Mercy Brown, Rhode Island vampire—allegedly so—is considered to be the last of the state’s unfortunate focal points in its 19th century vampire panics; but like so many other supernatural superstitions we dig into, there’s much more beneath the surface.  The Exeter Vampire panic is more complex, and perhaps distorted, than we’ve been led to believe. . .all through haze of the horror of the plague of tuberculosis.  Pre-order Laurah’s book, LAY THEM TO REST: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laurah-norton/lay-them-to-rest/9780306828805/ Head to moshlife.com/STRANGE to save 20% off plus FREE shipping on your first 6-count Trial Pack! Hosted and written by Laurah Norton Researched Anna Luria and Laurah Norton Produced by Maura Currie Engineered by Brandon Schexnayder  Sources on our website: https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon for early release and ad-free episodes, exclusive stories, and bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/OneStrangeThing You can also subscribe to premium episodes on Apple Premium and Supercast! Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/OSTPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onestrangethingpod/  and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/One-Strange-Thing-114307627035607 Interested in advertising on our show? Contact Glassbox Media: https://glassboxmedia.com/contact-us/ Copyright One Strange Thing Podcast LLC 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices