West Plains, Missouri – A new historical fiction novel delves into the mystery surrounding a devastating event that shook the community of West Plains almost a century ago. “The Flower Sisters,” authored by Michelle Collins Anderson of St. Louis, was released on April 23. This 368-page novel marks Anderson’s debut and serves as a tribute to her roots in West Plains, where she spent her formative years.
Set in the summer of 1978 in Possum Flats, Missouri, the novel follows the story of Daisy Flowers, a 15-year-old girl who embarks on an internship at the local newspaper, “The Picayune,” rather than working at her grandmother’s funeral home. While delving into the newspaper archives, Daisy unravels the tragic events of a past incident in Possum Flats, mirroring the real-life Bond Dance Hall Explosion in West Plains on April 13, 1928.
As Daisy seeks answers about the explosion, she discovers connections to her grandmother’s past, including the lost twin of her grandmother, Violet. Despite facing resistance from the community and her grandmother, Daisy, aided by her friend Joe, delves deeper into unraveling the mystery.
Author Anderson, a native of West Plains, was drawn to explore the Bond Dance Hall Explosion after coming across a book detailing the tragedy. Intrigued by the unsolved nature of the event, Anderson embarked on a journey to bring the story to life, ultimately leading to the creation of “The Flower Sisters.”
Drawing inspiration from real-life individuals impacted by the explosion and her own experiences in West Plains, Anderson weaves a tale that aims to honor the memory of those lost in the event and introduce the historical tragedy to a wider audience. Through the character of Daisy and her experiences at the newspaper, Anderson infuses elements of her own life into the narrative, adding depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
The Bond Dance Hall Explosion, a tragic event etched into the history of West Plains, remains shrouded in mystery to this day. The devastating incident, which claimed the lives of 39 individuals in 1928, continues to intrigue and haunt the community, with its cause still remaining elusive despite ongoing investigations and speculations.
“The Flower Sisters” not only serves as a literary exploration of the past but also stands as a testament to the resilience and curiosity of individuals seeking to uncover the truths buried within history. Through Anderson’s novel, readers are invited to delve into the intricacies of a bygone era and reflect on the enduring impact of tragic events on communities and individuals alike.