In three years, police haven’t been able to verify this or any other theory. The search has all but ended. Last year, the statute of limitations expired—the perpetrator of the theft, with few exceptions, can now only be prosecuted for possession. The police have largely moved on. The mystery is now worthy of Hollywood itself: They are the most coveted shoes in the world, and they could be anywhere.

Read more of the fascinating Minnesota Monthly article by Tim Gihring here!

It makes me sad that the very same pair of ruby slippers that inspired me to write this novel—the ones owned by Michael Shaw—were stolen back in August of 2005 while on loan to the annual Judy Garland Festival at her birthplace in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The criminal has never been caught and the case never solved. And the statute of limitations has now apparently run out on the crime which makes me even more depressed! This terrific, detailed article attempts to put the pieces of the puzzle together from the very beginning. Explaining how Mr. Shaw, the “eccentric” memorabilia collector, ended up with the “best pair” of Ruby Slippers known to exist in the first place. Talking with patrons of a local bar who theorize as to the culprit. And even speculating specifically “whodunit.”

The tone of the article is a bit seedy and “decayed,” but that’s how many today see Old Hollywood. I choose not to. I’m sure I never will.