What do you think?
Rate this book
The Orchid Murder: Untangling a Web of Unsolved Murders and Legal Malpractice
Book is no longer available.
360 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2012
1 person is currently reading
31 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 20, 2016
Unsolved Murders or Unsolved Murder and Accidental Death?
The casual reader of The Orchid Murder Untangling a Web of Unsolved Murders and Legal Malpractice might believe that because the book is classified as “true crime” or “non-fiction” or “regional true crime” it must be true. As is sometimes the case, and particularly so in this case, just because it is in print, does not make it true. Notice the very title of the book, The Orchid Murder Untangling a Web of Unsolved Murders and Legal Malpractice which suggests two unsolved “murders” are connected. Christine Hunt refers to Bob Nachtsheim’s murder and wants you to believe that the death of Larry Strehlow, who was questioned in the Nachtsheim murder investigation, was also murdered. That statement, however, is not supported by the facts.
May 23, 1973 - Larry Strehlow was at a party at Bob, Jr.’s the night before Bob Nachtsheim was shot.
May 29, 1973 - Larry Strehlow was questioned by Lt. D. Hensrud of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) corroborating Dennis Kreuser’s original statement of the same date. (Information taken from MPD Police Report dated May 29, 1973.
August 27, 1978 – Larry Strehlow’s body was found in Roselawn Cemetary with a gravestone laying on him. (Police Report dated August 27, 1978)
August – September, 1978 - Roseville Police Department (RPD) was the investigating jurisdiction. Since this tragedy occurred in Roselawn Cemetary, the same cemetery where Bob Nachtsheim was buried, and the Nachtsheim family home was located in Roseville, and because the Nachtsheim family was aware that Larry Strehlow was at Bob Jr.’s party the night before Bob was shot, they contacted, met with and were interviewed by the RPD. The investigating police found no connection with the murder of Bob Nachtsheim. The RPD conducted an investigation which among other things included several interviews of individuals who were with Larry the evening of August 26, 1978. (RPD reports from same period)
August 28, 1978 – RPD Police Supplementary Report states “it would be almost a straight line from the party, down Victoria, and cutting through the cemetery to his home on Arlington and Victoria”. (RPD Supplementary Report dated August 28, 1973)
September 20, 1978 – Tests were conducted, including the placement of the gravestone back on its base, pushing the stone from south to north, with the result of the stone being pushed over very easily. After the RPD concluded that Larry’s death was accidental, two investigators presented the facts and their conclusion to the Strehlows who accepted the findings as presented and the case was closed. (RPD Police Report dated September 20, 1978)
August 12, 1990 - In a Minneapolis Police Department Summary Report instigated by Daniel Liberko of Faegre & Benson, because of an upcoming civil suit (Norman Wartnick malpractice) and which report is “based upon a review of all existing MPD (Minneapolis Police Department) case files, as well as, written depositions and video taped depositions supplied by Mr. Liberko…It needs to be noted that the outcome of this review could have a significant impact upon the outcome of this civil suit and for this reason Mr. Liberko should be considered a biased source.” The following is said about Larry Strehow’s death:
“in re-enacting this this event, I determined that a ruling of accidental death was probably premature…
“We believe he would have taken a path that would have gone through the cemetery. The path he would most likely have taken, is a considerable distance east of where the body was found. I determined that he could conceivably have been running and ran into the gravestone, flipped over, and have it fall on him.”
(Minneapolis Police Department Summary dated August 12, 1990)
Nowhere, in either the RPD or MPD reports does it conclude murder, that there was any connection between Larry’s death and the murder of Bob Nachtsheim, or that Bob Jr. was a person of interest, suspected in, or was even questioned in Larry’s death.
Is that responsible “true crime”, “non-fiction” or “regional true crime” reporting? Or is it a mere tale spun by Norman Wartnick, Christine Hunt, Right Line Publishing, Jack Wartnick and Tried and True, LLC., in an attempt to undermine the truth to their advantage? Shouldn’t the reader be the judge once provided with all facts?
