We have received messages from several friends.
Tom wrote
Missed you Monday at FOP, but I hope to get one of the other Illinois signings. Was wondering if you remember a former Chief of Detectives named Bill Murphy. I think he may have also worked on that case.
Dear Tom,
That name does not ring a bell. I hope to see you at the Barbara's Bookstore signing in May.
James wrote
I was wondering if you konw if the Idle Hour Stable building is still standing. Is it the old horse stable next to the BIG 10 office building?
Dear James,
That's a great question! Sorry to be coy, but to find out more, you might be interested to read my book. The answer is in there.
Bob wrote:
Hi Jimmy, Read your book. Excellent! When I ever get back to Chicago, at my old age, Let's get together. Congratulations, Bob D.
Dear Bob,
Thanks for the kind words. I look forward to seeing you when you're here.
James wrote:
I received my St. Mel Alumni letter today,class of 1960. I am interested in purchasing your book. I was a friend of Bob Peterson, we were members of the Austin YMCA he was a little older maybe a year. He was a good pool player. He was also very street smart for the times and in retrospect I was surprised that he would allow himself to be put in that position. I am attending the reunion on June 1, and hope to meet you.
Dear James,
I hope to meet you at the reunion as well. Thanks so much for your comments.
Lola wrote
I saw you at Barnes Noble Sat. March 11, 2007 My family has "forever" been in the horse world. Communication has been almost non existant regarding all types of crime in the horse world. Only if you read the Chicago Tribune or Sun Times may you find out some needed facts. Also, most people have a belief that all horse people are "good people". Absolutely not true. I, thank you for writing this book. It keeps the channel of truth up front. I am not through with the criminals at this point.
Dear Lola,
It was so nice to see you and to talk to you. I agree that the problems in the horse world should be exposed. Maybe bringing this story forward will help law enforcement begin re-examining the practices that are still in question.
Ken wrote:
Yesterday, my entire family (three other brothers and two sisters) went to visit my mother's gravesite as we do each year on the anniversary of her death. Mom's name is Marie (Mencarini) Dubinski. Her older brother-Bruno Mencarini-was the bus driver mentioned (pages 46-50) in your book, "Three Boys Missing." Uncle Bruno was one of six Mencarinis. Otto, Sue, Lena, Joe, Marge, and Marie. Marie was the "baby" and the last to die-2002. The Mencarini family was the sweetest and nicest family you could ever know. Funny, quirky, and decent people even though they lost both their parents at an early age. Aunt Lena took in Marge and Marie who were not even teenagers. The family was dirt poor-as were many people at that time. Bruno, Marge, and Marge were the practical jokers of the family. Ghost stories and laughter filled the air when those three were in the same room. Bruno was loved by all the people that climbed on his streetcar, and then his bus route. Low key, funny, and simply a wonderful person! Uncle Bruno died in 1994. Mom was so very sad when she lost her co-practical joker and older brother. I still think about Uncle Bruno, and the rest of the Mencarinis---and especially Bruno\'s Baby sister-Marie-my Mom. James, I am half-way through reading your book, "Three Boys Missing." But, I had to let you know that Uncle Bruno Mencarini lovingly touched the lives of many people during his lifetime. Thank you.
Dear Ken,
Thank you so much for your email message! It was great to hear from you and your sister. I remember that Mr. Mecarini was a very honest and sincere person. That you for sharing the wonderful thought about him with our readers!
Jean wrote:
I was at work last week, and one of my friends happened to be reading your book, "Three Boys Missing." While I was growing up, my Uncle Bruno used to tell us that he was the bus driver that dropped off the Peterson-Schuessler boys. I asked my friend if the bus driver's name was mentioned in the book, and she said yes! To my surprise, it was my uncle's name. I would just like to tell you his last name is spelled incorrectly. The correct spelling is Mencarini. I just wanted to share that with you.
Dear Jean,
Thank you so much for your email message! I have forwarded the correct spelling to my publisher. This will be corrected in the next printing of the book. My sincere apologies for this.
Alecia wrote:
I recently read your book while on vacation with my grandfather. I was very interested in reading "Three Boys Missing" because it mentions my great grandfather, Russell Corcoran. I found the story of the Peterson and Schuessler boys to be very heartbreaking and felt very upset to learn that the murderer was able to enjoy 40 years of freedom before being convicted. Even though it was such a brutal crime, I truly believe that their deaths played an important role in recognizing how easy it is for an adult to prey on a child simply by gaining their trust. I think the boys would've been very pleased to know that their stories helped educate parents, as well as children, on child predators and the horrible crimes they are capable of. As for the question about the fear of discussing this issue openly, I think that most people feel uneasy about how frequently these cases happen. Most people believe that those kinds of crimes happen to other people and that it couldn't possibly ever happen to them. Another reason could be that they were victims themselves and feel ashamed or hesitant to speak out against this issue. I feel to really tackle the problem we have to get over the ignorance and the fear so we can work together to safeguard our children. Thank you for writing such a great book. While reading it, I almost felt like I was part of the investigation! God bless.
Dear Alecia,
One of the joys of writing this book has been the new connections created in my life through family members whose loved ones were involved in the Peterson-Schuessler investigation. I am continually amazed and awed by your support and appreciation. I cannot say enough how much it means to have your support. Your great grandfather was such a terrifc man. I am honored to have served under his command.
Hopefully, your comments will help others to understand the problem we face and join with us in raising their voices to speak out against those who seek to harm our children.
Karen wrote:
Dear Mr. Jack: Are you planning a book tour? I heard a rumor that you might stop in New York City on book tour. If so, I would love to be there. "Three Boys Missing" is one of the best books I have ever read!"
Dear Karen,
Thank you so much for your very kind message. Yes, I will be touring in the
New York area this spring. I will be announcing the touring dates on January 22nd. I will post them on my blog, but I will also send you a personal
message.
I look forward to meeting you in New York.
Barbara wrote:
Jimmy, I hope you remember me. I had no idea that you were involved with this case. My daughters and I were talking about mysteries that happened in our neighborhood and this story came up. I looked up info on the book noticed your name. What a small world. Hopefully, I will get a chance to read it, it has been on backorder. Hope everything is fine with you. If you are ever in the neighborhood stop by. I am still in the same house. Take care.
Dear Barbara,
It's so great to hear from you! Of course I remember you. How are you? I'm really happy to hear from you. Please get in touch when you can.
Rita wrote:
Hello. I am currently reading your book. I have read a few others as well. There is another book out, I am not certain how old it is but, it is called Shattered Lives (I think). Written by who is said to be a chief detective on the case. True or not? I have not read the book yet. However, I believe he raises the question - John Gacy? Do you truly believe the right person was convicted for this crime? I also saw your televsion interview by the way. I am not certain why this case grabs at me. I am certain it is because they are innocent children, and everytime I drive past Robinson Woods, since I live in Park Ridge, I feel such a sense of tragedy for them. I was 5 at the time myself. It may sound a bit silly but I feel they are still not resting in peace over this, that is why I wonder about the right person having been convicted. I know I may sound a bit, "weird" but honestly I am not - it is just a sense I have. Thank you for the well written account.
Dear Rita,
Your are correct, the book you mentioned is not written by anyone connected with the case. The authors are writers and their book is based on secondhand information.
Yes, I believe the right person was convicted of this crime.
Many people feel a sense of tragedy and loss because of the case. I know that I did. It is emotionally upsetting and disturbing. But, what disturbs me more is the fact that these situations continue.
I think the boys will rest in peace when they know that more is being done to save other child victims.
Thank you for your time.
Chris wrote:
Hello- I would like to know more about the pedophilia underground and how prevelant it may be. Can you tell me if comic bookstores are involved? Thank you. I intend to purchase your book. My family has also endured a nightmare of sorts involving incest and unnacountability by the judicial and child protective systems.
Dear Chris,
Thank you for taking the time to send a message.
I don't now much about the comic book industry to be honest. Child molesters wear many different disguises and play many roles in our society. They can often be found in any industry or organization that gives them access to children.
I am deeply sorry to hear that you have had an instance of child molestation in your family. I hope counseling has been provided for the child involved. You can reach out to the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center. Also, try reaching out to a national organization or state agency. Please don't give up. These situations must be prosecuted to protect other children.
Best regards,
James A. Jack
All the Best
James A. Jack
