To Have and To Kill: Nurse Melanie McGuire, an Illicit Affair, and the Gruesome Murder of Her Husband

by John Glatt

The master of true crime returns, John Glatt's To Have and To Kill tells the story of a marriage that turned deadly One by one, three waterlogged suitcases were pulled from the Chesapeake Bay. In each were body parts of a man. In a forensics room, the truth was William McGuire had been horribly murdered and dismembered.William and his loving wife, a registered nurse named Melanie, had just closed on their New Jersey dream home. Little did William know about the nightmare that was in store… For Melanie had been involved in a long-term affair with a married doctor at the fertility clinic where she worked—and she had plans for the future that didn't include William.Investigators believe that on April 29, 2004, Melanie first drugged her husband, then murdered him in cold blood. Three years after America witnessed the details of the suitcase incident unfold—on 48 Hours, Dateline NBC, and ABC Primetime, and in People magazine, among other news outlets—Melanie was convicted of first-degree murder and desecrating human remains.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Audiobook, History, Biography, Thriller

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2008

About the author

English-born John Glatt is the author of Golden Boy Lost and Found, Secrets in the Cellar, Playing with Fire, and many other bestselling books of true crime. He has more than 30 years of experience as an investigative journalist in England and America. Glatt left school at 16 and worked a variety of jobs—including tea boy and messenger—before joining a small weekly newspaper. He freelanced at several English newspapers, then in 1981 moved to New York, where he joined the staff for News Limited and freelanced for publications including Newsweek and the New York Post. His first book, a biography of Bill Graham, was published in 1981, and he published For I Have Sinned, his first book of true crime, in 1998. He has appeared on television and radio programs all over the world, including ABC- 20/20Dateline NBC, Fox News, Current Affair, BBC World, and A&E Biography. He and his wife Gail divide their time between New York City, the Catskill Mountains and London.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/johnglatt

Reviews

[Sarah (is clearing her shelves) · Rating 2 out of 5]

28/05 - For a murder that I've never heard of this was a relatively interesting story, but I did not enjoy Glatt's writing. There was a lot of describing of the female officials involved as 'attractive', 'beautiful', or 'pretty' and that immediately put me off. Why do we need to hear whether the forensic scientist who investigated the suitcases was "attractive"? Her appearance doesn't make her more or less of an expert in her field and I just felt like the comment on the way she looked devalued her investigative findings. I also felt like he made a lot of leaps of conclusion that weren't necessarily believable or in the least bit provable, especially at the beginning regarding Melanie's immediate family and their relationships with her. Melanie and her parents refused to be interviewed, so there's no way he could know what went on between those people or make credible conclusions based on those connections. Considering this is his best-rated true crime book (at 3.96) and how far off 3.96 stars my own rating was I really don't foresee myself reading any more of his books. My edition is an ex-library copy and is falling to pieces, so I'll definitely be getting rid of it but I haven't decided if I'll be donating it or binning it as it's a bit of a lemon and I wouldn't want another reader picking it up, unaware of how bad the damage is, and paying money for a book whose pages are falling out.

After finishing I Wikipediaed her and found myself interested and happy to read that her conviction was confirmed by an appeals court in March 2011. Then in September of the same year the New Jersey Supreme Court refused to hear her further appeal. In April 2014 she filed a motion for post-conviction relief, alleging that her lawyer was incompetent and that there was newly discovered evidence. She appeared in court again in later 2014 with her new attorney Lois DeJulio, a public defender, to try to get a hearing that could overturn her 2007 murder conviction, on the grounds that her previous legal representation (by Joe Tacopina) was inadequate or ineffective. The request was turned down. I think that was her last appeal unless there is a serious discovery of new evidence, so from 2018 she must serve a minimum of 56 more years before she can be eligible for parole, which will put her at the ripe old age of 100 years before she can ever expect to go free.

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly disheartening tale of a "happily married" couple who had just purchased their dream home ... and the wife murders the husband that night, cuts up his body, putting the pieces in suitcases and dumping them off the bridge, only to be found shortly thereafter by terrified beachgoers.

For gawd's sake, if you don't love your husband, or if you are having an affair and want to get divorced and marry your lover .... just do it. Divorce your husband, live your life. Don't do what Melanie McGuire did to her husband Bill. Geesh.

John Glatt has laid out a clear case here, showing Melanie's deception and her duplicity and the efforts of law enforcement to bring her to justice. I don't feel that we got a clear picture of Melanie, but then again it seems that no one knew the real Melanie.

