TOM CARMAN.

In the public record

Media & Press.

The Jean Stevens case drew national attention. Explore the historical reporting and the recognition behind Tom Carman’s book.

News coverage concerns the original case; it is not an endorsement of the book.

CBS News · July 7, 2010

Trouble Letting Go: 91-Year-Old Woman (Happily) Shared House With Dead Husband, Sister

Read the coverage

ABC7 Chicago · Historical case reporting

Man charged with abuse of a corpse in the Jean Stevens case

Read the coverage

Associated Press · SFGate · July 6, 2010

Widow lived with corpses of her husband, twin

Read the coverage

The story in conversation

Death in the Afternoon

Season One, Episode One: “My Roommate, a Corpse!”

Listen to the episode

From the archive

More perspectives on the case.

Center for Inquiry · Joe Nickell

Talking to the Dead, Directly

Syracuse.com

Pennsylvania woman may keep corpses if she builds crypt

The Pantagraph

Prosecutor: Woman may keep corpses if she builds crypt

The Gainesville Sun · Associated Press

1 accused of digging up body for bereaved Pa. twin

The Denver Post

Widow, 91, lived with corpses of husband, twin sister

MassLive

Jean Stevens may keep corpses if she builds crypt

ABC30

Jean Stevens plans an aboveground vault

PennLive

Pennsylvania widow, 91, lived with corpses of her husband, twin sister

Bucks County Courier Times

91-year-old widow builds vault, could get corpses back

2024 PenCraft Seasonal Book Award winner

Literary recognition

2024 PenCraft
Seasonal Book Award

My Illusion of Normal was selected as a winner of the Summer Competition in Nonfiction / Grief, recognized for quality, artistry, and readership.

Official winners listing

April 26, 2024 · Pennsylvania

The book announcement.

Read the announcement summary

From the original press release

Tom Carman Unveils “My Illusion of Normal: The Peculiar Case of Jean Stevens” – A Captivating Dive into the Human Psyche

Pennsylvania, April 26, 2024 – Tom Carman announces the release of “My Illusion of Normal: The Peculiar Case of Jean Stevens,” a literary nonfiction account exploring the human psyche, perception, and reality through Jean Stevens’ story.

“I’m thrilled to share ‘My Illusion of Normal’ with readers everywhere,” says Carman. “It’s a story that has been brewing in my mind for quite some time, and I’m excited to finally bring it to life. I believe it offers a unique perspective on the human experience, one that will resonate with readers long after they’ve finished the last page.”

The announcement stated that the book was available in print and digital formats. Current editions and availability can be found at the linked retailers.

For interviews, author photos, book-cover artwork, and media materials, contact Tom Carman: representtheunderdogs@gmail.com.

Keep the conversation going

A story can start a connection.

Get in touch with Tom