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Sole Survivor: The Inspiring True Story of Coming Face to Face with the Infamous Railroad Killer
One woman's story of survival, healing, and hope in the wake of a serial killer who took her boyfriend's life and left her for dead.
On August 28, 1997, just as she was starting her junior year at the University of Kentucky, Holly Dunn and her boyfriend, Chris Maier, were walking along railroad tracks on their way home from a party when they were attacked by notorious serial killer Angel Maturino Reséndiz, aka The Railroad Killer. After her boyfriend is beaten to death in front of her, Holly is stabbed, raped, and left for dead.
In this memoir of survival and healing from a horrific true crime, Holly recounts how she lived through the vicious assault, helped bring her assailant to justice, and ultimately found meaning and purpose through service to victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes. She has worked as a motivational speaker and activist and founded Holly's House, a safe and nurturing space in her hometown of Evansville, Indiana.
On August 28, 1997, just as she was starting her junior year at the University of Kentucky, Holly Dunn and her boyfriend, Chris Maier, were walking along railroad tracks on their way home from a party when they were attacked by notorious serial killer Angel Maturino Reséndiz, aka The Railroad Killer. After her boyfriend is beaten to death in front of her, Holly is stabbed, raped, and left for dead.
In this memoir of survival and healing from a horrific true crime, Holly recounts how she lived through the vicious assault, helped bring her assailant to justice, and ultimately found meaning and purpose through service to victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes. She has worked as a motivational speaker and activist and founded Holly's House, a safe and nurturing space in her hometown of Evansville, Indiana.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2017
201 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 22, 2026
5 Stars.
I picked up this book on kindle unlimited and I am so happy that I did. Right away, the topic grabbed me. Someone who survive a serial killer attack. But, as you soon realize, that is only one part of Holly, not all of her.
This book could be hard to take at times for some. It comes with a trigger warning as Holly does not hold back in talking about her memories from that night when the Railroad Killer found her and her boyfriend, Chris. Holly is very lucky to be alive, and to have been able to deal with what happened to her in such an informative, healthy, and positive way. This is a true example of someone who goes through something most of can only imagine, acknowledges her struggles with it, but then shows how you can still live and thrive afterwards. This is such a story of resilience that I really think I am going to get a physical copy to have in my office.
What I liked: The honesty. Holly does not hold back. She tells you the before, during, and after of her experience. She uses humor at times and, while you might think this is to make the story easier for the reader, you soon realize that this is just who Holly is. She cracks jokes. She makes people smile. She likes being the center of attention. I was glad in reading this that Holly did not lose herself in this experience.
What I did not like: Not much. I do want to make sure to warn people that this story could trigger you, maybe even without seeing it coming. I felt this book was written very well, it got to the point without stretching things out. It was a great mix of facts over what happened, and then how Holly lived through it.
I picked up this book on kindle unlimited and I am so happy that I did. Right away, the topic grabbed me. Someone who survive a serial killer attack. But, as you soon realize, that is only one part of Holly, not all of her.
This book could be hard to take at times for some. It comes with a trigger warning as Holly does not hold back in talking about her memories from that night when the Railroad Killer found her and her boyfriend, Chris. Holly is very lucky to be alive, and to have been able to deal with what happened to her in such an informative, healthy, and positive way. This is a true example of someone who goes through something most of can only imagine, acknowledges her struggles with it, but then shows how you can still live and thrive afterwards. This is such a story of resilience that I really think I am going to get a physical copy to have in my office.
What I liked: The honesty. Holly does not hold back. She tells you the before, during, and after of her experience. She uses humor at times and, while you might think this is to make the story easier for the reader, you soon realize that this is just who Holly is. She cracks jokes. She makes people smile. She likes being the center of attention. I was glad in reading this that Holly did not lose herself in this experience.
What I did not like: Not much. I do want to make sure to warn people that this story could trigger you, maybe even without seeing it coming. I felt this book was written very well, it got to the point without stretching things out. It was a great mix of facts over what happened, and then how Holly lived through it.
December 18, 2025
Wow! Beautifully written with her co- writer, Holly survived an unspeakable tragedy. She was left for dead & lived to see her serial rapist & murderer brought to justice, working with a great male detective who became a good friend. She eventually became a powerful speaker and advocate for other women as well. She didn’t allow this horror to define her but built a good life. You’ll learn a lot reading her story! I highly recommend it.
November 30, 2025
The Human Spirit Is Triumphant
I expected to read a story of a crushing crime and the guilty person being brought to justice. What I did not
expect was a feel good story. Yes, the criminal acts are horrifying and I can imagine most people never recovering. However, the achievements after something so traumatic are touching.
I expected to read a story of a crushing crime and the guilty person being brought to justice. What I did not
expect was a feel good story. Yes, the criminal acts are horrifying and I can imagine most people never recovering. However, the achievements after something so traumatic are touching.
January 31, 2026
Coming face to face with the railroad killer.
Exceptional true crime novel. Had a hard time putting the book down at times. Book was riveting, easy to understand and was written in great detail. The sisters worked together compiling this book. Will refer to family and friends. Wonderful job ladies!
Exceptional true crime novel. Had a hard time putting the book down at times. Book was riveting, easy to understand and was written in great detail. The sisters worked together compiling this book. Will refer to family and friends. Wonderful job ladies!
December 28, 2025
Exceptional
What great book the pain and trauma that Holly endured and to see her doing so well now. It’s weird how I pick this to read and I went back to watch to show on it. It was the last episode I watched. Not knowing that I would read this book.
What great book the pain and trauma that Holly endured and to see her doing so well now. It’s weird how I pick this to read and I went back to watch to show on it. It was the last episode I watched. Not knowing that I would read this book.
December 9, 2025
So good
A story of tragedy, faith, overcoming, and redemption. Highly recommend if you love real life stories of pain and purpose,
A story of tragedy, faith, overcoming, and redemption. Highly recommend if you love real life stories of pain and purpose,
January 19, 2026
Deep breathes
This story holds you close while you want to run. What a journey. Thank you, Holly, for sharing your story.
This story holds you close while you want to run. What a journey. Thank you, Holly, for sharing your story.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews