin, known by local legend in Oswego, NY, as “the girl in the glass coffin” whose dead body was kept in her family’s home for fifteen months following her tragic and untimely death. Step back in time to Oswego, NY in the Gilded Age, and witness the incredible circumstances that surrounded the Tonkin family in this historical fiction that is full of tragedy, intrigue, romance, betrayal, mystery, scandal, and even murder. Although Virginia’s death and the aftermath are pivotal events in the story, there is so much more to the Tonkin family’s curious and controversial tale. The opulence of their home and comfort of their luxurious lifestyles were grossly overshadowed by the trials that plagued them during the time they lived in the house that is referred to by the legend as “The Tonkin Mansion” and still stands today. A handsome millionaire playboy wreaks havoc and threatens to ruin his family’s prestigious name, a real cold case is potentially solved, vicious rumors are put to rest, and the dark truth is finally brought to light in this captivating novel that you will be thinking about long after it’s put down. 

Order your book online now: @ Girlintheglasscoffin.com. For an author signed copy preorder at River’s End bookstore in Oswego, NY. Book launch/ signing event sponsored by the Oswego County Historical Society will be held on Saturday, March 16, at the Oswego Library in the community room at 1 p.m. and a book signing/author’s meet and greet is scheduled for April 6th at 2 p.m. at the River’s End bookstore in Oswego, NY. *Check website for more upcoming events. 

“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 

Lee Ellen Hickey was born and raised in Oswego County. She lives with her loving husband and two of their five wonderful children in Oswego, NY. She loves her job as a DSP, spending time with her family, being a grandma to her handsome grandsons and traveling. She is the block leader for the Oswego Renaissance Association and a member of the Oswego County Historical Society, Elim Grace, and the board of directors for Oswego County Opportunities. 

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