[Mrs. Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve frequently used the information gathered from decades of true-crime reading to warn my husband (gathered from decades of marriage) that if he ever murders someone the one thing he must not do is dismantle the body afterwards. Juries are sure to react negatively. John Glatt provides an interesting example in his To Have and To Kill, in which he characterizes the murder of Don McGuire as “gruesome” when in fact the only grisly element of the crime appears to be what was done with his corpse after McGuire was was killed instantly by two gunshots. Much of the book is devoted to evidence of the murderer’s psychopathology and explication of the painfully slow development of a totally circumstantial case. Glatt takes the crime, criminal and victim seriously so the book is not dramatic or sordid and will probably appeal most to readers of straight true-crime.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow I did not know about this unusual murder except for a brief news clip that I heard at the time the body was discovered. So I went into this story pretty much blind. It is well written and it unfolds like a good murder mystery novel. True crime enthusiasts will love it. It is hard to say “love it” when members of the families and friends were so deeply impacted by this most bizarre murder, investigation and trial. I listened to the audio version and found it hard to put down. 5 stars for unfolding the story in a clear, factual, chronological order that fully captured my interest throughout.

[♥ Marlene♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished this 2 days ago and I really liked it. Must add that I had not heard anything about this case so it was all new to me. I liked the way the book was written. He managed to pull me in to the story and I was glad how it ended.
Checked the Internet and discovered there are many stories and pictures about her. Going to read the news articles.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book. The author does a very thorough job going through the background of this couple without being too boringly detailed. He covers the trial, and does a good job keeping the reader interested.

This is an interesting story. John Glatt is a good author.

[Lisa Edgett thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a childhood friend (Bill). Very sad as he was a good person and he nor his family deserved to go through this!

[Jill Crosby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of Glatt’s best efforts. I didn’t like ANY of the people involved InThis case, not even having much sympathy for the victim. Sensational? Definitely. Well-explored & detailed? Not so much

[Stephanie Dargusch Borders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid domestic true crime on a case I was completely unfamiliar with. In the early aughts, Melanie McGuire killed her husband and then proceeded to dispose of his body in the most gnarly way.

[Leanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would have DNF'd this if we weren't stuck in the car with no service. The case was interesting but the writing and narrator were awful.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melanie (Slate) McGuire was born in 1972 in New Jersey. She attended college, double majoring in Math and Psychology before obtaining her nursing degree. She married William McGuire in 1999. The couple had two children, and decided to move from their apartment to a house. At the time, she was working as a nurse at a fertility clinic, and he was a computer programmer. They found a house and started the home buying process, but unfortunately were never able to move into it. Melanie wound up murdering her husband in April 2004. I do not want to spoil the book going into her reasoning, the trial, or anything else that happened, but this was a wild story. It was apparently featured in People Magazine and on several crime shows, but I do not recall seeing it when it happened.

John Glatt is one of my favorite crime writers, so I enjoyed this book. It is currently available on Audible Plus to listen to for free, and I believe it was a seven hour listen. His research was well done, and his ability to convey tragic and horrific information in a way that is not disrespectful to any surviving family members. If you like true crime, I would highly recommend checking out some of this author's work.

[Daniel Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

"To Have and to Hold" by John Glatt is a captivating read that skillfully weaves together true crime and suspenseful storytelling. Glatt's meticulous research and engaging narrative keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it difficult to put the book down. The author's ability to delve into the complexities of the cases showcased demonstrates a commendable dedication to detail. While the book is certainly a page-turner, a slight improvement in pacing could have enhanced the overall experience. Nevertheless, Glatt's expertise shines through, making this a solid choice for true crime enthusiasts.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

true crime...the suitcase murder...this is one cold bitch...I am guessing the stepfather was the accomplice...weird ghat I looked her up and can't quite see the amazingly gorgeous woman the author described..sigh eye of the beholder snx all that

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not think that the entire story hasn't come out yet. There was no way that Melanie was physically able to carried it out by herself.

[Jane Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn''t put down. E-book (amazon Kindle) had no pictures. I would have liked to see pictures. Will google and find out more. I think she would have needed accomplice.

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an evil person this Jersey girl is. An enthralling true crime read.

[Jazmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a case! Melanie is the definition of evil bitch. I had never heard anything about this case so I came out of this pretty well informed I think. Excellent TC book.