The casual reader of The Orchid Murder Untangling a Web of Unsolved Murders and Legal Malpractice might believe that because the book is classified as “true crime” or “non-fiction” or “regional true crime” it must be true. As is sometimes the case, and particularly so in this case, just because it is in print, does not make it true. Notice the very title of the book, The Orchid Murder Untangling a Web of Unsolved Murders and Legal Malpractice which suggests two unsolved “murders” are connected. Christine Hunt refers to Bob Nachtsheim’s murder and wants you to believe that the death of Larry Strehlow, who was questioned in the Nachtsheim murder investigation, was also murdered. That statement, however, is not supported by the facts.
May 23, 1973 - Larry Strehlow was at a party at Bob, Jr.’s the night before Bob Nachtsheim was shot.
May 29, 1973 - Larry Strehlow was questioned by Lt. D. Hensrud of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) corroborating Dennis Kreuser’s original statement of the same date. (Information taken from MPD Police Report dated May 29, 1973.
August 27, 1978 – Larry Strehlow’s body was found in Roselawn Cemetary with a gravestone laying on him. (Police Report dated August 27, 1978)
August – September, 1978 - Roseville Police Department (RPD) was the investigating jurisdiction. Since this tragedy occurred in Roselawn Cemetary, the same cemetery where Bob Nachtsheim was buried, and the Nachtsheim family home was located in Roseville, and because the Nachtsheim family was aware that Larry Strehlow was at Bob Jr.’s party the night before Bob was shot, they contacted, met with and were interviewed by the RPD. The investigating police found no connection with the murder of Bob Nachtsheim. The RPD conducted an investigation which among other things included several interviews of individuals who were with Larry the evening of August 26, 1978. (RPD reports from same period)
August 28, 1978 – RPD Police Supplementary Report states “it would be almost a straight line from the party, down Victoria, and cutting through the cemetery to his home on Arlington and Victoria”. (RPD Supplementary Report dated August 28, 1973)
September 20, 1978 – Tests were conducted, including the placement of the gravestone back on its base, pushing the stone from south to north, with the result of the stone being pushed over very easily. After the RPD concluded that Larry’s death was accidental, two investigators presented the facts and their conclusion to the Strehlows who accepted the findings as presented and the case was closed. (RPD Police Report dated September 20, 1978)
August 12, 1990 - In a Minneapolis Police Department Summary Report instigated by Daniel Liberko of Faegre & Benson, because of an upcoming civil suit (Norman Wartnick malpractice) and which report is “based upon a review of all existing MPD (Minneapolis Police Department) case files, as well as, written depositions and video taped depositions supplied by Mr. Liberko…It needs to be noted that the outcome of this review could have a significant impact upon the outcome of this civil suit and for this reason Mr. Liberko should be considered a biased source.” The following is said about Larry Strehow’s death:
“in re-enacting this this event, I determined that a ruling of accidental death was probably premature…
“We believe he would have taken a path that would have gone through the cemetery. The path he would most likely have taken, is a considerable distance east of where the body was found. I determined that he could conceivably have been running and ran into the gravestone, flipped over, and have it fall on him.”
(Minneapolis Police Department Summary dated August 12, 1990)
Nowhere, in either the RPD or MPD reports does it conclude murder, that there was any connection between Larry’s death and the murder of Bob Nachtsheim, or that Bob Jr. was a person of interest, suspected in, or was even questioned in Larry’s death.
Is that responsible “true crime”, “non-fiction” or “regional true crime” reporting? Or is it a mere tale spun by Norman Wartnick, Christine Hunt, Right Line Publishing, Jack Wartnick and Tried and True, LLC., in an attempt to undermine the truth to their advantage? Shouldn’t the reader be the judge once provided with all facts?
April 30, 2013
When I was in high school (many years ago) I read Truman Capote's In Cold Blood, which started a life long love of true crime stories. The thing is, finding really good true crime books is a bit of a challenge. Christine Hunt's The Orchid Murder: Untangling a Web of Unsolved Murders and Legal Malpractice was an interesting entry into this genre. It is really almost a tale of two books, with very different feels for each part.
Ms. Hunt devotes the first half of the book to describing the 1973 murder of Bob Nachtsheim, referred to as The Orchid Murder because he was found in his flower shop, lying in a pool of blood, with a flat of orchids by his side. I was not familiar with this crime or it's outcome, so I found this part of the book fascinating. In addition, Ms. Hunt's description of the outcome of the investigation, the performace of Philip Gainsley, the defendant's lawyer, and it's effect on the life of Norm Wartnick, the defendant was fascinating. Ms. Hunt's background as an investigative journalist really shined through here as her descriptions and explanations were well done.
Once the focus switched to the malpractice trial brought by Joe Frieberh and Jerry Snider, though, the book fell apart for me. At first I was mesmerized by the legal manueverings and backroom deals that seemed to be stacked against the plaintiff's and their lawyers. As the time line unfolded, though, the book began to read like a trial transcript. While this is not a bad thing in and of itself, it began to get quite repetitive and I found myself skimming large sections. I would have liked to see a little less of the trial transcripts and a bit more analysis and explanation.
I will say, though, while reading the book, you were never quite sure which way the final outcome was going to go. In that respect, the author did a great job. In fact, my inability to tell exactly how it would end was the main thing that kept me reading. I also appreciated the follow up that was included in the end, and the numerous explanatory footnotes throughout the book.
In the end, the book left me with a lot of questions regarding the actual unsolved murder (By the way, the title says Unsolved murders, but in fact only one murder was really addressed). I find myself wanting to research the actual murder more to see if there is any addition analysis out there anywhere. In addition, I thought the Legal Malpractice part could have been better handled. I would class this book as a recommended read, but not a highly recommended read.
Ms. Hunt devotes the first half of the book to describing the 1973 murder of Bob Nachtsheim, referred to as The Orchid Murder because he was found in his flower shop, lying in a pool of blood, with a flat of orchids by his side. I was not familiar with this crime or it's outcome, so I found this part of the book fascinating. In addition, Ms. Hunt's description of the outcome of the investigation, the performace of Philip Gainsley, the defendant's lawyer, and it's effect on the life of Norm Wartnick, the defendant was fascinating. Ms. Hunt's background as an investigative journalist really shined through here as her descriptions and explanations were well done.
Once the focus switched to the malpractice trial brought by Joe Frieberh and Jerry Snider, though, the book fell apart for me. At first I was mesmerized by the legal manueverings and backroom deals that seemed to be stacked against the plaintiff's and their lawyers. As the time line unfolded, though, the book began to read like a trial transcript. While this is not a bad thing in and of itself, it began to get quite repetitive and I found myself skimming large sections. I would have liked to see a little less of the trial transcripts and a bit more analysis and explanation.
I will say, though, while reading the book, you were never quite sure which way the final outcome was going to go. In that respect, the author did a great job. In fact, my inability to tell exactly how it would end was the main thing that kept me reading. I also appreciated the follow up that was included in the end, and the numerous explanatory footnotes throughout the book.
In the end, the book left me with a lot of questions regarding the actual unsolved murder (By the way, the title says Unsolved murders, but in fact only one murder was really addressed). I find myself wanting to research the actual murder more to see if there is any addition analysis out there anywhere. In addition, I thought the Legal Malpractice part could have been better handled. I would class this book as a recommended read, but not a highly recommended read.
March 22, 2013
Bob Nachtsheim was the owner of B & B, a wholesale florist business he ventured into after working with Norm Wartnick and learning the trade. Early on May 24th 1973, as he went about his business as usual, removing the orchids from the cool room to let them go to room temperature before working with them, he sensed someone behind him. The shop wasn’t open to the public yet, as it was too early on that Memorial Day Weekend, but he hadn’t heard anyone enter. As he half turned to see who was there, a shotgun blast echoed in the room, and Bob collapsed to the floor, the orchids flying through the air and landing in a tangled heap beside him.
With very little to go on, Norm Wartnick was arrested for Bob’s murder, and so began what would change his life forever. The incompetence of his lawyer, Mr Gainsley, and the fact that at every question Wartnick was asked in the courtroom, Gainsley made him recite the Fifth Amendment, effectively making him unable to defend himself. He also wouldn’t allow him to take a lie detector test, which made the jury (and everyone else) assume he was guilty.
