By:
Just two years after the events chronicled in "Minnesota's Oldest Murder Mystery," this was the "Chapel of St. Paul," built on land claimed by Edward Phalen and the late (and mysteriously departed) William Hays. (Minnesota Historical Society)
"Dial M" chronicles the murder of Carol Thompson in her Highland park residence; metro-area residents were at first terrified there was a murderous burglar on the loose but then found the trouble lay far closer to home. (Minnesota Historical Society Press image)
"Nearly Departed" by J. Michael Norman offers a step beyond — or world beyond — true-crime stories. Norman has gathered stories of the hauntings of those who didn't rest easy from all over the state. (Minnesota Historical Society Press image)
This is just one of the covers you'll see for the often-reissued "Murder in Minnesota," a 1962 classic that tracks pivotal cases from that of two settlers heading to Minnesota by riverboat and only one arriving to the murderous opportunities offered by the miles-long range of automobiles. (Minnesota Historical Society Press image)
It's been said before — and often in a newsroom — "You couldn't make this stuff up."
Which is why true crime accounts — grounded by the quirks and flaws of actual people as well as real places and times — are so could-have-happened-here chilling.
Rate this article: