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Less than one year ago, the news reached this city that a bloody and inhuman murder had been committed in the township of St. Olaf, about 18 miles from this city. The details were meager, but they were of such a character as to make the blood run cold and caused one to wonder whether such a thing could be done by one in human form. A beautiful young girl left at home by her family on that May morning had been murdered – most likely outraged – horribly mutilated, thrown into the hog pasture and her mangled remains partially eaten by the swine.
— Fergus Falls Weekly Journal, Thursday, April 19, 1888
The debut historical True Crime novel by Janet Preus is jam-packed with the facts as recorded in court documents and local, late nineteenth century newspapers. Preus's authentic fiction simply fills in the blanks of victims, witnesses, law enforcement, and prosecutors involved in thirteen crimes, for which little justice meted out until the final offense, the hideous murder of Lillie Field on May 26, 1887.
Here's what reviewers have said:
"This search for restorative justice for Lillie Field, a young girl brutally murdered in Otter Tail County in 1887, also reveals the county's attempt to exonerate itself for never having convicted a murderer. A well-researched chronicle, "The Thirteenth Crime" runs parallel to the presence of Lillie's ghost, who after so many years, waits for her name to be spoken and her life to be honored." ~ Lee Henschel Jr., author of "Gods of Clay," Book Four of The Sailing Master series.
"An insightful and creative account of crime and punishment in 19th century rural Minnesota. Janet Preus has unearthed the stories behind the stories buried for more than a century." ~ Chris Schuelke, Executive Director, Otter Tail County Historical Society.