Doreen Chaky and Adrienne Stepanek's "Lynched: Mob Murders on the Northern Great Plains, 1882-1931" has garnered acclaim, winning both the History: United States and Western Fiction categories at the 2025 Independent Press Awards. This work documents a disturbing period in the Northern Great Plains, where mob violence and vigilante justice reigned, revealing a history often overlooked.

Jon Stepanek, Adrienne's son, shared the remarkable story behind the book's creation. Both Chaky and his mother, in their 80s, dedicated seven years to researching and writing "Lynched." Chaky, an established author with "Terrible Justice" to her name, brought her experience as a freelance writer and newspaper professional to the project. For Adrienne Stepanek, a seasoned historical and genealogical researcher and former city librarian and cemetery researcher, this marked her debut as an author. 

"Lynched" delves into the grim reality of mob murders that plagued the Northern Dakota Territory between 1882 and 1931. It exposes how citizens bypassed the legal system, taking justice into their own hands, and the rarity of subsequent prosecutions. The book's strength lies in its meticulous detail, drawn from extensive research in courthouse records across the region.

The authors express deep gratitude to the clerks and officials who aided their research, and to their families for their unwavering support. Jon Stepanek, along with his sister and daughter, are honored to accept these awards on behalf of Chaky and his mother, acknowledging the authors' dedication to uncovering and sharing this vital, albeit harrowing, piece of American history. "Lynched" serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of justice and the importance of remembering the darker chapters of our past.