Evil Among Us: A True Story of Surviving Tragedy Through Murder, Fire, and Forgiveness

by Alex L. Konicke, Kiley Rasmussen (Editor), Alejandra Gos (Illustrator)

What happens when your world is set on fire—literally—and you’re forced to reckon with the fact nothing will ever be the same?

One tragic night, Alex Konicke’s brother, consumed by mental illness, murdered their mother, nearly killed their father, and set their family home ablaze. In a single night, Alex’s life was destroyed. What followed was a nine-year journey through shock, grief, resilience, and an unthinkable to forgive.

In Evil Among A True Story of Surviving Tragedy Through Murder, Fire, and Forgiveness, Alex shares his raw and redemptive memoir of surviving family tragedy and discovering strength in faith. More than true crime, this is a story of healing, resilience, and the power of choosing hope.

Inside, you’ll

A gripping, true account of murder, survival, and rebuilding life from ashesHonest reflections on trauma, resilience, and the hard road of forgivenessA story of unshakable faith in the face of unthinkable lossEvil Among Us is proof that even in the deepest darkness, redemption and healing are possible.

This book is for readers who loved A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard or The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner.

216 pages, Hardcover

Published October 25, 2025

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about unimaginable tragedy and loss. And about the author’s struggle with grief and pain. Finding strength and moving forward by relying on family, friends and faith.
And finally asking how we humans can improve how we deal with mental illness.

[James Holliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having met Alex one day while he was walking his dog

Having met Alex one day while he was walking his dog, I can honestly say he is this unique voice, this person he’s described and I take every word at face value. Our meeting was brief, maybe thirty minutes, but when you are out for a walk, see someone and engage how often do you spend thirty minutes getting to know them? Alex is a dynamic, honest, open man.

On his faith; I don’t judge people on their faith or lack of belief, I have a different take on where this feeling or search for an all powerful presence begins, ends, effects our journey or seems so lacking in even those we love and hold dear. Our self preservation sees it placed where it makes sense and absent or the presence of an equally strong force of evil with some battle between the two. I won’t, out of respect for those having followed this doctrine denigrate what is an almost universal need to believe this.

I might simplify it with an internal moral compass, or sadly a lack of, dulling and blunting of one. Psychosis and many mental illnesses are so outside the understandings for those with a strong sense of self, mission to follow what seems right that the lack of or displays of reckless disregard for others or their impact on others is hard to fathom and gives way to an evil presence imagining to balance the idea of an all good benevolent being.

Community, faith in an invisible being so often go hand in hand. To gather and support each other in times of stress, tragedy and joy are hallmarks of a great society. Lacking direction and support creating a singular experience in life gives space to a loneliness, and I wholly support group dynamic and sharing of grief. The pull to help, knowledge and contribute manifest in obvious but misunderstood ways. The gathering of people, the draw to attend and somehow to help just by showing up to celebrate lives needlessly lost, or testifying emotionally to feeling deep and meaningful connection to strangers is evidence of this humanity we share, this compass that guides us, to reach out and embrace those suffering.

There are those with a total lack of empathy, how and why? Can they be reached and helped or are they so outside a normal we perceive are unreachable. Sadly it seems to be so. Brad Couts once relayed a wisdom on my family concerning this issue. “You’re looking for bread at Radio Shack”, it just isn’t there.

While I see Alex and so many others amplifying and living their internal moral compass through fellowship, testifying, baring their fears and joy in company of like minded gatherings and I see the good that community radiates and physically does, the unifying thread to me is the underlying compass that is amplified in those settings. Akex’s wishing or hopefulness of some sort of breakthrough to have Zach recognize and follow this inner knowledge of right and wrong, sadly is not accepting he’s looking for something that just does not exist.

Those lacking this compass will and can find ways to manipulate us, to outwardly demonstrate to our better, empathetic selves behaviors that mimic but aren’t really there. To gain our trust, to benefit a goal of theirs or to extricate themselves from responsibilities a just society emposes to protect us from their actions. Recognizing this and distancing from them seems at odds with our iwn internal morals and becomes the lever they utilize to continue to bring pain to those that infers this belief that they can change someone. It just doesn’t happen and if you think it has, you’ve been fooled.

I applaud Alex, his overwhelming faith in humanity, community, his commitment to his family but I also see how Zach can at times play on the heartstrings that exist in the subconscious that he must possess this inner rightness he feels.
Alex’s caution is the right path and my advice would be acceptance of the lack of any redeemable morality where it just does not exist, which begs the deeper question.

Jamie Holliday
Your chance acquaintance, one day, walking your dog.

[Kim Kinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Story That Will Stay With Me for a Very Long Time

Where do I even begin? Evil Among Us is one of those rare books you don’t simply read—you live it with the author, and you carry it with you long after the final page.

Alex Konicke shares an unimaginable family tragedy with honesty and vulnerability. It is heartbreaking, heavy, and profoundly real. At such a young age, he was forced to endure a trauma that should never have happened—and one he continues to live with.

This is not a story you rush through. There were moments when I had to stop, sit with the weight of what I had read, and allow myself to feel the shattered pain of it all and try to process it. His portrayal is messy, truthful, and unfiltered. I have a degree in psychiatric nursing, yet that knowledge is vastly different from living day in and day out with someone suffering from severe mental illness. This book brought that distinction into sharp focus.

The events themselves are devastating, but what makes this book extraordinary is walking with the author through the aftermath toward healing.

The author’s Christian faith clearly shaped his recovery, and I deeply appreciated that perspective. Witnessing what courageous forgiveness looks like through a Christian lens was enlightening. He chose not to harden his heart, but to remain tender toward a brother suffering under an affliction beyond his control. Evil Among Us shows that faith can endure and even grow when life has been shattered beyond recognition.

I highly recommend this book to anyone drawn to true stories of tragedy, faith, mental illness, and the strength it takes to choose hope when everything has been taken from you.

I am grateful I read this book. It will stay with me for a very long time.

[Christine Cobb-Kakalecik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just absolutely heartbreaking. I grew up in Snohomish like Alex, but years before. 5 generations of my family having gone to SHS and feeling that closeness in community reading it really hit home. Now… working as a First Responder Mental Health Professional with Police and seeing the holes in our Mental Health system adds an additional layer to the sadness. First of all my condolences. I’m sure your mom is smiling down at you and so proud of you. This book really shows the love you have for her and the heartbreak you have endured. I hope others find strength from this book and I hope the system gets better so others done have to go though what you did. Nice work Alex.

[Irina Sandoval-Hickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and Educational

Alex, I’m truly sorry your family had to endure such a heartbreaking tragedy. I’m so grateful that you’ve chosen to share your story with the world. Mental health impacts millions of families, and too often people don’t know what signs to look for. Your book is incredibly inspiring, deeply moving, and profoundly educational. Thank you for giving your story a voice—it’s a gift to anyone who reads it.

[Peggy L. Engeseth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts on Evil Among Us

I knew Vicki and the family. She never spoke of troubles with Zach although she said he seemed to think he was more intelligent than anyone. I am glad Alex could use this book to release some of the anger & sadness. I hope people who have similar problems find help and hope through reading this book. I have been praying for them all and will continue to do so. Debby Scott

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fact
Fascinating read, especially in light of the recent murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, by their son. This book is about a very similar incident that happened to a family in the state of Washington. The author of the book’s brother killed their mother, seriously hurt their father and burned down their home during a psychiatric break. The author skillfully describes the incident and the struggle he went through to forgive his ill brother while keeping a realistic perspective of what had happened.

[Chaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Must Read This Book!

This book was incredible. It was a really tough read because of the tragedy that this family went though. It was incredible to see the healing and growth that came out of this. I couldn't imagine going through something like this and finding forgiveness. This book was incredible. You must read it!

[Niceli Benevento · Rating 5 out of 5]

mental health is hard

What a hard story, mental health is hard. Sad story with a good ending. God is good always. I feel like the hospital should be held accountable for what happened.

[Diane Simmonette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

Some people really do go through a lot in life.What this family experienced is horrific and I’m glad Alex found love.He seems like such a compassionate man.

[Shelbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Caution that is heavy and a little screwed up. I loved how the author dove right into it and took a breath to decompose and give an amazing tribute to his parents. A great way to pay tribute to her. I also love the background on his brother you can tell that he still cares about his brother with the way he wanted to add a section about his brother before drugs and mental health. The story telling was incredible he touched the story the emotions going into it as well as what rock bottom looked like after everything and how he managed to pick up his life. I applaud him for staying in contact with his brother even though he is being blamed for his actions in a sense and being blamed for why he’s in there. The hospital pissed me off they should have been held accountable because he was showing signs of a crisis to the point they had to say keep an eye on him. The judge was respectable in saying what he thought but explaining it was professional choice not personal. As well as respecting his father’s choice to go no contact. This shows that family doesn’t mean you stick around and that some betrayal goes to deep. I do kinda wonder if the author fears for when his brothers out since he won’t take accountability and blames him

[Heather Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this memoir posted in a memoir group on Facebook and wow amazing but heartbreaking but filled with hope. Very great book.

