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Wilder Intentions: Love, Lies and Murder in North Dakota
ANGILA WAS STABBED 44 TIMES.
THIS WAS PERSONAL.
On a November morning in 2015, Christopher Jackson waited for his fiancée, Angila Wilder, to pick him up from work as she always did. But this time, she didn’t show—and Christopher’s calls went unanswered. The police found what looked like a scene from a horror movie at their home. The backdoor kicked in. A bedroom splattered with blood. And a pregnant young woman violently stabbed to death.
Could Christopher have murdered the woman he claimed to love? Or was the crime done by an intruder Angila had feared for weeks? Angila’s womanizing ex-husband, Richie Wilder, Jr., aimed detectives straight toward Christopher. The evidence, however, pointed squarely at Richie.
Kindergarten teacher Cynthia Wilder thought her dreams had come true when she married Richie. But while her husband sat behind bars, Cynthia grew lonely. When she shared some disturbing details with a former lover, Cynthia finally revealed the truth behind the sinister plot to kill Angila Wilder. After four years of lies and deceit, the real story would shock a community to its very core …
THIS WAS PERSONAL.
On a November morning in 2015, Christopher Jackson waited for his fiancée, Angila Wilder, to pick him up from work as she always did. But this time, she didn’t show—and Christopher’s calls went unanswered. The police found what looked like a scene from a horror movie at their home. The backdoor kicked in. A bedroom splattered with blood. And a pregnant young woman violently stabbed to death.
Could Christopher have murdered the woman he claimed to love? Or was the crime done by an intruder Angila had feared for weeks? Angila’s womanizing ex-husband, Richie Wilder, Jr., aimed detectives straight toward Christopher. The evidence, however, pointed squarely at Richie.
Kindergarten teacher Cynthia Wilder thought her dreams had come true when she married Richie. But while her husband sat behind bars, Cynthia grew lonely. When she shared some disturbing details with a former lover, Cynthia finally revealed the truth behind the sinister plot to kill Angila Wilder. After four years of lies and deceit, the real story would shock a community to its very core …
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2020
1206 people are currently reading
1172 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Wynn
2 books25 followersHow can one commit the ultimate act of violence to someone they once claimed to love? When does murder become the only answer to unresolved disagreements and marital disputes? When does love turn to hate? It is the answers to questions like these that C.J. Wynn seeks to find during her research, interviews and writing. With empathy and passion, C.J. seeks to bring the reader directly into the atmosphere, making you feel like you are smackdab in the middle as events are unfolding. Through rich storytelling that brings into focus details that may have otherwise been overlooked, and providing analytical insight into the behavioral components of each crime she researches, C.J. Wynn leverages her psychology background to deliver a thorough, complex scope into the depths of these stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
September 24, 2020
C.J. Wynn is a fresh, articulate voice in the world of true crime, her maiden voyage a true home run. The characters in this story are fleshed out in vibrant, living color--their depravity and cold-blooded instincts on full display. Wynn adds her own voice to the narrative at every turn, helping the reader piece together not only what happened, but why. This quick and easy read is a must for anyone who considers himself/herself an aficionado of true crime. I enjoyed it thoroughly and so will you.
January 20, 2021
My Rating: 5 stars
Genre True Crime
𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪: Wilder intentions is an excellent true crime novel written with knowledge and poise. Lately, these are my go-to books and I have read a few that were fantastic and some that weren’t as great. This falls into the 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗧 category. I recommend it to all those who enjoy the genre. And the bonus? You can read this one for free if you’re a kindle unlimited subscriber!
Genre True Crime
𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪: Wilder intentions is an excellent true crime novel written with knowledge and poise. Lately, these are my go-to books and I have read a few that were fantastic and some that weren’t as great. This falls into the 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗧 category. I recommend it to all those who enjoy the genre. And the bonus? You can read this one for free if you’re a kindle unlimited subscriber!
September 8, 2020
Leaves you wondering
After all the evidence and guilt, it leaves you wondering how anyone can commit murder, let alone plan it for 2 years!! Thank you, both judges, for sentencing 2 unremorseful people to life without parole!! Who is raising Angila's other children?? Think you to C. J. Wynn for a wonderful first book. You have found your niche!!
After all the evidence and guilt, it leaves you wondering how anyone can commit murder, let alone plan it for 2 years!! Thank you, both judges, for sentencing 2 unremorseful people to life without parole!! Who is raising Angila's other children?? Think you to C. J. Wynn for a wonderful first book. You have found your niche!!
September 7, 2020
Not a bad book, but it tends to be repetitive and preachy; the events carry enough emotional weight without editorial comment. As a North Dakota native, I feel obligated to point out that while the crime took place in Minot, the principals are from Alabama.
September 13, 2020
A must read for true crime lovers!
Absolutely amazing. I binged read this book because it was that good. Thoroughly researched and thoroughly investigated! I really hope we get more true crime from C.J. Wynn because I for me will read every book. I don't want to give anything away so all I will say is the people involved in this murder are true sociopaths and their children are better off without them. I pray her children are navigating life the best they can and are happy and healthy. May Ms. Wilder rest in peace!
Absolutely amazing. I binged read this book because it was that good. Thoroughly researched and thoroughly investigated! I really hope we get more true crime from C.J. Wynn because I for me will read every book. I don't want to give anything away so all I will say is the people involved in this murder are true sociopaths and their children are better off without them. I pray her children are navigating life the best they can and are happy and healthy. May Ms. Wilder rest in peace!
February 9, 2022
This book is an extremely well written narrative of a true crime which occurred in the city where I lived at the time of murder. The author did a wonderful job of telling Angila’s story and focusing on this beautiful young woman who was murdered by the hands of someone she had once loved.
Just the right amount of details, facts, quotes and photographs are used to keep the reader turning page after page all the while wishing that somehow there would be a happy ending. Readers will be astounded at the facts and testimony given proving the two responsible for Angila’s murder deserve the sentence they received for their crime.
Most importantly, this author did what needed to be done. She wrote a story that honors the life of Angila Wilder, so that this young mother is never forgotten, never cast aside as “just another victim of a murder”, but is in fact a lovely young woman who deserves to be known and remembered.
This author obviously was extremely thorough with her research and perseverance in conducting interviews. I have a deep respect for the way she told this story because it must have been extremely difficult to hear, read and see and speak to the people she did in order to write this book.
Just the right amount of details, facts, quotes and photographs are used to keep the reader turning page after page all the while wishing that somehow there would be a happy ending. Readers will be astounded at the facts and testimony given proving the two responsible for Angila’s murder deserve the sentence they received for their crime.
Most importantly, this author did what needed to be done. She wrote a story that honors the life of Angila Wilder, so that this young mother is never forgotten, never cast aside as “just another victim of a murder”, but is in fact a lovely young woman who deserves to be known and remembered.
This author obviously was extremely thorough with her research and perseverance in conducting interviews. I have a deep respect for the way she told this story because it must have been extremely difficult to hear, read and see and speak to the people she did in order to write this book.
January 26, 2021
Rant coming up! Warning.... .....
The writing is definitely not bad but the constant telling the readers what to think and the explaining all the time really ruined this book for me. It is just like mansplaining but we should call it authorsplaining. Another author who thinks her readers are thick as... . We are capable of having our own opinions thank you very much.We do not need to be force fed.
It is really a constant in the book. The author telling us this guy did not mean to do that and this is a good guy and going on and on telling us what to think.
And then in the epilogue she wrote this......
"As a writer, it is my job to remain objective and unbiased. My opinions do not matter- when I am writing a true account of events that occurred.". WTH! I concur,but author"Did you think you managed to do that?
I know for a fact you did not. Yes I understand it is hard to try and just write the story about killers to not be biased but please at last try.
There was also quite a lot of repetition but I do not mind that so much. I would try another book by C.J Wynn hoping there will be less explaning.
The writing is definitely not bad but the constant telling the readers what to think and the explaining all the time really ruined this book for me. It is just like mansplaining but we should call it authorsplaining. Another author who thinks her readers are thick as... . We are capable of having our own opinions thank you very much.We do not need to be force fed.
It is really a constant in the book. The author telling us this guy did not mean to do that and this is a good guy and going on and on telling us what to think.
And then in the epilogue she wrote this......
"As a writer, it is my job to remain objective and unbiased. My opinions do not matter- when I am writing a true account of events that occurred.". WTH! I concur,but author"Did you think you managed to do that?
I know for a fact you did not. Yes I understand it is hard to try and just write the story about killers to not be biased but please at last try.
There was also quite a lot of repetition but I do not mind that so much. I would try another book by C.J Wynn hoping there will be less explaning.
August 20, 2020
Excellent
One of the best true crime books I've ever read, and I read A LOT. I almost always choose nonfiction when trying to find something that interests me; whether it's history, psychology, biographies, or true crime...and more.
The author DID a masterful job of making me care about the victim, while allowing the fact that the victim had flaws, as we all do.
However, the flaws were ones many of us possess, and did not even begin to amount to anything warranting such a horrible and senseless death.
I was often surprised/amazed/repulsed/stunned... an author who can end a chapter by using a cliffhanger sentence and then deliver on it is a rare thing, but this author did it a few times.
NEVER boring, almost always fascinating. She doesn't go into too much detail in regard to any one person's past... well, except one, and the way it's done is surprising, and is such an eye opener.
I was so repulsed by killer in this book, but little did I know how much worse or how much more evil things would turn out to be.
I hope to read more from this author. Incredible book, great insight, well researched and wonderfully written.
One of the best true crime books I've ever read, and I read A LOT. I almost always choose nonfiction when trying to find something that interests me; whether it's history, psychology, biographies, or true crime...and more.
The author DID a masterful job of making me care about the victim, while allowing the fact that the victim had flaws, as we all do.
However, the flaws were ones many of us possess, and did not even begin to amount to anything warranting such a horrible and senseless death.
I was often surprised/amazed/repulsed/stunned... an author who can end a chapter by using a cliffhanger sentence and then deliver on it is a rare thing, but this author did it a few times.
NEVER boring, almost always fascinating. She doesn't go into too much detail in regard to any one person's past... well, except one, and the way it's done is surprising, and is such an eye opener.
I was so repulsed by killer in this book, but little did I know how much worse or how much more evil things would turn out to be.
I hope to read more from this author. Incredible book, great insight, well researched and wonderfully written.
October 17, 2023
Growing up just down the road from where this tragedy happened, my mind is blown! I followed this story closely through local news stations and even word of mouth at my workplace.
All the names, the places, ALL the things were part of my growing up. It was neat to be able to place every little thing in this book and then some. (Although, not neat that such a tragedy hit my neighborhood)
It was repetitive at times, but it was like that when needed to make a point to the bigger picture.
The author did a GREAT job at combining all the different details and points of view. This was my first recent true life crime read (& local at that), and I’d love to read more from this author. The work on this book was detailed, honest, and had just gut-wrenching truths. I will recommend to my fellow crime junkie friends, especially those in little ole’ Minot, North Dakota.
All the names, the places, ALL the things were part of my growing up. It was neat to be able to place every little thing in this book and then some. (Although, not neat that such a tragedy hit my neighborhood)
It was repetitive at times, but it was like that when needed to make a point to the bigger picture.
The author did a GREAT job at combining all the different details and points of view. This was my first recent true life crime read (& local at that), and I’d love to read more from this author. The work on this book was detailed, honest, and had just gut-wrenching truths. I will recommend to my fellow crime junkie friends, especially those in little ole’ Minot, North Dakota.
September 20, 2020
A look into the depraved mind!
Fantastic read from a first tine true crime author. It’ll keep your interest as she unwinds a tale of raw emotion, violence and a total lack of accountability
Fantastic read from a first tine true crime author. It’ll keep your interest as she unwinds a tale of raw emotion, violence and a total lack of accountability
September 23, 2020
Pretty good true crime book. Finding out that one of the accessories to the murder was a kindergarten teacher sent a chill down my spine. Miss Moork would never have done something so unconscionable.
August 1, 2023
"Metal and steel and walls and windows and feelings can all be repaired. As long as no one was hurt, it can all be made right again. But ending someone’s life is permanent and irreversible. That act can never be fixed or undone."
I had a faint memory of this case as I think I saw the Dateline episode about it, but I did not remember how heinous these two murderers are. Sad to say that it is not uncommon for men to murder their spouses or partners, but for a woman, who is also a mother to participate in the murder of the mother of stepchildren she claimed to love is beyond comprehension. The author writes in her Acknowledgements; "I have a deep desire to understand how people are able to kill someone they once loved", and I have to say that we have that in common, and it is mostly why I read true crime books. I think this book was well done specially for a first attempt at writing true crime, my only negative comment is that it can get repetitive at times which makes the book longer than it has to be in my opinion.
I had a faint memory of this case as I think I saw the Dateline episode about it, but I did not remember how heinous these two murderers are. Sad to say that it is not uncommon for men to murder their spouses or partners, but for a woman, who is also a mother to participate in the murder of the mother of stepchildren she claimed to love is beyond comprehension. The author writes in her Acknowledgements; "I have a deep desire to understand how people are able to kill someone they once loved", and I have to say that we have that in common, and it is mostly why I read true crime books. I think this book was well done specially for a first attempt at writing true crime, my only negative comment is that it can get repetitive at times which makes the book longer than it has to be in my opinion.
November 20, 2020
Blown away!
My jaw is on the floor. I wouldn’t have guessed in a million years what was going on behind closed doors.
My jaw is on the floor. I wouldn’t have guessed in a million years what was going on behind closed doors.
September 17, 2020
This is actually the first true crime book I have read. It was a very well written, fascinating look into the lives of the people involved. I cannot even begin to imagine hating someone enough to kill them, and then to think you’ve done nothing wrong.
August 25, 2020
A far cry from the rom-coms I’ve spent most of the year reading, I literally could not put this true crime novel down. Written by a friend online (thank you, YL!), I’ve been eagerly awaiting my pre-order and it did not disappoint. CJ told the story of a contentious marriage turned bitter divorce and the stories of those involved leading to the death of a young mother. As stated in the foreword, CJ did an amazing job not just sharing the details of the case and trial, but managed to capture the heartbreak, compassion and resentment of those involved.
August 21, 2020
Great read
I, like the author have read any true crime books I can find and Ann Rule being one of my favorite authors too. I want to say for this being your first book you are right up there with her in writing. I started this after reading that it took place in Minot...why not Minot...so they said when I lived there on the Air Force base for 2 1/2 yrs. Guess its changed very much since the 70's. Anyway, great job and enjoyed the book.
I, like the author have read any true crime books I can find and Ann Rule being one of my favorite authors too. I want to say for this being your first book you are right up there with her in writing. I started this after reading that it took place in Minot...why not Minot...so they said when I lived there on the Air Force base for 2 1/2 yrs. Guess its changed very much since the 70's. Anyway, great job and enjoyed the book.
August 22, 2020
I frequently start reading books that I never finish, but Wilder Intentions is one of those rare books I could not put down.
This book is amazingly well-written. Wynn’s incredible talent and desire to give a voice to the victim shines through in every page.
This book is amazingly well-written. Wynn’s incredible talent and desire to give a voice to the victim shines through in every page.
August 21, 2020
The moment I picked up this book I could not put it down. The writing and research was highly detailed and flowed well. I am from Minot, ND and was interested in reading this right when I heard about it.
October 22, 2020
Truly enjoyed this book!
Great true crime book....writing style much like Ann Rule. I felt like I truly knew the characters in the book.
Great true crime book....writing style much like Ann Rule. I felt like I truly knew the characters in the book.
