Local historian and author Lynda Ames presents a photo-enhanced program about her new book "In the Dark Woods of Wareham: Murder of the Egg Man," to the Wareham Historical Society on Monday, September 20 beginning at 7 p.m. in the Old Methodist Meeting House.

The book investigates the 1885 murder of Westport peddler Richard Nelson Lawton, which Plymouth County District Attorney called the "brutal and cold-blooded crime of the year" in his annual report.

Ames' presentation will include dozens of pictures and illustrations that are not included in the book and will also feature the names of nearly two hundred witnesses and law-enforcement officials.  History buffs and genealogists may recognize many of these names as well as familiar local businesses and locations that were impacted by the investigation and ensuing trial of Samuel F. Besse for murder.