[Tammy Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness in the Shadow of Loss. This memoir was one of the hardest books I’ve ever read—not because I knew the people in it, but because I, too, lost a precious family member when someone murdered my son in 2017. The grief I felt never completely loosened its hold. Hearing someone else’s story of devastating loss sometimes feels almost unbearable. But some of us are called to help others through their darkest days by listening, learning, and letting our traumatic past become a source of comfort for those in need.

Alex and his family experienced the unimaginable when his brother murdered their mom. What stunned me the most was Alex relying on his strength to face his loss; with his determination, he found faith, even though it might seem impossible in situations like this. He ultimately decided to forgive. I understand that journey all too well—with God’s strength, I chose to forgive the unforgivable, my son’s murderer, because it’s what God called me to do.

Everyone can benefit from reading this shockingly true memoir, because it is more than a story of loss; readers who have experienced grief will find hope again, learn to heal, and find forgiveness—whether for themselves or for someone who has caused unimaginable harm. Forgiving my son’s murderer was the most freeing act of obedience I’ve ever known. And for the lucky ones who haven’t experienced this kind of grief, you will learn to have a more profound compassion for those who have, because we weren’t made to walk alone.

If you only read a handful of memoirs this year, won’t you consider including Alex Konicke’s “Evil Among Us” in them? It will break open your heart before putting it back together again.

[Martin Tiongson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evil Among Us is a poignantly written and expertly structured book by Alex Konicke, which deals with soul-shattering loss, healing through the power of faith and prayer, and the indomitable human spirit. Beyond telling his story, it is the author’s noble and courageous mission to share an important message and help others with how mental health issues pervade in their own lives.

While the book deals with a very heavy topic, it is not all darkness. It is also light. It is a love letter to the author’s family, childhood and upbringing; as well as a testament to the family with his wife, Keri, and the community he has made for himself. In a way, Vicki Konicke lives on through this book. I valued the life lessons she passed from mother to son – and from son to us, his friends and readers.

The author has crafted a book with meticulous prose, and it reads like an old friend recounting his story and his reflections. More importantly, it helped contextualize mental health and trauma in my own life. It made me feel like I’m not alone. And it provided clarity and inspiration from someone who has struggled and walked down the path.

[Danai Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex’s book is one of utter vulnerability, traveling through his childhood memories, his young adult life during an unspeakable tragedy and through his spiritual and physical healing. His writing expresses the endless whirlwind of what it’s like managing life through the chaos of a sibling who has a mental illness and takes actions that are life altering for all involved.
It takes insane courage to open up the way Alex has in this book and not many can even imagine all that he has gone through. I love how he constantly reminds the reader to check in with community, faith and family in order to help manage the struggles that come with these traumas and gives helpful insights to improve the mental health of oneself while also suggesting ways to help loved ones with a mental illness.

[riotqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a raw and compelling memoir that recounts the shock and heartbreak of an unthinkable family tragedy. Alex writes with unflinching honesty, pulling readers into the pain, confusion, and resilience that followed. This story is not just about the crime, but about the aftermath—how lives break, rebuild, and somehow move forward. This was a heartbreaking but deeply important read that gives powerful voice to survivors and reminds us how faith, courage, and community matter when darkness hits home.

[Kevin Ruyter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evil Among Us stopped me in my tracks. I could feel the depth of every loss and the strength it took to keep going. What stood out most wasn’t the tragedy itself, but the faith and honesty it took to tell this story. This book opened my eyes to how quickly mental illness can take hold and how important it is to reach for help before it’s too late. It’s a hard read in all the right ways, and it left me with deep respect for the courage it takes to choose grace after devastation.

[Tricia Moo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The memoir is filled with small, intimate details that give shape to both the before and after of tragedy. These moments—simple conversations, familiar places, sudden memories—become touchstones that illuminate how life continues even when it feels irrevocably changed. Through them, the author reflects not only on what was lost, but on what remains and what unexpectedly emerges: deeper connections, renewed appreciation for stillness, and a gradual reimagining of hope.

[Anne Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evil Among Us gripped me from the first page. It is raw, redemptive, and written with sincerity that pierces straight to the heart. I admire the author’s courage in sharing such profound loss and transformation and his commitment to bringing awareness to mental health and faith-based healing. This story lingers as a testimony of grace in the face of devastation.

[Ashley Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evil Among Us is a captivating and gut-wrenching story of heartbreak, resilience, and forgiveness. The author beautifully captures both life's most joyful and most painful moments, offering a powerful reminder of how to play the hand we're dealt-even when it's not a good one.

[Jill Butkus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. Finished it in 2 days. Very gripping, honest account of a true story. Great book for anyone but especially for those with mental illness in their family, circle of friends, or community. Highly recommend.