Same Name

Author and true-crime blogger Laura James is not related to the outlaw Jesse James, but she did write a book about his son. The Love Pirate and the Bandit’s Son: Murder, Sin and Scandal in the Shadow of Jesse James concerns Jesse James Jr.’s, involvement with Dr. Zeo Zoe Wilkins, a woman with a penchant for moneyed men. Wilkins was stabbed to death in 1924 in her Kansas City home. The murder was never solved. Laura James posits that Jesse James Jr. killed Wilkins. Hear the author flesh out the story a little more at the Plaza Branch of the Kansas City, Missouri, Public Library (4801 Main). Her presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. Afterward, she’ll sign copies of her book, which will be available for purchase. Call 816-701-3407 to RSVP for this free event.

Wed., July 15, 6:30 p.m., 2009