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The Murder of Minnie Callan
The Murder of Minnie Callan is the dramatic memoir of retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer Thomas Gruchy. It tells the story of a criminal investigation that changed the lives of many, including the author, forever.
Sixty-year-old Minnie Callan, wife, mother, and grandmother, was an innocent bystander when an attempted crime was aborted nearby in her hometown of Norman’s Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador, on March 13, 1986. The intended victim escaped unharmed, but sadly, Minnie Callan lost her life during the encounter. When Thomas Gruchy, one of nine RCMP officers stationed at the nearby Whitbourne Detachment, received the call, he had no idea how shocking a discovery he would find in the sleepy town of Norman’s Cove, nor how much of a toll the investigation would take on him and his fellow police officers.
Sixty-year-old Minnie Callan, wife, mother, and grandmother, was an innocent bystander when an attempted crime was aborted nearby in her hometown of Norman’s Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador, on March 13, 1986. The intended victim escaped unharmed, but sadly, Minnie Callan lost her life during the encounter. When Thomas Gruchy, one of nine RCMP officers stationed at the nearby Whitbourne Detachment, received the call, he had no idea how shocking a discovery he would find in the sleepy town of Norman’s Cove, nor how much of a toll the investigation would take on him and his fellow police officers.
- GenresTrue CrimeCanada
124 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2018
7 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 2, 2019
Tragic, gut-wrenching and filled with so much emotion - Mr. Gruchy has undoubtedly accomplished what he set out to do with this book and I hope that he realizes that. I, for one, will never forget Minnie Callan.
September 7, 2020
In a little community of Newfoundland murder is a rare occurrence, so when one woman is found beaten and left for dead the town is shook to its very core. The night of Minnie Callan's murder RCMP Officer Tom Gruchy is called in to investigate an anonymous call, what he found has stayed with him to this day. In The Murder of Minnie Callan Tom Gruchy takes us through his experience from the very beginning. We read through as he receives that phone call and then finally until the end of the trial.
The story of Minnie Callan's murder absolutely broke my heart. I found myself shedding a tear for Minnie and the fate she suffered. What happened to Minnie could only be described as heartless and evil.
The writing itself was good. I found it read like it was being told straight from the Officer's mouth. I didn't find it to be polished like most true crime books and I think that it really added to the story and gave it an authentic feel. After all, the author, Tom Gruchy, is also the RCMP officer who was called in to investigate the anonymous call, found Minnie Callan, and stayed on the case to the end. You can feel his connection to the case through his writing. There wasn't a lot of overly descriptive writing throughout the book, which if you're like me you appreciate something that is short and to the point. There's enough description in the story to create a visual of what is happening without the info dump.
Overall, I thought this book was extremely well done. I recommend it to any who enjoys true crime or even anyone who would like to experience a true crime novel through the eyes of the officer who was there.
You can find this and all my other reviews at https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com
The story of Minnie Callan's murder absolutely broke my heart. I found myself shedding a tear for Minnie and the fate she suffered. What happened to Minnie could only be described as heartless and evil.
The writing itself was good. I found it read like it was being told straight from the Officer's mouth. I didn't find it to be polished like most true crime books and I think that it really added to the story and gave it an authentic feel. After all, the author, Tom Gruchy, is also the RCMP officer who was called in to investigate the anonymous call, found Minnie Callan, and stayed on the case to the end. You can feel his connection to the case through his writing. There wasn't a lot of overly descriptive writing throughout the book, which if you're like me you appreciate something that is short and to the point. There's enough description in the story to create a visual of what is happening without the info dump.
Overall, I thought this book was extremely well done. I recommend it to any who enjoys true crime or even anyone who would like to experience a true crime novel through the eyes of the officer who was there.
You can find this and all my other reviews at https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com
October 1, 2018
I was sad that this story was true and that it happened in out-port NL. I imagined that it would have been a devastating time for the community and probably stirred up some emotions again. I know it was told from the point of view of the officer on the scene and how it haunted him. I was hoping for more, like the effect on the family and the town; however, I know that was not the intent of the book. Overall, I enjoyed the read and had not heard of this murder before the book came out. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys true crime stories or hearing about past events in our recent history here in the province.
December 28, 2020
Moving
Such a tragic story Guy Butt is a monster and how the hell could this woman have a child with him and stay with him is beyond belief. Thoughts to Winnie and her family and a big thanks to the writer and an amazing person and officer. Great read
Such a tragic story Guy Butt is a monster and how the hell could this woman have a child with him and stay with him is beyond belief. Thoughts to Winnie and her family and a big thanks to the writer and an amazing person and officer. Great read
November 4, 2018
Read my complete column at the link below:
https://www.thepacket.ca/living/book-...
https://www.thepacket.ca/living/book-...
January 28, 2019
Excellent
Wonderfully written account from the arresting officers side of this horrendous crime. Such a sad story but worth reading. Mrs. Minnie Callan gone but not forgotten. RIP
Wonderfully written account from the arresting officers side of this horrendous crime. Such a sad story but worth reading. Mrs. Minnie Callan gone but not forgotten. RIP
December 30, 2019
I like true crime stories and enjoyed this one. I didn't remember it happening and thankful the author shared it with us.
February 4, 2024
Great read , short if your tight on time
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews