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Murder at Minnesota Point
Billed as the crime of the century in 1894, Murder at Minnesota Point tells the twisted, sensational true story of a young, unidentified woman found slain on the isolated sandy shores of Minnesota Point, Duluth, Minn. For two weeks, her corpse was displayed for public viewing in hopes of discovering her identity. After she was buried in an unnamed pauper’s grave, her assailant breathed a temporary sigh of relief. Over the next two years, city detectives pursued numerous suspects from every corner of the country. The manhunt captivated a nation enthralled with the sensational details and deepening intrigue.
Only by chance, an overlooked satchel containing incriminating evidence was brought forth, breaking open the case. Speculation suggested that the wanted man was a bigamist and a serial killer, having dashed his first wife in 1890 and two other people in 1893. His evil past included chumming with the infamous Minneapolis killer Harry Hayward. The two men may have acted together in dispatching the woman in Duluth. Murder at Minnesota Point is the result of the author’s exhaustive 10-year study that traces the villain’s descent into ruin. The engrossing story of a long-forgotten murder is one that the reader will not soon forget.
Only by chance, an overlooked satchel containing incriminating evidence was brought forth, breaking open the case. Speculation suggested that the wanted man was a bigamist and a serial killer, having dashed his first wife in 1890 and two other people in 1893. His evil past included chumming with the infamous Minneapolis killer Harry Hayward. The two men may have acted together in dispatching the woman in Duluth. Murder at Minnesota Point is the result of the author’s exhaustive 10-year study that traces the villain’s descent into ruin. The engrossing story of a long-forgotten murder is one that the reader will not soon forget.
182 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 27, 2024
A well-researched, well-written historical account of 19th-century serial killer, James Alsop, (who killed a woman on Minnesota Point.) Most surprising for me is that Alsop met and may have associated with Harry Hayward who was hanged for the contract murder of a woman in the 1890s. Hayward was also a sociopath and claimed in his last days to be a serial killer, though I concluded he was too cowardly to carry through. (The murder he was convicted of he manipulated, threatened, and paid a proxy to commit.) Where did he get the idea of being a cold, calculating murderer for profit? Possibly from James Alsop.
February 25, 2022
This is true crime from the 1890s. A sick killer, and a demented brutal murder of a young woman is revealed. But no one has any clue who she is for some time. When they finally ID her, the chase is on for the killer. The suspense builds and one likely suspect after another is run to ground. This ARC has a lot of multiple run-together words which is distracting, I hope they are gone in the books coming out on publication day. It’s still a good story that I never would have heard of, so I’m glad to have read it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2022
Jeffrey M. Sauve proves crazed twists and turns exist not only in works of fiction in this expertly researched, true-crime tome. The body of an unidentified female is found dead on a sandy stretch of beach outside Duluth in the second half of August 1894. Let award-winning author and noted historian Jeff Sauve guide you on an unforgettable journey through one of Minnesota’s most bizarre murder mysteries.
Having once lived in Duluth, and having been to Minnesota Point, I enjoyed paging through the historical photographs Sauve includes in his book.
Thank You to North Star Editions for the advance reading copy!
Having once lived in Duluth, and having been to Minnesota Point, I enjoyed paging through the historical photographs Sauve includes in his book.
Thank You to North Star Editions for the advance reading copy!
May 3, 2022
A woman's body turns up on a beach in Duluth, Minn., in 1894. With an eye for details and crisp writing, Jeff Sauve grabbed this reader's attention for a harrowing nonfiction ride -- almost like sitting on detectives' shoulders as they navigate dead ends and prime (then un-prime) suspects and ultimately find resolution nearly 130 years later. If you like true-crime storytelling, you'll like turning these pages.
July 13, 2022
Jeffrey Sauve, the author of this true crime story about a murder in Duluth before the turn of the century, became captivated by this little-known case and spent years researching and writing Murder at Minnesota Point. Throughout the book, the efforts of his research become clear as he gives us a richly detailed story of the murder of Lena Olson and the almost two-year search for her killer.
I especially found it amazing that the killer was eventually found, at a time with no forensics or fingerprints, no central repository of information, no photographs. Where the book didn't work for me was the occasional asides and side stories that, while interesting, took focus away from the main story. 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my new blog "I Love True Crime Books"
I especially found it amazing that the killer was eventually found, at a time with no forensics or fingerprints, no central repository of information, no photographs. Where the book didn't work for me was the occasional asides and side stories that, while interesting, took focus away from the main story. 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my new blog "I Love True Crime Books"
August 21, 2022
I was wondering how the people would find the killer of Lena Olson. I know that they had her in body in Duluth for several days open to the public so that they could identify her, but until they went to Minneapolis they couldn't identify her. What they found out was that she got married to a man and then went out onto Oa-at-ka Beach where she was found by a boy, half buried in the sand. The found that a man who went by the name of A. A. Austin (an Englishman) had other names that he used but they couldn't find him for several years. They went to Ohio to look at a man but he wasn't tall enough. 1894 is the year they found the body. The found that a man named James B. Allsop alias Albert A. Austin alias Albert Ellenson was the person who killed Lena. He traveled though out the United States and was found in Seattle. Where he was apprehended and committed suicide. It was a tail of a man who killed for money. It's a story of all those who were involved in the capture of Allsop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2022
A short true-crime detailing the murder of Lena Olson in Duluth, Minnesota, 1894. She was found on a beach and remained unidentified. This is a rather straightforward narrative of the police procedures of the times, how they went about identifying the body, the perpetrator and ultimately finding him. Recommended mostly to those interested in Minnesota history.
June 13, 2022
A great historical book about a murder in my hometown. The author brought forth a lot of historical documentation to support the facts. He did an excellent job of bringing voice to a victim that time could have erased. Thank you for writing her story.
Thank you to North Star Editions for a digital ARC book via NetGalley.
Thank you to North Star Editions for a digital ARC book via NetGalley.
December 6, 2022
There obviously wasn't much of a story to tell about this murder as the author went off onto other things about the life of the man who was finally arrested for the crime. It was hard to even finish this book
July 20, 2023
DNF. This book read a little too textbook for me. It was well researched and very detailed but I couldn't quite get past the scholarly vibe. Which was a big disappointment after the introduction which had such a great story vibe to it.
March 12, 2024
Wasn’t too impressed with this one. The story is interesting, but the book was boring. Read like a documentary. I’d rather watch it than read it.
July 16, 2022
Read my full review here: http://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot.c...
Minnesota Point is one of the showcase spots in Duluth Minnesota, my home town. Sticking out in the harbor between Duluth and Superior Wisconsin, it is the best picnic and swimming spot on the few days that the weather is warm enough for such adventures. The Park Point neighborhood is connected to the main part of the city of Duluth by the famous Aerial Life Bridge (the only still-working bridge like it in the world.) When the murder on Minnesota Point occurred, however, people got to Park Point (its common name) by several different ferry systems.
Archivist Jeffrey Sauve became intrigued with the story of the murder of Lena Olson on the Minnesota Point beach, which happened in the summer of 1894, and decided to explore the story further. The murder was called the “crime of the century,” and it’s long, involved solution forms the basis of the book. Sauve’s research lasted ten years.
After she was found dead on the beach, the victim remained anonymous for a considerable time, and the coroner left her body for the community to see for several days before she was identified. When she finally was identified as Lena Olson, she was buried in a pauper’s grave. Slowly, the potential killer was identified, and two years later the crime was solved by skilled (for the day) detective work.
Sauve very carefully takes the case to its fitting, although unsatisfying, conclusion when the villain commits suicide in jail. He says in the introduction that “the following narrative is faithful to its unfolding, and quotations are verbatim as printed in various period newspapers. Discrepancies between sources are explained in chapter endnotes. She is remembered.”
I was very intrigued by the crime, of course, because I know the area so well from my childhood, when I was on that beach many times and had been on the beach just last summer with three grandchildren. However, I had never heard about the murder. I kept my phone close to my side as I was reading, so I could Google relevant information. For instance, I had never heard the term “O-at-ka” Beach, which was the name of the beach where the body was found. We just always called it Park Point.
The most exciting part of the narrative for me was the detailed exploration of detective work in the last years of the 19th century. One would think that information would be extremely limited by distance and the ways in which information was shared. This particular case had detectives traveling from Duluth to Minneapolis to Chicago to Tacoma Washington. The detectives would hop on the train to travel to points all over the country, because the suspect was a very well-traveled scoundrel. Information was shared via telegraph, but of course, Sauve had modern day access to newspapers from all over the country and used these 21st century technologies to follow the story. Those details were fascinating.
I will definitely explore the sites of the book when I return to Duluth this fall. True-crime aficionados and lovers of Minnesota history will celebrate Murder at Minnesota Point, which was published this week. Kudos to Jeffrey Sauve for his skilled detective work and page-turning writing.
