In 2024, 15 of the top 20 documentaries shown on Netflix were true crime while in the world of books, crime and mystery titles ranked the second most profitable book titles for U.S. Amazon sales in 2022.  

Given the interest in this topic, the Great River Regional Library in Becker is pleased to have Minnesota true crime author Frank F. Weber as the guest speaker in September.  Weber, also a forensic psychologist, will describe how a case is profiled as well as conduct a live demonstration of a lie detector test.  He uses his keen understanding of how predators think, the trauma of victims and his experience in expert testimony in writing his books. 

Weber says he did not plan on being published when he began writing. 

“I wrote to vent from my forensic work,” he says.   “I needed to get it out, and I’ve always loved a good mystery.” 

After writing stories and putting them in binders for over a decade, Weber felt the stories were getting good. 

“But I wondered if it was just self-delusion being I hadn’t shared the stories with anyone,” he continued. “So I sent Murder Book (my first published book) to a publisher, and it took off from there.”

Weber is not a trained writer, noting that it took some time to polish his craft. 

“When I first started, I’d read a line I’d written to my wife and she’d say, ‘That’s not a sentence.’ I’d think, ‘It was a sentence when I wrote it.’” 

By writing, Weber learned a great deal about the craft. He said he became obsessed with details, which brought value to his forensic work. He also does not write in a linear fashion – beginning to end. 

“I think of a great scene, and I write it,” he notes. “From there I work in both directions. I often rewrite the beginning after I finish the story. I tell people, ‘Don’t keep hammering away from the beginning. It’s mind numbing and a waste of time. The story should determine the beginning, rather than the beginning determining the story.’”

Weber’s achievements in both forensic psychology and writing have been honored. He received the Outstanding Achievement Award from MN Psychological Association in 2024 as well as the President’s Award from the MN Correctional Association for his forensic work. His book “Black and Blue” won the Pencraft Award for Best Mystery of Summer 2023.

Weber’s 2025 book, “The Sun” (as well as his earlier book “Scandal of Vandals”) is based on the homicide of Debra Grant and accusations leveled at her husband, attorney Tug Grant.  This Minnesota mystery was once described as “the crime of the century”.  

Weber will share information related to the Grant case and will be available after the event to sign books and answer individual questions. This program is open for teens and adults and was made possible with Arts & Cultural Heritage Funds from Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment.

Mark your calendars for Thurs., Sept.11, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Great River Regional Library in Becker at 1150 Sherburne Avenue for what is certain to be a fascinating evening.

Remember, the library in Becker is open from 1-7 p.m. on Thursdays.  All are encouraged to come prior to the author’s event to explore what the library has to offer!