Minnesota Mayhem: A History of Calamitous Events, Horrific Accidents, Dastardly Crime & Dreadful Behavior in the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes (True Crime)

The true crime stories in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis /St. Paul are a fast read. Excellent reporting of true stories.

This slim volume, only 160 pages, is fun. Ben Welter gives us 34 stories taken from the pages of the venerable "Minneapolis Tribune", in business since 1867 (and now the "Star Tribune"). The stories are presented in chronological order, from a con man in August 1871 to the nationally reported Congdon murders in June 1977.It is interesting to see how the writing style of newspaper reporters has changed. Here's an excerpt from the 1881 story concerning a fire in the State Capitol building: "There was a grand rush for the doors, the lieutenant-governor, with admirable coolness, attempting to allay the excitement, which only rose the higher as a body of senators attempted to escape by the door, only to be beaten back by flame, and a cloud of black smoke that threatened to shut off that escape. Brave men blanched with fear. A thousand thoughts rushed through excited minds, and the distance from the windows to the ground was measured with anxious eyes."It's not "reporting" as we know it, but it is good story-telling. The book has stories of 1898 Road Rage, race relations, gangsters and storms – there has to be storm reporting in Minnesota. Lots of generally interesting articles, too. Such as a fascinating 1901 interview with the infamous Jim and Cole Younger, just before their release from prison after serving 25 years for their part in a Jess James' attempted bank robbery. Jim told the reporter: "I don't think I shall be much disturbed by the mechanical and engineering advances that have occurred in the last 25 years.... I take the "Scientific American" [and] every issue of that paper I have studied carefully.... Now, of course, it will look odd to see a carriage running round without horses, or a big car traveling without mules or steam, but for years I have known that these things were, and pictures have familiarized me with their appearance."Ben Welter has been gleaning stories such as these since 2005. He publishes them in a blog on the "Star Tribune" website, titled "Yesterdays' News". This book was published in 2012, and his blog is still going strong. This collection of stories is 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.Happy Reader

I love history especially state and family histories. After reading this book I learned many things I didn't know about the state where I was born and raised. I would DEFINITELY recommend it to everyone.

I thought the book would be more meaty and exciting. A couple of good stories, otherwise it seems like the book just entailed very old petty crimes from MN.

Yes, it met my expectations!!!!! TY for putting together Minnesota History!!! It is a job,,,,,,,,WELL DONE!!

MINNESOTA MAYHEM is an enjoyable cross-section of 150 years of Minnesota history, covering con men, murderers, natural disasters, jet crashes, war protests, highwire accidents, and everything in between. 19th Century journalism is a pleasure to read, and though the history skews to the tragic one walks away from this book pleased with the excursion.

Book is very interesting. Couldn't put it down. Would love to read more like it.

Lots of variety. Fun to read.