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Riders on the Storm

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The chilling real-life crime that inspired a rock 'n' roll classic.

Seventy-five years ago, in the winter of 1951, a young hitchhiker named Billy Cook set off on a brutal cross-country killing spree that shocked the nation. Over the course of several harrowing days, Cook left a trail of terror stretching from Missouri to California and beyond, targeting unsuspecting Good Samaritans who offered him a ride. His cold-blooded crimes captured headlines, terrified travelers, and led to one of the most intense manhunts at that time in American history.

More than two decades later, the haunting legacy of Billy Cook would echo through popular culture-most notably in the eerie lyrics and mood of The Doors' iconic 1971 song, Riders on the Storm.

Part true crime thriller, part historical chronicle, Riders on the Storm uncovers the full story behind Cook's rampage and the devastating impact of his actions on the families of his victims. Drawing from original court documents, eyewitness accounts, and contemporary reporting, this gripping account brings to life one of the darkest chapters in mid-century American crime.

Perfect for fans of In Cold Blood, Helter Skelter, and Mindhunter, this is a must-read for true crime aficionados and classic rock historians alike.

370 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2026

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4453 people want to read

About the author

Sherri Kukla

87 books64 followers
Sherri Kukla is is a fan of mysteries, both reading them and writing. She is the author of MotoMysteries, a faith-based mystery series for middle grade kids and the Dry Brook mystery series for adult readers. She is also the co-founder and publisher, along with her husband, Steve, of S&S Off Road Magazine.

Sherri and Steve met and married as teenagers. They're not sure where the time went, but over 50 adventurous years have passed. They have four children and three grandchildren. Sherri and Steve reside in a small desert community in Southern California.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Alexis.
11 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2026
Riders on the Storm is perfect for fans of historical fiction/nonfiction, suspense, crime procedurals, and true crime. It was clearly well-researched and used primary sources to tell the unbelievable, and surprisingly unknown, story of Billy and his reign of terror along the highways.

I enjoyed the extension of the story into Billy’s capture and subsequent trials. Using actual court transcripts, the author describes the courtroom scenes in a way that isn’t boring or hard to follow (which they easily could’ve been). It gave an interesting look into the courtrooms of the past and how the law was implemented during that time. There were some “whoa” moments, including the loophole that would’ve allowed Billy to be eligible for parole in 20 years. Also, the way his hometown prospered on his death was unbelievable.

I appreciated that the author included a fact vs fiction section at the end of book. This was not only interesting, but helpful in distinguishing between which parts were true and which were embellished.

The story of Billy and his victims brings up some controversial issues that could inspire some great discussion among readers. For example, the argument of nature vs nurture. Examples from Billy’s life and behavior could provide evidence for both sides. Also, the issue of sanity among violent criminals and the use of the death penalty can be argued.

My one complaint were the many points of views. I am usually a fan of multiple POVs, but in this case there were way too many. Sometimes it became hard to keep track of the characters, their specific involvement in the case, and even their location. I understand the author wanted to show how a crime has ripple effects and affects more than just the people directly involved, but it became overwhelming. There were a few POVs that didn’t add much to the story and could’ve been interwoven with characters that were already introduced. Examples include the bailiff and the woman who sent the telegram to Billy.

Overall, I highly recommend this book for lovers of true crime. It’s always interesting to learn about lesser-known criminals and the way the justice system has changed over the years (and the way it has not).

I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Iain Batten.
41 reviews3 followers
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January 10, 2026
True crime is undoubtedly my preferred genre, and "Riders on the Storm" by Sherri Kukla marks my first encounter with this author, having received an advance reader copy from her. Kukla masterfully intertwines the narrative with the extensive research she conducted on the crimes and the subsequent trial. The story is compelling from the very first page, featuring thorough details that engage without overwhelming the reader.

