Will to Murder: The True Story Behind the Crimes & Trials Surrounding the Glensheen Killings [Paperback]

Gail Feichtinger (Author), John Desanto (Author), Gary Waller (Author), John E. Desanto (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: X Communications (July 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 188731721X
• ISBN-13: 978-1887317214
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,095,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Never on a Sunday, March 29, 2004

By 

TundraVision (o/~ from the Land of Sky Blue Waters o/~) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Will to Murder: The True Story Behind the Crimes & Trials Surrounding the Glensheen Killings (Paperback)

On the night of Sunday, June 26, 1977, somebody snuck into the Congdon Mansion in Duluth, MN (featured in the 1972 thriller "You'll Like My Mother") and killed mega-rich Elisabeth Congdon and her nurse. Most folks around here think the murder was perpetrated by Elisabeth's bizarre adopted daughter dearest, Marjorie Congdon LeRoy Caldwell Hagen, and Marge's then-husband, Roger Caldwell.

Nonetheless, Marjorie was acquitted of these murders. And she was never even charged for 2 more murders of which she is almost certainly guilty. The heirs to whom she would forfeit her share of her mother's vast estate "settled" the civil case involving the "slayer statute" [the one that expresses the intent that those who kill their benefactor shalt not benefit.] One can only shake one's head in wonderment and console oneself that although there be imperfect justice on this Earth, certainly Marjorie will answer to a Higher Authority in the Next Life. She has already exhibitted an affinity for Fire in her numerous arsons, for some of which she was actually imprisoned.

This book is a collaboration between former Duluth News-Tribune crime reporter Gail Feichtinger, the Duluth Detective Gary Waller, and the St. Louis Co Prosecutor John DeSanto. With 20/20 hindsight, they courageously lead the reader through the morass of investigative and legal procedure and admit to screw-ups along the way. They explore "what ifs," like DNA testing, which was not developed back in the "Dark Ages" of the 1970's. There are helpful photos and charts and an abbreviated Congdon Family Tree in the back. An Index of all the players would have been nice, but I made my own.

Danger, Will Robinson! And all other Readers, at least those from the Region: Do Not Start Reading this rivetting book on a Sunday evening, if you work a Regular Monday - Friday work week. This book is way too addictive. Better to start on Friday evening and dedicate your weekend to it. It's that engrossing! /TundraVision, Amazon Reviewer, Lone member of My Own Book Club - I read what I want, when I want (except during those unfortunate times when I have to work for a living.)

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read based on first-hand information, November 9, 2003

By 

David Lillehaug (Edina, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Will to Murder: The True Story Behind the Crimes & Trials Surrounding the Glensheen Killings (Paperback)

This book was like reading top-notch fiction; I couldn't put it down even though I knew the ending. The co-authors were the chief investigator and the prosecutor of the Glensheen mansion murders. Their direct participation (including some painful admissions of mistakes made) gives this book enormous credibility. The lead author, a reporter and a lawyer, ties it all together.

The book not only chronicles a double-murder investigation and two trials, it brings the cases up to date with new DNA analysis of critical evidence.

When I checked around, Will to Murder was flying off the shelves here in Minnesota. I suspect it will have legs and get national attention as well.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written, lots of details you can't find elsewhere!, March 15, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Will to Murder: The True Story Behind the Crimes & Trials Surrounding the Glensheen Killings (Paperback)

I loved this book. I thought the attention to detail was what was so spectacular about it. I grew up in Northern Minnesota and I loved hearing every little detail about a story that I have been around my whole life. Who wants to read a "generalized" account of a murder? True life murder investigations and accounts are very detailed, as they should be and this one is no exception. It was great getting all of the extra information that you don't hear about on TV or in the newspapers. I love non-fiction books and I think this one was truly interesting to read. I couldn't put it down even though I knew the ending! Very well written. I highly recommend it.