Local legend tells us that Sarah Winchester was a woman obessed.  Was she consumed with the need to do what the spirits told her, or was she just misunderstood?  Here are some books that you can read to make up your own mind about what you think Sarah Winchester and her Mystery House was all about...

"The Inscrutable Mrs. Winchester and Her Mysterious Mansion" attempts to dispell some of the myths surrounding her and gives insight on the facts that rarely come to light.   

"Captive of the Labyrinth: Sarah L. Winchester heiress to the rifle fortune" gives an overview of of Sarah Winchester's life and attempts to demystify her as the notorious eccentric history has made her out to be. 

Was she really trying to stave off the ghosts?  Did she really believe that non-stop construction would confuse the spirits?  Or is it possible that Sarah Winchester was really a loving, caring woman who mourned the loss of her husband and infant daughter, and just wanted to be left alone?  Maybe we'll never know, but the great thing about this mystery is you get to decide!

For more information about local history, you can also visit our California Room and it's Digital Collections.