Scandal of Vandals

by Frank F. Weber

Debra Grant, spouse of esteemed attorney Tug Grant, was brutally assaulted in her Minnetonka home on Wednesday morning and died later that afternoon at Park Nicollet Hospital. Debra, a Macalester College graduate, was a scout leader, a member of the Scenic Heights PTA and a beloved member of the Christian Women's Ministry. Tug was in the headlines in 2018 for defending a member of the Minneapolis Combination (MN mafia) after the boss was accused of murdering a Disciples gang member. The police have not identified any suspects In Debra's murder. Violent crime is uncommon in this affluent community.

Tug Grant had an affair with his secretary and his law clerk but had recently renewed his marital vows with Debra. Scandal of Vandals is based on true crime in Minnesota that was once touted as the crime of the century. Was the murder the repercussion of Tug's affairs, a possible mafia hit, or gang retaliation? Some say, it was the day the Twin Cities lost its innocence.

Genres: Crime, True Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Nonfiction

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2024

About the author

Frank Weber is a forensic psychologist who has completed assessments for homicide, sexual assault, and domestic abuse cases. His work has ranged from assessing murderers chained to the cement floor in the basement of a prison and assessing psychopaths to providing therapy for wealthy professionals who’ve engaged in multiple affairs. He has testified as an expert witness in numerous sexual assault and homicide cases, written seven different treatment workbooks, and in 2015 published a training series for psychologists which has been accredited by the MN Board of Psychology. He has received the President’s Award from the Minnesota Correctional Association for his forensic work, and recently received an award for excellence in his clinical work. Frank Weber has used his unique understanding of how predator’s think, victim trauma, and actual court cases to create a thrilling mystery.

Raised in Pierz, Minnesota, Frank is one of ten children. Frank has been blessed to share his life with his wife, Brenda. His debut novel, Murder Book (North Star Press), will be available in May, 2017.

Reviews

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨B O O K • F E A T U R E✨

Scandal of Vandals // Available Now

#ad I received a gifted copy of this book - many thanks to @FrankWeberauthor & @ClicksbyMadison & @bluecottageagency #partner

This book does have a sequel to it - which I need to read ASAP because I loved this book.

All things macabre, this story pulls you in from the jump. I love how this book comes with a character cheat sheet. As I usually always have to make my own, this was a huge help in remembering characters.

This book is full of shady characters and even shadier actions. If you like reading crime thrillers then this book is for you. Weber’s writing can only be described as mesmerizing because you just don’t want to stop reading.

This book is based on a murder that was dubbed the crime of the century. Debra Grant was violently attacked in her home. She managed to escape and drag herself to four different houses before finding help. She later dies in the hospital from her injuries.

Her husband, Tug, is an attorney but has struggled staying faithful during his marriage. He’s had multiple affairs, but before his wife is attacked they’ve put that behind them and renewed their vows.

So who killed Debra Grant? You’ll have to read this book to figure that one out.

I ate this one up like it was candy. Can’t wait to see what is coming in the next book because someone needs to pay. 👀

#scandalofvandals #frankweberbooks #truecrime #minnesota #bookrecommendations #bookstagram #readmorebooks #alwaysreading #bookhoarder #bookstack #reads #book #bookworms #bookrecommendation #bookaesthetic #bookshelves #readabook #readmore #books #bookworm

[Lori Hodge]

Frank Weber does it again with an intriguing book that keeps the reader guessing right to the end. As I was reading this book I thought I had it figured out so many times, and then he throws another twist and turn into the amazing story! I always like the specific names of many places he visits that are "home" here in Minnesota to me and so many others. I also adore the love story of John and Serena Frederick he always puts into his mysteries. There's just enough romance and fun to prevent this reader from starting to feel down at such morbid topics and villains.

#booksandpensongreengables
#MNauthor
#Bluecottageagency

[Sue Ready · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Weber is a Minnesota forensic psychologist with 25 years of experience and is the author of 8 mystery books, with a new one, "The Sun," projected for 2025. All of Weber's books are inspired by true crimes set in Minnesota. He uses his professional background to his advantage giving informative explanations of criminology methods along the way in the story to enlighten readers as they make their own deductions. Weber strives to make the investigative process as real as possible by laying out the logistics of the case, dead ends, red herrings, differing opinions, and politics of the day.

"Scandal of Vandals" was once touted as “the crime of the century.” It's a brutal murder case filled with intrigue, suspense, complicated relationships, riveting details, and rampant speculations. Debra Grant, spouse of esteemed attorney Tug Grant, was brutally assaulted in her Minnetonka home on Wednesday morning and died later that afternoon at Park Nicollet Hospital. Weber, a savvy writer, competently weaves into the storyline the character of Investigator Jon Frederick, who plays a starring role in all of Weber's books. Based on the details of this true crime story, Weber was faithful to the investigative process but added his own spin to the chilling tale of murder. Some investigative motives pursued in the case include: was the murder of Debra Grant the repercussion of her husband Tug’s rumored affairs, a possible mafia hit, or gang retaliation? The bungling attempts of the hired killers were also central points addressed.

