The Witch, The Devil, and The Horseman by Tom Schneider

Three early American gothic tales, including America’s last witch trial in 1730, the birth of the Jersey Devil in 1735, and the true origin of the Headless Horseman in 1776.

In 1730 Ben Franklin published a story about a witch trial in Mount Holly, in The Pennsylvania Gazette. But did he tell the complete story, or was it a coverup of more sinister and frightening events? Emmet, an aspiring reporter, takes his first assignment for Franklin’s Pennsylvania Gazette and travels to New Jersey to discover the truth about the impending trial. His investigation of what Franklin views as a farce takes a dark and dangerous turn when he discovers someone wants the truth and him buried.

In 1735 Emmet returns to New Jersey on assignment for Ben Franklin’s Pennsylvania Gazette. Searching for dirt on Franklin’s rival, Titan Leeds, Emmet digs up more than he bargained for as he learns of the demon‘s birth. When one of the birth’s witnesses is an old friend, Emmet returns to Mount Holly where he will have to confront the Leeds Devil, his own demons, and his broken promise to a forlorn love.

America wasn't the only thing birthed in 1776. The year also gave rise to the brutal terror of the Headless Hessian. Elijah sets off from Philadelphia to the village of North Tarrytown. There, his path leads to a showdown with the murderous horseman on All Hallows Eve, and his deeds give birth to a legend.