Murder in Minnesota: A Collection of True Cases

by Walter N. Trenerry

"My investigation of Minnesota murders over the years revealed no new motives for killing anyone. The old ones are perfectly satisfactory. . . . I hope you will find these murders interesting. I regret that I could not report the most ingenious and remarkable ones. They looked like accidents or natural deaths and were never discovered."—Walter N. Trenerry

Murder in Minnesota features some of the state's most infamous criminals—a collection of fascinating and disagreeable characters usually ignored by historians. They live again in these pages as the conniving, clever, mad, or pitiful creatures they were. Fifteen chapters—involving both well-known and obscure practitioners of the deadly art—tell the stories of Ann Blansky, the only woman hanged in Minnesota; the famous Younger brothers, who with the James boys robbed the Northfield bank in 1876; the six Arbogast women of St. Paul, who kept a murderous secret that still remains undisclosed; and many more.

Praise for Murder in Minnesota:

"You should not overlook this exemplary work."—New York Times Book Review

"An exemplary treatment of regional history as revealed by the spotlight of crime. Would that the other . . . state historical societies might follow Minnesota's noble example!"—Anthony Boucher, Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine

"A fine example of true-crime writing for all devotees of that form."—San Francisco Chronicle

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

264 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 1962

Reviews

[Kris Schaefer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t think it was possible to make a boring book about murders, but Walter Trenerry managed to do just that. This is a painfully dull book, written in 1962 and reprinted in 1985. It never should have been reprinted without being totally re-written. I am convinced there is nothing you could do to fix this book. It is racist with no cultural sensitivity and blatantly sexist. Not a book I would recommend. You might wonder why I bought the book and why I kept reading it. Sometimes I wondered too. I bought the book to research the murder of Mary Fridley and kept reading for further research into interesting and “unusual“ Minnesota history. This certainly was not interesting.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. I couldn't do it.

The font was unfriendly. The subject matter, although promising, fell short.

[Amy Winsand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thoroughly interesting book, well researched, and written with detailed descriptions of the murderers and their victims - amazingly so, considering he began in the 1850's, and ended in 1906. And, as Trenerry writes: "Minnesota murders over the years revealed no new motives for killing anyone. The old ones are perfectly satisfactory."

He covers 15 cases. They involve ax murders, gunshot murders, knives, and even the nearest rock when a push over a cliff didn't result in immediate death. And, it is so satisfying to learn that so many of these "best laid plans" resulted in arrests and guilty convictions. Back in the day, that usually meant hanging, even if the guilty party was a "most handsome woman."

It was interesting that the first case identifying the victim using their false teeth occurred in 1872, after most of the remains were burned. Their investigative methods and interrogations were impressive, bringing witnesses from Montana, California, etc., to testify - back when travel was mainly by train or carriage. Prosecutors and judges were rarely deterred by claims of insanity or drunkenness as an excuse for murder.

Overall, this was definitely a great read, not only for the murder mystery angle, but also the historical perspective showing how attitudes and laws have changed over the course of time. Capital punishment ended in Minnesota in 1911. However, sadly, lynching by mobs, did not. I'd certainly recommend this book to anyone interested in this subject.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an older copy of this book back in the 80s. Imagine my surprise to learn that the first murder/trial in Minnesota was about a murder that happened down the street from where we lived! I had never heard a thing about it and it was news to all with whom I shared the story. Since then, Henry Kreigler's unmarked grave was accidentally located while excavating for Trail's Travel Center along I35. Kreigler was still in his handcuffs and the story of the murder/trial was resurrected. His handcuffs reside at the museum in Freeborn County.

[Laurie]

Different murders that happened in different areas of Minnesota. I liked this read. I enjoy reading different things about Minnesota, even the bad.

[Brigitte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing was very technical and dry, but it does provide a good history of Minnesota. It was interesting to read, but not a very quick read. Just never drew me in like I was hoping it would.

[Beth Broich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a neighbor I loved like a Grandfather and whose intelligence & humor I respect greatly, this was a must read for me. It did not disappoint.