Since the cast of characters is large, Weber wisely includes a "cheat sheet" that identifies the list of characters. The book is structured so that each chapter is narrated from a different character's perspective. This helps the reader understand each character's thoughts as the investigative process unfolds. I highly recommend this engrossing book for readers who enjoy a mystery thriller filled with multi-dimensional characters, relevant events, suspense, plot twists, and the opportunity to see how justice is served.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book from Frank F. Weber!
It starts out a bit slow, but the excitement mounts.
An attorney hires investigator Jon Frederick to find out who killed his wife. The attorney likes having sex with other woman and has no respect for them as individuals, but he claims he never killed his wife. Although he hinted that he had thought about it. The ten million dollar life insurance policy definitely makes him look guilty.
The hitman was suppose to make it look like an accident but he botched that. So the wife was brutally murdered.
The hitman claims the attorney hired him through another guy and so the attorney is arrested. While the jury is deliberating the verdict. The attorney is Very confident they will find him not guilty.
To find out how the book ends you must read it for yourself.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scandal of Vandals is an interesting “version” of the T. Eugene Thompson criminal case from 1963. It was a famous (almost legendary) murder case in Minnesota.

Real Murder Case
Thompson, a prominent attorney living in the tony Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul, hired a hit man to kill his stay-at-home wife and mother of his children. The real case is explained in Dial M: The Murder of Carol Thompson. He was sentenced to life in prison however was paroled in 1983 and died on his 88th birthday in 2015.

Scandal of Vandals
The Weber version is brought into current time with locations and names changed, of course. The murder act involved a small cast of characters, each explored in the novel along with their families. The reader is asked to put the story together with clues from each character.

If you have to explain the book title, you should probably choose a different title. How about…Fatal Intentions. Betrayal by Design. Contract of Silence. Dial M.

Fun to read. Not the true story, though.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Frank Weber! As always I enjoy the love and commitment between Serena and Jon, as well as the story of crime and deception. Many comments stated this book was choppy or hard to follow based on the multitude of characters, but I did not feel this way. Much to my surprise this book has a sequel which I happened to receive from my lovely mother for Christmas. I shall be cracking it open now to see what Weber could have in store for us next. Pursuing the chapters, many of the characters have remained from Scandal of Vandals (Tug, Melanie, and Ricky Day).

[Kathyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a true crime novel. I watch true crime on TV a lot, but never considered reading about it in this way. I was missing out!

Frank Weber brings you into the lives and minds of all the characters, while also keeping you guessing at the truth of “who dun-it.”

Plus, this particular story weaves together two different murders that occurred years apart and two different families with unexpected links. A great read!

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I really enjoyed this!

The characters are very well developed and moving. The intertwined plots are intriguing and handled rather uniquely. My favorite part is how the message is clearly shared in such a relatable way.

This was not only well written, but had a mystery with action and suspense that kept me reading and guessing the entire way through.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will consume you, it's wonderfully written and I enjoyed these characters and thought they were likable and relatable.

Weber's solid moral foundation is just that. It does not awkwardly interfere with the characters or overpower the plot - a beautifully crafted story, excellently conceived and skillfully delivered.

[Tina McKeever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Frank F Weber- this one has you captivated in the first chapter! Being from MN you feel as if you are part of the story, make sure you grab your copy and you will not want to put it down.

[Janell Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to hear Frank Weber was writing another book, and it is another great one! Based on an actual crime, the author uses his real-life forensic psychologist skills in his writing. This is a great story that you will continue to think about after you finish reading it! Highly recommended!

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will definitely get in your head. A really good read, different from the norm, I enjoyed it immensely!

The characters were well developed and yet offered additional surprises. The storytelling was great moving at a good pace, as was the world setting.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite sure how to rate/review this book. Told in the first person but by a large number of characters. A bit confusing. A mystery, but not really a mystery. Based on a true event, but how much. Kinky sex scenes. Strange book, but I kind of liked it.

[Katie Hemminger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read! I couldn't put this one down!

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really enjoyable book from Frank Weber. His books are informative, fun to read, and full of intrigue. Based on reality, all the better. His books are hard to put down.

[Rose Tuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites by him. It had me hooked from the first page. My mouth dropped with all the different events taking place.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Local setting. Okay writing style

[Jami Klatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written. I was on the edge of my seat and engrossed from beginning to end!!

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

author has a strange obsession with microbrews. also, the timeline of travel and activities throughout the day are impossible unless teleportation exists. good read other than that.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

a book that you don't want to put down till your finished reading.

[Deb G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update- I reread this book, at my daughter’s suggestion and I really really liked it! So much more enjoyable than the first time I read it. I think that my prior review was a by-product of the family challenges I was experiencing at that time. I had a hard time putting it down!


This was a very good read, but it just seemed a bit choppy in places, where things didn’t flow cohesively. I know there were a lot of things going on in this book, but it seems like the author could have pulled some of those disparate moments together more cleanly. I found myself having to go back and reread sections a few times, just so I could follow the who/why.