Twelve years down the track, two top litigation lawyers, Jerry Snider and Joe Friedberg, put their careers on hold to work at clearing Wartnick’s name. They could see the incredible wrongs that had been committed throughout the whole process, and during a period which took six years, struggled to right the wrongs of Gainsley toward Wartnick.
The incredible detail thoughout this true story is amazing, the extremely thorough research, and the total dedication, perseverance and care of two top attorneys is heart-warming. There is a lot of legal jargon, but it’s very interesting and well written. I felt really sorry for Norm Wartnick and what he had to endure, how it affected his life, and the lives of his family.
A non-fiction murder story well worthy of a read.
With thanks to NetGalley for this copy to read and review.
With very little to go on, Norm Wartnick was arrested for Bob’s murder, and so began what would change his life forever. The incompetence of his lawyer, Mr Gainsley, and the fact that at every question Wartnick was asked in the courtroom, Gainsley made him recite the Fifth Amendment, effectively making him unable to defend himself. He also wouldn’t allow him to take a lie detector test, which made the jury (and everyone else) assume he was guilty.
Twelve years down the track, two top litigation lawyers, Jerry Snider and Joe Friedberg, put their careers on hold to work at clearing Wartnick’s name. They could see the incredible wrongs that had been committed throughout the whole process, and during a period which took six years, struggled to right the wrongs of Gainsley toward Wartnick.
The incredible detail thoughout this true story is amazing, the extremely thorough research, and the total dedication, perseverance and care of two top attorneys is heart-warming. There is a lot of legal jargon, but it’s very interesting and well written. I felt really sorry for Norm Wartnick and what he had to endure, how it affected his life, and the lives of his family.
A non-fiction murder story well worthy of a read.
With thanks to NetGalley for this copy to read and review.
November 28, 2012
I greatly enjoyed reading the book. The rich material and its events are justly captured in short chapters for the benefit of the reader. Its flowing story carefully handles core legal processes from front to end, documented to preserve the truth and to provide the reader with the actual feel for what was taking place, but summarized in other areas. “Summary Judgment” for example if not clear to the reader at first is masterfully covered in succeeding chapters.
During the course of it all, litigation lawyers of the highest integrity emerge with true care and concern for the client clearly above any compensation. My hat is off to two brilliant and dedicated attorneys and their team.
The book left me with compassion for Norm Warnick in an endurance contest over a lengthy period following the murder and for an appreciation of the perseverance and dedication of the few who pursue justice against the many.
Congratulations to the author in exposing this account!
Jay
During the course of it all, litigation lawyers of the highest integrity emerge with true care and concern for the client clearly above any compensation. My hat is off to two brilliant and dedicated attorneys and their team.
The book left me with compassion for Norm Warnick in an endurance contest over a lengthy period following the murder and for an appreciation of the perseverance and dedication of the few who pursue justice against the many.
Congratulations to the author in exposing this account!
Jay
November 11, 2012
Basically about a thousand pages of convoluted, confusing, poorly organized pages of transcript type chapters. I dropped it after about 300 pages, 100 of which were slimmed. Too bad it was so poorly written, it has all the makings of a great murder mystery. One cannot write a story with using only quotes from transcripts and a few character assignments thrown in here and there.
November 17, 2012
A murder, a lazy arrogant lawyer, and a man's quest to clear his name.
At first I thought the book was moving a little too slowly for me. I also at first got bogged down in the legal terms but it didn't take long for me to get engrossed in the book and hope Norm Wartnick finally got some justice. The writer does know how to spin an intriguing tale.
At first I thought the book was moving a little too slowly for me. I also at first got bogged down in the legal terms but it didn't take long for me to get engrossed in the book and hope Norm Wartnick finally got some justice. The writer does know how to spin an intriguing tale.
February 9, 2013
I had a hard time keeping all of the people in this true story straight. Probably because most of them were lawyers and/or judges. The book is basically a lot of trial transcript for a civil trial. I would have liked some insight into why this happened. Not to mention more information about the actual murder.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews