Author Dave Tabler’s Delaware Behaving Badly is the latest in a series of his Delaware histories. This volume explores the state’s dark underside, with each chapter centering on a crime that occurred in Delaware, from accusations of witchcraft in the colonial era to international espionage in the 21st century.

Most of Tabler’s chapters are ten pages or fewer. In each, Tabler recounts a sensational crime, often exploring similar incidents throughout Delaware’s history and skillfully placing the crime in historical context. For example, the author follows an account of a brothel raid in late 19th century Wilmington with a discussion of the enforcement of laws against prostitution and vice since then.

In another chapter, the author recounts an incident in the 1920s where a mob of anti-Klan locals attacked a night-time KKK meeting. Tabler uses this incident to explore the larger history of the Klan in the state.

He also describes a young bank employee who stole over $100,000 from his employer and fled abroad. To the surprise of police, he returned to Delaware and surrendered quietly at his wife’s urging. After serving time, the employee advised banks on how to improve their security.

Tabler often connects the crimes to themes that resonate today, such as the environment, tariffs, and race and gender issues, while never being heavy-handed.

The author relies mainly on press reports. These sources are most valuable if corroborated using other types of documents, e.g. court papers, arrest reports, or census data. It’s not clear that he conducted further research beyond scouring period newspapers.

On balance, though, this is a remarkably entertaining book. Tabler is an engaging storyteller who usually begins in the middle of the story with a powerful crime narrative and then zooms out to take a wider view and fill in historical context. His concise prose moves at a brisk pace.

Readers interested in the history of the Mid-Atlantic region will enjoy Tabler’s polished, readable work.