This image is the cover for the book Hampton Roads Murder & Mayhem, Murder & Mayhem

Hampton Roads Murder & Mayhem, Murder & Mayhem

Hampton Roads is an iconic destination, but the "birthplace of America" has a nefarious past.


Dive into the story of cannibalism in the Jamestown colony and learn the gory details of the tale of the Witch of Pungo. Blackbeard and his men wreaked havoc in Hampton Roads before Virginians brought them to justice. Explore rarely told stories of lynchings, riots and a hoax involving none other than famed aviator Charles Lindbergh. Join author and historian Nancy E. Sheppard as she explores some of the darkest moments in Hampton Roads' vibrant history.

Nancy E. Sheppard

Nancy E. Sheppard is a historian, author and native of Hampton Roads, Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from American Military University. Her first book, The Airship ROMA Disaster in Hampton Roads (The History Press, 2016), earned a nomination for the 2017 Virginia Literary Awards. She is also a staff writer and photojournalist for the newspaper Yorktown Crier-Poquoson Post, focusing primarily on local history, museums, military and theme park news.

The History Press