A Death in White Bear Lake: The True Chronicle of an All-American Town

When Jerry was a young woman she gave up her infant son for adoption. Years later when she wanted to reconnect with her son, she learned that he had died before he was 4 years old. When she investigated further, she discovered that although a coroner's investigation was opened and there were ample indications that the child had been physically abused, a cause of death for her child had never been determined. Jerry insisted that the authorities reopen and reinvestigate the case of her son's death, so that his cause of death could be determined and guilty parties, if any, be brought to justice.
This book is a lengthy and detailed exposition of that investigation, and of the prosecution of Harold and Lois Jurgens, the adoptive parents (who show more after the death of the 4 year old went on to adopt 4 more children who were also abused). The case led to ground-breaking new laws that are crucial in prosecuting adults who abuse children who can no longer speak for themselves.
For the most part the book was compelling and interesting reading. However, in my view it contained too much extraneous detail. For example, there is a great deal about the history of the town and descriptions of its physical layout, as well as descriptions of its governing officials, as they compete to win the "All America City" contest. Perhaps the point was that this story could happen anywhere, even in an "All America City," but it simply took up too much space in an otherwise good read. show less

A chilling account of an adoptive mother, previously diagnosed with a mental illness, whose cruel treatment resulted in death. The family and community basically ignored the abuse; the birth mother was instrumental in triggering charges YEARS later. Not for the sqeamish.

True crime featuring one of the evilest mothers you'd ever want to meet, who abused adopted children, no less.