October 19, 2020
I enjoyed this book
This is the writers first book but I hope not the last. Her style and story telling remind me of Ann Rule - just enough background on the characters
This is the writers first book but I hope not the last. Her style and story telling remind me of Ann Rule - just enough background on the characters
September 27, 2020
I don't usually read true crime but this book was about a murder that took place in my hometown of Minot,ND. Also written by someone who grew up in this area. The book was well written and I now know a lot more of what actually occurred. It lets you into the lives of the characters involved and gives voice to Angila. I hope this author will continue to write. I will look forward to more from her.
September 24, 2020
Delusional! A Must Read
Military injustice!
If the military had done the job and followed thru, had investigated properly, come to the right conclusions, then ordered Wilder to get the medical treatments necessary for his mental conditions, this book may never have been written.
Military injustice!
If the military had done the job and followed thru, had investigated properly, come to the right conclusions, then ordered Wilder to get the medical treatments necessary for his mental conditions, this book may never have been written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2020
A must read!
This book was very well written. It was very detailed but not at all boring.. A very sad story of senseless murder.. I would definitely read this author again. I don't want to give anything away so just read it!
This book was very well written. It was very detailed but not at all boring.. A very sad story of senseless murder.. I would definitely read this author again. I don't want to give anything away so just read it!
November 21, 2020
Chilling and well written
It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s first book. I can only imagine the time and energy that goes into the research and writing of a true crime novel. This book truly reads like that of a seasoned pro. The way this couple cold heartedly murder this poor woman was unbelievable. Never once did either express any remorse. I enjoyed this story from beginning to end and hope that there will be more books like this from this talented author.
It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s first book. I can only imagine the time and energy that goes into the research and writing of a true crime novel. This book truly reads like that of a seasoned pro. The way this couple cold heartedly murder this poor woman was unbelievable. Never once did either express any remorse. I enjoyed this story from beginning to end and hope that there will be more books like this from this talented author.
February 7, 2021
I wanted to read it since it did happen where I live. I know of one person who had their name used in the book and the person DID NOT have anything to do with the case whatsoever, and does not know why they are in there.
I thought the writing was boring and repetitive. But still shows some things I did not know about the case just by living here.
I thought the writing was boring and repetitive. But still shows some things I did not know about the case just by living here.
November 16, 2020
I found this book intriguing in the sense where there was deception and finger pointing to the max. I enjoy following up in crime cases or reading in depth into a case.. This book definitely was an eye opener. I feel bad for the victim and her boyfriend. I recommend.
February 11, 2021
Amazing and well written
This book was amazing . It was intriguing all the way through. I too have always been intrigued as to why someone could be so cruel as to take another persons life like that. Justice was definitely served for Angilia.
This book was amazing . It was intriguing all the way through. I too have always been intrigued as to why someone could be so cruel as to take another persons life like that. Justice was definitely served for Angilia.
February 10, 2021
One of the best!
Well written , I really couldn't put it down. I've been an avid reader of true crime and this author is as good or better than Anne Rule,the master!
Well written , I really couldn't put it down. I've been an avid reader of true crime and this author is as good or better than Anne Rule,the master!
October 31, 2020
Wynn is an outstanding author who keeps you turning the pages. My husband and I would read back and forth to one another for this book. We couldn't wait to get home and read. It was intriguing and extremely upsetting at the same time.
We went to the author book talk on this book and I am so thankful we did. We hope to be reading more by Wynn soon.
We went to the author book talk on this book and I am so thankful we did. We hope to be reading more by Wynn soon.
November 3, 2020
Extremely fascinating
I had not heard or seen anything about this story before reading this. If I gleaned anything from this, it would be there really are sadistic sick pathological liars in this world who would do anything to make it seem like it was some else's fault. I was truly amazed at how twisted people can be. The author did a good job of telling both sides of this sorted tale. And kudos to the way justice was served.
I had not heard or seen anything about this story before reading this. If I gleaned anything from this, it would be there really are sadistic sick pathological liars in this world who would do anything to make it seem like it was some else's fault. I was truly amazed at how twisted people can be. The author did a good job of telling both sides of this sorted tale. And kudos to the way justice was served.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews