Will to Murder

by Gail Feichtinger

The true story behind the crimes and trials surrounding the Glensheen killings.

712 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2016

Reviews

[Angela bookish_mamabear on IG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most comprehensive books about true crime I’ve ever read. I grew up near Duluth and have visited Glensheen mansion several times. The historical pieces about Duluth in the early 1900’s were equally interesting. Mostly I’m completely baffled by Marjorie and all her deceit and confabulation….arson, suspicious deaths, and entitlement. She must absolutely be a true sociopath!

[Amy Winsand · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there ever was a book where detailed research for many years, covering many, many decades paid off, this is it! All of this research is wonderfully woven into one incredible story of wealth, the wealthy family's (the Congdon's) relationships with each other and their community (Duluth, MN), their stately manor named Glensheen, and the truly tragic and shocking murders of the last surviving daughter of Clara and Chester Congdon, 83-year-old Elizabeth and her nurse, Velma Pietala in the mansion in 1977. The fact that Elizabeth's adopted daughter, Marjorie Caldwell and husband, Roger were the prime suspects, made for a riveting national news story.

Duluth Detective Gary Waller and St. Louis County Prosecutor John Desanto co-authored this book to give it many layers with concise details of the investigation which covered Minnesota and Colorado, plus the trials of both Roger and Marjorie, all incredibly fascinating.

And not only were the murders a major part of this book, but the following years cover Marjorie's totally bizarre life with obvious signs of a mentally ill woman which, unfortunately, impact all those around her. Three more deaths were, in all likelihood, at her hands, plus her arson charges and subsequent incarceration are written about in such detail, they really give this story depth and often utter disbelief that one person could be capable of so much evil.

My husband bought this book for me after our tour of Glensheen, along with our son. I just had to read excerpts from the book while we were together because I just couldn't believe so many things I was reading! It is one of the most interesting and compelling books I've read in a long, long time, and I'm thankful the three authors collaborated to create this 410 page, awesome read with over 50 photos! Highly recommend!!

[Sarah Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story behind Marjorie Congdon LeRoy Caldwell Hagen is an intriguing one. I enjoyed reading about the mystery behind the murder after visiting the Glensheen mansion. It would make a great TV series if done right. I will say I had a hard time reading through parts of the book due to many unnecessary details.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally don't like true crime; however, because of the local connection and having toured Glensheen, I rather enjoyed this.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

DO NOT ASK WHY IT TOOK OVER 3 MONTHS. Summer puts me in a reading slump.


READ THIS BOOK. I mean it. This had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I was wanting to know more about this case and this explained it exceptionally. I loved how it showed the murder trial and the backstory of these people. I still think that Rodger did it. They explain it well at the end. Also what is wrong with Marjorie? She is a psychopath. She is crazy in the head. Literally so so so so good. I really recommend this book to everyone, even if you don’t know about this case.

[Dona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book contains a plethora of investigative and court information. Parts were interesting, but it took a long time for me to get through the book. As a MN, and having toured the Glensheen mansion several times, I was determined to finish it! 400 plus pages with a very small font contributed to the difficulty. (I read the 4th edition.) It did provide fascinating and accurate historical information about the life of Marjorie Congdon Leroy Caldwell Hagen and her criminal acts. That part was fascinating!

[Ruth Skar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well written. It took me a long time to read it because sometimes I just had to put it down because of all the evil things this person had done. Also, the print is very small and I like to read at bedtime and that did not work out very well with this book, but it gives so many details and answers so many questions. I appreciated the epilogue.

[Katy H Fisk · Rating 5 out of 5]

so interesting and enlightening

I loved this book but partially because I’ve been to Glensheen and grew up in Minneapolis and traveled to Duluth often. The author did a great job with all the facts of the case. It was long but kept me wanting to read more.

[Wanda Weinhandl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent well researched book!! I’ve toured the “Glensheen Mansion” many times, now that I’ve read the history and background I’m going to tour again!! A true crime murder that needs to be told!! 5 stars ⭐️