Discovering the enchantment of Louisville with David Domine recently, right after the HBO docuseries, Murder in Glitterball City, aired, was a true honor! The documentary was inspired by David’s true crime novel, A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City. He shared with us how the book all came about, his personal ties to the house, the ghost and historic tours he’s been running in Historic Old Louisville for over 20 years, and more!
Louisville, known by many names including Derby City and Bourbon City, also has another lesser known yet intriguing nickname: Glitter Ball City. But there’s more to our vibrant locale than meets the eye, especially as you dive into its rich history and the stories that haunt its streets.
A Gripping Tale from Glitter Ball City
Louisville recently captured the national spotlight with the HBO documentary Murder in Glitterball City. This true-crime tale centers around a murder that shook the community in 2010, involving the trials of Jeffrey Mundt and Joey Banis. The ghastly discovery of Jamie Carroll’s body, buried in the basement of a house nearly purchased by local author David Domine, unfolds like a gripping novel. Inspired by these real life events, David penned A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City, which chronicles this chilling saga, caught HBO’s attention, and has captivated audiences not just locally, but now nationwide.
The City’s Spirited Side
Beyond its notoriety for true crime, Louisville thrives on legends of another kind—ghost stories. David Domine, who has lived in historic Old Louisville, shared his personal encounters with the paranormal from his 19th-century home on 3rd Street. This neighborhood, teeming with history, exquisite architecture, and tales from the beyond, fuels both his curiosity and creativity. With footsteps echoing in the night, his pets behaving oddly, and tales from his fellow neighbors, his experiences have become a source of storytelling that captivates and connects both skeptics and believers through his books and walking tours.
Visiting Old Louisville
For those intrigued by Louisville’s history and spectral allure, David offers historic tours and ghost tours that have become a beloved attraction in the area. Since 1999, visitors from around the globe have flocked to Old Louisville to experience its charm firsthand. From ghost stories that offer a glimpse into the past to architectural tours that celebrate the city’s beautiful homes and churches, the tours invite you to walk through history with David and his team as your guides.
Embracing the Glitter
Recently with the exposure from HBO, Louisville’s identity has expanded with a nod to its disco legacy. During the disco craze of the ’70s and ’80s, the city was the epicenter for producing the iconic disco balls. Omega Mirror Products, once a leading manufacturer, continues this sparkling tradition right near Old Louisville. This lesser-known facet of Louisville’s history highlights the city’s vibrant diversity and creativity, earning it the moniker Glitter Ball City. Take one of David’s tours and get a glitter ball keychain as a souvenir!
Conclusion: Uncover Louisville’s Mysteries for Yourself
Whether you’re a fan of true crime, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking the thrill of the supernatural, Louisville offers something unique and unforgettable. Explore its vibrant past, meet friendly locals, and discover the captivating stories that make Glitter Ball City a must-visit destination. Reading this from out of town? Plan your visit today and let the enchantment of Louisville unveil its mysteries. From Kentuckiana but haven’t explored Old Louisville? Why not step into history and experience the magic yourself?
- Learn more about David and his other works at daviddomine.com
- Book the BEST historic walking and ghost tours with Louisville Historic Tours
- Read the New York Times article featuring our very own Glitter Ball City
- Watch the 2-part HBO documentary, Murder in Glitterball City!
- View our full interview with David Domine in Old Louisville!
If you’ve watched the documentary or when you do, you’ll recognize Angelique X Stacy!! She leads some of the ghosts tours with Louisville Historic Tours now, and we loved meeting her in person. She’s a fellow Louisville mom and teams up with the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana every year in late winter to help the girls earn their Arts Badge. The Scouts attend a special private tour hosted by Angelique and her coworker, Jamie Trie. “It’s been really awesome to see the kids grow up and be able to keep mentoring the younger kids,” Angelique told us.
Make sure to book an historic or ghost tour with them and grab a copy of David’s book if you haven’t already – the best place to find it is in your local bookstore. He’s been doing a lot of recent readings around the area where you can get a signed copy, but we even found signed copies on the shelves in Joseph-Beth bookstore this weekend (located in Cincinnati and Lexington)!