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predominately, I judge a true crime book by how well............or how UN-well the author relates the incident on paper (or press). Although I have read several books written by John Glatt and was basically entertained and/or educated by the narrative describing the details and circumstances surrounding thereof, I can't say the same for this book. It seemed that particularly in Glatt's descriptions of the protagonists, William McGuire, the husband and victim and Melanie McGuire, the wife and the evil bitch who takes top honors as being the most heartless, self-absorbed monster of all time. Who reveals not a once of remorse for poisoning, shooting and dismembering her husband (just so she could keep screwing her lover), Glatt offers conflicting personality traits. In some references, Glatt describes William (McGuire) as basically a "good guy" who loves his wife and kids........but then in a another sentence, suggests he (William) has a lot of personality flaws. Yes, there is "good & bad" in everyone but Glatt makes the distinction very confusing. Actually the same goes for his evil, sociopath wife, Melanie. In my mind, Melanie McGuire has NO redeeming qualities!

Glatt seems to project a rather cold and unfeeling quality about people being murdered - he writes like a journalist..........(oh wait'a minute, he is a journalist! That explains it. But he leaves the reader with a cold and unfeeling mind - not something that [ I ] particularly want to be. He gives the people in his books no personality as human beings. Well, maybe I should say, it does give some of the people "feelings and personalty" - the cops, the attorneys but not the people who count, like the victim's family. I am not a super fan of John Glatt. If I wanted to read a news article, I would go out and buy a newspaper. I am looking for a deeper insight into the people most affected by such horrendous acts such as murder which leave a profound sense of loss and sorrow. Glatt can't seem to pull away from journalism long enough to find empathy and attribute such to those who experienced the loss of someone they loved...........and still love.

Would I recommend this book to others? I suppose so but doing so with a caveat.

[Latoya Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a loyal watcher of true crime shows during the eighties, nineties, and mid two-thousands with shows such as Forensic Files, FBI Criminal Pursuit, Manhunters Fugitive Task Force, and a host of other real-life documentary series I had come upon St Martin True Crime Library Novels at Barnes and Noble Bookstore years ago.

I had remembered the story of Melanie Mcguire from more than one crime show and her trial on Court TV. I purchased To Have and To Kill by John Glatt in the year 2011 (long after I first heard then had forgotten about the woman's case) and stayed up all night reading the book.

It was so good and interesting. The St Martin line of true crime books had become my favorite back then.

[ErikaShmerika Wine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, I want to know more. I appreciate the way this case is presented, beginning with the discovery of the body, moving on to an examination of the main players in the case, and then diving deeper into the investigation. I feel like I missed something, though, because not only do I not agree with the verdict based on the evidence presented in court, I can’t really even decide for myself if I think she did it based on the ‘whole picture’ presented in the book.

[John Smiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compelling story of Melanie McGuire's murder of her husband, Bill McGuire.

I was looking for a good book about the murder after seeing 2020's documentary about it.

2020 typically leaves some details out which can be revealed by a true crime author.

The book, however, provided nothing new and in some ways was harder to follow than 2020.

I may need to resort to the court transcripts for more info.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

True crime story which held special interest for me since I had met two of the characters and who directly/indirectly affected my life. These being Brad Miller and Richard Scott of RMA who took over our division at WBH in Oct. 2006. We all passed it around the office to read with much discussion and disgust.

[flossie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well researched and with good insight into the case, but presented in a somewhat jumbled fashion. Also, "attractive" is used far too often as a descriptor for female forensic scientists, investigators, attorneys... I might be sensitive to that but it always leaves a bad taste in my mouth--it feels unnecessary. The way the case was presented structurally, as a story, left me wanting.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written account of this gruesome awful crime. So glad she was convicted. Even tho there were not definitive answers to the completion of the crime, there was overwhelming circumstantial evidence to convict. She did some really stupid things like using her own luggage, but I think she truly thought his body would never be found.

[Janelle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was a bit confusing to keep track of “who” was “who” in the beginning. Otherwise, I truly enjoyed the way the book was written. By the middle of the book, I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t put my kindle down. I had learned of this book from watching crime shows. I look forward to reading kore from this author.

[Tatiana Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read

I am really interested in reading about the crime and forensics, and the description of the events in this store was really breath taking and catching. I enjoyed every bit of it

[Jennifer Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not familiar with this case even though it was fairly recent. Was happy to see Jim Fitzgerald, who solved the unabomber case, was involved in this case. Having met Jim and hearing him speak, was like an old friend. The book was well written and I read it in only a few days.

[Maddie Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, quick read for an avid true crime fan. Few editing errors compared to some of Glatt’s other books. A good level of detail and a very interesting case. Leaves a few questions but ultimately gives a full picture of the investigation and trial of the “suitcase murder.”

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this case and binged a podcast about it. I was really interested to listen to this on audible and hear a different side to the case. Great book, definitely going to listen / read some more by this author.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary true story with a very well described murder - it’ll make one think about RN’s and …oh, we all know that they are true, blue - aren’t they?! This plot will make you think about your coming doctor’s visit. Excellent narration.