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A McKeesport Murder Mystery:
The Death of La Roux Soles
by Lisa Speranza
On Sale Now In Our Gift Shop!
Was It Murder or Suicide?
Revisit the Mystery That Captivated McKeesport—and the Nation
In June 1933, the mysterious death of McKeesport socialite La Roux Soles made headlines far beyond the city she called home. La Roux and her husband, Bob—a war hero and successful businessman—lived in a mansion overlooking the National Tube Works, where their glamorous life included lavish parties during Prohibition. But behind the façade were secrets, marital turmoil, and unanswered questions.
In A McKeesport Murder Mystery: The Death of La Roux Soles, local author and historian Lisa Speranza draws upon extensive historical research, photographs, and newspaper accounts to reconstruct the people and events surrounding La Roux’s death. Nearly a century later, the question remains: Was it an act of desperation—or was it murder?
Author Lisa Speranza
Meet the Author — Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Join us at the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center for the official launch of A McKeesport Murder Mystery: The Death of La Roux Soles. Author Lisa Speranza will share the fascinating story behind the book and discuss her research into the nearly century-old mystery. The afternoon will also include a book signing, books available for purchase, and light refreshments. Admission is free for Heritage Center members and $5 for non-members. Advance reservations are required, and seating is limited.
FOLLOW THE STORY
ON FACEBOOK
The mystery doesn’t end with the book. Follow A McKeesport Murder Mystery: The Death of
La Roux Soles on Facebook for historic photographs, newspaper clippings, fascinating details from the case, book updates, and more from the story behind one of McKeesport’s most intriguing mysteries.
Follow along and decide for yourself: Was it murder or suicide?
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PODCASTS
Tube City Media - Two Rivers 30 Minutes for Oct. 2, 2026
Topic: How to unravel a century-old murder mystery
Guest: Author Lisa Speranza
How Topic Discussed: Almost 100 years ago, the death of a McKeesport socialite from a wealthy family attracted national media attention and became a spectacle. How did Lisa Speranza first hear about the case? What intrigued her about the story and why did she decide to research the mystery so many years later? Why did the case attract so much attention when it first happened? What did she learn about the culture — including the media — of the 1920s? What advice would she have for other aspiring authors?
5 x 5 Podcast
A McKEESPORT MURDER with LISA SPERANZA - Oct. 20, 2026
Guest: Author Lisa Speranza
This is a special episode where we welcome into the studio Author, Lisa Speranza. In this episode, we talked to Lisa about her new book “The Death of La Roux Soles a McKeesport Murder”. We also cover our mutual fascination and respect for local cemeteries, as well as the offbeat topics that you’ve come to know and love from the 5x5 podcast. We hope you enjoy this one. It was a real pleasure sitting down and getting to meet Lisa….and La Roux.
Enjoy!
BOOK & MEDIA CONTACT
Lisa Speranza, Author
Email: lostsolesmck@gmail.com
Andi Cartwright, Board of Directors
McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center
Email: info@mckeesportheritage.org
Cell: 412-216-2847
For questions about A McKeesport Murder Mystery: The Death of La Roux Soles, author interviews, book information or media inquiries, please contact Lisa or Andi.
If you are a retailer and would like to carry this book, please contact:
Kiuarna Barcliff
Arcadia Publishing
KBarcliff@arcadiapublishing.com