Murdered by Human Wolves

Werewolf Saga #1

by Steven E. Wedel

Konowa, Oklahoma holds many secrets. In the wilderness countryside, Pagan dances, bestial shadows around a bonfire, and the primal howls of man and wolf send the pious and decent hurrying for the safety of their homesteads. Mysterious deaths abound in Konowa; young people seduced to the alluring fires, hewn down unnaturally by a ruthless killer. There is an old evil at work here, but is it werewolves, or werewolf hunters?

Based on a true story, this is the tale of Katherine Cross. Born in 1899 and died in 1917, her tombstone reads "Murdered by Human Wolves."

Includes bonus material: "On the Trail of Werewolves: An Interview with Mary Franklin, Paranormal Researcher" a chilling essay of Franklin's research at Konowa cemetery where Katherine Cross' tombstone can be found. If asked five years ago, Mary Franklin would have said she didn't believe in werewolves. Ask her today and her answer is somewhat different.

Genres: Horror, Werewolves, Fiction

98 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

I’ve been writing stories since I was a teenager dreaming of fame and fortune in the literary world. While I’m still waiting on the fortune part, I’ve published over 50 books, mostly in horror, but also in literary fiction, thrillers, Westerns, young adult, and children’s genres—sometimes under other names.

My writing tends to explore the darker sides of life, often blending the supernatural with raw human emotion. If you like slow-burn psychological horror with depth, you’ll probably find something on my shelf worth reading.

In my other lives, I’ve worked as a machinist, journalist, corporate writer, public relations guy, and English teacher. I have a master's degree in creative writing from the University of Oklahoma, and a background in journalism, too. I'm a lifelong Oklahoman, currently living in the central part of the state with a couple of dogs, a cat, and too many books.

When I'm not writing, I'm probably kayaking, camping, or spending time with my kids and grandkids.

Feel free to reach out—I enjoy connecting with readers.

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been sitting on this chapbook since it was released in 2004, and that turns out to be a HUGE mistake. Steven E. Wedel spins a wonderfully written Werewolf yarn that made me wish that it was longer, and the chapbook is rounded out by a truly creepy interview with a Paranormal researcher who is on the trail of real-life Werewolves. Excellent stuff, highly recommended.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a shame that werewolf novels and movies aren't as popular anymore, because a good werewolf story is a lot of fun. This one is no exception. It has good characters, great writing, and a cool historically-based plot. A couple minor quibbles prevent a higher rating, namely that some characters do silly things merely to serve the plot. Also, the werewolves for some unexplained reason allow the human wolves to do their thing in the end, though they have every incentive to prevent the human wolves from doing their thing, and the means to prevent the human wolves from doing their thing.

As a side note, I actually read this through in one sitting on a late Friday night in a dark house, which was great. The volume I own is the original shorter version.

[Anne Hanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story very much! I love that fact that it is taken from accounts of a true story right in my home state. My only complaint is that I wish it had been much longer.

[Charmer (Whatcha Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story. How could people be so stupid? That doctor was evil. That interview at the end was spooky. What happened to Thomas? I wanted more.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook from audible and although not normally my cup of tea but I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it. The story does a great job blurring the lines between fact and fiction. I loved how real the werewolves felt and the level of detail the author goes into.
Also the narrator, Gwendolyn Jensen-Woodard does a fantastic job bringing the story to life with a range of voices and emotions sadly lacking from a lot of audiobooks. She makes you feel almost like you are part of the story.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the first real werewolf novels I've read that is totally about werewolves. Graphic, exciting, and made me totally devour the next 2. All I can say is HURRY UP Steven and bring on the 3rd!!!!!

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 1 of my series The Werewolf Saga.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new edition of my novella, with two new chapters and a new introduction by W.D. Gagliani.