Minnesota Point is one of the showcase spots in Duluth Minnesota, my home town. Sticking out in the harbor between Duluth and Superior Wisconsin, it is the best picnic and swimming spot on the few days that the weather is warm enough for such adventures. The Park Point neighborhood is connected to the main part of the city of Duluth by the famous Aerial Life Bridge (the only still-working bridge like it in the world.) When the murder on Minnesota Point occurred, however, people got to Park Point (its common name) by several different ferry systems.
Archivist Jeffrey Sauve became intrigued with the story of the murder of Lena Olson on the Minnesota Point beach, which happened in the summer of 1894, and decided to explore the story further. The murder was called the “crime of the century,” and it’s long, involved solution forms the basis of the book. Sauve’s research lasted ten years.
After she was found dead on the beach, the victim remained anonymous for a considerable time, and the coroner left her body for the community to see for several days before she was identified. When she finally was identified as Lena Olson, she was buried in a pauper’s grave. Slowly, the potential killer was identified, and two years later the crime was solved by skilled (for the day) detective work.
Sauve very carefully takes the case to its fitting, although unsatisfying, conclusion when the villain commits suicide in jail. He says in the introduction that “the following narrative is faithful to its unfolding, and quotations are verbatim as printed in various period newspapers. Discrepancies between sources are explained in chapter endnotes. She is remembered.”
I was very intrigued by the crime, of course, because I know the area so well from my childhood, when I was on that beach many times and had been on the beach just last summer with three grandchildren. However, I had never heard about the murder. I kept my phone close to my side as I was reading, so I could Google relevant information. For instance, I had never heard the term “O-at-ka” Beach, which was the name of the beach where the body was found. We just always called it Park Point.
The most exciting part of the narrative for me was the detailed exploration of detective work in the last years of the 19th century. One would think that information would be extremely limited by distance and the ways in which information was shared. This particular case had detectives traveling from Duluth to Minneapolis to Chicago to Tacoma Washington. The detectives would hop on the train to travel to points all over the country, because the suspect was a very well-traveled scoundrel. Information was shared via telegraph, but of course, Sauve had modern day access to newspapers from all over the country and used these 21st century technologies to follow the story. Those details were fascinating.
I will definitely explore the sites of the book when I return to Duluth this fall. True-crime aficionados and lovers of Minnesota history will celebrate Murder at Minnesota Point, which was published this week. Kudos to Jeffrey Sauve for his skilled detective work and page-turning writing.
June 16, 2022
A Riveting Period Read
1894. Duluth, MN. On the shores of Lake Superior.
I would say that I am very familiar with the northern 'Twin Ports' region where Wisconsin and Minnesota meet. I am also a frequent consumer of true crime. Therefore, when Murder at Minnesota Point cropped up on my radar, I did not need a description to know that I needed to read it.
What. A. Whirlwind.
Ten+ years in the making, Jeffery Suave has done his research on the Minnesota Point Jane Doe. And it shows. Dizzying at times, Suave takes us start to finish through the chain of events that swept the nation. He starts by painting a picture of life in the times, introducing us to our cast of characters before plunging readers into a gripping narrative with dead ends and unexpected twists that reads like a film script. Interspersed with photographs and articles from the period, 200 pages flew by in the blink of an eye.
As highlighted in his introduction, I thought I knew the area- turns out there is always more to learn.
Respectfully written, Murder at Minnesota Point is a compelling read for anyone who enjoys true crime, history, the siren call of the big lake, and is looking for a break from the infamous 'Congdon Murders'.
I give this read a 4/5 for pacing, research, and readability. Definitely something I can see myself revisiting. I'd give it a 4.5 if I could. The only detractor would be information overload. In the course of a few paragraphs, I would find myself between Duluth, Minneapolis, Seattle, or Tacoma to name but a few places and need to go back and reread the connections I'd missed. The same can be said for characters, especially tricky when you start getting into the realm of multiple suspects and aliases.
I sincerely hope Suave continues to publish and will keep an eye out for any future publications!
[Thank you NetGalley and North Star Editions for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
1894. Duluth, MN. On the shores of Lake Superior.
I would say that I am very familiar with the northern 'Twin Ports' region where Wisconsin and Minnesota meet. I am also a frequent consumer of true crime. Therefore, when Murder at Minnesota Point cropped up on my radar, I did not need a description to know that I needed to read it.
What. A. Whirlwind.
Ten+ years in the making, Jeffery Suave has done his research on the Minnesota Point Jane Doe. And it shows. Dizzying at times, Suave takes us start to finish through the chain of events that swept the nation. He starts by painting a picture of life in the times, introducing us to our cast of characters before plunging readers into a gripping narrative with dead ends and unexpected twists that reads like a film script. Interspersed with photographs and articles from the period, 200 pages flew by in the blink of an eye.
As highlighted in his introduction, I thought I knew the area- turns out there is always more to learn.
Respectfully written, Murder at Minnesota Point is a compelling read for anyone who enjoys true crime, history, the siren call of the big lake, and is looking for a break from the infamous 'Congdon Murders'.
I give this read a 4/5 for pacing, research, and readability. Definitely something I can see myself revisiting. I'd give it a 4.5 if I could. The only detractor would be information overload. In the course of a few paragraphs, I would find myself between Duluth, Minneapolis, Seattle, or Tacoma to name but a few places and need to go back and reread the connections I'd missed. The same can be said for characters, especially tricky when you start getting into the realm of multiple suspects and aliases.
I sincerely hope Suave continues to publish and will keep an eye out for any future publications!
[Thank you NetGalley and North Star Editions for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
May 1, 2022
In “Murder at Minnesota point” we learned about a nicely dressed woman who was found beneath debris on the beach at a local swimming and tourist place called the point. Not only do we find out her name was Lana Olson and it was tied to another murder in Los Angeles California of Catherine ging. With multiple suspects they finally get it down to one but that isn’t where the story ends in over the story it is. I love historical true crime it is one of my favorite genres and I think this historian Gregory M Suave did a great job. I had heard the story on other podcasts and true crime books but you can tell Mr. Suave did his due diligence when it comes to research it’s speaking for myself I completely appreciate it. I can see how he got obsessed with the story because I found it absolutely intriguing. I gave it five stars and it deserves every one of them I was given this book by Net Galley and I’m leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any grammar or punctuation errors as I am blind and dictate my review but all opinions are definitely my own.
August 28, 2022
A very intersting and true story in the investigation of a long unsolved murder having taken place on the shores of The Point in Duluth Minnesota in 1894. Jeffrey M. Sauve, an archivist for both St Olaf College and the Norwegian-American Historical Society located in Northfield Minnesota, spotted an article in the digitized historic newspapers of 1894 where a young woman, Lena Olson, was found dead on the beach at The Point park area. The book follows the tale of the investigation into Lena's life, and the pursuit of her killer by noted investigators of the day. The book includes prints and plates, of boats of the Duluth Harbor, the police stations and courthouses of the day (1894) and insights into the lives of the people who knew Lena Olson. The investive pursuit takes the storyline from Duluth to many various cities across the United States from New York, Chicago, St Louis, Idaho and Washington state. Many colloquialism of the day used, such as "grass widow" which is a married woman living away from her husband. An overall interesting read!
May 14, 2023
After five months of waiting, I enjoyed my first foray into the “true crime” genre. I placed this book on hold when our library’s year-long reading program suggested “true crime” as the first genre for 2023. Of course, this being a brand new book by a notable Minnesota author, I was not alone in my desire to read it. (I believe I was something like twenty-fourth in the queue??)
The book itself was both well-written and well-paced, made even more engaging by my knowledge of the exact spot on Minnesota Point where this horrendous crime took place. Learning another piece of the history and lore of a tourist spot in the beloved (at least by our family) city of Duluth was a rare treat. An easy and intriguing weekend read!
The book itself was both well-written and well-paced, made even more engaging by my knowledge of the exact spot on Minnesota Point where this horrendous crime took place. Learning another piece of the history and lore of a tourist spot in the beloved (at least by our family) city of Duluth was a rare treat. An easy and intriguing weekend read!
May 22, 2024
Having lived in or near Duluth most of my life, I was disappointed in many of the people written about in this book. They didn't seem very "Minnesota Nice".
However, the detail was excellent and the photos fascinating. The only detractor was the footnotes included in the chapters interfered with the flow and were redundant since they were all reiterated at the end of the book.
I'm glad I read it and it's not the first time hearing about crime near the waterfront in Duluth. I used to swim when I was a child right were Ms Olson was found more than 50 years before I was born. Gives me the willies today.
However, the detail was excellent and the photos fascinating. The only detractor was the footnotes included in the chapters interfered with the flow and were redundant since they were all reiterated at the end of the book.
I'm glad I read it and it's not the first time hearing about crime near the waterfront in Duluth. I used to swim when I was a child right were Ms Olson was found more than 50 years before I was born. Gives me the willies today.
January 9, 2024
It's a really fascinating case and I'm happy that Sauve told this poor woman's story when she was pretty much all but forgotten. She deserves to have her story told, and I am delighted to see Sauve was very passionate about the case.
However, the way that this was written was very technical, matter of fact, and dry. It wasn't very compelling which is unfortunate because it's a very interesting case. There were also several asides that felt like their personality was to make this a full book and they really had nothing to do with the case.
However, the way that this was written was very technical, matter of fact, and dry. It wasn't very compelling which is unfortunate because it's a very interesting case. There were also several asides that felt like their personality was to make this a full book and they really had nothing to do with the case.
April 9, 2024
An interesting read about an 1894 Duluth, Minnesota, murder that threatened to be unsolved...but was finally brought to an end. I particularly liked having lots of images - although some were generic, such as "typical horse and buggy" - but not much choice in that time period. Good writing from an experienced author.
He also wrote that "Proceeds from the book will benefit a fitting memorial stone to be placed at Lena's grave," which is so kind.
He also wrote that "Proceeds from the book will benefit a fitting memorial stone to be placed at Lena's grave," which is so kind.
January 2, 2026
I was excited about this as it looked like a good story and was a selection for my new job's book club - specifically from Stacy T, my second preceptor. But it was not good and not written well. It did reference the Hinckley fire, which was a great book, but this was so bad I didn't want to continue hardly after the first few pages. Very disappointing and could've been very interesting as a true crime murder in the 1890s.
April 13, 2022
A fascinating story clearly compiled through incredible research, “Murder at Minnesota Point,” is a true crime tale so rich with history it could double as a text book. Sauve’s descriptive writing along with his obvious care for the story gave me the feeling I was watching the mystery play out in real time. This is a Minnesota true crime story that you don’t want to miss!
July 3, 2022
In this well written and throughly researched book, Jeffrey M. Sauve takes us on a journey through the past. A true crime long-forgotten, the identification of the victim and the search for the killer take you on twists and turns. For those who enjoy history, mystery and suspense, it’s worth reading!
August 16, 2022
Interesting story of a cold case! I enjoyed reading through this one, the case breakthroughs, and the different information presented.
This short novel is packed with great information and details the case as it endures years of slow-moving moments, finally gaining some momentum.
A perfect weekend read.
This short novel is packed with great information and details the case as it endures years of slow-moving moments, finally gaining some momentum.
A perfect weekend read.
September 22, 2022
Better than three stars but not quite four. It definitely tells the factual story and adds some interesting historical context, but is just not particularly well written if you're looking to "experience" the intrigue of the time and place. There are many better true crime works to be read, but this was enjoyable because of the familiarity of the location(s).
December 20, 2025
5 stars for the hard work that went into researching this and the accuracy of resources, footnotes, and annotations. I enjoyed the history presented. 2 stars for entertainment value. It was boring, unorganized, and messy. So many dates and names thrown all over the place. I wish it was presented in chronological order or have a time-line illustration.
February 16, 2023
I guess I had expected quite a bit more from this writer. I struggled to get through it, frankly. It seemed to jump around a lot, like the protagonist. There were odd sidebars added as well. Did he do it? I don’t think they had clear evidence. But you decide.
February 28, 2025
Definitely an interesting bit of history that I didn’t know before. I would have liked more information about the woman murdered in addition to the search story. Quick read. Worth it if you’re into this kind of book.
November 24, 2025
I don’t like historical books but I liked how well written this was; it read quick like a fiction book and it was so well researched. Being from Minnesota I loved hearing the places I’ve been and wanting to go visit these places more and relate it to the book.
January 16, 2026
*read for Book Club*
This was an interesting account of a cold-case in the late nineteenth century! The author did a lot of research in order to complete this story, and I thought it was very well done. Lena Olson will be remembered!
This was an interesting account of a cold-case in the late nineteenth century! The author did a lot of research in order to complete this story, and I thought it was very well done. Lena Olson will be remembered!
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March 28, 2022One of the best-researched crime stories I have had the pleasure to read. This is not a genre I delve into only the reviews were so positive I could not resist and glad I decided upon my decision.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews