Riders on the Storm

A chilling and unsparing deep dive into the mindset of a forgotten killer. – Kirkus Reviews

Riders on the Storm 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. – Cassy Kerr, U.S. Federal Stenographer

Kukla's prose is clean; the narrative is dramatically compelling; and she spares little detail in the trail of Cook's terror. – Poli Flores Jr., Trial Attorney and Judge

The trial scenes are unnerving and overflowing with contrasting points of view. If you're a fan of crime fiction about complex characters and courtroom dramas, Riders on the Storm will capture your attention from beginning to end. – Alija Turkovic, Readers' Favorite

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.