Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.)

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.

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.

As a true crime book fan I always wondered why no one wrote about this murder. You have a rich well known victim - a out of control, greedy daughter who gets away with murder.

This book is well written and for the first time the whole story of the murders, as well as plenty of back ground into the killers is given.

The historical back ground of the Condon family and others is intermixed within the plot and unlike most crime stories was worth reading.

Great read, filled with insider details of the infamous Condgon murders, and a fascinating look at a twisted killer recently released from prison. This book proves the adage that truth is stranger than fiction.

If this book were fiction, I might dump it for being completely unbelievable. Most people would think, "No one could possibly do all that." Unfortunately for Miss Elizabeth and her nurse, it was not fiction.

I had been told it was boring--and horrible to read. I got it from the library and soon realized I couldn't put it down. I bought my own copy (online!) and couldn't wait to finish it. I have since loaned it to friends across the country (many are on the waiting list).

If a reader doesn't like non-fiction where the authors really include their deep-down feelings, then he or she might not like this. If someone just wants to read what seems like an inconceivable story, this should be perfect.

While I was in college at the University of MN-Duluth, I worked as a tour guide at Glensheen. I have seen some of these things (i.e. the murder weapon, blood stains, etc.) first hand. This is a very gripping account of the tragedy that happened that night. Although tedious at times, it was very interesting to read what happened behind the scenes to build the case against the Caldwells. Also, it was amazing that the authors had DNA testing done to some evidence and the results were interesting. That woman is crazy (in my opinion), and this book gives you a very detailed account of how she grew up and how she could spend money like it was water. I would, and have, recommended this book to everyone that has interest in Glensheen.

It's seldom you get to read a compelling story about something that happened in your own backyard, but my book club here in St. Paul had the opportunity with "Will to Murder." We enjoyed how it took us, step by step, through the gruesome murders, the investigation and the prosecutions. I especially appreciated how the detective and prosecuting attorney openly acknowledged mistakes they had made. It would be a great book for anyone interested in the law or police work. What really keeps you reading, however, is the fascinating story of Marjorie Caldwell Hagen herself. You can't wait to see what she does next. Who knows -- more may be coming now that she just got released from prison.

But what if one has no conscience?

Marjorie Congdon was born to unwed, teenage parents in North Carolina. Elisabeth Congdon - a wealthy, childless woman - adopted Marjorie. Marjorie grew up in a mansion on the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota. She had every advantage. What could go wrong?

A lot went wrong. Marjorie is a sociopath and a criminal. She manipulated her three husbands, her seven children, and anyone else unlucky enough to cross her path. She wildly spent millions and constantly badgered her mother for more. In 1977, Elisabeth Congdon was murdered; Marjorie and her husband were the prime suspects.

Will to Murder truly is stranger than fiction. The book is difficult to put down because Marjorie ricochets from one sinister plot to the next. Readers will be frightened to learn how often Marjorie has broken the law without penalty.

The authors did a great job of researching Marjorie's twisted life. All three authors were heavily involved in the Elisabeth Congdon murder case and each offers personal insight on Marjorie. Readers should try to find the 3rd edition of the book because it contains updates on Marjorie's most-recent crimes.

While Will to Murder is good, it is too long. It's 418 pages should have been cut to about 300. Also, the book starts a little slowly before it "grabs" the reader.

True crime books are like desserts - they're not good for you, but they're so enjoyable. True crime fans should read Will to Murder.

This book is extremely well-written, which is rare for true crime books. I was so relieved to find a book with proper grammar, sentence construction, proper use of punctuation and lack of exclamation points, that I would have enjoyed it even it the story had not caught my interest.

But it did, the story of the murders in Minnesota in 1977 is a good one and you will root heavily for the prosecution and wince at their various errors, oversights and slip-ups.

Sometimes it is amazing to think in this modern age that anyone was ever convicted of anything before forensics took leaps and bounds forward in the 80's and 90's. But they were and this case was presented as best as possible, under the circumstances. Just think what cell phone records would have done to help solve this case.

In any event, a very absorbing book; it is a long book but not overlong, like some, as this one does not repeat info, there is simply a lot of info to present.

No complaints from me on this one and I have been very disappointed by books of late.