She has taken a largely obscure crime, involving victims who have been largely forgotten, and brought their story to life with the utmost respect. I highly recommend this book, especially for those who, for lack of a better term, “enjoy” true crime and are eager to uncover the realities of what transpired. Each segment of the narrative leaves no room for uncertainty.
I cannot emphasize enough how this book captivated me, as I eagerly turned from chapter to chapter. It is truly gripping! I admire and respect the author for her commitment to incorporating her faith in Christ throughout her writings.
Profile Image for Deanna Mosier.
499 reviews14 followers
October 14, 2025
I enjoyed reading Sherri Kukla’s excellent first foray into true crime stories. She put so much into it. Taking potentially tedious court and newspaper records, she created a very interesting, easy to read, faith-filled fictionalized story based on facts about a strange, evil man in early 1950s who kidnapped and killed several people over several states on his long road trip. Was Billy Cook truly evil or insane or both? How does faith play into the story? Read this book and determine for yourself. The song, Riders on the Storm, has a couple of lines in it regarding this killing spree; thus the title of the book.
1 review
October 10, 2025
If you're a fan of true crime books, this is a must read! If you're not a fan of true crime, this is a must read! Sherri expertly weaves the story into the facts of what was obviously extensive research into the crimes committed and the ensuing trial. This story is compelling from page one all the way through. The details are thorough without being boring. She took an obscure crime that most people have never heard of, victims that have been mostly forgotten, and brought it to life in a respectful way.

I loved this book.
Profile Image for Jamie.
14 reviews
October 22, 2025
I've reviewed a few of Sherri Kukla’s books. Her writing style is amazing, and the stories just make me want to curl up in a corner and enjoy the book with a hot cup of tea and a snuggly blanket. She draws you in from the beginning, and makes you feel like you are part of the story. I just love her work.

Most of her books, have been more youth focused in the past. Even though I’m old, I loved them. Now she decided to come out with a book that has a more adult writing style, and is based on a true story. I had never heard of the news story before, maybe because it was from 1951, and I wasn’t even born yet. However, when you start reading, you don’t even have to know that it’s something that was on the news back then. It seems just like a modern-day thriller, that you’d see at your local movie theater. There were a few times that I actually jumped, while I was reading the story. She does an amazing job of describing different parts of the story, at different times. Having you jump around a bit, and then having it all come to one final scene that makes you go “WOW!”

This book as a whole is amazing. I’ve told Sherri before, that I could see her amazing writings in her books, one day becoming an award-winning film. She just has a great way to talk to the reader, like you’re sitting down for coffee at the local neighborhood cafe. She just knows how to make it fun, and exciting. I simply cannot wait to see just what she will come out with next.
Profile Image for Jill- Host of the Murder Shelf Book Club podcast.
31 reviews7 followers
January 20, 2026
Sherri Kukla's captivating debut in the world of true crime should undeniably pave the way for more. She meticulously delves into a haunting case that has lingered in the shadows for 75 years, bringing to life the chilling tale of Billy Cook, the “cockeyed killer,” whose reign of terror gripped the nation in 1951. The story opens with a poignant glimpse into the life of a young boy faced with heartbreaking misfortune, setting the stage for a harrowing narrative.

As well-meaning individuals go about their daily routines, they are suddenly thrust into a whirlwind of panic and horror. A malevolent crime spree carves a path of devastation and fear, leaving communities paralyzed and on edge, their once-peaceful lives shattered. Kukla skillfully weaves the narrative from multiple perspectives—portraying the harrowing experiences of victims, resilient survivors, dedicated police officers, and heartbroken families caught in the nightmare. This vivid storytelling transports readers to an era devoid of modern conveniences: no televisions or cell phones issuing alerts issuing with alerts, no instant communication, and no CCTV cameras capturing every moment at intersections. Instead, law enforcement faced the daunting challenge of apprehending a merciless spree killer with limited resources before the US highway system existed! The question looms: what will recovery and justice truly entail in the aftermath of such a calamity? In a delightful exchange, Sherri Kukla was a guest on the Murder Shelf Book Club, a true crime book club podcast, for an enlightening conversation about her latest. Tune in to episode 149, and make sure to grab a copy of this remarkable true crime masterpiece! As a fascinating tidbit, this true story inspired The Doors’ iconic song "Riders on the Storm."

Profile Image for Cassy.
73 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2025
For transparency, I read an early version of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Riders on the Storm is a dramatically compelling true story that draws readers deep into one of the most uncanny crimes in modern history. Through hundreds of pages of courtroom transcripts, news articles, and painstaking but essential research, Sherri Kukla constructs a spellbinding narrative that chronicles a nationwide manhunt stretching across multiple states, including my home state of Oklahoma, and into Mexico, an operation that rallied both civilians and law enforcement officials.

But this book is far more than a record of pursuit. It is a heart-wrenching exploration of every life caught in the storm: the victims, the families left shattered, and the officers driven to the edge by a killer who terrorizes without remorse. It leaves readers grappling with a haunting question: Was Billy Cook’s brutality the mark of a psychopath or the scar of a neglected soul?

The lyrics of The Doors’ song that shares the same name— “There's a killer on the road. His brain is squirmin' like a toad…If you give this man a ride, sweet family will die”—lend a chilling musicality that mirrors the story’s grim reality and runs quietly in the background of the reader’s mind, driving suspense in every chapter.

In the end, Riders on the Storm is both emotionally devastating and psychologically riveting, a book that terrifies and enlightens in equal measure. With her inaugural entry into the true crime genre, Sherri Kukla establishes herself as a powerful new voice, unafraid to confront the darkest reaches of humanity.
Profile Image for Stephanie - Books Less Travelled.
218 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2026
*I was given an early ecopy from the author. This does not affect my review. These thoughts are my own.*

I can honestly say that I've never read anything like this. I also faced some hesitation picking this one up. I had suspected it would be a difficult read, and it is, but after having read it, I'm so glad I did! Kukla does a wonderful job collecting these stories and articles and presenting them in novel form. I know a lot of hard work and dedication were poured into this book, and it shows.

Any story about a serial killer is going to be a hard read, but this one takes a unique approach that I both loved and almost dreaded at times, but that makes the story all the more real in the mind of the reader. (Which is the part I struggled with at times! I can't imagine what it was like to write this book, and even more so for those poor people!) Sherri Kukla is a talented author, and her skill and passion for writing suspenseful stories with a ray of hope woven into them shine bright in this one! I loved reading about the different moving pieces and all the people involved in the story. It's amazing to realize God is constantly in control and is always moving in ways we can't even imagine, all according to His perfect timing and plan. The last half of the book was a little easier to read, and I ended up flying through it, unable to put it down at that point! (I had to pace myself until then, since the suspense and reality of it all were a lot to take in, so small doses were better, but still an amazing story. It was so realistic that I could almost 'feel' the characters' fear, which is why I couldn't read it quite as quickly.) The inclusion of transcripts and court records, among other documentation, really brings it to life in vivid detail, and they all wove together wonderfully in this powerful and moving tale.
1 review
October 19, 2025
I am in awe of the effort put forth by Sherri Kukla when it comes to not only creating a story that can be vividly seen in our mind as we read, but the expert and professional effort and time spent to gather real and true facts. The authenticity of Riders on the Storm is beyond comprehension. What we read is real. It happened. And Sherri brought it to life in a way I believe, no other can. The story is gripping and often will generate genuine emotion from the reader. I will leave you to discover those emotions.

I have heard it said that there are some avid readers who, for whatever reason, read the last page first before beginning a new novel. Don’t do that! You will deny yourself the necessary feelings in your soul after reading about such a horrific crime. Sherri is an outstanding author. She puts every ounce of her heart and soul into everything she writes. I HIGHLY recommend reading this book, especially if you are one who, for lack of a better term with a subject like this, “enjoys” true crime and learning what REALLY happened. There isn’t a single part that leaves you wondering. I cannot say enough about how this book gripped me as I quickly read and flipped from chapter to chapter. Gripping! I admire and respect this author for her ability to keep Christ in all her writings. I can only imagine how difficult this one was for her to get through as a Godly woman. Clearly, this book touched me and has stuck with me. I could almost write a novel about just that. So to put it simply. Read it!!!! You won’t regret it!!
Profile Image for J.M. Kirkley.
Author 1 book162 followers
January 19, 2026
4.5 stars
To begin, I'm not typically a fan of true crime stories, but I love historical fiction based on true events. I became intrigued by Riders on the Storm when I learned of the depth of the author's extensive research into writing this book. Growing up listening to the Doors, the lyrics played through my mind as I read the gripping account of the killer on the road.

Two things made reading this story even more chilling. To begin, I've traveled over several stretches of road mentioned in the book, including Blythe, Mexicali, and the deserted stretch of road south of the border to San Felipe, Mexico. Secondly, a memory surfaced in the early 60s when my dad picked up a hitchhiker on a California roadway after seeing he had a family stranded by their vehicle. I recall my mom vibrating with nervousness, telling him, "We don't know that man. What he might do." After reading about the killing spree of Billy Cook that made national news, I can appreciate her reaction all the more.

My impressions: I found the entire story compelling from beginning to end, though at times heart-wrenching to read. As a therapist, I was intrigued by the insanity plea. I felt as though I was in the courtroom, on both occasions, waiting the verdicts in two states. The author explored nature vs nurture and a faith thread. I appreciated her including a Separating Fact from Fiction section. I've recommended this book to friends who read true crimes.
57 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 13, 2025
Riders On The Storm is the first book by author Sherri Kukla that I have read, having received an ARC from the author.

Kukla describes a series of real events that took place about 70 years ago. Most people today have not even heard of these events: either being too young or not having been born at the time. Her writing style captures the reader’s attention through the kidnappings and horrific murders of several innocent Good Samaritans; and the search for and capture of the perpetrator. Even the courtroom scenes, which could have been either very dry or ludicrously flamboyant, were deftly woven into the rich narrative. The story does seem to drag on a bit after its natural conclusion (the verdict and aftermath) as the author insisted on making a religious statement that to my mind was unnecessary. But for that, this page-turner might have earned a 5-star rating. Despite that, It’s very good reading.

The author’s epitaph points out the very real people in this book and the counterparts who have been fictionalized. I always appreciate that (and the tremendous amount of research that) goes into an historical fiction book.

This is the real story behind the Doors’ eerily haunting song Riders On The Storm, which I was not aware had a true beginnings. I’ve always loved the song, but I have renewed respect for it now.
Profile Image for Bernie Cummins.
54 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy
January 14, 2026
RIDERS ON THE STORM 

(song and book title)

“There's a killer on the road
His brain is squirmin' like a toad”

From 1971 song by The Doors

It's awful. It's awful events. It's awfully good story telling. A challenging exploration of the true events of 1951-52. 

Billy “cockeyed” Cook, young hitch hiker and killer on the road in Missouri, California and eventually Mexico. The author Sherri Kukla uses the main characters of the true story, plus a few lesser fictional characters to give us the drama of the police chase and Cook's capture, trials and eventual demise.

[The 1953 movie The Hitch-Hiker, based on this true story was made very soon after, while the murders were still fresh in people's minds. Billy “cockeyed” Cook became Emmett Myers in the film noir and was portrayed by William Talman. The story mirrored the real events with Myers the escaped convict in the movie, terrorising two men on a trip to Mexico. It's most likely the fastest turn around in making a movie based on true crime events and the first film noir directed by a woman, Ida Lupino.]

All in all, a criminally good book to read as part of US crime folklore, with its own Doors song, used as the book title.

Thanks BookSirens for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
18 reviews
Review of advance copy
December 30, 2025
Really enjoyed this book. The book follows the chilling story of Billy Cook a young Spree Killer in the USA in the early 1950s.

The book is written in the interesting style where the author relates fact, when there is written fact to follow. When there is no written fact to follow the author writes in the dialogue she assumes would have occurred. She clearly identifies at the end of the book what was written from fact and what was not. This style really makes the book more interesting giving it a better flow without leaving 'holes' in the story.

Apart from the story of the Billy Cook the book also looks at several other issues namely the Death Penalty, Nurture v Nature, problems with the US justice system.

The story of Billy Cook also prompted the haunting song of the same name by The Doors.

I would highly recommend this book as it a well written, interesting story. Well done Sherri Kukla.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Denice Langley.
4,851 reviews48 followers
January 20, 2026
Sherri Kukla is a prolific author with a large library of middle-grade and adult novels. Riders on the Storm is her first step into nonfiction, where she gives readers an engrossing tale of Billy Cook, a 1950s hitchhiker who thanked his drivers with murder. She builds a well-developed picture of Billy, clearly spending time and effort in research. Cook extended his list of victims across the United States, building his deadly reputation with each kill. As law enforcement race to catch up with him, he will inspire fear on the roads and highways. Luckily, Billy's reign of terror was short-lived. History would most likely have forgotten him if not for the Jim Morrison and the Doors song Riders on the Storm, where Billy's crimes are made famous.

Sherri Kukla's writing skills bring Billy to life. She obviously spent time and effort to build a picture of a young man who for his own reasons decides to kill anyone who would show him kindness. Billy is immortalized in a song; surprising many to find that the song is written about true crime.
Profile Image for Louise Gray.
893 reviews22 followers
November 21, 2025
This is a good mix of truth and fiction and the fact that the crimes took place some 70 plus years ago allows this to be done without too much scrutiny of which is which. Nonetheless, the author includes a helpful summary of which characters are purely fictional and which are not. The story is a sad one and the author does a good job of ensuring that the focus is on the events rather than the grisly details of the crimes themselves. The inclusion of the court processes makes for a complete picture of what the justice system was like in the 1950s and there are also some fascinating side events which would be unheard of now, such as the treatment of the corpse after Cook’s death. I felt the author did a good job of giving depth to the experiences and characters of the victims, making the information real and credible when it is simply not possible to know what really happened at the end of their lives,
Profile Image for Jamie Rincker.
167 reviews10 followers
January 19, 2026
Wow, this book hit so close to home, literally! I grew up in Central Illinois, same as the Mosser family and I took their untimely demise personally because I'm a farmer's wife and mom myself. Back in a time where hitchhikers were trusted and people were kind enough to help, there was a killer in the midst. Billy Cook's terror stretched for miles as he harmed unsuspecting people. I felt especially bad for his foster mom who did the best she could to raise him right, but by the time he was in her care, it was too late. As many killers do, he had a horrible childhood and the book goes into great detail what it was like for him, even mentioning him and his 10 siblings living in an abandoned mine with few supplies. I breathed a sign of relief when he was caught, because who knows how many others he may have harmed. This is a truly compelling story that will resonate with me for a very long time.
Profile Image for Laura Harvey.
44 reviews4 followers
November 1, 2025
If you love true crime, you need to read this book! The author, through extensive research, presents a chilling account of the life, crimes and trial of convicted killer William (Billy) Cook.

The story ponders the question "Was Billy Cook clinically insane or just pure evil?; or simply put nature vs. nurture. The story was detailed without being boring, detailing the stories and observations of everyone affected by the killer's actions.

The lyrics of the Doors song, Riders on the Storm, "there's a killer on the road. His brain is squirmin like a toad...If you give this man a ride, sweet family will die" played through my head throughout this chilling account of a devastating and emotional story.

Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my unbiased review. #ridersonthestorm #sherrikukla
Profile Image for Melissa Cavanagh.
25 reviews
Review of advance copy
January 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this true-crime-inspired story. The author did a fantastic job of filling out the stark, brutal facts of the killings and of the person who did them with details, scenery, and dialogue. A crime I knew nothing about became vividly real. I had no idea that Billy Cook's killing spree was the inspiration for The Doors song Riders on the Storm.

There were parts of the story that gave me chills because the author expertly conveyed the sounds, emotions, and actions. These characters from the past were brought off the pages and into the world with her telling of their stories.

Highly recommend for fans of true crime, 20th century fiction, psychological thrillers, and absorbing stories.

Disclaimer: My review is based on an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) which I received free of charge. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
330 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2025
Quite often I read a book cover to cover in one setting, but this one was much meatier than those. Reading this book was like savoring a good steak. I had to read it slowly a bite at a time to digest it all. I've read other books by this author so I knew this would be another winner. It definitely is!

Because it was based on a true story much of the courtroom proceedings were transcribed verbatim. Which made it seem as if the reader were actually part of the story. It's sad to see how this young man's early childhood influenced him to follow such a dark, deadly path.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The opinions and comments are entirely my own.
1 review
November 14, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have read other books by this author and she never fails at keeping the stories thought provoking and entertaining. She brings a never ending passion to the story and different twists and turns in the direction the reader takes. She brings life to all her fictional characters and story elements. This one is more intense than some of the others by using factual information with non fictional characters that she melds into the story perfectly. Every one of her stories are different but all carry the same message of hope, passion and positive outcomes in one way or the other. She is truly a gifted storyteller with strong family values and support. Nice work Sherri. Corky
274 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
December 25, 2025
Due to the subject of this book this is a hard read.
I was drawn to it, as I was to the Doors track 'Riders on the Storm' tragically the last track laid down by Jim Morrison.
As historical factual writing the story was excellently written, clearly true wherever possible, marvellously constructed whenever necessary.
The author had clearly considered relatives of the victims and the perpetrator of the crimes throughout the book.
I would recommend this book as a 'must read' to any Doors fan who likes 'Riders on the Storm' and to any fan of the genre.
My thanks to the author for the hours of enjoyment that the book has brought me, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
30 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2025
Despite consuming true crime for years, I had never heard of this string of incidents before stumbling upon this book, so I was happy for the chance to read an ARC copy through BookSirens.

Without giving anything away, the story progressed fluidly and included some of  what happened after the crimes were committed. I say some, because there weren't enough details for my personal taste but I'm guessing there weren't more details to be had, which must also explain some of the fictional liberties that were taken to "flesh out" the story, as the author explains at the end.

Tragic events, but a good read if you're a fan of this genre.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,592 reviews
December 9, 2025
If you are a fan of true crime and also a music fan this is just the book for you. The story behind the song Riders on the Storm by the Doors will have a whole new meaning for you.
I love true crime and this is one of the most fascinating. The author did a great job of looking into all aspects of the case. William Cook was a crazy person and evil to his very core. I got chills down my spine as I read this book.
Grab this book and settle in to read a crime book that is going to stay with you for a long time.
Thank you NetGalley, #Sherri Kukla for writing it and BooksGoSocial for the copy of #Riders on the Storm. This is my personal review.
32 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2025
Reading this book of true crime left me with thought provoking moments of unanswered difficult questions. Was Billy Cook the product of his environment and a victim or by choice a calculating cruel person intent on causing harm and suffering to those he came across. It seems as though special people were placed in his life early and I love the faith-filled aspect throughout the book. Obviously the author spent countless hours pouring over manuscripts and documents to weave together this story. I will let you answer for yourself if love can overcome all evil. Or does each person have the choice of free will which will determine his/ her destiny.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
160 reviews
October 27, 2025
This is the most fascinating, interesting, compelling, and unique book I've read in a long time. It will "sit with you", as it did me. Even in telling from various viewpoints: LEO'S lawyers, journalists, every day citizen, spectators the courtroom, guards, victims, etc it was not convoluted or confusing. The story took me on an emotional roller coaster and will stay with me.
I can not imagine the amount of research, emotional upheaval, and heart that the author put into this book.
This is a definite must read.
1 review
December 5, 2025
A novel by Sherri Kukla


Accuracy to facts, yet fiction! This was an enthralling book about murder, societal influence on individuals, and the outcome those influences foster. If you're looking for historical facts interspersed with fiction, this book by Sherri Kukla suspencfully pulls you into the story right to the final page. Details left little to the imagination, and I found myself hoping for a better ending. That being said, a good writer can draw you in and keep you hooked until the final page. That is what Sherri Kukla did in this novel. Well done!
12 reviews
December 21, 2025
This is a must-read for true crime readers. The book is about one bad dude named Billy Cook. He went on a killing spree 75 years ago. Some people are just born bad. Unsuspecting good Samaritans were his easy victims. Killing a family with little children he has to be very sick. The book covers his life and the terrible things he did. The song " Riders On The Storm " is about this. It's hard to put down if you can stomach the crimes he did. I would like to thank S&S Publishing Inc. for a free advance copy to read and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1 review2 followers
October 20, 2025
This book by Sherri Kukla is based on a true story, it is steeped in factual details from the crime as it occured. Sherri really took the time to blend historic accuracy with inferrence and imagination to round out the whole story and make for a concise yet attention keeping read. I really enjoyed the layout of the chapters with the dates and locations & I always appreciate and love how she weaves God and Christianity into her writings.
26 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2025
I don't usually like historical fiction but I was part of the advanced reader group for this book. if anything would change my mind, this was it! what a perfectly crafted account of one of the most notorious serial killers William E. Cook. I was pulled into othe story immediately. The attention to detail and amount of research that went into this is amazing. The characters jump out of the page. By the end, I was in tears wanting salvation for Billy. This is a definite must read!
16 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
January 6, 2026
This was a very interesting book about a serial killer in the 1950s. I liked the different perspectives of each character throughout the book. Many twists and turns throughout the book. The killers chase and capture was described very well. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading other books from this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
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