Grim Paradise: The Cold Case Search for the Mackinac Island Killer

by Rod Sadler

The true crime story of a 1960 murder that rocked a tranquil Michigan vacation spot and the search for justice that followed.

When widow Frances Lacey was murdered in July 1960 on Mackinac Island, only a few meager clues were found by police, and the case soon turned cold. But more than sixty years later, will those same clues finally solve the mystery?

On July 24, 1960, the quaint charm and serenity of Mackinac, nestled between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, was shattered by Lacey’s brutal death. Despite a massive manhunt and thousands of pages of police reports, her killer was never caught.

Now, in Grim Paradise, true crime author Rod Sadler (Killing Women) delves into the secrets of one of Michigan's most perplexing murder cases. Offering an in-depth and suspenseful account of the long-standing mystery, he poses the Could advancements in DNA technology lead to the identity of the Mackinac Island murderer as it did in the case of the Golden State Killer?

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, History

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2023

About the author

Rod Sadler worked as a police officer in mid-Michigan for thirty years before retiring in 2012. He began researching his first book after discovering the story of a brutal 1897 murder in Williamston, Michigan, the town where he had spent his childhood. His great grandfather served as the sheriff at the time of the murder and was an integral part of the investigation.

After returning to college late in his law enforcement career, he discovered his love for writing, and he decided to write about what he knows best...true crime.

In Rod's books, you'll find an enormous amount of research and details that, often times, were never released to the public. His attention to detail allows him to craft intriguing accounts of Michigan murders.

Reviews

[Connie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hard to follow. There are very few transitions from paragraph to paragraph. I found myself wondering who he was writing about and why the information was included where it was. The same information is repeated in different parts of the book, other times a paragraph is many pages behind where it should be. Does that make sense? Probably not, but that’s just like this poorly written book.

[Conrad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used the excuse in the last Rod Sadler book that I read, maybe there wasn't enough information on this case to write a book and that's why there was so much repetition, unrelated cases discussed, and history about random things included. At this point, he may not just be a good storyteller. Id did inspire me to take a trip to the island when my southern friend visits in August, though. One thing, why when Frances Lacey went missing did her family decide not to take the path she said she was going to travel, but search another path in case she changed her mind? And multiple days to search such a small island to find the body seems weak, too.

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grim Paradise is the story of Frances Lacey who went for a walk on Mackinac Island's early in the morning telling her family she would meet them later. On July 24, 1960, Frances Lacey never returned and was tragically and violently murdered whilst on holiday.
Rod Sadler has access to the actual police file regarding the murder and in this book focuses on the investigation of the suspects who may have been responsible for her death.
Sadler brings the reader hope that one day the advanced DNA technology will solve the Frances Lacey murder and bring closure to the victim's family. I enjoyed reading this book as it is a suspenseful, page turning account of a 63-year-old mystery, which includes some of Mackinac Island's deepest darkest secrets. I am part of the ARC group for WildBlue Press and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing story (although the ending is inevitable, since it's still considered a cold case). Unfortunately it's often hard to follow the tangents and seems fruitless at times.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rod Sadler writes about a cold murder case from the 1960s

As a fan of True Crime books, and documentaries, and reading a book by Sadler before, I wanted to read his other books as well. Sadler is a retired police officer and now writes about true crime cases from Michigan. Sadler writes the story how it should be written. It's about the case, hoping for clues to solve this case, or if it could link to other cases, and to finally give answers to the family. Grim Paradise is about the Mackinac Island Killer. The missing person Frances Lacey was found dead after days of searching this small island. The research, the investigators, the suspects and family and friends were written with respect and intriguing information. An interesting book all the way to the end. The author explains how the FBI profiled the case and continues to look for leads, even years after it is considered a cold case. It shows that even though something is a cold case, it is not forgotten. A small island where locals and tourists enjoy the quaintness and assume that things like this aren't supposed to happen here. And now, it is a legend of the island, but knowing someone lost their mother, sister, and friend on a day like any other day. GRIM PARADISE The Cold Case Search for the Mackinac Island Killer is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. I look forward to reading many more titles by this author. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.

[Judy Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is entirely different from my normal recreational reading. That's not meaning a bad thing. Although, with so many details, it was a little harder to follow. I can tell that the author seemed to study this crime thoroughly. Good job! It's also obvious to me that the author is a retired cop. He writes as how you would think an investigator thinks! This story of Frances Lacey reminds us of so many unsolved crimes of the past, and present. So many missing people... I hope the future will produce more solved cases with all of the technology we have now. Even though this is a gruesome subject, being able to know the facts to put your own mind to some kind of rest, is satisfying.

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of the murder of a wealthy widow on Mackinac Island back in 1960. It happened the year I was born and Michigan is my home state. I spent part of my honeymoon on Mackinac Island and it’s one of my favorite places. It’s a detailed account of the investigation through the years, different suspects and things that happened in the investigation. There were more murders going on back then than I imagined. It’s very informative and asks the question if this can still be solved like many other cold cases.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

…will never see the island in the same way again

Having visited Mackinac Island so many times, I was absolutely familiar with all the locations noted in this murder investigation. It was chilling to me to think I had walked these same paths and roads. I have always felt so safe on the island but now, I will never see the island in the same way. Now there is a dark side.

[Sally Vrooman Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished Grim Paradise by Rod Sadler. The story itself—the mystery of the murder on Mackinac Island—was definitely interesting and kept me turning the pages. However, I found the book a bit confusing at times because it went into detail about several other murders in Michigan. With all those extra cases mixed in, it was hard for me to stay focused on the main story.

[Kathleen W. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to follow but still not giving the necessary information. I wasted a day on this and don't feel I learned much. Well, I did learn how low prices were in the early 1960s but that wasn't the topic of the book.

[Denise Spicer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lots of details about Mackinac Island and the murder of Frances Lacey, but disappointing because the case is unsolved. Includes Bibliography, some B/W photos. Would have been nice to include map of the island.

[Suzin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty fascinating. I have been going to Mackinac Island all of my life and just this year heard about the murder. In reading the book i recognized so many places and areas. Seems like with technology that something could come along to help finally solve the case.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average cold case book. Was of interest to me because I’m a Michigander and love Mackinac.

[Carol Freer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michigander

One of my favorite places in Michigan. Its beauty and history lost in time. So sad that such a horrific murder of an innocent lady. That was unsolved!!

[Karen Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

It was interesting to read how crimes are solved but very disappointing to know this crime was never solved. I've always wanted to go to Mackinac Island.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very thorough but hard to follow

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put this book down

I was riveted by the story from page 1. It may be because I have always loved vacationing In upper Michigan and visiting Mackinac island. I had never heard about this murder. Couldn't wait to finish the book to find out who the murderer might possibly be! Now I can't wait to read more by this author!

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

fascinating and frustrating

An old and forgotten cold case - still cold, still unsolved - is dissected.

Ah, if only the collected physical trace evidence could be found!

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

The information in this book is great. Sadler has clearly down his research and left no stone inturned. However, the organization of this book makes me want to gouge my eyes out.

[Marlyn G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing book, but difficult to follow sometimes.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, very informative

[Denise Hoag · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives you a whole new perspective on a beautiful island.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A peek into the exhaustive hunt for a killer. And there are so very many people who seem quite capable of having done in poor widow Francis on her humble holiday weekend.

[S. Willett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a terrible take away, but I was surprised how many criminal-type people work on the island. Many other interesting details kept me turning the pages.

[Marianne Hetzer Hawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very thorough coverage of nearly every lead and tip received after the heinous murder of a day visitor to Mackinac. Rather tedious and discouraging.

[Claire Tauscher Daidone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was somewhat repetitive, hard to follow. Sad that the case has never been solved.

[Heather Rosales · Rating 3 out of 5]

his writing style isn't great and SPOILERS




IT'S STILL UNSOLVED

[Smc · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 1 out of 5]

2nd disappointing book from Sadler

Recently, I read Killing Women by Rod Sadler. The book was mediocre at best. This book was equally as bad, if not worse. I didn’t know anything about this murder, so being a former Grand Hotel employee from 1995-1996, I was interested in learning about this case. I wasted a day reading this book and it’s time I will never get back. Save your money and time, it wasn’t worth the read.